CD REVIEW – CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING'S SINGERS
Warner Classics 9029576809 (58:13)

The King’s Singers have been around since 1st May 1968, when they were formed by six choral scholars of the renowned King’s College Chapel Choir, Cambridge. Over the years their line-up has remained a tenor, two countertenors, two baritones, and a bass.

They have made several Christmas albums and this is a newly released collection previously issued in 1989, reflected in what these days is a budget price. There are 21 nicely varied tracks (although room for more!) with favourites of mine like Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, Stille Nache, heilige Nacht, The Boar’s Head Carol, Gaudete, Joy to the World, and Deck the Hall, also a witty A Little Christmas Music (Medley à la Mozart) with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, three Spanish carols, and Bizet’s Patapan and Farandole.

Accompaniment on ten of the tracks is from the City of London Sinfonia conducted by the still sadly missed Richard Hickox.

© 2017 Peter Burt.