It's the vibrato. Very tight and very insistent. Add to this the different timbre of cornets, and the unusual sound rubs me the wrong way.
Nine of the 18 tracks contain brass band here, four with no vocals at all. It doesn't ruin this recording for me, but nor does it endear me to it either. The Sellers Engineering Band's playing, though, is excellent, their instrumental spotlights are virtuosic and enjoyable, and I daresay their vibrato is tamer than others I have heard.
The Huddersfield Choral Society is an infamous vocal ensemble. I first heard them in Handel's Messiah with Malcolm Sargent leading, a big, swollen version of that chestnut, one which should make anyone smile.
Huddersfield is a large, symphonic sized chorus, and so they fit in with over-the-top festivities, such as this Christmas Celebration, just fine. Anyone who enjoys groups akin to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their ilk, should have a rollicking good time with this recording of familiar seasonal music fare.
As mentioned before, the choral music is combined with brass band for five of the carols, with pipe organ for six others, and the occasional a cappella renderings. In all of these settings, Huddersfield turns on the charm and charisma from the start, in what adds up to a splendid 70-minute Christmas recording.
Listen on YouTube
Performers
Simon Lindley, organ
Huddersfield Choral Society
Sellers Engineering Band
Phillip McCann, conductor
Brian Kay, conductor
Label: Chandos
Year: 1993
Total Timing: 70.40
A wonderful recording of Christmas favorites from Huddersfield.
Brass band may not be my favorite choice, but this recording should bring much seasonal cheer to many listeners, and indeed, it did me.
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