Does anyone remember Carols for Choirs?

 

Particularly the Green and Orange volumes?

Carols for Choirs were a staple in my household, often found on our spinet. I pored over every carol arrangement, especially relishing those from Sir David Willcocks and Sir John Rutter.

Of course, as a young US citizen, some of the interest came from the British carols and alternate tunes which were brand new to me. The final verse realizations really got my goose going too, and I had great fun playing through those books.

As a chorister in my younger days, I had many an opportunity to sing these arrangements as well, and what joy when the Carols for Choirs books came out! If Vaughan Williams' role in the publication of The Oxford Book of Carols was historically important for congregations, not to mention the proliferation of British folk song and hymnody in the early 20th Century, Carols for Choirs was an important hymnal for choirs in the latter part of the 20th Century. The series now stands at six volumes, now taken over by Bob Chilcott, if I remember correctly.

These are the memories which spring to mind hearing this Chandos recording of Family Carols. So much of what is on this recording can be found in the Carols for Choirs books, and it is good to hear its progenitor leading the music.

It is also good to have The Bach Choir on hand, an adult mixed chorus of great talent. They sing heartily and sensitively at need from Sir David, who share a long history together, sometimes with help from John Scott on pipe organ.

Each carol are true to their rather simplistic roots, but each continuing verse swaps gendered sections, and the harmonies become more complicated or change the mood for variety. The addition of the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Military School of Music really make this recording quite the occasion.

There are a number of Willcocks' Family Carols recordings which came before this 1991 Chandos recording. However, I do not believe any of them were ever released on CD, thus they remain only on LP. Thankfully what we have here is excellent, including many of the stalwart entries in the Carols for Choirs series.

This recording might be just a nostalgia trip for this listener, but I suspect that it is simply an excellent performance all on its own. There isn't a whole lot of secular razzle-dazzle included, but in general, the less of that, for me, the better. Choral fans should snatch this one up, post haste!

Listen on YouTube

Performers
John Scott, organ
The Bach Choir
Kneller Hall Fanfare Trumpeters
Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble
Sir David Willcocks, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 1991
Total Timing: 56.35

 

 

I spent a lot of time with the Carols for Choirs, and this recording of Family Carols brings back so many memories.

The Bach Choir is a wonderful sounding vocal ensemble, plus the addition of brass and organ creates a special occasion.

One can hardly ever go wrong with Sir David Willcocks at the helm.