Oh no, it's not a climate issue, or is it? Well, yes, but a different kind—one of peaceful days and human warmth. A climate that's always warm, right? And that? That's possible thanks to some truly beautiful music, Christmas music.
Every time the undersigned hears boy choirs, he experiences nostalgic memories. Where did those days of the Sint-Rombouts boys' choir go? Where have all our boys' and girls' choirs gone that once enriched our schools and parishes? Fortunately, there are still countries that maintain these traditions strongly, while others increasingly open their doors to girls as well. For instance, there's the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, which since 2021 has girls and women not only as audience members, but also as choir members. Is this a positive development? That's another discussion altogether, especially considering how distinctive the timbre of boys' voices is. That said, this reflection could be explored more fully in another article.
The choir recorded a new Christmas CD, 'O HOLY NIGHT Christmas Carols from St John's,' and yes, the British couldn't be more British when they sing their music.
The CD opens with the familiar O holy night. It's the hook that makes you want to buy and listen to the album—and it works. You're sold immediately and find yourself swept along by the succession of songs, some a cappella, others accompanied by a majestic organ, all under the skilled direction of conductor Christopher Gray.
Britain developed its own musical style that you instantly recognize in every era. The same holds true for its rich collection of Christmas carols. The choir travels—by boat or through the Channel Tunnel to France—to perform a short cycle of motets, Francis Poulenc's 'Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël.' In 1985, John Rutter composed 'There is a flower' for the choir. The conductor shares: 'My goal with this album wasn't to break new ground with the repertoire, but to keep the classics fresh for today's generation.'This is the choir's second Christmas CD. If it's a success, more CDs will likely follow in the coming years. Rightly so. And it doesn't have to be exclusively Christmas music, mind you—this accomplished British college choir, which has existed since at least 1511 and is likely even older—can do so much more. A listening tip? You don't necessarily need to sit next to a Christmas tree and nativity scene to enjoy it. Just take a look at the footage of that magnificent Gothic Saint John's Chapel. Challenge Records
01. O holy night 05:37
