A Bumper Crop of Carols

The Webmaster writes…

The month of November is wearing on rapidly, Advent will soon be upon us, so perhaps it is high time to release a final bumper offering of Malcolm’s carols in anticipation of the festive season, as featured on the recent OUP promotional album of his work:

A Coventry Carol

A dramatic rendering of the 15th century text, fully explored by both choir and organ.

Make We Joy Now in This Fest

A modal feel and lively rhythms give energy to this medieval Christmas text.

Gold for a Manger Bed

An endearing melody makes this an appealing carol for all choirs. Text by Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith (Also available in the Oxford Book of Flexible Carols).

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

An endearing tune, attractive sequences, and a memorable climax. Text: Traditional English.

There is a Flow’r

A beautifully simple setting of the 15th century text by priest & poet John Audelay.

Angels Tell the Christmas Story

A lively and exuberant re-telling of the birth of Jesus, with a text by the composer.

Child of Mary, Softly Sleeping

A charming lullaby by Bishop Dudley-Smith, with a gentle, lifting melody and warm harmonies.

God is Born Among Us

Strophic in form, the catchy refrain is characterised by a rhythmic dotted motif. Text: Traditional Polish (in translation).

A Sound of Singing Fills the Air

A jubilant Gloria combines with a charming melody and warm harmonies. Text: Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith.

This Endris Night

Lilting and buoyant, this 15th century text allows textual variety and a rousing finish.

Enjoy this festive collection; the CD also includes a number of sacred compositions for other seasons in the Church’s year, and these will appear here in early 2021. In the meantime, from the Webmaster, a happy Christmas when it arrives!

This compilation © Oxford University Press 2020. All titles © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

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