Worcester Cathedral Choir with the Worcester Festival Choral Society
Organist: Adrian Partington,
Conductor: Donald Hunt

HYPERION HELIOS CDH55161
64'38"
www.hyperion.co.uk

A selection of 21 carols from the Novello Book of Carols are as refreshing as they are endearing in this re-release from Hyperion of Donald Hunt's sensitive sets of singers from Worcester. The combination of the Cathedral Choir and the Festival Choral Society from Elgar's home town works wonderfully well, as they sing separately then together. Ding dong! Merrily on high is sung in William Llewellyn's new five-time version while Once in Royal David's City has Robin Wells' uplifting descant arrangement in the final verse. Adrian Partington adds the tinsel with sensitive organ accompaniment, while Donald Hunt controls the whole with consummate skill. Dating from 1988 the recording remains fresh and, for the unusual arrangements of traditional carols sung with such delicacy and beauty, they are a worthy addition to your Christmas collection.
DA