Love came down at Christmas - Christmas CD Album

23 tracks including Sussex carol, Stille nacht, Away in a Manger, Ding dong merrily on high, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, The Lamb, Annunciation, 0 come 0 come Emrnanuel, Sir Christèmas, Lullaby of the nativity, Love came down at Christmas - Full CD Track Listing

About the CD
For centuries, the celebration of Christ's birth has been the inspiration for a vast range of music, written in many styles and genres. In this recording, Grosvenor Chorale presents a selection of pieces that tell the story of Christmas; music that has been performed frequently at their annual 'Service of Nine Lessons with Carols' at Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. They have chosen music that is varied in both mood and style and is a reflection of their diversity as a group. Many key events are referred to, including the prophecy of Christ's birth, the Annunciation, the birth of Christ and the visits of the Shepherds and the Wise Men, as well as texts that look forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

The simple and evocative arrangements of 'Love came down at Christmas', 'Away in a manger' and 'Stille nacht' add a new dimension to these traditional carols. The rich harmonies, often enhanced by sympathetic accompaniments, encourage the listener to reassess the meaning of the texts. The traditional element is also represented by 'Ding dong merrily on high' and it is presented here in two contrasting arrangements; the latter one by Stephen Hamill, with its swinging rhythms enhancing images of bells ringing and carollers singing. The announcement to Mary, spoken by the angel Gabriel, was set to music by Captain C.J. Brennan, the first organist of Belfast Cathedral. The words of the 'Annunciation' are endorsed by a semi-chorus of voices singing 'Alleluia', and in the recording, they sing from the distant east end of the church. Several of the pieces recall this event, particularly Pettman's setting of 'The Angel Gabriel', a carol from the Basque region, and 'A maiden most gentle' by Andrew Carter.

A setting of the old latin gradual, 'Resonet in laudibus' by Jacob Handle, sustains the celebratory mood. This is an exuberant acclamation of praise and can be paraphrased as "Christians are joyful, today Mary has a child who is God incarnate, Hosanna in the highest!" John Rutter's arrangement of 'Christmas night' is more contemplative. It begins in unison, first with the upper voices and then the tenors and basses, leading to a powerful unaccompanied verse, 'choirs of angels'. The music is tranquil, evoking images of the holiness and serenity of the Christ child.

'Once as I remember' and 'I heard a maiden softly sing' are two pieces that are reflective in mood and prepare the way for a spirited rendition of 'Tomorrow shall be my dancing day'. This 16th-century text is probably Cornish in origin and Gardner's popular arrangement is lively and full of driving, syncopated rhythms. It brings to mind the metaphor of Christ as the Bridegroom calling His true love, the believers, to join Him. It is written as if Christ is singing about Himself, telling the listener that He has done everything for them.

The arrangement of 'Coventry carol' by David Drinkell, the present organist of Belfast Cathedral, contrasts the tiny sleeping Christ child with the jealous rage of King Herod. The setting of the traditional Welsh tune, Suo-gân, to words by John Crothers, is similar in theme as it tenderly describes the new born Jesus and His lowly beginnings. However, in this piece, 'Lullaby of the Nativity', we are encouraged not to leave with a quaint vision of God as a tiny baby sleeping in warm hay, but as One who reigns in glory and offers refuge to everyone from every age. John Tavener's 'The Lamb' begins with a questioning soprano solo and builds gradually to full choir. The music came to Tavener in barely more time than it takes to perform and the freedom of movement achieved here reflects the image of the innocence and purity of the Sacrificial Lamb.

Scattered throughout the recording are familiar hymns such as 'See amid the winter's snow', 'Of the Father's heart begotten' and 'O come, o come Emmanuel'; all climaxing in the final verse with thrilling descants. A rousing acclamation of praise is found in the words of Mathias' 'Sir Christèmas', taken from his carol sequence, Ave Rex. The music is vociferous and infectious, providing a fitting conclusion, for both choir and accompanist, to this feast of Christmas music.

The choir have previously released a recording entitled Sing We and Chant It. This recording consists of a collection of choral music covering much of the choir's repertoire. It was also recorded and produced by "All for Music" and a few copies are still available, priced at only £10.00