The first LP of the Christmas carol service by Boris Ord was released in 1954, but it was not until the fifth recording in 1999, released on two CDs, that the entire service could be included due to technological limitations.
Cultural Impact
The King's College carol service became famous after broadcasts began in 1928, reaching audiences worldwide and even inspiring similar services in prisoner-of-war camps during WWII.
Interpretation
Under Boris Ord, Director of Music from 1929, the choir's performances were anti-Romantic, emphasizing disciplined ensemble, synchronized consonants, steady tempos, and an unforced, silvery tone with avoided vibrato.
Interpretation
Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music from 1982, has broadened the choir's repertoire to include more languages, such as German, French, Spanish, Latvian, Welsh, Swedish, and Church Slavonic, in addition to English and Latin.
Composition History
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was devised by Eric Milner-White, Dean at King's College in 1918, who took inspiration from a service created by the first Bishop of Truro, E W Benson, in 1880.
Performer Biography
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, has been home to one of the world's most loved choirs for over half a millennium.
Recording & Production
This album includes both new recordings by Stephen Cleobury and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and historical recordings from live BBC broadcasts, many of which have not been heard since their original airings.
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