News of Great Joy: Christmas from St John's College, Oxford

Featuring

Aoife Miralles
David Bannister
Christian Wilson
Eve Boulos
Vivian Lui
The Choir of St John's College, Oxford

Peter Warlock
Anonymous (Christmas)
Philip Stopford
John Rutter
Gustav Holst
Richard Rodney Bennett
Melchior Vulpius
Anonymous
Benjamin Britten
Elizabeth Maconchy
Elizabeth Poston
Imogen Holst
David Bednall
Bob Chilcott

Did you know?

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Album & Artwork

This album, 'News of Great Joy: Christmas from St John's College, Oxford', celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of Elizabeth Poston's 'Penguin Book of Carols'.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in the Chapel of Balliol College, Oxford, from June 21-23, 2024, at 24-bit/192 kHz resolution.

Composer Biography

Elizabeth Poston, whose 'Jesus Christ the Apple Tree' is featured, graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and had a multifaceted career, including foundational work with the BBC's Third Programme.

Performer Biography

David Bannister, the director of the Choir of St John's College, Oxford, is also the founding Artistic Director of Vespri Segreti, a vocal ensemble specializing in Renaissance and Early Baroque music.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Elizabeth Poston, a composer, arranger, and editor, criticized the inclusion of 'poor or indifferent material' in carol services, advocating for 'strength and sanity' in enduring songs.

Composition History

Peter Warlock's 'What cheer? Good cheer!' was written in 1928 as an unsuccessful attempt to get money for Christmas festivities from his 'very pious' uncle.

Compositional Technique

Imogen Holst's 'Nowell and Nowell' uses pedal points, possibly referencing her father Gustav Holst's work, to create a drone-like, evocative atmosphere.