The First Nowell: Christmas Carols Through the Ages

Featuring

Noel Edison
Matthew Larkin
The Edison Singers
Anonymous (Christmas)
Gustav Holst
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

Boris Ord
Anonymous (Spiritual)
Eric Whitacre
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Sally Beamish
Healey Willan
Franz Biebl
Franz Xaver Gruber

Did you know?

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Composition History

Franz Xaver Biebl's 'Ave Maria' was composed for a fireman's choir at the request of one of his choristers, who was a fireman, for a choral competition.

Recording & Production

Eric Whitacre's 'Lux Aurumque' was performed by a Virtual Choir of 185 singers from 12 countries on YouTube in 2010, a project viewed millions of times.

Performer Biography

Dr. Noel Edison, the conductor of The Edison Singers, has received prestigious honors including the Order of Ontario and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Cultural Impact

The spiritual 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' was transformed into a freedom song for the civil rights movement when Peter, Paul and Mary changed its final chorus line to 'Let my people go' in 1963.

Historical Context

The art of the Christmas carol dates back to the Middle Ages, evolving into a rich and complex tradition that continues today.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Noel Edison, the album's artistic director, believes that Christmas music, regardless of its form or emotion, primarily evokes nostalgia and memories.

Composer Biography

Ralph Vaughan Williams, a great English composer, was an extensive collector of English folk songs, gathering around 800 during the early 20th century.