Reviewed by David Faulkner

There's nothing like being a Cross Rhythms reviewer for expanding your tastes. One day the postie delivered some CDs I'd ordered online (Jayhawks, Aimee Mann, Lewis Taylor, since you ask), the next day he brought this 1998 recording. It consists of three carol suites sung by the boys, conducted by their Master, Adrian Lucas, accompanied by harpist Brian Davis and organist Daniel Phillips. First up is Britten's "A Ceremony Of Carols". Its variety is stimulating, from plainchant to harp interlude, with a broad definition of carol (carols were not originally confined to Christmas, and Britten included a "Spring Carol"). Second comes "Dancing Day", by the doyen of church choirs, John Rutter. It features "A Virgin Most Pure" and the "Coventry Carol". The final suite is Lucas' own "Noel". Familiar carols are given a welcome twist - a poignant setting for "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and a French dance melody for "Hark How All The Welkin Rings" (ie, Charles Wesley's original text better known now as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"). Lovers of choral music who enjoy a traditional Christmas but who want to stretch their boundaries beyond the familiar formula will lap up this CD, and rightly so.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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