Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

What comes to mind when you think about Christmas? The mystery of the Incarnation or perhaps a Boxing Day trip to the pantomime? These three musical fables are not explicitly Christian although they have a seasonal feel to them. “The Wind In Ihe Willows” and “The Reluctant Dragon” are both adapted by David Grant from Kenneth Grahame stories and feature the splendid Richard Baker as narrator with the King's Singers and the City of London Sinfonia conducted by Richard Hickox. All seem to be enjoying themselves but “The Wind In The Willows” is too short at just under 30 minutes. This would make an interesting full length production. The remaining fable, “Brother Heinrich’s Christmas”, is a charming story adapted by Rutter from a legend that the carol “In Dulci Jubilo” was first sung by angels who miraculously appeared to the monk Heinrich Suso one Christmas eve. Brian Kay tells the story and the Cambridge Singers join the London Sinfonia to provide the music. I predict that this album will become part of our family Christmas. We will be glad to hear it once a year but it does not bear constant repetition.

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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