The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is one of the world's most venerable musical institutions (it was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI) and one of its most beloved. Made up of Cambridge undergraduates and boys from the University school, it can be counted on for performances characterized by tonal purity, perfect enunciation, beautiful phrasing, and traditional choral values. Since 1982, it has been directed by Stephen Cleobury, who has added contemporary works to its repertoire. This Christmas CD is ideal for the listener looking for flawless performances of music from the English cathedral choir tradition, as well as a few forays into unfamiliar contemporary literature. Carols such as "Once in David's Royal City," "Ding dong! Merrily on high!," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Coventry Carol," "The First Nowell," and "O come all ye faithful" are sung with warmth and careful attention to the nuances of the texts. The most musically adventurous track is Flor Peeters' set of organ variations on the Dutch carol "King Jesus hath a garden," which occasionally veers into quirky bitonality and is followed by the choir singing a traditional arrangement of the piece. One of the later pieces, Judith Weir's Illuminare, Jerusalem, is an attractive tonal work based on old Scottish music. The sound is bright and present, with nice resonance, and with good balance between the choir and organ. ~ Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide
