02. O Little Town Of Bethlehem [3:41]
03. Born On Earth (John Rutter) [3:30]
04. Twelve Days Of Christmas (arr. John Rutter) [4:07]
05. Up Good Christen Folk [1:23]
06. Silent Night (Franz Gruber) [3:20]
07. Good King Wenceslas [3:09]
08. While Shepherds Watched (arr. David Willcocks) [2:46]
09. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen (arr. David Willcocks) [3:15]
10. The Holly And The Ivy (arr. Walford Davies) [2:47]
11. Away In A Manger (arr. David Willcocks) [2:27]
12. Shepherd's Pipe Carol (John Rutter) [3:21]
13. The First Nowell (arr. David Willcocks) [5:14]
14. I Saw Three Ships (arr. David Willcocks) [1:46]
15. Suo Gan [3:37]
16. Hark The Herald Angels Sing (arr. David Willcocks) [2:00]
St. John's College Choir, Cambridge directed by George Guest with Stephen Cleobury- organ
Decca Weekend 421 022-2 (recorded 1974 for Argo; CD issued 1988)
(flac and scans)
Recording venue: Chapel of St John's College, Cambridge
Recording engineers: John Dunkerley and Kenneth Wilkinson; Producer: Chris Hazell
Unfortunately, here in New Zealand the thought police (in the form of the Human Rights Commissioner - a former international squash player) has decreed that the term Christmas should not be used and that the wishing of Merry Christmas is inappropriate. Of course, quite rightly, it is still okay to celebrate Diwali, Hannukah, Eid al Fitr, etc. Only the religion of 60% of our population is discriminated against. And just try to find a religious Chritmas Card for sale anywhere.
Nevertheless, the 'go-to' disc in this household when we want to listen to Christmas songs and carols is still this wonderfully-sung collection by the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge under the direction of George Guest. It is interesting to note that the boy choristers at the time included Simon Keenleyside and Robert King. The selection of songs and carols could hardly be bettered and the singing of the exquisite Welsh carol Suo Gan (made internationally famous in Empire of the Sun) is sublime.