The Very Best Time of Year
Composers throughout the centuries have been captivated by the mystery and wonder of the festive season. Some of the most enchanting melodies appear at Christmas, all filled with a sense of anticipation and promise.
This album brings together some of our favourite seasonal pieces: from renaissance composers including Byrd and Morales, through to the 21st century with Bob Chilcott and Sally Beamish. As singers, we cherish this music, and know that we are lucky to be custodians of such a treasure trove. We hope this collection brings listeners the same joy we had while performing it – during the very best time of year.
CD and digital release date: 9 December 2023
CDs of The Very Best Time of Year are available to order via PayPal for £12, including UK P&P.
Orders will be posted UK first class post within 2-4 working days. Any orders placed after 21 December will not be processed until after 3 January 2024.
Track listing
| # | Title | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laetentur coeli | William Byrd |
| 2 | To Bethlem did they go | Howard Skempton |
| 3 | O magnum mysterium | Cristobal de Morales |
| 4 | Adam lay ybounden | Owain Park |
| 5 | Jingle Bells | James Lord Pierpont, arr. Ben Parry |
| 6 | A tender shoot | Kerensa Briggs |
| 7 | Gabriel’s Message | Jim Clements |
| 8 | O little one sweet | Johann Sebastian Bach |
| 9 | The Holy Child | Owain Park |
| 10 | A Winter Bloom | Owain Park |
| 11 | A Great and Mighty Wonder | Michael Praetorius, arr. Erling Pederson |
| 12 | Today the Virgin | John Tavener |
| 13 | Here is the little door | Owain Park |
| 14 | In the stillness | Sally Beamish |
| 15 | The Pear Tree Carol | Bob Chilcott |
| 16 | Away in a manger | arr. Reginald Jacques |
| 17 | Balulalow | Francis Pott |
| 18 | I Wonder as I Wander | Owain Park |
| 19 | Nesciens mater | Jean Mouton |
| 20 | Silent Night | Franz Gruber, arr. Simon Morley |
| 21 | Bethlehem Down | Peter Warlock |
| 22 | The Very Best Time of Year | John Rutter, arr. Owain Park |