V.Jurowski / Lpo & Choir J.S.Bach, Mendelssohn, Vaughan-Williams

J.S. Bach: Cantata BWV63 'Christen, aetzet diesen Tag'
Mendelssohn: Von Himmel hoch, chorale cantata
Vaughan Williams: The First Nowell

Lisa Milne (soprano), Ruxandra Donose (mezzo soprano),
Andrew Staples (tenor) & Christopher Maltman (baritone)
London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir / Vladimir Jurowski, conductor

Recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London, on 5 December 2009

This disc is a far cry from the typical fare we’ve come to expect on the shelves around the Christmas season. The inclusion of Bach’s sublime Cantata 63 and Mendelssohn’s Vom Himmel hoch give the disc a year round appeal.

Vaughan Williams’ joyful The First Nowell is a veritable feast of well loved carols and the London Philharmonic Choir together with soloists Lisa Milne and Christopher Maltman exude Christmas cheer.

Vaughan Williams himself said ‘I think that every Christmas play ought to begin with God rest you Merry and end with The First Nowell.’