Hyperion CDA67245 · October 2001
Rutter - Music for Christmas
Polyphony, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton (conductor)
- CLASSIC FM MAGAZINE DISC OF THE MONTH
- CLASSIC FM MAGAZINE DISC OF THE WEEK
- DISC OF THE WEEK (CLASSIC FM RADIO)
Press
Fanfare USA2004Lovingly rendered by Polyphony under Stephen Layton, this should be a disc of choice not only for this year but as well as for the years to comeRead the review 
International Record Review2004Superb performances which are beautifully recordedRead the review 
Classic FM Magazine2001Those of you who have ever sung in a choir, particularly around Christmas time, will be familiar with John Rutter's huge role in shaping the musical content of carol services up and down the country. He has arranged just about…Read the review 
Amazon.co.uk2001In an introduction to this disc of Christmas music, John Rutter tellingly commends the Christmas carol as one of the few forms that permits "serious" composers to write tunes, regardless of whatever political correctness rules…Read the review 
Classics Today2001The performances are uniformly excellent; Stephen Layton and his Polyphony vocal ensemble have shown a previous affinity for Rutter's work and this effort simply reaffirms their commitment to and love for this very special…Read the review 
The Mail on Sunday2001It’s hard to imagine them better performed than by the award-winning British choir PolyphonyRead the review 
Gramophone Magazine2001The performances by both choir and orchestra are ideal in tone, style and accomplishment … A Christmas treatRead the review 
The Evening Standard2001[Rutter] could not have asked for better performersRead the review - Diapason France2001Les arrangements sont ingénieuxRead the review
The Scotsman2001When the chirpy Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, the instantly singable Star Carol, or the literal sound effects of the charming Donkey Carol are wrapped up in such glittering, top-quality packaging as Stephen Layton’s Polyphony and The…Read the review 
HMV Choice2001Polyphony beautifully continue the English tradition with joyful refinementRead the review 
American Record Guide2001A treat for all Rutter fans! … the program is bound to satisfy anyone seeking a balanced program of Christmas choral music done with sensitivity and tasteRead the review
Recorded: January 2001
Produced by Mark Brown
Engineered by Julian Millard
Release date: October 2001
Total duration: 71 minutes 24 seconds
Track list
- Shepherd's Pipe Carol Going through the hills on a night all starrySir John Rutter (b1945)2'52
- Nativity Carol Born in a stable so bareSir John Rutter (b1945)4'50
- There is a flowerSir John Rutter (b1945)4'12
- Sans Day Carol Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milkSir John Rutter (b1945)2'52
- What sweeter music?Sir John Rutter (b1945)4'15
- I wonder as I wanderSir John Rutter (b1945)3'15
- Jesus Child Have you heard the story that they’re telling ’bout BethlehemSir John Rutter (b1945)3'07
- Wild Wood Carol Sing O the wild wood, the green hollySir John Rutter (b1945)3'27
- The very best time of year Christmas trees and boughs of hollySir John Rutter (b1945)3'29
- Away in a manger, Cradle songWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)2'23
- Angel Tidings In all towns and villages both far and nearWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)1'37
- Christmas Lullaby Clear in the darkness a light shines in BethlehemWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'58
- Dormi, JesuWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)4'46
- Love came down at ChristmasWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)2'22
- Star Carol Sing this night, for a boy is born in BethlehemWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)2'45
- Carol of the Children One for the star in the sky over BethlehemWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'12
- Mary's Lullaby See the child that Mary boreWilliam James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'08
- Silent night! holy night!, Stille NachtFranz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'31
- Angels' Carol Have you heard the sound of the angel voicesFranz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'12
- Candlelight Carol How do you capture the wind on the water?Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'53
- Second AmenFranz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), Sir John Rutter (b1945)0'53
- Donkey Carol Donkey riding over the bumpy roadFranz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), Sir John Rutter (b1945)3'25
Recording details from Hyperion Records.