'It’s hard to imagine them better performed than by the award-winning British choir Polyphony' (The Mail on Sunday)
'The performances by both choir and orchestra are ideal in tone, style and accomplishment … A Christmas treat' (Gramophone)
'Those of you for whom Rutter is a new name are in for a very special treat. From the jaunty Shepherd's Pipe Carol, with its vivid portrayal of the starry sky above Bethlehem, to the sublime and deeply moving What Sweeter Music, Rutter's music is impeccably crafted, melodically rich and entirely infectious. More than a stocking-filler, this disc is surely one of the highlights of the year' (Classic FM Radio)
'The carols of John Rutter are becoming as traditional at Christmas as mince pies, so rich is his output … [An] extraordinary disc. Rutter’s music is impeccably crafted, melodically rich and entirely infectious … this disc is surely one of the highlights of the year' (Classic FM Magazine)
'Lovingly 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 come' (Fanfare, USA)
'Superb performances which are beautifully recorded’ (International Record Review)
'[Rutter] could not have asked for better performers' (The Evening Standard)
'Les arrangements sont ingénieux’ (Diapason, France)
‘when 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 City of London Sinfonia, its seasonal allure is sealed. Finely Polished performances, served up with a warm and festive mulled-wine sensation’ (The Scotsman)
'Polyphony beautifully continue the English tradition with joyful refinement' (HMV Choice)
'A treat for all Rutter fans! … the program is bound to satisfy anyone seeking a balanced program of Christmas choral music done with sensitivity and taste' (American Record Guide)
'The 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 music. Outstanding' (www.classicstoday.com)
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
[2'52]
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Nativity Carol
[4'50]
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Sans Day Carol
[2'52]
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What sweeter music?
[4'15]
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Jesus Child
[3'07]
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Away in a manger
[2'23]
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Angel Tidings
[1'37]
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Christmas Lullaby
[3'58]
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Dormi, Jesu
[4'46]
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Love came down at Christmas
[2'22]
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Star Carol
[2'45]
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Carol of the Children
[3'12]
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Mary's Lullaby
[3'08]
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Silent night
[3'31]
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Angels' Carol
[3'12]
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Candlelight Carol
[3'53]
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Second Amen
[0'53]
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Donkey Carol
[3'25]
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The absence of this 'come-in-and-warm-yourself-by-the-fire' disc in January is guaranteed to leave a chill as bitter as the north winds! It is the perfect antidote to cold winter evenings, the idyllic soundtrack to the season, and will prove a great source of inspiration, nostalgia and joy to a great many people.