In this unique sequence of music for the Christmas season, the choir of Keble College presents a captivating selection of twenty- and twenty-first century choral music, arrangements and well-known carols. The programme, which features several world premiere recordings, reflects the present tradition of grand liturgy at Keble with inflections of plainchant and kaleidoscopic organ accompaniment. The disc was recorded in the great Benedictine monastery of Buckfast Abbey, showcasing it’s stunning acoustic and magnificent Ruffatti organ. The Choir of Keble College, Oxford is one of the city’s most distinctive mixed-voice ensembles and comprises around eighteen choral scholars, some volunteers, plus up to three lay clerks. The choir regularly broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. Matthew Martin is Precentor and Director of Music at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge and was Director of Music at Keble College, Oxford from 2015-2020 where he was also Artistic Director of the annual Keble Early Music Festival. He studied at Magdalen College, Oxford and at the Royal Academy of Music, and was an organ student of Marie-Claire Alain in Paris.
1 Christus Vincit – Plainsong
2:24
2 Ave Maris Stella – Plainsong
4:34
3 Nova, Nova!
2:40
4 A Hymn Of St. Columba
1:59
5 O Oriiens
6:42
6 Hymn: Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending 4:58
7 Es Ist Ein Ros’ Entsprungen
2:42
8 Gloria (Mass IX) – Plainsong Harm.
3:13
9 Nowell Sing We
2:35
10 The Cherry Tree Carol
3:44
11 Hymn: Of The Father’s Heart Begotten 3:17
12 Lullaby Baby
3:33
13 I Wonder As I Wander
1:39
14 I Saw Three Ships
2:02
15 Rocking
2:30
16 Look Up, Sweet Babe
4:16
17 Hymn: Unto Us Is Born A Son 2:07
18 Alleluia: Vidimus Stellam – Plainsong 1:58
19 O Magnum Mysterium
4:18
20 Ave Rex Angelorum
2:46