Summary: Listening to this CD of lush English Christmas carols, it's hard to believe that in the mid-1600's, Christmas Day had been outlawed by an act of Parliament, and Christmas carols were forbidden. This was during the time of Oliver Cromwell, when anything that remotely suggested enjoyment was frowned upon. It wasn't until Victorian times that Christmas carols regained some popularity, and by the 20th century, England was producing some of the finest. This podcast, and this CD look at the English carol tradition, and music written by composers such as Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter and John Gardner. Performers on this outstanding CD include City of London Choir, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Hilary Davan Wetton. Album details... Catalogue No.: Naxos 8.572102
