Polyphony, Stephen Layton - Christmas Present From Polyphony
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CD Details
Artist: Polyphony, Stephen LaytonEdition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2004-10-12
Music Label: Hyperion UK
Soundtracks:
- Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
- Carol-Anthems (3) for chorus: No. 3. Sing Lullaby
- Christmas Carols (4) for chorus: All this time
- Ave Maris Stella, for double chorus
- Magnificat Antiphons (7), for chorus: O Morgenstern
- Magnificat, for chorus
- Nativity Carol
- The Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol, folk song for chorus (arranged by Dana Perna)
- A Hymn to the Virgin, for double chorus
- Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child, for soloist & chorus, Op 25b
- Away in a manger (Tune: Cradle Song) (New English Hymnal 22)
- O Magnum Mysterium, for chorus
- Bethlehem Down, carol for chorus & organ
- Carol-Anthems (3) for chorus: No. 2. A Spotless Rose
- Chorale on an Old French Carol, for double chorus
- What Cheer?, carol arrangement for chorus (Christmas Carols No. 2)
- Lullaby my Jesus, for chorus (arr. by Andrew Carter from Capriol Suite)
- Shepherd's Pipe Carol
Music reviews of Christmas Present From Polyphony
Music Review: A disappointment, despite the lovely voices
Rating: 3 Stars
Perhaps I'm just feeling curmudgeonly, but I suspect my lack of enthusiasm comes of too-high expectations. One of my favorite Christmas CDs is Polyphony's "O Magnum Misterium," originally recorded in 1996 and reissued in 2005. I listen to it regardless of the season because of its beauty. Several of the tracks on "A Christmas Present" are lifted from that recording, which to my ears is superior in every way to the one under review. The choir is crystalline and soaring and impeccable on both, but the track sequencing on the earlier CD is infinitely more sensitive, chosen with an ear to sustaining the mood and the spiritual atmosphere. It's also better at showcasing soloists (oh the sublime Libby Crabtree!) and favors more piercingly melodic compositions. Yes, I'm showing my bias here. "A Christmas Present" is more of a hodgepodge and less emotionally engaging; also, frankly, in some instances downright boring. "Misterium" has a moment or two of blandness - always a risk with the Anglican canon - but overall it casts a spell of aching gladness. Some passages still move and mesmerise me hundreds of listenings later, with that shiver of goosepimply transcendence that leaves a bittersweet pang. I was hoping ACP would provide more of that controlled, sunlit rapture, but alas, it kept me at arm's length. The vocal perfection is admirable, the spirit lackluster.
To further argue my case, "Misterium" has three more songs than "A Christmas Present," as well as seven instances of plainchant. To illustrate: "Misterium" gives us an exquisite rendition of Leighton's "Of a rose is all my song," a ravishing piece that finishes on the soprano's low-pitched, echoing note and a moment's stillness. This leads (perfectly, in my opinion) into the hushed opening of Howells' "A Spotless Rose," one of the carols included on both CDs. Similarly, another shared piece, Warlock's "Lullaby my Jesus," is preceded on "Misterium" by Leighton's "A Hymn of the Nativity," a work of elegant exaltation containing one glorious moment of cascading soprano lines that always wrings my heart. They fit together with great delicacy. And so on.
Some final nitpicking and one major objection: the ensemble sounds much too tentative on Pärt's "O Morgenstern" and too well-mannered and self-effacing on his "Magnificat." Lastly, I'm sorry but I'm allergic to John Rutter. Yes, there are exceptions, but his arrangements are downright smarmy sometimes, and when I reached the last carol the calculated faux-innocent chirpiness of the flute intro made me lunge for the eject button.
In short, if you like this CD I'd recommend getting your hands on O magnum misterium as well. If you're hesitating between, skip this one and head straight for the other. It's worth it for Kenneth Leighton carols alone.
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