Benjamin Britten's medieval-styled Ceremony of Carols is a wonderful addition to anyone's Christmas record collection. The rest of this album -- Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia and Missa Brevis, would be lovely for any time of year. I have always loved the Ceremony of Carols for its unique blend of ancient and modern. The beautiful "Balulalow" is an enchanting lullaby. You hear these lovely songs sometimes if you go to a "Lessons and Carols" ceremony. See complete track list below.

This record, by the legendary choir of King's College, Cambridge, is on the prestigious Angel Seraphim label -- see closeups. It is in pristine condition. It still has its original shrink wrap. The shrink is coming away just a bit at the right hand edge, but otherwise it is still tight and pristine. The vinyl record itself was clearly treated with the greatest of care. Any signs of wear are very slight.

This would be a great gift for a Christian classical music lover, anyone who loves choral singing or is studying choral singing, a choir boy or former choir boy -- or, well, anyone. It would be wonderful addition to anyone's Christmas music collection.

Shipping is free in the U.S.

Notes by Mary Kunz Goldman, shop co-owner and classical music critic for years for The Buffalo News. She sings Gregorian chant in the choir of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Buffalo, N.Y.

Notes copyright The Old House Downtown. Please reach out to us with any questions. Thank you for visiting!

Complete and detailed track list:

A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28
Soloist, Treble Vocals – James Clark (9), Julian Godlee
(22:20)
A1.I Procession
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.II Wolcum Yole!
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.III There Is No Rose
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.IVa That Yongë Child
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.IVb Balulalow
Lyrics By – James, John And Robert Wedderburn
A1.V As Dew In Aprille
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.VI This Little Babe
Lyrics By – Robert Southwell
A1.VII Interlude
A1.VIII In Freezing Winter Night
Lyrics By – Robert Southwell
A1.IX Spring Carol
Lyrics By – Robert Southwell
A1.X Deo Gracias
Lyrics By – Anon.*
A1.XI Recession
Lyrics By – Anon.*
B1 Hymn To St. Cecilia, Op. 27
Lyrics By – W. H. Auden
Soloist, Treble Vocals – Richard Cross (2)
11:17
Missa Brevis In D, Op. 63
Soloist – Anthony Sackville, Christopher Anderson (2), James Clark (9), Julian Brown (5), Rory Phillips (3)
(10:13)
B2.1 Kyrie
B2.2 Gloria
B2.3 Sanctus
B2.4 Benedictus
B2.5 Agnus Dei
Companies, etc.