William Byrd (1543-1623)
A solis ortus cardine
Hodie Christus natus est
O magnum misterium
Puer natus est nobis

William Mathias (1934-1992)
Ave Rex, A Carol Sequence op. 45

John Taverner (?1490-1545)
Mater Christi sanctissima

John Sheppard (1515-1558)
Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Salve Regina

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
Magnificat (Sexti Toni à 6)

Joao Rodrigues Esteves (?1700-?1755)
Beata Dei Genitrix
Verbum caro factum est

Chœur de la Christ Church Cathedral d'Oxford
Stephen Darlington, direction

Christmas is a time when we celebrate long-held traditions: family gatherings, exchanges of presents, snow-covered scenes and images of the baby Jesus lying in a crib surrounded by the adoring shepherds, wise men and Mary and Joseph. Music is a crucial part of this annual festival. There is no shortage of Christmas carol repertoire recorded by Christ Church Cathedral Choir on the Nimbus label, but in this selection we have decided to bring together music that reflects some different aspects of the season. This is music to lift the spirits and transport the listener into a world of mystery.