DCD34267-CD

Edward Nesbit: Nativity

Limited Edition: 300 CDs available worldwide

The Choir of King’s College London follow up on their first recording of Edward Nesbit’s sacred choral music, named a Gramophone Editor’s Choice in 2022, with Nativity, a programme of Christmas music written by the composer over the last ten years: a joyful celebration that places Nesbit at the heart of a thriving British choral scene.


At the heart – but slightly to one side too. In a crowded field, Nesbit’s voice is distinctive. Expect much more fast-paced music than is the norm, an abundance of musical references to the classical canon, and frequent touches of humour. With their young, zestful performances, Nesbit’s music benefits from his close collaboration with the choir and its director Joseph Fort.

"Nesbit has adopted a very original approach, not least in his selection of texts, which means that Nativity is far from being “just another” Christmas piece ... I found much to admire in Nesbit’s score. The writing for the choir is consistently interesting – and very well put across by Joseph Fort’s accomplished choir ... Nesbit deploys both the harp and the horn to excellent effect; neither instrument plays all the time but when they are involved it is unfailingly to add important colour and/or melodic interest. Nativityis a most attractive and imaginative score and I like the originality of Nesbit’s concept. All the performers give of their best and it’s hard to imagine that the work could have received a finer first recording ... The concluding piece, ‘Abowt the fyld thei pyped full right’ is bright, joyful and full of energy. ... Edwards Nesbit’s music is inventive, interesting and accessible; I enjoyed what I heard. More than that, in the works included here, all of which are receiving their premiere recordings, Nesbit displays an original and discerning approach to Christmas music. He is very well served by the performers. Joseph Fort has clearly prepared his choir assiduously for this assignment and they make an excellent impression. The voices are young and fresh, producing a very nice, clear sound. The performances have been very successfully recorded by Paul Baxter. Delphian’s documentation, which includes valuable notes by the composer, is excellent"

John Quinn - MusicWeb International
read the full review here

"If you are looking for something different for Christmas, you can rely on the Delphian label to come up trumps. The company consistently fosters the growth of emerging composers ... Nesbit has successfully achieved a distinctive sound with his chosen texts, which include excerpts from the Tilethatchers Play, the York cycle of Mystery Plays, and three Christmas poems by the Welsh metaphysical poet Henry Vaughan. The score for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, SATB choir, horn, and harp is particularly effective. They combine beautifully, especially when Benedict Nelson’s baritone is accompanied by a haunting harp and horn. Mezzo Angharad Lyddon is equally lovely, especially in the lullaby, as she portrays Mary with underlying men's voice in an atmospheric section. Nesbit’s compositional skill is innovative and original; it is certainly pleasing and melodic. A particularly delightful section of Nativity is Peace?and to all the world? the horn's rhythmic accompaniment is hypnotic ... Joseph Fort’s young choir is impressive, with polished performances that capture the different moods superbly; the control and balance are perfect, and there are moments of beauty in the a cappella work. The second evocative Wycliffe Carol, In to Plain Ways, is a case in point. Sensitive and vivid. An enjoyable disc, well recorded, offering something different but effective in the use of instrumentation for the Christmas period. I would not be surprised if a few choirs program the work in time for Christmas 2025"

 

ReleaseDate: 29 November 2024
Catalogue No: DCD34267
Total playing time: 1:13:03

Recorded on 15-17 June 2023 at All Hallows’, Gospel Oak and 24 June 2024 in the chapel of Merton College, Oxford (tracks 10, 18, 21)

Producer: Paul Baxter
Engineer: Jack Davis

24-bit digital editing: Jack Davis
24-bit digital mastering: Paul Baxter

Design: Drew Padrutt
Booklet editor: Henry Howard
Cover: Jr Korpa / unsplash
Session photography: Will Coates-Gibson/Foxbrush

 

Delphian Records Ltd – Edinburgh – UK
www.delphianrecords.com

 


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PREVIEW

Nativity:Peace and to all the World

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The opening of Edward Nesbit's Nativity, filmed during recording sessions in London ...

Album Booklet

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