The third album in our series of live recordings from our Advent Carol Services, including commissions by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Helen Grime.
Critical reception of our previous Advent albums includes the following:
Volume 1:
Under Andrew Nethsingha’s inspired direction, the choir has retained its renowned clarity, flamboyance and readiness to take risks – Gramophone
Sung with typical St John’s verve and character, this superbly programmed collection will take your Advent listening in unexpected, but entirely apposite, directions – BBC Music Magazine
Volume 2:
It is a real album, the mystery and expectation of Advent coursing through a repertoire that never stoops below this ensemble’s judicious idea of what constitutes high-quality music, whatever the century… The qualities of the choir hardly need repeating – Gramophone
The fantastic balance of anthems, hymns and organ music leaps out in this arresting, fabulously performed Advent programme – BBC Music Magazine
Volume 3:
“One of the most pleasing features of the selection of music on this disc is the number of St John’s connections which are woven into the programme. There are a couple of pieces which were composed specifically for the St John’s choir. The music is beautiful and sounds to be very well written for choir.” – MusicWeb International
“The voices of the choir unfold with brilliance and with a sonority of optimal quality in the interpretation of the majestic hymns in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! It is within the reach of all listeners to feel the process of the disc that goes through, with pieces by different composers, from the most intimate singing to the joyful final work ‘A Gallery Carol'” – Sonograma Magazine