Edward Nesbit: Nativity
DCD34267 (Delphian Records, CD)
FIRST RELEASE (29 November 2024)
Playing time: 73'13"
Tracks: 25
Booklet pages: 24
℗ 2024 Delphian Records Ltd
© 2024 Delphian Records Ltd
Main country of recording: United Kingdom
Reviewer: Keith Bramich
Review of Edward Nesbit: Nativity published on 19 December 2024
The Choir of King’s College London
Joseph Fort, director
Angharad Lyddon, mezzo-soprano (tracks 3, 4 and 6-9)
Benedict Nelson, baritone (tracks 2, 3 and 6-9)
Anneke Hodnett, harp (tracks 1-4, 6-10, 18 and 21)
Martin Owen, horn (tracks 1-4, 6 and 8-9)
Edward Nesbit (born 1986):
1-9 Nativity
10 Be not wroth very sore (Drop down, ye heavens I)
11-17 Wycliffe Carols
18 We have sinned (Drop down, ye heavens II)
19-20 Metaphysical Songs
21 Comfort ye (Drop down, ye heavens III)
22-25 Four Christmas Lyrics
The Choir of King's College London follows up on its first recording of Edward Nesbit's sacred choral music 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.
Recorded 15-17 June 2023 at All Hallows’, Gospel Oak, London, UK and on 24 June 2024 in the chapel of Merton College, Oxford, UK (tracks 10, 18 and 21). First recordings.