There is a wealth of Christmas repertoire for choirs to choose from and sometimes it is difficult to select which arrangement you want of your traditional carols. It is refreshing when you get a selection which has a new version of a familiar carol plus two carols which you think you should know but don’t. This is the case with Joanna Gill’s three new carols.

“Sir Christèmas”, a traditional British carol in the setting by William Mathias, has been a popular choice for many years. Yet,here is a refreshing new arrangement with the hint of sleigh bells and a choral texture where the melody is passed from voice to voice. The carol builds to a triumphant ending to highlight the fun and merry making to be had at Christmas. Then we have two new original carol settings: “I heard the bells on Christmas day” with words by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It is presented with a swinging bell like texture and a catchy tune builds to a dramatic ending wishing peace on earth, goodwill to men. “Look to the Stable” is a new carol with words by Becca Beschizza, a gentle lullaby to the new born baby Jesus, praising this event and the Glory of God. This gentle melody is bound to become a favourite with both choirs and audiences.

The three carols in this album are going to appeal to the singer with their simple but effective word setting along with the beautiful and well-crafted accompaniments. Furthermore they are going to appeal to the audience and will become a popular feature in many Christmas carol services around the world.