Carols for Choirs with Sir David Willcocks

One of the greatest contributions of the eminent choral director Sir David Willcocks (1919-2015) was the Oxford University Press' series of Carols for Choirs. The first volume, issued in 1961, was intended to codify the best traditional carols and settings by modern composers as well. It succeeded so well it became the OUP's top selling title, and led to five additional volumes.

The first Carols for Choirs

The editors of the original book were Willcocks and his older colleague Reginald Jacques (1894-1969), who was the conductor of the Bach Choir in London. Willcocks succeeded him in that role in 1960, while remaining the director of the King's College Choir, Cambridge, a post he held from 1957 to 1974.

Following Jacques' death, Willocks and OUP sought a new collaborator for the carols series, selecting Cambridge undergraduate John Rutter (1945- ). Splendid choice - Rutter has become one of the most popular choral composers and conductors of our time.

John Rutter and David Willcocks

In 1976, OUP sponsored a recording of 14 carols as led by Willcocks, 13 of which had been published in one of the Carols for Choirs compilations. The program mirrored one led by Willcocks with the Bach Choir in the Royal Albert Hall that year. Participating were the choir, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and organist Richard Popplewell.

The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble

On the LP, the traditional carols are "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Away in a Manger," the Sussex Carol, and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," all arranged by Willcocks (the first and last with his descants), and "Silent Night," arranged by Donald Cashmore. Willcocks' "Birthday Carol" also is on the program, together with five compositions by Rutter: "Jesus Child," "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," "Star Carol," "Donkey Carol" and "Nativity Carol." The program also includes three other works by then-living composers, William Mathias' "Sir Christèmas," Alun Hoddinott's "Puer Natus" and Peter Hurford's "Sunny Bank."

Here is an excerpt from Rutter's tribute to Willcocks:

I learned many lessons from him by example: perfectionism, attention to detail (he was a crackshot proof-reader), leadership, willingness to work exhaustingly long hours without weakening, the psychology and technique of training and conducting choirs, and above all the value of life itself and the crime of wasting any of it.

Everything he wrote (including the iconic descant to O come, all ye faithful, scribbled on a train journey) met an exacting standard of craftsmanship, and his Christmas music still lights up the sky.

I am immensely the richer for having been his student, assistant, and friend.

The recording was made in St. George's Church, Hanover Square. The sound is very good.

LINK

The present-day Bach Choir at Cadogan Hall