Christmas Reups: the Bach Choir and the Mennonite Hour Choral Groups

Two reups for you today, both 10-inchers of the seasonal variety.

The first, in response to a request, is an early LP by the Bach Choir, a large amateur ensemble that has been performing in London since 1875. Reginald Jacques, at the helm here, was its conductor for 32 years. This present disk, from 1950, is one of its first recordings

When I posted this initially a number of years ago, I complained that the sound was frustratingly opaque. I have now revisited the files and managed to open up the sonic vistas. I think you will find the results pleasing.

The second reup is an entirely new transfer of a Christmas LP from the Mennonite Hour,  which I first shared a number of years ago here. Joy to the World dates from the late 1950s, I believe.

As with all Mennonite music of the time, the singing is acapella. These are amateur choirs, but they acquit themselves well, although the Male Quartet is overtaxed by the difficult harmonization of "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." They apparently believed, as Browning did, that "a man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for?"

Carols by the Bach Choir

The Bach Choir is a large amateur ensemble that has been performing in London since 1875. Reginald Jacques was its conductor for 32 years.

Reginald Jacques

This present disk is one of its first recordings. The entirely conventional program of carols was inscribed in June 1950. The location was London's Kingsway Hall, a famous but now demolished venue for choral and orchestral recordings. Many great sounds were captured there; unfortunately this is not one of them. While the performances are perfectly fine, the sound is frustratingly opaque. Enjoyable enough, but not what it ought to be.

The impressively named Osborne Peasgood, sub-organist at Westminster Abbey at the time, handles the accompaniment.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!