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?"

A Mennonite Christmas

The Mennonite Hour was on radio in the US for many years, starting in 1951, and was at its zenith when this recording was made circa the late 1950s.

The program was primarily music, and as was the practice at that time, it was entirely choral - no instruments.

In this 10-inch record of Christmas hymns, we hear male, female and mixed ensembles. The familiar material generally comes off well, although the more difficult music makes the men in particular uncomfortable.

The music is directed by J. Mark Stauffer, who also was responsible for the music on my previous post of a Mennonite revival meeting. The sound is reasonably good.