In addition to his work on the English Hymnal, Ralph Vaughan Williams also edited the Oxford Book of Christmas Carols, a task which inspired some of his own seasonal works. We'll hear two this week: A Fantasia on Christmas Carols, followed by Hodie - "This Day". We'll finish with selections from the Oxford Book of Carols.

Show Notes

Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Fantasia on Christmas Carols

  • Stephen Roberts, baritone
  • Choristers of Saint Paul's Cathedral
  • London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
  • Richard Hickox, conductor

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Hodie (A Christmas Cantata)

  • Dame Janet Baker, mezzo-soprano; Richard Lewis, tenor; John Shirley-Quirk, baritone
  • The Bach Choir
  • Choristers of Westminster Abbey
  • London Symphony Orchestra
  • Sir David Willcocks, conductor

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Sussex Mummers' Carol; A Virgin Most Pure; Gloucestershire Wassail; The Salutation Carol; Song of the Crib; Shepherds Left Their Flocks A-Straying

  • Choir of the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
  • William Vann, director
  • Joshua Ryan, organ