Christmas 2016

James WHITBOURN (b. 1963)

Carolae
Music for Christmas
Eric Rieger, Tenor
Daryl Robinson, Organ
Westminster Williamson Voices
James Jordan

James Whitbourn is a GRAMMY®-nominated composer

whose music is internationally admired for its direct
connection with performers and audiences, The Observer
describing him as ‘a truly original communicator in modern
British choral music.’ Carolae is a fusion of the great
Christmas traditions at King’s College Cambridge and
Princeton University Chapel, with the Missa Carolæ at its
heart. Whitbourn’s love of medieval musical language is
reflected in his clever use of original melody with famous
carols such as Noël Nouvelet, combined with skillful new
arrangements of seasonal favorites such as The Coventry
Carol.
8.573715

Key Features
• The music of James Whitbourn is a well-established part
of the Naxos catalogue, and this Christmas release will be
an attractive prospect for fans of choral music looking for a 7 47313 37157 0
fresh approach to the traditional music of the season. The
album Luminosity (8.572103) was considered “striking… [with a] glowingly committed performance” by BBC Music
Magazine and admired by American Record Guide for “Whitbourn’s ability to add something new…” and his “flair for
rhythm.” Still greater acclaim has been given to his Son of God Mass (8.572737), with ClassicsToday.com giving it a
10/10 score as a “gem, a masterpiece, a work that compels you to listen in a new way”, and Gramophone summing
it up as “strikingly beautiful.”
• Carolae is conducted by the GRAMMY®-nominated James Jordan, who is praised throughout the musical world as
one of America’s pre-eminent conductors, music psychologists, writers and pedagogical innovators in choral music.

© 2016 Naxos Rights US, Inc. 1 of 1

 Christmas 2016

OTHER ALBUMS OF WHITBOURN’S CHORAL WORKS

8.572737 8.572103
“…here is music that… “The music proves
gives singers something striking…
to anticipate and savor, The performance [is]
and listeners much superbly sympathetic.”
to celebrate.” – BBC Music Magazine
– ClassicsToday.com

OTHER CHRISTMAS CHORAL RECORDINGS ON NAXOS

NEW
8.573523 8.573260
“The performances “The Schola Antiqua
from the St. Alban’s of Chicago brings an
Cathedral are appealing youthful
outstanding” sound”
– David’s Review Corner – The Buffalo News

8.573159 8.573421
“A formidable “Performances
portfolio of are imbued with a
Christmas music” vivaciousness and
– BBC Music Magazine joy that’s absolutely
infectious.”
– ClassicsToday.com

8.573030 8.572168
“A handsome “Clare College Choir
Christmas anthology that is outstanding”
has something – Gramophone
for everyone.”
– American Record Guide

© 2016 Naxos Rights US, Inc. 2 of 2