- features 15 well-known carol arrangements and original compositions by Sir David Willcocks
- includes three new pieces by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, and Jonathan Willcocks
- with a foreword by John Rutter
Sir David Willcocks: A Celebration in Carols marks the 95th birthday of one of the most acclaimed choral conductors, editors, and arrangers of our time. A survey of his work, the collection brings together many of Willcocks's best-loved carol arrangements, spanning his career as co-editor of Carols for Choirs and as conductor of the UK's finest choirs. It includes a selection of his original compositions too, and gives an overview of the styles and traditions that have enhanced the Christmas musical experience of thousands of singers and listeners. As an affectionate birthday tribute, A Celebration also includes specially-commissioned new carols by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, and Jonathan Willcocks.
Forces or Category
SATB accompanied & unaccompanied
Difficulty
Easy to Moderately difficult
David Willcocks (b.1919)
David Willcocks began his musical career as a chorister at Westminster Abbey, later winning scholarships to Clifton College and King's College, Cambridge. Following war service, he was elected Fellow of King's College, and later became Organist of Salisbury and Worcester Cathedrals, conducting the Three Choirs Festival whilst at Worcester. Willcocks returned to King's College, Cambridge as Director of Music from 1957-1974, with the first collection of his arrangements in the Carols for Choirs series publishing in 1961. He was Director of Music at the Royal College of Music from 1974-1984, and was knighted in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Honours List in 1977. Willcocks also conducted The Bach Choir for 38 years, retiring in 1998. Sir David maintains a busy schedule of concerts and recordings, including recent visits to the USA, Canada and Europe.
Contents:
David Willcocks: Away in a manger
David Willcocks: I saw three ships
David Willcocks: O come, all ye faithful
David Willcocks: Sussex Carol
David Willcocks: Infant holy, infant lowly
David Willcocks: Tomorrow shall be my dancing day
David Willcocks: Hark! the herald-angels sing
David Willcocks: Quelle est cette odeur agréable?
David Willcocks: Gabriel's Message
David Willcocks: Birthday Carol
David Willcocks: Resonemus laudibus
David Willcocks: Jingle, Bells
David Willcocks: Lullay, my liking
David Willcocks: High Word of God, eternal Light
David Willcocks: Starry night
John Rutter: Rejoice and sing!
Jonathan Willcocks: Nowell, nowell
Bob Chilcott: There is no rose
