There has always been a large gap between English carols and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in terms of quality and scope in trying to capture the Christmas story in music. This recording tries to bridge that gap.

Everything here is a rarity. Vaughan Williams’ oft sung Fantasia on Christmas Carols is studiously avoided in favour of more obscure repertoire. While many of the newer numbers are slight, the settings by Howells, Warlock and Leighton are well worth hearing.

The major item here is Finzi’s In Terra Pax, simply one of the most moving choral works of 20th century. A beautiful pastoral retelling of the Christmas story, this may be his single most perfect work.The singing from the City of London Choir is full, clear and committed throughout, and soloist Roderick Williams is magnificent in the Finz