Album: Choir of Magdalen College, Carols etc (Harmonia Mundi)

Magdalen College's recital makes an attractive alternative to the annual broadcast from King's.

Director Bill Ives has a good ear for contrasts, placing Byrd's delicate two-part motet "An Earthly Tree" next to Charles Wood's hefty "View Me, Lord". Organist Martin Ford delivers a beautifully articulated performance of Bach's "Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr", while traditionalists will enjoy Vaughan Williams' "The Truth..." and Pearsall's "In Dulci Jubilo". "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is your karaoke moment.