Advent at St. Paul's;

Every year on Advent Sunday, St. Paul's Cathedral in London holds a special Carol Service. This welcome reissue featuring the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral led by John Scott captures the mood and structure of this event, presenting a selection of the music that might be performed in its liturgical order. The program begins in contemplative mood with the plainchant processional Laudes Regiae and the famous Mattins Responsory. The wealth of music that follows is typical of the approach of this choir. Traditional favorites such as Hosanna to the Son of David and the Parsons Ave Maria rest alongside contemporary works from composers such as John Rutter, Richard Lloyd and Philip Wilby. This album - and the hypothetical service - comes to an end with a joyous arrangement of the great hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel.