It truly does not get any bette than this. 1st rate composition, 1st rate singing, 1st rate environment for that wonderful moment when song and prayer are absolutely one and both are lifted to a level beyond anything else imagined.
A spotless rose is blowing, Sprung from a tender root, Of ancient seers foreshowing, Of Jesse promised fruit; Its fairest bud unfolds to light Amid the cold, cold winder, And in the dark midnight. The rose which I am singing, Whereof Isaiah said, Is from its sweet root springing In Mary purest maid; For through our God’s great love and might, The Blessed Babe she bare us In a cold, cold winter’s night.
A person could get all dressed up for Christmas Eve vespers, travel many miles through traffic, rain, and road construction, then hear this -- and it would be entirely enough. We can go home now. Nothing that follows, surpasses. Or even comes close.
Beautiful music. Such a lovely Carol. Herbert Howells is a wonderful composer.
so beautiful, a resonant musicality together with the eternal Christian message: sublime
My favourite carol, beautifully sung. Both uplifting and melancholy - this is Christmas in a nutshell for me. x
So happy to have found this. Wow.
This carol is so beautiful and sung by one of the top choirs in the world.
AMAZING male soloist!
It truly does not get any bette than this. 1st rate composition, 1st rate singing, 1st rate environment for that wonderful moment when song and prayer are absolutely one and both are lifted to a level beyond anything else imagined.
The final chords are stunning. Almost jazzy
Magnificent doesn’t quite do it justice. ❤
A spotless rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winder,
And in the dark midnight.
The rose which I am singing,
Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary purest maid;
For through our God’s great love and might,
The Blessed Babe she bare us
In a cold, cold winter’s night.
The King's College Choir: making reliably gorgeous music while looking like they're not enjoying it since 1441.
Inspired, sublime.
A person could get all dressed up for Christmas Eve vespers, travel many miles through traffic, rain, and road construction, then hear this -- and it would be entirely enough. We can go home now. Nothing that follows, surpasses. Or even comes close.
What a sweet sounding soloist
RIP Stephen Cleobury 1948 - 2019
EPIC soloist!
It's easy to imagine being in the congregation, hearing this, not wanting it to end, and not wanting to leave.
Gorgeous.
1:03
The soloist is Ed Ballard, a fine baritone singer; see www.edballard.co.uk/
Good call! I don't look much like Ed, but he is a lovely singer. Thanks!