All the carols on this recording are from an outstanding collection of ninety carols, compiled and edited by William Llewellyn and published by Novello & Company in 1986. The collection offers a strong, practical mix of contrasted carols, aptly suited to today’s choral needs. From Giovanni Gabrieli to Judith Weir, medieval melodies to spirituals, the range of styles in The Novello Book of Carols encompasses a wide spectrum of tastes. Fresh arrangements of carols central to Christmas are set beside original compositions, and some fine medieval words contrast with new contemporary texts. There are sixteen new carols and a further thirty-nine arrangements published for the first time, while sixty-nine titles are suitable for unaccompanied singing. For the adventurous choir this collection includes several carols in their original language (French, Catalan and German), with alternative English versions also provided.