Nine Lessons and Carols
December 24th, 2007 by Russell DaviesI can’t grab the MP3 right now, I’m sitting at my Mother-In-Law’s computer, in her front room, next to the tree, while the younger members of the family play ‘it’ (or ‘tic’ or ‘tag’ depending where you’re from) and sprouts get ‘prepared’. And she’s not equipped with AudioHijack. But Steve suggested it would be nice for us all to link to a Christmassy programme and the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge is the most Christmassy thing I can think of. Personally, as a lapsed Methodist agnostic, I’m not that bothered about the religious aspect, but the sound of it is extraordinary. Music that’s been tested over the centuries to inspire wonder, joy and fellow-feeling. Find a quiet hour and a half sometime this Christmas, pour yourself a glass of something special, slip some headphones on and bathe yourself in the sound of civilisation. The RealAudio stream is here.
December 30th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
This one’s all about memory for me. I’m a kid: anywhere from eight or nine to maybe sixteen (by which time I might have developed some other interests!). Christmas preparations are all finished, presents bought. House is full of nice smells, it’s getting dark and the house is warm. I’m probably reading the Xmas double issue of Whizzer and Chips or the Beano. Life is Good. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols comes on the radio and just finishes the picture really.