The Ivy and the Holly

The Ivy and the Holly is a superb collection of carols and motets for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by contemporary composers. Scored for mixed voices - a cappella and with organ - the anthology embraces a range of styles and sonorities. Here are plainchant lines, lilting melodies, and overlapping phrases; lively, energetic settings and soft, reflective ones; dancing rhythms and rich, sumptuous harmonies. Encompassing a variety of texts, with settings of medieval English verse and biblical passages alongside poems by celebrated writers, this collection will be welcomed by concert and church choirs alike.

• Includes composers' notes, liturgical table, and translations
• Carols in a variety of styles and sonorities

• Kerry Andrew: The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly
• Basil Athanasiadis: Antiphon to Mary
• Alan Bullard: And allthe stars looked down
• Richard Causton: Cradle Song
• Bob Chilcott: The Shepherd's Carol
• Michael Finnissy:Telling
• Gabriel Jackson: The Magi
• Cecilia McDowall: Now may we singen
• Terry Mann: Gabriel fram Hevene-King
• Joseph Phibbs: St Margaret's Carol
• Francis Pott: Mary's Carol
• John Rutter: Dormi, Jesu
• HowardSkempton: Rejoice, rejoice
• Andrew Smith: Veni, redemptor gentium