John Rutter is probably the most acclaimed and successful composer of carols alive today. His large selection of popular sacred choral pieces in the genre reflect and celebrate the Christmas story. Rutter’s unerring sense of melody combined with a rich harmonic palette makes his music instantly accessible to both performers and audiences alike. This recording brings together a selection of his most famous Christmas carols in beautiful new arrangements for brass performed by the Black Dyke Band.

This excellent release, regarded by the composer as ‘a gem from start to finish’, follows on from a previous programme of John Rutter’s Anthems, Hymns and Gloria for Brass Band on Naxos 8574130. Also performed by the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and the Black Dyke Band, this earlier volume was admired in the American Record Guide: ‘These pieces were, of course, originally intended to be sung, but they sound wonderful as played skilfully and sensitively by one of England’s finest brass bands. It is a pleasure to hear the restraint, [and] the emphasis on warmth and sweetness.’

Black Dyke Band holds the highest rank in the worldwide brass band community. It has continued to win significant competitions under its music director, Nicholas Childs, and in 2015 the band became European Champion Band for the 13th time – in 2014 the band, for the 30th time, was declared British Open Champions.