Christmas Carols by Andrew Gant review – surprising stories of how seasonal songs came to be (The Guardian)

In the middle of this year’s carol service you may find yourself ambushed by one of the following random thoughts.

a) “Good my page” (“Good King Wenceslas”). Why isn’t it just “my good page”? Oh, hang on, maybe that’s how it was in the original ... Czechoslovak?

b) “G-l-o-o-o-o-o-r-i-a” (“Ding Dong Merrily on High”). I can’t hold my breath much longer. Actually, I think I might be hyperventilating. I’m definitely feeling weird. I need to hang on to the pew in front.

c) “I Saw Three Ships”. But Bethlehem is landlocked! Isn’t it? If I keep my phone in my handbag, I can Google it during the next reading.

Carols inspire untidy thoughts because ... continue reading

Leif Solberg: Orchestral, choral and organ music CD review – celebrating a neglected Norwegian symphony (The Guardian)

This remarkable disc marks a double celebration: the 200th release from the innovative Toccata label and the 100th birthday of Leif Solberg, the unashamedly tonal Norwegian composer whose undeservedly neglected 1951 symphony was rescued from obscurity by Martin Anderson, the redoubtable founder of Toccata. The Liepaja players unearth the dark thread that runs under the ... continue reading