Christmas Carols
An English Enchantment
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:8th Sep '26
Should be back in stock very soon
A rich history of one of our most popular kinds of song—and a celebration of Christmas music
The English Christmas carol has been sung in court and cloister, tavern and field since medieval times. But with the first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in 1880—and with a view to encouraging revellers into church—the humble carol became integral to the Christmas tradition. Carol concerts are attended all over the world, and the service at King’s College, Cambridge, has been broadcast since 1928 to millions of listeners.
Singer and author John Potter guides us through the development of this unique tradition. Carols, originating as secular delights of the medieval and Tudor court and chapel, were brought by the Victorians to a new urban audience. Priests, poets, and composers have rearranged ancient songs and created new ones ever since, incorporating European carols into the evolving English tradition.
Taking us from their earliest origin to their flourishing during the early music revival, this is an enlightening account of a beloved phenomenon.
“This is a work of real sophistication—I was left gasping by its detail and clarity. Potter is an exceptional musical communicator.”—Jeremy Summerly, conductor and author of Thomas Tallis
“John Potter has three outstanding credentials as author of Christmas Carols. He has been a professional singer since boyhood; he is a scholar of great learning; and he knows how to appreciate every kind of music. Add to these his genius for straightforward communication, and we could not be in safer hands.”—Stephen Banfield, author of Music in the West Country
“A journey into Christmases past, from rural bands in rustic churches, to the work of dedicated collectors of tunes which still set our hearts a-flutter on a snowy Christmas Eve. John Potter, one of the most treasured voices of our time, has a remarkable knack for unearthing the history of carols in a compelling and personal way.”—Fiona Talkington, broadcaster, writer and presenter
“How refreshing to have an account of this kind written not only with academic authority but also with the creative and practical know-how of a distinguished performing artist such as John Potter.”—Bob Chilcott, composer, conductor and singer
ISBN: 9780300282337
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
336 pages