From baroque masters to John Williams, Britten and the Muppets, the Sixteen’s music director has created a festive playlist for Guardian readers
No other festival in the Christian year has inspired so many tunes. Who could imagine Christmas without its rich tradition of music, from Bach to Bing Crosby, Slade to While Shepherds Watched? While many try to decide who is in their Christmas bubble, cathedral choirs up and down the country are hastily recording carol services and midnight masses so they can bring the spirit of Christmas into homes.
The best carols are ones that embrace basic emotions with words and music that are simple and approachable. That’s why I love traditional carols unadulterated by fussy arrangements and descants, although there’s one arrangement that is a family favourite: who cannot but smile and dance to David Willcocks’ infectious Sussex Carol? The carol originated as a round dance (the word is from the old French “carole”, a circle dance accompanied by singers), and with medieval carols, such as Make we joy now in this fest, everyone was encouraged to dance. Even the monks could join in, as long as they didn’t lift their feet too far off the ground.