The Lamb one of composer John Tavener’s most beloved frequently-performed and often-recorded works was composed in a single afternoon in 1982 as a gift for the composer’s three-year-old nephew.While the original was an unaccompanied Choral piece that set William Blake’s poem The Lamb this adaptation is an extremely effective and moving work for String Orchestra. The arrangement may be performed aloneor in accompaniment to a Chorus. John Tavener was that rare creature a composer of serious music and serious religious music who also achieved commercial success. He burst into the popular consciousness with theperformance of his Song for Athene at the funeral of Princess Diana but had been a highly respected and frequently-performed composer since the premiere of his dramatic cantata The Whale in 1968. The Lamb hasappeared on nearly forty different recordings.

Nothing says Noel better than a 16th century courtly dance. Also known as 'Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle,' this piece was originally performed for the French nobility. The variations in this new setting by Vince Gassi will lift your spirits as they pass from a joyous opening, through a brief moment of reflection, and on to a jubilant ending. This little bit of effervescence is a great addition to any part of your Christmas program. (2:45) / Orchestre A Cordes