This new recording from the acclaimed Choir of Bath Abbey, under the direction of Huw Williams, is a major departure from the typical collections of Christmas carols, and features music from German, English and French composers of the Baroque taking us through Advent to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Most of the works are accompanied by Réjouissance – a period-instrument ensemble founded by Simon Jones – the distinguished leader of many period instrument groups in the UK. There are two large-scale English anthems for Advent from Henry Purcell – the first, Rejoice in the Lord alway, gained the nickname ‘The Bell Anthem’ on account of the repeated bass figure in the introduction resembles the pealing of bells. The second, O sing unto the Lord, is an impressive work of over twelve minutes duration. Both of these anthems are receiving a rare recording with the accompaniment of an instrumental ensemble, rather than as usually heard with organ – and even rarer with period instruments.