This is Christmas music at its finest. It's a BBC Christmas special service from Westminster Abbey (1999) London, with an introduction to the abbey by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who also reads from the first chapter of John's Gospel later in the service.
The hour-long service tells the Christmas story alternating poetry and Bible readings with musical selections from the Westminster Choir, and soloists, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terful and Charlotte Church.
To hear such singing is a real treat, Terful and Bocelli are at their finest, and although Charlotte Church is not in the same league as the men, her voice is very sweet and is quite pleasing to listen to.
The readings of poetry, prose and scripture are all enjoyable with the reading of Kipling's 'Eddie's Service' by Dame Joan Plowright being an especial delight. Readings from the Gospel of Luke by Betty Boothroyd the Speaker of the British House of Commons, and from John's Gospel by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh adds a sense of occasion to the service.
The color, the choir (the expressions on the faces of the boy choristers, not to mention their fidgeting is quite enjoyable to watch), while the Westminster Abbey setting makes this DVD something to cherish. For me, there are two wonderful moments, the glorious singing of 'It Came Upon The Midnight Clear' by choir and congregation and Andrea Bocelli's singing of Mascagni's Sancta Maria, which takes on a prayer-like quality.
This is not just a DVD for Christmas, but for anytime of the year when you want to be uplifted and inspired. Its an hour of exquisite peace and beauty.
One criticism, the DVD menu leaves a lot to be desired. It only lists the musical numbers, and does not allow access to the readings. Unless you know which musical item they proceed, it can take sometime trying to find a particular reading.
