King's College Cambridge 2010 #1 Once in Royal David's City

[@jp00w5941]

I'm English-not a Christian- but this whole ceremony just shrieks peace and goodwill to all mankind-stop fighting and killing in the name of whatever religion please !

[@devongaynor5019]

In loving memory of Mrs D. Miller of St. John Bosco School For Boys in Hatfield, Manchester, Jamaica.

[@hannapvt]

Wow the boy in the beginning has an absolutely INCREDIBLE voice!!!

[@tinkaluisa8540]

+Hanna P I hope when I get to heaven that it sounds like that.

[@andromedastar1]

+Hanna P That is known as a treble, his voice..Aled Jones was an amazing treble..check him out.

[@sky_lord_4459]

Yup but he's never gunner get laid

[@Ricardo1961D]

+skylord44 __ Actually I believe they quit doing that several hundred years ago. Learned, surprise, surprise, that a new crop of voices come along every year.

[@CFLsurfr]

What's crazy is the choir director chooses which kid will do the solo just minutes before the performance. Any of them can do it.

[@garyhalsey7693]

I was Lead Soprano of my High School Choir and was lucky enough to open our annual Carol Service in Southwark Cathedral in London with this. It was one of the proudest moments of my life!!

[@ImproperBostonian]

SUCH A LOVELY MEMORY.

[@mkilner]

👏🏻🌟🎼🙂

[@ettoredipugnar6990]

I'll never forget the Christmas I spent in England. Nor the Christmas Eve I spent at this service.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

Richard Guglielmi I have to be brave enough to get on a plane and visit Cambridge someday!

[@dennisbarnes8447]

Something I would love for sure...can only dream of it, but who knows .

[@rpm1796]

You are blessed🍁☮

[@conghamking]

Has to be my favourite Christmas hymn as it describes so well why we celebrate Christmas, because God gave his only child Jesus Christ to us. God bless everyone at this Christmas time.

[@annbishop4718]

Such a beautiful hymn. I learned this hymn in Scotland back in the late 1940's and it brings back many happy memories for me. Merry Christmas to all.

[@jennifursun3303]

Ann Bishop curious is this sort of an UK hymn. reason i asked, i never herd of it till i starteing re-reading some Susan Cooper books set in England and Wales, and one of the characters and his famiy go caroling and they mention this song so i checked it out

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

jennifur sun I love the UK hymns, especially O Little Town of Bethlehem (Forest Green is the best tune ever).

[@EFChartley]

FAITH in UK! 🇬🇧

[@pimpernel31416]

Concur.

[@popatyourecords]

Merry Christmas from Edinburgh Scotland

[@BrunetteGiant]

I did this as a solo in my church two years in a row!! Very nerve-wracking!!

[@shortcfarms]

This is Christmas for me every year, always excited to see Kings college choir on tv Christmas, I play their song constantly days before Christmas, give me cold chills and makes me feel closer to heaven! thank you for posting!

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

shortcfarms me too. BTW my favorite carol is O Little Town of Bethlehem (tune: FOREST GREEN by Rafe Vaughan Williams.)

[@johnakaoldguy3158]

I attended this service at Kings College in Oxford for Christmas in 1978 while I was stationed in England with the USAF for two years at an RAF base. Forty two years later, I remember this as if it was yesterday. Still brings shivers to me and an occasional tear to my eyes. Very special service. Very special memories. God Bless and Merry Christmas. 🎄🎄🙏🙏

[@spiritdei]

John aka OldGuy, thanks for sharing your special memory, and thanks for your service! Merry Christmas!

[@amyroy1351]

Thank you for serving Merry Christmas

[@gabbleratchet1890]

Kings College is in Cambridge.

[@carolinesuchit1584]

Whos watching this in 2020? So beautiful!

[@markrood8760]

I am ........Rockport, Texas

[@JohnAnderson-ut9mr]

Me too. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

[@TheCoastguard01]

At 3pm GMT on Christmas Eve without fail, this is the opening carol from the chapel of Kings College Cambridge. It is broadcast live from Cambridge by the BBC on Radio 4, and is beamed around the Commonwealth.The opening words are always the same " And now from the Chapel of King Henry the 8th, Kings College Cambridge , a service of 9 lessons and carols." The boys of the choir are all capable of opening but the choirmaster only chooses the choirboy shortly before the broadcast and its considered a great honour. To hear it live on the radio is magical and signifies for me, the start of Christmas.

[@baritonebynight]

I've never seen a kid lose it either. From what I understand they are all very well prepared to sing it.

[@tjfSIM]

Very well said - this carol is the essence of Christmas for me, and it has become something of an institution for it to open carol services. I'm always very disappointed when I go to a carol service and it's not in the running order! Happy Christmas and New Year to you.

[@donaldjensen]

I live in the states and in my time zone this program starts at 9:00 am! My local public radio station broadcasts this program and I find this a great way to start my Christmas Eve. The boy’s choir always sounds so great and the service is always so moving.

[@connellwalker7873]

Sacred and most special in every sense. Sweet faces pouring forth the joy and fulfillment of the season with eyes that have seen and hearts that believe. Listening here is bliss sublime. Gifted voices visited by Christ and trained by wisdom. Watching their witness is a rare favor. Everyone wants to join in the celebration to sing one's heart out. Many thanks for this good gift.

[@EFChartley]

Whos watching in 2019? 🇬🇧

[@oregonion]

I am

[@기수영-m2g]

me either

[@EFChartley]

@@oregonion Great to here wish you a wonderful Christmas! Jake from UK 🇬🇧

[@andyadler]

Count me in. What a sublime carol! Pretty much my favorite - there could be no finer way to introduce the Nine Lessons and Carols. Amazing descant, too.

[@EFChartley]

@@andyadler I wish you faith in your spirit this Christmas :D

[@spiritdei]

I've been listening to the Carols for decades and as far as I am concerned this chorister is as note perfect as they come. All the more extraordinary as there is no starting note for him to find his pitch. At 0:45 notice his eyes slightly lower as he perfectly voices the "D." I reckon he knew he "nailed it," sublime!

[@grandadmiralthrawn9231]

It's a shame that this country has become less Christian. We should be proud of our Christian heritage. However we seem to always poke fun, belittle and hate the religion that has been a beacon of hope in our country so so long, whilst being afraid to criticise and speak out against others

[@dianacollins391]

Reading this comment in 2023. We should have listened earlier.

[@tonijwt5so11genisys]

Happy Christmas ❤❤

[@PatcoxKennedy]

Keep praying 🙏

[@chuckleeson8858]

Totally agree

[@danandmary11]

Those ready to abandon their religion should be given pause when considering what beauty the religious impulse has engendered. There must be something to it all if it can cause a mind, a heart, and a voice to do this.

[@CBeaumontHIGTFY]

News has come through that Sir Stephen Cleobury - the conductor - has passed on. My very best to his friends and family. Thank you hugely Sir for providing us with the wonderful Music every Christmas Eve, and indeed throughout the year.

[@blackletter2591]

I can't believe it. What a legacy he has left.

[@ScouserGirl89]

rest in peace to sir stephen cleobury

[@Neogarcilaso]

¡Amén!

[@EFChartley]

My FAITH is as strong as ever in 2019! Jake from UK

[@EFChartley]

🇬🇧

[@richardmohr9428]

There is as beautiful obituary for Sir Stephen Cleobury in the current year-end issue of The Economist . Everyone that loves this music should read it. He was an extraordinary man. I especially appreciate the final paragraph: "At the same time, he made sure the choir did not lose its otherworldly sound. He treasured the thought that anyone who heard it might find peace and consolation there. For behind music, especially the music of Bach, lay something wondrous and beautiful that could be touched. Over the years he felt increasingly uncertain what to call it. But he found himself getting keener on the idea of the Holy Spirit, something around int he air and in the silences between the notes, as the choir sang."

[@nancyhulley2212]

Bittersweet for me. My dear father passed at christmas 30 years ago. Still makes me tearfull everytime I listen too it. The most beautiful Christmas carol I have ever heard.

[@jinnymudlark1815]

That tearfulness is your joy of your father again, turned inside out. Take care, and blessings. (From Australia)

[@mfjdv2020]

Beautiful absolutely glorious, thank you. The wonder of the Nativity put into such beautiful, appealing words.

[@tyreburster]

I shall always have a place in my soul for this carol. I'm not a Christian and I walked away from Christmas many years ago. But when I was in my secondary school orchestra we always played OIRDS as our opener for the Christmas concert. No guarantee of Christmas future for me but lots of happy memories of Christmas past. And it is a very beautiful, stirring melody as well. Merry Christmas.

[@lauraschutze8363]

Christmas has come to mean many things I detest. But this hymn always makes me remember that Love and Goodness are rare and wonderful gifts.

[@carlrobertson4227]

br

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

tyreburster even when I went through my atheist phase I still loved traditional hymns and carols. Especially O Little Town of Bethlehem set to the tune FOREST GREEN.

[@juliannewiley4356]

Oh friend, come back, come back! More carols for you, and cookies too.

[@timothycummings7925]

Understand too well the many reasons to walk away. But the One reason to return was placed in that little manger so long ago. Don't let the face of the church distract you from the Face of that little One. Ditto to the reply from Julianne Wiley.

[@mkl62]

I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. I play the piano and organ. Today (December 28, Christmas 1), I played this as the Hymn of the Day. It is #269 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

mkl62 you play the organ! Congratulations! I used to play the piano but switched to organ in 1988. It is much more resonant and mellifluous.

[@martinhdozier]

My daughter was born this year. 10 years old now. Merry Christmas!

[@mchudi91]

this is sooo good. i swear kings college are the best choir out there.....they really capture the element of peace and tranquility in the hymns they sing. absolutely love it!!!

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

mchudi91 they ARE the best.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

mchudi91 yes, they are definitely the best choir ever! Maybe someday I will be brave enough to get on an airplane and visit Cambridge. I don't like to fly because my ears pop badly.

[@williamripley3192]

One of the most stirring carols ever written.Since childhood I have always loved this carol. The choir from King's performs it beautifully.

[@viewfromwilmington]

The treble soloist has a round voice and faultless pitch , and the choir is wonderful. Well done!

[@wholeNwon]

Yes, he is quite remarkable.

[@CFLsurfr]

Get this - the Choir Master picks who sings that solo just minutes before the performance. Any of them can sing it with just as much perfection. THis is THE most disciplined choir in the world.

[@banzospod]

Is he not soprano?,a little too rounded for my ear,the vowels seem to get lost somewhat.

[@jcxkzhgco3050]

@@banzospod perfect pitch matters, distortion of vowels are common

[@chungusultimate]

Grace of Christ be with us always.

[@paulrainford2462]

Around Xmas time 1963 I attended a newly built school in the Suburb of Mickleover Derby. The headmaster Mr Warren was a musical genius and he assembled an award winning choir. At Xmas time the choir walked into a newly built church singing this carol, the memory of that night and the beautiful music still lives with me nearly sixty years on.

[@septimustyrannis321]

I get so emotional every time I hear this! 😢

[@SuperAgeofaquarius]

Christmas starts with this carol, I live opposite a church and it blends so well together. Happy Christmas everyone

[@yqleun]

This is the best!! The beautiful carols draw us closer to God. Thank you very much for posting it.

[@samost7352]

May the spirit of Christmas rest In our minds, as we reflect on Christ's awesome love, and sacrifice.

[@nsikanntuk]

The soloist has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard sing a Christmas Carol. I've always watch this video every Christmas season cos of his voice

[@rubewaddell1704]

The young mans voice brings tears to an old mans eyes.

[@williamripley3192]

A perfect processional for Christmas Eve.We have sung this carol at Midnight Mass for many years.

[@rpm1796]

God bless you all Blighty...with love always from Canada🍁 🩸

[@Jojoseahorse]

I haven't heard this carol in so long; it was one of my favourites from childhood, and I live in the States now, where it doesn't appear to be well known. I really loved hearing this :)

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Jojoseahorse And I prefer English carols myself. FYI: the FOREST GREEN tune is my favorite.

[@joshuamiller-le753]

Jojoseahorse my church switches between this and o come all ye faithful for the Christmas procession

[@freestate208]

I'm 35 and was born here, this is the first time I've ever encountered it.

[@GrantMitchel1]

One of my favourite carols, thanks for posting.

[@johnuhr-henry9508]

Another great Carol sung superbly by who other than King`s College Cambridge. great stuff.

[@wandawizard1]

Hearing the soloist on this carol always gives me goosepimples. It is just so moving, it really gets into your psyche.

[@braedonvangorkom3408]

Simply incredible! The voices are so rich and pure!

[@karlandrews9672]

When the young soloist finishes his virtuoso and the full choir sings, it simply stuns me how beautiful the song is.

[@dantecamarda3976]

bless you for uploading these recordings!

[@spiritdei]

Thank you, my pleasure

[@ScouserGirl89]

the descants are heavenly, well done to this amazing choir

[@user-vp1ey6ee1h]

I,m from sarawak ,malaysia,very beautiful hymn.

[@desdicado999]

delightful, thank you

[@crystalclarke9429]

Just beautiful every year I listen to this song , the soloist voice is just so breath taken #2020.

[@baztheblue4193]

Watched the latest service on Christmas eve, it must be the most christmassy thing ever, the simplicity of the combination of traditional carols interspersed with the nativity story from its start to its conclusion and read by different people from the college is a real winner.Well done whoever brought it to the screen,if you are christian, or of another faith or have none at all watch this , its excellent.

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Baz theblue I listen to it on radio every year.

[@marlenethompson5706]

Goosebumps and tears at the beauty of the sound

[@georgeberger8974]

This is lovely music for an elegant procession.

[@MGstaR17]

That is why I am proud to be British.

[@SudenDogan32]

MGstaR17 you are lucky.

[@williamripley3192]

Wonderful carol sung by one of the top choirs on the planet.No choir can perform this carol better than King's.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

William Ripley not only "one of" the top choirs; THE top choir, in the most beautiful chapel.

[@eveykaye5053]

Beautiful! Thank you for posting!

[@seouh1]

What a celestial, ethereal and even mystical performance, the best musical performance of this species ever!

[@temporalforces2623]

My new favourite Christmas Carol :)

[@tyreburster]

Preparing to hear this once again in three days' time.

[@tyreburster]

Nine days' time! I expect this year (2020) will be somewhat subdued.

[@tyreburster]

Three years on and just ten days away.

[@Redmachine2021]

Merry Christmas from America

[@usaskjock]

oh wow love the descant at the end that really adds gorgeous elements to it.

[@edmonddantes6486]

Stunningly beautiful and majestic. I feel the same awe when listening to the amazing duet Andrey Nemzer & Charlene Canty singing CANTICUM FRATRIS SOLIS. Such humility and inspiration!

[@pravoslavn]

That young man has a voice like an organ pipe ! Incredibly beautiful !

[@TaylorRaborn]

A truly majestic performance. Bravo.

[@TheKobetube]

listening in September

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

TheKobetube I listen to KCC carols all year, they're too beautiful to just listen to for one month. Especially O Little Town of Bethlehem set to the Forest Green tune, which IS THE BEST.

[@Mike8981]

Merry Christmas everyone. God Bless

[@jamesrobert680]

Gives me chills every time.

[@maureenreeder4861]

Beautiful.

[@KennnnnnyTucky]

Stunning descant. Cleobury really making the best of his choir. Well done all.

[@maykawilliams6359]

I love it...it's brilliant one! Bless you all... and Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2015 people all over the World... Love you all......xx

[@maxholdsworth9012]

Calling this my favourite in truth explains nothing. I tremble with joy when I hear this song. I usually only hear it once a year, but this recording brought me back to its melodious power.

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Max Holdsworth I tremble with joy at this service too especially O Little Town of Bethlehem to the tune FOREST GREEN.

[@christopher4639]

I used to stay with non christian believe me when play that song they get annoyed very much its so touching good work.

[@isaacsikoway7613]

magnificent...!

[@bachscholar2569]

Beautiful hymn

[@StevenTorrey]

I remember this as song we sung at St. John's School during the Xmas season.

[@viewfromwilmington]

That was an unusually fine solo treble at the beginning. I am always amazed that the soloist does not seize up from stage fright, but they always handle it well.

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Chris Halkides so am I. I made mistakes recently in a recording for my friends (not for KZbin) of me playing my favorite instrument (ORGAN). Yes nerves are perfectly understandable no matter what.

[@nickjames800]

i'm going to listen to this

[@evejy]

literally crying

[@ajplathwisconsin]

The tone of the choristers voices makes this extra rich.

[@amyroy1351]

You said it brother. MERRY Christmas

[@isabellejoyaux1674]

Merveilleux !

[@spiritdei]

@liberavieve Glad you enjoyed them and I am happy to get them up nice and early! Happy Christmas to you.

[@williamwoolhouse3702]

I shall be early to get my place in the Queue as I am every year,Rain Hail,Snow or Wind.

[@williamwoolhouse3702]

I have just left the service...Wonderful as ever..The first without Stephen Cleobury..RIP.Off to the pub now for a few pint of good English Beer...Happy Christmas.

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

fifty three people DISLIKE this video??? That's sooo unfair. KCC is the world's best choir.

[@MegaJaysa]

merry christmas to everyone all the best for 2021

[@spiritdei]

Merry Christmas Jaysa

[@AshiaGabrielIcheke]

Once in royal David's city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall; With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Saviour holy. And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love; For that Child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above, And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven, Set at God's right hand on high; When like stars His children crowned All in white shall wait around.

[@monsieurm6975]

I really wonder if atheists, even the most hard-core atheist, I wonder if they would EVER ADMIT to listening to this music and dismiss it as NOT being beautifully created music by hands of man. - MERRY CHRISTMAS 2016 to all.

[@stephenconnacher8813]

I grew up C of E, am now an atheist, and have no difficulty acknowledging this as beautifully created music by the hands of man. Many of our greatest cultural works and achievements were created by people for the greater glory of God. The fact that God does not exist in no way diminishes the beauty that they have created.

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Stephen Connacher I agree. I went through an atheist phase( years ago) but still loved hymns.

[@craigsmith590]

Wonder no longer, my curious friend. I am a formerly-fundamentalist-Christian atheist. (What is 'hard-core'?) Of COURSE I listen, and of course it is "beautifully created music by hands of man." As you say. Glad I could clear that up for you. Now, here's what I really wonder: Why did you clearly presume that non-theism renders a person musically tasteless? Why would you even ask such a question?

[@irishsummer4443]

"The fact that God does not exist"... Wow, you seem to know more than Hawkins, Einstein & everyone else as none of them have ever claimed that it is a "fact" that God does not exist. Either way, whilst Christianity breeds music like this atheism breeds music like Marilyn Manson. End of debate.

[@organbuilder272]

@Chrispin Odinga May you get off your ivory tower. There is no god, there only what you think you are. You have the right , yea, the obligation to create. This is why your brain evolved as it has. This music and the machine that plays behind it are all creations of men who worship a myth, a fairy tale, superstition

[@christophkoebel4982]

Yes, if you love a very formal church service. So much different what the Protestant Churches of Istanbul/Turkey did. They took their celebration into the streets. That was most INCREDIBLE

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

christoph Koebel I prefer formal, Episcopal services. I am an Anglophile.

[@manthasagittarius1]

@spiritdei What I love about the tradition of the opening treble solo is that they don't tell the boy he's the soloist until right before he is to sing. There is something fine and solid in that, in service to the congregation -- any of them could do it, and theoretically it could be any one of them, therefore any of them will rise to the call if it comes.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

manthasagittarius1 I agree. That's a very interesting way to have the solo. So the boy won't be nervous for days in advance. I'm not a singer, I am an enthusiastic amateur organist, but I still can relate to what you said.

[@MrtyMrtn]

Good job on getting them up so early this year! I never would have thought... This is my favorite, and I agree with liberavieve, he nailed it this year.... Thanks again, and Merry Christmas...

[@BreizhRobinho]

Toit double, toit simple on oublie pas ! RIP les frères

[@hudsonbailey674]

Whether "Irby" is serves as the Introit for Nine Lessons and Carols or liturgy this makes Christmas a daily reality as it was intended.

[@TheCatfeeesh]

I had to sing this solo at school, aged eight my parents didn't show up!

[@maync1]

I'm sorry for you. But perhaps you got over it.

[@siebedekoning8857]

Dear Catfeeesh, that is a terrible mistake from your parents. Be aware you sang for the Holy God himself. Greetings from a headmaster in the Netherlands.

[@man2meandyou]

soooo cool! when im 18 im going to go to Cambridge University :D

[@joegrafter]

best christmas song ever

[@IisEmtelo]

Im the best solo in my school! In this song and opera singing, descant

[@edwardallen1195]

Merry Christmas to all

[@bessybarn]

I'm from Cambridge!

[@forestgreenorgangeek3473]

Deborah Meyler Cool!

[@hudsonbailey674]

Deborah Meyler, you truly hail from a city rich in culture. Such is a gift.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

Hudson Bailey I fervently agree. Cambridge is beautiful on KZbin and someday I hope to be brave enough to get on an airplane and go visit KCC.

[@gobby39]

Deborah Meyler that's a shame!

[@gobby39]

Hudson Bailey am from gateshead the toilet of Britain!

[@audiophile55]

@shannon110998 This is great! You should be proud to have been asked to perform this. This is one of my favorite Christmas Carols. I long for the day that I can perform with an orchestra, playing percussion, i.e timpani, chimes, orchestra bells, etc. I hope you do very well.

[@manishmulwani7320]

I like this song

[@robzrob]

@jp00w5941 I'm no Christian either, but can't imagine life without 'Once In Royal David's City' and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.'

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

robzrob you forgot O Little Town of Bethlehem (tune: FOREST GREEN by Rafe Vaughan Williams)