This CD contains all the 78 rpm recordings made by New College Choir for HMV in 1927 and in 1949-51 for Columbia's Anthology of English Church Music series, together with some recordings made during the Second World War for the Joint Broadcasting Committee of the BBC and intended for overseas transmission. These recordings provide an insight into recording techniques, performance practice and the standard of musical performance at New College over a period of twenty-five years.

The HMV recordings directed by Dr W H Harris (1919-29) are the earliest recordings of the choir. There are no known recordings directed by John Dykes-Bower (1929-33) or by Dr Sydney Watson (1933-38), nor is there any recording of Harris directing his best-known work, Faire is the heaven, written for the choir in 1925, but it is fitting that the final track is a recording of Ah! See the fair chivalry come, written by Dr H K Andrews (1938-56) for the choir in 1948 and conducted by the composer. This track was the last commercial recording the choir made until 1962 when, under Dr David Lumsden’s direction, the first LPs for Alpha Records were made.

Total Playing time: 60'51"   ADD
Recorded in New College Chapel, Oxford
CHASS 971