Karl Jenkins - Stella Natalis (2009/2019)

Karl Jenkins, the classically trained master of global `crossover,' has composed a new work for choir and orchestra, Stella Natalis, as a gift to music lovers of all stylistic and spiritual backgrounds for the 2009 holiday season. Its coupling, Joy to the world, features arrangements by Jenkins of carols from around the globe in keeping with the composer's inclusive and universal approach to the message of music. The performers represent a mixture of classical and popular artistry. "It has been a privilege," said Karl Jenkins recently, "to feature the astounding talents of fellow EMI artists Kate Royal [soprano] and Alison Balsom [trumpet]...The choir is Tenebrae, whilst as a counterpoint to their `classical' sound, I have revisited my past and re-introduced the ethnic sound of Adiemus, featuring Mary Carewe, who sang on the first Adiemus album Songs of Sanctuary, and Mae McKenna. My orchestration has the usual classical and ethnic percussion mix, the latter played by Jody K Jenkins and Zands. The orchestra is the Marylebone Camerata, a hand-picked group of the finest young players in London, assembled by cellist Jonathan Byers." "Stella natalis means `star of birth' or `star of origin,' continues Jenkins, "and the music conveys the Christmas message of peace, goodwill, compassion and a new beginning whilst using a wider palette of inspiration than is usual in such treatments: Zulu text, reference to Hindu gods, as well as the Old Testament, all make an appearance! The libretto, for the most part, is by Carol Barratt together with some established text in Latin and English." Joy to the world consists of a set of idiosyncratic arrangements by Karl Jenkins to carols from England, Germany, France, Spain, the West Indies and the African-American "Go tell it on the mountain."