listen to much of the above, but not all Christmas music is necessarily cheesey. Although Handel's Messiah is largely an Easter oratorio, the work has become associated with this time of year. For me, the Christmas season does not begin with the appearance of supermarket mince pies in September, but rather when I have been to experience Messiah. At the moment, we have a 3LP box set of the Lam edition from 1967, conducted by Charles Mackerras and featuring Janet Baker. Other LP box sets currently in stock include Bach's Christmas Oratorio (Baker, Ledger, 1977) and Berlioz' L'enfance du Christ (Peter Pears, Colin Davis, 1961). Amongst others on single LP we have Hely- Hutchinson's Carol Symphony plus Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols (1966) and Les Plus Celebres Concertos de Noel (Late 17th C / early 18th C) by I Solisti Veneti on the esteemed Erato label. On CD we have carols sung by some of the finest choirs in the land.
On stereo LP from 1960 (ASD 383) we have Malcolm Sargent's delightful collection of Christmas Carols sung by the Royal Choral Society, all arranged by the great man. However, the sleeve-notes on the back by Herbert Howells give a chilling insight into the casual racism of the time: the notes for the Negro spiritual Little David, play yo' harp describe the lyric as '
...laced
with....the endearing simplicity of the Negro mind.'
"All is calm, all is bright." It was over 40 years ago that I heard for the first time Simon & Garfunkel's 3rd album: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), which we have on LP. When it reached the final track: Silent Night, I thought that my record player was picking up some radio interference from a news station. But no, the juxtaposition of this beautiful carol with fading-in of the 7 o'clock news of the time still has the power to shock. It could be re-recorded today with almost any news bulletin and the chilling
impact would remain. All these and more will be
available to buy in the TASS Christmas Books & Music Sale at the Anchorage Centre on Saturday 24 November. If you've missed that day - check out our regular books and music sale on the first three Tuesday mornings in December.
Jean-Paul Sartre once said (I'm paraphrasing): 'Hell is other people's music'. But this is supposed to be the season of goodwill, so you'd better not pout, you'd better not cry, you'd better not shout, I think you know why.
*Tavistock Area Support Services is a registered charity that provides a range of services for the over-55s
(Phone 01822 616958). If you have any unwanted LPs or CDs etc, then please bring them along to The Anchorage Centre, next to Tavistock Bus Station, 8.30 - 4.30, Monday-Friday.
Quality care in a homely environment
Camplehaye Residential Home Lamerton, Nr Tavistock
Camplehaye offers residents 24 hour professional care (including specialist dementia care), in a friendly and homely environment. Camplehaye is available for full residential living or respite and day care.
All our rooms have en-suite facilities, are furnished to a high standard and many have direct access to our courtyard and beautiful landscaped gardens.
We would be delighted to show you around Camplehaye, so please contact us to arrange a visit.
01822 612014
www.avenscarehomes.co.uk
We offer an excellent level of nursing and residential care, with outstanding facilities including attractive gardens in a scenic location.
"With a fantastic recent CQC inspection report you can be assured of getting great service and treatment. Come and visit us or take a look at our website.
Please phone Sue Mason our Matron Manager on:
Old Crapstone Road, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6BT Email enquiries
info@hartcare.co.uk www.hartcare.co.uk
01822 853491 7
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