O Little Town Of Bethlehem

This interesting new take on the classic carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem by Swiss composer Carl Rütti formed one-third of a trio of carols that reinvigorated the old favourites with fresh and interesting musical elements. The Three Carols medley was initiated in 1996, with O Little Town Of Bethlehem forming the Adagio section. Carl Rütti's work blends the English choral tradition with other genres such as jazz and blues. His work defies expectations and, as such, this would make a great piece to perform for choirs who are perhaps tired of the traditional Christmas choral works. In the September 2015 issue of Organists' Review, Michael Overbury wrote that this piece is"[w]ell crafter and emotionally engaging...the painfully bittersweet clashes convey the poignancy of the Incarnation superbly well."