A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Malcolm DAVIDSON - Helena Kean, mezzo-soprano & Graham Jackson, pianist

From My 'A Garland for Christmas' Album: setting 3 stanzas of John Masefield's poem 'Christmas Eve at Sea' Davidson has evoked the rocking of the boat, the ringing of the ship's bell and awe of the sailors with great craftsmanship. The supernatural and magical element is spine-tingling with a passionate and uplifting finale. The perfect ending to my Garland for Christmas recital.

Davidson is another underrated composer of great merit. For a short biography of the composer and to discover the other songs on this Christmas Album, please visit my blog https://helenasmusic.blogspot.com/202...

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Helena took 4 years to research and curate 16 songs that would evoke the spirit of Christmas in a different way. Her studies were sponsored by The Vaughan Williams Society, The Rawsthorne Trust and The Ivor Gurney Society, with additional support from The Peter Warlock Society and Women In Music. With her accompanist Graham Jackson, she has performed these songs to great acclaim at many venues across the North West UK.

Although not overtly religious, each song is a unique approach to the Christmas message. “I wished to reflect the inspiration that Christmas has brought to British poets and composers. This dark time of year can be brightened with uplifting entertainment that avoids the tinsel and commercial glitter and captures the true spirit of goodwill”.

Helena dedicated her recording of these songs to the fond memory of her amazing mentor and voice teacher Jean Allister, and Jean’s husband Rene Atkinson, who gave Helena so much support and inspiration throughout her music career. One of Rene’s beautiful compositions is featured on the album.

©Copyright Helena Kean. All Rights Reserved

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