"When James MacMillan's 'Christmas Oratorio' had its UK premiere at the Royal Festival Hall a year ago, critical reactio. was overwhelming positive. This recording of the event confirms the 'Oratorio' as one of MacMillan's finest ever pieces. It benefits from a wonderfully committed team of performers, including soprano Lucy Crowe and baritone Roderick Williams ... MacMillan's score is peppered with original ideas and surprises ... The spiritual charge of MacMillan's Oratorio is made palpable, its heady mix of wonder, trepidation and profound mystery stirringly captured"

"This recording of James MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio captures the work' delayed UK premiere ... postponed due Covid ... It was received with considerable enthusiasm, which I admit I don't unequivocally share. It strikes me as uneven in places, though it is unquestionably a work of tremendous scope, and the best of it is extraordinarily moving ... The performance is strong ... Mark Elder conducts with measured fervour and there's some superbly detailed playing ... The choral singing is comparably fine and admirably clear ... The whole thing is fascinating, though, and despite its flaws is well worth hearing"

"Die Wiedergabe durch den London Philharmonic Choir und das London Philharmonic Orchestra unter Mark Elder bietet viel feingefühl und Verständnis für MacMillans Ästhetik auf und ist auch im Konzertsaal stets auf den geistlichen Anlass fokusiert. Der London Philharmonic Choir ... meistert die anspruchsvolle Aufgabe beachtlich. Das London Philharmonic Orchestra ... ist mit MacMillans Klangwelt hörbar vertraut. Lucy Crowe und Roderick Williams ... bieten herausragende Sololeistungen und vermitteln Devotion und Expression gleichermassen"