Christmas Carols

John Potter’s books include Song, Tenor, and A History of Singing. A former member of the Hilliard Ensemble, his singing career has included first performances of works by Luciano Berio, Arvo Pärt, Gavin Bryars, and Sting, and once, as a young boy, the solo in “Once in Royal David’s City” at King’s College, Cambridge. He now records for ECM.

“This is a work of real sophistication—I was left gasping by its detail and clarity. Potter is an exceptional musical communicator.”—Jeremy Summerly, conductor and author of Thomas Tallis“John Potter has three outstanding credentials as author of Christmas Carols. He has been a professional singer since boyhood; he is a scholar of great learning; and he knows how to appreciate every kind of music. Add to these his genius for straightforward communication, and we could not be in safer hands.”—Stephen Banfield, author of Music in the West Country“A journey into Christmases past, from rural bands in rustic churches, to the work of dedicated collectors of tunes which still set our hearts a-flutter on a snowy Christmas Eve. John Potter, one of the most treasured voices of our time, has a remarkable knack for unearthing the history of carols in a compelling and personal way.”—Fiona Talkington, broadcaster, writer and presenter“How refreshing to have an account of this kind written not only with academic authority but also with the creative and practical know-how of a distinguished performing artist such as John Potter.”—Bob Chilcott, composer, conductor and singer