It seems extraordinary that this should be Gothic Voices’ first Christmas-themed album; nevertheless, it has been worth the wait to hear these wellknown works performed by this ensemble...Their textures are always buoyant…Carols with obvious rejoicing are warmly performed...Living up to their new tagline, ‘unaccompanied close medieval harmonies’, this album will surely become a firm seasonal favourite.

Nothing is more striking than Catherine King’s pure-voiced solo Lullay, Lullay, Als I lay — at more than nine minutes, by far the longest track here. It’s mesmerising.