Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) was an English Congregational minister, hymn writer and theologian. Credited with some 750 hymns, he is widely recognised as a founding figure of English hymnody.
Watts helped reshape congregational singing by writing original songs of Christian experience and by rendering the Psalms in the language of the New Testament. Texts still widely sung include When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Joy to the World and O God, Our Help in Ages Past. His verse remains standard in hymnals and continues to appear in choral and seasonal programmes.
Compositions by Isaac Watts appear on
Hymns For All Seasons
Sixteen further hymns from Cantus Choro, recorded in the grand acoustic of St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The programme opens with Advent and follows the great events of the Christian year, with Norman Kaye at the organ and the Melbourne Brass Ensemble.
Looking to the Light: Songs of Christmas
Looking to the Light is an easy-listening Christmas collection of favourites such as O Holy Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Ave Maria and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, with Australian carols, lesser-known songs and children's numbers including All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.
Heritage
The Melbourne Welsh Male Voice Choir celebrate Victoria’s architectural heritage in song, recorded in the unaltered acoustics of National Trust colonial buildings.