Katherine Jenkins: This is Christmas - an album guide
A selection of the best Christmas songs for this festive season, performed by the reigning queen of the classical crossover charts, Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins. If you're wondering what's on the album, here's our handy track list with a guide to the music.
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1. O Come O Come Emmanuel
Katherine kicks off her first official Christmas offering with an English translation of the Latin Hymn 'Veni Emmanuel'. It's based on the Biblical prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel.
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2. Ding Dong Merrily On High
A suitably jolly rendition of this classic Christmas carol, with a lively orchestration and full choir to accompany Katherine's singing.
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3. Away In A Manger
It might seem as though this timeless classic has always been around, but it was first seen in the 'Little Children's Book for Schools and Families', published in 1885.
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4. In Dulci Jubilo
The original version of this Christmas hymn uses traditional Latin and German text, dating from around 1328 - this version is in English. According to folklore, the German mystic Heinrich Seuse joined the angels in a dance of worship after hearing them sing the words.
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5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' is actually only a subtitle to this popular festive tune. It was written in 1944 by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, and recorded by the Nat King Cole Trio in 1946. The lush flowing strings give this track a iconic film music feel.
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6. Santa Baby
A bit of light-hearted festive cheer from the Welsh songstress, who tackles this tongue-in-cheek Christmas song. Originally recorded by Joan Javits, 'Santa Baby' has been covered by a wide range of artists including Madonna, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and The Swingle Singers.
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7. Deck the Halls
Festive and pastoral all at once, this lively arrangement - complete with sleigh bells and a drone on the bassoon - breathes life into this traditional 16th Century Welsh New Year's Eve melody. The English words aren't a translation of the original Welsh text, but a new poem painting a picture of the festive season from Christmas to New Year.
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8. Sleep Quietly My Jesus
Katherine sings a peaceful lullaby to Jesus in the manger, accompanied by tiptoeing plucked strings. The hymn is written by Ruth Heller.
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9. I Wish You Christmas
"I wish you music, I wish you song / With voices echoing, Joyous and strong / I wish you church bells, ringing true and clear / I wish you Christmas, a merry Christmas / A merry Christmas to remember all the year." The musical equivalent of a warming open fire, this Christmas carol by British choral composer John Rutter is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
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10. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Continuing the mix of religious and secular on the album, Katherine interprets this iconic hymn by Henry Smart, with lyrics written by English poet James Montgomery. Katherine's soaring vocals, festive flutes and angelic harps transform this carol into a glittering glimpse of Christmas magic, whatever the time of year.
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11. Wexford Carol
A beautiful harp, shimmering strings, and an ethereal flute all contribute to this piece's feel of other-worldliness. It was written around the 12th Century, telling the story of Jesus' birth.
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12. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
"Hark! how all the welkin rings / Glory to the King of Kings". Luckily, Mendelssohn decided not to use the original words, written by Charles Wesley in 1739, and the carol has become a firm Christmas favourite.
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13. Come What May (featuring Placido Domingo)
A departure from the Christmas theme, Katherine duets with the star Spanish tenor, Placido Domingo, for this heart-wrenching tune from Baz Lurhmann's 'Moulin Rouge'.
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14. O Holy Night
"O night divine, O night when Christ was born!" Katherine teams up with Nathan Pacheco for beautifully reflective end to this seasonal album.
