"Candlelight Carol" is aChristmas carol with music and lyrics by the English choral composer and conductorJohn Rutter. The carol was written in 1984 and was first recorded by Rutter's own group, theCambridge Singers. "Candlelight Carol" focuses on describing thenativity of Jesus, particularly the love ofMary for her sonJesus.
This carol was commissioned by John Romeri, then Director of Music at the Church of the Assumption in Bellevue, Pennsylvania. Romeri requested a carol celebrating the Virgin Mary.[1]
Rutter drew inspiration fromGeertgen's painting,Nativity at Night.[2]
The carol was included on the Cambridge Singers' 1987 albumChristmas Night.
It has since been recorded by many artists, includingNeil Diamond (on his 1994 albumThe Christmas Album, Volume 2),Joseph McManners (on his 2005 albumIn Dreams),Aled Jones (including a version in Welsh), and several important choirs including theMormon Tabernacle Choir.
It has become a fairly popular carol for choirs at Christmas concerts in the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries.
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