Book Description

An extraordinary 3-in-1 collection with hardback book about fascinating stories behind Christmas carols or music composed for the amusement of children. Comes with CD in its own jewel case and bonus softback Songbook with carol music scores. Includes exquisite collection of 58 images, many full-page color plates, including magnificent works by Guido Reni, Georges de La Tour, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Edward Burne-Jones; brilliant miniature illuminations from several Book of Hours; and nostalgic illustrations from notables as William Blake, Jesse Wilcox Smith, and Ezra Jack Keats. Classical works performed by world renowned choirs and orchestras include "Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten, "Evening Prayer" from Engelbert Humperdinck's opera "Hansel and Gretel," and four pieces from "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky.