From Schütz, JS Bach and Charpentier onwards, many composers have drawn inspiration from the Christmas narratives contained in the St Luke and St Matthew Gospels. Bob Chilcott’s 2019 retelling adds a diverse selection of 16th- to 20th-century poetry to the biblical texts to create a rich, coherent tapestry.

Cast in 17 movements, his Christmas Oratorio is framed by a quintet of congregational hymns (to original melodies) which support settings of the Evening Canticles, with mezzo and bass solos by Sarah Connolly and Neal Davies respectively, and a pair of unaccompanied choruses. Chilcott speaks with his customary freshness, with eloquent vocal lines and pared-down accompaniments, ideal to help put across the message. Sarah Connolly makes the most of the floating, almost dreamy treatment of the Magnificat (which combines the Latin and English translation most beautifully), although her vibrato can become a little overwhelming.

Benjamin Nicholas draws a well-rounded and confident performance from his Merton choristers. They make the most of the luscious possibilities of the double-chorus Pear Tree Carol that helps to fill up the disc. The most outstanding contribution comes from Nick Pritchard, who takes the tenor’s traditional role as evangelist or narrator. Always accompanied by the harp, his engaging, passionate delivery is crystal-clear and a great bonus. The brass ensemble is sparingly employed (and is all the more effective for it), providing stalwart support for the bass solo passages and the final verses of the hymns. This is certainly an enriching addition to a niche repertory; it would make a perfect programme partner to Finzi’s Christmas scena In terra pax.

The disc also includes the delectable upper-voices a cappella setting of Jesus Christ the apple tree. Given the universality of Elizabeth Poston’s celebrated carol, it is good to report that Chilcott has succeeded in writing the perfect earworm, a future classic, one hopes. Juicy harmonies abound in the delicious Welcome, all wonders in one sight!, which rounds off this enjoyable album, the perfect tonic for the excesses of the approaching festive season.