8 Pieces for Advent

As we approach the beginning of the Christian year, I share with you the eight pieces I turn to for the festive period:-

1. Silent Night - the Simon and Garfunkel version for it's clever use of a poignant news story in the background of this most peaceful of songs. As ever their clever harmonies leave you in awe.

2. I Believe in Father Christmas - Greg Lake wrote this as a protest against the commercialisation of Christmas in 1975 but it was ironically adopted by Sainsbury's supermarket to promote a Christmas sales campaign. The music is based on a piece by Prokofiev and seems somehow to capture the festive spirit better than anu other. The underlying message in the song is timeless and alsmost Dickensian, "The Christmas we get we deserve".

3. In Dulce Jubilo - Mike Oldfield created this masterpiece and drew on the influence of a traditional Christmas Carol from the middle ages. A multi instrumentalist, Oldfield was ideally placed to demonstrate the innate beauty of this song. The tune first appeared in 1305 so proves that a good tune really does stand the test of time! Oldfield was in good company with this tune because it had previously been used by J.S Bach and Franz Liszt to name but a few.

4. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel - The definitive song for Advent. This is the song which spells out the significance of Advent in the Christian calendar and reminds us in our busy lives what all the fuss is about. It's slow pace allows us to reflect while we sing.

5. Christmas - the late poet laureate John Betjeman arguably captured Christmas better than anybody with this timeless poem. This piece demonstrates the brilliance of Betjeman and keeps us hypnotised with familiar images taking us on a journey of rediscovery.

6. It's a Wonderful Life - There were recently rumours afloat that plans had emerged to make a sequel to this 1940s classic. Please don't. James Stewart plays George Bailey in a story which restores your faith in human nature. This needs to be in black and white and is compelling from start to finish. If one film epitomises what Christmas should be all about, this is most definitely it.

7. A Christmas Carol - There is little to add here. Dickens' story set in Victorian London with the immortal Ebenezer Scrooge is the ultimate story of redemption and reminds us all that a second chance is always just around the corner.

8. The Nutcracker - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky had to go back to the drawing board with this ballet. It was initially panned by the harsh Moscovite critics in 1877. Not one to be deterred, Tchaikovsky thankfully returned with it in 1890 and the magic was born. A timeless story which takes us all in to another world of fantasy. A welcome escape from everyday life which I recommend to anyone.

I have included dance, song, film, poetry and literature so there should be something for everyone.