The Naxos Book of Carols is a collection of both the very old and the very new. It is a selection of best-loved and new-found carols, drawing on centuries of tradition. The settings are all new, commissioned by Naxos for this recording. The carols unfold in four narrative sequences, each focusing on a different part of the Christmas story - from The Hope of Advent to the announcements of The Message, the joy of the birth of The Baby and the celebration of the coming of The King of Kings. There are 24 carols (of varying lengths), one for each day of Advent. 78:59 playing time.