The venerable English chapel choir recording has gone in new directions in recent years, with the inclusion of contemporary repertory, American and Continental pieces, and more. That doesn't mean there isn't still room for a traditionalist outing, and that's what you get here from the Merton College Choir, Oxford, and Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra under Benjamin Nicholas. There are carols in familiar arrangements by David Willcocks, imposingly introduced by brass; there are a few lush French pieces; there are contemporary compositions of a thoroughly tonal cast. Several are by John Rutter, one from very early in his career. The program is intelligently shaped, with the Willcocks arrangements standing as central pillars rather than as announcements of pomp, and the slightly chromatic close harmonies of American compsoer Morton Lauridsen ends things, in this context, on a somewhat mysterious note. The biggest stars are the mixed-gender choir itself, with a rich sound that fits the repertory extremely well, and above all Delphian's engineers, who balance choir, orchestra, and organ with glittering clarity. A fine holiday gift or simply a listening session for the traditionally minded.