Album Notes

A YOSEMITE CHRISTMAS

THE BRACEBRIDGE DINNER

AND

MUSIC OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON


A 2 CD SET

With breathtaking Yosemite Valley and the elegant Ahwahnee Hotel as the stage, the world-renowned Christmas pageant "The Bracebridge Dinner" is now available on CD. Your 2 CD set brings this American holiday tradition to life, with dialogue and music from the production recorded at the world-renowned sound stage at the George Lucas Skywalker Ranch. Come travel back through time and experience this once-in-a-lifetime holiday extravaganza - all in the comfort of your living room! In addition to the opulent sounds of The Bracebridge Dinner, the second CD of the set includes one of the famed Christmas Concerts presented each December in the Great Lounge of Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel.

Come join in a Christmas of centuries past and be part of the glorious pageantry of The Bracebridge Dinner! Hear the magnificent sounds of The Andrea Fulton Chorale as you enter the manor hall of Squire Bracebridge.

Yosemite National Park's Bracebridge Dinner has become a true American tradition since its inception in 1927. Each December, the world-famous Ahwahnee Hotel takes on the air of 18th century England. The Dining Room of the hotel, aglow with candlelight, is filled with the warmth and spirit of this special time of year. The cathedral windows look out on the beauty of Yosemite Valley and the spirit of all things peaceful cannot help but be felt, as one is enveloped in the joy of the season.


The Hall is silenced with solemn chimes. The haunting invocation swells. Light after light appears, warming the great Dining Hall. Darkness settles on the Yosemite Valley. Candlelight warms the room, and the hall resounds with "Alleluia!". The Bracebridge Dinner has begun.


Bracebridge guests are greeted by the Housekeeper as they enter the Great Hall: "The seasons have now come full circle. Earth is blanketed with peace." For music, nature and peace are indeed united in this evening, a tribute to a timeless season of joy. The Dinner continues as The Squire's serving party carries elaborately decorated courses down the aisle for his approval: The Fish, The Peacock Pie, The Boar's Head and The Baron of Beef. Each course is announced by the manor Parson and guests are serenaded by Minstrel and Carolers. The Lord of Misrule entertains all with his antics and The Forest Folk partake of The Squire's largess, as glorious music fills and hall.

The holly, symbolizing peace and good will, is presented to Squire Bracebridge by The Housekeeper and The Parson announces the final course. The flaming Wassail bowl is borne down the aisle, followed by The Plum Pudding. The Squire invites his guests to raise their wassail cups and "drink to joy this Christmas night".

"The feast is ended, not the pleasure..." intones The Parson, and The Squire and his family lead the final procession from the hall, his guests rising to toast the love and joy of the season.

Not only will this beautifully packaged set of CD's bring you all of the above holiday riches, but will also give you a front seat at one of the holiday concerts presented each year at The Ahwahnee Hotel. The Andrea Fulton Chorale is known for its opulent sound and the selections on the CD cover a wide spectrum of music to suite every taste. This is a concert that you can enjoy over and over again, every holiday season!

Experience the harmony of music and nature -- at bracebridgedinner.com!