Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" is one of the great works of the 20th century for treble voices. The sound is fresh and bright, with virtuosic passages for both voices and harp.

The Ceremony of Carols was inspired by Britten's discovery of "The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems" and was apparently composed in part while returning to Britain from the United States. The carols are largely the product of 15th and 16th century writers, most of whom are anonymous. They retain their unique flavor by Britten's extensive use of old English language in the style of Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". The work was first sung by the Morriston Boys' Choir, conducted by Britten, at the Wigmore Hall in London in December, 1943.

Based on medieval carol texts, it begins with a Procession based on a Christmas Gregorian chant, and then continues through a series of carol settings for 3-part chorus, and solo voices. The sound is fresh and bright, with virtuosic passages for both voices and harp. Medieval Chants, Carols, and Renaissance Motets are all sung by men's voices (countertenor, tenor, and bass). Included are medieval carols, Christmas Gregorian chant, and motets by Talis, Victoria, and Hassler.