Christmas is a very important and festive period in my life to which I attach great importance.
First it is a religious thing for me, and secondly it unites people, even if it is for the duration of three days.
One of the things that is also a treat for me, is finding new Christmas cd's, and browsing after it is great fun.
Will post here my first findings, and urge you to do also, and tell your feelings about Christmas, better still...
Christmas music..
I used to love Christmas. But the commericalisation of Christmas has made it less appealing than it was, and I can do without a month worth of relentless Christmas music.
That said, I do listen to the Christmas Orotario every year and enjoy it immensely. Actually, I do listen to Christmas music more than that. I just do not listen to any of the usual suspects (minus the Christmas Orotario, if it is considered by some to be one).
Quote from: springrite on November 20, 2007, 02:38:10 AM
I used to love Christmas. But the commericalisation of Christmas has made it less appealing than it was, and I can do without a month worth of relentless Christmas music.
That said, I do listen to the Christmas Orotario every year and enjoy it immensely. Actually, I do listen to Christmas music more than that. I just do not listen to any of the usual suspects (minus the Christmas Orotario, if it is considered by some to be one).
Yes I understand that, but the feast has a deep religious meaning to me, and the music I buy does not come from the so called Bing Crosby heap, but is carefully arranged music to heighten the spirit towards the birth of Christ. :)
Quote from: springrite on November 20, 2007, 02:38:10 AM
I used to love Christmas. But the commericalisation of Christmas has made it less appealing than it was, and I can do without a month worth of relentless Christmas music.
You have an entirely valid complaint, but (from my perspective) you're conflating a couple of distinct matters. For folks like
Harry and me, the commercialization all around us does not change the actual meaning of Christmas. But we heartily agree with you, that (a) no one needs all the stupid music that is purveyed, nor (b) does anyone need it this early and this often.
Let's all play the Christmas Orotario on Christmas Eve then!
Over the last goodly number of years I have listened to seven days' worth of Classical Christmas music leading up to the big day itself.
This year with much of my collection in storage and the real possibility of traveling during that time period I will not be doing so. :(
Carry the torch for me Harry.
Quote from: johnQpublic on November 20, 2007, 04:51:01 AM
Over the last goodly number of years I have listened to seven days' worth of Classical Christmas music leading up to the big day itself.
This year with much of my collection in storage and the real possibility of traveling during that time period I will not be doing so. :(
Carry the torch for me Harry.
That I will certainly do my friend..... :)
Out of necessity, I have to start at least three weeks before Christmas, to give all the music a spin once, and maybe if I am lucky twice..
Quote from: springrite on November 20, 2007, 04:29:42 AM
Let's all play the Christmas Orotario on Christmas Eve then!
Done! :)
Christmas Eve has always meant for me:
a) A bottle of very good wine.
b) A large Bach work (usually Mass in B minor, or St Matthew Passion).
Quote from: Harry Collier on November 20, 2007, 07:15:02 AM
Christmas Eve has always meant for me:
a) A bottle of very good wine.
b) A large Bach work (usually Mass in B minor, or St Matthew Passion).
I'm much the same, and thus the christmas two years ago was particularly special, with BBC Radio 3 playing every Bach work non-stop for two weeks over christmas. It felt almost like it was meant just for me!
:D
Quote from: Norbeone on November 20, 2007, 07:24:38 AM
I'm much the same, and thus the christmas two years ago was particularly special, with BBC Radio 3 playing every Bach work non-stop for two weeks over christmas. It felt almost like it was meant just for me!
:D
I remember this much advertised event, I was at that time in London for some business, and a few of my colleagues, also into classical music were listening to it, between meetings, and talk incessantly about it....
Would be nice if they repeated that again with another composer. :)
Quote from: Harry Collier on November 20, 2007, 07:15:02 AM
Christmas Eve has always meant for me:
a) A bottle of very good wine.
b) A large Bach work (usually Mass in B minor, or St Matthew Passion).
Sounds perfect to me....
(http://cover6.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/160/169848.jpg)
This is a great CD - it really has the feeling of a community singing together for Christmas - and the music is absolutely beautiful , from simple chants to a magnificent (thunderous organ) conclusion.
Another favorite : (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/ciu/95/24/86ecf96642a0074097235110._AA240_.L.jpg)
Very touching in its naiveté - shepherds, hurdy gurdy, bells and bleating sheep....
Quote from: Harry on November 20, 2007, 08:44:23 AM
Sounds perfect to me....
The Passion on Christmas Eve, perfect? ;)
Harry, check e-mail; I tried to send PM but it failed.
Indeed very strange - The Passion at Christmas...!
I expect joy and mystery!
Listen to Frank Martin's 3 chants de NOel - soprano, flute and piano. On Jecklin Disco : Elly Ameling and the composer , on DGG Anne Sofie Von Otter
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5126R6JYH6L._AA240_.jpg)
They sound deceptively simple and almost "rustic", yet the mystery is exquisitely evoked , the joy almost exuberant in the last song ( Il n'était pas plutot minuit...).
You might want to consider three albums of Christmas music conducted by a conductor/priest named Georg Ratzinger, who also happens to be Pope Benedict's older brother.
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/albumList.jsp?name_id1=58235&name_role1=3&bcorder=3
I get very tired of the nasty Christmas music that they play in the stores for a longer and longer time each year; it tends to drive me out of the stores at this time of year because I find it so annoying. (Although I do enjoy parodies, such as those found on the Dr. Demento Christmas compilations.)
That said, much of the Christmas repertoire in classical music is very appealing to me, and I listen to it fairly often. I have many CDs of Christmas songs (mostly of Renaissance vintage) and larger-scale religious works that are sometimes associated with Christmas. I don't tend to listen to them any more or less often at this time of year; good music is worth listening to at any time.
Heather
Quote from: Harry on November 20, 2007, 02:10:28 AM
Christmas is a very important and festive period in my life to which I attached great importance.
First it is a religious thing for me, and secondly it unites people, even if it is for the duration of three days.
One of the things that is also a treat for me, is finding new Christmas cd's, and browsing after it is great fun.
Will post here my first findings, and urge you to do also, and tell your feelings about Christmas, better still...
Harry don't forget to play J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio- essential listening!
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on November 20, 2007, 01:55:55 PM
Harry don't forget to play J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio- essential listening!
marvin
That is a constant visitor to my cd player every year
Marvin..... :)
Quote from: Harry on November 20, 2007, 02:10:28 AM
Christmas is a very important and festive period in my life to which I attached great importance.
First it is a religious thing for me, and secondly it unites people, even if it is for the duration of three days.
One of the things that is also a treat for me, is finding new Christmas cd's, and browsing after it is great fun.
Will post here my first findings, and urge you to do also, and tell your feelings about Christmas, better still...
Some of my favorites in addition to the Christmas Oratorio:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BNPB4WNSL.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61BC1XRZ34L.jpg)
There used to be a collection of German Christmas music sung by Elizabeth Schwarzkoph. It was great! Does anyone know if it's still around or even what album I'm talking about? It was ages ago and I haven't got a clue. ???
Quote from: hildegard on November 20, 2007, 07:22:04 PM
Some of my favorites in addition to the Christmas Oratorio:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BNPB4WNSL.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61BC1XRZ34L._SS500_.jpg)
Thank you Hildegard, they look a treasure.... :)
For years Pavarotti's Christmas album was all I needed for Christmas. Then last year by accident I acquired Bach's Christmas Oratorio conducted by Jacobs. Now I have two.
I can't really do Baroque instrumental, or large-scale, music for Christmas; just the way it is.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5118637BXXL._AA240_.jpg)
Tchaikovsky's amazingly beautiful and atmospheric Symphony No.1 'Winter Daydreams' is always a winner with me too.
Also, i've always found jazz pianist Bill Evans' music to be very chrismassy, so that will, too, find it's way seeping through my speakers at home or through my headphones as I walk around town. :)
This one is new, and a very fine Christmas offering..
UPDATE:
We're not traveling until the day after Xmas....so, now can I find in one of 4 storage units my classical Christmas discs?
Quote from: johnQpublic on December 06, 2007, 06:34:17 AM
UPDATE:
We're not traveling until the day after Xmas....so, now can I find in one of 4 storage units my classical Christmas discs?
I am looking forward to it..... :)
Christmas, well... Now playing: 18. Mahalia Jackson [Sings Songs Of Christmas #11] - The First Noel
Quote from: Wurstwasser on December 06, 2007, 07:36:21 AM
Christmas, well... Now playing: 18. Mahalia Jackson [Sings Songs Of Christmas #11] - The First Noel
You are a early bird....... ;D
Seems to me there are little new releases this year concerning Christmas.
If you know of them please post them here, for I would love to add a few more to my collection.... :)
Well two superb releases from 2006 then....
I am not much of a religious man but i can't help but enjoy Christmas. Bach for Christmas seems much more appetizing then standard "country Christmas music" at my home. If i hear one more person out of Nashville singing Jingle Bells i might become ill.
Debussy seems to do it for me around this time of year. It really puts my soul at ease and lets me just relax and take in the holidays.
This is in some ways nice, but the mix of songs is not that judicious...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21T1RC35Q2L._SS500_.jpg)
I've been enjoying An American Christmas as performed by the Boston Camerata. It's a selection of carols, hymns and spirituals from 1770-1870, all performed with gusto.
How about Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 Hymn of Praise
I know it's not necessarily "Christmas music", but I think it fits.
Also, I really love playing anything by Mozart around Christmas time for some reason. :)
Quote from: Harry on November 20, 2007, 02:10:28 AM
Christmas is a very important and festive period in my life to which I attached great importance.
First it is a religious thing for me, and secondly it unites people, even if it is for the duration of three days.
One of the things that is also a treat for me, is finding new Christmas cd's, and browsing after it is great fun.
Will post here my first findings, and urge you to do also, and tell your feelings about Christmas, better still...
Rimsky-Korsakov's
Christmas Eve, Howard Hanson's
Dies Natalis, Honegger's
Une Cantate de Noel: all somewhat more obscure pieces connected directly to the season.
Quote from: gomro on December 16, 2007, 01:15:44 AM
Rimsky-Korsakov's Christmas Eve, Howard Hanson's Dies Natalis, Honegger's Une Cantate de Noel: all somewhat more obscure pieces connected directly to the season.
RK Christmas Eve is indeed a fine seasonal piece of great splendour....
Quote from: ChamberNut on December 15, 2007, 09:48:24 AM
Also, I really love playing anything by Mozart around Christmas time for some reason. :)
Biber's Rosary Sonatas are my Xmas music this year. :)
ps. Add Monteverdi's
Selva morale as well.
Here is what has been "decorating" our cd tray:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YA9ENV43L._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DYZMBDEKL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TE8BP5MSL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E239920WL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/218XYE0K25L._AA131_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61PJXEAWVYL._AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on December 16, 2007, 08:17:57 AM
Here is what has been "decorating" our cd tray:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YA9ENV43L._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E239920WL._AA240_.jpg)
How are these two, Bogey? I know the Boston Camerata usually are very good when it comes to early music, but what about the Baroque Christmas (where I would guess the competition is stiff)?
Quote from: rubio on December 16, 2007, 08:31:38 AM
How are these two, Bogey? I know the Boston Camerata usually are very good when it comes to early music, but what about the Baroque Christmas (where I would guess the competition is stiff)?
The baroque really is a wonderful disc...Monteverdi, Purcell, Charpentier, etc. Some pieces only vocal, others only instrumental, and others both. My wife purchases one Christmas disc a year (no more than two), so she samples pretty heavily before buying one. Make sure you sample this one though to ensure that it lines up with your taste :):
http://www.amazon.com/Baroque-Christmas-Daniel-McCabe/dp/B000005J0W/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1197827288&sr=8-4
Quote from: Bogey on December 16, 2007, 08:17:57 AM
Here is what has been "decorating" our cd tray:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YA9ENV43L._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DYZMBDEKL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TE8BP5MSL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E239920WL._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/218XYE0K25L._AA131_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61PJXEAWVYL._AA240_.jpg)
That is really a fine array of Christmas music, and I would not mind to listen in, behind your tree......
Does anyone have any recommendations for chamber ensembles of Christmas music?
And does anyone here have the "Rejoice! A String Quartet Christmas", which features all string quartet Christmas music? I think there are 3 volumes.
Quote from: Harry on December 16, 2007, 08:50:31 AMI would not mind to listen in, behind your tree......
Yeek Gads! Harry's a Christmas music stalker ... or an aural version of a "Peeping Tom". :D
PS: I have found enough LPs and CDs to cobble 5 programs of Classical music appropriate for the season. So the fun begins on Thursday.
Music I shall be listening to for the next seven days (and only this week as I listen to it at no other time) includes:
Hely-Hutchinson: A Carol Symphony
Vaughan Williams: Hodie (the lovely new Naxos recording)
Arnold: Fantasy on Christmas Carols
What about you? Is there a piece that you reserve for the festive period, or a seasonal piece which you particularly enjoy...
Charlie Brown Christmas.
Honegger's Cantate de Noel is an extremely fine work, IMO.
If you have a chance, I'd recommend checking out John Adam's oratorio El Niño.
Well, check out the 'classical' & 'non-classical' musical threads - I've posted about 16 CDs of a variety of 'seasonal' CDs that might be of interest; I have others (cantatas & oratorios) which I'll likely pull from the collection in the next week or so - ;D
Schönberg, Friede auf Erden
Quote from: Novitiate on December 19, 2007, 09:37:55 PM
Schönberg, Friede auf Erden
Not to mention his exceptionally beautiful
Weihnachtsmusik.
Other suggestions, from French composers:
Claude Balbastre's 4 Suites de Noel, played by Olivier Baumont in organ and harpsichord. It is a very nice music, based on popular canticles.
Or, Poulenc's Motets "pour le temps de Noel" and his beautiful "Un soir de neige".
For those who are in a bad mood or are concerned by the several wars in the planet, I would suggest Debussy's "Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison".
Tis the Season ........ Day 1
Victoria - O magnum mysterium (Shaw/Telarc)
Corselli - Recitative & Aria (Oye a tres Sabios Reyes) from "Cantada de Navidad" (Rial/Glossa)
Schubert - Der Winterabend (Fischer-Dieskau/EMI)
Frankel - Reflections on a Christmas Eve from "Symphony #8" (Albert/cpo)
Pavarotti's Christmas album. It hauled me hook, line, and sinker right into classical music.
Britten - Ceremony of Carols
Too obvious?
Of course not ! It is a lovely work. Heard it last Saturday in Utrecht's ( The Netherlands) Catharijneconvent-museum (for religious art).
http://www.catharijneconvent.nl/index.cfm/site/Home/pageid/8D9F3C5C-B736-3B2D-E9285C50C7CA74EC/index.cfm
Great exhibition on Polish paintings and sculptures
(http://www.catharijneconvent.nl/gfx/content/MM-Catharina.jpg)
the museum was in Christmas mood ( they show also a Neapolitan "stable", with many little figurines).
The Utrecht Kodaly choir sang Britten's Ceremony (and a selection of carols + some works for solo harp) Excellent idea - great experience.
Tis the Season ....... Day 2
LPs
Hoyoul - Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ (Ruhland/ABC)
Fulda - Dies est laeticae (Ruhland/ABC)
Palestrina - Canite tuba (Ledger/EMI)
Schutz - Christmas Story (Grischkat/Turnabout)
Tis the Season ....... Day 3
Haydn - Introduction to "Winter" from "The Seasons" (Huss/Koch)
Stamitz - Sinfonia Pastorale, Op. 4, No. 2 (Ward/Naxos)
Fucik - Winter Storms Waltz (Neumann/Orfeo)
Vivaldi - Violin Concerto, RV 270 "Il riposo-per il Natale" (Biondi/Virgin)
Pez - Concerto Pastorale for 2 Recorders and Strings (Lucarelli/Fone)
Waldteufel - Skaters Waltz (Swierczewski/Nimbus)
That's the spirit my friend........ 0:)
Well I am off, to the last Christmas Choir rehearsal in Church.
Had little practice, and being without the choirleader, much of the responsability lies with me...
O, dear, and the Bishop is coming too, and there will be a ordination.......
I think I stay home...... :P
My favourite Christmas music must be Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. And not just the suite because there are lots of wonderful music outside it - think of the Waltz of the Snowflakes for example! Surely a cliche and vastly overplayed but it doesn't bother me (I try to avoid commercials anyway and fortunately stores only play the jingles usually). :)
Tis the Season ................ Day 4
LPs
Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker Suite (Bernstein/Columbia)
Cornelius - Weihnachtslieder, Op. 8 (Lehmann/MHS)
Meyerbeer/Lambert - Les Patineurs (Martinon/London)
All good choices.....
Tis the Season ...... Final Day
Nicolai - Christmas Overture (Rickenbacher/Virgin)
Bruckner - Ave Maria (Jochum/DG)
Vaughn Williams - Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Best/Hyperion)
Martin - Trois Chants de Noel (von Otter/DG)
Saint-Saens - Oratorio de Noel (Camberling/Arion)
Quote from: Siedler on December 22, 2007, 12:27:12 PM
My favourite Christmas music must be Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. And not just the suite because there are lots of wonderful music outside it - think of the Waltz of the Snowflakes for example!
Indeed, the entire ballet is exquisite!
I can listen to this all year 'round!
Well, rehearsal tonight starts at 6, the choir begins singing at 7:30, a half-hour's music before the service itself.
Dutch Radio 4 opened up its archives for an hommage to soprano Elly Ameling - excellent choices . The Gabriel Pierné christmas oratorio "Les enfants à Bethlehem", taped in 1957, sounded still fresh . this lovely work can be found in a more recent recording on Erato/Ultima ( combined with chamber music)
( This "Bethlehem" sounds very much like a small village in the Auvergne....)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PT5ZB74TL._AA240_.jpg)
Now listening to Mahler's 4th - warm, very atmospheric recording from 1967.
Elly Ameling. 1. Pierné. Les enfants à Bethlehem. Rolverdeling: Verteller: Léon Combé. Maria: Sophia van Sante, mezzosopraan. De ster: Nelly Groenvelt, sopraan. Jeanette: Elly Ameling, sopraan. Nicholas: Hanna Weyne, sopraan e.a. Kralings Meisjeskoor, Den Haag Heemskerkschool meisjeskoor, leden Residentie Orkest, Koninklijke Militaire Kapel o.l.v. Rocus van Yperen. Opname van 24-12-1957. 2. H. Andriessen. Magna res est Amor/Fiat Domine. Concertgebouw Orkest o.l.v. Bernard Haitink. Elly Ameling, sopraan. Opname 27-9-1967 in het Concertgebouw Amsterdam. 3. Martin. Maria Tryptichon. Radio Kamerorkest o.l.v. Ernest Bour. Elly Ameling, sopraan. Istvan Parkanyi, viool. Opname van 1-12-1978. 4. Mahler. Symfonie nr. 4 in G. Concertgebouw Orkest o.l.v. Bernard Haitink. Elly Ameling, sopraan. Opname van 27-9-1967 Concertgebouw Amsterdam.
Say pjme, out of curiosity, what is the title of the first track of the orartorio?
After (track 1)
a short orchestral introduction , evoking a cold, deserted countryside, the reciter starts with
"La voix du soir glacé se disperse et se brise..."
( The voice of icy evening scatters and breaks...)
The Erato/Musifrance recording I have , was made in 1990 (live). Michel Lasserre de Rozel conducts the French Radio PO, the Maîtrise (girls' chorus) of Radio France, Jocelyne Chamonin (sopr.),Hanna Schaer (sopr.), Jean Claude Orliac (tenor), Jean Marie FRemeau (bar.), Paul Emile Deiber, reciter
Girl's chorus soli : Norah Ansellem, Raphaelle Hazard, Daphné Kupferstein
Georges Delvallée, organ.
Pierné calls the score a "Mystère en deux parties" , a Mystery in two parts. The text is by Gabriel Rigond
Excellence.
Vaughan-Williams Hodie is a favourite Christmas works. It sometimes tend to outstay its welcome (it lasts almost an hour), but its beginning with the brass fanfares and the joyous cries of Nowell! Nowell! is just irresistible.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio is also a seasonal must. I just bought yet another version today :D.
The religious meaning is rather eclipsed by the excitement of family gathering (I'm not into presents, but the rest of the family is ::)). I prefer to keep my religious and musical inclinations for Good Friday and Easter.
This year however we're doing something special. Since it's the Feast of the Nativity, we'll take the occasion the whole family is gathered - a rare occurence - to give thanks for the arrival of the newest member of the family, my youngest daughter's first child. Bébé Léa-Marie will be two weeks old on Christmas Day :D!
Handel's Messiah
Bach's Magnificat
And this
http://www.amazon.com/Simphonies-Treasures-Baroque-Christmas-Concerti/dp/B000001Q9S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1199909163&sr=1-2
I have a reasonable number of Christmas discs, many with carols, most of those stuck to the front of magazines over the years. Along side those, I tend to try and find one piece each year to add to the collection. Of course I have the usual pieces such as Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah etc. The Handel puzzles me a bit, I don't really understand why Christmas is the time for performing it in preference to Easter, which has more relevance to a lot of the music.
This year I spotted a new Naxos disc of Menotti's 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' 1951. This piece was commissioned for television and followed on from a run of well received short operas by Menotti; one was awarded a Pulitzer. Naxos have issued this on the American Opera Classics series and it is performed by American artists. I don't know this piece, I remember seeing a short extract of it on TV, it left no impression, I assumed it was an opera for children. Though child friendly and with one character who is a child, it is not a children's opera. It lasts just over three quarters of an hour. The Christmas aspect is that it involves a family who allow the three Kings somewhere to rest during their journey to see the child Jesus. After a miracle healing the previously crippled boy of the family leaves with the Kings to find Jesus.
The piece needs an ace boy soprano, it gets it here, Ike Hawkersmith. The voice is nicely forward and there is no hooting from him. The rest of the cast is very good and the words come across very clearly.
It sounds to me to be very much in the tradition of the American Opera, if you know The Ballad of Baby Doe, this is in line with it. It also reminded me of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. Not lush, it is a chamber piece, but includes brass and a piano and clearly there had to be care not to thicken the textures and to ensure the boy's voice is clearly heard. It is grateful music, easy to absorb and I enjoyed it.
What obvious or out-of-the way pieces do others recommend for Christmas listening?
Mike
RVW's Christmas-themed works have been an obvious choice for me (and many people) over the past couple of years, but last year I coupled it with the light-spirited 8th symphony. The result was successful! It was the finale which made me consider it - it sounds so completely festive with its percussion, lightness and exuberance.
Edit: Another bad habit I have that won't seem to go away is listening to Monteverdi at Christmas, especially the Vespers, regardles of original liturgical use. High quality choral music needs no excuse to be played at Christmas :D
Yes, I also have the obvious RVW items, though they don't tend to get much of an outing. A good idea the 8th. I recently bought a complete box of the symphonies, but have been concentrating on the middle ones. I will give the 8th a whirl.
Re the Vespers and choral music generally...yes, any time is good, a moveable feast.
Mike
I don't know whether technically this counts as xmas music but at least the title seems correct:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hUvLQITdL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
one of the most stunningly performed and recorded discs in the rich HM catalogue. I think I must have played it through three times at one sitting.
Quote from: knight on November 29, 2008, 11:45:27 PM
I have a reasonable number of Christmas discs, many with carols, most of those stuck to the front of magazines over the years. Along side those, I tend to try and find one piece each year to add to the collection. Of course I have the usual pieces such as Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah etc. The Handel puzzles me a bit, I don't really understand why Christmas is the time for performing it in preference to Easter, which has more relevance to a lot of the music.
This year I spotted a new Nexis disc of Menotti's 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' 1951. This piece was commissioned for television and followed on from a run of well received short operas by Menotti; one was awarded a Pulitzer. Naxos have issued this on the American Opera Classics series and it is performed by American artists. I don't know this piece, I remember seeing a short extract of it on TV, it left no impression, I assumed it was an opera for children. Though child friendly and with one character who is a child, it is not a children's opera. It lasts just over three quarters of an hour. The Christmas aspect is that it involves a family who allow the three Kings somewhere to rest during their journey to see the child Jesus. After a miracle healing the previously crippled boy of the family leaves with the Kings to find Jesus.
The piece needs an ace boy soprano, it gets it here, Ike Hawkersmith. The voice is nicely forward and there is no hooting from him. The rest of the cast is very good and the words come across very clearly.
It sounds to me to be very much in the tradition of the American Opera, if you know The Ballad of Baby Doe, this is in line with it. It also reminded me of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. Not lush, it is a chamber piece, but includes brass and a piano and clearly there had to be care not to thicken the textures and to ensure the boy's voice is clearly heard. It is grateful music, easy to absorb and I enjoyed it.
What obvious or out-of-the way pieces do others recommend for Christmas listening?
Mike
Menotti's
Amahl and the Night Visitors needs no introduction to my mother and 5 sisters. We all saw it on TV and loved it from that point on. Each year we searched for it but could never find it. I even asked for it at CD store but they couldn't find it either. In time I was long since married and had a 3-yr-old daughter. We would sit together on the couch and listen to the LP which was just about worn out.
As was my custom when working with children, I would play part of the LP, stop, and explain what was happening in the story. The first time through a piece would usually take quite a while to explain. After that, however, the child could listen to it alone with no help. It was the same with
Amahl.
Luckily the LP contained the libretto which enabled us to sing along.
I remember many special moments singing along with our daughter. Eventually she did not need the script as she had it memorized. That music and story was so special to us! While at the public library one day, I found the vhs tape and took it home, immediately calling my mother and sisters. We were all so excited! Of course I made copies for them. If I could have purchased the original for them, I would have done it most gladly.
Without more explanation,
Amahl was and is our most special Christmas music.
As time went on, Pavarotti's Christmas CD became another favorite. I especially loved to play it on Christmas Eve after all the preparation was ready, and children were sleeping. It seemed so special to gaze at the Decorated Christmas tree while listening to that CD. Later I learned there was a VHS tape of Pavarotti singing at a cathedral in Montreal. That, too, became a favorite.
We also loved Tchaikovsky's
Swan Lake as it was shown on TV quite often. Eventually we learned Tchaikovsky's
Nutcracker and that was fun also. I learned that in highschool we had sung Bach's
Christmas Oratorio and I love that too.
I have used the same method with teaching children as mentioned above and taught my 4-yr old nephew, who has a full-blown case of ADHD,
Hansel and Gretel. The next day he wanted to see it again. I put it on for him and did not prompt him any more. He sat there absolutely transfixed by that music and never moved a muscle for 2 hours! I could hardly believe it! This child had a history a mile long of getting kicked out of preschool, of countless teachers relating Michael's inattention in school and attempts to entertain the class with his nonstop antics. One other thing, I used the VHS recording by Solti. I know there is a recording from the Met in English. Personally I prefer the beauty that Solti succeeds in getting from his orchestra. When the angels come down to guard the children through the night, the music is so beautiful at that point!
Guess I have rattled on long enough.
I watch Amahl on TV (I think it was BRAVO) a few years ago. I assume the video should be available somewhere. I taped it at the time but did not watch it again. It is a decent opera and should have a place in the repertoire if only because of its topic. The Consul is for me still Menotti's best opera.
I prefer Christmas with any music that I happen to want to listen to, be it Rite of Spring or a Beethoven sonata. What little Christmas music I do enjoy occasionally, I prefer to listen to them when it is NOT Christmas.
Vaughan Williams'
Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iDb03gvBL._SS400_.jpg)
I purchased this in my latest batch last Wednesday, I have been meaning to buy "Hodie" for quite a few years now. I (possibly) may be one of the few people on the Forum, not to have heard this work? The Fantasia is one work which crops up on various other RVW cds I have, but Hodie will be a new experience.
I think I will hang onto it for another week or two and experience it a little closer to Christmas.
Françoise Barrière, Musique pour le temps noel
Quote from: Anne on November 30, 2008, 09:22:13 AM
Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors needs no introduction to my mother and 5 sisters. We all saw it on TV and loved it from that point on. Each year we searched for it but could never find it. I even asked for it at CD store but they couldn't find it either. In time I was long since married and had a 3-yr-old daughter. We would sit together on the couch and listen to the LP which was just about worn out.
Amahl has also been a longtime Christmas staple in our family. CD below is from an original cast recording from 1952, directed by Menotti. The quality leaves much to be desired, but the LP is long gone.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PCZ1G2zJL._SS500_.jpg)
As miniatures go, I find Schoenberg's Weihnachtsmusik stunningly beautiful.
Anne, Thank you for your family memories. Also, of course, the Ballet scores. I don't tend to think of them, but Hansel and Gretel I often play around this time. Despite being very keen on Berlioz, I have always found the Childhood of Christ to be illusive, I just don't seem to get to grips with it.
Mike
Well, I have about 16 or so CDs that I keep in a 'pile' and pull out after Thanksgiving and play through the holidays - these include an eclectic mix of classic seasonal music going back to the Baroque, a lot of John Rutter, and more modern discs - just to start, below are 4 CDs that my wife & I have had for a long time and enjoy (keep in mind that she is Jewish, so if this is Christian music, the interpretations have to be more subtle than some 'country western' music star shouting out 'Frosty the Snowman' - ;) :D):
John McCutcheon - Winter Solstice - just a wonderful mixture of seasonal music on the Rounder label - John is just superb, including a lot of hammer dulcimer (a favorite instrument for us).
Patrick Ball - The Christmas Rose - Celtic harp played beautifully by a great artist on this instrument.
John Boswell - Festival of the Heart - yes, a little 'New Age' but the selections, piano playing, and arrangements just make for a wonderful holiday listening experience (at least IMHO); Susan loves it despite some of the song selections (that's saying a LOT!).
Cyrus Chestnut - Blessed Quietness - jazz pianist doing hymns, spirituals, and carols - just wonderful relaxing piano playing - :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465646_T36ey-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465630_GEKVo-S.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465634_P6ZdC-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465638_Jf8up-S.jpg)
Quote from: knight on November 29, 2008, 11:45:27 PM
The Handel puzzles me a bit, I don't really understand why Christmas is the time for performing it in preference to Easter, which has more relevance to a lot of the music.
When it's presented around here at Christmas time, only Part One (The Nativity) is performed with the obligatory Hallelujah Chorus thrown in at the end.
Quote from: knight on November 30, 2008, 01:36:48 PM
Anne, Thank you for your family memories. Also, of course, the Ballet scores. I don't tend to think of them, but Hansel and Gretel I often play around this time. Despite being very keen on Berlioz, I have always found the Childhood of Christ to be illusive, I just don't seem to get to grips with it.
Mike
Interesting,
Mike! Years ago when I went on a big
Berlioz binge (making up for years of neglect, even when I had been relatively curious about a piece, such as the
Requiem or
Roméo et Juliette), somehow
L'enfance was near the top of my 'to listen to' list, and I cottoned to it right away.
Karl, I feel a Christmas project coming on. It is fundamentally undramatic; perhaps that is why I find it difficult, it is not like the rest of his work.
Mike
I don't know if I still have it, but I used to listen to Lutoslawski's Polish Christmas Carols. :)
(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/full/49/495083.JPG)
This is a delightful album of instrumental Christmas inspired symphonic works.
A Carol Symphony Victor Hely-Hutchinson
Improvisations on Christmas Carols Bryan Kelly
Bethlehem Down Peter Warlock
Wassail Dances Philip Lane
A Christmas Carol Symphony Patric Standford
All wonderful, well played and somewhat off the beaten path. Both the Hely-Hutchinson and Standford pieces incorporate Christmas carol melodies in a definite symphonic structure.
Well, we are certainly not just sticking to the obvious pieces. Years ago when I was in choirs, we used to do carol concerts on next to no rehearsal. The chorus master liked to produce arrangements, we even did an LP of them at one point. But each year, he would tinker with them, so they were often different, but only slightly. I hated these concerts, as far as I was concerned, a wide number of pieces, 17th cent to contemporary, needed lots of rehearsal time, but got next to none. I have avoided being involved with singing carols ever since.
There was a similar approach to The Messiah which we sang every New Year day. I had to learn it on my own, then there were two rehearsals, one to top and tail and one with the conductor. However, most of us knew it pretty well after several years, so it became like putting on a well worn glove. There were occasionally hairy moments, but in general these performances went very well, despite any hangovers.
Mike
My favourite piece of Christmas music is Finzi's In Terra Pax, for soprano, baritone, chorus and orchestra, in which the familiar Christmas story of the angels appearing to the shepherds, as recounted in Luke's Gospel, is framed by Robert Bridges' poem Noel, Christmas Eve. Finzi's depiction of a frosty Christmas Eve is most evocative, and, for some reason, though I first heard this piece as an adult, it always takes me back to the excitement I felt about Christmas when I was a child. It is available on this Decca compilation, conducted by David Hill.
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4762163.jpg)
However, Decca also have in their vaults another, and to my mind much better, performance, with Norma Burrowes and John Shirley-Quirk, and conducted by the late Richard Hickox. Maybe now Decca will see fit to reissue this perfomance.
Of late I have been listening to Higginbottom (spelling?) for Handel's Messiah. I'm sure that it's not most peoples cup of tea, but I rather enjoy it. :)
Anyone else listening to the Messiah or planning on it soon?
Hi David, yes, I will be giving The Messiah a spin over the next month. Last year I bought the Christie version as a contrast to my modern instrument versions; very much enjoy it. I also have a version of the Mozart edition. It still sounds a fair bit like Handel.
Mike
I'm getting this from the Chandos downloads:
(http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/653/rvwdk3.jpg)
This is my all time favorite for Christmas:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51supXbg3sL._SS500_.jpg)
I see nobody else has commented on the Finzi I mentioned earlier. Perhaps it is more obscure than I thought and no one else has heard it. I do urge you all to try it. Another piece that does not seem to have had a mention yet is Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, of which there are numerous excellent recordings. I have this one, included on a most attractive collection of twentieth century carol settings.
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/16004.jpg)
though others may well prefer a recording featuring boys' voices.
I do not have this CD, though I have both works in now no longer available recordings. Both works are quite charming and are worth investigating.
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/PRSACD9057.jpg)
I also, rather guiltily, adore the completely over the top Christmas offerings from such singers as Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Leontyne Price and Joan Sutherland, though quite understand why others may find them too sugary for their taste.
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4756153.jpg) (http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4756152.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3100R8DYWPL._SS400_.jpg)
Finzi: In Terra Pax
Vaughan Williams: Hodie, First Nowell, Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Honegger: Christmas Cantata
Bax: Christmas Eve on the Mountains
Some of my favorites:
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/advocatus_diaboli/OnYoolisNight.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/advocatus_diaboli/WaverlyConsort.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/advocatus_diaboli/ChristusNatusEst.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/advocatus_diaboli/AdesteFideles.jpg)
. . . and an excellent 4-disc anthology:
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/advocatus_diaboli/TavernerCarols.jpg)
All highly recommended!
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Hodie, The First Nowell, Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Ottorino Respighi - Lauda per la Natività del Signore
Joaquín Rodrigo - Retablo de Navidad
Frank Martin - Le Nativité
Arthur Honegger - Cantate de Noël
Paul Constantinescu - Naşterea Domnului: Oratoriul Bizantin De Crăciun (The Nativity: Byzantine Christmas Oratorio)
Henning, Sweetest Ancient Cradle Song (possibly the best Christmas music you never heard in your life ;D )
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on December 03, 2008, 01:50:14 AM
Another piece that does not seem to have had a mention yet is Britten's A Ceremony of Carols...
Yes, great piece by Britten. Another worthy (and then some) Britten disc is this one:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CN9Z9D9TL._SS400_.jpg)
And then there is always this
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41OYBgisvrL._SS500_.jpg)
though what business a nice Jewish girl has singing Christmas carols I've no idea! It has to be admitted she rather slaughters the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria. I do, however, enjoy her madcap rendering of Jingle Bells.
The Finzi reads like it would be an interesting piece. I don't know how I could have forgotten about the Britten Ceremony of Carols as it is a particular favourite of mine.
Looking at specific carols; I especially love the Peter Cornelius piece, 'The Three Kings', a beautiful melody is sung by a high baritone with the choir softly interjecting. John Elliott Gardiner produced a disc on Phillips called 'Once as I remember' The Monteverdi Choir sing to a variety of accompaniments. The disc moves through the Christmas story using pieces from the 13th to 20th centuries. My favourite on the disc is 'El Rorro', a traditional Mexican carol, the rocking of the cradle is evoked.
Mike
Quote from: Christo on December 03, 2008, 05:25:18 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Hodie, The First Nowell, Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Ottorino Respighi - Lauda per la Natività del Signore
Joaquín Rodrigo - Retablo de Navidad
Frank Martin - Le Nativité
Arthur Honegger - Cantate de Noël
Paul Constantinescu - Naşterea Domnului: Oratoriul Bizantin De Crăciun (The Nativity: Byzantine Christmas Oratorio)
Yes, I should have included the Respighi too.
I'm not usually an admirer of this composer but I rather liked his Symphony No 2 "Christmas" which I have on LP:
In addition to the various works already mentioned-of which I especially love the RVW, the Hely-Hutchinson, the Honegger, the Frank Martin and the Finzi-a search for the word 'Christmas' in my cd database produced-
William Henry Fry "Santa Claus Christmas Symphony"
Alan Hovhaness Symphony No. 49 "Christmas Symphony"
Rimsky-Korsakov Suite from the Opera "Christmas Eve"
Hilding Rosenberg Christmas Oratorio "The Holy Night"
So maybe I will give some of these a go as well ;D
This one:
(http://www.mcmaestro.org.uk/CD_Christmas_Vespers.jpg)
It recreates a christmas mass as it might have been celebrated at the court of Dresden in about 1664 and includes Schütz' Christmas Story, one of the few works I know where the recitatives are among my favorite parts.
This is a more fertile field than I had assumed.
Mike
Quote from: Dundonnell on December 04, 2008, 04:16:59 AM
In addition to the various works already mentioned-of which I especially love the RVW, the Hely-Hutchinson, the Honegger, the Frank Martin and the Finzi-a search for the word 'Christmas' in my cd database produced-
William Henry Fry "Santa Claus Christmas Symphony"
Alan Hovhaness Symphony No. 49 "Christmas Symphony"
Rimsky-Korsakov Suite from the Opera "Christmas Eve"
Hilding Rosenberg Christmas Oratorio "The Holy Night"
So maybe I will give some of these a go as well ;D
The Rimsky Suite is a lovely work (ie 'Ballet of the Stars')
Well, an additional 4 CDs of 'holiday seasonal' music, continuing from my first post:
Nowell - mixture of old & new holiday songs played peacefully on the flute, harp, & hammered dulcimer - we've owned this one a long time & not sure if the recording is still in print?
Bright Day Star w/ the Baltimore Consort - variety of old carols & dance tunes for the Yuletide season from the British Isles, Germany, and Appalachia.
Chanticleer - Christmas w/ Dawn Upshaw; an assortment that crosses the centuries.
Home for the Holidays w/ Eaken Piano Trio (violin & cello) - another varied mixtures of songs - :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/430242057_5Vtuy-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/430242063_KXkWz-S.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/430242070_dyuxe-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/430242051_RgR7u-S.jpg)
I really like the 'Fantasy on Christmas Carols' by Sir Malcolm Arnold from the 1952 film The Holly and the Ivy.
It encapsulates everything that is Christmas :)
Quote from: techniquest on December 04, 2008, 10:09:02 AM
I really like the 'Fantasy on Christmas Carols' by Sir Malcolm Arnold from the 1952 film The Holly and the Ivy.
It encapsulates everything that is Christmas :)
I forgot that one!
Quote from: knight on November 30, 2008, 01:36:48 PM
Anne, Thank you for your family memories. Also, of course, the Ballet scores. I don't tend to think of them, but Hansel and Gretel I often play around this time. Despite being very keen on Berlioz, I have always found the Childhood of Christ to be illusive, I just don't seem to get to grips with it.
Mike
Mike,
I don't know what recording you are using for
L'enfance du Christ. I did not know that work, either, when you mentioned your new project.
I have this set of Berlioz' 8 CD's: Charles Munch conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Harvard Glee Club, Radcliffe Choral Society, and New England Conservatory Chorus depending on whatever choral group is needed. Solo singers for
L'enfance du Christ are Cesare Valletti, Florence Kopleff, Gerard Souzay, and Giorgio Tozzi.
The work is on 2 CD's. For filler on second CD
Harold en Italie with Wm Primrose playing the solo (so beautiful!) and
Le carnaval romain are included. All the music on these 8 CD's was recorded 1953 - 1959. These are RCA Victor Gold Seal recordings. A friend recommended them to me.
I could hardly believe
Harold en Italie was so beautiful. I must have been in a bad mood when I listened to these CD's before. >:D The title of this set is
Munch Conducts Berlioz. I cannot compare this recording to another as I only know this one but I really like it.
Oh, and of course we shouldn't forget to mention the Father Christmas of all conductors: Gennady Rozhdestvensky (1931) whose very name - Рожде́ственский - means "Christmas" in Russian. :)
Ann, I have Clytens with Victoria de los Angeles and Nicola Gedda. I started the piece a couple of days ago, it seems to me to open strangely with Herod's dream. However, I am starting to get to grips with it. I doubt it will hold me the way so much other Berlioz does and did from first hearing.
Mike
This has just been issued! :)
(http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0886975875924.jpg)
jpc (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/SESSIONID/b6d057b6a15ed93f00beaf732263f162/classic/detail/-/art/DHM-Original-Christmas-Classics/hnum/1235886) Amazon.de (http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B002MPETW6/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=)
CD1-3: J. S. Bach: Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248: Tölzer Knabenchor, Collegium Aureum
CD4: H. Schütz: Weihnachtshistorie: La Petite Bande, Sigiswald Kuijken
CD5: Natus est Jesus - Weihnachtliche Musik des Barock: Schola Cantorum Basilensis
CD6: Ein Kind ist uns geboren: Augsburger Domsingknaben
CD7: Weihnachtskonzerte von Corelli, Tartini, Pez, Manfredini: Collegium Aureum
CD8: Weihnachtskantaten von Alessandro Stradella: La Stagione Frankfurt, Michael Schneider
CD9: Weihnachtsgesänge des XV. Jhds: Pro Cantione Antiqua
CD10: Pastoralmessen von Kempter, Diabelli: Augsburger Domsingknaben
Quote from: Christo on December 03, 2008, 05:25:18 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Hodie, The First Nowell, Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Ottorino Respighi - Lauda per la Natività del Signore
Joaquín Rodrigo - Retablo de Navidad
Frank Martin - Le Nativité
Arthur Honegger - Cantate de Noël
Paul Constantinescu - Naşterea Domnului: Oratoriul Bizantin De Crăciun (The Nativity: Byzantine Christmas Oratorio)
8) I should add now (in complete agreement with Vandermolen):
Gerald Finzi - In Terra Pax
Played the Herreweghe disc with BWV 36, 61 & 62 yesterday. 0:)
A very fertile ground indeed !
Bach's Christmas Oratorio tops my choices (well, at least the first two cantatas - it tends to lose a bit of steam as it goes. Handel's Messiah is a year-long favourite (Part I only is about the Nativity). VW's Hodie would probably be number three from the 'serious' crop.
I'm contemplating hearing Saint-Saens' Christmas Oratorio. Anybody has it?
Among the more traditional fare, the various Christmas albums by well-loved sopranos are number one. Particularly the Decca LP with various favourites sung by Tebaldi, Sutherland and Price. A particularly winning compilation, as it cleverly allotted old chestnuts based on vocal and intepretive strengths. Has it been issued on CD ?
I'm not too keen on tenor compilations - they wear their welcome rather quickly. A favourite is of course Georges Thill's rendition of the Cantique de Noel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS8G_LyYlso&feature=PlayList&p=1B94EA85D965F89D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=29) (Adolphe Adam. aka author of the ballet Giselle) - most often referred to as 'Minuit, Chrétiens', or in its english version 'O Holy Night'. He captures the fervour and directness of the song as no other has done since. Listen how forthright and uncloying his singing is compared to the thousands that have followed since. Among the also rans, the Pavarotti album never ceases to find an uncritical ear in this household. It may have bee the first 'crossover' Pavarotti album. His voice was still very fresh at the time.
When I was a child, the favourite - by far - was an lp of traditionals arranged for organ and chimes. It was by John Gart on the Conn electronic organ accompanied by the Yuletiders. I found this extract (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvxaOFyhGbw) on Youtube. I have never heard the joy and sauciness of this album recaptured.
Quote from: Christo on November 30, 2009, 01:53:33 PM
8) I should add now (in complete agreement with Vandermolen):
Gerald Finzi - In Terra Pax
Actually i got in first with that one (message #93) ;)
Quote from: Lilas Pastia on November 30, 2009, 06:15:08 PM
A very fertile ground indeed !
Among the more traditional fare, the various Christmas albums by well-loved sopranos are number one. Particularly the Decca LP with various favourites sung by Tebaldi, Sutherland and Price. A particularly winning compilation, as it cleverly allotted old chestnuts based on vocal and intepretive strengths. Has it been issued on CD ?
The Price/Karajan Christmas album has rarely been out of the catalogue, and has been reissued many times on CD. The Sutherland was also reissued a few years back in their Classic recitals series. Not sure about the Tebaldi. I also love Schwarzkopf's Christmas album with Charles Mackerras conducting. Though, as is often the case in these albums, many of the arrangements are totally over the top, there is a very gentle version of
Silent Night, for soprano, strings, 2 horns and guitar, which is apparently how it was first performed.
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on November 30, 2009, 10:54:32 PM
Actually i got in first with that one (message #93) ;)
In that case I and in complete agreement with both Tsaraslondon and Vandermolen, I would like to add to the list:
Gerald Finzi - In Terra Pax ;)
(I only learned the piece revently - from the new Naxos Christmas anthology with the City of London Choir that I'm playing often these days)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BwzM50DBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
(http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571150482.png)
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDH55048&f=christmas%20baroque (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDH55048&f=christmas%20baroque)
I'm not a great enthusiast for Christmas music these days, but when this came up a few months ago in Hyperion's 'bottom ten' sale, it seemed worth a shot - an already budget-priced CD at less than half-price. It turned out to be entirely delightful, and Telemann's Festive Suite, in particular, charmed me to bits. So this will get some plays during the next few weeks.
Quote from: Christo on November 30, 2009, 11:09:32 PM
Gerald Finzi - In Terra Pax ;)
(I only learned the piece revently - from the new Naxos Christmas anthology with the City of London Choir that I'm playing often these days)
The performance I got to know the work from is unfortunately no longer available. It was conducted by the late Richard Hickox and has Norma Burrowes and John Shirley-Quirk as soloists. The one that Decca now have in their catalogue is conducted by David Hill, but, to my mind, doesn't capture its magic quite as well as the Hickox. I have yet to hear the Naxos version.
I have never heard it performed live, but would love to. For me, it captures more than any other piece of Christmas music I know, that sense of wonder and excitement I used to feel as a child on Christmas Eve.
This is the truth, sent from above...
Every year again: RVW - Fantasia on Christmas Carols
(http://www.theclassicalshop.net/Catalogue/CatalogueImages/CHAN%2010385.jpeg)
Quote from: Wurstwasser on December 01, 2009, 08:59:34 AM
This is the truth, sent from above... Every year again: RVW - Fantasia on Christmas Carols
(http://www.theclassicalshop.net/Catalogue/CatalogueImages/CHAN%2010385.jpeg)
Great! But. Since this cd only appeared last year, this can only be its second season ... 8)
Quote from: Christo on November 30, 2009, 01:53:33 PM
8) I should add now (in complete agreement with Vandermolen):
Gerald Finzi - In Terra Pax
Coincidentally I ordered the Naxos Christmas CD today and then saw your message (I guess that we so called Braga Santos Experts have extra-sensory perception ;D). I ordered the CD for the lovely Finzi work.
Some of you will have heard this one already; but in case it may be new to someone (http://henningmusick.blogspot.com/2008/12/hodie.html) . . . .
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 01, 2009, 04:35:01 PM
Some of you will have heard this one already; but in case it may be new to someone (http://henningmusick.blogspot.com/2008/12/hodie.html) . . . .
Well it was new to me, Karl. Quite extraordinary. Even if I hadn't known the title or the words, I'd have felt the sense of ... what? A new and numinous strangeness? A strange new numinousness? I'd just been writing in another thread about the perception changes that music can bring about, and this is a prime example. I'm noticeably different at the end compared to how I was at the beginning.
I'm struck by the length of the piece, which seems perfectly judged. As it concludes, I feel I need to stop and take stock of what's just been happening. In trying to take stock, I listened to it again two more times. I think there's a quality of ... oh, I could be so easily misunderstood here, but the word I want to use is 'holiness'. Perhaps reverence would be better. The music seems to announce that something has happened here. Something strange and whose meaning may be beyond us; we can only see the beginning of a landscape that stretches far off, over there.
Some of the most striking moments are when the clarinet note seems to hang in the air, gradually falling off into imperceptibility as the singing takes its place - like those drawings by Rossetti where you can't tell where the pencil shading ends and the white paper begins. But the emotional effect of it is like 'handing something on' - the clarinet setting something up which it can't fulfill on its own, but which the singing can.
I think this is fabulous Karl. Thank you.
Many thanks, from my heart, Alan.
[RVW/Hickox/Chandos/Christmas Carols]
Quote from: Christo on December 01, 2009, 09:11:28 AMGreat! But. Since this cd only appeared last year, this can only be its second season ... 8)
Really :o. I listened to it so intensely, it felt like I knew the CD for 100 years now... :D I even listened to it in the summer.
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B00061QJ80/sr=1-1/qid=1260012305/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=229816&s=music&qid=1260012305&sr=1-1)
I am greatly enjoying the disk of Rosenmuller's Weihnachtshistorie performed by Cantus Colln. Rosenmuller is an important figure unjustly neglected today, but the music is magnificent.
Quote from: dimmer on December 05, 2009, 02:32:41 AM
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B00061QJ80/sr=1-1/qid=1260012305/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=229816&s=music&qid=1260012305&sr=1-1)
I am greatly enjoying the disk of Rosenmuller's Weihnachtshistorie performed by Cantus Colln. Rosenmuller is an important figure unjustly neglected today, but the music is magnificent.
Interesting suggestion! :) And welcome to the forum. :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511SD38BX1L._SS500_.jpg)
Not that it matters much, but found this comment on Amazon notable: :)
Actually, Rosenmueller never wrote any such thing as a "Weinachtshistorie." Only the first track is a setting of the Gospel for Christmas Day from Luke 2. The other pieces are motets, very much in the style of Schuetz, written for various occasions and probably never heard together until this recording. All the better for the listener; the variety and splendor of these 'sacred symphonies' makes for a richer concert than the usual recitativo of a Nativity oratorio. Q
Quote from: Wurstwasser on December 03, 2009, 04:39:37 AM
[RVW/Hickox/Chandos/Christmas Carols]
Really :o. I listened to it so intensely, it felt like I knew the CD for 100 years now... :D I even listened to it in the summer.
;D I agree and must confess: I did the same. 8) The finest piece being the recently completed `The First Nowell' (1958, left incomplete at RVW's rather premature death).
This season, there's another late cd premiere release with his "Folk Songs of the Four Seasons". The new Naxos Christmas cd (`In Terra Pax') includes the Winter section, but there's alsoa new recording of the whole thing that was much praised in these columns by Vandermolen a.o. Did you hear it already?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BwzM50DBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612MtOSIxWL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I've mostly played the Christmas Oratorio when it comes to Christmas music lately, and it's one of the Bach works I love the most. But this Kozena CD seems quite interesting. Does anybody here know this Ryba work?
(http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0028947783657.jpg)
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 01, 2009, 04:35:01 PM
Some of you will have heard this one already; but in case it may be new to someone (http://henningmusick.blogspot.com/2008/12/hodie.html) . . . .
Just thought I'd add a little to what I said before. I've now listened to this several more times since that first day, and it seems if anything finer now than it did then. That dialogue between clarinet and choir is pretty compelling stuff; like two different kinds of questions meeting, and not finding answers, but only another kind of question. The sense of
occasion, of a response to some not-understood
event, is still the most striking thing. I'm quite shocked by how much I seem to be able to find something in it, given that it's so far removed from my usual listening.
High time to revive this thread for perhaps this year's round of discussion on Christmas music! :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61LmLq11R-L.jpg) (http://www.orgue-saorge.fr/upload/4.png)
Recently got this cute little Christmas CD with organ music.
René Saorgin plays the organ of the Sainte Chapelle du Château Ducal de Chambéry for the first four tracks, and the remainder of the disc - works by Claude Beningne Balbastre ( 1727- 1799) - on the Serassi organ (1807) of the Cathédrale de Tendre (pictured)
The pieces by Balbastre, 12 parts from Recueil de noëls formant quatre suittes, avec des variations pour le clavecin et le piano-forte, cleverly written for organ, as well as harpsichord and piano, take pride of place. Together with another "noël" - a short organ piece on a traditional Christmas theme - by Louis Claude Daquin (1694-1772). Virtuosic and stylish variations on familiar and unfamiliar (at least to me) Christmas themes, which seem just Saorgin's cup of tea. That combined with the historical organs make, as I said, a cute disc - very enjoyable. :)
Q
Two of my favourites (+ Finzi's beautiful 'In Terra Pax')
I second the RVW/Chandos/Hickox mentioned before. As every year ;)
Twice now, I've heard "Walking in the Air" on MPR performed by Copper Street Brass. A catchy little thing. Maybe I'll get the album.
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-On-Copper-Street/dp/B004679B0I/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291467426&sr=301-1
Quote from: vandermolen on December 03, 2010, 02:05:47 PM
Two of my favourites (+ Finzi's beautiful 'In Terra Pax')
Fully seconded! As for Finzi's `entirely beautiful' In Terra Pax, I've been playing this wonderful cd a lot, these days:
(http://www.vlbutikken.no/assets/images/8572102_66646f_rszd_2.jpeg)
I have just hauled that disc out to load onto my iPod. I think the Finzi piece is incomplete....this is the only part/version of it that I have heard.
I also decided to add a HIP version of the Bach Christmas Oratorio to my two non-hip versions. I am thoroughly enjoying the Harnoncourt version Schafer/Fink etc. But despite just how good the soloists are, I miss DFD, Baker and Janowitz on their various versions.
Mike
Quote from: knight on December 05, 2010, 11:05:04 PM
I have just hauled that disc out to load onto my iPod. I think the Finzi piece is incomplete....this is the only part/version of it that I have heard.
Are you refering to "In Terra Pax", Mike? It runs a few seconds longer than the David Hill version on Decca. And, as far as I remember, is the same as the old Richard Hickox version. Does that mean it is usually cut?
I thought that it was part of a longer piece. I may be wrong.
Mike
Quote from: knight on December 06, 2010, 08:05:17 AM
I thought that it was part of a longer piece. I may be wrong.
Mike
Found this on the web
In Terra Pax was composed in 1954 and was almost the last piece that Finzi wrote, though its genesis can be traced to an event some thirty years previously, when one Christmas Eve he had climbed up to the church at the top of his beloved Chosen Hill, between Gloucester and Cheltenham. The sound of the midnight bells ringing out across the frosty Gloucestershire valleys evidently made a lasting impression on him, retrospectively providing the idea for In Terra Pax, as he told Vaughan Williams.
The work is a setting of two verses from Robert Bridges' fine poem, 'Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913', subtitled Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis (Peace and goodwill to all men), which Finzi imaginatively and skilfully uses to frame St Luke's account of the angels' appearance to the shepherds. In Terra Pax is subtitled 'Christmas Scene', and Finzi explained that 'the Nativity becomes a vision seen by a wanderer on a dark and frosty Christmas Eve in our own familiar landscape'. This placing of the Biblical story into an English pastoral context is entirely consistent with Finzi's close affinity with the English Romantic tradition, and his lifelong dedication to the creation of his own rural paradise at his home in Ashmansworth, near Newbury.
The two soloists and the chorus have clearly defined musical roles; the baritone soloist takes the voice of the poet, the soprano is cast as the angel, whilst the chorus narrates the familiar biblical text. In the opening section the poet is standing on a hill contemplating the events of the very first Christmas, the sound of the distant church bells becoming for him the sound of an angel choir. This image is expressed in a pealing-bells motif which, together with the refrain from 'The First Nowell', provides the musical fabric of the piece.
Finzi, perhaps more than most, must have been aware of the terrible irony of Bridges' reassuring Pax hominibus being swiftly followed by the outbreak of World War I, yet despite this, and despite his own terminal decline, In Terra Pax is a radiant, optimistic work of great beauty and sincerity; a miniature masterpiece that unites emotions, images and the familiar events of the Christmas story into a compelling musical narrative that is at once personal yet universal.Possibly my absolute favourite piece of Christmas music, I rather prefer the Naxos version to the David Hill on Decca, though I have fond memories of Richard Hickox's version with Norma Burrowes and John Shirley Quirk as the soloists, which no longer seems to be available.
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on December 06, 2010, 02:46:00 PMPossibly my absolute favourite piece of Christmas music, I rather prefer the Naxos version to the David Hill on Decca, though I have fond memories of Richard Hickox's version with Norma Burrowes and John Shirley Quirk as the soloists, which no longer seems to be available.
Great to learn!
Thanks very much for this. I replied from work, thus the single sentence.
Well the good news is that the entire lovely piece is there. The bad news is the further evidence of my degenerating memory. Interesting reading and I suggest that a hill between Glos and Cheltenham is not altogether accurate. I live in the area and it is entirely flat between the two, it is known as 'The Golden Valley'. However, on the way into Cheltenham there is 'Crickley Hill', it affords a view of both. Not that this really matters. It was a nice surprise to learn that the inspiration was so local to me. It may have been a different hill, but the following photo gives the general idea.
You can see the very edge of each conurbation from this photo from Crickley Hill.
(http://www.yourlocalweb.co.uk/images/pictures/13/50/greenfield-farmfrom-crickley-hill-132775.jpg)
Mind you; I can promise you that any inspiration caused by the city of Gloucester would have to have been obtained at a distance.
In the Spring the choir I belong to is going to perform a concert of local composers, modern and less so, including Finzi, Elgar and RVW. The area has inspired a lot of English composers.
More on topic; I listened to the Bach Christmas Oratorio again, the Harnoncourt one. For the most part it is terrific and the choral singing is simply better than on my other sets. As almost inevitably, this conductor has a bit of an eccentric take on parts of the work. The Soprano echo aria is treated as though it was recit; very odd the way the overall form is broken up with extended silences. I was torn between finding it irritating and interesting....but he is never dull, so the odd jarring is minor up against all the pleasure.
Mike
Mike, is that Harnoncourt I or II? I'm still partial to his 1st take, sampled the 2nd but found it not satisfactory - weird & stodgy treatment of rhythm & tempi, which concurs with your comments if they are on II ...(pictured on the left).
(http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0886973332122.jpg) (http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0825646985401.jpg)
Just in case anyone needs some inspiration on new Christmas CDs: jpc (link below) provides a 48 page long list. :o I browsed a bit through it and there a actually some interesting surprises! :)
(http://www.jpc.de/cmsimage/id/1222931) (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/browse/-/collection/1194703_27740)
Q
Rego, It is the first one you show, the second recording. What a great collection of singers, Fink, Gura etc! But I am not altogether 'with' the treatment. I had hoped for more sheer joy, but still plenty there that I will find satisfying on repeated listening.
I really ought to have asked you first!
Mike
Some consider this Christmas music .... never mind, it's cute anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/v/SXh7JR9oKVE
Quote from: Que on December 11, 2010, 01:13:33 AM
Just in case anyone needs some inspiration on new Christmas CDs: jpc (link below) provides a 48 page long list. :o I browsed a bit through it and there a actually some interesting surprises! :)
(http://www.jpc.de/cmsimage/id/1222931) (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/browse/-/collection/1194703_27740)
Never knew Bach wrote that many
Weihnachts-Oratorien!
Quote from: Marc on December 11, 2010, 01:29:04 AM
Some consider this Christmas music .... never mind, it's cute anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/v/SXh7JR9oKVE
Its bloody marvelous, thank you for posting that, it made my morning.
Quote from: Harry on December 11, 2010, 01:42:55 AM
Its bloody marvelous, thank you for posting that, it made my morning.
[....]
bloody[....]!
Harry, were you
swearing? ;D
Apparently not:
In the 1940s an Australian divorce court judge held that "the word 'bloody' is so common in modern parlance that it is not regarded as swearing".http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody
You might wanna try
it's blanky marvelous next time?
Quote from: Marc on December 11, 2010, 01:29:04 AM
Some consider this Christmas music .... never mind, it's cute anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/v/SXh7JR9oKVE
Sounds so professional; I cannot believe it's a flashmob?!
Quote from: Wurstwasser on December 11, 2010, 12:29:19 PM
Sounds so professional; I cannot believe it's a flashmob?!
AFAIK, it's an amateur choir.
I've sung in amateur choirs myself for some years, I also visit concerts of amateur choirs, and some of them perform with high quality.
Here are some links about this particular flash mob and the choir:
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2864858
http://www.chorusniagara.ca/page/home
Below a post in this thread from several years ago, but my 'seasonal music' is now up to about 2 dozen discs - the 4 below are some of our favorites - tonight at dinner, the
Boswell & Chestnut recordings - the others will be an upcoming listen soon - :D
Quote from: SonicMan on November 30, 2008, 02:35:48 PM
John McCutcheon - Winter Solstice - just a wonderful mixture of seasonal music on the Rounder label - John is just superb, including a lot of hammer dulcimer (a favorite instrument for us).
Patrick Ball - The Christmas Rose - Celtic harp played beautifully by a great artist on this instrument.
John Boswell - Festival of the Heart - yes, a little 'New Age' but the selections, piano playing, and arrangements just make for a wonderful holiday listening experience (at least IMHO); Susan loves it despite some of the song selections (that's saying a LOT!).
Cyrus Chestnut - Blessed Quietness - jazz pianist doing hymns, spirituals, and carols - just wonderful relaxing piano playing - :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465646_T36ey-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465630_GEKVo-S.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465634_P6ZdC-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/427465638_Jf8up-S.jpg)
I have the Cyrus Chestnut CD also and love it. (Though last I checked it was OOP.)
Harry Simeone Chorale/ Little Drummer Boy
Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kijé :)
Bax: Winter Legends
The Goons! I'm Walking Backwards for Christmans (to Show that I Love You)
My annual choice ;D - In good tradition.
(http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/653/rvwdk3.jpg)
Quote from: toucan on December 01, 2011, 05:49:54 AM
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m465/Phil1_05/LutoslawskiChristmas025.jpg)
Good idea. Ordered it immediately. ;)
Quote from: Tapio Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on December 01, 2011, 11:33:01 AM
My annual choice ;D - In good tradition.
(http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/653/rvwdk3.jpg)
My ultimate Christmas cd for a couple of years already. :) The only wish left open being a recording of the perhaps even finer orchestral version of
On Christmas Night that can be heard and seen in this Maastricht performance, from last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uNexM9PlCI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uNexM9PlCI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR94CiqtFLs
Quote from: Taxes- on December 21, 2011, 02:56:03 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR94CiqtFLs
Mmm - nice surprise, thank you !
Quote from: Taxes- on December 21, 2011, 02:56:03 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR94CiqtFLs
Many thanks for that - introduced me to a 'live' channel I was quite unaware of. Happy Christmas !
It feels far enough into December to dig out two box sets that arrived this year:
This one actually arrived in early January (I had hoped it would be here in time for Christmas 2011)
[asin]B002MPETW6[/asin]
I bought this one along with a number of other Deller boxes released to mark his centenary:
[asin]B001EQPDII[/asin]
The BBC Magazine's Christmas issue has a wonderful free disc on offer this time around.
My favorite is Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Various artists. I have this for years now and I still enjoy listening to it every year.
-Blake
http://www.isochronictonesdownload.com (http://www.isochronictonesdownload.com)
For traditional Christmas music with a twist of Bernstein:
(http://www.silverdisc.com/images/04/074646330326.jpg)
Still my favourite Christmas music of the past two years, live from Maastricht (in this orchestral version the piece is still waiting for a recording!)
http://www.youtube.com/v/8uNexM9PlCI http://www.youtube.com/v/Xvclx0hC_Qc http://www.youtube.com/v/dywbkWa-KaM and as an encore http://www.youtube.com/v/jXZUHbADnT0
Has anyone mentioned George Crumb's contribution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft7nA4jaomU
Quote from: froghawk on December 27, 2012, 12:56:52 PM
Has anyone mentioned George Crumb's contribution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft7nA4jaomU
Not yet. ;)
As the next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, I think we are exactly on time to begin this thread.
All musical periods, styles, genres and composers are welcomed.
To start a recent find:
[asin]B005XMSROG[/asin]
To all those searching for a top notch version of this work, Peter Dijkstra and his group should be an option to consider.
http://www.youtube.com/v/BRT-89XqPhw
(Available on DVD)
The unusual 4-CD set is explained because it includes a long and detailed discussion of this oratorio (in German). :)
Britten: A Boy is Born, A Ceremony of Carols
Schütz's Christmas Oratorio will be performed here on the 19th.
Quote from: North Star on November 28, 2013, 11:39:01 AM
Britten: A Boy is Born, A Ceremony of Carols
Few days ago, I listened to for the first time these works (plus "Rejoice in the Lamb").
It was a fantastic experience (Stephen Cleobury, King's College Choir et al.).
All of them are lovely works. :)
More Bach:
[asin]B003QLY5II[/asin]
And this 2-for-1 reissue contains the motet and mass Hodie Christus natus est
[asin]B001EZ1H20[/asin]
as does this volume from the ongoing cycle by The Sixteen/Harry Christophers
[asin]B008CWR3HQ[/asin]
of which the most recent issue is also Christmas focused
[asin]B00E5NXQGI[/asin]
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2001/Dec01/Adams_ElNino_DVD.jpg)
(http://www.ambitus.de/ambitus/images/product_images/info_images/96804.jpg)
(http://i.prs.to/t_200/brilliantclassics94061.jpg) for the Canonic Variations
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F2N8X9JWL._SX300_.jpg) for the Bach/Stravinsky
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61slZ2sWnlL.jpg)
(http://coversblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/jevoussaluemarie.jpg)
Quote from: James on November 28, 2013, 05:41:41 PM
Stockhausen:
Sonntag aus LICHT (the day of union)
Montag aus LICHT (the day of birth)
Breathing Gives Life (choral opera)
Amour, 5 pieces for clarinet
Inori, adorations for 1 or 2 soloists and orchestra
Menschen, hört (vocal sextet)
Musik Im Bauch for 6 percussionists & music boxes
Tierkreis (version for music boxes)
Sirius, music-theatre (winter version)
Zzzzzzz.....
Come on, guys! Although quite wildly secularized, Christmas is still a Christian celebration; therefore it would be useful to consider that framework.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on November 28, 2013, 12:18:46 PM
And this 2-for-1 reissue contains the motet and mass Hodie Christus natus est
[asin]B001EZ1H20[/asin]
Curiously, I was doing some research about this antiphon some days ago, when I listened to
A Ceremony of Carols by Britten. This because the "Procession" (1st mov.) is based on this piece.
Quote"Hodie Christus Natus Est" is the antiphon sung before and after the Magnificat (song of the Virgin Mary) in the monastic service of Vespers on Christmas Day. The text announces:
Hodie Christus natus est: / Hodie Salvator apparuit: / Hodie in terra canunt Angeli, / laetantur Archangeli / Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: / Gloria in excelsis Deo. Alleluia.
Translated:
Today Christ is born: / Today the Savior appeared: / Today on Earth the Angels sing, / Archangels rejoice: / Today the righteous rejoice, saying: / Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.
It's used in a lot of sacred music. This morning, for instance, I'm listening to this Schütz (
Kleine geistliche Konzerte, SWV 315):
http://www.youtube.com/v/U6AF3NJD8Gk
About the performance: Not bad, all circumstances considered.
Gordo - nice thread! Thanks for starting it.
In heavy rotation here is this one, from Ensemble Organum:
[asin]B0046IGOAC[/asin]
I have a different edition than this one, but the music on this set is incredible! A very moving listening experience. Well worth the investment. . .
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. The first day of the liturgical year (New Year), both in Lutheran and Catholic tradition.
So it's mandatory a listen of my favorite Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 61, performed by Gardiner and his chorus and orchestra.
BTW, I'm talking about his 1st version of the early 90s (IMO, a lot better than the second one on SDG):
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
:)
Quote from: HIPster on November 30, 2013, 04:09:36 PM
In heavy rotation is this one, form Ensemble Organum:
[asin]B0046IGOAC[/asin]
I have a different edition than this one, but the music on this set is incredible! A very moving listening experience. Well worth the investment. . .
Wishlisted. :)
A few baroque Magnificats:
(http://106.imagebam.com/download/UYcBzGUq6zJ8c9gBjSsfxQ/29214/292132802/jsbao_magnificats.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Magnificat-3-Masaaki-Suzuki/dp/B00007GXJ3/
Medieval carols and motets:
(http://101.imagebam.com/download/w-WKAb2ppVt-2uv-iFZJMg/29214/292132810/oyn-a4.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Yoolis-Night-Medieval-Carols-Motets/dp/B00G2IK0RW/
And, being a chauvinist pig, carols and Dutch Christmas songs by Aafje Heynis:
(http://108.imagebam.com/download/KOWE8GlLS0irix7mFUJL1A/29214/292134990/ah-am_s.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ddj2Y1w14uk
Quote from: Mandryka on November 28, 2013, 12:26:58 PM
(http://www.ambitus.de/ambitus/images/product_images/info_images/96804.jpg)
Do you know Rohmeyer´s other Bach-recording on the Marcussen organ in Dom zu Lübeck?
It is just as good as this one, and the organ is among Marcussen´s better creations.
I think an integral was intended. A pity it wasn´t realized, for Rohmeyer is a fine and authorative musician.
The excellent Collegium Marianum:
[asin]B002Q1LK0U[/asin]
Quote from: Gordo on December 01, 2013, 01:48:11 PM
The excellent Collegium Marianum:
Looks excellent, Gordo!
Thanks for bringing it to my attention. :)
Now playing for thread duty:
[asin]B000000SCT[/asin]
Quote from: HIPster on December 01, 2013, 04:41:06 PM
Now playing for thread duty:
[asin]B000000SCT[/asin]
Excellent!
It's included here:
[asin]B000FQITXE[/asin]
Therefore, it has been added to the queue for the next week.
These days I have been listening to several versions of Bach's cantatas for Advent. As you probably know, liturgical tradition in Leipzig forbade the use of "figural music" after the First Sunday of Advent until Christmas. So there are not too many cantatas for this period of the year.
As I said yesterday, Gardiner 1 (Archiv) performs my favorite version of the cantata Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61. Principally (but not only) because of the way how he manages the initial chorus (true core of this cantata: French overture plus German chorale), as a sort of vibrant announcement of the arriving of the Lion of Judah, the young king, the liberator. Exactly the opposite way chosen by Koopman, who is pompous, solemn and slow. As the announcement of the arrival of a fat and tired king.
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
Gardiner 2 (SDG) is not remotely as good as his first try, starting with the lineup; particularly Anthony Rolfe Johnson, way better than Jan Kobow.
Closely after Gardiner 1, I like Harnoncourt (Teldec Edition, if you accept the young soprano), then Herreweghe and Suzuki. After them: Richter and Koopman.
Some additional recommendation, dear fellows? :)
Tempus Festorum: Medieval music for the Nativity SeasonEnsemble Anonymus
Bernatchez, Claude
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aenIUIyoL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
http://www.analekta.com/en/album/?ensemble-anonymus-tempus-festorum-medieval-music-for-the-nativity-season.1365.html#
It includes these interesting notes:
Quote
The medieval calendar was well provided with a series of major religious feasts and the Christmas season, which brought a little warmth to the cold of winter, was especially well suited to celebration. As falling leaves, low temperatures and snow slowed many daily activities, peasants and townsfolk prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the coming of the winter solstice. In a feudal society marked by the domination of the strongest and strict religious morals, in which war, crusades, and outbreaks of the plague and other epidemics were common occurrences, the Christmas tempus festorum was eagerly awaited, bringing as it did a message of redemption and new life.
[...]
The period between December 6 and Epiphany was, in the words of musicologist Pierre Aubry, the "annual time for rejoicing"1. The first feast of Advent was that of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myre (died 325), the patron saint of sailors and also of children. His relics had been brought from Asia Minor to Bari, in southern Italy, in 1087, and he was venerated throughout Europe as the medieval ancestor of Santa Claus. Many liturgical dramas and polyphonic motets were composed in his honour, including the joyful three-part Psallat chorus attributed to Franco of Cologne that appears in several 13th-century manuscripts.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which fell on December 8, inspired music that was either contemplative (Angelus ad Virginem) or richly ornamented (Dum sigillum summi patris), recalling the cult of the Virgin that was of particular importance betwen the twelfth and the fifteenth centuries. Christmas was a time of religious wonder and fervour, but also of popular rejoicing, and fiddles, hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes and flutes were all put to good use by the peasantry, as can be seen in the miniatures painstakingly illuminated by medieval monks and artists. Beginning in the 11th century, the shepherds guided by the Angel to the manger became the basis for sung dialogues and stage settings. These liturgical dramas were intended to "fortify the faith of the ignorant multitude and novices", as the Englishman Saint Ethelwold, a Benedictine monk, wrote around 965.
On Christmas Day itself, however, prayers were replaced by euphoria as the so-called "Feast of Fools" began, lasting in some places for over a week. It included Saint Stephen's Day (December 26), Holy Innocents' Day (December 28) and New Year's Day, despite its being the Feast of the Circumcision. In a manner reminiscent of the Saturnalia, nobles and paupers changed roles, the Mass was parodied in Church, and dancing was continued to the point of exhaustion. On December 28 children took their revenge for the Slaughter of the Innocents ordered by Herod by celebrating Mass in church, followed by the Feast of the "Boy Bishop".
In Beauvais and Sens, as ordained in the early 13th-century ritual of Pierre de Corbeil, Bishop of Sens, the donkey used for the Flight into Egypt appeared in church between Christmas and the New Year, to the delight of the congregation. Musicians took advantage of these extraordinary services to produce parodies of such venerable works as the Kyrie Cunctipotens, a masterpiece of the medieval repertory, or to insert vigorous calls of "Hez, Sire asne, Hez!" into a delicate Marial chant (Concordi lætitia) endowed, for the occasion, with new words (Orientis partibus). Despite the prohibition of these somewhat strange practices by the Bishop of Paris, Odon de Sully, in 1198, it was only after the Councils of Basle (1431) and Toledo (1473) that such outpourings of joy bordering on obscenity finally disappeared: "The Church (...) must be purged of these shameful things". It was therefore forbidden, in church, to introduce "larva and monsters, and to put on plays, (...) to shout, sing in verse, and use derisive language that disturbs the service and turns the spirit of the people away from piety".
Using period manuscripts and traditionally-based improvisations, the members of Anonymus have, in this recording, attempted to recreate the unbridled, yet pious atmosphere of the medieval festive season.
-- Irène Brisson, Music History and Art History professor at the Québec Conservatory
Quote from: Gordo on December 01, 2013, 05:36:57 PM
These days I have been listening to several versions of Bach's cantatas for Advent. As you probably know, liturgical tradition in Leipzig forbade the use of "figural music" after the First Sunday of Advent until Christmas. So there are not too many cantatas for this period of the year.
As I said yesterday, Gardiner 1 (Archiv) performs my favorite version of the cantata Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61. Principally (but not only) because of the way how he manages the initial chorus (true core of this cantata: French overture plus German chorale), as a sort of vibrant announcement of the arriving of the Lion of Judah, the young king, the liberator. Exactly the opposite way chosen by Koopman, who is pompous, solemn and slow. As the announcement of the arrival of a fat and tired king.
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
Gardiner 2 (SDG) is not remotely as good as his first try, starting with the lineup; particularly Anthony Rolfe Johnson, way better than Jan Kobow.
Closely after Gardiner 1, I like Harnoncourt (Teldec Edition, if you accept the young soprano), then Herreweghe and Suzuki. After them: Richter and Koopman.
Some additional recommendation, dear fellows? :)
Thank you for the extremely informative post, Gordo. ;)
I am unfamiliar with this Gardiner (1) - and (2) for that matter - but am curious to check it out after reading this. . .
In answer to your call for recommendations, I submit this one from Milnes and Montreal Baroque:
[asin]B001F1YC2K[/asin]
Quote from: HIPster on December 02, 2013, 04:48:42 PM
In answer to your call for recommendations, I submit this one from Milnes and Montreal Baroque:
[asin]B001F1YC2K[/asin]
I can listen to this via NML. Thanks for this recommendation! :)
Today I found this new release of one of my favorite Baroque ensembles:
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/668/MI0003668391.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
8)
Completely forgot about this one when I posted suggestions the other day
[asin]B003OXILP6[/asin]
And this, which has a wider selection of music, and an alternate performance of the Tallis mass (although I think I prefer Stile Antico's recording for the mass itself)
[asin]B0000E3HIT[/asin]
There is no Boxing Day Cantata, is there?
The Thomaskirche does not seem to have included the Feast of All Boxes in its liturgical calendar, but for the Second Day of Christmas, there are BWV numbers 40, 57, and 121, and of course the second part of BWV 248.
Quote from: Gordo on December 02, 2013, 06:23:40 AM
Tempus Festorum: Medieval music for the Nativity Season
Ensemble Anonymus
Bernatchez, Claude
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aenIUIyoL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
I will consider a relisten- might be beneficial.
There is also this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Feast-Fools-New-London-Consort/dp/B0018B7RSS/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1386203969&sr=1-4&keywords=philip+pickett
and a similar recording by René Clemencic on Harmonia Mundi, which I can´t find at the moment. It may be OOP.
Quote from: (: premont :) on December 04, 2013, 03:44:15 PM
I will consider a relisten- might be beneficial.
There is also this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Feast-Fools-New-London-Consort/dp/B0018B7RSS/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1386203969&sr=1-4&keywords=philip+pickett
and a similar recording by René Clemencic on Harmonia Mundi, which I can´t find at the moment. It may be OOP.
That Pickett's disk looks enticing.
On the basis of your post, I found this:
La Fête de l'Âne - Traditions du Moyen-Age
Clemencic Consort - René Clemencic, dir.
http://www.medieval.org/emfaq/cds/hmu1036.htm
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41W%2BJW4rntL.jpg)
La Fête des Fous
Obsidienne - Emmanuel Bonnardot
Calliope CAL 9344
http://www.medieval.org/emfaq/cds/clp9344.htm
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SX8902MDL._SY300_.jpg)
Both of them are OOP. :(
Quote from: springrite on December 04, 2013, 08:47:06 AM
There is no Boxing Day Cantata, is there?
I think the "Boxing Day" is not a German secular celebration, but I could be wrong. Anyway, this day matches with the Christian feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
On the Second Day of Christmas, the Lutheran Church in Leipzig celebrated Christmas and St. Stephen's Day in alternating years, with different readings:
- For Christmas:
Titus 3:4–7, God's mercy appeared in Christ
Luke 2:15–20, the shepherds at the manger
- For St. Stephen's Day:
Acts 6:8–15 and 7:55–60, Martyrdom of Stephen
Matthew 23:35–39, Jerusalem killing her prophets
The cantatas for the day are those pointed out by Jeffrey, but apparently they are not directly related to St. Stephen, excepting a reference in BWV 57. :)
Baroque Christmas (Corelli, Torelli, Manfredini, Scarlatti, Buxtehude, Bernhard)
New Trinity Baroque
Kathryn Mueller, Wanda Yang Temko, soprans
Predrag Gosta, conductor
(http://cdn-images.deezer.com/images/cover/12887f8b4efb50c6dd76605215e2b987/500x500-000000-80-0-0.jpg)
An excellent recital by an also excellent American HIP ensemble. :)
http://www.newtrinitybaroque.org
"Atlanta's leading early music ensemble"
8)
This:
[asin]B000J3OVLM[/asin]
Lovely work. (Although I can't vouch for this particular recording.)
And this:
[asin]B000B6N66S[/asin]
Is anyone familiar with this recording, under the leadership of Jean Tubery?
[asin]B000VIFMOA[/asin]
I also wonder if the music on that release, is - partial or whole - included as a part of this 3 CD collection:
[asin]B008XQ4NOW[/asin]
Anyone familiar with this set?
Quote from: Gordo on December 04, 2013, 05:57:11 PM
I think the "Boxing Day" is not a German secular celebration, but I could be wrong. Anyway, this day matches with the Christian feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
On the Second Day of Christmas, the Lutheran Church in Leipzig celebrated Christmas and St. Stephen's Day in alternating years, with different readings:
St. Stephen! ;)
[asin]B00007LTIJ[/asin]
Quote from: HIPster on December 05, 2013, 03:39:46 PM
Is anyone familiar with this recording, under the leadership of Jean Tubery?
[asin]B000VIFMOA[/asin]
I also wonder if the music on that release, is - partial or whole - included as a part of this 3 CD collection:
[asin]B008XQ4NOW[/asin]
Anyone familiar with this set?
Here is the content of that 3-CD set:
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/A-Baroque-Christmas/hnum/3180240
As far I can see just part of the first CD is included there.
St. Stephen rocks out! :D
Quote from: Gordo on December 05, 2013, 04:48:29 PM
Here is the content of that 3-CD set:
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/A-Baroque-Christmas/hnum/3180240
As far I can see just part of the first CD is included there.
On its own, that Tubery/Bach Cantata set probably makes a nice companion disc to the Ricercar Consort's forthcoming release.
Here's the amazon link to that one:
[asin]B00FEMGC7O[/asin]
Thanks Gordo, for alerting me to this release! Their
Bach: Magnificat release is getting a lot of "seasonal play" right now! An excellent release:
[asin]B002P9KAHM[/asin]
Quote from: Gordo on December 05, 2013, 04:48:29 PM
St. Stephen rocks out! :D
"In and out of the garden he goes"
December 8 - Celebration of the "Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Roman Catholic title)
(http://cdn-images.deezer.com/images/cover/08b61c33bd58be42fc09dd5a167f4fcc/500x500-000000-80-0-0.jpg)
Liutenant Kije Suite. Especially Troika. Of course it wasn't intended as Christmas music, but sure SOUNDS like it...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ItSMlUKzL.jpg)
Pergolesi
Messa di S. Emidio (Missa Romana)
Alessandro Scarlatti
Messa per il santissimo Natale
Alessandrini & Concerto Italiano
[asin]B001E1TG5E[/asin]
Quote from: Gordo on December 08, 2013, 09:52:17 AM
December 8 - Celebration of the "Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Roman Catholic title)
(http://cdn-images.deezer.com/images/cover/08b61c33bd58be42fc09dd5a167f4fcc/500x500-000000-80-0-0.jpg)
That looks a beauty.
Quote from: karlhenning on December 12, 2013, 05:28:16 AM
That looks a beauty.
Very beautiful, indeed. Like this:
(http://cdn-images.deezer.com/images/cover/022f72ceb98e6b51b9ed61aa0275c861/500x500-000000-80-0-0.jpg)
This Ensemble Jaques Moderne is excellent, too. :)
This also deserves a careful consideration:
[asin]B00005N8D5[/asin]
QuoteNotes and Editorial Reviews
Christmas was celebrated with particular splendor in the churches and court chapels of seventeenth-century Lutheran Germany. This attractive program draws together a wide variety of Schütz' choral motets and dialogues to form an alternative Christmas story.
R E V I E W S:
"This handsome anthology of Schutz's Christmas music was recorded last year during the festive season. The selection spans the whole of Schutz's career and output, ranging from large-scale polychoral pieces to the more diminutive works composed when the Thirty Years War imposed relative hardship even on the courts of kings and dukes (such as Schutz's patron, the Elector of Saxony). The lovely Sei gegrusset, Maria combines both monumentality and intimacy, being a dialogue between the archangel Gabriel and the Virgin, framed by interventions from the choir and ensemble. Interspersed among these are instrumental pieces, mostly from the pen of Schutz's beloved mentor, Giovanni Gabrieli. There is something inherently festive about these pieces, so their inclusion here is very apposite. Mostly they are performed with panache and verve, and count among the disc's most satisfying moments; I particularly enjoyed the delightfully quirky canzona by Schutz's pupil, Matthias Weckmann, in which a violin, a cornet, a sackbut and a dulcian exchange melodic material largely made up of ascending thirds (from 2'25'' onwards), an enchanting conceit treated with increasing freedom.
The sound quality throughout is most engaging, but may surprise some listeners: even in the more grandiose selections, the emphasis is not on grandeur but on a compactness, not loudness but richness. It is largely a matter of adjusting one's expectations accordingly...but the music is so satisfying, its range so admirable as to make for compelling listening."
--Fabrice Fitch, GRAMOPHONE , From Review of Original Release HM 907202
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=5334
Found on a blog I read every day. Although it might actually be better placed in another thread.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tX8jR0e4G2Y/UqswEdOReII/AAAAAAAADXs/FdYvFgCfR9U/s640/Reno-erat-Rudolphus.jpg)
Source is:
http://leaveitlay.blogspot.com/2013/12/hilarity-to-put-in-my-pockets-precious.html
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 13, 2013, 09:13:26 AM
Found on a blog I read every day. Although it might actually be better placed in another thread.
If you accept our humble purposes (limited to 2013), it's a perfect find for this thread. :)
I saw that on Facebook, perhaps some other forumites did, too ;)
Quote from: Drosera on December 05, 2013, 06:25:49 AM
This:
[asin]B000J3OVLM[/asin]
Lovely work. (Although I can't vouch for this particular recording.)
Thanks for this recommendation! It's a beautiful work!
I'm listening to that Carus disk, indeed. It's excellent. :)
Quote from: Gordo on December 15, 2013, 06:09:28 PM
Thanks for this recommendation! It's a beautiful work!
I'm listening to that Carus disk, indeed. It's excellent. :)
Glad you like it! It's such a 'catchy' work, I'm surprised it isn't more popular.
The Saint-Saens looks interesting - must investigate.
Here are my two recommendations:
[asin]B000WPJ6EO[/asin]
[asin]B002QEXBYA[/asin]
Finzi's 'In Terra Pax' is an especially lovely work.
The last section of Vaughan Williams's 'Folk Songs of the Four Seasons' (on the Finzi disc) is also a lovely, inspiriting end to the CD.
As It Fell on a Holie Eve - Music for an Elizabethan Christmas
Parthenia/ A Consort of Violes
Julianne Baird
(http://cdn-images.deezer.com/images/cover/6528a19fba885e7845f445464d38df7a/500x500-000000-80-0-0.jpg)
I have loved this recording for c. 25 years: available still, although technically out of print.
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Quote from: Cato on December 18, 2013, 06:11:02 AM
I have loved this recording for c. 25 years: available still, although technically out of print.
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Nice suggestion.
It's available on Spotify. :)
Quote from: Cato on December 18, 2013, 06:11:02 AM
I have loved this recording for c. 25 years: available still, although technically out of print.
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Quote from: Gordo on December 18, 2013, 06:44:47 AM
Nice suggestion.
It's available on Spotify. :)
Eventually everything will be on Spotify! 8)
Quote from: Cato on December 18, 2013, 06:11:02 AM
I have loved this recording for c. 25 years: available still, although technically out of print.
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Will check that out with pleasure.
My choir have off both Thursday the 26
th and Sunday the 29
th, so I really need to start rehearsing them tomorrow night with something for Sunday the 5
th . . . and I think I've settled on the Coventry Carol.
Catching this performance tomorrow!
http://www.bachcollegiumsd.org/web/events.aspx
1619: Praetorius In Dulci Jubilo
St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
San Diego, California
Friday, 20 December 2013 - 7:30 PM
Michael Praetorius was the most influential, diverse, and prolific composer of his generation. During the early seventeenth-century his musical productivity became the basic repertoire for the Lutheran church in Northern Germany. This musical offering will offer elements of a Lutheran Vespers ca. 1620s as it might have been performed in a large Northern German church during the mid-seventeenth-century.
Hammerschmidt: Kyrie Eleison a 5
Hammerschmidt: Gloria in Excelsis a 5
Rosenmüller: Lieber Herr Gott
Schütz: Freuet euch des Herren, SWV 130
Schütz: Der Engel sprach, SWV 395
Praetorius: Quem pastores laudavere
Praetorius: Vom Himmel hoch
Praetorius: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Praetorius: Singet und klinget, ihr Kinderlein
Praetorius: In dulci jubilo
Artists: Anne-Marie Dicce (Soprano); Jolle Greenleaf (Soprano); Molly Quinn (Soprano); Luthien Brackett (Alto); Matthew Tresler (Tenor); Paul Max Tipton (Baritone); Hank Heijink (Theorbo); Daniel Zuluaga (Theorbo); Julie Andrijeski (Violin); Robert Mealy (Violin); Greg Ingles (Sackbut); Alexandra Opsahl (Cornetto); Erik Schmalz (Sackbut); Kiri Tollaksen (Cornetto); Ruben Valenzuela (Chamber Organ)
Ensembles: Dark Horse Consort; TENET
Quote from: HIPster on December 19, 2013, 08:19:12 PM
Catching this performance tomorrow!
Looks like a very nice program indeed. Enjoy! :)
Quote from: HIPster on November 30, 2013, 04:09:36 PM
In heavy rotation here is this one, from Ensemble Organum:
[asin]B0046IGOAC[/asin]
I have a different edition than this one, but the music on this set is incredible! A very moving listening experience. Well worth the investment. . .
Got that one a while ago and saved it for the holidays, so will listen to it shortly. :)
Q
Enjoying this one right now:
(http://109.imagebam.com/download/WUVxCuBPw2RFJItdFa2OOw/29644/296433464/Rias-XMas.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Noel-Weihnachten-RIAS-Kammerchor/dp/B00COU0720
Beautiful choral music of a.o. M. Praetorius, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bruch, Grieg, Bruckner, Poulenc and Pärt.
Recommended!
:)
Mm, that does look nice!
Advent IV
Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn! BWV 132, premiered on December 22, 1715.
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147a, premiered on December 20, 1716 (expanded in 1723 to BWV 147 for Visitation).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PpndXzM6L.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71vHbUue7vL._SL1500_.jpg)
http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Rec-BIG/Gardiner-P13c[sdg162_gb].pdf
http://www.bh2000.net/score/sacrbach/bwv132.pdf
:)
For something different, try these traditional Romanian carols
http://www.youtube.com/v/OvytYYn-i5Qhttp://www.youtube.com/v/qdOIdr624QYhttp://www.youtube.com/v/w68bL8GjfPQhttp://www.youtube.com/v/Ok0Pp9E8tlshttp://www.youtube.com/v/J2drZUsXUeEhttp://www.youtube.com/v/u-YYRWfvnLo
Enjoy!
I suddenly have the urge for the soundtrack of Life of Brian.
That is obligatory Christmastide viewing!
A balm? What are you giving him a balm for? It might bite him.
Seriously, has nobody posted Schoenberg's Weihnachtsmusik yet?
http://www.youtube.com/v/yR94CiqtFLs
IMO an unjustly neglected minor masterpiece, with some wonderfully Schoenbergian contrapuntal touches--and a harmonium!
Thanks for the reminder, Edward!
At the Lessons & Carols tomorrow night, I shall play my Sonatina sopra « Veni, Emmanuel »
Very nice!
This has probably already been mentioned, but just in case:
[asin]B0090X4H0W[/asin]
We played it this morning while baking Christmas cookies. 0:)
OK just let's enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/v/95moNkxIgkU
http://www.youtube.com/v/mAAEpogdiEI
Ottorino Respighi: Lauda per la nativita del signore.
Quote from: pjme on December 23, 2013, 10:27:00 AM
http://www.youtube.com/v/mAAEpogdiEI
Ottorino Respighi: Lauda per la nativita del signore.
Excellent!
http://www.youtube.com/v/3nmkfIcjxpE
Richard Smert (c.1400 - c.1479), Nowell: Dieus wous garde (Dieu vous garde)
Performed by Flanders Recorder Quartet & Collegium Vocale Gent, conducted by Peter Dijkstra
From the Begijnhofkerk, Sint-Truiden (Flanders, Belgium)
Quote from: pjme on December 23, 2013, 10:37:33 AM
Richard Smert (c.1400 - c.1479)
"Dick Death," they call him in Novosibirsk . . . .
I'm sure he doesn't mind: he's dead for more than 530 years!
Yet, it's nice though: eros-thanatos , all in one name!
P.
The Star Is Rising (Romanian Carol)
http://www.youtube.com/v/LuVYRZ8cmsA
How could I have forgotten this?
http://www.youtube.com/v/shTDEWgHNgQ
Excellent choice! It is such a wonderful work.
Frank Martin's "Le mystère de la nativité" is a tougher nut to crack.
When you're not exactly sure what to say about something you sort of like but can't quite classify, you might resort to using the word "interesting". Frank Martin's ponderous and intermittently fascinating "mystery play" certainly is interesting, from the huge choruses, highly dramatic vocal solo parts, passages of spoken dialogue, and richly colored orchestral accompaniments and interludes. But it's far more than that: its propulsive, compelling sense of action, multitude of "characters", and theatrical spirit keep you listening. The Stravinsky of Symphony of Psalms appears periodically--the opening gestures, the orchestral introduction to the "Et incarnatus est" movement, various starkly harmonized choral sections--and even more evident is the Debussy of Pelléas et Mélisande. But more apparent is the uniquely engaging style of Martin, who uses many tools and draws from many different materials to convey the meaning of the text: 12-tone themes, brass fanfares, extended vocal arias, speech/song, polyphonic choral sections, impressionistic, moody orchestral settings, and more traditional melodic/harmonic structures.
In Le Mystère de la Nativité he sets what the rather skimpy liner notes describe as the "complementary story to the passion--namely the birth of Jesus" based on texts to the 15th-century mystery play Mystère de la Passion by Arnoul Gréban. As usual with Martin, the work is laden with references to light and darkness, the spiritual and material, love and death--subjects holding priority among themes essential to human existence. Stage directions for this one-hour-and-40-minute work include "requiring three simultaneous stages representing the three levels of heaven, earth, and hell." As you listen to the music, you can tell which area is being represented even if you can't understand the text: the vulgar shouting and ugly vocalizations of Satan, the simpler, more tuneful, "folklike" earth music, and the more harmonically pure and fundamental sounds of the heavenly angels. Sometimes the sheer dramatic impact of the music--especially in the second and third parts--sounds more like an opera than a cantata or oratorio.
Nevertheless, listening to this intriguing piece puts you in the middle of a skillfully-crafted re-creation of one of the world's most revered stories, examined from an unusual perspective--with input from both heaven and hell! The chorus and orchestra are uniformly excellent and are shown to luminous effect by the detailed, well-balanced live recording (applause-o-phobes can just click "stop" in the slight pause after the last chord and you'll be fine). Soloists, too, are quite respectable, especially bass Michael Pavlu, baritone Peter Brechbühler, and tenor Hans-Jürg Rickenbacher. This certainly is one of the more unusual additions to the catalog of Christmas-themed recordings, but it's one that rewards as much as it mystifies. Unfortunately, for English speakers that mystery extends to the text translations, which are printed only in French and German.
[11/15/2001] --David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com on the third release / Musiques Suisses.
Cascavelle issued the worldpremiere recording with both Aafje Heynis and Elly Ameling in their youthful ( ca 1958?) prime.
Ameling's /Mary's slumbersong ( at ca 12.30) is exquisite.
http://www.youtube.com/v/dXmGhrbB0Jc
The Luna discs combines Golgotha, Le mystère de la nativité and the 2nd pianoconcerto. The line up of soloists and conductors is impressive!
(http://www.opera-club.net/upload/240_413.jpg)
Track 1-GOLGOTHA - PASSION ORATORIO (1946) 17 (Part One)
Edda Moser
Christa Ludwig
Peter Schreier
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Harry Peeters
Arnold Schönberg Chor - ORF Chor
Einstudierung: Erwin Ortner
Orgel: Thomas Daniel Schlee
ORF Symphonieorchester
Dirigent: Lothar Zagrosek
Salzburger Festspiele, Felsenreitschule
11. August 1986
CD 2
Track 1-2
GOLGOTHA - PASSION ORATORIO (1946) (Part Two)
Track 3-11
DAS MYSTERIUM VON DER GEBURT DES HERRN (Part One)
Le mystère de la Nativité
Oper in 3 Teilen (1959) sung in German
Gottvater /Simeon: Tugomir Franc
Erzengel Gabriel / Melchior: Stanley Kolk
Lucifer / Aloris / Jaspar / Le Prêtre: Kurt Ruzicka
Satan / Ysambert: Gerhard Stolze
Beelzebub / Rifflart: Herbert Prikopa
Prologus / Astaroth / Pellion / Balthasar: Hans Christian
Adam / Joseph: Otto Wiener
Eva / Unsere Frau: Ileana Cotrubas
Elisabeth: Anna- Ingrid Mayr
Wiener Jeunesse-Chor - ORF-Chor
Wiener Symphoniker
Director: Bruno Maderna
Wien, Wiener Konzerthaus, Grosser Saal,
December 21,1970
CD 3
Track 1-5
DAS MYSTERIUM VON DER GEBURT DES HERRN (Part Two)
Track 6-8
PIANO CONCERTO NO.2 (1968-1969)
Con moto
Lento
Presto – Cadenza
Paul Badura – Skoda
Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest
Conductor: Josef Krips
Amsterdam, Concertgebouw, January 27, 1972
- See more at: http://www.opera-club.net/release.asp?rel=413#sthash.5tw5yLah.dpuf
It's not classical, but I find this one a good cheery one for first thing of a Christmas morning:
http://www.youtube.com/v/H2RZ9pzV2FM
The Cleveland Public Library Found a Lost First Edition Copy of 'A Christmas Carol'
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/arts-and-lifestyle/2013/12/cleveland-public-library-found-lost-first-edition-copy-christmas-carol/7957/
:)
This moody and exotic character piece from "The Nutcracker" never fails to evoke pleasure - especially during the festive season. It's the 'Arabian Dance' and I happen to think this little gem is Tchaikovsky's finest achievement. A big call, but the whole ballet score itself is absolutely brilliant!! The soaring oboe (or Cor Anglaise?) over a gentle string ostinato (so Mozartean!), delicately accompanied by an intermittent tambourine; the bassoon with its haunting melancholy which inspissates the texture and, finally, that surging melody in the strings - tender and heartbreaking...... Without further circumlocution, here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdv3g9rNs9A
Quote from: Phrygian on December 05, 2014, 02:14:19 AM
...The soaring oboe (or Cor Anglaise?)...
It's both. Oboe first, then that instrument which is neither English nor a horn. :)
Hi,
Wikipedia gives you a lot of information on the cor anglais.
The term cor anglais is French for English horn, but the instrument is neither from England nor related to the (French) horn. The instrument originated in Silesia about 1720, when a bulb bell was fitted to a curved oboe da caccia-type body by the Weigel family of Breslau. The two-keyed, open-belled, straight tenor oboe (French taille de hautbois, "tenor oboe"), and more particularly the flare-belled oboe da caccia, resembled the horns played by angels in religious images of the Middle Ages. This gave rise in German-speaking central Europe to the Middle High German name engellisches Horn, meaning angelic horn. Because engellisch also meant English in the vernacular of the time, the "angelic horn" became the "English horn." In the absence of any better alternative, the curved, bulb-belled tenor oboe then retained the name even after the oboe da caccia fell into disuse around 1760.[5]
The earliest known orchestral part specifically for the instrument is in the Vienna version of Niccolò Jommelli's opera Ezio dating from 1749,[6] where it was given the Italian name corno inglese.[7] Gluck and Haydn followed suit in the 1750s,[8] and the first English horn concertos were written in the 1770s. Considering the name "cor anglais," it is ironic that the instrument was not used in France until about 1800 or in England until the 1830s.[8] The local equivalent for "English horn" is also used in other European languages such as Italian, German, and Spanish.
The suggestion has been made that anglais might be a corruption of Middle French anglé (angular, or bent at an angle, angulaire in modern French),[9] but this has been rejected on grounds that there is no evidence of the term cor anglé before it was offered as a possible origin of anglais in the 19th century.[10] The cor anglais still has a bent metal pipe, known as the bocal, which connects the reed to the instrument proper. The name first appeared on a regular basis in Italian, German, and Austrian scores from 1741, usually in the Italian form corno inglese.[11]
Through the last quarter of the 19th century, the French and Italian names cor anglais and corno inglese were the only titles ever used for the instrument by English writers.[12] It is remarkable that the French version of the name persists in English-speaking countries, where colloquially the instrument is always referred to as the "cor".[1]
Peter
For this Christmas-- Cornfield Chase! Ha!
Anyway, soon it is time to take out all that great Christmas music again - from Heinrich Schütz and Johan Sebastian Bach to Arthur Honegger and...( Norwegian, Dutch, Flemish, German, Serbian, Hungarian, Rumanian, Greek, Italian , spanish and Portugese....) folksongs . And carols.
For those sensitive to a religious Christmas note:
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 on 24 December at 3pm (10:00 EST or 07:00 PST). The service is also broadcast at 2pm on Radio 3 on Christmas Day, and at various times on the BBC World Service.
In the United States the service is broadcast by around 300 radio stations, including American Public Media and its affiliates (Minnesota Public Radio and WNYC-New York, for example). Unfortunately there is no list of radio stations that are broadcasting the service, so it's best to contact your local stations or check their online listings.
http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html
(https://eyesometric.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/kings-1.jpg?w=627)
P.
This will be my Christmas music for Latin carols and the whole Viennese experience - not to mention the Wiener Saengerknaben:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnLIMWLs0b8
I remember singing these carols myself in Latin when I was at school. What a refreshing change from the commercialized public spectacles which pass for Christmas carols these days, taking the form of "Jingle Bell Rock" (or, as Dickens would say, 'nuts'!). And the politically correct "happy holiday" sentiment which goes with it.
Happy Christmas!
Quote from: Phrygian on December 15, 2014, 12:22:51 PM
This will be my Christmas music for Latin carols and the whole Viennese experience - not to mention the Wiener Saengerknaben:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnLIMWLs0b8
I remember singing these carols myself in Latin when I was at school. What a refreshing change from the commercialized public spectacles which pass for Christmas carols these days, taking the form of "Jingle Bell Rock" (or, as Dickens would say, 'nuts'!). And the politically correct "happy holiday" sentiment which goes with it.
Happy Christmas!
Amen, Sister! 0:) 0:) 0:)
It is hard to believe so many years have passed, but in the 1980's the Musical Heritage Society (are they still around?) issued a recording called
Carols from New College with excellent versions of assorted Christmas carols.
"CRD Recordings" has re-issued it:
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Quote from: Phrygian on December 05, 2014, 02:14:19 AM
This moody and exotic character piece from "The Nutcracker" never fails to evoke pleasure - especially during the festive season. It's the 'Arabian Dance' and I happen to think this little gem is Tchaikovsky's finest achievement. A big call, but the whole ballet score itself is absolutely brilliant!! The soaring oboe (or Cor Anglaise?) over a gentle string ostinato (so Mozartean!), delicately accompanied by an intermittent tambourine; the bassoon with its haunting melancholy which inspissates the texture and, finally, that surging melody in the strings - tender and heartbreaking...... Without further circumlocution, here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdv3g9rNs9A
I love
The Nutcracker. I listen to it many times every Christmas season.
My mom and I were wrapping gifts the other day and she was playing music from her iPad. I asked if I could play music, and she said yes -- as long as it was Christmas music.
So, I put on Messiaen's
Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant Jesus. 0:)
Quote from: Cato on December 15, 2014, 01:02:08 PM
Amen, Sister! 0:) 0:) 0:)
It is hard to believe so many years have passed, but in the 1980's the Musical Heritage Society (are they still around?) issued a recording called Carols from New College with excellent versions of assorted Christmas carols.
"CRD Recordings" has re-issued it:
[asin]B000060K7S[/asin]
Somehow I knew you'd agree, Cato!!! When it comes to Christmas I'm afraid my Catholic genes come to the fore; no more the recessive secular variety, mine are atavistic and soon return to type.
(Actually, John says most of these carols were composed by the "Protestants". A bit of cognitive dissonance for me. ::))
Quote from: EigenUser on December 15, 2014, 01:25:15 PM
I love The Nutcracker. I listen to it many times every Christmas season.
My mom and I were wrapping gifts the other day and she was playing music from her iPad. I asked if I could play music, and she said yes -- as long as it was Christmas music.
So, I put on Messiaen's Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant Jesus. 0:)
This is a beautiful anecdote, and I love your musical choice of Messiaen. You have excellent taste and I hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas. With all good wishes to my friends in the USA too!!
This thread wouldn't be complete without Schoenberg's Weihnachtsmusik.
https://www.youtube.com/v/yR94CiqtFLs
Quote from: EigenUser on December 15, 2014, 01:25:15 PM
I love The Nutcracker. I listen to it many times every Christmas season.
My mom and I were wrapping gifts the other day and she was playing music from her iPad. I asked if I could play music, and she said yes -- as long as it was Christmas music.
So, I put on Messiaen's Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant Jesus. 0:)
Me too. For many years I used my Dorati Two-Fer, then three years ago I got the Mackerras set, which I leave on repeat many times over.
Last year, a friend gave me the DVD of 'Balanchine's Nutcracker', which I had mentioned seeing years ago and never since. As that came post-Christmas, I will crack the shrinkwrap on it this year and watch/listen on Christmas Eve, followed by Mackerras on Christmas Day. As it happens, I also think The Nutcracker is among Tchaikovsky's greatest, as well as being perhaps the finest and most varied ballet ever. But hey, that's just me... 0:)
8)
I was just wondering: s the Humperdinck opera of Hansel and Gretel still performed anywhere in German-speaking countries at Christmas time? I have a memory that this was something of a tradition.
In heavy rotation ~
Bach/Gardiner: Advent Cantatas
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
*Note ~ earlier version is cheaper on amazon.
Really glorious recording! May be my favorite Gardiner Bach/Cantata release (I've not heard anywhere near all of them! ;D).
Bach/Pickett: Christmas Oratorio
[asin]B00002R2T1[/asin]
Superb, though I wish that the sound was up to the level - literally - of Gardiner's Advent recording. Still, an excellent reading, nicely sung (OVPP) and played.
I like Pickett in Bach. ;)
Messe de Noel - Ensemble Organum
[asin]B0046IGOAC[/asin]
*Multiple editions available. Mine came from BRO and appears to be a French-only release. . .
This is a stunning recording and is definitely worth acquiring in some form. I've used it as my "waking music" for most of the past week and it has really helped me to set up for the day ahead.
Here's amazon's early music maven, 'Giordano Bruno' on it, via an earlier incarnation:
http://www.amazon.com/Ecole-Notre-Dame-Messe-Christmas/dp/B0000007N3/ref=sr_1_46?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1419092051&sr=1-46&keywords=ensemble+organum
Christmas Concertos: Il Giardino Armonico
[asin]B000000SCT[/asin]
*Newer version:
[asin]B000V1V0WU[/asin]
A joy to listen to. Very festive! 8)
I have to work Dec. 22-24, so at work I will play all my favorite Christian music!
- Berlioz's and Dvorak's Te Deum
- Janacek's Glagolitic Mass
- Brahms's Ave Maria
- Two or three Haydn masses
- Lutoslawski's Twenty Polish Christmas Carols
...and of course...
- Berlioz's L'enfance du Christ!!
Quote from: HIPster on December 20, 2014, 07:21:23 AM
Bach/Pickett: Christmas Oratorio
[asin]B00002R2T1[/asin]
Superb, though I wish that the sound was up to the level - literally - of Gardiner's Advent recording. Still, an excellent reading, nicely sung (OVPP) and played.
I like Pickett in Bach. ;)
Me, too, especially his Brandenburgs! I think I will get this Christmas Oratorio; it looks very promising! :)
After some Chopin, I'm listening to:
(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/52250/4af6f5358521e_52250b.jpg)
Corelli, Torelli et al.:
Christmas ConcertosThe Academy of Ancient Music
Christopher Hogwood
Delightful. :)
Some gorgeous Christmas music.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kk1XRdhiL._SS280.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616DPDZ%2BeML._SX425_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71LeNL9gx2L._SX425_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gKaXb4VeL._SS280.jpg)
Merry Christmas everyone!
Quote from: Gordo on December 21, 2014, 06:51:58 AM
Me, too, especially his Brandenburgs! I think I will get this Christmas Oratorio; it looks very promising! :)
Gordo - I completely agree with you, regarding Pickett's
Brandenburg Concertos. One of my favorite versions! :)
I have yet to hear his
Orchestral Suites, but am interested in checking them out. ;)
A Pickett/New London Consort box would be very nice. 8)
Florestan - nice looking lineup! I've been meaning to check out the Boston Camerata for a while now; this looks like a good place to start.
Quote from: Florestan on December 21, 2014, 07:55:01 AM
Some gorgeous Christmas music.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kk1XRdhiL._SS280.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616DPDZ%2BeML._SX425_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71LeNL9gx2L._SX425_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gKaXb4VeL._SS280.jpg)
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ok, now we are all coming to YOUR house for Christmas! :) :) :) ;)
At Christmas time I play an album of Edmund Pascha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Pascha)'s Christmas music. A lot.
It's a little off the beaten Baroque track. If asked to describe it, I'd call it "charmingly rustic":
Edmund Pascha - Christmas Mass, Christmas Carols
(Musica Bohemica, Jaroslav Krček)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae102/peterpowerpop/Pascha-ChristmasMassChristmasCarolsKrceketalfront.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae102/peterpowerpop/Pascha-ChristmasMassChristmasCarolsKrceketalback.jpg)
(Samples at Amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.com/Edmund-Pascha-Christmas-Mass-Carols/dp/B002S3HZNM))
If anyone wants to hear more, send me a PM.
The Huelgas Ensemble under van Nevel is becoming my musical Christmas addiction this year!!!!! :P :P :P 8)
My family has to endure it!!! 0:)
[asin] B00205RKMO[/asin]
I was listening to A Ceremony of Carols from this CD yesterday and I think it is wonderful piece for the season.
[asin]B008R3JM74[/asin]
Quote from: Moonfish on December 22, 2014, 02:01:36 PM
Ok, now we are all coming to YOUR house for Christmas! :) :) :) ;)
Oh, please do! I´ll treat you with wine of my own making and sarmale (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarma_%28food%29)* of my mother´s making. 0:)
*
Quote from: WikipediaIn Romania, sarmale is a traditional meal for Christmas and are often served with sour cream, mamaliga, hot pepper and smoked meat. Traditionally, a pot filled with sarmale is usually prepared for an entire family. Sarmale are served as one of the main dishes during wedding ceremonies. In diasporic communities, it is often cherished as a reminder of their former homeland.
Quote from: Florestan on December 23, 2014, 12:10:35 AM
Oh, please do! I´ll treat you with wine of my own making and sarmale (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarma_%28food%29)* of my mother´s making. 0:)
*
This magnificent Christmas song was written in 1943 with American soldiers away fighting in WW2 as its inspiration. To all those who are away from home and thinking of loved ones (
or estranged/erstwhile friends - I'm thinking of one in particular) at this time of the year....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7PmHNh4Zc
Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy and Healthy 2015.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/6142hs-zZFL.jpg)
This is a lovely score and the (1986) live performance is excellent. For some this 1907 "mystère" may be too sentimental, too sweetly pious. I find the tunes (inspired by folksong) irresistible, the tone painting wonderful ( a soft horn call and tremolando strings evoke an icy night..., the three kings arrive at the stable in grandly exotic pomp...etc.) and the general feeling of "naiveté" touching. The reciter is a story teller.
Other works in (more or less) the same vein: RVW's Hodie, of course, his Fantasia on Christmas carols and Frank Bridge's ( ca. 1920-1930) The Christmas rose.
And as always I love christmas songs from Eastern Europe, Hungary, Bulgaria, or this little jewel from Rumania:
http://www.youtube.com/v/K8nC2ISAiYQ
http://www.youtube.com/v/bu1TWyLKd1I
http://www.youtube.com/v/0ulbmooUgbU?list=RD0ulbmooUgbU
Celtic Christmas Vespers
Apollo's Fire
[asin]B008FGW0RC[/asin]
Wow! This is excellent.
Great for Christmas Eve listening. :)
Sir Colin Davis made a cassette recording with the LSO some twenty plus years ago titled The Spirit of Xmas. It's a 45 minute nonstop medley of famous Christmas songs and carols. Very well done.
Finzi's 'In Terra Pax' is one of the most beautiful Christmas works known to me. This whole CD is excellent - the best Christmas anthology I know:
[asin]B002QEXBYA[/asin]
BUMP!
Quote from: pjme on December 08, 2014, 03:19:27 AM...the Middle High German name engellisches Horn, meaning angelic horn. Because engellisch also meant English in the vernacular of the time, the "angelic horn" became the "English horn."...
Well, well! Ya larn somethink new ever' day! However, from personal experience, I think even angels would have some difficulty playing it! :o :laugh:
"englisch" for "angelic" is more recent than middle high German (it may have occurred there already). It must have been common until the 18th century or so. Take the text from the finale of Mahler's 4th "Das himmlische Leben" (collected/published in the early 19th century but probably older or slightly archaic): "Die englischen Stimmen erfreuen die Sinnen" - Angelic voices delight the senses.
To this day the "Ave Maria" is also sometimes known as "Der englische Gruß": The greeting of the angel.
Actually, the German wikipedia gives an alternative explanation of the name: It might have originally been "cor anglé" because in was bent in an angle.
Quote from: Jo498 on November 26, 2015, 03:14:24 AMActually, the German wikipedia gives an alternative explanation of the name: It might have originally been "cor anglé" because in was bent in an angle.
That's the etymological theory I was familiar with, but of course 'angelic horn' sells better 8)
faulty folk etymology is as old as Aristotle (maybe even older), so as long as it's ben trovato, I am fine with it... ;)
Thread Duty (https://soundcloud.com/htumc-music-program/05-in-the-shadow-of-the-kindly-star)
Quote from: karlhenning on November 27, 2015, 12:40:46 PM
Thread Duty (https://soundcloud.com/htumc-music-program/05-in-the-shadow-of-the-kindly-star)
Thanks for sharing,
Karl! It's a nice piece and it's great to inaugurate this season with a work of yours. Anyway, its name puzzled me a little bit. "Kindly star" is a nice finding, but the ideas of shadow and star are almost contradictory. But probably I'm losing something?
:)
Quote from: karlhenning on November 27, 2015, 12:40:46 PM
Thread Duty (https://soundcloud.com/htumc-music-program/05-in-the-shadow-of-the-kindly-star)
Inventive and beguiling music, as ever, Karl :)
Thank you both!
Quote from: Gordo on November 27, 2015, 02:04:57 PM
Thanks for sharing, Karl! It's a nice piece and it's great to inaugurate this season with a work of yours. Anyway, its name puzzled me a little bit. "Kindly star" is a nice finding, but the ideas of shadow and star are almost contradictory. But probably I'm losing something?
:)
It may be a bit oblique. What I had in mind was the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Wise Men from the East; and I thought that it must shine so brightly that even in the night, it might cast shadows.
Quote from: karlhenning on November 27, 2015, 02:52:21 PM
Thank you both!
It may be a bit oblique. What I had in mind was the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Wise Men from the East; and I thought that it must shine so brightly that even in the night, it might cast shadows.
Good stuff,
Karl.
But, wouldn't the wise men go in the light of the star, and not the shadows cast by it, if they see the star?
Just so. (Not least, because they are wise 8) )
This is a wonderful disc:
[asin]B000028TXS[/asin]
JS Bach Cantata BWV 61 for the first Sunday in Advent under Gardiner....
(http://www.michaelchancecountertenor.co.uk/ext/repository/recordings/lrg/1269193064221.jpg)
A somewhat low key Cantata overall with a beautiful soprano aria.
JS Bach Cantata BWV 36 [Herreweghe]....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61iQHnFhYTL._SY300_.jpg)
This is a wonderful performance, beautifully played and sung. One can sense a subdued celebration for the major event soon to come.
JS Bach Cantata BWV 62...
(http://www.michaelchancecountertenor.co.uk/ext/repository/recordings/lrg/1269193064221.jpg)
BWV 61 [posted earlier] and BWV 62 were written ten years apart and it is interesting to compare the contrasting styles of the earlier BWV 61 written in the French style with the later BWV 62 which was written in the Italian style. BWV 62 is a more upbeat and celebratory Cantata compared with BWV 61.
And both of them are fantastic musical pieces!
Personally, I have a soft spot for this Gardiner's disk recorded on Archiv:
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
Both cantatas are sung with an unbelievable level of fervor.
Of course, your post arrived just on time, as yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, both in Lutheran and Catholic calendars.
Quote from: Gordo on November 30, 2015, 10:04:17 AM
Personally, I have a soft spot for this Gardiner's disk recorded on Archiv:
[asin]B00004YYPV[/asin]
I am a huge fan of Garginer's Bach and I have the complete SDG single issues as well as all of those issued by Archiv.
Preparation [musically] for Christmas usually begins with the Advent Cantatas by JS Bach above and of course Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, this time with Gergiev....
(http://boxset.ru/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/gergiev_nutcracker.jpg)
Telemann: Cantata for Advent - Saget der Tochter Zion....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/083/MI0001083121.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
A very fine work, well performed and suitably celebratory in its opening and closing proclamations.
JS Bach: Chorales for Advent [BWV 599-602] from the Orgelbuchlein played by Marie-Claire Alain....
(http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-NonVocal-BIG/Alain-MC-RB03-2a%5BErato-14CD%5D.jpg)
Quote from: North Star on November 27, 2015, 03:00:59 PM
Good stuff, Karl.
But, wouldn't the wise men go in the light of the star, and not the shadows cast by it, if they see the star?
If the wise men were walking close together in a straight line, and the bright star were fairly low in the sky, the first wise man would be lit by the light from the star, but his back would be in shadow. The second wise man would be in the shadow of the first; and the third wise man would be in the shadow of the second. Sadly under these conditions wise men numbers two and three would not of course be able to see the star while travelling.
This puzzled me at first. The persistence of the first wise man in hogging the light from the star seemed unfair; but then I realised that they must have taken it in turns to travel at the front, so as to give numbers two and three the chance to nod off on their camels in the quiet darkness of the shadows.
Charpentier: Noels and Christmas Motets [Vol. 1]....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71mijlh7MML._SX355_.jpg)
This was the first disc of Charpentier's music that I bought and it still remains a seasonal favourite; with gorgeous singing and beautiful instrumental textures. The Noels are very melodious and lilt along at a lively pace, in a dance like fashion; a lovely recording.
Stokowski: Traditional Slavic Christmas Music....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/104/MI0001104941.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
....short but sweet.
Not strictly music for Christmas; more of a tradition - Handel's Messiah. This Christmas I opted for the Christie version....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/003/MI0001003848.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Quote from: aligreto on December 10, 2015, 10:48:24 AM
Not strictly music for Christmas; more of a tradition - Handel's Messiah. This Christmas I opted for the Christie version....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/003/MI0001003848.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Did you see that new version (released three or four weeks ago) conducted by Peter Dijkstra? It looks very enticing... Dijkstra never disappoints.
[asin]B014JJB6NW[/asin]
Quote from: Gordo on December 10, 2015, 12:14:33 PM
Did you see that new version (released three or four weeks ago) conducted by Peter Dijkstra? It looks very enticing... Dijkstra never disappoints.
[asin]B014JJB6NW[/asin]
No I did not. Thank you for that :)
(https://www.musik-sammler.de/cover/455000/454541_300.jpg)
Still a real favourite for this time of the year.
And this one, made by the Dutch Bach Society!
(https://www.platekompaniet.no/globalassets/imported-images/cd/573288912.jpg?preset=ProductPage)
P.
(https://www.musiques-suisses.ch/media/shop/bilder/6259.png)
An unfinished work in a less than perfect performance and recording (propably the world première perf. in Luzern).
But Frank Martin's music never fails to move me.
From the Musiques Suisses website:
Cantate pour le temps de Noël - Trois Chants de Noël
Tracks
Cantate pour le temps de Noël (1929/30); Trois Chants de Noël (1947)
When Frank Martin decided to write this Cantata, he had only just discovered the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, and was deeply struck by them: 'It was like a revelation to me, a deeply moving experience'. The relationship of this work to this genre of art is obvious: there are principals (soli) who are conceived statically, above a sparkling, colourful background (the orchestra). Even the influence of Gregorian chant is perceptible; the composer undoubtedly wanted to convey something of a 'historicising' atmosphere. The world première of the work took place on 4 December 1994 in the Jesuit Church of Lucerne, under the direction of Alois Koch. Frank Martin composed his 'Trois chants de Noël' ('Three songs of Christmas') in the autumn of 1947, as a Christmas present for his daughter Françoise (aged 15), who had a pretty soprano voice, and for his wife Maria Martin who played the flute.
Artists
Simone Stock, Sopran, Karola Hausburg, Alt, Severin Lohri, Knabensolist der Luzerner Kantorei, Atrium-Ensemble Berlin, Mozart-Ensemble Luzern, Luzerner Kantorei-Knabenchor, Festival Strings Lucerne, Brigitte Gasser, Brian Franklin: Gamben, Hans Adolfsen, Cembalo, Mutsumi Ueno, Orgel, Klaus Durrer, Flöte, Alois Koch, Leitung.
CD order number
MGB 6259
this is a really nice recent edition
[asin]B00YZGXZ3O[/asin]
Quote from: pjme on December 11, 2015, 01:38:26 AM
(https://www.musik-sammler.de/cover/455000/454541_300.jpg)
Still a real favourite for this time of the year.
Same here - I play the Praetorius Mass every Christmas morning, before the family comes down for breakfast.
This is a major discovery for me.
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/626/MI0001626448.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Md-xELmOL.jpg)
I played it the last three nights in a row, on a second repeat every time. One of the most splendid, excellent and superb Christmas music and musicmaking ever recorded. I can´t praise and recommend it highly enough.
Quote from: Florestan on December 11, 2015, 07:38:07 AM
This is a major discovery for me.
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/626/MI0001626448.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Md-xELmOL.jpg)
I played it the last three nights in a row, on a second repeat every time. One of the most splendid, excellent and superb Christmas music and musicmaking ever recorded. I can´t praise and recommend it highly enough.
High praise indeed! I notice that it is on Supraphon; such a superb label for producing wonderful, out of the way music.
Vol. 2 of Charpentier's Noels and Christmas Motets....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/140/MI0001140973.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
....beautiful music!
(https://folkcatalogue.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/1959wraggfestivaloflessonscarolskingsrg190.jpg)
Tavener: God is With us: Christmas Proclamation....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71HokAGfR2L._SX355_.jpg)
Sibelius - Symphony no. 3
Quote from: North Star on October 12, 2015, 06:48:33 AM
After learning yesterday how [Sibelius's Symphony no. 3] was based on material from the plans for an oratorio Marjatta based on the last book of Kalevala, an allegory for the Christianisation of Finland. (Marjatta is impregnated by a lingonberry she eats, Väinämöinen condemns the son born out of wedlock to death, but the child speaks and chastises Väinämöinen. After the child is crowned King of Karelia, Väinämöinen leaves and bequeaths his songs and kantele to the people). The program (advent - nativity - death - resurrection) can still be seen in the work. Sibelius also quotes his own hymn Soi kiitokseski Luojan (http://www.theparisreview.org/poetry/5457/visitations-anthony-hecht) (In praise of our Creator) in the third movement.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTI2M1gxMjUz/z/2DEAAMXQlgtSpJwU/$_35.JPG) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dvyhtN9vL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Charpentier: Antiennes "O" de l'Avent....
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiZRL0FvrBA/TtxpcvJgwUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/IZoxCZABVKg/s320/scan02.jpg)
JS Bach: Chorales for Advent & Christmas[BWV 696-704/710/713] from the Kirnberger Collection, played by Peter Hurford....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411A1I65ldL._SY300_.jpg)
This evening....
(http://www.classicsonline.com/miscellaneous/imagedownloader.aspx?file=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.classicsonline.com%2Fimages%2Fcds%2F550751.gif&cid=8.550751)
Corelli: Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 8 [Christmas Concerto]....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/667/MI0003667667.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Poulenc: Quatre Motets pour un temps de Noel....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bU9WQeoGL._SY300_.jpg)
Some of my Christmas favourites. A couple have been mentioned before. Where that is the case let the repetition serve as an enthusiastic vote of affirmation:
[asin]B00KZ5RPLC[/asin]
[asin]B000A5HJUO[/asin]
[asin]B00COU0720[/asin]
[asin]B00YZGXZ3O[/asin]
[asin] B000I2IS5O[/asin]
[asin]B008FGW0RC[/asin]
[asin]B00LWLZROK[/asin]
[asin]B005MPXJ3I[/asin]
Saint-Saëns was mentioned, but without comment about the particular recording. This one is stellar:
[asin]B000V7HG5Y[/asin]
And a few in a lighter mood:
[asin]B0000029Z6[/asin]
[asin]B000003D2M[/asin]
[asin]B005GL89OM[/asin]
For medieval/Renaissance mode, I use the Tallis Scholars
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81lb5c14xyL._SX522_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71ZANNcqBYL._SX522_.jpg)
For Baroque, Bach's oratorio by anyone, and Handel's Messiah by Gardiner
For more recent, Berlioz L'enfance du Christ by the Corydon Singers
And Part's O Antiphons.
Popular stuff I hear so much at work I can't stand it by December 20th....
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 14, 2015, 05:58:37 PM
For more recent, Berlioz L'enfance du Christ by the Corydon Singers
And Part's O Antiphons.
Very nice!
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 14, 2015, 05:58:37 PM
Popular stuff I hear so much at work I can't stand it by December 20th....
I feel your sonic pain.
Schutz: The Christmas Story....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71%2BgX47sr-L._SX522_.jpg)
Will start playing in a few minutes:
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/668/MI0003668391.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Charpentier: In Nativitatem Domini Canticum....
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiZRL0FvrBA/TtxpcvJgwUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/IZoxCZABVKg/s320/scan02.jpg)
(http://eil.com/images/main/Various-Religious+Christmas+in+Venice+539985.jpg)
Beautiful photo . . . one of those days when the Piazza di San Marco is flooded . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on December 16, 2015, 09:57:37 AM
Beautiful photo . . . one of those days when the Piazza di San Marco is flooded . . . .
Indeed Karl; I have been there many times but not in those conditions.
Quote from: karlhenning on December 16, 2015, 09:57:37 AM
Beautiful photo . . . one of those days when the Piazza di San Marco is flooded . . . .
Quote from: aligreto on December 16, 2015, 11:51:54 AM
Indeed Karl; I have been there many times but not in those conditions.
Vedi
acqua alta, poi mori... :D
Venice is my favorite city of them all. The first time I visited it I had the vivid feeling of coming home... Which reminds me to start a new Dinner thread. See you there, folks! :)
Quote from: Florestan on December 17, 2015, 11:54:21 AM
Venice is my favorite city of them all. The first time I visited it I had the vivid feeling of coming home...
An irrestistable place and definitely a city that continually draws us back.
Charpentier: Sur la Naissance de Nostre Seigneur Jésus-Christ....
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiZRL0FvrBA/TtxpcvJgwUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/IZoxCZABVKg/s320/scan02.jpg)
Stradella: [2] Christmas Cantatas....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511UKWI8x1L._SX355_.jpg)
Caldara: Christmas Cantata....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517KAqsqM4L._SY355_.jpg)
Ramirez: Navidad Nuestra....
(http://mlb-s1-p.mlstatic.com/cd-ariel-ramirez-misa-criolla-navid-nuestra-novo-14393-MLB202603180_1616-F.jpg)
Quote from: Florestan on December 11, 2015, 07:38:07 AM
This is a major discovery for me.
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/626/MI0001626448.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Md-xELmOL.jpg)
I played it the last three nights in a row, on a second repeat every time. One of the most splendid, excellent and superb Christmas music and musicmaking ever recorded. I can´t praise and recommend it highly enough.
Probably not major music, but it is quite atmospheric and nicely played and sung (without affectations).
I got a used copy (from a commercial re-seller) and the former owner had left a little post-it-note in the booklet saying "wunderbare Musik!" (wonderful music). True!
Which is nice but also a little sad. Of course, this is only speculation but I wonder how many of the classical discs I get used were left behind by elderly people who passed away or had to move to a nursing home with restricted space for discs.
JS Bach: BWV 132 Cantata for the Fourth Sunday in Advent from this set....
(http://www.michaelchancecountertenor.co.uk/ext/repository/recordings/lrg/1269193064221.jpg)
Palestrina: Missa Christus natus est....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0000/969/MI0000969446.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Tallis: Missa Puer natus est nobis....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/050/MI0001050684.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNTg3/z/p0sAAOSwPhdU~2oY/$_35.JPG)
A selection of Christmas Vespers by Monteverdi....
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt184/Aligreto/Vinyl%20Covers/IMG_MonteverdiChristmasVespers.jpg?t=1450558661)
What's on "Christmas in the Holy Land"?
And the Monteverdi contains probably pieces from Selva Morale e spirituale?
Quote from: Jo498 on December 20, 2015, 11:15:51 PM
And the Monteverdi contains probably pieces from Selva Morale e spirituale?
Yes, just a small amount.
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/049/MI0001049992.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Quote from: Jo498 on December 19, 2015, 08:18:20 AM
...I wonder how many of the classical discs I get used were left behind by elderly people who passed away or had to move to a nursing home with restricted space for discs.
That used not to be true for the Z7 Collection, but
now more than half of what I buy is used and from the elderly (or departed) or radio copies and sometimes from musicians, the result of a convergence of the times (decline of CD), popularity of the shops where I most often buy disks, and an aging population. I wish those little notes were
de rigueur in every used CD I bought. I've been jettisoning books in anticipation of a move (so far, CDs are unscathed) - so feel something of what their original owners may have felt in 'having to abandon their loved ones.'
As I usually get the used discs from "anonymous" online re-sellers, I hardly encounter their former owners directly. In former times I bought a lot on Ebay and many of those sellers were just weeding out and still alive but sometimes also selling grandpa's stuff. One can often get the best bargains when clueless heirs sell classical CDs. (That's basically the business model of the used vendors: They buy stuff very cheap en gros and re-sell it still much cheaper than new discs would be.) I got discs where former owners have glued clipped magazine reviews into the booklet, or wrote little marginalia with pencil next to tracklists etc.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWY2YG7ROb0/Uq91wrfXoUI/AAAAAAAAAvk/04quBO7FomA/s1600/AVENCHSTMAS.png)
Charpentier: Messe de Minuit....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61312q2vklL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://www.carusmedia.com/images-intern/medien/80/8347300/8347300c.jpg)
and, wait, how could I forget this?:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61e4wVnITlL._SX300_.jpg)
I'm going to try and make sure I play that one on the 25th
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/617V-ryN4fL._SY300_.jpg)
Every year, without fail, I give this one a listen....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515lRjo74hL.jpg)
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/049/MI0001049808.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Almost forgot I had this one
[asin]B003OXILP6[/asin]
started playing this. Very family friendly--mixes in lots of recognizable songs and arrangements. I can play it with the wife and kids without them looking unduly put out.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tSnueOWFL._SS280.jpg)
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto RV 270 "Il riposo - per il Natale" from this set....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616PDhQgaVL._SY300_.jpg)
Alessandro Scarlatti: Cantata per la Notte di Natale....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61QqTauFHhL._SS280.jpg)
For Christmas morning....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ebWjYpr3L._SY355_.jpg)
JS Bach: the celebratory Cantata BWV 63 [for Christmas Day]....
(http://www.michaelchancecountertenor.co.uk/ext/repository/recordings/lrg/1286718540259.jpg)
JS Bach: Christmas Oratorio Part 1....
(http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Rec-BIG/XO-Gardiner-R1.jpg)
Telemann: two Cantatas for Christmas Day....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/083/MI0001083121.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
JS Bach: Chorales for Christmas [BWV 603-612] from Orgelbuchlein....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51moTxir-uL._SX355_.jpg)
JS Bach: Cantata BWV 40 [for the second day of Christmas]....
(http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Rec-BIG/Gardiner-P14a%5BSDG-CD%5D.jpg)
JS Bach: Christmas Oratorio Part 2....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Aj8g5n9aL._SX355_.jpg)
JS Bach: Cantata BWV 64 [for the Third Day of Christmas]....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/127/MI0001127111.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
JS Bach: Christmas Oratorio Part 3....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/197/MI0001197169.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
JS Bach: Cantata BWV 28 for the Sunday after Christmas....
(http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Rec-BIG/Gardiner-P16a%5BSDG-CD%5D.jpg)
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and this is the Carol for the Feast (https://soundcloud.com/htumc-music-program/02-coventry-carol), albeit modestly sung.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51S9I-nw-TL.jpg)
Some of the most joyous music I've ever heard. Heartily recommended.
Quote from: Florestan on December 29, 2015, 02:42:49 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51S9I-nw-TL.jpg)
Some of the most joyous music I've ever heard. Heartily recommended.
That would be nicely complementary to this recommendation by
new erato:
[asin]B018GRNO06[/asin]
Is it an historically informed performance as well? :)
Q
I think the Güttler recordings are on modern instruments but his more recent recordings tend to be considerably more "historically informed" than the stuff from the 1980s. (I do not know the Homilius recording.)
Bump... 8)
Any recordings with Christmas music on your shopping list this year? :)
Q
(http://gramophoneproduction.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/6_columns_wide/public/fasolis-bach_0.jpg?itok=YmPxx6LA)
If I buy nothing else I will have this one for Christmas :)
This has my Christmas shopping so far:
(https://img.discogs.com/150ba5-bcSLNn8vm1h4sIMmb4FI=/fit-in/600x531/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6298797-1419527629-7310.jpeg.jpg)
[asin]B0058EJSGK[/asin]
[asin]B00NB7LG4I[/asin]
Q
I'm looking for recommendations of recordings of traditional English Christmas Carols, preferably by a realy good Early Music-Baroque choir.
Since Amazon is practically swamped with Christmas Carols recordings, I find it vrry hard to find the extra-special ones... ::)
Any suggestions? :) Better get that order in, before it's too late! 8)
Q
Quote from: Que on November 20, 2016, 01:47:42 AM
I'm looking for recommendations of recordings of traditional English Christmas Carols, preferably by a realy good Early Music-Baroque choir.
Since Amazon is practically swamped with Christmas Carols recordings, I find it vrry hard to find the extra-special ones... ::)
Any suggestions? :) Better get that order in, before it's too late! 8)
Q
Hi
Que!
This recording by the
Quadriga Consort might be what you are looking for ~
[asin]B00DU2QPA4[/asin]
Originally on the Carpe Diem label, it appears to now be licensed to DHM. Note that the version linked here is pressed on a CD-R. :-X
How's the music? It's good in an interesting way. I listened to it a few times last year during the season and I confess that it never really won me over. I do plan on giving it another few spins in the coming weeks; I'll report back here when I do. :)
Totally not what you asked for, though I am compelled to mention it, is this recording by
Apollo's Fire ~
[asin]B008FGW0RC[/asin]
I very much enjoyed playing this one last year!
Just starting to pull out the Advent/Christmas recordings now, so your posting is timely. ;)
Best of the season to you!
HIPster, thanks so much for your recommendations! :)
I've already came accross the Quadriga Consort, I'll look into it.
Also thanks for your other recommendation, I noticed there are actually quite a few Christmas recordings with a different, interesting musical angle.
Q
A recent purchase and new favorite ~
[asin]B00FW7P8QW[/asin]
Essential Baroque Christmas music (I'll be listening to this throughout the year, it's that good). :)
Thanks for introducing me to the Aeolus label, Que. ;)
Quote from: HIPster on November 24, 2016, 07:44:37 AM
A recent purchase and new favorite ~
[asin]B00FW7P8QW[/asin]
Essential Baroque Christmas music (I'll be listening to this throughout the year, it's that good). :)
Thanks for introducing me to the Aeolus label, Que. ;)
Looking goooood! :)
Q
A discussion with Don Satz elsewhere sent me off today listening to the Bach Christmassy organ prelude BWV 722, based on a hymn by Luther. The thing that impressed me was the way it's riddled with whopping great dissonances, you hear it really clearly in Marie-Claire Alain's final recording, presumably because of the way the organ's tuned. And that made me remember reading years ago a sermon by Luther where he talks about how, when a Christian thinks of the nativity, he can't help but be reminded of the passion as well.
Buxtehude wrote a prelude on the same hymn, BuxWV 189 - that was the context of the discussion. Walter Kraft does an exceptional job on it. Comparison with the Bach shows a much simpler approach to the harmonies, and the result is more univocally celebratory.
Bach knew his Luther better than Bux, or Bach's music is more exegetical.
(Cross post from WAYLT thread)
(http://www.tactus.it/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/900002_Cover-1024x1015.jpg)
This choir sounds at times like Marcel Peres´. Strange but effective.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TbYWBTjoL._SX355_.jpg)
Besides the warhorses of Corelli, Torelli and Giuseppe Sammartini this includes some splendid suites of instrumental carols by de Lalande, Pez and Charpentier. Glorious music, sound and performance. Highly recommended.
(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000B6N66S.01.L.jpg)
Twenty Polish Christmas Carols
Bach: Christmas Oratorio
Christiane Oelze, soprano; Monica Groop, alto; Howard Crook, tenor; Gunnar Lundberg, bass
Eric Ericson Chamber Choir
Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble ("with original instruments")
Eric Ericson
Live recording, 3-5, December, 1993 (applause just at the end, dear Sonic)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JR0KR1ENL.jpg)
http://amzn.to/2h3HR4h
Unexpectedly stupendous... Exquisitely well balanced and recorded. Excellent singers and musicians.
Top recording, IMHO. ;)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HmS76AZ5L.jpg)
Daquin: Noel provencal
Zipoli: Pastorale
JS Bach: Pastorale BWV 590
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/6142hs-zZFL._SY355_.jpg)
and
(https://img.discogs.com/e7Dw13DdIAABpH0v55Yi5yVTtwQ=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-4620342-1391439434-1352.jpeg.jpg)
So, for the moment, it is all quite traditional.
And this, of course: https://youtu.be/z-vZ31eg7oY
P.
Schutz: Weihnachtshistorie from this box set....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/612zt7vHGgL._SX355_.jpg)
So....Christmas is coming closer again, and I'm preparing a few purchases of seasonal music....
Could I have your recommendations on recordings of Heinrich Schütz' Weihnachtshistorie ? :)
(http://heinrich-schuetz-haus.de/swv/v2.0/img_titel/435.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Heinrich_Sch%C3%BCtz.png)
I did some homework and prepared a list of notable recordings - what seem to be general favourites are in bold...
Gabrieli Consort and Player, McCreed (Archiv) (reconstructed Vespers)
Concerto Vocale, René Jacobs (Harmonia Mundi)
La Petite Bande, Sigiswald Kuijken (DHM)
Choeur de Chambre de Namur & La Fenice, Jean Tubéry (Christophorus)
Dresdner Kammerchor, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann (Carus)
Taverner Consort, Taverner Choir & Taverner Players, Andrew Parrott (Erato/Warner)
Kammerchor Stuttgart; Frieder Bernius (Sony)
Lautten Compagney & Capella Angelica,Wolfgang Katschner (Berlin)
Q
Don't forget the Robert King recording on Hyperion.
Quote from: aligreto on December 22, 2016, 09:53:44 AM
Schutz: Weihnachtshistorie from this box set....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/612zt7vHGgL._SX355_.jpg)
Looks very tempting. Have you listened to all those discs?
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 15, 2017, 02:56:17 PM
Don't forget the Robert King recording on Hyperion.
Thanks! Is that favourite?
Q
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on November 15, 2017, 04:57:47 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/612zt7vHGgL._SX355_.jpg)
Looks very tempting. Have you listened to all those discs?
Yes I did, over a period of time, in bite sized morsels; it is one to dip into. There is some very fine music in there :)
For something different, try this.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ruhRGs4ZL._SX425_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/7194N88pxLL._SX522_.jpg)
Amazon Editorial review:
Christmas is traditionally celebrated with contemplative and solemn music. Even though the piano was not originally regarded as a sacred instrument, there have been many composers, including some famous ones, who have written Christmas music for the instrument. Pianist Peter Froundjian, who has made a speciality of performing little-known piano music and who founded the internationally acclaimed festival "Raritäten der Klaviermusik" (Rarities of Piano Music) that has taken place in Husum every year since 1987, has chosen some of the most beautiful of these pieces for the present album. Snöflingor (Snowflakes) by the Finnish composer Selim Palmgren (1878-1951) uses Impressionistic stylistic resources to paint a picture of gently falling snowflakes, while the little fantasia Drømmen om "Glade Jul" (The Dream of "Silent Night") by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) is a reworking of the melody of Silent Night. Busoni's Sonatina in diem Nativitatis Christi, the world-premiere recordings of Noël and Pastorale by Ignacy Friedman (1882-1948) and the twelve Pastorales by Charles Koechlin (1867-1950) are all genuine discoveries. The six short variations on the old Northumbrian carol O Dame Get Up and Bake Your Pies by Arnold Bax (1883-1953) strike a folklike tone. The album is rounded off by Christmas piano music from Pastourelles, a set of pieces by the French composer Désiré-Émile Inghelbrecht (1880-1965), who was a close friend of Debussy.
still my fav Xmas album
(https://poetluckerate.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/soundtrack.jpg)
Quote from: bwv 1080 on November 16, 2017, 09:59:37 AM
still my fav Xmas album
(https://poetluckerate.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/soundtrack.jpg)
Looks fun.
Quote from: Que on November 20, 2016, 01:47:42 AM
I'm looking for recommendations of recordings of traditional English Christmas Carols, preferably by a realy good Early Music-Baroque choir.
Since Amazon is practically swamped with Christmas Carols recordings, I find it vrry hard to find the extra-special ones... ::)
Any suggestions? :) Better get that order in, before it's too late! 8)
Q
In answer to your original question from last year
I am waiting until the holiday is nearer in time to play this set.
[asin]B000TZN7W4[/asin]
The first CD has traditional modern carols, the second medieval English music, the third music by various 20th century British composers, with Britten's Ceremony of Carols being the centerpiece.
Much obliged, Jeffrey! :)
Your recommendation is still very welcome since last year I didn't get anywhere on the issue.
Q
Quote from: Que on November 15, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
So....Christmas is coming closer again, and I'm preparing a few purchases of seasonal music....
Could I have your recommendations on recordings of Heinrich Schütz' Weihnachtshistorie ? :)
(http://heinrich-schuetz-haus.de/swv/v2.0/img_titel/435.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Heinrich_Sch%C3%BCtz.png)
I did some homework and prepared a list of notable recordings - what seem to be general favourites are in bold...
Gabrieli Consort and Player, McCreesh (Archiv) (reconstructed Vespers)
Concerto Vocale, René Jacobs (Harmonia Mundi)
La Petite Bande, Sigiswald Kuijken (DHM)
Choeur de Chambre de Namur & La Fenice, Jean Tubéry (Christophorus)
Dresdner Kammerchor, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann (Carus)
Taverner Consort, Taverner Choir & Taverner Players, Andrew Parrott (Erato/Warner)
Kammerchor Stuttgart; Frieder Bernius (Sony)
Lautten Compagney & Capella Angelica,Wolfgang Katschner (Berlin)
Q
And the winner is....
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NUCVghJDL._SS400.jpg)
Some short impressions on the other contenders:
McCreesh performance incorporating the
Weihnachtshistorie into a reconstructed service is an acclaimed recording.
I don't mind the concept at all, but found this grandiose over the top party of British choral singing totally off putting. But honestly, with McCreesh this was what I kind of expected...so not really a let down in that respect... But I'd buy his Händel! :)
Jacobs was a bit of a dissapointment.... It had less of the
echt Schützian character than I wished for - smoother, more in the spirit of High Baroque.
But an intimate performance with gorgeous singing! :)
One of my two personal runners up was
Katschner with the Lautten Compagney: vivid and dynamic, with slightly larger forces and superb soloists in state-of-the-art recording. I opted for the more subdued intimacy of Kuijken, but this would have been an equally worthy choice. 2nd runner up is
Bernius. An interesting, more idiosyncratic approach from a more Renaissance angle, particularly in the instrumental accompaniment. Might try it some time.
I really like
Rademann in his Schütz series, but have found that his strength lies in the later works intended for larger forces. In the smaller, more intimate works his forces are simply too much, like is the case here. And his interpretation sounds detached and uninvolved emotionally.
Of the (other) performances by anglophone and francophone ensembles an honorable mention for
Tubéry and his
Choeur de Chambre de Namur. A really nice performance!
Q
Quote from: Que on December 03, 2017, 12:27:37 AM
And the winner is....
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NUCVghJDL._SS400.jpg)
Some short impressions on the other contenders:
McCreesh performance incorporating the Weihnachtshistorie into a reconstructed service is an acclaimed recording.
I don't mind the concept at all, but found this grandiose over the top party of British choral singing totally off putting. But honestly, with McCreesh this was what I kind of expected...so not really a let down in that respect... But I'd buy his Händel! :)
Jacobs was a bit of a dissapointment.... It had less of the echt Schützian character than I wished for - smoother, more in the spirit of High Baroque.
But an intimate performance with gorgeous singing! :)
One of my two personal runners up was Katschner with the Lautten Compagney: vivid and dynamic, with slightly larger forces and superb soloists in state-of-the-art recording. I opted for the more subdued intimacy of Kuijken, but this would have been an equally worthy choice. 2nd runner up is Bernius. An interesting, more idiosyncratic approach from a more Renaissance angle, particularly in the instrumental accompaniment. Might try it some time.
I really like Rademann in his Schütz series, but have found that his strength lies in the later works intended for larger forces. In the smaller, more intimate works his forces are simply too much, like is the case here. And his interpretation sounds detached and uninvolved emotionally.
Of the (other) performances by anglophone and francophone ensembles an honorable mention for Tubéry and his Choeur de Chambre de Namur. A really nice performance!
Q
Good comparison and comments Que; thank you for posting your analysis. :)
Quote from: Que on December 03, 2017, 12:27:37 AM
And the winner is....
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NUCVghJDL._SS400.jpg)
Some short impressions on the other contenders:
McCreesh performance incorporating the Weihnachtshistorie into a reconstructed service is an acclaimed recording.
I don't mind the concept at all, but found this grandiose over the top party of British choral singing totally off putting. But honestly, with McCreesh this was what I kind of expected...so not really a let down in that respect... But I'd buy his Händel! :)
Jacobs was a bit of a dissapointment.... It had less of the echt Schützian character than I wished for - smoother, more in the spirit of High Baroque.
But an intimate performance with gorgeous singing! :)
One of my two personal runners up was Katschner with the Lautten Compagney: vivid and dynamic, with slightly larger forces and superb soloists in state-of-the-art recording. I opted for the more subdued intimacy of Kuijken, but this would have been an equally worthy choice. 2nd runner up is Bernius. An interesting, more idiosyncratic approach from a more Renaissance angle, particularly in the instrumental accompaniment. Might try it some time.
I really like Rademann in his Schütz series, but have found that his strength lies in the later works intended for larger forces. In the smaller, more intimate works his forces are simply too much, like is the case here. And his interpretation sounds detached and uninvolved emotionally.
Of the (other) performances by anglophone and francophone ensembles an honorable mention for Tubéry and his Choeur de Chambre de Namur. A really nice performance!
Q
Excellent review,
Que! :)
Thank you!
The Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio should be on everyone's Christmas Listening List. This is one [good, IMHO] version....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51e7lCx%2B89L._SY355_.jpg)
Cross post from the Listening Thread:
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols [Flamig]....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/517NG3H4DTL.jpg)
There is nothing remarkable, for me, in this music but it is still, nonetheless, enjoyable.
Cross post:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tYwmy7VlL._SY355_.jpg)
For something a little different in terms of seasonal music this is definitely recommended. Those compelling rhythms and earthy wind instruments make for a wonderful listening experience.
Every year I try to get one or two new recordings for Christmas. Given my big appetite in Early Music and Baroque, the choices are bewildering! :)
Usually, I'm pretty late to get new stuff in time for Christmas....
So, I am bumping this thread now with my favourite Christmas music purchases from last year - an Early Music recommendation and a Baroque one.
My Early Music recommendation:
[asin]B00MC659H4[/asin]
In all honesty, I bought this primarily because it was on sale and by the Huelgas Ensemble & Van Nevel.
It turned one of their best recordings that I know! :)
The sheer beauty of the mostly unfamiliar repertoire and the integrity and purity of the interpretations makes this an absolute winner.
My (Italian) Baroque recommendation:
[asin]B00FW7P8QW[/asin]
A recording that has very imaginative programming of early Italian Baroque - a nice change from Vivaldi & friends - by a wide range of composers, with gorgeous singing by Amaryllis Dieltiens, niece of Flemish HIP cellist Roel Dieltens. (Her father Koen plays the recorder in the ensemble). SOTA recording and lavish presentation.
Q
Quote from: Que on November 18, 2018, 10:26:10 PM
My Early Music recommendation:
[asin]B00MC659H4[/asin]
In all honesty, I bought this primarily because it was on sale and by the Huelgas Ensemble & Van Nevel.
It turned one if their best recordings that I know! :)
The sheer beauty of the mostly unfamiliar repertoire and the integrity and purity of the interpretations makes this an absolute winner.
Wishlisted
Quote
My (Italian) Baroque recommendation:
[asin]B00FW7P8QW[/asin]
A recording that has very imaginative programming of early Italian Baroque - a nice change from Vivaldi & friends - by wide range of composers, with gorgeous singing by Amaryllis Dieltiens, niece of Flemish HIP cellist Roel Dieltens. (Her father Koen plays the recorder in the ensemble). SOTA recording and lavish presentation.
A big, large and huge
+ 1 for this. One of the best recordings of anything ever, both musically and sonicwise.
Cross post from the Listening Thread
Davies: O Magnum Mysterium [Davies]
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Ls8AAOSw241Yg2wG/s-l1600.jpg)
Davis says "The whole work is a meditation on the soprano solo heard at the outset - on the wonder and promise of the Nativity". Sonically and texturaly this is an interesting work. The final organ fantasia, played by Simon Preston, is a set of variations on the "O Magnum mysterium" melody and is an intriguing and engaging piece of music in itself; it is somewhat dark, disconcerting and quite atmospheric.
Cross post from The Non-Classical Music Listening Thread
Christmas music, South American style
(https://www.bayardmusique.com/cover/hd/552/noels-des-andes-et-d-ailleurs-ensemble-anea.jpg)
We have, included here, versions of Jingle Bells, Deck the Hall and Ding Dong Merrily on High given the requisite Andean treatment.
Tonight:
https://www.youtube.com/v/gWllhx0K-98
https://www.youtube.com/v/HIWPp_utxVo
and something completely, very,very different....Christmas in Cinemascope!
https://www.youtube.com/v/uEMfpVSLC1I
A Christmas sequence was aranged by Christopher Palmer.
Here is the 1995 version conducted by George Fenton:
https://youtu.be/xrDU6hD8hBw
Hilding Rosenberg: The Holy Night.
Here is the Prologue with the composer conducting:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rLX85Ca7v-U
(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/5060158190355.jpg?1541058965)
Besides the other cool suggestions, I want to add these ones:
Honegger - Une cantate de Noël
Penderecki - The most cool (or rather uneven) Christmas symphony: His 2nd!
Respighi - Lauda per la natività del Signore
Barber - Die Natali
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker (a war horse but one that never gets old)
Glazunov & Noskowski - Their seasons [December] :P
Bax - Christmas Eve
Rimsky-Korsakov - Suite of 'Christmas Night'
Vaughan-Williams - Hodie: A Christmas Cantata (though is not as good as Dona nobis pacem)
Time for an old favorite:
https://www.youtube.com/v/GHu12WzFzjo
Great memories:
https://www.youtube.com/v/-BxxdE9GvZc
Cross post from the Non-Classical Listening Thread
Dylan Thomas: A Child's Christmas in Wales
(https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/inwAAOSwm6JaUmg4/s-l640.jpg)
No, definitely not [overtly] music but still compelling Christmas listening for me due to the musicality of the rendition of these simply wonderful word paintings spoken by Dylan Thomas himself.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51DnFiKSbtL._SX466_.jpg)
Paul van Nevel is such an entertainer! It just takes off on the second track, by the Jacob Gallus -- not the first time I've been gobsmacked by his music. He knows how to make a good programme. It's like you're just sent off to one of Huelgas Ensemble's concerts, the sound quality is that good.
I can see now that the lads have got here before me!
Quote from: pjme on December 24, 2018, 12:01:41 AM
Time for an old favorite:
https://www.youtube.com/v/GHu12WzFzjo
Great memories:
https://www.youtube.com/v/-BxxdE9GvZc
Have similar fond memories about the Carol Symphony, didn't know this particular mysterious passage was used to such great effect for The Box of Delights !@
VW
[asin]B0040T77QM[/asin]
There is no classical music I listen to specifically for Christmas.
There is this:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61U%2BPddu5-L.jpg)
I already got some ideas for next Christmas: :D
[asin]B01J6T87GY[/asin]
[asin]B009B4RF2M[/asin]
Q
Hi!
someone know this disc by Frank Martin quoted by pjme ?
"Luna discs combines Golgotha, Le mystère de la nativité and the 2nd pianoconcerto"
Seems to be something of a mystery now. The link doesn't work...and I cannot find any info.
Sorry..
Possibly, you could contact the Frank Martin Association/ Frank Martin House in the Netherlands.
Peter
Yes, I know, it's too early.
But, stumbled on this and really like it. "Exquisite" comes to mind. Delicate and non-flamboyant 13 string playing. If in December you want you are home alone, and it is very quiet, maybe stream this...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/412rX6nKrTL.jpg)
Quote from: Mookalafalas on October 15, 2019, 09:41:32 PM
Yes, I know, it's too early.
I think your timing is excellent - we need time to order! :D
Q
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81yaq9-kYYL._SL1500_.jpg)
found this at the secondhand store today, somehow had never seen it before
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 16, 2019, 12:11:40 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81yaq9-kYYL._SL1500_.jpg)
found this at the secondhand store today, somehow had never seen it before
Never seen it before either! For those interested, here's the current issue:
[asin]B015S12UZS[/asin]
Q
This is one of my favourite things, a CD called O admirabile commercium, a very early recording from Cappella Pratensis, it's good that it's found its way onto youtube
https://www.youtube.com/v/adLKtfMkPmM
Capella Pratensis have uploaded three short documentary videos on Obrecht's Missa Maria Zart, and about five minutes of a recording of the mass from a concert in Antwerp which I attended and didn't enjoy much. It's interesting they haven't released a recording of the mass, despite the huge investment they have clearly made, maybe they have come to think that the music eludes them.
My personal 'discovery' this year the hauntingly beautiful Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis (2014) by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, my chamber choir dong the - perhaps - Dutch premiere coming Saturday (great fun to sing, even for a bass ;-):
https://www.youtube.com/v/j2s9KujfmXM
And of course pieces like Ola Gjeilo's Ubi Caritas III ('Sacred Heart'), working very effective for a big audience that isn't accustomed to 'new music', but loves sonorities like these (& big fun to sing, dance even :D):
https://www.youtube.com/v/QxpO_G1aovA&list=RDQxpO_G1aovA&start_radio=1
Quote from: vandermolen on December 24, 2018, 09:28:02 AM
VW
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eQzRprWUL._SS500_.jpg)
Is it really that time of the year again? Will duly oblige. 0:)
Searching for something else I see this image - which I don't think I've encountered before:
(https://i.ndcd.net/13/Item/500/508246.jpg)
During the Advent season, I endlessly subject my family, friends, and coworkers to music. I figure where better to post.
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Played all of Dec. 1:
JS Bach
Weihnachts-Oratorium
Dresden Chamber Choir
Gewandhaus - Riccardo Chailly
I rarely see modern instrument Bach anymore, so I thought I would bring out the last Christmas Oratorio I heard with MI: Riccardo Chailly and Carolyn Sampson (et al.).
&
Bill Dobbins (arranger)
WDR Jazz Band & King's Singers
Bill Dobbins arranged Bach's Christmas Oratorio for The King's Singers and WDR Big Band. Not a favorite, but it is interesting to compare.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71q9WbNUFDL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://coverartarchive.org/release/c9abbae4-a8df-4f92-acf7-61e21493319b/15512870480.jpg)
Camille Saint‐Saëns
Oratorio de Noël
Ottorino Respighi
Lauda per la Natività del Signore
Anne Sophie Von Otter, et al.
Mikaeli Chamber Choir
The Royal Court Orchestra - Anders Eby
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I think Saint‐Saëns Christmas Oratorio is gorgeous. The tune in the prelude is brought back in the quintet later on, and it is an outright winner.
This hybrid SACD of an early 80's recording with Swedish forces still sounds great.
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/1b75f14d-3415-4ddb-a9c1-206f53d3ff18/24821426410.jpg)
Two recordings I'll be spinning on Christmas:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71GNDmnTp2L._SL1500_.jpg)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0OTc3Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg0Nzh9)
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 02, 2021, 06:42:30 AM
Two recordings I'll be spinning on Christmas:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71GNDmnTp2L._SL1500_.jpg)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0OTc3Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg0Nzh9)
Nice! I love that VW one, but I don't think I have the Bernstein, even though it looks oddly familiar. Maybe we had it on LP in the golden days.
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on December 02, 2021, 08:29:47 AM
Nice! I love that VW one, but I don't think I have the Bernstein, even though it looks oddly familiar. Maybe we had it on LP in the golden days.
VS
The Bernstein recording is fantastic. Someone on another forum suggested that the Leotyne Price Christmas album with Karajan is the best one ever recorded. I haven't heard it, have you?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fEJBHGMhL.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fAMmjvJnL._SL1236_.jpg)
Victor Hely-Hutchinson
A Carol Symphony
Bryan Kelly
Improvisations on Christmas Carols
Philip Lane
Wassail Dances
Patric Standford
A Christmas Carol Symphony
City of Prague PO - Gavin Sutherland
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Running out of daylight, not to mention time to foist music on my family during Advent.
Wonderful, if you like British light music; I am quite partial to Philip Lane's arrangement of Bethlehem Down for string orchestra, but everything here is structured well, even if these are more Suites with each movement dedicated to a carol. Loads better than Pops medleys, for sure.
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/ac2a2f24-a09b-4bbc-a492-111dda1c7c60/24821607381.jpg)
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 03, 2021, 06:35:26 AM
The Bernstein recording is fantastic. Someone on another forum suggested that the Leotyne Price Christmas album with Karajan is the best one ever recorded. I haven't heard it, have you?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fEJBHGMhL.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fAMmjvJnL._SL1236_.jpg)
I have not, but I am also uncertain how I feel about Price in this music. Her sound was always an acquired taste, perfect for certain roles though. Her voice turned swoopy in her later career, but the 1961 date bodes well.
I will definitely put these on my stocking-stuffer wish list! Hopefully not another year of coal... :'(
VS
It seems that nobody has mentioned this symphony yet:
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GKLADdOy9S8/sddefault.jpg)
;D
It doesn't get much better than Finzi's In terra pax - an absolutely lovely work full of the warmth and spirit of Christmas. On a larger scale, RVW's Hodie is a inspiriting and surprisingly overlooked cantata.
Quote from: kyjo on December 03, 2021, 07:54:29 PM
It doesn't get much better than Finzi's In terra pax - an absolutely lovely work full of the warmth and spirit of Christmas. On a larger scale, RVW's Hodie is a inspiriting and surprisingly overlooked cantata.
+1 and also for Penderecki's 'Christmas Symphony'.
Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Christmas Eve Suite' comes to mind as does Bax's 'Christmas Eve in the Mountains'.
JS Bach
Christen, atzet diesen Tag, BWV 63
Felix Mendelssohn
Vom Himmel hoch, MWV A 10
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The First Nowell
London PO - Vladimir Jurowski
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Modern Instrument Bach is always interesting to me when it appears nowadays, but paired with Mendelssohn's wonderful Christmas cantata Vom Himmel Hoch is an inspired comparison, since it is modeled on his belovèd former master's work.
VW's First Nowell is a beautiful companion to his Hodie.
An interesting recording from Jurowski during his tenure with the LPO.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/bba91cd5-c523-443f-ace1-c6c731faf42c/5941840568.jpg)
Quote from: vandermolen on December 03, 2021, 10:47:57 PM
+1 and also for Penderecki's 'Christmas Symphony'.
Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Christmas Eve Suite' comes to mind as does Bax's 'Christmas Eve in the Mountains'.
Haven't heard the Penderecki nor the Bax, but I enjoy the VW and the R-K!
PD
I'll certainly be making time for this.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODkzOTIwMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg4NTd9)
Arthur Honegger
Une cantate de Noël
London PO & Chorus - Vladimir Jurowski
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
As French Christmas cantatas go, Honegger doesn't work on me as strongly as Saint-Saëns, but I have always liked his choral style.
Another Vladimir Jurowski entry whose whole album is highly charged.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bzn4j0HuL._SL1200_.jpg)
Quote from: Iota on December 04, 2021, 03:53:48 AM
I'll certainly be making time for this.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODkzOTIwMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg4NTd9)
Definitely looks worth investigating. :)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 04, 2021, 03:02:22 AM
JS Bach
Christen, atzet diesen Tag, BWV 63
Modern Instrument Bach is always interesting to me when it appears nowadays,
Following Bruce Haynes I prefer to say romantic instruments instead of modern instruments, since these instruments haven't changed significantly during the last 150 years. So much more as he term "modern" indicates something up to date.
Quote from: (: premont :) on December 04, 2021, 03:26:13 PM
Following Bruce Haynes I prefer to say romantic instruments instead of modern instruments, since these instruments haven't changed significantly during tha lasr 150 years. So much more as he term "modern" indicates something up to date.
Interesting; I don't think I have seen it termed that way before.
VS
Paul Paray (1886-1979)
Pastorale de Noël
Assumption Grotto Orchestra & Chorus - Fr. Eduard Perrone
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I wish there were a better recording of this work, for Paul Paray's oratorio Christmas Pastorale deserves to be heard apart from these amateur forces.
Still these Detroit-based performers give it their best, and tenor David Troiano is the best of the bunch.
As a side note, the paired Joan of Arc oratorio is a different work than what Paray paired with his Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony on Mercury.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release-group/98898ec2-b282-4f51-871d-ec8d3f514994/front) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61HcMB0YT1L.jpg)
A big thumbs up for James MacMillan's new 'Christmas Oratorio' which I heard in London tonight.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 04, 2021, 03:47:20 PM
A big thumbs up for James MacMillan's new 'Christmas Oratorio' which I heard in London tonight.
Can't wait to hear this (and I'm not even much of a Christmas guy). Loved your report on the concerts thread.
--Bruce
I love organ music around Christmastide... This disc is just excellent:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fzrg5rFV/image.png)
Quote from: Brewski on December 04, 2021, 04:11:51 PM
Can't wait to hear this (and I'm not even much of a Christmas guy). Loved your report on the concerts thread.
--Bruce
Thanks Bruce. I think that the Amsterdam performance is on you tube.
Franz Liszt: Christmas Tree Suite
Jules Massenet: Last Sleep of the Virgin
Doreen Carwithen: On the Twelfth Day
Otto Nicolai: Christmas Overture on 'Vom Himmel Hoch'
Leopold Mozart: Classic Sleighride
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Christmas Overture
Philip Lane: Overture on French Carols
John Carmichael: Sleigh Ride to Thredbo
BBC Concert Orchestra - Barry Wordsworth
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
More serious orchestral music than the cartoon cover implies, I bought this for Anthony Collins' orchestration of Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite, but ended up enjoying the rest.
Only a tiny bit of choral music here, and the narrated piece is 5 minutes at most. Otherwise, 70 minutes of light orchestral music from mostly historical composers.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81W+tXofacL._SL1200_.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 05, 2021, 11:03:45 AM
Franz Liszt: Christmas Tree Suite
Jules Massenet: Last Sleep of the Virgin
Doreen Carwithen: On the Twelfth Day
Otto Nicolai: Christmas Overture on 'Vom Himmel Hoch'
Leopold Mozart: Classic Sleighride
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Christmas Overture
Philip Lane: Overture on French Carols
John Carmichael: Sleigh Ride to Thredbo
BBC Concert Orchestra - Barry Wordsworth
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
More serious orchestral music than the cartoon cover implies, I bought this for Anthony Collins' orchestration of Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite, but ended up enjoying the rest.
Only a tiny bit of choral music here, and the narrated piece is 5 minutes at most. Otherwise, 70 minutes of light orchestral music from mostly historical composers.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81W+tXofacL._SL1200_.jpg)
Boy, I don't recall hearing any of those works before. I'll have to see whether or not I can find any samples on y.t. And sweet cover!
I should start hauling out some holiday music here.
PD
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 06, 2021, 05:04:18 AM
Boy, I don't recall hearing any of those works before. I'll have to see whether or not I can find any samples on y.t. And sweet cover!
I should start hauling out some holiday music here.
PD
While I wanted it for Liszt's
Christmas Tree Suite, I also wanted something for the girls too. They liked it, but I was surprised as to the quality, even if the literature is a bit slight.
VS
Benjamin Britten
Saint Nicolas, op. 42
Anothony Rolfe Johnson, tenor
English Chamber Orchestra & Corydon Singers
Matthew Best
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
A wide-ranging, 50-minute cantata with a lot going on throughout. This is the finest coronation sequence I have heard in this work, and the sequence of St. Nick rescuing the Pickled Boys is a hoot!
I love Rolfe Johnson in this work, although Stephen Layton's version, also on Hyperion, is perhaps superior as a whole.
Maybe a stretch for Christmas Music, though... VS
(https://img.discogs.com/9myH_ODzuxH40UsqlSd5bOK0WeY=/fit-in/600x585/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-11414171-1566726953-8540.jpeg.jpg)
If Penderecki 2 can be included, then so can Schnittke's Concerto grosso No. 2 which also quotes Silent Night.
Dave Brubeck
La Fiesta De La Posada
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra & Dale Warland Singers
Dennis Russell Davies
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I am not sure why Brubeck's Christmas cantata hasn't received more recordings, at least in the US where it was performed quite a bit for a while.
VS
(https://img.discogs.com/kvgy8B3tXcx4jAwVPzAhBcfkRO0=/fit-in/520x519/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3987023-1351461962-3892.jpeg.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 08, 2021, 04:07:40 AM
Dave Brubeck
La Fiesta De La Posada
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra & Dale Warland Singers
Dennis Russell Davies
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I am not sure why Brubeck's Christmas cantata hasn't received more recordings, at least in the US where it was performed quite a bit for a while.
VS
(https://img.discogs.com/kvgy8B3tXcx4jAwVPzAhBcfkRO0=/fit-in/520x519/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3987023-1351461962-3892.jpeg.jpg)
Ooh I like the Dale Warland Singers!
This seems less than half of the many Xmas albums the Boston camerata did, but I got them cheaply as a collection:
[asin]B000005IVR[/asin][asin]B01K8MLKT4[/asin][asin]B000005IXX[/asin]
It's a bit unfortunate that half of the "Baroque Christmas" is Charpentier's Messe de Minuit pour Noel which is a nice piece but well covered elsewhere (I have at least two recordings already).
Quote from: stingo on December 09, 2021, 07:51:17 PM
Ooh I like the Dale Warland Singers!
Perhaps the oldest recording I have heard from them, I think.
VS
Hector Berlioz
L'Enfance du Christ
Kopleff, Tozzi, Souzay, Valletti,
Boston SO - Charles Munch
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
A beautiful work by Berlioz I visit far too little.
I don't have the Munch box, but this recording needed the remastering.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71s-tRIc7EL._SL1104_.jpg)
Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006)
Christmas Cantata
Company at the Creche
Kings and the Shepherds
Christmas Eve
Evergreen
Dale Warland Singers - Dale Warland
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Daniel Pinkham's choral music here isn't the easiest for me. But his mid-century Christmas Cantata is quite easy to love, and I like its rhythmic medievalisms.
This recording also includes Britten's A Ceremony of Carols in its SATB format, a version which I don't hear as often, but hardly needs to be mentioned since it is so ubiquitous on record.
Most of this album can be found on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oaBYW-iiw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oaBYW-iiw)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65RNgokwZEQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65RNgokwZEQ)
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/05afd1f1-6ce9-40ab-8c8c-e0e4e600d194/28098126937.jpg)
Visited Vaughan Williams a few minutes ago (see current listening thread). :)
PD
Bob Chilcott (1955-present)
Rose in the Middle of Winter - 22 Carols
Commotio - Matthew Berry
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I enjoy the art of the Christmas carol, and these are all original creations from Bob Chilcott.
Chilcott follows in John Rutter's footsteps, less jazzy and more complex vocal writing comparatively, but he still has a saccharine sing-song quality and highly caloric harmonies, if you enjoy that style.
I was unfamiliar with the British chamber choir Commotio, but was quite pleased, as well as the instrumentalists that come and go throughout.
Most of this album can be found on YouTube as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eTB0bnK_YI&list=OLAK5uy_kpbPvLwbTnIdLYwdmJ-XsJFpVHJH13Yws&index=2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eTB0bnK_YI&list=OLAK5uy_kpbPvLwbTnIdLYwdmJ-XsJFpVHJH13Yws&index=2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G81-4QnmK7s&list=OLAK5uy_kpbPvLwbTnIdLYwdmJ-XsJFpVHJH13Yws&index=14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G81-4QnmK7s&list=OLAK5uy_kpbPvLwbTnIdLYwdmJ-XsJFpVHJH13Yws&index=14)
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71RmR8Fo2CL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://coverartarchive.org/release/299f8fdb-1743-429f-a42f-fae692f6c0d1/30989588384.jpg)
Plum Pudding
Felicity Lott
Joyful Company of Singers - Peter Broadbent
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I don't think I have ever had Plum Pudding before, but I assume it is like fruitcake in the US?
Regardless, this recording is an old standard for me.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81neAAZSozL._SL1500_.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 14, 2021, 08:32:37 AM
Plum Pudding
Felicity Lott
Joyful Company of Singers - Peter Broadbent
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
I don't think I have ever had Plum Pudding before, but I assume it is like fruitcake in the US?
Regardless, this recording is an old standard for me.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81neAAZSozL._SL1500_.jpg)
There are some similarities. I've never made it before (can't remember where parents' purchased theirs from), but when you are ready to serve it, you heat it up by steaming it and serve it with a hard sauce. Here's one recipe for you:
https://www.marthastewart.com/258098/plum-pudding
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 14, 2021, 10:06:19 AM
There are some similarities. I've never made it before (can't remember where parents' purchased theirs from), but when you are ready to serve it, you heat it up by steaming it and serve it with a hard sauce. Here's one recipe for you:
https://www.marthastewart.com/258098/plum-pudding
PD
Thanks! It looks like food that could require some foresight in long-term preparation.
I've got the booze ready to go; Now...where to find a pound of candied kumquats. :laugh:
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on December 14, 2021, 12:33:21 PM
Thanks! It looks like food that could require some foresight in long-term preparation.
I've got the booze ready to go; Now...where to find a pound of candied kumquats. :laugh:
VS
There are, I'm sure, a number of variants in terms of recipes, so don't fret yourself. And, yes, from what I understand, it can be made a fair bit ahead (to a lot of time ahead).
PD
Quote from: VonStupp on December 04, 2021, 06:21:06 AM
Arthur Honegger
Une cantate de Noël
London PO & Chorus - Vladimir Jurowski
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
As French Christmas cantatas go, Honegger doesn't work on me as strongly as Saint-Saëns, but I have always liked his choral style.
Another Vladimir Jurowski entry whose whole album is highly charged.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bzn4j0HuL._SL1200_.jpg)
Oh yes, Honegger's is a really inspired creation, progressing from a darkly chromatic opening to a radiant conclusion. And that Jurowski album is fantastic! Despite being a huge fan of Saint-Saëns, I haven't listened to his oratorio yet.
Quote from: kyjo on December 15, 2021, 05:53:53 PM
Oh yes, Honegger's is a really inspired creation, progressing from a darkly chromatic opening to a radiant conclusion. And that Jurowski album is fantastic! Despite being a huge fan of Saint-Saëns, I haven't listened to his oratorio yet.
Yes, Honegger's is quite interesting and appreciably different than most other cantatas for the season.
If you haven't heard Saint-Saëns
Oratorio de Noël, it is a beaut! The whole album on Proprius is on YouTube, perhaps my favorite recording of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8eId8MPGDU&list=OLAK5uy_mAKk5QRCn37PG8AQtBx1AsGaP7WMbOZuU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8eId8MPGDU&list=OLAK5uy_mAKk5QRCn37PG8AQtBx1AsGaP7WMbOZuU)https://www.youtube.com/v/_8eId8MPGDU&ab_channel=Brit-MarieAruhn-Topic
Quote from: VonStupp on December 04, 2021, 06:21:06 AM
Arthur Honegger
Une cantate de Noël
London PO & Chorus - Vladimir Jurowski
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
As French Christmas cantatas go, Honegger doesn't work on me as strongly as Saint-Saëns, but I have always liked his choral style.
Another Vladimir Jurowski entry whose whole album is highly charged.
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bzn4j0HuL._SL1200_.jpg)
That's a fabulous CD - all three works.
Cambridge Singers Christmas
Cambridge Singers
City of London Sinfonia - John Rutter
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
A nice survey of choral music through history, with names like Scheidt, Sweelinck, and Victoria popping up, but also Handel, Berlioz, Warlock, Vaughan Williams, etc.
I also like the John Rutter Christmas Album, but the success of that one depends on how you feel about Rutter's treacly brand of carol writing.
Either way, The Cambridge Singers are an excellent ensemble, and the carol arrangements by Healy Willan and David Willcocks were a throwback for me.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/52addf1e-8c9c-4b5a-9315-d790ed16f9ec/24700419885.jpg) (https://coverartarchive.org/release-group/0efccc62-4cf3-3170-b05e-14ed804845c6/front)
We Wish You a Merry Shostakovich Christmas
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
There has been a lot of Shostakovich traffic on GMG lately and I happpened upon this blog entry, which tries to pigeonhole Shostakovich into the Christmas season, including some musical examples. Judge for yourself... ;)
https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/ (https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/)
VS
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/65638b448a3cfb84620b4fc3df9b0eb0/tumblr_p1i30o0W9F1qdqpe6o1_1280.png)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 16, 2021, 01:26:42 PM
Cambridge Singers Christmas
I always play Christmas Night on Christmas Eve! (I'm a rebel that way)
Now this is a fun Christmas disc......
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5164vrXHa-L._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA17%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)
Great recording and brilliant playing. My favourite track is the genuinely funny "Russian Christmas Music" - an arrangement by Alfred Reed of very standard jolly Christmas tunes but changed to minor keys and in a "Russian" style. Skilfully silly!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 18, 2021, 12:46:17 AM
Now this is a fun Christmas disc......
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5164vrXHa-L._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA17%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)
Great recording and brilliant playing. My favourite track is the genuinely funny "Russian Christmas Music" - an arrangement by Alfred Reed of very standard jolly Christmas tunes but changed to minor keys and in a "Russian" style. Skilfully silly!
Nice! I bought this one for my horn-playing mother-in-law last year, although I haven't heard it. I'm not in trouble with her, so it must have been alright. :D
VS
Quote from: stingo on December 17, 2021, 03:34:31 PM
I always play Christmas Night on Christmas Eve! (I'm a rebel that way)
:laugh:
Paul Csonka (1905-1995)
Concierto de Navidad
John Rutter
Dancing Day
Rita Costanzi, harp
Elektra Women's Choir
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
All three multi-movement works for chorus and harp play nicely as bedfellows without just sounding all the same.
Csonka's Concerto for Christmas is a Cuban-flecked work, a little more modern-sounding than the rest, with the final part dedicated to A la nanita nana.
Rutter's early Dancing Day set is a bit bland compared to what he will write later, but the features for harp are interesting, and his setting of Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day is great.
And while Britten's Ceremony of Carols isn't heard too often with an adult women's choir, I hardly need another recording of it. Well sung, all the same.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/ded60b64-4f02-4df9-8343-c65c568075bb/28037160542.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 17, 2021, 08:37:25 AM
We Wish You a Merry Shostakovich Christmas
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
There has been a lot of Shostakovich traffic on GMG lately and I happpened upon this blog entry, which tries to pigeonhole Shostakovich into the Christmas season, including some musical examples. Judge for yourself... ;)
https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/ (https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/)
VS
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/65638b448a3cfb84620b4fc3df9b0eb0/tumblr_p1i30o0W9F1qdqpe6o1_1280.png)
Thanks, I'll check it out in a bit. Just put up my Christmas tree (with a lot of help from a friend). Lots of decorating (and tidying up to do) now. Trying to figure out what to put on first. :-\
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 18, 2021, 08:55:48 AM
Thanks, I'll check it out in a bit. Just put up my Christmas tree (with a lot of help from a friend). Lots of decorating (and tidying up to do) now. Trying to figure out what to put on first. :-\
PD
Have fun! :)
This is the first year I have had my lights and decorations up (for a while now), the presents are bought and wrapped, travel plans are done, and the figgy pudding is boozed up, steamed, and awaiting next week.
If I didn't have to go to work (and need to clean as well...), this would be the most relaxing Christmas since my kids were born.
VS
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 18, 2021, 08:55:48 AM
Thanks, I'll check it out in a bit. Just put up my Christmas tree (with a lot of help from a friend). Lots of decorating (and tidying up to do) now. Trying to figure out what to put on first. :-\
PD
Trivia:
Shostakovich is not, strictly speaking, putting up a Christmas tree, as the atheist government in Moscow outlawed Christmas. In the Soviet era, people put up New Year's trees.
Quote from: VonStupp on December 18, 2021, 09:28:23 AM
Have fun! :)
This is the first year I have had my lights and decorations up (for a while now), the presents are bought and wrapped, travel plans are done, and the figgy pudding is boozed up, steamed, and awaiting next week.
If I didn't have to go to work (and need to clean as well...), this would be the most relaxing Christmas since my kids were born.
VS
Thanks! Am relaxing listening to the Met's broadcast of
The Magic Flute whilst putting on the lights. Almost done with that, but needed to sit for a minute. :)
And enjoy your relaxing to VS!
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 18, 2021, 09:53:13 AM
Trivia: Shostakovich is not, strictly speaking, putting up a Christmas tree, as the atheist government in Moscow outlawed Christmas. In the Soviet era, people put up New Year's trees.
Ah! Didn't know that Karl!
PD
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 18, 2021, 12:46:17 AM
Now this is a fun Christmas disc......
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5164vrXHa-L._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA17%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)
Great recording and brilliant playing. My favourite track is the genuinely funny "Russian Christmas Music" - an arrangement by Alfred Reed of very standard jolly Christmas tunes but changed to minor keys and in a "Russian" style. Skilfully silly!
Nice. I met Alfred Reed while I was at Wooster.
Christmas Songbook
King's Singers
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Christmas Songbook tends towards vocal-jazz tinged styles and secularisms versus the earlier Christmas album whose repertoire could easily park directly within the cathedral.
Either way, I enjoy the King's Singers and their ever-changing personnel.
VS
(https://www.kingssingers.com/wp-content/uploads/2003/10/Christmas-HiRes-SIGCD502.jpg) (https://www.kingssingers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SIGCD459-web-750x750.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 17, 2021, 08:37:25 AM
We Wish You a Merry Shostakovich Christmas
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
There has been a lot of Shostakovich traffic on GMG lately and I happpened upon this blog entry, which tries to pigeonhole Shostakovich into the Christmas season, including some musical examples. Judge for yourself... ;)
https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/ (https://exhaustiveshostakovich.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/we-wish-you-a-merry-shostakovich-christmas/)
VS
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/65638b448a3cfb84620b4fc3df9b0eb0/tumblr_p1i30o0W9F1qdqpe6o1_1280.png)
Fun observations, indeed!
Schütz- Weihnachtshistorie [Hillier]
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4MjQ0Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzExMjcxODl9)
This is a very fine presentation of this work. Its tone is more one of rejoicing as opposed to being overly devotional. It is wonderfully sung by all concerned. The musical accompaniment is very sensitive to the vocal music and never competes with it. It is also excellently recorded in a benignly warm and reverberant acoustic which very much helps with the level of excellence all round on this recording.
Bach: Christmas Cantatas [Mallon]
(https://www.naxos.com/ecard/2018/bach-christmas-oratorio/images/554825.jpg)
Cantata BWV 36 - I find the sound a little light and scant overall but even though it is sparse it is very well recorded. Perhaps it is just that the recorded acoustic is too big for the smaller forces [OVPP]. However, this is not a major issue here; it is quite a pleasant listen and is simply something that I was aware of throughout. The music is well played and sung and I also like the pacing and tone of this version.
Cantata BWV132 - Mallon's pacing throughout is excellent, I feel. He moves the music along wonderfully well with nothing feeling either rushed or dragging. The music is well played and sung and it is also well recorded.
Cantata BWV 61 - I like the more devotional tone in this presentation; it is quite contemplative. This is well reflected in the frequent use of the lower register strings which are well portrayed here. All of the vocalists, solo and choir, make a fine contribution here also and I feel that Mallon gets the mood and pacing just right. This is quite an effective and engaging version of this Bach Cantata.
Robert Shaw & Robert Russell Bennett
Many Moods of Christmas
Robert Shaw & Alice Parker
Christmas Hymns and Carols Vol 1 & 2
Festival of Carols
Robert Shaw Chorale
RCA Victor SO - Robert Shaw
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Making a Cookie Tree today, so Robert Shaw is on tap while we work. These recordings were set down in the 50's and 60's and the LP's have been with me for, what seems like, forever.
I love RR Bennett's orchestrated medleys. They are a bit rough and coarse, but thrilling and not saccharine at all.
Parker/Shaw's a cappella carol & hymn arrangements are so humble, and quite beautiful because of it. Shaw rerecorded some of these in the 80's & 90's with ASO personnel, but I like the original RS Chorale.
VS
(https://img.discogs.com/es6Jl5N_lzIGQ6AEN74xh_ifKRY=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2587972-1291925350.jpeg.jpg) (https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3220/32203714_so.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Q-Ow9RKFL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81qUHHH8HRL._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://outhere-music.com/s3/files/styles/col4_mobile/public/imported/albums/daquin-les-douze-no%C3%ABls-ckd254-20211116104307-front.jpg?itok=c9WyjNlq)
Splendid realisation and presentation.
Stories For Christmas
The Happy Prince / The Small One
Music by Bernard Herrmann & Victor Young
Narrated by Orson Welles & Bing Crosby
A Christmas Carol / Mr. Pickwick's Christmas
Music by Victor Young & Hanns Eisler
Narrated by Ronald Colman & Charles Laughton
The Littlest Angel / Lullaby for Christmas
Music by Carmen Dragon & Charles Paul
Narrated by Loretta Young & Gregory Peck
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
An Eloquence compilation of 6 short radioplays from the 40's (15-20 minutes each, in mono) that sound pretty good still.
The stories with the animals are probably the best (Happy & Small), but the old-timey occurances of animals dying and beating mute children (Lullaby) make these not quite as endearing as I remember them from LP days.
The music leans heavily towards incidental, with little standing out. The focus here is on the starry narrators; silver-screen actors from yesteryear.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/18ab4c37-8726-4a9a-b9c3-19408c454f71/31173297217.jpg)
A Christmas Festival
Boston PO - Arthur Fiedler (rec. 1958-1969)
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
December birthday boy Arthur Fiedler leads VW's Fantasia on Greensleeves, a 9-minute 'Dream Pantomime' from Hansel and Gretel, among some other historical choices. I don't often see many nods to classical music anymore from groups like this at the yuletide.
I actually really like Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival; it is a little coarse and rougher, rather than gooey and saccharine like pops medleys can be.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/1fe781c3-b99d-4645-a225-036b222dd042/5964896271.jpg)
American Horn Quartet Christmas Album
American Horn Quartet
Queensland Symphony Horns
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Perhaps the most interesting I have listened to for Advent 2021. This was the valedictory recording from the AHQ, an ensemble based in Germany, and this music ably depicts the range and versatility of the horn.
There is a nice helping of Mendelssohn, Jacob Handl, G.F. Handel, but the interesting music comes from Kerry Turner. His Symphony of Carols is more than just a string of familiar tunes; he comes close to developing ideas symphonically, more along the lines of Hely-Hutchinson, but with a modernist touch. The bitonal, overlapping Coventry Carol with In the Bleak Midwinter is ear-catching, and his Hymnus is almost a Gregorian theme and variations circling around Of the Father's Love Begotten.
The populous, entertaining items are still here, but they are more the exception than the rule, which makes this recording stand out. The brief didgeridoo solo lead-in to the symphony is odd, but a loving nod to the Queensland recording location.
VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release-group/89da335f-b346-49a5-9eba-741564c8da5a/front)
The entire album can be found on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vEg-bPwSao&list=OLAK5uy_nncPxKiigDncaZYT6glSQD3o8RoupYl_E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vEg-bPwSao&list=OLAK5uy_nncPxKiigDncaZYT6glSQD3o8RoupYl_E)
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273d094304771b1c4a3f0498fe5)
Otherwise known as The Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Christmas Album and if you're going to do a Christmas Album, then this is certainly a classy affair, with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Ambrosian Singers conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. The arrangements are by Sir Charles too, all except Stille Nacht, which uses the arrangement from the first ever performance, with Schwarzkopf duetting with herself to an accompaniment of guitar and French horn.
Pure delight.
It's time for my annual listen to my favorite Christmas work, Christopher Rouse's Karolju. Karolju is a suite of original Christmas carols for choir and orchestra first conceived in the early 1980s in a form modeled after Orff's Carmina Burana . More details on this work can be found on its Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karolju (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karolju)
It's beautiful, exciting, and truly unlike any of Rouse's other works. A hard copy might be hard to come by, but is available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sQoXllXCL._SY355_.jpg)
Glorious Sound of Christmas (rec. 1962)
Philadelphia SO - Eugene Ormandy
A Festival of Carols in Brass (rec. 1967)
Philadelphia Symphony Brass
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
Happy Christmas Eve all!
Ormandy knew what he was doing when he saved O Holy Night for the Philadelphia string sound. Yummy, yet highly caloric!
The arrangements by Arthur Harris exploit the virtuosity of the ensemble, and even if the offerings from Schubert and Beethoven are too much for me, this one comes out every year all the same.
The Philadelphia brass album is quite simple in presentation, with no evidence of showboating or death-defying tricks. Beautiful!
VS
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nt0cQEzNL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81XPoacP0dL._SL1500_.jpg)
John Rutter
The Reluctant Dragon
Brother Heinrich's Christmas
The Wind in the Willows
King's Singers & Cambridge Singers - John Rutter
City of London Sinfonia - Richard Hickox
VonStupp's 25 Days of Christmas
My girls listen to this recording every Christmas, and I copied off the words so they can follow along with the music.
They love the Reluctant Dragon, which is pure silliness from the King's Singers. I have performed the Banquet Fugue and Let's Begin Again for chorus many, many times, and I never tire of them.
My wife really likes the origin story of the carol 'In Dulci Jubilo' from Brother Heinrich; it is a rather heart-warming musical tale.
A Happy Christmas to all!
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/d371b224-beee-4781-9171-4dd61fc8d306/24820975964.jpg)
This whole album is offered on YouTube as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i_SX6_Ckcc&list=OLAK5uy_lAwLyiek4IrbUyZGQZSQDFqFd7ieLmxzo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i_SX6_Ckcc&list=OLAK5uy_lAwLyiek4IrbUyZGQZSQDFqFd7ieLmxzo)
JS Bach - Christmas Oratorio [Jacobs]
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KEdjXd9gL.jpg)
Christmas Oratorio - Part I [Jacobs]
This music is always a joy to listen to. JS Bach's music can oftentimes be filled with joyous music which is a point that can often be missed. Jacobs, however, does not miss this point here. The music has great forward momentum and this interpretation portrays the inherent power and joy of this work. I turned up the volume for maximum effect! This presentation portrays the relevant celebratory tone of the occasion with the appropriate gravitas. The opening is wonderfully vibrant and joyous with blazing brass and thumping timpani. It is also paced very well. It is wonderfully played, wonderfully sung by all concerned and the recording is warm and detailed. This recording of Part I has great presence overall.
Christmas Oratorio - Part II [Jacobs]
This work is unseasonably grave, intense, contemplative and subdued in tone. The music remains intense in tone throughout the entire work [the third last movement is the noticeable exception to this]. Given that, the music is smoothly delivered throughout by both instrumentalists and vocalists alike. The pace of the work is also well delivered here. The music is, however, always wonderful and also consistently delivered to a high standard by Jacobs. The recorded sound is excellent.
Christmas Oratorio - Part III [Jacobs]
This work opens joyously with a fanfare of brass. This prevailing tone of both joy and celebration permeates most of the work with the exception of the latter part of the work which is more subdued and reflective in tone. The joy returns in the final Chorale. This joy is reflected both in the pacing and the scoring for individual movements. Vocally, a great effort is also made to deliver the requisite tone.
The end of year is nearing and Christmas is coming up! :)
One of my own musical traditions is to buy each year a new Christmas recording.
I'm open to suggestions, it doesn't need to be a new issue. But please do post some new issues here.
One release I noticed lately:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I5QlJAlTL._SY780_.jpg)
Quote from: Que on October 28, 2022, 11:03:56 PM
The end of year is nearing and Christmas is coming up! :)
One of my own musical traditions is to buy each year a new Christmas recording.
I'm open to suggestions, it doesn't need to be a new issue. But please do post some new issues here.
One release I noticed lately:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I5QlJAlTL._SY780_.jpg)
I just ordered it yesterday; should have it in 10-12 days.
Two all time favorites:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815H1fHgRaL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51peToT1UzL._SX425_.jpg)
Just arrived this afternoon
La Nativité Du Seigneur
(https://i.postimg.cc/0QCs0mkX/IMG-20221029-153547-2.jpg)
Christmas music bargains at jpc:
(https://www.jpc.de/cmsimage/id/1244273) (https://www.jpc.de/s/1238793_132150?lang=en&searchtype=cid)
I love this CD. Very Christmassy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/D08H6Xsp/image.png)
It's that time of year. I'd recommend this. I attended the live concert from where the recording emanates:
(//)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_DIiOpvUqY
An unusual discovery - to be played very loud!
Otto Nicolaî's 1833 Christmas overture on " "Von Himmel hoch, da komm ich her" for orchestra, organ and chorus.
https://www.youtube.com/v/AlLX1Gb6as0
Quote from: vandermolen on November 06, 2022, 08:22:40 AM
It's that time of year. I'd recommend this. I attended the live concert from where the recording emanates:
(//)
Oh fantastic! I'll have to give that a listen on Spotify. I've been curious to hear this since it was premiered.
Quote from: Maestro267 on November 07, 2022, 11:24:13 AM
Oh fantastic! I'll have to give that a listen on Spotify. I've been curious to hear this since it was premiered.
I hope that you enjoy it. The concert was quite an experience.
I am, as I write.
My favourite classical Christmas album:
Pascha: Christmas Mass, Christmas Carols (https://www.discogs.com/release/15728023-E-Pascha-Musica-Bohemica-Jaroslav-Kr%C4%8Dek-Chamber-Choir-of-the-Prague-Mens-Choir-of-the-FOK-Miroslav-)
(https://i.discogs.com/v0vp8sKxyFQb_TcRqXfIA2Nked8etqeCffN0-Jp9CAo/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:589/w:593/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE1NzI4/MDIzLTE1OTY2ODE5/NjEtMTkwMy5qcGVn.jpeg)
Here's a taste:
Anyone heard this? How is it?
(https://image.isu.pub/220718084258-e600905b816b629b5d6f56ce8e572e78/jpg/page_1.jpg)
O, Jolly good, this thread gets alive again, for Christmas is Icumen, it really is you know, despite......
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on November 08, 2022, 07:23:53 PM
My favourite classical Christmas album is this:
Pascha: Christmas Mass, Christmas Carols (https://www.discogs.com/release/15728023-E-Pascha-Musica-Bohemica-Jaroslav-Kr%C4%8Dek-Chamber-Choir-of-the-Prague-Mens-Choir-of-the-FOK-Miroslav-)
(https://i.discogs.com/v0vp8sKxyFQb_TcRqXfIA2Nked8etqeCffN0-Jp9CAo/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:589/w:593/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE1NzI4/MDIzLTE1OTY2ODE5/NjEtMTkwMy5qcGVn.jpeg)
Definitely one of my favorites aswell! I bought first this LP . Just lovely -music that smells of incense, stables, pine wood and hay....
(https://www.muzeum-hudby.cz/data/images/2018/04/E/48.jpg)
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2022, 01:30:15 AM
Anyone heard this? How is it?
(https://image.isu.pub/220718084258-e600905b816b629b5d6f56ce8e572e78/jpg/page_1.jpg)
I'm listening on YT and will try to report later. It seems to be very accessible...
The combination of Latin texts and poetry sung by two soloists, makes me think of other (older) choral works by William Mathias, Britten, Gordon Crosse's "Changes", Alun Hoddinott.... even RVW "Hodie"...
From the press:
In the fourteen-part Christmas Oratorio, Macmillan mixes the influence of Bach's sinfonias, chorales and arias with old English Christmas poetry by John Donne and John Milton, among others, contemporary sonorities and Scottish folk music.
Immediacy, radiance and an ability to welcome the past into the present: not all there is to say on the matter, but an attempt to pinpoint the essence of James MacMillan's music. For MacMillan (b.1959), a Scottish-born Roman Catholic, spirituality has been key to his work since a childhood fascination with plainchant and liturgy. His faith has empowered him to freewheel against fashion, gathering a large and responsive audience, from every domain, with him.
Who else would dare write a full-length Christmas Oratorio (2019), with Bach's own example and Handel's Messiah already cramming the limited seasonal space available? And who would start this work, after a gurgle of woodwind and a lilting Scots air, with that most tinkling, twinkly of instruments, the celesta – best known for its use in a sweeter Christmas favourite, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker
The celestial reverie is soon punctuated by a volley of solo timpani, an anger unleashed. Human suffering, characterised by Herod's massacre of the innocents, figures prominently in this two-part work, each half opening and closing with orchestral interludes. Texts, in Latin, English and Scottish Gaelic, are drawn from poetry, liturgy and scripture, deftly interwoven. Scored for a moderate sized orchestra, with a percussion section including the different timbres of hi-hat, cabasa, timbales, vibraphone and xylophone, as well as harp and celesta, it achieves sonic range via economic means.
The entire composition – its UK premiere given by the work's co-commissioners, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Mark Elder – is riven with short fortissimo outbursts as brutal as the four-part choral writing is at times exquisite and hushed. The babe-in-manger chorus at the start of Part 2, O magnum mysterium, from the matins for Christmas Day, could stand alone, though this majestic work deserves full performance.
The two soloists, soprano Lucy Crowe at her ethereal best and baritone Roderick Williams, expressive and articulate, provide meditative arias – poetry by Robert Southwell, John Donne and John Milton, sometimes with elaborate, Bach-like violin solo (Pieter Schoeman). The London Philharmonic Choir (director Neville Creed) sang impressively throughout.
Anyway, thanks for mentioning this work. I sincerely hope some choirs and orchestras will perform it in the future...I'll buy tickets.
However, the Christmas story has inspired so many composers. It would be good to hear -live - Gabriel Pierné's "Les enfants à Bethléem", Frank Bridge's (short) opera The Christmas rose, Hilding Rosenberg's The holy night, Frank Martin's Le mystère de la nativité ...
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2022, 01:30:15 AM
Anyone heard this? How is it?
(https://image.isu.pub/220718084258-e600905b816b629b5d6f56ce8e572e78/jpg/page_1.jpg)
I loved it! As was pointed out, quite accessible and distinctly MacMillanic. Some wonderfully voiced string chords in a couple of passages. And the structure as well is interesting, the symmetry of it all. The 2x7 instantly recalls to mind Messiaen's La Transfiguration.
Thanks, guys.
Dyson's Concerto da Chiesa uses snatches of 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' in its opening movement and 'Of the Father's Love Begotten' in its 2nd mvt, both of which reappear in its finale.
The use of string quartet against string orchestra is quite an effective texture. An unbidden advent surprise from the WAYL2N thread.
VS
https://www.youtube.com/v/29Bw6_fwiEs&ab_channel=Rodders https://www.youtube.com/v/yY8icyRcuc4&ab_channel=RichardHickoxTopic
https://youtu.be/29Bw6_fwiEs (https://youtu.be/29Bw6_fwiEs) & https://youtu.be/yY8icyRcuc4 (https://youtu.be/yY8icyRcuc4)
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2022, 03:42:28 AM
Thanks, guys.
I was at the original concert and greatly enjoyed. It had a few longueurs but also many wonderful moments.
Quote from: VonStupp on November 09, 2022, 04:04:34 PM
Dyson's Concerto da Chiesa uses snatches of 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' in its opening movement and 'Of the Father's Love Begotten' in its 2nd mvt, both of which reappear in its finale.
The use of string quartet against string orchestra is quite an effective texture. An unbidden advent surprise from the WAYL2N thread.
VS
https://www.youtube.com/v/29Bw6_fwiEs&ab_channel=Rodders https://www.youtube.com/v/yY8icyRcuc4&ab_channel=RichardHickoxTopic
https://youtu.be/29Bw6_fwiEs (https://youtu.be/29Bw6_fwiEs) & https://youtu.be/yY8icyRcuc4 (https://youtu.be/yY8icyRcuc4)
I like those Dyson recordings very much.
Quote from: Que on October 28, 2022, 11:03:56 PM
The end of year is nearing and Christmas is coming up! :)
One of my own musical traditions is to buy each year a new Christmas recording.
I'm open to suggestions, it doesn't need to be a new issue. But please do post some new issues here.
One release I noticed lately:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I5QlJAlTL._SY780_.jpg)
My copy landed yesterday, after an unusually slow transit time (for Presto). I have not listened to it yet. It's about 96 minutes long on two CDs.
Using Monteverdi's name alone on the cover is a bit misleading: it's a program of music such as Monteverdi might have led during his tenure in Venice, but no more than half the music (10 out of 22 tracks) is by him.
Organ music by Gabrieli (7 "intonationes del **** tono" and a "sonata in loco antiphonae") , two motets by Grandi, one by Valentini, and a "sonata a 8 con quattro soprani" by Usper form the rest.
I'll report more when I've listened to it.
Maybe anyone is able to help me. I looking for the following CD, if there was ever a CD of this recording that is!
Altdeutscher Weihnacht
Elly Ameling, Bernhard Michaelis, Hans Ulrich Mielsch, Barry McDaniel.
Members of the Collegium Aureum
Harmonia Mundi (1961)
I would be very grateful for the help.
It is very doubtful Harry, that this recording was issued as a cd. Helaas....
Discogs mentiones only LPs and a cassette!:
https://www.discogs.com/master/1767257-Elly-Ameling-Agnes-Giebel-Barry-McDaniel-T%C3%B6lzer-Knabenchor-Collegium-Aureum-Transeamus-Usque-Bethle
Quote from: pjme on November 21, 2022, 05:16:13 AM
It is very doubtful Harry, that this recording was issued as a cd. Helaas....
Discogs mentiones only LPs and a cassette!:
https://www.discogs.com/master/1767257-Elly-Ameling-Agnes-Giebel-Barry-McDaniel-T%C3%B6lzer-Knabenchor-Collegium-Aureum-Transeamus-Usque-Bethle
I was afraid it would be :(
Quote from: Harry on November 21, 2022, 05:04:23 AM
Maybe anyone is able to help me. I looking for the following CD, if there was ever a CD of this recording that is!
Altdeutscher Weihnacht
Elly Ameling, Bernhard Michaelis, Hans Ulrich Mielsch, Barry McDaniel.
Members of the Collegium Aureum
Harmonia Mundi (1961)
I would be very grateful for the help.
Harry,
Take a look here: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Dec05/Renaissance_Christmas_82876699962.htm
I believe that it's also included in the huge set: Deutsche Harmonia Mundi: 100 Great Recordings (at a very pretty penny!). Track listing here: https://musicbrainz.org/release/a25179c2-d476-4cfa-b3fc-44f49e6b9871 See CD listings 98 and 99.
EDIT: Download available here: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7940699--renaissance-christmas-music
PD
I just update my above posting with a link to it (download). Maybe you can find a used CD copy?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 04:43:42 AM
Harry,
Take a look here: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Dec05/Renaissance_Christmas_82876699962.htm
I believe that it's also included in the huge set: Deutsche Harmonia Mundi: 100 Great Recordings (at a very pretty penny!). Track listing here: https://musicbrainz.org/release/a25179c2-d476-4cfa-b3fc-44f49e6b9871 See CD listings 98 and 99.
EDIT: Download available here: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7940699--renaissance-christmas-music
PD
Wow this box cost a bundle, but I go search for the cheapest price. Thank you bunches
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 04:49:06 AM
I just update my above posting with a link to it (download). Maybe you can find a used CD copy?
PD
A used copy would be awesome, but its hard to find PD.
Quote from: Harry on November 22, 2022, 04:59:07 AM
Wow this box cost a bundle, but I go search for the cheapest price. Thank you bunches
You're most welcome. It looks like it was issued separately (See the review link). Don't know whether or not you caught my last reply? I provided a link to Prestomusic which has the (2-CD set) available as either Mp3 or as Flac. I'm currently listening to excerpts from the two albums...lovely!
Here is the link again: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7940699--renaissance-christmas-music
In the worst case, you could purchase the FLAC download and burn it onto CD?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 05:03:28 AM
You're most welcome. It looks like it was issued separately (See the review link). Don't know whether or not you caught my last reply? I provided a link to Prestomusic which has the (2-CD set) available as either Mp3 or as Flac. I'm currently listening to excerpts from the two albums...lovely!
Here is the link again: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7940699--renaissance-christmas-music
In the worst case, you could purchase the FLAC download and burn it onto CD?
PD
I might just do that. And yes it's a lovely CD, I missed it's release in 2005, bugger :P
Quote from: Harry on November 22, 2022, 05:07:17 AM
I might just do that. And yes it's a lovely CD, I missed it's release in 2005, bugger :P
I found two listings. Will send you a PM with info.
PD
Scriabin's Black Mass Sonata? ;D
Quote from: Harry on November 22, 2022, 05:00:24 AM
A used copy would be awesome, but its hard to find PD.
Maybe this one.....
https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/baroque-christmas-edition/9200000030209939/
Quote from: Traverso on November 22, 2022, 05:44:24 AM
Maybe this one.....
https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/baroque-christmas-edition/9200000030209939/
Great find! Excellent detective work! :) Wonder whether or not they bother to include the liner notes though?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 05:52:21 AM
Great find! Excellent detective work! :) Wonder whether or not they bother to include the liner notes though?
PD
Just a small booklet,this box must be found very cheap.
At the risk of being redundant ( since I've possibly recommended this release before ), my favorite compilation of carols:
https://www.amazon.com/Loved-Christmas-Carols-College-Cambridge/dp/B0002YLD1O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=3HH8H6XYXL8KQ&keywords=warner+king%27s+college+choir+carols&qid=1669141646&sprefix=warner+king%27s+college+choir+carols%2Caps%2C379&sr=8-8
With Willcocks and Ledger conducting the Choir of King's College, this CD set is all l need for a little Christmas cheer. 8)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 05:52:21 AMGreat find! Excellent detective work! :) Wonder whether or not they bother to include the liner notes though?
PD
Yep it is, did not even find that one.
I managed to buy the double CD on Amazon De, for just 5 euros. Its already on its way to me. Thanks to PD for finding it!
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 05:43:13 AMScriabin's Black Mass Sonata? ;D
You're next level up from Bah Humbug, you are... ;D
This is the truth, sent from above...
RVW, Christmas Carols Fantasia
My pick every year.
A recent review on MusicWeb International reminded me of this album, sharing some of the same performances from Sir David, including George Dyson's
A Christmas Garland and Geoffrey Bush's cantata
In Praise of Mary.
I will definitely be pulling these out in due time.
VS
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273734b2197763cf348650f2cf3)
Moving into Christmas and the New Year...
in the Low Countries and parts of France Saint Nicholas day (december 6th)is still popular.
Not many composers were inspired by this saint. Britten's cantata is a gem and quite well known, Guy Ropartz (1864-1955) "Le miracle de Saint Nicolas" remains a rarity. Written in 1905, this "légende en deux parties et 16 tableaux" is scored for "soli, voix d'enfants, chœur mixte, piano, orgue, harpe et orchestre à cordes". Sweet!
Noël nouvelet is one of my favorite christmas songs.
Quote from: pjme on December 05, 2022, 02:44:52 AMMoving into Christmas and the New Year...
in the Low Countries and parts of France Saint Nicholas day (december 6th)is still popular.
Not many composers were inspired by this saint. Britten's cantata is a gem and quite well known, Guy Ropartz (1864-1955) "Le miracle de Saint Nicolas" remains a rarity. Written in 1905, this "légende en deux parties et 16 tableaux" is scored for "soli, voix d'enfants, chœur mixte, piano, orgue, harpe et orchestre à cordes". Sweet!
Noël nouvelet is one of my favorite christmas songs.
I haven't listened to the other two recordings (so far anyway), but loved Noel Nouvelet. What gorgeous singing too! As my French is rather rusty (to put it politely), I dug around a bit and found the original French lyrics and an English translation here: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/c/christmascarolslyrics/noelnouveletlyrics.html
How are the others songs on that album Peter?
PD
I don't have that disc. I wanted to give an example. Another very beautiful version is by Jehan Alain:
Quote from: pjme on December 05, 2022, 03:55:23 AM
Oh, I see now. I had googled Jehan Alain and now see that he wrote that work. Sorry to see that his life was cut so short by WWII. Very talented. I also read that his sister was the famous organist Marie Claire.
This recording is nice too--different, but still very enjoyable.
Did you grow up listening to this song?
PD
Noël nouvelet is regularly sung in christmas concerts, but I grew up with Flemish/Dutch songs :
Caught these two recordings this weekend. I love modal tunes for the Yuletide season.
VS
Thys Yool:
Lutosławski's Polish Christmas Carols:
Quote from: pjme on December 05, 2022, 05:50:08 AMNoël nouvelet is regularly sung in christmas concerts, but I grew up with Flemish/Dutch songs :
Lovely! Thank you for sharing them. By the way, I tried googling "nu sijt willekome" and couldn't get a translation into English for the words. What does it mean? I'm guessing that willekome means welcome?
PD
From https://kerkliedwiki.nl/Nu_zijt_wellekome:
'The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols' (1965)has a translation by Elizabeth Poston:
1. Welcome, Child of Mary, coming from afar
On earth with us to sojourn beneath thy star.
From the heavens' glory thou in grace dost now descend,
Knowing all our story and come to be our friend:
Kyrie eleis.
2. Shepherds on the hillside saw the heavenly ligth,
And heard the angels' song, 'He is born this night.
Fear not,' was their message, 'now to David's city go,
Seek God in a manger, as yonder star will show:'
Kyrie eleis.
3. There to pay their tribute, come three eastern kings,
Sweet gifts of gold and spices now each one brings;
Kneeling, they adore him, as their earthly crowns they bow,
Majesty saluting before a manger low:
Kyrie eleis.
4. Kyrie eleison. Christmas Babe, we sing,
With Kyrie eleison we greet our King.
Pray we to the holy Infant he will bless our way,
Kyrie eleison in all the world we say:
Kyrie eleis.
Den heliga natten: A wonderful score - naive, very sweet, lyrical wordless angelic voices, very exotic wise men, celesta, piano and bells...a reciter tells the story.
It would make a beautiful animated film, I think. or a puppet play.
The final "O makalosa stjarna..." is ravishing.
The performance is excellent (Anna Larson, the Swedish chamber choir!)
Picked up in a local Charity Shop. A genuinely lovely disc mixing very familiar with completely unknown (to me at least!) all quite beautifully sung;
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514VT7hYl0L._AC_SX385_.jpg)
I caught three (new to me) Christmas oratorios this month. Fun to explore!
Gabriel Pierné Les enfants à BethléemRichard Wetz Christmas OratorioPhilipp Wolfrum Christmas Mystery
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 24, 2022, 07:57:07 AM
I have three of PDQ Bach's
Consort of Christmas Carols, S. 359 in print form. I have sung the one from your video, as well as
Good King Kong Looked Out, but have never heard
O Little Town of Hackensack in performance.
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on December 24, 2022, 08:00:50 AMI have three of PDQ Bach's Consort of Christmas Carols, S. 359 in print form. I have sung the one from your video, as well as Good King Kong Looked Out, but have never heard O Little Town of Hackensack in performance.
VS
Excellent!
I first heard this several years ago and was in stitches listening to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVIYIy3F-UI
It's a parody of the Twelve Days of Christmas. :)
PD
During Christmas here in Hawaii, the Christmas channel had a great Hawaiian rendition of the 12 days of Christmas. Will have to find it.
For those who fancy browsing jpc's selection of Classical Christmas music:
https://www.jpc.de/ff/1227417_35572?page=22&searchtype=cid
In the 28 pages this has probably already been mentioned!
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.qobuz.com%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fuc%2Fgz%2Fpjvt43tqtgzuc_600.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=3fed73539e40537b6e760874f3dfa78f48cc163b794b26fef19cbf33de054ba6&ipo=images)
Quote from: Que on December 01, 2023, 02:21:04 PMFor those who fancy browsing jpc's selection of Classical Christmas music:
https://www.jpc.de/ff/1227417_35572?page=22&searchtype=cid
I am good, thank you ;D ;D
Quote from: Harry on December 01, 2023, 11:34:46 PMI am good, thank you ;D ;D
With the size of your collection, I can imagine... ;D
I did develop a tradition of yearly ordering one or two Christmas recordings. I'll post them shortly. :D
Quote from: DavidW on December 01, 2023, 03:11:18 PMIn the 28 pages this has probably already been mentioned!
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.qobuz.com%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fuc%2Fgz%2Fpjvt43tqtgzuc_600.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=3fed73539e40537b6e760874f3dfa78f48cc163b794b26fef19cbf33de054ba6&ipo=images)
Not in that performance, but Charpentier's
Messe is a true Christmas evergreen. William Christie's recording is on my playlist every year:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91TUUXhtmUL._UF500,500_QL80_.jpg)
The best Christmas classical music albums and recordings (BBC Music) (https://www.classical-music.com/features/recordings/the-best-christmas-classical-music-albums)
In my opinion - who else - the two best alternatives to
Fauré's requiem are
Duruflé's, as well as
Saint-Saëns' much lesser-known, but no less glorious,
Requiem. A real eye-opener for me six years ago:
Now at Christmas, we naturally choose the almost equally fine
Christmas Oratorio first:
Speaking of Pierne (and btw, Requiem is the very last genre in the whole world that I would associate with Christmas)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61y8V7yIUTL._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg)
That's the right thread...
Here's some Christmas music I've written for professional concert band which contains a couple of German Christmas songs, among them the most famous Silent Night.
Hope you enjoy!
Quote from: Christo on December 23, 2023, 08:03:59 AMNow at Christmas, we naturally choose the almost equally fine Christmas Oratorio first:
Listening to it now for the first time. Sounds great. Thanks!