2010: Working List of Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

2010: Working List of Classical & Choral Christmas Recordings

Compiled by Ray Rojas

Updated Dec. 24, 2025

The descriptions below are those of record labels or the ensembles, and are not reviews by the Christmas Carols Blog. Some have been altered for better web viewing. Don't fret, we left the King's English intact. Links to the ensemble or record label have been included to make purchasing easier. We will be adding some link where they have been left off, as well as adding tracks, as we get the information. If we missed your new recording, email us at: christmascarolblog@gmail.com.

Queen Elizabeth I of England spent much of her reign juggling to maintain her power and position and to keep England peaceful, prosperous and independent. 

Realizing that marriage to anyone at all would make the crown subject either to a foreign power or to a domestic faction, she skillfully warded off all suits, whether they were tendered as peace offerings or as passionate proposals (in some cases both happened at once). 

She had to balance, too, the antipathies between Catholics and Protestants in her realm: as the daughter of Henry VIII she was herself a Protestant and recoiled at the idea of bowing to papal authority, but she also knew from experience that the persecution of Catholics could lead to bloody insurgency. 

Happily, in the field of music – especially music for Christmas, a treasured tradition for hundreds of years – a truce seemed to hold...


WILLIAM BYRD (1543-1623)
Prelude and Voluntary

THOMAS RAVENSCROFT (c.1582-1635)
Remember, O Thou Man

WILLIAM BYRD
From Virgin’s Womb this Day did Spring

ANTHONY HOLBORNE (c.1550-1602)
As it fell on a Holie Eve
The Cradle
The Night Watch

WILLIAM BYRD
O magnum mysterium
Vidimus stellam
Puer natus est

ANONYMOUS (c.1600)
Gentil Madonna

ANONYMOUS (c.1600)
Sweet was the Song the Virgin Sung

JOHN BULL (c.1562-1628)
A Gigge: Dr. Bull’s My Selfe

THOMAS MORLEY (1557-1602)
Fantasia La sampogna

WILLIAM BYRD
Out of the Orient Crystal Skies

ANONYMOUS (c.1600)
ELIZABETHAN DANCE SUITE
Pavan of Albarti
Gallyard
Allemana d’Amor

WILLIAM BYRD
Fantasy a4

SHEARMEN & TAILORS CAROL (1591)
Lully, Lulla

TOBIAS HUME (c.1569-1645)
Harke, Harke
A Mery Conceit: The Queens delight

ANONYMOUS (mid 17th century)
Divisions on Greensleeves

TRADITIONAL WAITS’ CAROL (1642)
The Old Year Now Away is Fled

In 1998, VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum joined forces to offer an annual contest encouraging the composition of new carols. Over the years hundreds of worthy carols have been submitted.

1. Ding Dong! Merrily on Higharr by Malcolm Williamson
2. What Child, Paul W Lohman
3. The Piping Carol *, James Sclater
4. Un Nacimento (A Nativity Scene) *, Diego Luzuriaga
5. A Mother’s Carol *, Scott Ethier
6. I Wonder as I Wander, John Jacob Niles, arr Martin Neary
7. Sweet Was the Song *, Matthew Brown
8. Night of Silence, Daniel Kantor, arr John Ferguson
9. See Amid the Winter Snow *, Robert Sieving
10. In the Bleak Midwinter *, Alan J Higbee
11. The Shepherd and the King *, Brian Holmes
12. Carol of the Magi, John Rutter
13. Calm on the Listening Ear *, John Christian Rommereim
14. The Darkest Midnight in December *, Stephen Main
15. Jingle Bells, James Lord Pierpont, arr J David Moore
16. Welcome the King *, Michael Glasgow
17. The Virgin’s Cradle Hymn *, Richard E Voorhaar
18. Behold the Dark and Bitter Night *, Thomas Fielding
19. It Fell Upon the High Midnight *, Paul Gibson
20. Rudolphus Rubrinasus *, Johnny Marks, arr Philip Brunelle

* World premiere recording

“Behold This Heavenly Night” presents the world premiere of some of these contest-winning carols alongside outstanding arrangements of more familiar melodies. Also included is the U.S. premiere of John Rutter’s new “Carol of the Magi” and a unique arrangement of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” translated into Latin by Philip Brunelle and his son Christopher.

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Behold_this_Heavenly_Night_VocalEssence_p/clcd-939.htm

Anonymous 4 brings US the Christmas story as told in medieval English carols and Anglo-American spiritual songs in a program inspired by the 15th-century miracle ballad the Cherry Tree Carol, which flourishes both in the British Isles and in America.

1 Prophetarum Presignata - Irish, 14th Century
2 Nowel Syng We Bothe Al and Som - English, 15th C
3 Alma Redemptoris Mater - English, 15th C
4 The Shepherd's Star - American, Southern Harmony 1835
5 Newell - Tydings Trew - English, 15th C
6 Mervele Noght Iosep - English, 15th C
7 Synge We to This Mery Cumpane - English, 15th C
8 Qui Creavit Celum - English, 15th C
9 A Virgin Unspotted - William Knapp
10 Now May We Syngyn - English, 15th C
11 Lullay My Child - This Ender Nigthgt - English, 15th C
12 Star in the East - American, Southern Harmony 1835
13 Veni Redemptor Gencium - English, 15th C
14 The Cherry Tree Carol - English, 15th C.; This Version Kentucky, 1917
15 Salve Mater Misericordie - Irish, 14th C
16 Hail Mary Ful of Grace - English, 15th C
17 Bethlehem - William Billings
1 Prophetarum Presignata - Irish, 14th Century
2 Nowel Syng We Bothe Al and Som - English, 15th C

Director of music to the Darmstadt court, Graupner¹s reputation was greater during his lifetime than was that of his contemporary J.S. Bach. Graupner¹s compositions are now slowly beginning to be rediscovered; Florian Heyerick has also devoted his doctoral thesis to them. This recording brings together several of the Christmas cantatas from the almost 1400 cantatas composed by Graupner. These works are real jewels thanks to the variety and the originality of their structure and instrumental colours; their rediscovery now completes a chapter in music history that was once almost totally unknown.


01. Kantate am 1. Advent "Die Nacht ist vergangen", GWV 1101/22: I. Coro. Die Nacht ist vergangen, der Tag aber herbei kommen 2:17
COMPOSER(s)Christoph Graupner

ARTIST(s)Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick, Ex Tempore
02. Kantate am 1. Advent "Die Nacht ist vergangen", GWV 1101/22: II. Recitativo. Erwacht, ihr schläfrige Gemüter! 1:01
COMPOSER(s)Christoph Graupner

ARTIST(s)Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick, Amaryllis Dieltiens
03. Kantate am 1. Advent "Die Nacht ist vergangen", GWV 1101/22: III. Aria. Angenehmster Tag der Gnaden 3:55
COMPOSER(s)Christoph Graupner

ARTIST(s)Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick, Amaryllis Dieltiens
04. Kantate am 1. Advent "Die Nacht ist vergangen", GWV 1101/22: IV. Recitativo. Gott lässt sein Licht, sein Heil 1:01
COMPOSER(s)Christoph Graupner

ARTIST(s)Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick, Stefan Geyer
05. Kantate am 1. Advent "Die Nacht ist vergangen", GWV 1101/22: V. Aria - Coro. Rüste dich Seele! Mit Waffen des Glaubens, stärke den Mut! 3:36
COMPOSER(s) Christoph Graupner

ARTIST(s)Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick, Ex Tempore, Stefan

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/graupner-ein-weihnachts-oratorium

Oasis Recordings Inc.











Œuvres de Mendelssohn, Bach, Reger, Mozart, Brahms, Haydn, Saint-Saëns, Händel, Grieg, Gruber et œuvres traditionnelles / Wiener Saängerknaben, Chœur de garçons de Vienne - Regenburger Domspatzen - Dresdner Kreuzchor - Thomanerchor Leipzig...
Label: Capriccio

Disc: 1

1 Vom Himmel Hoch, Chorale Cantata for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in C Major: 1. Chor: Vom Himmel Hoch Da Komm Ich Her
2 Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging, Carol (Blest Mary Wanders Through the Thorn)
3 Pueri Concinite
4 Rorate Coeli
5 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: For Unto Us a Child Is Born
6 In Dulci Jubilo (Pi' Cantiones)
7 Ein Kind Ist Uns Geboren, for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass & Continuo, SWV 302 (Op. 8/21) (2 Versions)
8 Laudate Pueri ('O Praise the Lord'), Motet for Female Chorus & Organ in E Flat Major, Op. 39/2
9 Ich Steh An Deiner Krippen Hier, for Voice & Continuo (Schemelli Gesangbuch No. 195), BWV469
10 Maria Wiegenlied (Mary's Lullaby: 'Maria Sitzt Am Rosenhag'), Song for Voice & Piano (Or Orchestra), Op. 76/52
11 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: Chorus: And He Shall Purify
12 HÖRT Der Engel Helle Lieder (Angels We Have Heard on High), Carol (German)
13 Übers Gebirg Maria Geht
14 Vesperae Solennes de Confessore for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra, K. 339: Excerpt
15 Allelujah! Freut Euch, Ihr Christen Alle

Disc: 2

1 Cantata No. 148, 'Bringet Dem Herrn Ehre Seines Namens,' BWV 148 (BC A140): Bringet Dem Herrn Ehre Seines Namens
2 Stille, Stille Laßt Uns Lauschen
3 Als Ich Bei Meinen Schafen Wacht (Echo Carol) (German)
4 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: Duett: He Shall Feed His Flock
5 O Heiland Reiss Die Himmel Auf, Motet for Chorus, Op.74/2
6 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
7 Cantata No. 143, 'Lobe Den Herrn, Meine Seele' (Doubtful), BWV 143 (BC T99): Choral: Du Friedensfürst, Herr Jesu Christ
8 Hodie Christus Natus Est, for Soprano, Tenor & Continuo, SWV 315 (Op. 9/10)
9 Der Quempas (Quem Pastores Laudavere)
10 Weihnachtslied. Heiligste Nacht (1), for Chorus & Orchestra, MH 427 (KL 6:28A) (2 Versions)
11 Heil'ge Nacht, Auf Engelsschwingen
12 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: Chorus: And the Glory of the Lord
13 Der Herr Is König, Darum Toben Die Völker, Motet for Double Chorus, T. 351
14 Ave Maria, Sacred Piece for Soloists, Chorus & Continuo in a Major, Op. 23/2
15 Oratorio de Noël, for Solo Voices, Chorus, Strings, Harp & Organ, Op. 12: Consurge, Filia Sion / Tollite Hostias

Disc: 3

1 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: Chorus: Hallelujah
2 Es Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen
3 The First Nowell (English)
4 Wie Soll Ich Dich Empfangen
5 Veni Domine ('Hear My Prayer, O Lord'), Motet for Female Chorus & Organ in G minor, Op. 39/1
6 Auf, Tochter Zion, Schmücke Dich
7 Joy to the World (Theme By Handel)
8 Ave Maris Stella, for Double Chorus
9 O Jesulein SÜß, O Jesulein Mild (O Little One Sweet), Carol (Neh No. 31)
10 Ave Maria, Gratia Plena, for 2 Sopranos, Alto, Tenor, Bass, 5 Instruments & Continuo, SWV 334 (Op. 9/29)
11 Tochter Zion, Freue Dich (Hymn Setting After Handel)
12 O Freude Über Freud, for 2 4-Part Choirs
13 Oratorio de Noël, for Solo Voices, Chorus, Strings, Harp & Organ, Op. 12: Arie & Chor: Domini, Ego Credidi / Chor: Quare Fremuerunt G
14 Messiah, Oratorio, HWV 56: 13. Pastoral Symphony / 14. Recitative: There Where Shepherds / 15. Chorus: Glory to God in the Hig
15 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night)




1 Septimi Toni No. 2
2 Carol of the Bells
3 My Little Drum
4 March Emmanuel
5 The First Noel
6 Shepard's Cradle Song
7 Petites Litanies de Jesus
8 A Christmas Medley
9 In the Bleak Midwinter
10 Joy to the World
11 Salut a la Compagnie
12 Duodecimi Toni




1 O Come All Ye Faithful
2 White Christmas
3 O Holy Night
4 Candelight Carol
5 Silent Night
6 In The Bleak Midwinter
7 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8 I orwedd mewn preseb (Away in a Manger)
9 O Jesulein zart
10 Wexford Carol
11 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
12 El Nacimiento
13 Mary's Boy Child
14 Still, Still, Still
15 What Child Is This?
16 Nadolig? Pwy a wyr

Disc 2

1 Tawel nos (Silent Night)
2 Deuwch ffyddloniad (Oh, come all ye Faithful)
3 Cwsg, Cwsg, Cwsg (Still, still, still)
4 Pa fab yw hwnyn dyner roed (What Child is this)
5 Ganol Gaeaf Noethlwn (In the Bleak Midwinter)
6 Candlelight Carol (Welsh version)
7 Tua Bethlehem
8 Gwyl Y Baban


Deutsche Grammophon




No description available.







1 Paulus (ST. Paul), Op. 36, Part I: Rise Up! Arise! (Sung in English)
2 Gabriel's Message
3 Come Colours Rise
4 I Saw Three Ships (Arr. R. Shaw and a. Parker)
5 Christmas Give: Christmas Memories (Orch. J. Kessler)
6 Precious Gift His Wondrous Birth
7 Christmas Give: Ring the Bells (Orch. J. Kessler)
8 A Clean Heart
9 Christmas Give: Christus Natus Est (Orch. J. Kessler)
10 Judas MacCabaeus, HWV 63, Part III: Rejoice, O Judah?Hallelujah, Amen
11 Christmas Give: Have You Seen the Baby Jesus?
12 L'enfance Du Christ, Op. 25, Part II: La Fuite en Egypte: Overture
13 Jesus Child
14 Holy Night
15 Ogo Ni Fun Oluwa
16 Mary's Lullaby
17 Messiah, HWV 56, Part II: Hallelujah!

Label: Gothic






Features Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Thomas, and more.
Label: Berlin Classics








Track Listings



1 Angels We Have Heard on High (Arr. J. Wachner)
2 O Come All Ye Faithful (Arr. Webster and D. Willcocks)
3 Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella) (Arr. J. Wachner)
4 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. A. Trudel)
5 Still, Still, Still (Arr. N. Luboff)
6 Joy to the World (Arr. J. Wachner)
7 Flourishes
8 The First Nowell (Arr. J. Wachner)
9 Sing We to This Merry Company
10 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Arr. J. Wachner)
11 Gloria in Excelsis Deo
12 Good King Wenceslas (Arr. D. Willcocks and a. Trudel)
13 Nino Lindo (Arr. J. Wachner)
14 The Dream Isaiah Saw
15 Messiah, HWV 56, Part II: Hallelujah! (Arr. J.R. Lewis)

1 Conditor Alme Siderum, (Hymnus) 2 De Illa Occulta Habitatione, (Responsorium) 3 O Virgo Virginum, (Antiphon) 4 Hodie Scietis, (Introitus) 5 Hodie Scietis, (Graduale) 6 Tollite Portas, (Offertorium) 7 Revelabitur Gloria Domini, (Communio) 8 Veni, Redemptor Gentium, (Hymnus) 9 Christus Natus Est Nobis, (Invitatorium) 10 Christe, Redemptor Omnium, (Hymnus) 11 Primo Tempore, (Lectio) 12 Hodie Nobis Coelorum Rex, (Responsorium 1) 13 Hodie Nobis de Coelo Pax Vera, (Responsorium 2) 14 Descendid de Coelis, (Responsorium 3) 15 Liber Generationis Jesu Christi 16 Dominus Dixit Ad Me, (Introitus) 17 Tecum Principium, (Graduale) 18 Dominus Dixit Ad Me, (Alleluja) 19 Laetabundus, (Sequenz) 20 Laetentur Coeli, (Offertorium) 21 In Splendoribus, (Communio) 22 Alma Redemptoris Mater, (Antiphon)

Label: Christophorus

Music contemporary to Flemish and Dutch artists Pietre Bruegel the Elder and Johannes Vermeer. Produced in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art in tandem with the exhibition The Age of Rembrandt, this is the sixth in a series of holiday compact discs. 

Once again, Frederick Renz has researched and programmed engaging seasonal music - Cantiones natalitiae (Latin songs) and kerstliedjes (carols) for voices, variations for recorders by Jacob van Eyck and Sweelinck, jaunty dances by Susato and Phalese, as well as rowdy drinken liedeken to ring in the New Year. Artists: James Blachly - alto, baritone; David Bryan - tenor; Corey-James Crawford - alto; Scott Dispensa - baritone; Todd Frizzell - tenor; Matthew Hensrud - tenor; Steven Hrycelak - bass; Scott Mello - tenor; Geoffrey Williams - alto, baritone; Rainer Beckmann - recorders; Rachel Begley - recorders; Daphna Mor - recorders; Nina Stern - recorders; Charles Weaver - theorbo, Renaissance lute & guitar; Dongsok Shin - organ.

1. Buvons, Ma Comere, Benedictus Appenzeller, C.15002Danserye, Tielman Susato, Pub/Arr, 15513Nieuwe Almanack, Lupus Hellinc, C.15504Wy Comen Heir Gelopen, Anonymous, C.15505Danserye, Susato6Apud Dominum, Anonymous, C. 15507Quando Natus Es, Anonymous, C. 15508Novum Genus Potentiae, Anonymous, C. 15509Danserye, Susato
10 Fit Porta Christi Pervia, Anonymous 1604-1629
11 Comt Met Vreucht Naer't Stalleken, Joannes Berckelaers 1679
12 Puer Nobis Nascitur - Variations, Jacob Van Eyck 1649
13 Ons Is Gheboren Een Kindekijn (Puer Nobis Nascitur), Anonymous
14 Ons Is Gheboren Een Kindekijn - Variations, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck,
15 62-162115O Herders Al Soetjens, Incogniti 1651
16 Nato Nobis Salvatore, Guilielmus Messaus 1648
17 Een Kindeken Is Ons Geboren, Cornelis de Leeuw 1644
18 Een Kindeken Is Ons Gebooren - Variations, Van Eyck 1649
19 Nu Zijt Wellekome, Anonymous, C.1650
20 In 't Stalleken Van Bethlehem, Petrus Hurtado 1655
21 O Zaligh, Heyligh Bethlehem, Goudsmit 1645
22 O Heiligh, Saligh Bethlehem - Variations, Gisbert Steenwick 1671
23O Heiligh, Zaligh Bethlehem - Variations, Van Eyck 1649
24 Cantabant Sancti, Herman Hollanders 1631
25 Currite, Pastores, Jan Baptist Verrijt 1649
26 Quem Vidistis Pastores, Hollanders 1631
27 "Les Boffons" - Variations, Van Eyck 1649
28 Fistulis, Lyris Et Organis, Philippus Van Steelant 1654

Gabriel's Message is a celebration of Advent, gathering together pieces from 13th-15th Century English manuscripts which depict the Angel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary. Gabriel's Message is an anthology of Christmas past, from harsh winds to crackling fires, a peal of bells or a baby's cry, it captures the sounds of winter with both its hardships and its festivities.

1. The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (0:39)

2. Nowell This Is The Salutation Of Th' angel Gabriel (5:39)

3. Edi Beo Thu Hevene Quene (5:52)

4. Nowell Nowell (3:54)

5. Stella Maris Nuncuparis (2:31)

6. As I Lay Upon A Night (6:29)

7. Salve Virgo Virginum (2:32)

8. Nota (2:00)

9. Ad Rose Titulum (3:58)

10. Lullay - As I Lay On Yole Night (9:12)

11. Estampie (5:20)

12. Veni Mater Gracie - Dou Way Robin (4:03)

13. Verbum caro factum est (3:20)

2010 release of sacred choral music by John Rutter, featuring the Cambridge Singers and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of the composer. Song in Season is a major collection of new choral music by John Rutter, featuring a host of previously unrecorded works in glittering performances by the Cambridge Singers and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by the composer, John Rutter: A Song in Season ranges across the church's year, incorporating music for Christmas, Epiphany, Pentecost, Easter and Harvest.

Editor's Note: This album contains "Carol of the Magi" among some non-Christmas works.

Collegium Records

Each year at Christmas, Gloriae Dei Cantores celebrates the "dawn of redeeming grace" with a traditional candlelit Service of Readings and Carols, retelling the stories of Christ's birth that stir us with memories and hopes for peace and love. Just for a time as you listen to these carols and stories, let your heart fill with gratitude for our many blessings, and with goodwill toward others. Gloriae Dei Cantores offers this recording with a prayer that the joy of the season brings you renewed hope and a fresh sense of wonder!

Track Listings

1 The First Nowell
2 Welcome
3 Reading: Matthew 1-18-21
4 O Prince of Peace! O Sharon's Dewy Rose
5 A Tender Shoot
6 Reading: Matthew 1:22-25
7 Shall I Tell You Who Will Come to Bethlehem?
8 A Child's Welcome: From a Celebration of Carols
9 Carol of the Star
10 Reading: Matthew 2:1-6
11 Willow Carol
12 On Christmas Day in the Morn
13 O Come, All Ye Faithful
14 Reading: Matthew 2:7-11
15 In the Bleak Midwinter
16 The Holly and the Ivy
17 Reading: Matthew 2:12-15
18 Nativity Carol
19 Angels We Have Heard on High
20 Reading: Matthew 2:16-18
21 Missa Ad Praesepe (Mass at the Crib): Kyrie
22 Missa Ad Praesepe (Mass at the Crib): Gloria
23 Missa Ad Praesepe (Mass at the Crib): Sanctus/Benedictus
24 Missa Ad Praesepe (Mass at the Crib): Agnus Dei
25 Silent Night
26 Reading: Matthew 2:19-23
27 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Label: Gloriae Dei Cantores

2010

A unique disc from two versatile and distinctive groups of performers: The King’s Singers and the WDR Big Band perform a new jazz version of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, arranged and directed by Bill Dobbins.

Recorded live in concert, this performance captures the timeless and versatile nature of Bach’s work, retaining the integrity of the original whilst presenting it in wholly new setting. Both groups are Grammy award winners; The King’s Singers, famed for their precision and sound, and the WDR Big Band, one of Europe’s leading jazz-ensembles.


CD1

1. Chor: Jauchzet, frohlocket!

2. Rezitativ: Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit

3. Arie: Bereite dich, Zion

4. Rezitativ: Und sie gebar

5. Choral: Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein!

6. Rezitativ: Und es waren Hirten

7. Rezitativ: Und der Engel sprach

8. Arie: Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet

9. Rezitativ: Und das habt zum Zeichen

10. Arie: Schlafe, mein Liebster

11. Rezitativ: Und da der Engel von ihnen gen Himmel

12. Chor: Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem

13. Rezitativ: Und sie kamen eilend und funden beide

14. Arie: Schließe, mein Herz

15. Rezitativ: Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um

16. Choral: Seid froh dieweil

17. Chor: Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen

CD2

1. Chor: Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben

2. Rezitativ: Und da acht Tage um waren

3. Rezitativ mit Choral Rezitativ: Wohlan! dein Name

4. Arie: Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben

5. Rezitativ: Da Jesus geboren war

6. Chor mit Rezitativ: Wo ist der neugeborne König

7. Choral: Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt

8. Arie: Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen

9. Rezitativ: Da das der König Herodes hörte

10. Rezitativ: Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?

11. Rezitativ: Und ließ versammlen alle Hohenpriester

12. Rezitativ: Da berief Herodes die Weisen Heimlich

13. Rezitativ: Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen

14. Arie: Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen

15. Rezitativ: Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten

16. Rezitativ: Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum

17. Rezitativ: So geht! Genug

18. Rezitativ: Was will der Höllen Schrecken

19. Choral: Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen

https://signumrecords.com/product/j-s-bach-christmas-oratorio/SIGCD215/#


1 In Nativitatem Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Canticum, H. 414 (Frigidae Noctis Umbra): Praeludium - Recitative: Frigidae Noctis - Air: Nolite
2 Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable?
3 Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle
4 Guillo, Pran Ton Tamborin!
5 Dans Cette Etable
6 Le Sommeil de L'enfant Jesus, Op. 3, No. 3
7 Requiem, Op. 48: Sanctus
8 Noel D'enfants (Version for Choir and Organ)
9 Noel
10 Le Ciel a Visite la Terre
11 4 Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel, FP 152: No. 1. O Magnum Mysterium
12 3 Poemes Evangeliques, Op. 2: No. 2. La Nativite
13 Ave Maria
14 Veni Emmanuel














1 1. Chorale Fantasia for Organ ('Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme'), Op. 52/2
2 Chorale Prelude for Organ ('Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland'), Op. 67/29
3 Kyrie Eleison, for Organ in D minor, Op. 59/7
4 Gloria for Organ in D Major, Op. 59/8
5 Benedictus for Organ in D Flat Major, Op. 59/9
6 Ave Maria, for Organ, Op. 80/5
7 Chorale Prelude for Organ ('Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen Alle Gleich'), Op. 67/25
8 Chorale Prelude for Organ ('Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen'), Op. 67/30
9 Pastorale for Organ in F Major, Op.59/2
10 Chorale Prelude for Organ ('Vom Himmel Hoch'), Op. 67/42
11 Weihnachten (Christmas), for Organ, Op. 145/3 12 Chorale Fantasia for Organ ('Wie SCHÖN Leucht't Uns Der Morgenstern'), Op. 40/1Oehms Classics

Produced in association with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this colorful disc celebrates the winter holiday with Renaissance carols and noels. Selections include: "Green grow'th the holly" and "Taunder Naken" from the Songbook of Henry VIII, noels by "Busnois," "Dufay" and "Brumel," 15th- century English carols, late Renaissance motets, lute songs, villancicos and instrumental dances by Palestrina, Attey, Arbeau and Praetorius' "Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen." This full color cover features "The Annunciation" (detail) by Botticelli from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. A generous twenty-page booklet includes notes and complete texts with parallel English translations. 65 minutes. Artists: Todd Frizzell - tenor & harp; Wayne Hankin - winds & tenor; Dan Rigazzi - tenor; Mark Rimple - alto & lute; Mark Sullivan - bass-baritone; Jon Szabo - bass-baritone & vieller.

‎ Ex Cathedra Records

DISC 1
1. Greeting
2. In Thee is Gladness
3. Magnificat noni toni, from Tabulatura Nova
4. Vetrate di Chiesa
5. Unexpected and Mysterious
6. Litany: Laudes Creaturum
7. Reading: Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996) 8. Hodie aperuit (III from The Hildegard Motets)
9. Ave Maria
10. The Spheres (from Sunrise Mass)
11. People Look East
12. Readings: Gospel of John and Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
13. Gloria
14. O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
15. Sonata pian'e forte
16. A Child is Born
17. In Thee Is Gladness

DISC 2
1. Reading: John Donne (1572-1631)
2. Vetrate di chiesa
3. Lullaby Carol (2005)
4. With Crowded Lamps (from Lumen Christi)
5. Sing We Now of Christmas
6. Carol of the Magi
7. The First Nowell
8. Reading: St. Fancis of Assisi
9. Riu, Riu, Chiu
10. Illumina le tenebre (Prayer before the Crucifix)
11. Prayer of Saint Frances
12. Sending Prayers
13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

"the Christmas Revels explores its own festive roots...the music is uniformly lovely...determinedly merry and bright" -- BOSTON GLOBE

What a fine racket these fiddles, recorders, sackbuts, lutes, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and drums make. Light, lyrical songs and supple playing keep the mood upbeat as they recreate the time of Henry VIII and two centuries of Scottish life. The sad-eyed beauty of a Scottish tune will take your breath away, while a medley of Highland pipe tunes will give it back.

1 Blessed Be That Maid Marie
2 The Buffens
3 The Old Year Now Away Is Fled
4 The Black Alman
5 What Child Is This?
6 Pastime with Good Company
7 Courante
8 Carol of the Twelve Days
9 Deo Gratias
10 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang
11 Praeludium
12 Mistress Nichols Almand
13 The Earl of Essex Galliard
14 Volta 15 Da Day Dawis
16 All Sons of Adam
17 My Lord of Marche Paven
18 Galliard
19 Lyttil Blak
20 Coulter's Candy
21 The Three Craws
22 Will Ye No' Come Back Again?
23 Blue Bonnets Pipe March/Drops of Brandy
24 Some Say the Devil's Dead
25 The Four Tradesmen
26 Ca' the Yowes
27 Niel Gow's Lamentation for the Death of His Second Wife 28 The Haughs of Cromdale
29 Medley of Scottish Reels
30 Sae Will We Yet
31 Medley of Highland Pipes Tunes
32 Rorate Coeli Desuper

Gustavus Adolphus College

Vaughan Williams : The First Nowell - Bach : Cantate 63 - Mendelssohn : Von Himmel hoch / Lisa Milne soprano, Ruxandra Donose, mezzo-soprano - Andrew Staples, ténor - Christopher Maltman, baryton - London Philh. Orch. and Choir - Vladimir Jurowski, dir.

The Modern Mandolin Quartet presents a delightful alternative to a Christmas classic with the Dorian Sono Luminus release of Nutcracker Suite, an enchanting collection of music reenvisioned with instruments from the mandolin family: two mandolins, a mandola and mandocello.

The Modern Mandolin Quartet was formed in 1985 to give a new voice to that most American of musical instruments, the mandolin. Following the tradition of the mandolin orchestras and chamber groups from the early twentieth century, the MMQ uses the instruments of the mandolin family which correspond to the conventional string quartet (two mandolins, mandola, and mandocello). To date the Quartet has arranged and performed over 90 works originally written for orchestra, chamber ensemble, piano, guitar, and string quartet.

Miguel Llobet’s most popular works are the arrangements of Catalan folk songs (Canciones populares Catalanas). Llobet’s original solo guitar melodies have been re-arranged for mandolin quartet. The interesting, often strange harmonies he chose and the delicate texture of the guitar music made these pieces quite fun and natural for the MMQ.

MMQ has been performing their own fun version of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece since 1991. Influenced by Mstislav Rostropovich’s extraordinary Berlin Philharmonic recording, MMQ brings its own other-worldly magic to this perennial musical favorite.

Fauré’s haunting Pavane is bathed in harmonies which are quite rich and reminded the MMQ of jazz chords, and through improvisation the members of MMQ decided to include two solos in the finished product.

The Vivaldi Concerto in D Major is MMQ’s nod to the traditional plucked string repertoire. Its joyful energy and the quieter evocative quality of the second movement made this concerto a pleasure to play.

Léo Delibes composed his operatic masterpiece Lakme in 1883. This gorgeous musical selection (originally for soprano and mezzo-soprano) translates beautifully in MMQ’s treatment and is a fitting close to the program.

Lovers of traditional classical music, fans of plucked instruments, as well as fans modern crossover arrangements are sure to flock to this intriguing re-imagination of these classical favorites.

MIGUEL LLOBET (1878-1938)
Four Catalan FolkSongs (arr. Binkley)
1. El Noy de la Mare – 1:40
2. La Nit de Nadal – 1:16
3. El Testament d’Amelia – 1:55
4. Canço del Lladre – 1:41
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
The Nutcracker Suite, Op.71a (arr. Imholz/Binkley)
5. Miniature Overture – 3:08
6. March – 2:52
7. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy – 2:09
8. Russian Dance (Trepak) – 1:10
9. Arabian Dance – 3:42
10. Chinese Dance – 1:08
11. Dance of the Mirlitons – 2:45
12. Waltz of the Flowers – 7:25
GABRIEL FAURÉ (1845-1924)
13. Pavane, Op.50 (arr. Binkley/Rath) – 7:46
ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Concerto in D Major for Lute, Two Violins & Basso Continuo, RV 93
14. Allegro – 3:28
15. Largo – 4:17
16. Allegro – 2:16
LÉO DELIBES (1836-1891)
17. Sous le dôme épais (Flower Duet from Lakmé) (arr. Binkley) – 2:36

https://www.sonoluminus.com/store/nutcracker-suite

1. Johann Sebastian Bach Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme 

2. Chant Creator of the Stars of Night 

3. harm. Michael Praetorius Lo, how a Rose e’er Blooming 

4. Johannes Brahms Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, Op. 122 

5. arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams The Truth from Above 

6. Basque carol, arr. David Willcocks Gabriel’s Message 

7. Away in a Manger 

8. Johann Sebastian Bach In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 608 

9. Tomás Luis de Victoria O Magnum Mysterium 

10. Tomás Luis de Victoria Ne Timeas Maria 

11. Tomás Luis de Victoria Ave Maria 

12. Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau In Dulci Jubilo 

13. Silent Night 

14. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 

15. W. Ballet, arr. Geoffrey Shaw Lute-Book Lullaby 

16. arr. Martin Shaw Coventry Carol 

17. Louis Claude D’Aquin Noël VIII: Etranger, sur les jeux d’anches 

18. Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck Hodie Christus Natus Est 

19. Ding Dong! Merrily on High 

20. Johann Sebastian Bach Fugue in C Major, BWV 564

https://www.msrcd.com/cd/silent-night/

Imagine a wintry day in the Christmas season. Inside a pub, Irish and Scottish traditional musicians regale locals and travelers alike with their playing. In wander carolers, seeking shelter from the snow, but hardly in the mood to stop their evening’s music-making. 

Soon, caroling from the choir mixes with the instrumental riffs of the traditional musicians, and the warmth from their collaboration literally “chases the cold winter away.” This scene is created annually in Charleston, SC in the Taylor Music Group’s Celtic Christmas presentations —and it is brought into the listener’s living room with this recording.

The making of this CD represents years of dreaming with my wife Mary of a Christmas recording that reflects the musical universe we are lucky enough to inhabit every Holiday season. It brings together the worlds of classical and Celtic music in a fashion that may seem to be a dichotomy to some, but is perfectly natural to those of us that live with both “art” music and “folk” music on a daily basis. We have drawn inspiration from so many—including composer/song collectors Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst; the Baltimore Consort, Ensemble Galilei, and Yo Yo Ma; our friend Steve Rosenberg, and above all, my deceased father Bob Taylor, the namesake for the Taylor Festival Choir. 

Of course, the instrumentalists on this CD have been heroes for years, many of whom we met originally at the Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville, NC, and subsequently brought to Charleston to teach in our annual summer festival. It’s hard to express the high that was generated in the recording sessions and even the rehearsals. 

How lucky is the conductor who has the fortune to stand in front of this wonderful choir while listening to the likes of Liz Carroll and John Doyle improvising on “Blarney Pilgrim” as part of a newly arranged I Saw Three Ships!

This recording expresses our abiding, childlike love for the Christmas season. Here you will find music of spiritual reflection, yearning, and awe; as well as music that expresses the celebratory, exuberant aspects of the season. Several of the songs presented here are arrangements and compositions created especially for the TFC, and, in some cases, specifically for this recording. 

Sing We Now of Christmas, Patapan and I Saw Three Ships/ Blarney Pilgrim all were especially commissioned and written to take advantage of the versatile, virtuoso playing of Liz Carroll and John Doyle, and offer fresh, Celtic-flavored takes on these familiar tunes. The Irish Wexford Carol combines the operatic baritone of David Templeton with a funky, middle-eastern backbeat (provided by medieval percussion virtuoso Danny Mallon), while Coventry Carol evokes the ancient bard (represented by Kim Robertson’s mellifluous harp), telling the haunting story of the slaying of the firstborns. 

Composer/conductor Brian Galante offers a beautiful new setting of Rossetti’s In the Bleak Midwinter, while Mrs. Fogarty’s Christmas Cake provides a moment of comic relief (think Irish pub sing-a-long) and inspired improvisation (by John and Liz).

The listener will also find familiar arrangements and original compositions. Vaughan Williams is represented twice: Wassail being one of his most famous settings, while the less frequently heard Children’s Song of the Nativity is one of his most exquisite arrangements. Stephen Paulus has long been a favorite of mine and the Taylor Festival Choir. This setting of Gabriel’s Message shows him at his lyrical best. David Mooney combines the traditional “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” with Sidney Carter’s “Lord of the Dance” into the cleverly titled and skillfully written Lord of the Dancing Day. Eric Whitacre’s popular Lux Aurumque has become a modern holiday classic among choirs throughout the world, and the subject of the composer’s innovative virtual choir on YouTube. Vaclav Nelhybel’s Estampis Natalis, Michael McGlynn’s Sanctus from his Celtic Mass, and John Tavener’s Today the Virgin all add a neo-medieval flavor to the recording, in their composers’ highly individual styles. 

On a personal note, I could not have made a Christmas CD without including the timeless Little Drummer Boy. It has been a personal favorite since hearing my father’s high school choirs sing it annually throughout my childhood. 

Finally, I fell in love with Othmyer’s This Evenfall ‘tis Snowing when singing in the University of Central Arkansas Madrigal Dinners under John Erwin in the 80’s. This little carol has since become a staple in our own Madrigal Feast here in Charleston with my College of Charleston Madrigal Singers, its poignant beauty capturing the hearts of all who hear it.

I Saw Three Ships / Blarney Pilgrim (English trad.; arr. Robert and Mary Taylor)
In the Bleak Midwinter (Brian Galante)
Sing We Now of Christmas (French trad.; arr. Susan Conant)
Wexford Carol (Irish trad.; arr. Robert Taylor)
Coventry Carol (English trad.; arr. Robert Taylor)
Today the Virgin (John Tavener)
Lux Aurumque (Eric Whitacre)
Sanctus from Celtic Mass (Michael McGlynn)
Estampie Natalis (Vaclav Nelhybel)
Gabriel’s Message (Basque trad.; arr. Stephen Paulus)
Mrs. Fogarty’s Christmas Cake (C. Frank Horn; arr. Robert Taylor)
This Evenfall ‘tis Snowing (Caspar Othmayr)
Lord of the Dancing Day (Sidney Carter / David Mooney)
Wassail (English trad.; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
Little Drummer Boy (Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone)
Patapan (Bernard de La Monnoye; arr. Karen Marrolli)
Children’s Song of the Nativity (English trad.; Ralph Vaughan Williams)

https://www.msrcd.com/cd/sing-we-now-of-christmas/

This CD highlights the best of Revels most popular English-themed Christmas productions and features stunning music, songs, and holiday carols from Medieval times, the Renaissance, and Victorian England.
Label: Revel Records


1 On Christmas Night, Carol for Chorus or Voice & Piano ('Sussex Carol'; Traditional English Carols No. 2)
2 English Te Deum
3 All Hail to the Days, Carol (English)
4 The Cryes of London, Consort Song in 2 Sections for 5 Voices & 5 Viols
5 Tomorrow the Fox Will Come to Town
6 English Dances (6)
7 Salutation Carol / Bring Us Good Ale, Carol Medley
8 In the Bleak Midwinter, for Chorus & Organ, H. 73
9 Lord of the Dance
10 Ther Is No Rose of Swych Vertu, Carol (English)
11 Holly and His Merry Men, Song
12 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
13 English Country Dances, Medley for Flute, Violin & Cello
14 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night (A Collection of 20 New Psalm Tunes, 1746)
15 Dona Nobis Pacem
16 There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth, Song for Chorus (After Mendelssohn)
17 Come and I Will Sing You, Song
18 Rejoice, Ye Tenants of the Earth, Carol (English)
19 The Sussex Mummers' Carol, Carol Setting for Chorus & Brass Ensemble


Revel Records

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Christmas concerts are one of the highlights of this celebrated ensemble’s musical year. Joined by the RSNO Junior Chorus, this disc captures some highlights of these concerts with a selection of festive favourites both old and new.


1. A Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson

2. Christmas Alphabet Buddy Kaye/ Jules Loman

3. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Traditional

4. The Little Drummer Boy Simeone/ Davis/ Onorati

5. Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson

6. Hey! Now Bob Chilcott

7. Personent Hodie Traditional

8. March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland Victor Herbert/ Glen MacDonough

9. The Twelve Days of Christmas John Rutter

10. Sandman’s Song and Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel Englebert Humperdinck

11. Somewhere in My Memory John Williams

12. Skaters’ Waltz Emile Waldteufel

13. Stable Carol Vaughan Meakins

14. Sleighbell Serenade from Three Christmas Pictures Philip Lane

15. Panis Angelicus Cesar Franck

16. This Little Babe from A Ceremony of Carols Benjamin Britten

17. Christmas Hope Daniel Harrison

18. The Penguin Song Stannard/Lucy W Rhu

19. Jingle Bells James Lord Pierpoint

20. Schneewalzer Thomas Koschat

https://signumrecords.com/product/a-family-christmas/SIGCD202/#

1 Work(S): Deus in Adiutorium (PS. 70) / Qui Me Confessus Fuerit (Ant. 1)
2 Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110), for Chorus & Ensemble
3 Sonata Vespertina a 8
4 Qui Sequitur Me, Antiphon
5 Confitebor (Psalm 111), for Chorus & Ensemble
6 Sonata a 5, 4/70, a 519
7 Qui Mihi Ministrat, Antiphon
8 Beatus Vir (Psalm 112), for Chorus & Ensemble
9 Sonata Laetitiae for 2 Violins & 3 Violas, 4/11, a 471
10 Si Quis Mihi Ministraverit, Antiphon
11 Laudate Pueri (Psalm 113), for Chorus & Ensemble
12 Sonata a 7, 4/69, a 518
13 Volo, Pater, Antiphon
14 Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117), for Chorus & Ensemble
15 Sonata a 5, 4/224, a 640
16 Beatus Vir Qui Suffert, Lectio (James 1:12)
17 Deus Tuorum Militum, Hymn in Mode 8 (Liber Usualis No. 1126)
18 Justus Ut Palma Florebit, Versiculum & Responsory
19 Iste Sanctus, Antiphon Before the Magnificat
20 Magnificat, for Chorus & Ensemble (Canticum BVM)
21 Sonata S. Petri Et Pauli, for Trumpet, 3 Trombones, Violin & 3 Violas, 4/10, a 470
22 Dominus Vobiscum... Deus, Qui Beatum Wenceslaum, Prayer
23 Salve Regina
24 Omnipotens Sempiterne Deus, Oratio

Label: Supraphon

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