With his new Christmas album "The Night Has Advanced," tenor Richard Resch invites listeners on a musical journey that goes far beyond the usual. Instead of familiar Christmas classics, listeners can expect carefully selected works ranging from the early Baroque to the modern era, all of which share one thing in common: they place light, hope, and humanity at the center of a time that, for many, threatens to become blurred between kitsch and commercialism.
Resch, known for his musical depth of expression and stylistic versatility, curated the repertoire of this album with great care – inspired by the profound symbolism of Christmas and its origins. "Christmas is full of small, wonderful superfluities – but also full of depth," says the singer himself. "I wanted to record an album that takes this duality seriously."
At the heart of the album is the title track, "The Night Has Advanced," by Jochen Klepper, whose poignant lyrics – written in 1937 amidst the darkness of National Socialism – seem more relevant than ever today. Equally moving is the final piece: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "By Good Powers," in a very personal interpretation, recorded in the quiet night of a dimly lit church – a moment of great fragility and inner strength.
The program spans a musical arc from Baroque cantatas by Christoph Graupner and Wolfgang Carl Briegel, to arrangements of traditional songs such as "Maria Walked Through a Thorn Forest," to Byzantine tropes and French Christmas carols. A special focus is placed on lesser-known pieces and new compositions, such as those by Silvan Loher or the arrangement of the Arabic-Christian song "Miladuka."
Despite all the diversity, the pieces on this album are united by a clear message: "Everything will be alright." These words run like a red thread through the works – they comfort, challenge, and provide support. In times of social uncertainty and personal challenges, the album serves as a reminder of the original power of Christmas: the arrival of light in the midst of darkness.
Created in an intense working atmosphere within the captivating acoustics of the Kaiser Friedrich Memorial Church in Berlin, the album retains an intimate, almost familial character. Supported by a small, dedicated ensemble of musicians and singers, as well as a sensitive sound engineering team, the result is a work that derives its impact and accessibility from a deep love of music and genuine authenticity.
1.Die Nacht ist vorgedrungen
2.Maria durch ein Dornwald ging
3.Träuffelt Ihr Himmel von oben
4.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
5.Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her
6.In dulci jubilo
7.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen I. Aria01:50
8.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen II. Recitativo
9.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen III. Aria Vivace
10.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen IV. Choral0
11.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen V. Recitativo
12.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen VI. Aria
13.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen VII. Choral0
14.Miladuka00:000
15.Une petite feste à Bethlehem0
16.Out of the orient crystal skies
17.Remember O thou man
18.La Noël Passée
19.Nous voici dans la ville
20.Von guten Mächten treu und still umgeben
2.Maria durch ein Dornwald ging
3.Träuffelt Ihr Himmel von oben
4.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
5.Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her
6.In dulci jubilo
7.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen I. Aria01:50
8.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen II. Recitativo
9.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen III. Aria Vivace
10.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen IV. Choral0
11.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen V. Recitativo
12.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen VI. Aria
13.Das Leben war das Licht der Menschen VII. Choral0
14.Miladuka00:000
15.Une petite feste à Bethlehem0
16.Out of the orient crystal skies
17.Remember O thou man
18.La Noël Passée
19.Nous voici dans la ville
20.Von guten Mächten treu und still umgeben
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