The Christmas Carols Blog: 2022: Working List of New Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

Sunday, December 4, 2022

2022: Working List of New Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

Christmas, Kiev, Ukraine 2022

2022: Working List of New Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

Compiled by R. Rojas

Updated October 27, 2024

Note: The following are not reviews but descriptions from the record label or artists. Edits to descriptions may have been made to condense the description or make grammatical corrections. Many descriptions are cut and pasted, so our apologies for formatting that we could not correct and make congruent with the rest of the post.

Ensembles and labels: If we missed your recording, contact us at christmascarolsblog@gmail.com.

New Recording of George Arthur's Choral Works to Contain Four Carols

Royal Holloway Choir

A new recording by the Choir of Royal Holloway of George Arthur's choral works will contain a three-carol cycle Three Christmas Carols which include "Of a Maiden," "Susanni," and "Balulalow." The recording will include the title track and the carol "My dancing day."

Label Convivium description:

Explore this new album of choral works by British composer, George Arthur, performed by The Choir of Royal Holloway. George is a multi-award-winning composer, published by Universal Editions, Music Sales, Shorter House and the Guild of Church Musicians. He has been commissioned by various cathedrals and chapel choirs at home and overseas and his music is regularly performed around the world. He has had works broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and on BBC television, most notably for the WW1 Commonwealth commemoration service, live from Glasgow Cathedral.

Aside from his other choral music and the title piece, the album contains four Christmas carols by Arthur as well as his "Ave Maris Stella," "Ave Maria," "Friday Service: Magnificat," "Friday Service: Nunc Dimittis,"

Felipe Dominguez issues Recording of Baroque Christmas Organ

From the pipe organ at the Sono Luminus studio in Boyce, Virginia, we are pleased to present a fine selection of baroque organ music for the Christmas season. Felipe Dominguez (b. 1983) is a Chilean/American organist, harpsichordist, clavichordist and musicologist.

A graduate of Brigham Young University (B.M. 2010, M.M. 2012), he studied organ and harpsichord with Douglas Bush and Don Cook. He has pursued further postgraduate organ instruction in Europe with Edoardo Belotti, Hans Davidsson, Harald Vogel, and Leon Berben. Mr. Dominguez has performed as a soloist and in ensembles in Chile, Argentina, the United States and Europe.

Label: Sono Luminus

A wonderful collection of 15 of the favorite and most popular carols for the Christmas season, performed by the world-famous Choir of King's College, Cambridge.

1 Once in Royal David's City (Arr. Mann & Willcocks)
2 O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Ledger)
3 I Saw Three Ships (Arr. Ledger)
4 In Dulci Jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)
5 The First Nowell (Arr. Stainer & Ledger)
6 The Holly and the Ivy (Arr. Davies)
7 Silent Night (Arr. Willcocks)
8 Away in a Manger (Arr. Ledger)
9 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Arr. Willcocks)
10 In the Bleak Mid-Winter
11 Quem Pastores Laudavere
12 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Willcocks)
13 On Christmas Night All Christians Sing (Arr. Willcocks)
14 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. Willcocks)
15 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (After Mendelssohn's Gutenberg Cantata, Woo 9, MWV D4)

Warner

The magical sound of Christmas at King’s, featuring all of your favourite carols combining iconic recordings from the legendary Choir of King’s College, Cambridge with stunning, and newly recorded, instrumental settings by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Label: Decca.

Oboist Vilém Veverka takes on the Yuletide

Label description: Christmas and its singular atmosphere have inspired numerous musicians and composers over the centuries.

Following several "conventional" albums and the crossover project "Next Horizon", the oboist Vilém Veverka too has succumbed to the irresistible Yuletide charm and decided to present "his Christmas".

The album's leitmotif is Antonio Vivaldi's L'inverno (most likely performed on the oboe for the very first time!). In addition to pieces by other Baroque Masters (Bach, Handel), it includes a musical account of Argentinean tango-flavoured winter (Ástor Piazzolla), as well as the songs "Stille Nacht," "Adeste fideles," and "Chtíc, aby spal" (Wanting Him to Sleep), without which one would be hard pressed to imagine Christmas.

The album is adorned by Patricia Janecková's gracious voice, and it features two very special guests, the harpist Katerina Englichová and the soprano Adéla Rehorová. As in the case of other Veverka albums, Martin Hybler has contributed with arrangements, and the soloist is accompanied by the same musicians he was on the previous project, "Next Horizon".

Owing to its encompassing a wide range of genres and neoclassical arrangement, the album will undoubtedly delight not only virtuoso oboe lovers, but also many other listeners. Vilém Veverka's Christmas - virtuoso, sparkling, colorful.

Label: Supraphon

Christmas has always been a source of inspiration for musicians, and this harp album contains many Christmas pieces and famous melodies. Robert Nicolas Charles Bochsa (1789-1856) wrote much harp music, including his fantasy on "Adeste fideles."

Joseph Mazzinghi's (1765-1844) "Andante" from Sonata Op.30 No.3 consists of a series of variations on the melody that almost a century later would become the famous song "Deck the Halls." Charles Oberthür's (1845-1924) "Virgo Maria" is based on the ancient Marian hymn "O Sanctissima." Edmund Schüecker's (1860-1911) "Weihnachtslied" is not inspired by any traditional Christmas melody.

Dutch composer Johannes Snoer's (1868-1936) Phantasia combines the two themes of the Christmas carols "Stille Nacht" and "Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen." In France, Alphonse Hasselmans (1845-1912) was the most important harp tutor at the Paris Conservatory, teaching Tournier, Renié, Grandjany and Salzedo. Rather than depicting a light-hearted holiday scene, Hasslemans' Conte de Noël evokes Christmas ghost tales. Marcel Tournier (1879-1951) succeeded Hasselmans at the Paris Conservatory. Tournier's two pieces here are from his four volumes of Images. "Les enfants" expresses children's joy watching the nativity scene, and Cloches evokes the sound of bells under the snow. Hasselmans' first choice for his replacement was, however, not Tournier, but Henriette Renié (1875-1956), perhaps the most important female harp music composer. The melancholic Conte de Noël opens her collection of Six Pièces brèves.

Marcel Grandjany (1891-1975) composed many pieces that remain part of study and concert programs for the harp, and his version of "Stille Nacht" here contrasts with Snoer's version. Marcel Samuel-Rousseau's (1882-1955) Variations Pastorales are inspired by an old French popular carol. Carlos Salzedo's (1885-1961) compositions for harp were innovative: he invented and described several of the effects that are still used in contemporary harp music.

In 1908, Maurice Maeterlinck wrote his play The Blue Bird (L'Oiseau bleu). Having proved a good source of operatic subjects before (Pelléas et Mélisande, Ariane et Barbe-Bleue), it is no surprise that composers jumped at the opportunity to write music to this latest.

The French composer Albert Wolff made an opera of it that, though premiered at the MET, has since been forgotten. But even before that, in 1912, Max Reinhardt put it on as an adapted Christmas play in Berlin. He had no less than Engelbert Humperdinck to write the incidental music to it. The music was never published until Steffen Tast found the score and salvaged it for us to hear. A sweet story and sweeter still music by Humperdinck newly discovered? Why, that's in and of itself as though it was Christmas!

At Christmas, we are especially touched by vocal music. Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio ensures sold-out churches for organizers. "Last Christmas," "Silent Night," and "Feliz Navidadare" played over and over again in department stores. Choral music also provides a suitable musical setting for baking Christmas biscuits and wrapping presents.

What is it that makes this music so appealing? Is it just the memories and traditions associated with it, or does the general atmosphere of Christmas songs already result in a radically different sound? Even in a secular world, Advent and Christmas maintain their central importance in the course of the year. The focus has evolved from the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus to a festival of mutual affection.

Release 2023

With selections ranging from Praetorius to Britten, plus all-time favorites such as J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Messiah, this album brings together some of the most beautiful and justly famous musical settings of the Nativity story. Festive or intimate, exuberant or elegiac, these highlights from iconic recordings in harmonia mundi's voluminous catalogue are an ideal sampling of the Christmas magic across epochs and styles.

No description yet.

Harpist Harriet Adie puts out Christmas Album

Christmastide is a collection of traditional Christmas carols which I have arranged for solo pedal harp.

Also, Sheet Music is available at https://harrietadie.com/christmastide

Celestia Singers & Brass with New Christmas Album of New Settings

"The music of Christmas Tidings consists of new settings of some familiar words and other entirely original tracks that I have written over many years." (Brian Knowles) "Brian Knowles has a wonderful gift of melody. All his pieces are full of character showcasing his gift for marrying text and music to create songs that are a joy to sing and a delight to listen to.

This album contains pieces in a variety of different styles and moods, attractive and deeply moving new carols full of invention and insight and others that bring a welcome freshness and life to traditional texts. No doubt, it will enrich and invigorate your Christmas for years to come." (David Ogden). Label: Convivium Records. Label Link.

01: Dancing In My Heart - Brian Knowles

02: Love Came Down At Christmas - Brian Knowles

03: More Precious Than Gold - Brian Knowles

04: Skydiving - Brian Knowles

05: The Promise - Brian Knowles

06: Welcome To The King - Brian Knowles

07: Sweet Was The Song - Brian Knowles

08: Rejoice And Be Merry - Brian Knowles

09: I Sing Of A Maiden - Brian Knowles

10: Twelfth Night - Brian Knowles

11: A Boy So Rare - Brian Knowles

12: Night Mail - Brian Knowles

13: He Who Made The Starry Skies - Brian Knowles

14: We Three Kings - Brian Knowles

15: Midnight - Brian Knowles

16: Come Again - Brian Knowles

Deutsche Grammophon gifts Monteverdi's Christmas Vespers

Deutsche Grammophon description: La Cetra's credo is to serve one purpose: to make "Early Music" accessible to today's audiences through fresh, gripping and contemporary interpretations. The Vespro veneziano that Andrea Marcon has assembled for this new recording is inspired by the resplendent sounds of the music that was performed at the great Christmas Vespers in St. Mark's in the presence of the foremost dignitaries of La Serenissima and a large audience of aristocrats and visitors from across Europe.

Featuring new recordings of universally beloved Christmas songs, including traditional carols such as "O Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "In the Bleak Midwinter," alongside festive favourites including "White Christmas," "It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," and "Mistletoe and Wine."

Available for download on Amazon and to play on Spotify and YouTube.

Colours of Christmas put out by Bragernes Kirkes Ungdomskor

Record company description: Conductor Beate Strømme Fevang writes: "Colors of Christmas" contains a collection of beautiful carols that arise out of the Christmas message of hope, anticipation and joy. Together with the girls in the choir we have selected 15 carols that mean a lot to them and for which they have a special fondness.

More than half the music is Norwegian, written by composers Kim André Arnesen, Svein Møller, Tove Knutsen and Fredrik Sixten. The last-mentioned is Swedish but was formerly Director of Music of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, where he also lives.

Many of the carols have never been recorded so we have had an exciting collaboration with several of the composers. The tracks on the album vary between a cappella choir and choir with instrumental accompaniment. Working with the instrumentalists has been very inspiring and an enriching experience for the choir and has contributed to the growth and development of the young singers.

The recordings have been made in the marvelous acoustic setting of Bragernes Church, which is the choir's regular venue. The recording of this Christmas album began in the spring of 2019 but stopped entirely due to COVID-19. The remaining tracks were recorded in the spring of 2021.

‎ Lawo Classics

Somerville College Choir, Oxford Christmas Music from Female Composers

Oxford's Somerville College Choir under its director Will Dawes presents this compelling new program of seasonal choral works solely by female composers from across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and including no fewer than eleven world premieres.

This wide-ranging selection of repertoire reflects Somerville's unique role as the only non-denominational college chapel at Oxford, as well as remaining true its founding principle of enabling women. Together these works tell a different story of the nativity but also of the times we live in, when diversity and equality capture the spirit not only of Christ, but Christmas itself.

Resonus Classics Label's description.

Containing music by Cecelia McDowall, Abbie Sample, Pamela Decker, Joanna Marsh, Errolyn Wallen, Yshani Peripanayagam, June Nixon, Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Sarah Quartel, Karensa Briggs, Sarah Cattley, Judith Bingham, Tasmin Jones, and Shrutti Rajaasekar.

Ernst Wilhelm Wolf Christmas Cantatas on new CPO Release

CPO description:

Repertoire expansion for the Christmas season in the 18th century, "well-stocked" church music was a natural tradition throughout central Germany: church services were embellished along the ecclesiastical year with cantatas appropriate to the liturgy for the glory of God, but also for the joy and "spiritual edification" of the visitors.

From this treasure of hitherto unknown Christmas music, four cantatas by Ernst Wilhelm Wolf are presented for the first time on this recording. Wolf worked as court kapellmeister in Weimar, and the fact that Goethe rejected him as "self-indulgent" should not prevent us from admiring him as a very important composer of the transition.

Musically, Wolf was greatly influenced by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in the empfindsamer Stil and by the works of the Berlin Kapellmeister Carl Heinrich Graun.

He was also a prolific composer whose works were received with admiration by his contemporaries.

The four cantatas show elements of the early classical and sensitive styles; the cantata choruses are often homophonic and songlike, polyphonic sections rather rare.

All the cantatas prove to be individually conceived works that testify to the composer's mastery.

Beautiful sounding arias, the naturalness of their expression and the dramatic compression in the individual movements are still convincing today.

At the same time, the cantatas bear witness to the high quality of Protestant church music in the period after Johann Sebastian Bach and illustrate the high value of music within the liturgy. Today they can be a welcome addition to the repertoire for the Christmas season.

Label: CPO

Bochelli's Second Christmas Album a Family Affair

Description: Produced by composer and multi-Grammy and Academy Award nominee Stephan Moccio and set to stunning new arrangements, A Family Christmas is beautiful, intimate, and warm. The Bocelli family sings to you from the sanctuary of their own sitting room, by their fire, relaxing as they momentarily switch off from the rest of the world. It is the sound of a family taking a precious moment to be with each other and celebrate what is truly important. The beautiful soundtrack of their family Christmas.

Label: Capitol

1. Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Away In A Manger
3. Feliz Navidad
4. The First Noël
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
6. Over The Rainbow
7. Buon Natale 8.Joy To The World
8. The Greatest Gift
9. When Christmas Comes To Town
10. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
11. Il Giorno Più Speciale
12. I‘ll Be Home For Christmas

Edison Singers Takes us Through the Ages of Christmas in New Recording

Naxos Description: The Christmas carol has its origins in the Middle Ages, but it has since embraced a wide variety of musical backgrounds. In this album, religious sentiment is set in many different contexts -- from the mystery plays to an African American spiritual -- from its origins in Gregorian Chant and 16th-century secular dance to traditional examples rooted in poetry.

Some of the most famous and beautiful examples are heard alongside energizing contemporary carols to present a tapestry of the genre across the centuries.

Arrangements and compositions by S. Nicholson, Orla Gjeilo, Sally Beamish, Franz Xavier Biebl, Gutav Holst, John Jacob Niles, Boris Ord, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Eric Whitacre, Healy Willan, Bob Chilcott, Silas Chinsen, Noel Edison, Paul Halley, Matthew Larkin, Stuart Nicholson, Matthew O'Donovan, Martin Shaw, John Stainer, and Charles Wood.

Chamber Opera on "Gift of the Magi" in new recording

Composer Richard E Brown and Navona Records present THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, a chamber opera in one act that tells the beloved story — first published by O. Henry in 1905 — of a young married couple who, despite being very poor, sacrifice their most cherished possessions to demonstrate their love for one another.

This chamber opera adds even greater breadth to the composer’s output, which has also included works for concert band and orchestra, instrumental solos and ensembles, church music, piano solos, and scores for ballet, opera, and musical theater. The virtuosic performances heard on THE GIFT OF THE MAGI lend a moving emotional dimension to this heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting story of love and sacrifice.

https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6455/

During the seventeenth century the historia developed in Protestant church music as a genre telling the Easter, Passion, and Christmas stories in the words of Luther's Bible.

The Dresden chapel master Heinrich Schütz, who was renowned far and wide already during his lifetime, drew on this form as early as 1623. When he had his Weihnachtsthistorie published in 1664, it replaced the older historia in the setting by Rogier Michael, Schütz's predecessor as chapel master, though Schütz retained most of Michael's text.

As manifold tractates and introductions in printed music of the seventeenth century often indicate, the works to be performed are to be presented in keeping with the circumstances and resources available in the performance location.

Accordingly, Schütz also let it be known in his introduction to the Weihnachtshistorie that he "left it open to set these ten concertos in a manner pleasing to them and for the corpus musicum available to them, either entirely anew by themselves in a different way or to have them composed by others."

This idea inspired the members of the Polyharmonique ensemble to produce an alternative version of the Weihnachtshistorie that would be practicable for their particular ensemble. The resultant HISTORIA NATIVITATIS strictly follows the formal intention of "Sagittarius Schütz" and was set for a "corpus musicum" of six voice parts, two violins, curtal, and a colorful basso continuo.

Cpo Records

TABERNACLE CHOIR AT TEMPLE SQUARE RELEASES CHRISTMAS ALBUM FEATURING MEGAN HILTY AND NEAL MCDONOUGH

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square join with Tony Award-nominated singer Megan Hilty and award-winning actor Neal McDonough for O Holy Night, a moving and inspirational Christmas special.

Filmed in front of a live audience at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, the program features beloved Christmas songs and carols infused with a Celtic flavor reflecting the guest artists' shared Irish heritage. This program captures the true meaning of Christmas in a way you'll want to experience again and again.

1.	"On This Day, Earth Shall Ring ("Personent hodie")"	Choir, Orchestra	5:47
2.	"Sussex Carol"	Choir and Orchestra	3:16
3.	"The Holly and the Ivy"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	3:07
4.	"Give Glory to His Honored Name (From Athalia)"	Choir and Orchestra	2:08
5.	"Christmas Is Coming, So Deck the Halls"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	2:44
6.	"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"	Choir and Orchestra	2:00
7.	"Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head"	Choir and Orchestra	3:53
8.	"'Round and 'Round the Christmas Tree"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	2:04
9.	"A Place Called Home"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	3:15
10.	"Home for the Holidays"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	2:34
11.	"Masters in This Hall"	Choir and Orchestra	3:30
12.	"A Celtic Christmas: Irish Jig on "In Dulci Jubilo""	Choir, Orchestra, and Richard Elliot	2:32
13.	"Three Irish Christmas Traditions"	Choir, Neal McDonough, and Orchestra	9:59
14.	"O Holy Night"	Choir and Orchestra	5:34
15.	"The Christmas Story: Luke 2"	Choir, Neal McDonough, and Orchestra	1:18
16.	"Angles from the Realms of Glory"	Choir, Megan Hilty, and Orchestra	4:31

In the Stillness released by the Girl

Choristers of Merton College

In the stillness of a midnight stable, a babe is born … In the stillness of an Oxford chapel on a winter’s afternoon, a girl’s voice sings.

The newest star in Oxford’s – and Delphian’s – choral firmament, the girl choristers of Merton College have been singing services under the directorship of Benjamin Nicholas for no more than five years: in their debut album recording, supported by the Lower Voices of the Merton College, they tell once more in music from across the centuries the timeless Christmas story of light, hope and joy for a troubled world.

Composers and arrangers: Edward Elgar, Michael Head, Mykola Dmysoych, Errolyn Wallen, Lennox Berkly, John Ireland, Edward Higgenbotham, Benjamin Britten, G.R. woodward, Sally Beamish, John Rutter, J.S. Bach, Michael Nicholas, Marc-Antone Charpentier, John Joubert, Christopher Dearnley, Gustav Holst, Michael Praetorius, and David Bednall.

Tenebrae tackles Britten, Joanna Marsh, Bob Chilcott, Ben Parry and More in New Christmas Album

Signum Classics description:

Tenebrae’s fourth Christmas album features a wide range of festive music, including Britten’s iconic Ceremony of Carols for upper voices and harp. The album takes its name from a wonderfully atmospheric piece by Joanna Marsh, commissioned for Tenebrae’s tenors and basses in 2019.

Composers and arrangers include Bob Chilcott, Joanna March, Ralph Vaught Williams, Joanna Forbes L'Estrange, Owain Park, Edward N. Naylor, Benjamin Briten, Sally Beamish, Elizabeth Poston, June Collin, Herbert Howells, Ben Parry, and Joseph Phibbs.

https://www.tenebrae-choir.com/recordings/in-winters-house

Label: Sony Classical

London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir Release James MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio

This recording captures the UK premiere performance of James MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, performed and recorded in the presence of the composer.

The world premiere of the work was given by the Dutch Radio Philharmonic and Choir in Amsterdam in January 2021. The LPO was due to give the world premiere of the work however, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the performance came on December 4 2021, a year later than planned.

Composed in 2019, this work reflects MacMillan's Scottish roots and Catholic faith, embracing a Scots Gaelic lullaby, English poetry, Latin texts and Bible passages recounting the Nativity.

The work, commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is split into two parts with seven movements each. Both parts start and finish with short orchestral movements, creating a palindromic structure.

Soprano Lucy Crowe and baritone Roderick Williams shine in this performance, both performing two arias each and singing with the London Philharmonic Choir in the Tableaux.

Label: LPO

Luxemburg's Trio Cenacle has new Christmas album for Voice, Reed, and Piano

This joyful new release is a showcase of Christmas songs for voice, reed, and piano. Encompassing a wide range of Christmas music from traditional sacred songs to modern pieces like White Christmas, this album is sure to have something for every Christmas lover.

Founded in Luxemburg in spring of 2015, the Trio Cénacle dedicates itself to keep on searching to new possible interpretations of the art of lied performing. They are joined by the talented and accomplished Calamus Reed Quintet. Arrangements by Christopher Meux.

Dreyer Gaido

Cantus Brings Us into the Light with New Christmas Album

Each December, we find ourselves surrounded by winter’s darkness at the fulcrum between the old year and the new. In the shadowy stillness of these short, cold days, December is the darkroom that focuses our gaze squarely on the bright promise and growing light of the imminent new year.

Into the Light was recorded in the dark, uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the process was imbued with optimism and hope for brighter days ahead.

In its first holiday recording in more than a decade, chamber vocal ensemble Cantus offers a thoughtful selection of old and new favorites, each sung with the group’s trademark warmth and virtuosity.

The album reflects Cantus’ commitment to diversity of repertoire. Its selections span five languages and feature works by a broad range of composers and arrangers: from John Jacob Niles and Kenneth Jennings, to Joni Mitchell and B.E. Boykin. The album also offers six pieces created specifically for Cantus, including two new arrangements from Reginald Bowens and Christopher H. Harris.

After two successful albums on Signum Records, the American vocal ensemble Cantus present their first christmas album, Into The Light.

The “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

[1] Angels We Have Heard On High – Trad. French Christmas, arr. Saunder Choi
[2] O Little Town of Bethlehem – Kenneth Jennings
[3] I Wonder As I Wander – John Jacob Niles, arr. Paul John Rudoi
[4] River – Joni Mitchell
[5] Alleluia! Into The Light – Cheryl Camm
[6] Love, the God Eternal – Chris Foss
[7] O Magnum Mysterium – B.E. Boykin
[8] Glory Hallelujah to Duh Newbo’n King – African-American Spiritual arr. William C. Powell
[9] Mensaje de Paz – Francisco Grau Vegara
[10] Children Go! – Traditional, arr. Joe Gilbert and Eddie Brown
[11] I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, arr. Reginald Bowens
[12] Aguinaldo Carols – Trad. Filipino Christmas/Jerry Brandy, arr. Saunder Choi
[13] Still, Still, Still – Austrian Carol, arr. Aaron Humble
[14] Noel Nouvelet – Traditional French Carol, arr. Sofia Söderberg
[15] Silent Night – Franz Gruber, arr. Christopher H. Harris
[16] Twas the Night Before Christmas – Chris Foss
[17] We Toast the Days – Linda Kachelmeier

Single

New Single from the Alban Voices and Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

A special digital single featuring a new carol by established British composer and conductor Robin White.

Light of the World is unashamedly aimed at bringing joy and thoughts of peace, reconciliation and understanding in our highly troubled world. Written In a sparkling Viennese waltz time, this carol should be in everyone’s seasonal playlist. With its simple, yet effective melody, it is also perfect for church or school choirs.

Robin White is an important figure in the world of contemporary light music, having made many recordings since his debut in 1992. He appeared with his choir in an episode of the BBC TV series EastEnders and his work has been broadcast by BBC orchestras many times.

https://divineartrecords.com/recording/light-of-the-world-a-new-carol-for-christmas/

For me, Christmas carols are associated with a certain nostalgia – these melodies have always reminded me of childhood, and I think it will always be like that. They were some of the first melodies I learned to play on my (actually borrowed from my little sister) plastic harmonica.

I wanted to harmonise this nostalgia of the irretrievable past. Even in the most cheerful, hopeful Christmas carols, the harmonic layer is not clear-cut. It has the beautiful quality of ruling over the emotionality of music to a great extent – it gives it context. Thanks to it, the door to other dimensions, even of the simplest melodies, can open, and carols to which our ear is already used to can take on a new meaning.' Michał Ziółkowski

Soprano Diana Damrau released Christmas Album

The perfect Christmas gift, the internationally acclaimed German soprano Diana Damrau releases a collection of sacred music and Christmas songs recorded with the Hannover Orchestra under conductor Riccardo Minasi and Richard Whilds.

Both classy and classical, the album features well-known hits such as 'Stille Nacht' ('Silent Night') alongside classical standards such as 'Flößt mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen' from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Label: Erato.

1) Christmas Landscape
Handel: Mouko, Chatoya.
Zircher : Come every year
Undetected: From the Root of the Ethai
2) Paul Burghard: Keep Calm Christmas
3) Eduard Ebel: Quiet snow
4) Angel Belt Hooperdink: Christmas
5) The Son of God will be at night
Take the Tortoise, Janet
Petite Papa Noel
Son of God is born and given
Pietro Yong: Midori Jesus
6) Max Reager: Maria lulllaby
7) The sound of the bell over this night is
8) Franz Grote: Song of the calendar
9) Waiting for Childhood Christ
Eduard Ebel: Quiet snow
Happy Christmas
Make a bell ring!
Everybody will be tomorrow
Fir Tree
10) Max Reager: The Son of the Night God
11) Rene Colo: Christmas Break
12) Peter Cornelius: Shepherd
13) At the end of the wilderness
John Gardner: Sheep
Louis Lambilotte: A song of happiness angels singing
A young virgin
Alfonso Maria de Rigori: You Are Off The Star
Rattling
14) Franz Xserver Groover: Song of Eternity
15) Roberto Stolz: Christmas Rose
16) Artist: Undetailed: Songing, Celebration
17) Christmas Yves
Born in Bethlehem
Martin Lutter: The Higher Heaven is Coming.
Shepherd
Still Still Still
18) Franz Xserver Groover: Kiyoshiko Night

CD2
1) Handel: Torned and Knotted
2) Handdel: the eternal source of divine light (from "Eau de for Queen Anne birthday")
3) Hendell: For Brilliant Seraphim (From Oratorio "Samsungson")
4) Hendell (Mozart): Delighted with you, daughter of Scion (From "Messia": German chant)
5) Handell (Mozart): He is a good pastor (Messia: German chant)
6) J.S. Bach: Welcome to God all over the land (From "Kantha #51)
7) J.S. Bach: My Savior (From Christmas Oratorio Part 4)
8) J.S. Bach: Sheep eats grass peacefully (from "Hunting Kantha")
9-11) ZWV.82 Psalm 112 "Our Lord,Honor the Lord"
12) Mozart: Honor the Lord (from the "Victimal Late of the Validation K.339")
13) Mozart: Honor the Lord (From K.321 for the First Day)
14) Mozart: We praise the Lord (from the "Ha Minor Misa K.427")
15) Frank: Torture of Angels (from the 3 Missa Song Op.12)
16) Adan: Holy Night

Carol of the Bells 03:20

Deck the Halls 03:18

Personent Hodie 04:25

Mary Fre 02:46

Wexford Carol 03:29

Noël Nouvelet 04:16

Gower Wassail 03:38

O Little Town of Bethlehem 05:31

Ríu Ríu Chíu 03:36

Flesh of Thee O Mayden Bryght 03:25

Laudes Celebret 03:49

This Flour Is Fayre 04:53

Concertos and Pastorales for Christmas Night with Bojan Čičić and the Illyria Consort

Delphian description: Bojan Čičić and the Illyria Consort’s latest Delphian recording revels in the great variety of musical styles and traditions that grew up around Christmas and its related feasts in Catholic Europe in the seventeenth century – a time when the introduction of ‘rustic’ effects into instrumental music changed the sound of Christmas forever.

The vivid theatricality of Baroque evocations of the shepherds and their milieu and the unusual combinations of instruments in much of this music, here given in performances brimming with energy and the joy of rediscovery, make this a Christmas album to reach for every year. Label Delpian.

This innovative programme presents an imaginary Christmas oratorio made up of works by German composers of the 17th century.

Many of these works are unpublished and come from the splendid Düben collection in the library of the University of Uppsala; they are arranged here in a sequence that introduces the scenes and the principal characters of the Nativity: Mary, Joseph, the Archangel Gabriel, the angels, the shepherds, the Magi and Simeon.

These works belong to the genre of the historia sacra and depict the dialogue of the Annunciation between the archangel Gabriel and Mary, the arrival of the Magi — guided by angels — at the manger, and the scene where Mary and Joseph look for Jesus in the Temple.

These narrative scenes stand in contrast to the large ensembles that represent the angelic host, the shepherds, and the adoring multitudes before the manger.

The instruments also play an important role in this celebration with their contrasting timbres.

This recording features works by Andreas Hammerschmidt, Wolfgang Carl Briegel, Christian Flor, Christoph Bernhard, Heinrich Schütz, Franz Tunder, David Pohle, and Thomas Selle.

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/o-jesulein-german-baroque-christmas-oratorio

Stairwell Carollers 45th Anniversary Recording

Our second LIVE in concert CD (Virtual) - specially produced to celebrate the Stairwell Carollers 45th Anniversary.

Click here for more information or to buy: O Natta lux.

In 2001, the Chiswick Choir changed its name to the West London Chorus, and On Christmas Night is their first commercial CD recording as the West London Chorus with two festive and seasonal works by the well-known choral composer, Bob Chilcott – On Christmas Night and Wenceslas.

Wenceslas, is based on the legendary tale of the Bohemian King and his Page. It tells of their kindness towards an impoverished peasant struggling in the winter cold.

On Christmas Night charts the trajectory of the Nativity story, from the fall of Adam to the prophesy of the Incarnation, to Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Christ. Order at TicketSource.

Available on Spotify.

It was in the Baroque period that composers first began to compose music for Christmas that reflected the special character of the Feast, and these works are showcased on this new release from Christophorus featuring instrumental music for the Christmas season from this period.

Each of these tracks has been taken from the extensive Christophorus recording catalog and features the very best early music ensembles, including Musica Fiorita, Ars Antiqua Austria, Harmonie Universelle, La Petite Bande, and many more.

Label: Christophorus

Label: Deutsche harmonia mundi.

Signum issues "A Penbroke Christmas" from the Choir of Penbroke College, Cambridge

Signum Description: Returning for their third album on Signum Classics, Anna Lapwood and The Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge present their first Christmas album featuring a wide range of festive repertoire from traditional carols to works by contemporary composers including Sir James MacMillan and Melissa Dunphy. In addition, the album premieres three new works written by the Pembroke Girls’ Choir including an arrangement of the familiar carol Gaudete.

Anna Lapwood is a trailblazing musician. Alongside her work as a conductor, Director of Music and public speaker, she performs an extensive number of organ recitals on some of the greatest instruments across Europe each season. In 2022 she was announced as Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall and Artist in Association at BBC Singers.

Directed by Anna Lapwood, The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College has one of the most exciting and varied ranges of choral endeavours among Oxbridge choirs. Alongside their primary responsibility of contributing to worship in the College’s Chapel, they engage in regular artistic collaborations, media appearances and outreach.

Composers and arrangers include Patricia Van Ness, Adrian Peacock, Melisa Dunphy, James MacMillan, Emma Johnson, Kerensa Briggs, the Pembroke Girls' Choir, Lucy Walker, Kethaki Prathivadi, Roderick Williams, Will Todd, Eleanor Daley, Ola Gjeillo, Cecilia McDowall, Ben Ponniah, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Eric Whitacre, John Rutter, and Owain Park.

1. Was I the Lamb (SATB unaccompanied)

John Rutter, Benjamin Nicholas, Choir of Merton College, Oxford

2. O little town of Bethlehem (SATB unaccompanied)

Becky McGlade

3. There is no rose (SATB with divisions unaccompanied)

Cecilia McDowall

4. Blake's Lullaby (SATB & organ)

John Rutter, Richard Pearce

5. O magnum mysterium (Treble solo & SATB unaccompanied)

James Whitbourn

6. Light Triumphant Breaks (SATB & organ)

David Bednall, Richard Pearce

7. Cantate Domino (SATB with divisions unaccompanied)

Timothy Brown

8. Make a joyful noise (SATB & organ)

Alan Bullard, Richard Pearce

9. The Call (SATB & organ/orchestra)

Mack Wilberg, Richard Pearce

10. Density of Light (SATB & organ)

Sarah Quartel, Richard Pearce

11. Kyrie (from 'Missa Brevis') (SATB & organ)

John Rutter, Richard Pearce

12. Sanctus and Benedictus (from 'Missa Brevis') (SATB & organ)

John Rutter, Richard Pearce

13. Most glorious Lord of life (SATB & organ)

Francis Jackson, Richard Pearce

The holiday season wouldn't be complete without the delightful music of Andre Rieu! The "King of Waltz" presents his brand-new Christmas album, Silver Bells.

The CD and bonus DVD is sure to become the dream gift this holiday season, bringing new joy and light to Rieu fans around the world. Recorded live in his hometown Maastricht, the DVD illustrates the unique atmosphere of his traditional Christmas concerts.

1	Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
2	Mille Cherubini in Coro
3	Jingle Bell Rock
4	Lulajze Jezuniu Arv
5	Flower Waltz Arv
6	Coventry Carol Arv
7	Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
8	Ave Maria
9	Op Kawwe Wintermörrege
10	Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Arv
11	Petersburger Schlittenfahrt Arv
12	It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas
13	Silver Bells
14	In the Bleak Midwinter Arv
15	Slumber My Darling Arv
16	It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

New Recording of Eric Thiman & Michael Head Songs Showcases Christmas Carols and Songs

A new recording of Convivium showcases songs by Michael Head and Eric Thiman. It contains Head's "Little Road to Bethlehem" and "Slumber Song for the Madonna." For Thiman, it has his version of "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "I saw three ships," as well has his composition "Madonna and Child."