Rerelease of of Robert Shaw 1976 Christmas Concert

 

A Christmas Concert with Robert Shaw

Louise Seidel, soprano; Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra / Robert Shaw
Vox VOX-NX-3027CD
Release: 27 October 2023

The art of the Christmas carol extends back to the Middle Ages, producing a richly varied tradition that continues to the present day. 

This programme highlights the evolution of Christmas music: from early monastic carols such as the original plainchant of O come, O come, Emmanuel; through the beautiful sixteenth-century melodies Lo, how a rose e'er blooming and the Coventry Carol; to the mighty splendours of later eras as exemplified by J S Bach, Vivaldi and Berlioz, with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah reigning supreme. 

This classic VOX recording featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Robert Shaw was originally issued on the 2-LP set Nativity in 1976. The Elite Recordings for VOX by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

1. O come, O come, Emmanuel - Traditional

2. So Blest a Sight - Traditional

3. Dormi, Jesu! Mater ridet

4. Lo, how a rose e'er blooming - Traditional

5. Coventry Carol - Traditional

6. Break forth, O wondrous morning light - J.S. Bach

7. Jesus, guide my beginning (from Christmas Oratorio)

8. Dona nomis pacem - Bach (from Mass in B minor)

9. The Shepherd's Farwell - Berlioz (from L'Enfance du Christ)

10. Adeste Fideles - Wade

11. Gloria in excelsis Deo (from Gloria in D major) - Vivaldi

12.Et in terra pax (from Gloria in D major) - A. Vivaldi

13. And there were shepherds (from Christmas Oratorio) - J.S. Bach

14. Farandole - Bizet (from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2) 

15. There is a Rose in Flower - Brahms

16. Introduction, March and Shepherd's Dance (from Amahl and the Night Visitors) - Menotti

17. The Adoration of the Magi - Respighi (from Trittico botticelliano)

18. I. Allegro non molto ("Winter" from The Four Seasons) - Vivaldi

19. II. Largo ("Winter" from The Four Seasons) - Vivaldi

20.  Hallelujah (from Messiah) - Handel

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