2019: Working List of Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

2019: Working List of Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

Compiled by R. Rojas

Updated October 27, 2024

The descriptions below are those of record labels or the ensembles They 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.

 A Baroque Christmas: Bach, Charpentier, Corelli, etc.

Multiple performers

Ranging from unaffected simplicity to elaborate polyphony, the composers of the 17th and 18th centuries left us some of the most sublime pages of sacred music intended to tell the story of the Nativity. The extraordinary musical legacy produced as a result continues to resonate today with its timeless union of solemnity and joy...

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH [1685-1750]
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
· Teil 1
1. Chor Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage (7'31)
· 2. Rezitativ Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit (Evangelist) (1'19)
· 3. Rezitativ Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam (Alto) (0'58)
· 4. Arie Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichen Trieben (Alto) (4'48)
· 5. Choral Wie soll ich dich empfangen (1'41)
· 6. Rezitativ Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn (Evangelist) (0'25)
· 7. Choral Er ist auf Erden kommen arm (Soprano) (3'19)
· 8. Arie Großer Herr und starker König (Bass) (4'51)
· 9. Choral Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein (1'33)
· Teil 2
10. Sinfonia (7'48)
· 11. Rezitativ Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Evangelist) (0'39)
· 12. Choral Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht (1'30)
· 13. Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen (Evangelist) (0'42)
· 14. Rezitativ Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen (Bass) (0'38)
· 15. Arie Frohe Hirten, eilt, acht eilet (Tenor) (3'24)
· 16. Rezitativ Und das habt zum Zeichen (Engel) (0'20)
· 17. Choral Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall (0'55)
· 18. Rezitativ So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht (Bass) (0'51)
· 19. Arie Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh (Alto) (10'14)
· 20. Rezitativ Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel (Evangelist) (0'14)
· 21. Chor Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe (2'19)
· 22. Rezitativ So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzet und singet (Bass) (0'23)
· 23. Choral Wir singen dir in deinem Heer (2'04)
· Teil 3
24. Chor Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen (1'46)
· 25. Rezitativ Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren (Evangelist) (0'09)
· 26. Chor Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem (0'40)
· 27. Rezitativ Er hat sein Volk getröst (Bass) (0'36)
· 28. Choral Dies hat er alles uns getan (0'56)
· 29. Duett Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen (Soprano, Bass) (7'04)
· 30. Rezitativ Und sie kamen eilend und fanden beide (Evangelist) (1'24)
· 31. Arie Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder (Alto) (4'54)
· 32. Rezitativ Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren (Alto) (0'24)
· 33. Choral Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren (1'11)


Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
· 34. Rezitativ Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um (Evangelist) (0'25)
· 35. Choral Seid froh (1'02)
· Chor Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen (1'56)
· Teil 4
36. Chor Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben (5'01)
· 37. Rezitativ Und da acht Tage um waren (Evangelist) (0'28)
· 38. Rezitativ Immanuel, o süßes Wort! (Bass) (2'34)
· 39. Arie Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen (Soprano, Echo) (5'34)
· 40. Rezitativ Wohlan, dein Name soll allein (Bass) (1'44)
· 41. Arie Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben (Tenor) (4'28)
· 42. Choral Jesus richte mein Beginnen (2'45)
· Teil 5
43. Chor Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen (6'03)
· 44. Rezitativ Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem (Evangelist) (0'22)
· 45. Chor Wo ist der neugeborne König der Juden? (1'41)
· 46. Choral Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt (1'05)
· 47. Arie Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen (Bass) (4'29)
· 48. Rezitativ Da das der König Herodes hörte (Evangelist) (0'09)
· 49. Rezitativ Warum wollt ihr erschrecken? (Alto) (0'34)
· 50. Rezitativ Und ließ versammlen alle Hohenpriester (Evangelist) (1'12)
· 51. Terzett Ach, wenn wird die Zeit erscheinen? ( Soprano, Alto, Tenor) (5'59)
· 52. Rezitativ Mein Liebster herrschet schon (0'29)
· 53. Choral Zwar ist solche Herzensstube (1'24)
· Teil 6
54. Chor Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben (5'12)
· 55. Rezitativ Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich (Evangelist) (0'42)
· 56. Rezitativ Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen (Soprano) (0'50)
· 57. Arie Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen (Soprano) (4'15)
· 58. Rezitativ Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten (Evangelist) (1'14)
· 59. Choral Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier (1'45)
· 60. Rezitativ Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum (Evangelist) (0'23)
· 61. Rezitativ So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier (Tenor) (1'54)
· 62. Arie Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken (Tenor) (4'17)
· 63. Rezitativ Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) (0'51)
· 64. Choral Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen (3'38)


MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER [1643-1704]
Pastorale sur la Naissance de Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, H. 483
· Part 1
Ouverture (1'05)
· Scène 1. Que nos soupirs, Seigneur, réveille tes bontés (1'33)
· Il est temps Seigneur que tu paraisses (2'58)
· Ecoutez-moi, peuple fidèle (2'19)
· Cieux, répandez notre rosée (2'09)
· Simphonie de la Nuit (4'20)
· Scène 2. Régnez, calme profond (2'14)
· Dans ces lieux écartez (3'02)
· De l'univers entier, apprenez le bonheur (1'35)
· Scène 3. Céleste compagnons (0'13)
· Scène 4. Gloire dans les hauts lieux (1'15)
· Paix en terre (2'22)
· Part 2
Pasteurs, éveillez-vous (0'27)
· Hélas, cette brebis si chère (2'08)
· Heureuse, mille et mille fois (0'34)
· Joignons nos flûtes (1'01)
· Sont-ce pas nos bergers ? (1'19)
· Cette nuit d'une vierge aussi pure que belle (1'18)
· Ouy le loup infernal (0'28)
· Joignons nos flûtes (1'01)
· Ritournelle (0'48)
· C'est de l'homme aujourd'hui (1'44)
Grandes antiennes O de l'avent, H. 36-43
· O salutaris (2'03)
· O sapienta (2'32)
· O Adonai (1'58)
· O Radix Jesse (1'43)
· Or nous dites Marie (Noël instrumental) (2'37)
· O Clavis David (2'03)
· O Oriens (1'50)
· O Rex Gentium (1'32)
· O Emmanuel (1'27)
· Or nous dites Marie (4'14)
Pastorale sur la Naissance de Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, seconde version, H. 483a
· Part 2
Heureux bergers (2'30)
· Mais qui ne serait pas touché (1'52)
· Non, l'haleine seccourable (2'22)
· Votre tendresse est équitable (1'43)
· Chantez donc à l'envie (0'50)
· Faisons de nos joyeux cantiques (1'18)
· Menuet de la Bergère (2'38)
· Ne laissons point sans louanges (1'42)
Pastorale sur la Naissance de Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, troisième version, H. 483b
· Le Soleil recommence à dorer nos montagnes (2'13)
· Belle mais imparfaite figure (0'49)
· Ouy Seigneur (0'46)
· Source de lumière et de grâce (4'24)


ARCANGELO CORELLI [1653-1713]
Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8
G Minor / Sol mineur / g-Moll
· I. Vivace. Grave (1'41)
· II. Allegro (2'43)
· III. Adagio. Allegro. Adagio (4'08)
· IV. Vivace. Allegro. Largo (Pastorale) (6'43)
JOHANN ROSENMÜLLER [1619-1684]
· Weihnachtshistorie
VIII. Entsetze dich, Natur (21'29)
DIETRICH BUXTEHUDE [1637-1707]
· Herzlich lieb hab ich Dich o Herr, BuxWV 41 (18'08)
· Befiehl dem Engel daß er kommt, BuxWV 10 (4'33)
HEINRICH SCHÜTZ [1585-1672]
· Heute ist Christus geboren, SVW 439 (3'00)
LOUIS-CLAUDE DAQUIN [1694-1772]
· Noël provençal
G Major / Sol majeur / G-Dur (4'48)
DOMENICO ZIPOLI [1688-1726]
· Pastorale (2'55)
CLAUDE BÉNIGNE BALBASTRE [1727-1799]
· Quand Jésus naquit à Noël (4'17)

https://www.harmoniamundi.com/en/albums/a-baroque-christmas-bach-charpentier-corelli-etc/

Cantica Nova: New Canadian Carols, Choir of Christ Church Cathedral

1. Plain Course of Grandiose - Composer: Choir of Christ Church Cathedral
2. O magnum mysterium - Composer: Paul Halley
3. A poor place - Composer: Herbert O'Dirscoll Composer: Patrick Wedd
4. Legend of the Bird - Composer: Stephanie Martin
5. I sing the birth - Ben Jonson Composer: Stephen Chatman
6. Rejoice ye Peoples of the Earth - Composer: Martin Luther Composer: Zachary Windus
7. Sailor's Carol - Composer: Charles Causley Composer: Matthew Larkin
8. There is no Rose - Composer: Rupert Lang
9. The time draws near - Alfred Lord Tennyson Composer: Christopher Goddard
10. Not very long ago - Composer: Bramwell Tovey
11. I Syng of a Mayden - Composer: Kathleen Allan
12. Touch of Grandshire Triples - Composer: The Christ Church Cathedral Guild of Bellringers

Prague has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The name ‘Cor Europae’ (Heart of Europe) probably dates from the country’s early history, in the thirteenth century, when the Kingdom of Bohemia stretched from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. 

This was a period of great prosperity, especially under King Wenceslaus II Přemyslid, and culminated with the reign of Charles IV, who was both King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. 

Despite the fact that Bohemia was the centre of Europe and benefited from the presence of many scholars (more especially after the foundation of the university in 1348), the local culture also preserved an older tradition there. 

This can be seen in the beautiful repertory for the Advent and Christmas period that have survived in the sources of Prague Cathedral and the Benedictine abbey of Prague Castle. 

These sources make it possible to reconstruct the liturgy of the Feast of the Nativity as it was celebrated there, with organa and tropes in the tradition of twelfth-century music, at a time when the new Ars Nova style was flourishing elsewhere in Europe. 

It is this music that the wonderful voices of the Tiburtina Ensemble bring to life for us.

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/cor-europae-christmas-mediaeval-prague

 

A special album of works for Christmas – many of them arrangements and fantasias on well-loved hymns and carols, and some new dedicated compositions. All the music is by Carson Cooman, composer in residence at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, and America’s most prolific composer of works for organ. This music is just as good to listen to at any time of year and is expertly played by Erik Simmons, a superb organist for whom this is the twelfth album of Cooman’s music on the Divine Art label. We hear the wonderful ‘Sun Organ’ of St. Peter & Paul, Görlitz, recorded through the Hauptwerk system.

Fantasia on "Greensleeves" (7:43)

Fantasy on "Veni Emmanuel" (4:57)

Little Partita on a Polish Carol (6:06)

Variations on a Basque Noël (5:02)

Little Fantasia on "In dulci jubilo" (2:44)

Carol Paraphrase on a Motive of Wilhelm Weismann (3:02)

Voluntary on “O du fröhliche” (3:58)

Meditation on "Es ist ein Ros"

Rhapsody on a German Carol (6:12)

O Sleep, Dear Holy Baby (2:47)

Rondino for St Joseph (2:43)

All my Heart this Night Rejoices (2:20)

Triptych on a Sorbian Carol (6:16)

Three Pastorales on a German Carol - I. Adagio molto (2:22)

Three Pastorales on a German Carol - II. Allegretto leggiero (1:37)

Three Pastorales on a German Carol - III. Lento tranquillissimo (3:30)

Fantasy on "Adeste Fideles" (6:38)

https://divineartrecords.com/recording/how-great-our-joy-organ-music-for-christmas/

Released to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the composer’s birth, this programme of Kenneth Leighton’s choral music reflects his outstanding accomplishments in the genre across his entire composing career: it includes Leighton’s earliest and last pieces for unaccompanied choir, three Christmas carols, two extended masterpieces, and two works composed for the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral itself.

Extensively praised under its current director of music Duncan Ferguson, the choir has both a historical affinity for this body of work and a sophisticated musicianship which here produces performances of focused maturity and depth.

Editors note: Though not marketed as a Christmas album, it does contained carols: "Wassail all over the town" and "Lully, lulla, though little tiny child.

https://www.delphianrecords.com/products/kenneth-leighton-sacred-choral-music?_pos=15&_sid=132e7e903&_ss=r

Released in 2019 to celebrate Capella Regalis Men & Boys Choir's 10th Christmas season, and featuring 18 carols selected from the choir’s first decade of live Christmas performances. 

Directed by Nick Halley, with guest musicians Paul Halley (pipe organ) and Maritime Brass Quintet, the collection includes heartwarming chestnuts of the traditional Christmas repertoire as well as lesser-known gems, and fresh arrangements by Paul Halley for choir, brass, organ and percussion. 

Recorded in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, by award-winning engineer John D.S. Adams/Stonehouse Sound, the physical CD comes with a booklet featuring photos by Nova Scotia-based photographer Béatrice Schuler. The package makes for a beautiful and uniquely Nova Scotian Christmas gift!

1. Joy to the World / arr. P. Halley
2. In the Bleak Midwinter / Darke
3. A Great and Mighty Wonder / Praetorius
4. Magnificat in G / Stanford
5. The Infant King / arr. Willcocks
6. Myn Lyking / Terry
7. Il Est Né le Divin Enfant / arr. P. Halley
8. Sans Day Carol / arr. Rutter
9. See Amid the Winter’s Snow / arr. Willcocks
10. Suo Gân (Lullaby) / arr. Guest
11. O Magnum Mysterium / Handl
12. Small Wonder the Star / Edwards
13. God Rest You Merry / arr. Willcocks
14. Lute-Book Lullaby / arr. Shaw
15. Personent Hodie / arr. Holst
16. There Is No Rose of Such Virtue / Anon. (1420)
17. Love Came Down at Christmas / Morris, adapt. Graham
18. Ere Zij God! / arr. P. Halley

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Christmas Cantatas from Leipzig Collegium Vocale Gent, Philippe Herreweghe

The Christmas cantatas have in common the use of a church chorale as their conceptual starting point, and their intimate performing forces. In Bach's output they constitute a kind of meditation on the meaning of the feast of Christmas.

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH [1685-1750] "Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ", BWV 91 · Choral Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ (2'57) · Recitativo (soprano) Der Glanz der höchsten Herrlichkeit (1'51) · Aria (ténor) Gott, dem der Erden Kreis zu klein (2'47) · Recitativo (basse) O Christenheit! (1'16) · Aria (soprano & alto) Die Armut, so Gott auf sich nimmt (6'54) · Choral Das hat er alles uns getan (0'48) "Christum wir sollen loben schon", BWV 121 · Choral Christum wir sollen loben schon (2'44) · Aria (ténor) O du von Gott erhöhte Kreatur (5'39) · Recitativo (alto) Der Gnade unermeßlichs Wesen (1'17) · Aria (basse) Johannis freudenvolles Springen (7'27) · Recitativo (soprano) Doch wie erblickt es dich in deiner Krippen (0'58) · Choral Lob, Ehr und Dank sei dir gesagt (0'58) "Ich freue mich in dir", BWV 133 · Choral Ich freue mich in dir (4'14) · Aria (alto) Getrost! es faßt ein heiliger Leib (4'33) · Recitativo (ténor) Ein Adam mag sich voller Schrecken (1'04) · Aria (soprano) Wie lieblich klingt es in den Ohren (7'34) · Recitativo (basse) Wohlan! Des Todes Furcht und Schmerz (0'59) · Choral Wohlan, so will ich (1'07)"Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63 · Choral Christen, ätzet diesen Tag (5'23) · Recitativo (alto) O selger Tag! O ungemeines Heute (2'31) · Aria (soprano) Gott, du hast es wohl gefüget (6'57) · Recitativo (ténor) So kehret sich nun heut (0'52) · Aria (ténor) Ruft und fleht den Himmel an (3'45) · Recitativo (basse) Verdoppelt euch demnach (1'06) · Choral Höchster, schau in Gnaden an (6'42) Magnificat, BWV 243a E-Flat Major / Mi bémol majeur / Es-Dur · Magnificat anima mea (2'57) · Et exultavit spiritus meus (2'23) · Vom Himmel hoch (1'47) · Quia respexit humilitatem (2'29) · Omnes generationes (1'19) · Quia fecit mihi magna (2'00) · Freut euch und jubiliert (1'15) · Et misericordia (3'17) · Fecit potentiam (1'50) · Gloria in exelcis Deo (1'07) · Deposuit potentes (2'04) · Esurientes implevit bonis (2'54) · Virga Jesse floruit (3'18) · Suscepit Israel (1'39) · Sicut locutus est (1'29) · Gloria Patri (2'22)

https://www.harmoniamundi.com/en/albums/christmas-cantatas-from-leipzig/

The festival of Christmas means many things to many people. Its status as an international public holiday provides a rare opportunity for families and friends from far and wide to come together. Being creatures of habit, many communities establish rituals to prepare for and mark the occasion, finding comfort in the familiarity of an annual structure. For some, the birth of Christ the Saviour is at the centre of these practices, while others regard Christmas as a secular celebration characterised by Santa and mulled wine.

These diverse, multifaceted traditions of Advent and Christmas are explored throughout Now may we singen. With works by composers of different generations, backgrounds and musical legacies, Christmas as both ancient holy day and modern, ever evolving holiday is embraced by Timothy Garrard (director), Ben Bloor (organ) and the Choir of Westminster School through bold, characterful musical interpretations.

1. Novo profusi gaudio

2. Drop down, ye heavens, from above

3. Once in royal David’s city

4. O radiant dawn

5. Alleluia! A new work is come on hand

6. Mary’s Magnificat

7. Ex Maria Virgine: Ave rex angelorum

8. It came upon the midnight clear

9. Lullay, myn lyking

10. Now may we singen

11. The King of Blis

12. O little town of Bethlehem

13. Jesus Christ the apple tree

14. Angels Sing: Jesus Christ is born

15. My musick shine

16. Hark! The herald angels sing

17. Sir Christèmas

18. Sleep, holy babe

19. O come, all ye faithful

https://signumrecords.com/product/now-we-may-singen/SIGCD595/

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