Clarice Jensen Releases "In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness"

 

Clarice Jensen fourth solo album, In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness, showcases Jensen's distinctive compositional approach, in which she improvises and layers her cello through shifting loops and a chain of electronic effects, exploring a series of rich, drone-based sound fields. 

Pulsing, visceral and full of color, her work is deeply immersive, marked by a wonderful sense of restraint and an almost hallucinatory clarity. Jensen sets new parameters for this new album, placing the acoustic sound of the cello at the fore, and affecting the sound only through a few effects (octave displacement, delay, tremolo and looping). 

The solo cello works of J.S. Bach are a central backdrop to this new album, as they display a rich range of voices created by one instrument. Having found ways to expand the sound and voice of the instrument through electronics, Jensen found it fitting to return to Bach's works as a way to touch back in with the tradition of the instrument.

1 In Holiday Clothing, Out of the Great Darkness Part 1
2 From a to B
3 2,1
4 1,2
5 In Holiday Clothing, Out of the Great Darkness Part 2
6 Unity

https://www.claricejensen.com/in-holiday-clothing-out-of-the-great-darkness/

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

Holidays Celebrated with Miro Quartet in New Recording "Hearth"

 

Holidays Celebrated with Miro Quartet in New Recording "Hearth"

The Miro Quartet invites you to gather around the warmth of the holiday Hearth-a deeply personal and joy-filled album that celebrates the spirit of the season through the voices of today's most compelling composers. 

Whether your traditions include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply quiet reflection by the fire, this album captures the essence of holidays as a time of connection, memory, and hope. 

Featuring works by composers such as Anna Clyne, Clarice Assad, Gabriel Kahane, Reena Esmail, and Paola Prestini, each piece is a musical keepsake-an imaginative reworking of a holiday tune chosen by the composer and infused with personal meaning. 

From Renaissance hymns to familiar carols like Jingle Bells, and from West African rhythms to tender string lyricism, this vibrant collection reflects the rich diversity of how we celebrate, remember, and come together. 

Hearth follows the Miro Quartet's acclaimed PENTATONE release Ginastera String Quartets (2025), honoured as a Gramophone Editor's Choice, one of The New York Times' '5 Classical Music Albums You Can Listen to Right Now,' and recipient of Pizzicato's Supersonic distinction. Also available are the GRAMMY-nominated Home (2024) and Beethoven Complete String Quartets (2021). 

With this release, we are proud to share these musical stories - each one a gift, wrapped in sound, from our hearts to yours.

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

Tenor Richard Resch Releases "The Night has Advanced" with Ensemble La Silla

 

Tenor Richard Resch Releases "The Night has Advanced" with Ensemble La Silla

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

https://carpediemrecords.com/products/die-nacht-ist-vorgedrungen

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

Christmas Music of Clive Osgood in New Polyphony and Britten Sinfonia Recording

 

Christmas Music of Clive Osgood in New Polyphony and Britten Sinfonia Recording

Discover this enchanting and engaging anthology of Christmas music by Clive Osgood performed by Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia under the direction of conductor Stephen Layton.

An enchanting and engaging anthology of Christmas music by Clive Osgood, giving a contemporary twist to ancient and well-loved festive texts including carols from the 16th century collection Piae cantiones. Performed by the critically acclaimed professional choir Polyphony and leading chamber orchestra Britten Sinfonia under the direction of Stephen Layton.

01: Hodie Christus natus est - Clive Osgood

02: Coventry Carol  - Clive Osgood

03: Adam lay ybounden - Clive Osgood

04: Sir Christëmas - Clive Osgood

 05: In excelsis gloria - Clive Osgood

06: Omnis mundus - Clive Osgood

07: Resonet in laudibus - Clive Osgood

 08: Puer nobis nascitur - Clive Osgood

09: Personent hodie - Clive Osgood

10: Up! Good Christen folk - Clive Osgood

https://conviviumrecords.co.uk/product/clive-osgood-christmas-collection/#

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

Choir of King's College London Offers Christmas Compositions and Arrangements by Kristina Arakelyan

 

An album of newly recorded works for Christmas by rising star composer Kristina Arakelyan. This is the first recording by the Choir of King’s College London, conducted by Joseph Fort on Signum Records.

“While preparing this album, I have been struck by many aspects of Kristina’s music, and have talked with her about it at length… She approaches the compositional task as an exercise in conveying this emotion and stirring it in her listeners, and I hope that this comes through in our performances” – Joseph Fort

1 Echo (from Seascapes)
2 O Adonai
3 Sanctus
4 Te lucis ante terminum
5 Evening Prayer

A Christmas Offering
6 i. Gaudete (plainchant)
7 ii.Gaudete
8 iii. There is no rose
9 iv. Alleluia!
10 v. Mary, flower of flowers all
11 vi. Interlude
12 vii. Te Deum laudamus
13 viii.Out of the East
14 ix. Jesu, Jesu
15 x. Now sing we with angelis

16 Ave maris stella
17 You Know Me
18 Christmas Lullaby
19 Dreamland

https://signumrecords.com/product/a-christmas-offering-christmas-works-by-kristina-arakelyan/SIGCD953/#

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

OUP Releases Collection of Christmas Choral Highlights 2025

 

Laura Sheils, James Whitbourn, Bob Chilcott, Vicente Chavarria, Sarah Quartel, Cecilia McDowall

London Voices, Imogen Parry, Sophie Taylor-Denton, Freya Parry, Katy Hill, Sumudu Jayatilaka, Christina Gill, Lufuno Nduo, Louise Marshall, Kavi Pau, Daniel Lewis, Benedict Hymas, Will Wright, Edward...

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9779649--christmas-choral-highlights-2025

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

Giulio Prandi and Coro e Orchestra Ghislieri Showcase Scarlatti at Christmas

 

Giulio Prandi and Coro e Orchestra Ghislieri Showcase Scarlatti at Christmas

"In the heart of Baroque Rome, the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the principal Marian sanctuary of the Eternal City. For centuries it has guarded not only the relics of Jesus’s cradle and swaddling-clothes, but also the celebrated marble Nativity Scene by Arnolfo di Cambio (1291), the first of its kind in the history of art, thus earning it the title of “Bethlehem of the West”. 

Here, in 1707, Alessandro Scarlatti was employed as maestro di cappella. Though a brief appointment – it lasted little more than a year – it was long enough to leave a deep impression, above all on the repertoire for Christmas, which was celebrated in the basilica with particular solemnity. 

For the 300th anniversary of the composer’s death, Giulio Prandi and Coro e Orchestra Ghislieri dedicate their fifth album for Arcana to Scarlatti’s unique, splendid music for a Roman Christmas."

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9798962--alessandro-scarlatti-christmas-at-the-bethlehem-of-the-west

Disclaimer: Regarding the photos used above, we do not know who the owner of this photo is, and infringement is not intended, it is used for educational purposes only. We will gladly oblige any take down under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Photos are used under the allowance made for "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 for the purposes such as reviews, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. We will oblige any takedown request of any photo on this blog in compliance with the DMCA

2005-2009: Christmas Classical and Choral Recording: A Working List

Our decare -long list of recording from the early century got to long we had to split the early 2000s in two.

2005

You'll remember Joel Brown from all those wonderful discs with the late Bill Crofut from Albany's "early years."

Now he's back with a delightful Christmas disc with his celebrated friends and family. This album was inspired by a concert and TV show featuring Brown's arrangements of Christmas tunes for a student guitar ensemble. It was such a success that he was encouraged to create this recording. All right, it took more than a decade but it was worth the wait!

As with those great Crofut albums, the arrangements are jazzy, folksy and often times plain-old traditional. Of course, you've heard these tunes a lot of times in the past, but they've never sounded so fresh as they do here.

As Joel writes, "Christmas music has always been my favorite part of the holiday season. I still feel a flood of excitement and joy when I think of standing in our little hometown church singing in unison with family and friends. I hope the music on this recording will bring some of that same feeling to you. Merry Christmas!"

You'll remember Joel Brown from all those wonderful discs with the late Bill Crofut from Albany's "early years." Now he's back with a delightful Christmas disc with his celebrated friends and family.

This album was inspired by a concert and TV show featuring Brown's arrangements of Christmas tunes for a student guitar ensemble. It was such a success that he was encouraged to create this recording. All right, it took more than a decade but it was worth the wait!

As with those great Crofut albums, the arrangements are jazzy, folksy and often times plain-old traditional. Of course you've heard these tunes a lot of times in the past, but they've never sounded so fresh as they do here. As Joel writes, "Christmas music has always been my favorite part of the holiday season.

I still feel a flood of excitement and joy when I think of standing in our little hometown church singing in unison with family and friends. I hope the music on this recording will bring some of that same feeling to you. Merry Christmas!"

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0789/

Early Mexican music resounds in this joyful program featuring over two centuries of festive Christmas dances and villancicos from the great cathedrals of Puebla and Mexico City. Accompanied by lively percussion, viola da gamba and vihuela da mano, solos and choruses burst forth in this holiday recording that’s anything but typical!

1. Convidando esta la noche (Juguete y Guaracha a 5) Juan García de Zéspedes (ca. 1619-1678) 4:15
2. Atención, atención (Villancico a 5 de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe año de 1698) Antonio de Salazar (ca. 1650-1715) 4:15
3. Los que fueren de buen gusto (Xácara a 4 con acompañamiento) Francisco de Vidales (d.1702) 6:30
4. Serenissima una noche (a 4 voces) Fray Gerónimo Gonzáles (fl. 1600) 3:25
5. A siolo flasiquiyo (Negrilla a 4 con acompañamiento y a 6) Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla (ca. 1590-1664) 5:49
6. Al dormir el sol (a 2 con acompañamiento) Sebastián Durón (1660-1716) 7:37
7. Tarara tarara qui yo soy Anton (Negro a 2 con acompañamiento) Antonio de Salazar 3:50
8. Hermoso amor (Romance a 4 de Navidad año de 1671) Juan García de Zéspedes 3:29
9. ¡Hombres, victoria, victoria! (a 5 voces) Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599) 2:30
10. Un ciego que contrabajo (a 3 con acompañamiento) Antonio de Salazar 5:08
11. Ay galeguiños (Gallego a 5 con acompañamiento) Fabián Ximeno Perez (ca. 1595-1654) 5:22
12. Deus in adiutorium meum intende (ad Vesperas) Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla (ca. 1590-1664) 2:21

https://lagrandebande.org/product/celebremos-el-nino-2005/

Medieval motets honoring Bohemia's "Good King Wenceslas" (St. Vaclave) and Poland's St. Stansilaus. "Carols" from the time of patriot Jan Hus, early polyphony from the Codex "Specialnik" celebrating the Nativity. Plus, the only extant Czech medieval dance, and the "Messe de Notre Dame" by Guillaume de Machaut, celebrated French poet/composer and Secretary to the King of Bohemia. Men's voices and instruments.

1 Alleluia (Mikolaj Radomski, FL. 1420-30)
2 Jesu Kriste (Czech, 13th Century)
3 Ave Regina Caelorum (Codex Specialnik, Before 1500)
4 Svaty Vaclave (Czech 13th Century)
5 Nas Mily Svaty Vaclave (Codex Specialnik)
6 Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum (Radomski)
7 Vizmez Pacholicka (Czech, 13th Century)
8 Flosculum Amenitatis (Codex Specialnik)
9 Breve Regnum (Polish, Early 15th Century)
10 Angelus Ad Virginem Missus (Polish, 15th Century)
11 Czaldy Waldy (Czech, Late 14th Century)
12 Vzdajmez Chvalu (Codex Specialnik)
13 Nobis Est Natus Hodie (Codex Specialnik)
14 Omnia Beneficia (Polish, Late 12th Century)
15 Ortus de Polonia (Polish, 13th Century)
16 Gaude, Mater Polonia (Polish, 13th Century)
17 Kyrie Eleison - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Guillaume de Machaut, 1
18 Gloria in Excelsis Deo - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Machaut)
19 Ja Falla (Czech, 14th Century)
20 Credo in Unum Deum - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Machaut)
21 Tant Plus Vos Voye (Czech, 14th Century)
22 Sanctus - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Machaut)
23 Agnus Dei - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Machaut)
24 Ite Missa Est - la Messe de Nostre Dame (Machaut)

2006

1 The Bells of Dublin - Christmas Eve - The Chieftains 2 A Breton Carol - The Chieftains 3 The First Nowell - Emily Mitchell 4 Silent Night - Richard Stoltzman/The Boys Choir Of Harlem 5 The Holy Boy - James Galway 6 Noel Eight - Michala Petri 7 Silver Bells - The Hampton Str Qt 8 Winter - Richard Stoltzman/Guildhall Str Ens 9 Sussex Carol - Michala Petri/The Westminster Abbey Chor 10 Carol of the Drum - Emily Mitchell 11 Short Fantasy on a Basque Carol - Emily Mitchell 12 Winter Wonderland - Hampton Str Qt 13 Deck the Halls - Richard Stoltzman 14 Ding Dong! - Richard Stoltzman RCA Legacy

The tracks are: 1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, 2. Two Chorales, 3. Once He Came In Blessing, 4. Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen, 5. Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, 6. Dong Dong! Merrily On High, 7. Jesus, Call Thou Me, 8. The Little Road To Bethlehem, 9. Nun Deid Ihr Wohl Gerochen, 10. Brightest And Best Of The Sons Of The Morning, 11. Mary;s Lullaby, 12. Ave maria, 13. What Child Is This?, 14. Dem Wir Das Heilig Itzt, 15. Good Christians All, Rejoice, 16. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, 17. See Amid The Winter's Snow.

1 Chapel Bell 2 Rorate Caeli 3 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 4 O Sapientia 5 A Tender Shoot 6 A Spotless Rose 7 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending 8 O Adonai 9 Vox Dicentis: Clama 10 O Radix Lesse 11 The Clouded Heaven 12 O Clavis David 13 There Is a Flower 14 This Have I Done for My True Love 15 O Oriens 16 Lullay My Liking 17 O Rex Gentium 18 Bethlehem Down 19 O Emmanuel 20 O Magnum Mysterium 21 O Come, All Ye Faithful 22 Hodie Christus Natus Est Hyperion

1 The Holly and the Ivy (English) 2 Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep 3 Once in Royal David's City, Carol 4 The Little Road to Bethlehem 5 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (French) 6 Quem Pastores Laudavere (Hohenfurth Manuscript, 1410) 7 O Little Town of Bethlehem 8 Christmas Is Coming 9 Away in a Manger (Tune: Cradle Song) (New English Hymnal 22) 10 A Child This Day Is Born (English) 11 Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child, for Soloist & Chorus, Op 25B 12 I Saw Three Ships, Carol 13 The Blessed Virgin's Cradle Song, for Chorus & Organ 14 Walking in the Air, Song, Op. 317A (For the Film 'The Snowman') 15 Candlelight Carol, for Chorus & Organ 16 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Carol for Female Chorus & Harp (Or Piano) (From Dancing Day Cycle) 17 See Amid the Winter's Snow, for Chorus 18 King Jesus Hath a Garden (Dutch) 19 Rejoice, the Lord Is King, Hymn, HWV 286 20 Wither's Rocking Hymn ('Sweet Baby, Sleep! What Ails My Dear?'), Carol for Chorus 21 All God's Children Got a Robe 22 I Wonder As I Wander (American) 23 Friday Afternoons, Children's Songs (12) for Children's Chorus & Piano, Op. 7: 5. New Year Carol 24 Myn Lyking 25 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night) Griffin

2006

The Choral Project's fifth recording, Winter, features, appropriately enough, music with winter and holiday themes. A wide variety of nationalities and genres are represented here, from contemporary composer Eric Whitacre to pieces from Holland, Nigeria, Russia and Jamaica.

1. Gloria – Dominick Argento
2. A Child is Born in Bethlehem – Samuel Scheidt
3. Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella – arr. Neil Ginsberg
4. Ave Maria – Franz Biebl
5. In dulce jubilo – Jetse Bremer
6. Lo, how a rose e'er blooming – Michael Praetorius, arr. Jan Sandström
7. Winter – Eric Whitacre
8. Bogoroditse Djevo – Arvo Pärt
9. Bogoroditse Djevo (from "All-Night Vigil," Op. 37) – Sergei Rachmaninoff - [ 3:01 ]
10. Lullaby my Jesus – Peter Warlock, arr. Andrew Carter - [ 2:46 ]
11. The 12 Days of Christmas – arr. Gregg Smith - [ 4:57 ]
12. Jing-ga-lye-ya – Bruce Sled - [ 2:17 ]
13. Keresimesi Odun De O (Nigerian Carol) – arr. Wendell Whalum - [ 2:29 ]
14. Mary's Little Boy Child (Jamaican Carol) – Jester Hairston, adapted by Daniel Hughes - [ 5:26 ]
15. Christmas Goes Classical – David Maddux - [ 7:49 ]
16. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane, arr. Doug Andrews - [ 2:46 ]

Clarion

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Winter_The_Choral_Project_Daniel_Hughes_p/clcd-918.htm

A mere 16 years after Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops recorded their now-classic Christmas with the Pops , Christmastime Is Here is their 2006 follow-up. 

It sticks to the same basic formula: a mix of orchestral, choral, and solo numbers performed by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers (a Kunzel favorite, succeeding the original's May Festival Chorus), the School for Creative and Performing Arts Children's Choir (who sang on the original, though presumably with a different roster), and an entirely new crop of soloists. 

While the original relied on classic veterans such as Rosemary Clooney and Doc Severinsen, Christmastime Is Here makes use of hip jazz vocalists (and, not coincidentally, Telarc recording artists all) Ann Hampton Callaway ("I Wonder as I Wander"), Tierney Sutton ("I'll Be Home for Christmas"), Tony DeSare ("The Christmas Song"), and John Pizzarelli (""Silver Bells") as well as British sextet the King's Singers ("Silent Night"). --David Horiuchi

1 Sing with Us of Christmas
2 Precious Moments
3 I Wonder As I Wander
4 Christmastime Is Here
5 It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
6 Silent Night
7 Little Drummer Boy
8 We Need a Little Christmas
9 The Christmas Song
10 Caroling Fun
11 Jingle Bell Rock
12 I'll Be Home for Christmas
13 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
14 Silver Bells

1 Fanfare - O Come, All Ye Faithful
2 Gabriel's Message
3 Angelus Ad Virginem
4 Ding Dong ! Merrily on High
5 Virgin Most Pure
6 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
7 In Dulci Jubilo
8 Unto Us Is Born a Son
9 Nun Seid Ihr Wohl Gerochen
10 Lord Jesus Hath a Garden
11 Come All Ye Shepherds
12 Wassail Song
13 We Three Kings
14 Il Est Ne
15 Jingle Bells - Deck the Halls
16 Holly and the Ivy
17 We Wish You a Merry Christmas
18 Ach, Mein Herzliebes Jesulein
19 Once in Royal David's City
20 Hush ! My Dear, Lie Still and Slumber
21 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
22 Away in the Manger
23 Stille Nacht
24 Sussex Carol (Catherine Rogers, Contralto)
25 Star Carol
26 Hark !The Herald Angels Sings - Fanfare

Label: Eloquence - Decca

1.In Dulci Jubilo 

2.Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella! 3.Greensleeves to a Ground 

4.I Believe this is Jesus 

5.Joy to the World 

 6.Pastoral (Symphony) from Messiah 

7.Psallite 

8.O Magnum Mysterium 

 9.Ding Dong Merrily on High 

10.Boston & Judea 

11.O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 

12.Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming 

13.Christmas Symphony 

14.Nowell Sing we Both All and Sum 

15.It Came upon the Midnight Clear 

 16.Personent Hodie 

17.Gloucestershire Wassail 

18.Expression 

19.Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring 

20.Los cofla desde la estleya 

21.Largo from Concerto No. 5, S, 1056 

22.I saw Three Ships 23.Virginis aeternum (Sibylla Europa)

Label: Music Matters

Oxrexs Digital

1 Christe redemptor (Winchester Troper) 2 Quem Iohannes (Winchester Troper) 3 Alleluia V. Dies sanctificatus (Winchester Troper) 4 O primus homo corruit (Aquitanian) 5 Lux refulget (Aquitanian) 6 Annus renascitur (Anonymous) 7 De quan au'on peut (Anonymous) 8 Tout mon desir (Arnold de Lantins) 9 Ce jour de l'an (Guillaume Dufay) 10 Clangat tuba (Ritson MS) 11 Ave rex angelorum (Egerton MS) 12 Eya, martyr Stephane (Anonymous) 13 Vox in Rama (Clemens non Papa) 14 Lullay, Lullow: I saw a swete semely syght (Ritson MS) 15 O admirabile commercium (Loyset Compere) 16 Pastores loquebantur (Clemens non Papa) 17 Noel, noel, noel (Antoine Busnois) 18 Noe, noe, noe (Antoine Brumel) 19 Nato canunt omnia (Antoine Brumel)

Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, St Cuthbert’s was the first parish church in Scotland to hold candlelit services on Christmas Eve. The two-thousand-strong congregation was regularly joined by people standing in the aisles! Today, the organ continues to combine its role of supporting the singing with solo performance of varied repertoire. Director of Music Thomas Laing-Reilly has at his hands an instrument seemingly able to speak any language. Its vast colour palette is demonstrated with striking clarity on this disc, in a range of repertory which crosses national borders with disarming ease.

Adeste Fideles: Organ music for Christmas - Delphian Records

A Romanesque Christmas. With Marcel Pérès and Ensemble Organum, relive Mass for Christmas Day as it was sung in the prestigious setting of the School of Notre Dame in Paris, the cradle of western polyphony.

ANONYMOUS
· Introït tropé "Puer natus est" (5'59)
· Kyrie (2'11)
· Graduel "Viderunt omnes" (organum) (7'43)
· Alleluia "Dies sanctificatus" (organum) (7'49)
· Evangile : Prologue de saint Jean (2'50)
· Offertoire "Tui sunt coeli" (8'17)
· Préface "Dominus vobiscum" (1'55)
· Sanctus (organum) (4'10)
· Agnus Dei (0'52)
· Communion "Viderunt omnes" - Ps. 97 (3'53)
· Ite missa est - Deo gratias (organum) (4'03)

https://www.harmoniamundi.com/en/albums/ecole-de-notre-dame-12th-13th-centuries/

1 Noel: Un Flambeau, Janette, Isabelle!
2 Dialogus Inter Angelos Et Pastores Judeae in Nativitatem Domini: Premiere Partie
3 Dialogus Inter Angelos Et Pastores Judeae in Nativitatem Domini: Nuit
4 Dialogus Inter Angelos Et Pastores Judeae in Nativitatem Domini: Reveil Des Bergers
5 Noel: Un Flambeau, Janette, Isabelle!
6 In Nativitatem Domini Canticum: Premiere Partie
7 In Nativitatem Domini Canticum: Suite de la Nuit
8 In Nativitatem Domini Canticum: Reveil Des Bergers
9 Noel: Un Flambeau, Janette, Isabelle! (Instrumental)

2007

2006 The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable! 1 Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant (He Is Born) 2 The Virgin's Cradle Hymn (Dormi, Jesu!) 3 Susanni 4 Prepare the Way 5 Fum, Fum, Fum! from Seven Joys of Christmas 6 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang 7 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing 8 Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine 9 The Holly and the Ivy 10 This Endris Night 11 Wonder Tidings 12 O Little Town of Bethlehem 13 Ai, Nama Mamina from Three Latvian Carols 14 The Friendly Beasts 15 Carol of the Bells 16 Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen (Lo, How a Rose) 17 Huron Carol ('Twas in the Moon of Wintertime) 18 Patapan from Seven Joys of Christmas 19 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Gothic Records

2007

2009

Performances of carols both ancient and modern have become central to the celebration of Christmas. The choral music on this disc includes Holst' surprisingly neglected Christmas Day, as well as music by Leighton, Joubert, Mathias, Gardner and Rutter.

1 Christmas Day
2 There Is No Rose, Op. 14
3 Sir Christemas
4 Here Is the Little Door
5 A Spotless Rose
6 In Terra Pax, Christmas Scene, Op. 39
7 No. 1. Tyrley, Tyrlow
8 No. 2. Balulalow
9 No. 3. As I Sat Under a Sycamore Tree
10 A Hymn of the Nativity
11 What Sweeter Music
12 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13 A Babe Is Born, Op. 53
14 I. Children's Christmas Song
15 II. Wassail Song
16 III. in Bethlehem City
17 IV. God Bless the Master

Naxos

2008

A Christmas Festival [Audio CD] Rutter, John; John Rutter; Royal Philharmonic...

1 A Christmas Festival
2 Gaudete Christus Est Natus (Piae Cantiones 1582)
3 The Shepherd's Carol, for Chorus
4 Nos Galan (New Year's Eve), Carol (Welsh)
5 I Wonder As I Wander (American)
6 Ave Maria, for Chorus & Orchestra
7 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (English)
8 Rejoice and Be Merry, for Chorus & Orchestra
9 El Noi de la Mare, Carol (Catalan)
10 A Christmas Overture, for Orchestra
11 Born on a New Day (After You Are a New Day)
12 Magical Kingdom, for Children's Chorus & Orchestra
13 Mary's Little Boy Child, Song
14 Esta Noche Nace Un Ni O (Spanish)
15 Norwegian Sleigh Ride, RT Ix/3
16 De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
17 New Year, for Chorus & Orchestra
18 I Wish You Christmas, for Children's Chorus, Mixed Chorus & Orchestra
19 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Adapted By w. H. Cummings from Mendelssoh
20 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (For the Film Meet Me in St. Lou

Collegium Records

2007

This disc is sure to delight those who love the sounds of Christmas and are looking for artful arrangements that enhance the familiar with innovative quality. The ensemble’s performance creates a balance and sonority rarely found in a combined choir and orchestra. These are big, creative, highly orchestrated arrangements executed by first-rate professionals. Highly recommended!

Well, the forces really are big here – 44 singers and 48 players – and the sounds they cultivate are lush indeed. The vocal blends are rich and smooth, like the creamiest tomato bisque, and are beautifully supported by the orchestra. The arrangements are stunning, with just the right instrument at the right moment to add the touch that makes it perfect.
—New Classik


1. Angels We Have Heard on High - [ 3:49 ]
2. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - [ 4:31 ]
3. Sussex Carol - [ 2:32 ]
4. Still, Still, Still - [ 6:13 ]
5. I Wonder As I Wander - [ 3:27 ]
6. Pat-a-Pan - [ 2:28 ]
7. Star Candles - [ 4:05 ]
8. Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head - [ 4:31 ]
9. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella - [ 2:20 ]
10. Suo Gan - [ 4:51 ]
11. Carol of the Bells - [ 2:51 ]
12. Silent Night - [ 4:41 ]

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Joyous_Day_Utah_Chamber_Artists_p/clcd-928.htm

This CD is divided into sections based on geography and date: eleventh-century southern France, thirteenth-century England, fourteenth-century Italy and Spain, and fifteenth-century England. This album’s sound is nicely atmospheric and resonant, and will likely to be of interest to any fan of early music, especially to anyone looking for Christmas music that extends beyond the typical carols.

1 Lux Hodie... Orientis Partibus
2 Natus Est Rex
3 Noster Cetrus Psallat Letus
4 Angelorum Lauda Digna
5 In Sapiencia
6 Benedicamus Domino
7 Ave Caro
8 Psallat Chorus
9 In Excelsis Numine
10 Angelus Ad Virginem/Gabriel, Fram Heven-Kinge
11 Ductiae (1)
12 Ductiae (2)
13 Benedicamus Domino
14 Cristo E Nato
15 Benedicamus Domino - Paolo Da Firenze
16 Ave, Die Genitrix
17 Kyrie
18 Gloria - Egardus
19 Salutiam Divotamente
20 Nowell; Dieu Vous Garde
21 Ah. My Dear Son
22 Ave Rex Angelorum
23 There Is No Rose
24 Lullay, Lullow
25 Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True
26 Nowell Sing We
27 Noel, Nowell: I Am Here, Sire Christesmas
28 Abide
29 The Boares Head

Following their highly successful releases on Signum (the Hymns Album and Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras) the Huddersfield Choral Society is back in force with a magnificent collection of Christmas carols. This CD will be a perfect Christmas gift or glorious self-indulgence, absorbing the sacred and profane alike, beautifully performed and recorded for the festive season.

Huddersfield Choral Society

Joseph Cullen conductor

Darius Battiwalla organ

1. Hark! the herald-angels sing

2. Gaudete

3. Gabriel’s Message

4. O little town of Bethlehem

5. Coventry Carol

6. In excelsis gloria

7. Silent night

8. Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing

9. Angels from the realms of glory

10. Ave Maria

11. Joy to the world

12. Little Jesus, sweetly sleep

13. Unto us a boy is born

14. Love came down at Christmas

15. O come, all ye faithful

16. The holly and the ivy

17. O holy night

18. In the bleak midwinter

19. Ding dong! merrily on high

20. It came upon the midnight clear

21. Hail! smiling morn

22. Sussex Carol

23. Of the Father’s heart begotten

24. Away in a manger

25. I saw three ships

26. Christians awake

https://signumrecords.com/product/the-carols-album/SIGCD108/

1 Weihnachtshistorie: Intro Oder Eingang
2 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Derselbigen Zeit
3 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium I: Der Engel Zu Dem Hirten Auf Dem Felde
4 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Und Alsbald War Da Bei Dem Engel
5 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium II: Die Menge Der Engel
6 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Und Da Die Engel Von Ihnen Gen Himmel Fuhren
7 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium IV III: Die Hirten Auf Dem Felde
8 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Und Sie Kamen Eilend
9 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium IV: Die Weisen Aus Morgenlande
10 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Da Das Der Konig Herodes Horete
11 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium V: Hohepriester Und Schriftgelehrte
12 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Da Berief Herodes Die Weisen Heimlich
13 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium VI: Herodes
14 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Als Sie Nun Den Konig Gehorest Hatten
15 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium VII: Der Engel Zu Joseph
16 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Und Er Stund Auf
17 Weihnachtshistorie: Intermedium VIII: Der Engel Zu Joseph
18 Weihnachtshistorie: Evangelist Und Er Stund Auf
19 Weihnachtshistorie: Beschluss
20 Four Motets: Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme
21 Four Motets: Puer Natus in Bethlehem
22 Four Motets: Wie Schon Leuchtet Der Morgenstern
23 Four Motets: In Dulci Jubilo

Angel Records

Wea/Atlantic/Rhino

1 Winter Wonderland 2 The Christmas Song 3 Jingling Brass 4 Blue Christmas 5 Do You Hear What I Hear? 6 Jingle Bell Rock 7 Silent Night 8 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 9 Silver Bells 10 White Christmas Label: Laserlight

1 PROCESSIONAL: Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland 2 Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland 3 HYMN: Wachet Auf! 4 CAROL: Puer Natus in Bethlehem 5 OFFERTORY: Ach, Mein Herre 6 CREDO: Wir glauben all 7 Dances from Terpsichore 8 GLORIA: Glori sei Gott, from PC 9 HYMN: Quem Pastores 10 ANTIPHON: Christum wir sollen loben 11 MAGNIFICAT, Parts I & II 12 CAROL: O Morning Star 13 MAGNIFICAT, Parts III & IV 14 CAROL: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming 15 Our Father in Heaven 16 BENEDICTION: Benedicamus aeterno Regi 17 ORGAN VOLUNTARY: Nun lob mein Seel 18 CLOSING HYMN: In dulci jubilo/Good Christian Friends, Rejoice! Label: Koch Records

1 Canzona a 8
2 Concerto Grosso Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale, Op.6/8 - Christmas Concerto
3 In Dulci Jubilo
4 Concerto Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale, Op.3/12 - Christmas Concerto
5 Concerto a 4, in Forma Di Pastorale Per Il Santissimo Natale, Op.8/6
6 Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her
7 Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen
8 Concerto Grosso in F Minor, Op.1/8
9 Stille Nacht (Silent Night)

Label: deutsche Grammophon

1 Christmas Cantata 2 Adeste Fideles 3 Haitian Noel 4 Joy to the World 5 Deck the Halls 6 Coventry Carol 7 The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy 8 Good Morning, It's Christmas Label: Albany Records

1 Angels We Have Heard On High
2 Good King Wenceslas
3 Greensleeves
4 I Saw Three Ships
5 Tantum Ergo/Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
6 O Tannenbaum
7 Silent Night
8 Sing We Now Of Christmas
9 O Come, O Come Emmanuel
10 The Holy And The Ivy
11 Carol Of The Bells
12 The First Noel
13 We Three Kings
14 Away In A Manger
15 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
16 Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
17 We Wish You A Merry Christmas
18 Coventry Carol
19 Gloucestershire Wassail
20 O Maria, Diana Stella

BMG/Musicmatters

New York Polyphony’s debut release I sing the birth has garnered unanimous acclaim. An intimate meditation on the Christmas season, this 60-minute sequence of unaccompanied music spanning nine centuries offers a unique, diverse and spellbinding musical experience. Released in 2007 on Avie Records, I sing the birth topped “Editor’s Choice” lists in both the U.S and the U.K.

Classic FM Magazine awarded it 5 stars—its top rating—and Gramophone called it “one of the season’s best.”
1 Veni Redemptor Gentium, for Vocal Ensemble
2 Hodie Christus Natus Est (Mode 1)
3 Hodie Christus Natus Est, for 4 Voices
4 Puer Natus Est Nobis, Introit
5 Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child, for Soloist & Chorus, Op 25B
6 Beata Viscera, Conductus for Solo Voice
7 Ave Maria Mater Dei for 4 Voices
8 Alma Redemptoris Mater
9 The Darkest Midnight in December, Carol (Irish)
10 The Fader of Heaven, for Vocal Ensemble
11 Vox in Rama Audita Est, Communion
12 Vox in Rama, Motet in 4 Voices
13 Vox in Rama Audita Est, Communion: Reprise
14 Away in a Manger
15 Ave Maria for 5 Voices
16 Coventry Carol (2): 'Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child'
17 Ave Maria, Gratia Plena, Tractus
18 Lullay, Lullow: I Saw a Swete Semely Syght, Christmas Carol for 2 Voices
19 Mervele Noght, Josep
20 Nowell, Nowell: Dieu Vous Garde
21 Veni Redemptor Gentium, Hymn (For Advent)
22 O Magnum Misterium, Motet for 4 Voices (Satb)
23 Ecce Advenit Dominator Dominus
24 Magi Veniunt Ab Oriente
25 Nunc Dimittis, for Vocal Ensemble
26 Vox in Rama

https://newyorkpolyphony.com/products/i-sing-the-birth/

Re-release of 1977 album.

The Gemini Series features an impressive roster of singers, conductors, soloists, and ensembles of international renown, all from the incomparable EMI Classics stable. EMI's rich legacy of recording expertise comes to the fore in performances from the 1960s to the 1990s. 

Gemini titles are predominantly collections of single composers and fantastic value with well over an hour of music on each CD, making them the ideal place to start or develop a collection of classical music. Each 2-CD set contains over two hours of music for a fantastically low price. Attractively designed and packaged in space-saving brilliant boxes, each set includes three-language booklets with detailed notes on the music.

This release of 10 new Gemini titles will bring the total number of titles in the series to 175. As with previous Gemini releases, this installment includes many recordings new to CD and as well as recordings that have been transferred from Double Forte. Among the excellent releases in this new set are performances by Plácido Domingo, Natalie Dessay, Deborah Voigt, Janet Baker, Jean-Philippe Collard, Simon Rattle, Michel Plasson, Claudio Abbado, and others! These titles have been digitally remastered to the highest standards at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.

1 Jauchzet, frohlocket!:- Christmas Oratorio
2 Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit:- Christmas Oratorio
3 Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam:- Christmas Oratorio
4 Bereite dich, Zion:- Christmas Oratorio
5 Wie soll ich dich empfangen:- Christmas Oratorio
6 Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn:- Christmas Oratorio
7 Er ist auf Erden kommen arm:- Christmas Oratorio
8 Grosser Herr und starker König:- Christmas Oratorio
9 Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein!:- Christmas Oratorio
10 Sinfonia:- Christmas Oratorio
11 Und es waren Hirten:- Christmas Oratorio
12 Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht:- Christmas Oratorio
13 Und der Engel sprach:- Christmas Oratorio
14 Was Gott dem Abraham verheissen:- Christmas Oratorio
15 Frohe Hirten, eilt:- Christmas Oratorio
16 Und das habt zum Zeichen:- Christmas Oratorio
17 Schaut hin!:- Christmas Oratorio
18 Sp geht denn hin!:- Christmas Oratorio
19 Schlafe, mein Liebster:- Christmas Oratorio
20 Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel:- Christmas Oratorio
21 Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe:- Christmas Oratorio
22 So recht, ihr Engel:- Christmas Oratorio
23 Wir singen dir in deinem Heer:- Christmas Oratorio
24 Herrscher des Himmels:- Christmas Oratorio
25 Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel:- Christmas Oratorio
26 Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem:- Christmas Oratorio
27 Er hat sein Volk getröst't:- Christmas Oratorio
28 Dies hat er alles uns getan:- Christmas Oratorio
29 Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen:- Christmas Oratorio
30 Und sie kamen eilend:- Christmas Oratorio
31 Schliesse, mein Herze:- Christmas Oratorio
32 Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren:- Christmas Oratorio
33 Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren:- Christmas Oratorio

Disc: 2

1 Und die Hirten:- Christmas Oratorio
2 Seid froh dieweil:- Christmas Oratorio
3 Herrscher des Himmels (rpt):- Christmas Oratorio
4 Fallt mit Danken:- Christmas Oratorio
5 Und da acht Tage:- Christmas Oratorio
6 Immanuel, o süsses Wort!:- Christmas Oratorio
7 Flösst, mein Heiland:- Christmas Oratorio
8 Wohlan! Dein Name soll allein:- Christmas Oratorio
9 Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben:- Christmas Oratorio
10 Jesus richte mein Beginnen:- Christmas Oratorio
11 Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen:- Christmas Oratorio
12 Da Jesus geboren:- Christmas Oratorio
13 Wo ist der neugeborene König der Jüden?:- Christmas Oratorio
14 Dein Glanz all' Finsternis verzehrt:- Christmas Oratorio
15 Erleucht' auch meine finstre Sinnen:- Christmas Ortorio
16 Da das der König Herodes:- Christmas Oratorio
17 Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?:- Christmas Oratorio
18 Und liess versammeln alle Hohenpriester:- Christmas Oratorio
19 Ach! Wann wird die Zeit erscheinen?:- Christmas Oratorio
20 Mein Liebster herrschet schon:- Christmas Oratorio
21 Zwar ist solche Herzensstube:- Christmas Oratorio
22 Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde:- Christmas Oratorio
23 Da berief Herodes:- Christmas Oratorio
24 Du Falsche, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen:- Christmas Oratorio
25 Nur ein Wink:- Christmas Oratorio
26 Als sie nun den König:- Christmas Oratorio
27 Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier:- Christmas Oratorio
28 Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum:- Christmas Oratorio
29 So geht! genug, mein Schatz:- Christmas Oratorio
30 Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde:- Christmas Oratorio
31 Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun:- Christmas Oratorio
32 Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen:- Christmas Oratorio

Warner Classics / EMI

1 Adeste, Fideles! 2 I Wonder As I Wander (I) 3 Nowell: Dieus Wous Garde 4 Es Sungen Drei Engel 5 Stille Nacht 6 Sing We the Virgin Mary 7 The Darkest Midnight in December 8 Serafin, Que Con Dulce Harmonia 9 The Queen's College Boar's Head Carol 10 Als Ich Bei Meinen Schafen Wacht 11 Carol of the Green Branches 12 Watt's Cradle Hymn 13 Angelus Ad Virginem 14 While Shepherds Watch'd 15 Swete Was the Song the Virgine Soong 16 Christemas Hath Made An End 17 I Wonder As I Wander (II) Sony

                                            ‎ 

Allegretto

This is one of the most original and musically satisfying Christmas programs on disc. And it features some of the most characterful and proficient ensemble singing you'll find anywhere. It's not that the music is obscure--in fact, most of the texts and/or tunes are familiar. 

From early American settings of "While shepherds watched" and "The Apple Tree" to traditional Austrian and English carols such as "Still, still, still," and "Greensleeves" (sung to different-than-usual words), we're treated to outstanding arrangements (by Paul Hillier) and often surprising variations of tunes we thought we knew. In several cases--"While shepherds watched" and "Hark! 

The herald angels sing," for example--the familiar texts are sung to completely different melodies. Highlights include original carols by Charles Ives and Jean Sibelius, and a starkly beautiful setting of "There is no rose" by Hillier. --David Vernier

1 While Shepaherds Watched (Sherburne)
2 The Shepherd's Star
3 A Christmas Carol
4 Joy To The World!
5 The Apple Tree
6 Christmas Hymn: A Virgin Unspotted
7 Away In A Manger (Afton Water)
8 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
9 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Eltham)
10 En Esti Valtaa, Loistoa
11 Still, O Himmel
12 Susser Die Glocken
13 Weihnachtslied
14 Still, Still, Still
15 Gaudete, Christus Est Natus
16 Personent Hodie
17 The Yorkshire Wassail Song
18 Green Grow'th The Holly
19 Here We Come A-Wassailing
20 The Cherry Tree Carol
21 In The Bleak Mid Winter
22 There Is No Rose
23 A New Year's Gift (Greensleeves)
24 A Wassail, A Wassail Throughout All This Town!

Puer Natus est by Concerto Palatino, Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, Christopher Jackson

1 O magnum mysterium à 8
2 O quam suavis à 7
3 Salve Regina à 12
4 Magnificat à 12
5 Canzon decima quinta à 6
6 Angelus ad pastores à 12
7 Magnificat Octavi toni à 8
8 Hodie Chrstus natus est à 10
9 Beata es virgo à 6
10 Quem vidistis pastores à 8
11 Sancta Maria, succure miseris à 8
12 Canzona seconda à 7
13 Sancta Maria, succure miseris à 8
14 Salvator noster à 16

ATMA Classique

Quiz question: when was Gregorian chant composed? 

Most people figure it was some indeterminate point in the Middle Ages. In fact, new chants were being composed (by, among many others, Dufay and Palestrina) at least through the 18th century. 

For example, 17th-century France saw an effort to Gallicize plainchant: virtually the entire liturgical repertory was recomposed in French Baroque style--including trills and ornaments. (Think of monks singing Couperin.) 

This recording by Marcel Pérès, who has done fascinating work reviving chant from many different times and places, re-creates a 17th-century Parisian Mass for Christmas Day, using a contemporary missal compiled for Nôtre-Dame as well as chants by Campra and Delalande. 

The superb singing by Ensemble Organum and the boys of Les Pages de la Chapelle is more accessible than that on some of Pérès's other recordings. 

Best of all, following old French practice for festal Masses, verses of chant alternate with verses improvised on the organ: playing a fine 17th-century instrument, Pérès improvises the organ verses himself, exercising musical skills many of his fans didn't know he had. --Matthew Westphal

1 Introit: Parvulus natus est nobis
2 Kyrie Eleison
3 Gloria: In excelsis deo
4 Graduel: Recordatus Est Domine
5 Alleluia: Verbum Caro Factus Est
6 Prose: Votis Pater Annuit
7 Offertoire: Hostias Et Oblationes
8 Preface
9 Sanctus: Sanctus: Grand-Jeu/Sanctus/Sanctus: Plein-Jeu Du Positif/Hosanna/Bendictus: Recit...
10 Motet Au Saint-Sacrement/O Salutaris Hostia
11 Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei: Montre Du Grand-Orgue/Agnus Dei/Agnus Dei: Dialouge Cornet Du Grand-Orgue...
12 Communion: In Hoc Apparuit Caritas Dei
13 Ite Missa Est
14 Deo Gratias
15 Postludium

If you have information on the year, record company, and tracks for this recording, please email: christmascarolblog@gmail.com

The small repertoire of surviving medieval Italian praise songs, or LAUDE , was first brought to modern attention in the late 19th century by the German scholar Friedrich Ludwig. Ludwig and Guido Adler both published selections from a beautifully copied collection of these songs, the Florentine Laudario. This collection and the Cortona Laudario are the only two large collections of laude that survive complete with their musical notation. This recording features selections from these vocal editions. To complement the laude, several instrumental works from late 14th and early 15th century polyphony, and from the Faenza codex, have been featured as well.

TREFOIL is a trio of singer-instrumentalists long active in early music, with experience in such ensembles as Concert Royal, Les Arts Florissants, New York's Ensemble for Early Music, Pomerium, Clarion Music Society, Piffaro, My Lord Chamberlain's Consort, and other groups. The trio debuted in New York and Philadelphia early in 2000 with a program of 14th century French ars subtilior song. Trefoil has appeared in concerts and master classes at The Cloisters, Temple University, Vassar College, Middlebury College, the Vermont Millennium Arts Festival, the Museum Series of Providence, Boston College, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH, the Nighborhood Music School in New Haven, the 2002 Amherst Early Music Festival, and the 37th Annual International Congress on Medieval Studies at Kalamazoo. The trio has also amde a series of joint appearances with the Folger Concert in Washington D.C.

1 Gloria 2 Ortorum Virentium / Virga Yesse / Victimae Paschali Laudes 3 Da Ciel Venne Messo Novello 4 Aquila Altera, Madrigal 5 Regina Pretiosa 6 Sovrana Si NÉ Sembianti 7 Ave Maris Stella, Intabulation for Keyboard 8 Sanctus 9 Stella Nuova 10 Christo È Nato 11 Ave Stella Matutina (Sienna Convent of Santa Maria Dei Servi) 12 Puer Natus in Bethlehem (Biblioteca Estense, Modena, Ms. M.5.24) 13 Co la Madre Del Beato 14 Nova Stella Apparita 15 Gloria in Excelsis

2007 holiday release from the Classical vocal ensemble, who have been responsible for some of the finest and most popular vocal ensemble recordings since their inception in 1978. On Let It Snow, Chanticleer joyfully embrace the yuletide season with 12 great tracks including 'The Christmas Song', 'O, Holy Night', 'Silent Night', 'Ding! Dong! Merrily on High' and more. Rhino.

1 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
2 The Christmas Song
3 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
4 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
5 Medley: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Feliz Navidad
6 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
7 Ave Maria
8 Silent Night
9 Sweeter Still
10 O, Holy Night
11 O Come, All Ye Faithful
12 Holiday Cheer

Warner Classics

1 Simphonies Des Noels: Andante 2 Simphonies Des Noels: Trio 3 Simphonies Des Noels: Simphonie 4 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 6: Spiritoso - Allegro - Spiritoso 5 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 6: Rondo (Allegro Moderato E Grazioso) 6 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 6: Pastorale (Andante Sostenuto) 7 Concerto a Quattro Op. 8, No. 6 in Forma Di Pastorale Per Il Santissimo Natale: Grave - Vivace 8 Concerto a Quattro Op. 8, No. 6 in Forma Di Pastorale Per Il Santissimo Natale: Largo 9 Concerto a Quattro Op. 8, No. 6 in Forma Di Pastorale Per Il Santissimo Natale: Vivace 10 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Pastorale 11 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Aria 12 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Aria 13 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Aria (Pastorale) 14 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Minuet - Trio 15 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Passacaglia 16 Concerto Pastorale in F Major: Aria (Presto) 17 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale: Vivace - Grave 18 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale: Allegro 19 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale: Adagio - Allegro - Adagio 20 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale: Vivace 21 Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 Fatto Per la Notte Di Natale: Allegro - Pastorale Ad Libitum 22 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Les Bourgeois de Chartre 23 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Joseph Est Bien Marie' 24 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Or Nous Dites, Marie 25 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Laissez Paitre Vos Betes 26 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Vous Qui Desirez Sans Fin 27 Noels Pour Les Instruments: A la Venue de Noel 28 Noels Pour Les Instruments: O Createur 29 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Une Jeune Purcelle 30 Noels Pour Les Instruments: Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers? Label: Sono Luminus 2007 A connoisseur's Christmas! Clarion Records is thrilled to present one of the most exciting new seasonal CDs to come around in a LONG time! Featuring the artistry of the world acclaimed Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Cantate Hodie features an imaginative program of originals and arrangements that are sure to warm the heart and treat the ears! A sure-fire hit is the Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas arranged by Craig Courtney, and transcribed by Brady Allred & Daniel Shaw. 1 Joseph Willcox Jenkins: Cantate Hodie (Sing Forth This Day), Op. 197 - World Premiere Recording 2 Harold Darke/arr. by Carol Barnett : In the Bleak Midwinter 3 Settings by Joseph M. Martin: Two Movements for Advent: Comfort Ye My People 4 Settings by Joseph M. Martin: Two Movements for Advent: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star 5 Mack Wilberg: Two Carols - Lullee, lullai, lullo, lullabye (O, Who Will Come and Listen This Night?) - World Premiere Recording 6 Mack Wilberg: Two Carols - Gloria tibi domine (A Little Child There Is Ybore) - World Premiere Recording 7 Setting by Leo Nestor: All My Heart This Night Rejoices 8 Glenn L. Rudolph: The Dream Isaiah Saw - World Premiere Recording 9 Setting by Leo Nestor: Silent Night 10 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: So Hallow’d is the Time (William Shakespeare) - World Premiere Recording 11 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: This Happy Morn (John Milton) - World Premiere Recording 12 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: Sing, Hevin Imperial, Most of Hicht! (William Dunbar) - World Premiere Recording 13 Kieren MacMillan: Wither’s Carol - World Premiere Recording 14 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - A Partridge from 6th century Rome 15 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Two Turtle Doves from 15th century France 16 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Three French Hens from 16th century Italy 17 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Four Calling Birds from 17th century Italy 18 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Five Gold Rings from 18th century Germany 19 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Six Geese a-Laying from 18th century Austria 20 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Seven Swans a-Swimming from 19th century France 21 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Eight Maids a-Milking from 19th century Germany 22 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Nine Ladies Dancing from 19th century Austria 23 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Ten Lords a-Leaping from 19th century Italy 24 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Eleven Pipers Piping from 19th century Russia 25 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Twelve Drummers Drumming from 19th century United States of America 26 Arr. by David Willcocks: Jingle, bells Clarion Records 2007 1 Ductia 2 Alle Psallite 3 Portugaler 4 Angelus Ad Virginem 5 Gregorian Chant: Introitus: Puer Natus Est Nobis (In Nativitate Domini Advertiam Missam) 6 In Seculum Breve 7 Orientis Partibus 8 Ductia 9 Verbum Patris 10 E Semine Rosa 11 Alleluia Psallat 12 This Yol 13 Edi Beu Thu 14 Ecce Quod Natura 15 Nova, Nova 16 Goday My Lord Syre Christemasse 17 Danse Real 18 Beata Viscera 19 Gregorian Chant: Graduale: Viderunt Omnea (In Nativitate Domini Advertiam Missam) 20 Virgo 21 Beata Viscera 22 Gregorian Chant: Offertorium: Tui Sunt Coeli 23 Gregorian Chant: Communio: Viderunt Omnes 24 Quene Note 25 A Solis Ortus 26 Gregorian Chant: Hymnus: Aeterna Christi Munera 27 Tard Il Mio Cor 28 Ther Ys No Rose 29 Nowel, Synge We 30 Nowel, Owt of Your Slepe 31 Hayl Mary 32 Synge We to Thys Mery Cumpane Alto Records 2008 Richard Pearson Thomas is equally at home writing works for the concert hall and the stage (including the Off-Off Broadway hit "Parallel Lives") and "Ossessione" is his modern counterpart to the "standard" repertoire of 24 Italian Art Songs, with a re-examining of the texts casting them through a modern perspective.  The first performance with John Muriello led to a collaboration, including Thomas' unique adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," displaying Muriello's remarkable abilities as a singing actor. As a novel bonus, this CD also includes their sparkling interpretations of classic pop songs about love such as Arlen's "That Old Black Magic" and Richard Rodgers' "Bewitched." https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1007/ "Sometimes the pilgrims who were holding vigil in the church of the Holy Virgin of Montserrat wanted to sing and dance, but they were only allowed to sing respectable and pious songs". Such is the introduction provided by an anonymous hand on the several pages of music contained within the famous mediaeval manuscript in the Abbey of Montserrat.  In this realisation by the Millenarium ensemble, the pilgrims (the Namur Chamber Choir) are greeted by the monks (Psallentes) and the choirboys (Les Pastoureaux) of the Abbey. Their songs blend with the sounds of the various instruments that lead them into the dance. https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/llibre-vermell 2008 Admired for the sheer beauty of his meditative and mystical music, John Tavener writes of his "Ex Maria Virgine," which was dedicated to HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall in joyful celebration of their marriage: "I have set both. 1 Verbum Caro 2 Nowell! Nowell! Out of Your Sleep 3 Remember O Thou Man 4 Sweet Was the Song 5 Ave Rex Angelorum 6 There Is No Rose 7 Ding! Dong! Merrily on High 8 Rocking 9 Unto Us Is Born a Son 10 Verbum Caro 2006 1 Sing Lullaby 2 Fear and Rejoice O People 3 Unto Us Is Born a Son 4 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day 5 The Truth from Above 6 There Is a Flower 7 On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol) 8 As Dew in Aprylle 9 Remember O Thou Man 10 A Little Hymn to Mary 11 Hereford Carol 12 Totus Tutus 13 Benedicamus Domino 14 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree 15 Wassail Song 16 Out of Your Sleep Arise 17 Here Is the Little Door 18 Magnificat in F 19 A Hymn to the Mother of God Nimbus Records 2007 The Counterpoint Chorale and the Vermont Symphony Brass Quintet gave their first holiday concert in 2003 and, after countless requests, here is their first CD. It begins with a 50th anniversary performance of the late Daniel Pinkham's marvelous Christmas Cantata and continues through a bright and joyful collection of traditional tunes and discoveries. Christmas in Vermont is a feast for your ears and a gift for your heart. https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0985/ 2008 The joy we feel in anticipating the sun's return after the winter solstice is greatly magnified by the spiritual light that comes with Christmas. This recording, Christmas Joy in Latvia, is a collection of new musical works to enrich the season's array of colors. The essence of the CD is expressed by its title: it highlights age-old values in a contemporary fashion. The old world and its traditions change with each new year. https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1040/ 2006 A mere 16 years after Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops recorded their now-classic Christmas with the Pops, Christmastime Is Here is their 2006 follow-up. It sticks to the same basic formula: a mix of orchestral, choral, and solo numbers performed by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers (a Kunzel favorite, succeeding the original's May Festival Chorus), the School for Creative and Performing Arts Children's Choir (who sang on the original, though presumably with a different roster), and an entirely new crop of soloists. While the original relied on classic veterans such as Rosemary Clooney and Doc Severinsen, Christmastime Is Here makes use of hip jazz vocalists (and, not coincidentally, Telarc recording artists all) Ann Hampton Callaway ("I Wonder as I Wander"), Tierney Sutton ("I'll Be Home for Christmas"), Tony DeSare ("The Christmas Song"), and John Pizzarelli (""Silver Bells") as well as British sextet the King's Singers ("Silent Night"). --David Horiuchi 1 Sing with Us of Christmas 2 Precious Moments 3 I Wonder As I Wander 4 Christmastime Is Here 5 It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year 6 Silent Night 7 Little Drummer Boy 8 We Need a Little Christmas 9 The Christmas Song 10 Caroling Fun 11 Jingle Bell Rock 12 I'll Be Home for Christmas 13 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 14 Silver Bells Telarc 2008 When I started piecing together the repertoire for this recording I wanted it to be more than a solo harp recording of Christmas standards. I wanted to select pieces that had meaning for me.  I wanted to share my favorite music of the Christmas season with the listener. The carols range from those that I learned as a girl in southern France to those I encountered as an adult in Ottawa, Canada, to one that I found in the past year.  The common thread is that each carol brings in focus for me an aspect of the Christmas season. In addition to Christmas carols, two major choral and harp pieces that are the seasonal standards for classical harp performers have been included.  I perform Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten with choral groups each year. The piece is in the center of this recording as it is in the center of the harp repertoire for the Christmas season. The second choral piece is "Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day" by John Rutter. The title, A Christmas Story, is taken from the solo harp piece written by Alphonse Hasselmans. The composition is rarely performed or recorded, but has such beauty and spirituality.  I hope that I have introduced a new Christmas composition to you that will bring meaning to your holiday season. I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and in the words of John Rutter, "the music of Christmas is always perfect, and so I love to remember and celebrate Christmas in music and song." Merry Christmas! - Caroline Léonardelli  Caroline Léonardelli, classical harpist, has an accomplished career at as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teacher. Born in France, Caroline graduated with first prize in harp from the Paris Conservatoire under the guidance of Jacqueline Borot at the age of 18. Caroline went on to advanced study with Judy Loman at McGill University. During her youth Caroline studied in France with Lily Laskine, one of the most celebrated harpists of the 20th century. Caroline is Principal Harpist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and the Gatineau Symphony. Caroline recordings include Impressionisme - Para Arpa Harp Duo, Panache with soprano Julie Nesrallah, and Eldoardo. 1 Carol of the Bells 2 Little Drummer Boy 3 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 1 4 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 3 5 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 6 6 I Wonder As I Wander (Appalachian Carol) 7 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 1, Procession 8 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 2, Wolcum Yole 9 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 3, There Is No Rose 10 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 4A, That Youge Child 11 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 4B, Balulalow 12 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 5, As Dew in Aprille 13 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 6, This Little Babe 14 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 7, Interlude 15 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 8, in Freezing Winter Night 16 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 9, Spring Carol 17 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 10, Deo Gracias 18 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 11, Recession 19 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 20 Conte de Noel (A Christmas Story), Op. 33 21 Entre Le Boeuf Et L'Ane Gris 22 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day 2008 1 O Magnum Mysterium 2 Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite 3 Videntes Stellam 4 Hodie Christus Natus Est 5 Ave Rex Angelorum 6 Alleluya, a New Work Is Come on Hand 7 There Is No Rose of Such Virtue 8 Sir Christã..Mas 9 Ave Rex Angelorum 10 The Shepherd's Carol, for Chorus 11 The Three Kings, for Chorus 12 Joys Seven (Joshua Himes's Millennial Harp, 1842) 13 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night) 14 I Saw Three Ships 15 The Little Road to Bethlehem 16 Ave Rex Angelorum 17 Alleluya, a New Work Is Come on Hand 18 There Is No Rose of Such Virtue 19 Sir Christ Mas 20 Ave Rex Angelorum HYPERION Four Winds Entertainment is proud to present the long awaited recording, A Song of Christmas, by America's premiere brass ensemble Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, led by Grammy winner George Vosburgh. The album is filled with joyful Holiday favorites, as well as glorious Christmas works of old, played only as PSB can. The set was recorded on September 8th and 9th, 2008 in the East Liberty Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, which provides one of the finest natural acoustic settings available anywhere. Once again, Four Winds was most pleased to have the renowned producer Arnie Roth at the helm to record this celebrated group. Like the successful first two Holiday recordings A Christmas Concert and The Spirit of Christmas, the new album delivers all the joy of the season with virtuoso flair and spectacular sound. We are pleased to once again have as our special guest the exciting mezzo-soprano Tami Fire, singing two classics O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) and He Shall Feed His Flock (from Handel's Messiah). 1 Little Drummer Boy - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Davis 2 Nutcracker March - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Tchaikowsky 3 O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Adam 4 Do You Hear What I Hear - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Noel 5 Still, Still, Still - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Traditional, Christ 6 Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Cahn 7 Gloucestershire Wassail - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Traditional, Christ 8 What Sweeter Music - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Rutter 9 Hansel and Gretel Prelude - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Humperdinck 10 The Messiah/He Shall Feed His Flock - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Handel 11 County Cathedrals - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Vosburgh, George 12 Angelus Domini - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Biebl 13 Geistliches Wiegenlied (Lullaby for the Christ Child) - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Brahms 14 O Magnum Mysterium - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Lauridsen 15 The Holly and the Ivy - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Traditional, Christ 16 A 'Spike Jones' Jingle Bells - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Pierpont 17 Auld Lang Syne 'To My Dad' - Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Traditional, Christ The three Christmas cantatas brought together here seem to belong to the same period, notably the first months after J.S. Bach's assumption of his new duties as Cantor of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. Christum wir sollen loben schon and Sehet, welch' ein Liebe were composed for the second and the third days of Christmas in 1723 respectively, whilst Ich freue mich was composed for the third day of Christmas in 1724. This third cantata is stylistically the latest of the three and is clearly separate from the first two with their traces of earlier styles, although the three cantatas nevertheless have one thing in common: all three make use of the cornet and the trombone, instruments that Bach rarely employed in his cantatas. 01. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: I. Coro. Ich freue mich in dir 4:10 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry 02. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: II. Aria. Getrost es faßt ein heilger Leib 4:25 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry, Paulin Bündgen 03. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: III. Recitativo. Ein Adam mag sich voller Schrecken 1:01 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry, Henning Kaiser 04. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: IV. Aria. Wie lieblich klingt es in den Ohren 7:54 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry, Aurore Bucher 05. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: V. Recitativo. Wohlan, des Todes Furcht und Schmerz 0:51 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry, Etienne Debaisieux 06. Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133: VI. Choral. Wohlan, so will ich mich an dich 1:02 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Jean Tubéry 07. Pastoral in F, BWV 590: I. in F Major 2:30 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 08. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: I. Coro. Sehet, welch eine Liebe 2:34 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 09. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: II. Choral. Dat hat alles uns getan 0:40 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 10. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: III. Recitativo. Geh, Welt! behalte nur das Deine 0:33 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Paulin Bündgen 11. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: IV. Choral. Was fragt ich nach der Welt 0:51 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 12. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: V. Aria. Was die Welt in sich hält 5:10 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Caroline Weynants 13. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: VI. Recitativo. Der Himmel bleibet mir gewiß 1:08 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Etienne Debaisieux 14. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: VII. Aria. Von der Welt verlang ich nichts 5:36 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Petra Noskaiová 15. Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64: VIII. Choral. Gute Nacht, o Wesen 1:12 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Benoît Giaux 16. Allein Gott in der Höh 1:13 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 17. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: I. Coro. Christum wir sollen loben schon 2:49 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry 18. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: II. Aria. O du von Gott erhöhte Kreatur 5:13 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Hennig Kaiser 19. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: III. Recitativo. Der Gnade unermeßlich's Wesen 1:04 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Petra Noskaiová 20. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: IV. Aria. Johannis freudenvolles Springen 7:50 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Benoît Giaux 21. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: V. Recitativo. Doch wie erblickt es dich in deiner Krippe ? 0:55 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry, Cécile Côte 22. Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: VI. Choral. Lob, Ehr und Dank sei gesagt 1:18 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Les Agrémens, Jean Tubéry https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/bach-weihnachtskantaten BBC Music Magazine Vol 12 No 4.  1. L'adorazione dei Magi  2. Theme: A Boy was born  3. Variation I: Lullay, Jesu  4. Variation II: Herod  5. Variation III: Jesu, as Thou art our Saviour  6. Variation IV: The Three Kings  7. Variation V: In the Bleak Mid-Winter  8. Variation VI (Finale): Noel! 9. Une cantate de Noel BBC Music Magazine 2008 1 A Solis Ortus Cardine / Beatus Audtor Saeculi 2 Magnificat Quinti Toni / Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein / in Dulci Iubilo 2009 Composers: Praetorius × Scheidt × Altenburg × Hammerschmidt × Buxtehude × Schütz × Lübeck × Schein ×Tunder https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/dulci-jubilo-deutsche-barock-weihnacht 2009 A Gentle Christmas is a wide selection of Christmas music ranging from 15th Century polyphony to new arrangements of traditional carols and popular classics. The majority of the arrangements have been written by current and former members of The Gentlemen of St John's (affectionately known as The Gents), and have proved firm favourites at their famous set at The Maypole and at their annual Christmas concert at St John's.  In addition to these, the disc also includes several new commissions. The first five tracks comprise sacred music which one might hear in services at St John's, featuring two contrasting settings of "O Magnum Mysterium," taken from the Christmas rite of Matins.  "Nesciens Mater," a quadruple canon composed by Jean Mouton - said to be the first master of eight-part composition - was, in 2007, voted 'the second best Christmas track of the year' by Gramophone Magazine.  Such a rich vocal texture is complemented with the beautifully simple setting of the medieval "Coventry Carol" and "Lute-book Lullabye," a carol commissioned for the disc from David Bevan.  The following six tracks feature arrangements of traditional Christmas carols alongside a setting of Daniel Terry's poem "The Winds Whistle Cold" by Herbert Howells, acting Director of Music of The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge during the Second World War. Former Directors of Music, Dr David Hill and Dr Christopher Robinson, have written beautiful arrangements of "Silent Night" and "The Christmas Song" especially for this recording.  Completing the set is Timothy Noon's arrangement of the traditional Irish 12th Century "Wexford Carol," and two cradle-songs, arranged and composed by current and former members of the group - Andrew Gant and James Burton; "Away in a Manger" and "Balulalow."  The second half of the disc is an assortment of Christmas close-harmony. There are arrangements written by recent members of The Gents, from Peter Morton's lively and eccentric collection, including "Let it Snow," to warmer numbers such as Léon Charles's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" along with Peter Gritton's "Winter Wonderland."  There are also a number of arrangements written especially for the recording - Robert Rice, along with his arrangement of "Wonderful Christmastime," has written a passionate rendition of the WHAM! Classic, "Last Christmas," which complements Gordon Langford's bouncy setting of "Jingle Bells" and Ben Parry's sparkling new arrangement of "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day." 1 O Magnum Mysterium 2 Nesciens Mater 3 Coventry Carol 4 O Magnum Mysterium 5 Lute-Book Lullaby 6 Balulalow 7 Away in a Manger 8 The Winds Whistle Cold 9 Wexford Carol 10 Silent Night 11 The Christmas Song 12 Let It Snow 13 Merry Xmas Everybody 14 Jingle Bells 15 Winter Wonderland 16 I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm 17 When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney 18 Wonderful Christmastime 19 Last Christmas 20 I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day 21 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 2009 1. God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen,  2. Ding Dong! Merrily on High,  3. O Little Twon of Bethlehem,  4. Unto Us a Boy is Born!,  5. Good King Wenceslas,  6. The Holly and the Ivy,  7. I Sing of a Maiden,  8. Two Welsh Carols,  9. Silent Night,  10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,  11. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,  12. In the Bleak Mid-Winter,  13. O Come, all ye Faithful,  14. Shepherd's Pipe Carol,  15. On Christmas Night,  16. Away in a Manger,  17. There is no Rose,  18. Balulalow Chandos 2009 CD1 A programme of music spanning a thousand years of Christmas celebrations, from the evocative meideval plainchant of the Sarum rite to the warmth and joy of modern Christmas carols. Ethereal choirs from Oxford and Cambridge contrast with robust organ music and some famous and well-loved carols such as 'Away in a manger'. CD2 A musical view of Christmas and the time of snow with contributions from choirs, orchestras, children, instrumentalists and carol singers. CD3 An inspiring anthology of great poetry and prose read by the BBC's Margaret Howard, and Bernard Palmer, and music ancient and modern sung by the Harlow Chorus. An album all the family will enjoy. Gift of Music A historically accurate, vivid, and listenable collection of Christmas songs from the Renaissance to modern times sung by a famous Dutch vocal quintet. 1 Gloria in Cielo E Pace in Terra 2 O Jes㺠Dolce 3 Niã±O Dios D'amor Herido 4 Pastores, Si Nos Queries 5 Oyd, Oyd, Una Cosa Divina 6 Virgen Sancta 7 A Un Niã±O Llorando 8 A Virgin Most Pure 9 Ding Dong! Merrily on High 10 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 11 King Jesus Hath a Garden 12 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 13 Past Three a Clock 14 A Venezuelan Christmas Carol 15 O Kerstnacht, Schooner Dan de Dagen 16 Laat Ons Met Harten Reine 17 O Herders, Laat Uw Bokken en Schapen 18 Het Komet Een Schip Geladen 19 O Little Town of Bethlehem 20 Away in a Manger 21 Celebrate This Holy One 22 Follow That Star 23 The Christmas Song 24 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Christmas music has been an enthusiasm of Carla Bley's for decades, and both traditional and non-traditional seasonal pieces are here subjected to her offbeat wit and idiosyncratic arranging skills.  The material includes her inimitable arrangements of Christmas classics and a brace of Carla's own pieces - "Jesus Maria" (first recorded by Jimmy Giuffre back in 1961), and, giving the devil his due, "Hell's Bells".  Carla's Christmas Carols was recorded in La Buissonne Studios in the South of France after a whirlwind tour of Europe at the end of 2008, and folds in two pieces from that tour (recorded live in Berlin). The pleasure that the musicians find in the material is unmistakable and, perhaps particularly after a glass of mulled wine, contagious. 1 O Tannenbaum 2 Away In A Manger 3 The Christmas Song 4 Ring Christmas Bells 5 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Part One, Part two 6 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 7 Hell's Bells 8 Jesus Maria 9 Jingle Bells 10 O Holy Night 11 Joy To The World Label: ECM Records Label : ‎ Christophorus If you have information on the year, record company, and tracks for this recording, please email: christmascarolblog@gmail.com Recorded by world-renowned harpist Sylvia Woods, these lovely Christmas carols are performed on three special harps: a nylon-strung Neo-Celtic harp, a wire-strung ancient Celtic harp, and a triple-strung harp. Each carol is performed by Sylvia on 1, 2, or 3 harps, with no other accompaniment. This volume (#1) contains 28 traditional carols. 1 Medley: Angelican Hymn/Twelfth Night Song 2 Medley: Coventry Carol/While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks/The First Noel 3 Medley: Lo How a Rose/O Sanctissima 4 Medley: I Saw Three Ships/Chirst Was Born/Glouchestershire Wassail 5 Medley: Angels We Have Heard on High/Ding Dong Merrily on High 6 Medley: Oxen and Sheep/O Come Emmanuel 7 Medley: Up on the House Top/Jingle Bells/We Wish You a Merry Christmas 8 Medley: Away in a Manger/O Come Little Children 9 Medley: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful/Joy to the World 10 Medley: He Is Born/Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella 11 Silent Night 12 What Child Is This? 13 Medley: Twelve Days of Christmas/Deck the Halls 01. Es ist ein Ros entsprugen 1:30 COMPOSER(s)Michael Praetorius ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Ricercar Consort, Denis Menier 02. Nun komm der Heiden Heiland 3:40 COMPOSER(s)Michael Altenburg ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, La Fenice 03. Ave Maria 6:50 COMPOSER(s)Heinrich Schütz ARTIST(s)Agnès Mellon, Dominique Visse, Capella Ricercar, Ricercar Consort 04. Nun komm der Heiden Heiland 2:24 COMPOSER(s)Johann Schelle ARTIST(s)La Fenice 05. Gegrüssest seist du 6:22 COMPOSER(s)Matthias Weckmann ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Ian Honeyman, Ricercar Consort 06. Vom Himmel hoch, NWV 606 1:09 COMPOSER(s)Johann Sebastian Bach ARTIST(s)Bernard Foccroulle 07. Fürchtet euch nicht 2:25 COMPOSER(s)Johann Michael Bach ARTIST(s)Capella Sancti Michaelis, Ricercar Consort 08. Puer natus in Bethlehem 1:58 COMPOSER(s)Michael Praetorius ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Ricercar Consort 09. Eine kleines kindelein 2:22 COMPOSER(s)Franz Tunder ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Ricercar Consort 10. Das neugeborne Kindelein, BuxWV 13 7:07 COMPOSER(s)Dietrich Buxtehude ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Henri Ledroit, Max Van Egmond, Guy de Mey, Ricercar Consort 11. O Jesulein, mein jesulein 2:13 COMPOSER(s)Johann Hermann Schein ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Agnès Mellon, Ricercar Consort 12. Joseph, lieber Joseph 1:32 COMPOSER(s)Hieronymus Praetorius ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Ricercar Consort 13. Willkommen süsser Bräutigam 7:21 COMPOSER(s)Vincent Lübeck ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Agnès Mellon, Ricercar Consort 14. Freude, Freude, grosse Freude 3:53 COMPOSER(s)Andreas Hammerschmidt ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Ricercar Consort 15. Wo ist der Neugeborne König 4:24 COMPOSER(s)Andreas Hammerschmidt ARTIST(s)Greta de Reyghere, Agnès Mellon, Dominique Visse, Guy de Mey, Victor Demaiffe, Ricercar Consort 16. Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener 2:42 COMPOSER(s)Michael Praetorius ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, Guy Penson 17. Das Wort ward Fleisch 3:11 COMPOSER(s)Andreas Hammerschmidt ARTIST(s)Chœur de Chambre de Namur, La Fenice 18. Magnificat II ton 6:56 COMPOSER(s)Matthias Weckmann ARTIST(s)Bernard Foccroulle

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