Monday, January 5, 2026

Christmas with the Brass: A Working List

 


Christmas with the Brass

Christmas and brass go together like peas and carrots. From playing a park squares to Salvation Army kettles, brass just goes with Christmas.

2025

When the twelve “guys” (Latin: salaputia) of the brass ensemble Salaputia Brass set out to reinvent Christmas, you can look forward to the successful group's new album at Berlin Classics. It is titled “Let it swing – Christmas with Salaputia Brass” and is already the ensemble's fifth album. 

It features Christmas classics, reimagined in sophisticated arrangements and staged with jazzy lightness. Anyone who thinks they've heard everything there is to hear in “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Driving Home for Christmas,” or “Let it Snow” will be surprised here. Familiar melodies in a fresh guise!

https://www.berlin-classics-music.com/en/album/885470043753-let-it-swing-christmas-with-salaputia-brass/

Genesis Brass drops Niemals war die Nacht so klr on Genuin

Niemals war die Nacht so klar (The night had never been so clear)

Genesis Brass, Christian Sprenger

"Macht hoch die Tür" (Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates) is the opening of the new Christmas album that Christian Sprenger is releasing with his brass ensemble genesis brass on GENUIN. And with that, the door is already wide open for an hour of the finest Advent and Christmas brass music, arranged and composed by Christian Sprenger and Anne Weckeßer. 

The repertoire ranges from classics such as "Tochter Zion" (Zion’s Daughter) or "Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen" (My Heart Shall Leap for Joy) to evocative soundscapes like a "Böhmisches Wintermärchen" (Bohemian Winter’s Tale). The ensemble, made up of musicians from Berlin’s leading orchestras, performs with vitality, richness of sound, and infectious joy.

Release date: 28th Nov 2025. Digital release.

Label: Genuin


2024



Euphonist and alphornist Fabian Bloch and multi-instrumentalist Muriel Zeiter put impressively originally arranged Christmas classics here as well as the world premiere of a commissioned work by Daniel Hall on the gift table. The repertoire ranges from traditional sages to classics such as the Petersburg sleigh ride to legendary numbers from Three Nuts for Cinderella.

1 Drei Nüsse für Aschenbrödel
2 Petersburger Schlittenfahrt, Op. 57
3 Joy To The World
4 Cantique de Noel
5 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6 O Tannenbaum
7 Deck The Halls
8 No. 52: Mariä Wiegenlied
9 Good King Wenceslas
10 Ihr Kinderlein kommet
11 Jingle Bells
12 Lullaby for Jael (after Brahms' Intermezzo and Wiegenlied)
13 Der Winter
14 Apricity
15 Amazing Grace
16 Adeste fideles
17 Ave Maria, D. 839
18 Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, H. 145

‎ Genuin (Note 1 Musikvertrieb)


2024

2024

John Rutter goes Brass with the Black Dyke Band and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus

Editor's Note: Description is label's description.

Following on from the critically acclaimed Anthems, Hymns and Gloria (8.574130) released in 2020, Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke Band return to the music of John Rutter with this album of Christmas carols arranged for brass. 

The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus is also featured on O Clap Your Hands, Nativity Carol and Te Deum. Includes twelve world premiere recordings.

Berlin Classics Issues Box Set of German Brass' Christmas Albums

The legendary Brass music Ensemble German Brass is turning 50 this year. Their legendary Christmas albums are now available in one box. Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the splendor of the festivities with these wonderful recordings.


2022

 Each of them is one of the best in his field and plays full-time in the top German orchestras of Hamburg, Berlin, Stuttgart and Munich. The eleven top musicians are just as successful as "German Brass". On trumpets, trombones, horns and tubas, this formation, founded in 1974, offers unique, unrivaled musical enjoyment with its inimitable interplay. in 2016, the jury of the German Phono Academy therefore recognized the outstanding musical achievements of this ensemble and awarded German Brass the ECHO KLASSIK in the category "Ensemble / Orchestra".

In keeping with the Advent and Christmas season, German Brass now presents an album of the most beautiful and wonderful Christmas songs. The arrangements range from Bach chorales to "St. Petersburg Sleigh Ride". German Christmas classics like "O Tannenbaum" and "Leise rieselt der Schnee" resound and resound. And the international Christmas songs and melodies also include "Let it snow" by Jule Styne and "La Califfa" by Ennio Morricone. Entertaining, with a lot of joy in playing and on the highest musical level, the exceptional musicians on their album "It's Christmas Time" offer an atmospheric musical experience in a class of its own.

Based on the idea of shaking off musical constraints and creating their own music, the German Brass Quintet was formed in 1974, which later became German Bass. This initial quintet paved the way for a new chamber music formation for brass players. in 1984, on the occasion of the celebrations for Johann Sebastian Bach, the ensemble was expanded by five musicians. This marked the transition from a manageable chamber music ensemble to a large orchestral sound. Over the years, the ensemble has continuously rejuvenated itself, further enhancing its always exceptional musical quality.

In addition to what are now countless concert appearances in Germany, German Brass repeatedly embarks on foreign tours to play for music lovers all over the world. One of the many highlights was a summit meeting of brass music in New York. Together with members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, German Brass sparked storms of enthusiasm at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in 2002.


1. Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248: Jauchzet, frohlocket (Arr. for Brass Ensemble by Matthias Höfs) (5:13)
2. Joy to the World (1:03)
3. The First Noel (1:03)
4. Deck the Halls (1:19)
5. O Little Town of Bethlehem (1:08)
6. O Come All Ye Faithful (1:04)
7. Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248: Wir singen dir in deinem Heer (Arr. for Brass Ensemble by Matthias Höfs) (1:29)
8. Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248: Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht (Arr. for Brass Ensemble by Werner Heckmann) (1:15)
9. Sleighride (1:14)
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (3:01)
11. Winterwonderland (0:55)
12. Jingle Bells (1:26)
13. Nebo yasni zirky vkryly (2:00)
14. Shchedryk (1:28)
15. Petersburger Schlittenfahrt, Op. 57 (2:31)
16. Pásli ovce valsi (1:25)
17. Já bych rád k Betlému (1:13)
18. Nesem vám noviny (1:24)
19. Zu Bethlehem geboren (1:08)
20. The Christmas Song (3:28)
21. Let It Snow (2:28)
22. Ihr Kinderlein kommet (3:38)
23. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (3:19)
24. La Califfa (3:33)
25. Aguinaldo (2:35)
26. Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging (3:25)
27. O Tannenbaum (1:08)
28. Leise rieselt der Schnee (0:59)
29. Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann / O Freude über Freude (1:40)
30. Still, still, still (0:42)
31. Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63: Tochter Zion (Arr for Brass Ensemble by Alexander Erbrich Crawford) (1:22)
32. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, BWV 769 (Arr. for Brass Ensemble by Matthias Höfs) (1:54)

Berlin Classics issues Felix Klieser Christmas Album
A Golden Christmas, Felix Klieser

Decorate the hall with boughs of holly.... Horn player Felix Klieser loves snow and the freezing cold, even if he doesn't get much of it at home in Hanover. Ever since he was a child, winter has been his favorite season of the year - and not just for climatic reasons: "Even today, I'm an absolute Christmas fan and can't imagine anything better than coming back from a walk in the snow to a warm house and slowly warming up again with a cup of hot chocolate. 

Little lights, trays full of cookies, a visit to the Christmas market - this time is definitely my highlight of the year!" says the horn player enthusiastically.

1. Deck the hall
2. Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder
3. Cantique de Noël
4. Carol of the bells
5. Veni, vani Emmanuel
6. He shall feed his flock
7. Großer Herr und starker König
8. Abendsegen
9. Pastorale sur la naissance
10. Das neugeborne Kindelein
11. Jesu komm' in meine Seele
12. Tochter Zion
13. Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging
14. Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen
15. Adeste fideles
16. Stille Nacht

Berlin Classics

2021






Christmas /Noel

Buzz Brass (Artist), Various (Composer)

Buzz Brass inspired dreams with this new opus, Christmas. The quintet takes the listener out of the familiar with this majestic, elegant and refined arrangements to highlight the holiday season. 

The male vocal quartet Quartom joins as guest artists in "Noël canadien" and "The 12 days of Christmas." The ensemble's latest volume, Inspirations, has been hailed as proof of their "testament to the ensemble’s sensational embouchure" by the prestigious Gramophone magazine. Since 2002, Buzz Brass quintet has been travelling all over the globe to captivate classical music lovers. 


Whether its concerts consist of brass quintet alone or together with guest musicians, the original artistic propositions it presents leave nobody cold. With over 1,600 appearances to its credit, the ensemble has reached more than 350,000 music lovers throughout North America, Europe and China. The numerous awards and distinctions that Buzz Brass has earned over the years (Opus, ADISQ, and Trille Or) attest to both the quality and the relevance of its musical performances.  

Manufacturer: ‎ Analekta

2019


The Elves have it! Merry Christmas 2 you, from Brass Arts Quintet, because Santa Claus is BAQ in Town! This is the second in the Christmas Brass series from the acclaimed Brass Arts Quintet. In volume one, there were Suites and Treats and now, there's MORE new great music, MORE new great charts and MORE Joy to the World created by this ensemble.

All splendidly performed, recorded and presented in a fun manner. This WILL be your new Christmas favorite because these are not the same old boring charts, same old tired music and worn out oldies. Celebrate your Holiday this season with this fresh, new release, because Christmas is back in town. Label: mark Records.


Classical meets Christmas in this latest offering from the Burning River Brass. Beautifully arranged Christmas favorites from this tremendous group of brass and percussion! Since 1996, Burning River Brass has been dazzling audiences from Alaska to Taiwan with "power and virtuosity," "harmonious blend," and "consistently stirring performances." Composed of twelve of the finest brass and percussion players in the country, Burning River Brass is an ensemble on fire! 

The original inspiration behind Burning River Brass was to give great players who were also good friends a chance to play together on a consistent basis. Soon after the first rehearsal in May 1996, BRB began to grow rapidly. The ensemble made it's debut in September of 1996 in Tremont, Ohio under the auspices of Arts Renaissance Tremont and by 1998 was touring nationally.

1 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
2 I Saw Three Ships
3 In the Bleak Midwinter
4 Sussex Carol
5 Fum, fum, fum
6 I Wonder as I Wander
7 Fantasy de Noël, Il est né le divin Enfant - Noël Nouvelet - Patapan
8 Joseph est bien Marié
9 Burning River Nutcracker~Overture
10 Burning River Nutcracker~Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
11 Burning River Nutcracker~Waltz of the Flowers
12 Burning River Nutcracker~Spanish Dance "Chocolate"
13 Burning River Nutcracker~Pas de deux
14 Burning River Nutcracker~Mother Gigogne
15 Jingle Bells
16 Christmas 'Toons

Label: Azica

2018



Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass with organist Samuel Metzger provide innovative worship for young and old alike through the ''best in sacred brass music.'' By teaming together, these Christian professionals from around the USA perform their original arrangements. For more than twenty years, The King's Brass have performed over one hundred concerts each season with three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, keyboards, and percussion. Playing a wide variety of music from Gabrieli to hymn classics, from Händel to jazz spirituals, from Christmas carols to patriotic marches, The King's Brass uses all corners of the concert hall to lift hearts and spirits in praise.

Each year if possible, The King's Brass participates in a missions venture somewhere in the world that need them!

1 Fanfare: La Peri
2 Good Christian Men, Rejoice
3 The Nutcracker, Op. 71': III. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
4 What Child is This
5 The Little Drummer Boy
6 Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer
7 Ding Dong Merrily on High
8 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9 Carol of the Bells
10 Frosty the Snowman
11 Christmas Time is Here
12 Joy to the World!
13 And the Glory
14 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
15 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
16 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
17 L'Arlesienne, No. 2, GB 121b: IV. Farandole - The March of the Kings

Label: Summit Records



2017




Label: Azica




Marking the 175 anniversary of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, celebrated actor Simon Callow and one of the world’s most respected brass bands The Brighouse and Rastrick Band join forces for this very special Christmas album. It combines Simon Callow’s acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ together with traditional Christmas carols performed by The Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

Originally self-published by Dickens in 1843, his legendary Christmas tale is now beautifully and dramatically presented afresh by using music to enhance Simon Callow’s superb narration on CD one. A second CD features all of the well-loved full-length Christmas carols performed by The Brighouse and Rastrick Band. The album includes Silent Night, Away In A Manager and O Come All Ye Faithful to name just a few.

Disc: 1

1 Stave 1 - Marley's Ghost (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, the Angel Gabriel)
2 Once Upon a Time (Good King Wenceslas, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear)
3 While All This Was Going on (Silent Night)
4 Now, It Is a Fact That There Was Nothing at All Particular About the Knocker
5 Stave 2 - the First of the Three Spirits (O Little Town of Bethlehem, Ding Dong Merrily, the First Nowell, the Holly and the Ivy)
6 Come on. Quick! My Time Grows Short. (The Angel Gabriel)
7 Scrooge Was Abruptly Conscious of Being Exhausted
8 Stave 3 - the Second of the Three Spirits (In Dulce Jubilo, the Sussex Carol, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night)
9 Bob Said He Didn't Believe There Ever Was Such a Goose Cooked (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
10 It Was a Great Surprise to Scrooge
11 The Time Is Drawing Near
12 Stave 4 - the Last of the Spirits (Coventry Carol)
13 They Entered the City (Good King Wenceslas)
14 The Scene Disappeared (In the Bleak Midwinter)
15 Stave 5 - the End of It (Joy to the World)
16 The First Nowell
17 Then He Turned His Steps Towards His Nephew's House
18 He Was Early at the Office Next Morning (Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

Disc: 2


1 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
2 Silent Night
3 Good King Wenceslas
4 In Dulci Jubilo
5 Away in a Manger
6 The Holy and the Ivy
7 O Little Town of Bethlehem
8 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
9 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
10 The Angel Gabriel
11 O Come All Ye Faithful
12 Ding Dong Merrily on High
13 Sussex Carol
14 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
15 Coventry Carol
16 The First Nowell
17 Once in Royal David's City
18 In the Bleak Midwinter
19 Joy to the World

Label: Island

2016








For many, Christmas time and music are inseparable. There have been countless songs, carols and musical compositions written on the theme of Christmas. Whether sacred or secular, music is an integral part of this festive holiday. When choosing which pieces to include on this Christmas album, we wanted to create one large opus that would serenade not only horn aficionados, but listeners all over the world, bringing them into the Christmas season. Following a previous successful collaboration on a large horn ensemble project, it was clear that the American Horn Quartet and horns of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra were destined to combine forces once more. 

This Christmas album is the result, and will be the last from the AHQ before their retirement. Thanks to the great artistry and support of all those involved, this magical program came into being, serving not only as a farewell to the horn world from the American Horn Quartet, but as a musical gift to the world at large. Merry Christmas!

In its 30th and final season, the American Horn Quartet is unique in the field of brass chamber music. The AHQ’s exuberant performances have brought audiences all over the world to their feet. In 1982, four American horn players who were working and residing in Europe met for the first time to explore the potential of the horn quartet, a chamber music formation with a much longer tradition than most people realize. 

Mastering the already existing repertoire, they subsequently went on to compose, arrange and commission new works for the horn quartet. The individual members of the AHQ are successful soloists in their own right, having won top international competitions in New York, Geneva, Prague, Passau, Markneukirchen and Munich. 

]As a quartet, they took top honors at numerous chamber music competitions, including the Philip Jones International Brass Chamber Music Competition in Barcs, Hungary; the Notamus Competiton in Brussels, Belgium; and the Tokyo International Chamber Music Competition in Japan.. Over the past 20 years, besides being featured at horn and brass festivals around the globe, the American Horn Quartet has established itself at regular chamber music concert series on the international circuit. 

They have also appeared as soloists with numerous symphony orchestras, among them the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, Brabants Orchestra of Eindhoven, Sinfonia Varsovia, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. 

Some of the highlights of the AHQ’s performing career include their appearance at the Barbican Centre in London, with the Tonhalle-Orchester in Zürich, a recording collaboration with the horn section of the New York Philharmonic, a recital in Melbourne, Australia, with horn soloist legend Barry Tuckwell, performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., an appearance at the Hollywood Bowl, and a five-minute standing ovation at the 20th International Horn Society Workshop in Tallahassee, Florida. 

In total, the AHQ has presented more than 500 concerts and master classes worldwide, and produced ten critically acclaimed CDs. For individual biographies of the AHQ members, visit www.hornquartet.com.

https://www.msrcd.com/cd/the-christmas-album/


For brass players, Christmastime is one of the best times of the year. For us, bringing out the stacks of carol arrangements each December is just like breaking out the boxes of Christmas tree ornaments and lights and decorating for the season.

Mainstreet Brass is pleased to present “Christmas Spirit,” which contains 11 new Christmas arrangements for brass — alone and with percussion — as well as some old favorites and a few surprises.

We hope you enjoy this recording and make it part of your holiday tradition for years to come. From Scrooge’s ghostly visitors to a sip of wassail, “Christmas Spirit” brings together a selection of carols and songs that will rekindle memories of Christmases past and bring anticipation of those yet to come.

Once in Royal David’s City (Henry John Gauntlett, arr. Richard Price)
Joy to the World (attrib. G.F. Handel, arr. Alan Danson)
In the Bleak Midwinter (G. Holst, arr. A. Danson)
Ding Dong! Merrily on High (16th century French carol, arr. A. Danson)
Linus and Lucy / Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi, arr. Kevin Long & Zachary Smith)
A Little Christmas Medley (arr. for MSB by Jonathan Smith)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel / Rejoice and Be Merry (Gallery Carol) /
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Gloucestershire Wassail (English traditional, arr. Lawrence Eden)
Wexford Carol (12th century Irish carol, arr. R. Price)
A Christmas Carol - A Dickens of a Tale (A. Danson / text: Owen Surridge)
Deck the Halls (Welsh traditional carol, arr. A. Danson)
Frosty the Snowman (Steve Nelson, arr. Lewis J. Buckley)
We Three Kings of Orient Are (John H. Hopkins, arr. A. Danson)
Go Tell It on the Mountain (American traditional, arr. L.J. Buckley)
Joseph lieber, Joseph mein (Johann Walter, arr. Shari Gleason-Mayrhofer)
Rudolph and Santa (arr. for MSB by J. Smith)
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Johnny Marks) /
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (J. Fred Coots)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Martin & Blane, arr. Tim Jameson)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (16th century English carol, arr. Thomas G. Parriott)

https://www.msrcd.com/cd/christmas-spirit/

2015


1 Christians Awake
2 Once in Royal David's City
3 Good King Wenceslas
4 While Shepherds Watched Their Flock by Night
5 Away in a Manger
6 The First Noel
7 Silent Night
8 Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
9 O Come All Ye Faithful
10 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
11 Deck the Halls
12 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
13 Go Tell It on the Mountain
14 Jingle Bells
15 Joy to the World
16 O Come, O Come Emanuel
17 The Holly and the Ivy
18 Ding Dong Merrily on High
19 Auld Lang Syne 20 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen



2013



Schwerin Brass Collegium's new release features a mixture of well-known carols and traditional arrangements of Renaissance and Baroque seasonal music. Also included are tasteful transcriptions of popular works such as Corelli's Christmas Concerto as well as interludes for the organ, played by the renowned organist Jan Ernst.

1 Tochter Zion, Freue Dich
2 Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
3 Canzon 27 À 8
4 Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
5 Allegro
6 Adagio
7 Allegro
8 Kommet, Ihr Hirten
9 Auff Den Schäfferstantz
10 Den Die Hirten Lobten Sehre
11 Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her
12 Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her
13 Adagio
14 Allegro
15 Largo
16 Andante
17 Jauchzt Gott Mit Herzensfreud
18 Sonata 1
19 Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
20 Variationen Über Das Französische Weihnachtslied, 'Bon Joseph Écoute Me'
21 Im Finstern Stall, O Wunder Groß
22 O Jesulein SÜß, O Jesulein Mild
23 Allegro
24 Adagio
25 Allegro
26 3 Chorale Settings of 'Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ', BWV604, BWV697 (Fughetta) and BWV722
27 Freude, Freude, Große Freude À 6
28 Lass Uns Das Jahr Vollbringen

Disc: 2

1 Adeste Fideles
2 Freue Dich, O Tochter Zion
3 Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen Alle Gleich, Buxwv202
4 Sonata Vespertina C-Dur
5 Ich Steh' and Deiner Krippen Hier, BWV469
6 In Dulci Jubilo
7 Canzon Duodecimi Toni À 8
8 Sonata Super Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ
9 Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ
10 Vivace - Grave
11 Allegro
12 Adagio - Allegro - Adagio
13 Vivace
14 Allegro - Largo (Pastorale)
15 Noël in Der Art Einer Sinfonia Concertante - Thema Und Variationen Über Wohin Gehen Diese Fröhlichen Hirten?
16 Weissagungen
17 Quem Pastores
18 Heiligste Nacht
19 Auf Weihnachten
20 Es Kommt Ein Schiff, Geladen
21 Die Könige
22 Psallite
23 Schlaf Wohl, Du Himmelsknade Du
24 O Du Fröhliche, O Du Selige



2012




The Emory Symphonic Winds, comprised of members of the Emory Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, are American leaders in the commissioning of new music. Bruce Broughton's, in the World of Spirits, was dedicated to the ensemble and is a work of action, dynamism and electric physicality. Christmas carols and hymns are explored by Gustav Holst while Jennifer Higdon charts the intangible beauty of music itself. 

Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas Music is a classic of symphonic band writing: rich, colorful and sonorous. Scott a Stewart is the director of wind studies at Emory University where he serves as music director and conductor of the Emory Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. He teaches courses in wind band literature, conducting, and film music.

1 Symphonic Prelude on 'Adeste Fideles'
2 Greensleeves
3 Christmas Day: Fantasy on Old Carols
4 A Winter's Tale
5 In the World of Spirits
6 In the Bleak Midwinter
7 Mysterium
8 Russian Christmas Music
9 Sleigh Ride





The 31-member Brass Band of Battle Creek has been described as an All-Star band of the brass-and-percussion world's elite, attracting great musicians from around the United States and Europe. The BBBC presents two annual concerts in Battle Creek, Michigan, as well as a limited number of other engagements in hand-picked locations across the United States and abroad. 

Though rooted in the British brass band tradition (characterized by large ensembles of strictly brass and percussion with no reed instruments or strings) the BBBC also weaves in wholly American elements, such as jazz improvisation, pops and swing, resulting in a hybrid style that makes the BBBC truly unique among brass bands.

Founded in 1989 by brothers Jim and Bill Gray, podiatrists and amateur brass players from Battle Creek, the Brass Band of Battle Creek has grown to cult status in that city, where BBBC concerts are regularly sold out and waiting lists are created weeks in advance. Trumpet legend Doc Severinsen, who has twice appeared with the band, said of the BBBC, 'This band represents the beginnings of a new music movement in America. It's one of the most accomplished groups I ve ever worked with in my entire career.

1 A Christmas Overture: Variations on 'Deck the Halls' [Live]
2 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer [Live]
3 For Unto Us a Child Is Born [Live]
4 Frosty the Snowman [Live]
5 Ukrainian Bell Carol (Carol of the Bells) [Live]
6 Motown Jingle Bells [Live]
7 March of the Toys [Live]
8 O Holy Night [Live]
9 Angels from the Realms of Glory [Live]
10 A Christmas Festival [Live]


MSR Classics






An inspired project, put together by Alan Jenkins, in which an abridged version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is juxtaposed with appropriate Christmas music reflecting the mood of the text. 

The wide range of seasonal music is performed impeccably by the Black Dyke Band. 24-bit resolution CD. 
1. The Wonder of Christmas (Peter Graham) 
2. A Christmas Piece (Goff Richards) 
3. The Holly and the Ivy (Traditional arr. Stephen Bulla) 
4. Christmas Song (Mel Torme arr. Philip Sparke) 
5. Little Drummer Boy (Simeone/Onorati arr. Philip Sparke) 
6. When a Child is Born (Zacar arr. Darrol Barry) Trombone soloist: Brett Baker 
7. Carol of the Bells (Traditional arr. Darrol Barry) 
8. March from 'The Nutcracker' (Tchaikovsky arr. Philip Sparke) 
9. Walking in the Air (Howard Blake arr. Philip Sparke) 
10. O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam arr. Ray Farr) Euphonium Soloist: David Thornton 
11. White Christmas (Irving Berlin arr. Philip Sparke) 
12. Nativity from 'Dove Descending' (Philip Wilby) 
13. Troika (Prokofiev arr. Alan Fernie) 
14. Forgotten Dreams (Leroy Anderson arr. Geoffrey Brand) 15. Away in a Manger (Peter Graham) Flugel Horn Soloist; John Doyle 
16. Silent Night (Gruber arr. Philip Wilby) Cornet Soloist: Richard Marshall 
17. Christmas Finale (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)


Mike Palermo Brass Quintet (2012?)





Galliard Brass Ensemble


Nothing heralds the majesty of Christmastime quite like the brilliance and radiant beauty of music for brass instruments. On this remastered reissue of a classic holiday favorite, the Gabriel V Brass Ensemble presents a special collection of music for Christmas written by a variety of masters of the genre including Rolf Smedvig, Anthony DiLorenzo, Morten Lauridsen and William Berry. From the overflow of joy in J.S. Bach's Wie will ich mich freuen to the cinematic soundscape of DiLorenzo's Baltazar (A King's Journey) to the rosy-cheeked romp of Leroy Andersen's Sleigh Ride, each piece adds new luster to your celebration of this glorious season.

Gloriae Dei Cantores

2010




1 Septimi Toni No. 2
2 Carol of the Bells
3 My Little Drum
4 March Emmanuel
5 The First Noel
6 Shepard's Cradle Song
7 Petites Litanies de Jesus
8 A Christmas Medley
9 In the Bleak Midwinter
10 Joy to the World
11 Salut a la Compagnie
12 Duodecimi Toni

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

2008




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


2007


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 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






Ensemble unknown

2006


Orfeo International Music










Ensemble unknown.



2004



1Christmas: The Joy and Spirit
2Light Up the World
3God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
4Good King Wenceslas
5Toyland
6The Wassail Song
7The First Noel
8How Brightly Beams
9Deck the Halls
10Up on a Housetop
11Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
12Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
13Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
14Silent Night
15O Little Town of Bethlehem
16It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
17Jingle Bells
18Away in a Manger
19Adeste Fidelis
20We Three Kings
21Gotell It on a Mountain
22O Christmas Tree
23Jolly Old St Nick
24Christus Natus Est
25Westminster Carol
26We Wish You a Merry Christmas
27Joy to the World


Unison Music 

2003


This splendid new release features wonderful Christmas favorites arranged in magnificent settings that capture the joy and good cheer of the holidays, played as only Pittsburgh Symphony Brass can. Like their successful first holiday recording, 'A Christma. Four WInds.2004.
Review

"Brass ensemble playing cannot possibly be more virtuosic or musical..." -- Sir Andre Previn

"The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass sound tidings of great joy!" -- Beverley Ervine, WOSU, Ohio State University, Columbus


1 Golden Bells
2 The First Noel - (Traditional)
3 What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
4 Take Me to Christmas Past (Marvin Hamlisch, Craig Carnelia))
5 O Come, O Come, Emanuel
6 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
7 Wassail Song (Traditional)
8 O Little Town of Bethlehem (Traditional)
9 Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella
10 J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Jauchzet, Frohlocket
11 Coventry Carol, Lully - Lullay (Traditional)
12 Corpus Christi Carol (Benjamin Britten)
13 J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Finale
14 Away in a Manger (Traditional)
15 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Traditional)
16 O Tannenbaum (Traditional)
17 Angels We Have Heard on High (Traditional)
18 O Come All Ye Faithful
19 Chocolate - Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker
20 Hallelujah Chorus - Handel: Messiah
21 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane


Label: Four Winds

2000


The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, led by Grammy award winner George Vosburgh, possesses a unique blend of virtuosity with brilliant sonority rarely achieved in brass music. With renowned Chicago producer Arnie Roth and the helm, 'A Christmas Concert' was rec. Four Winds.2004.
About the Artist

The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, led by Grammy Award winner George Vosburgh, was organized in 1994 with an emphasis on featuring some of the world's finest orchestral brass musicians playing in chamber ensemble. The ensemble endeavors to stretch the limitations of performance and explore a wide range of musical expression rarely achieved in brass music. The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass are George Vosburgh (trumpet), Neal Berntsen (trumpet), William Caballero (french horn), Peter Sullivan (tenor trombone), Murray Crewe (bass trombone), Sumner Erickson (tuba), and Roger Hamrick (tenor trombone).

George Vosburgh - trumpet
The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass is led by celebrated soloist and lecturer George Vosburgh. In 1987 George won the Grammy Award for Best New Classical Artist. He is internationally acclaimed for his virtuosity on the trumpet in recordings, concerts, and recitals, as well as guest artist performances in such locales as the Bonn Festival at Rolandsek, and the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, and the Curs International de Musica in Valencia, Spain. After his tenure as the youngest member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's world famous brass section under the late Sir George Solti, Vosburgh joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 1992. As a guest lecturer, George has appeared in universities across the United States, from Northwestern to U.C.L.A. He is currently on the faculty of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
1 Joy to the World - (Lowell Mason)
2 Carol of the Bells - (Traditional)
3 Ding Dong! Merrily on High - (Thoinot Arbeau)
4 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - (Longfellow & Clakin)
5 The Merry Bells of Speyer - (Ludwig Senfl)
6 I Saw Three Ships - (From Piae Cantiones)
7 Christmas Song - (From Piae Cantiones)
8 Mid-Winter - (Gustav Holst)
9 Masters in This Hall - (Traditional)
10 In Dulci Jubilo - (Traditional)
11 He Is Born Emanuel - (Michael Praetorius)
12 How Brightly Shines the Morning Star - (Michael Praetorius)
13 Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming - Michael Praetorius)
14 Volte - (Michael Praetorius)
15 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - (Traditional)
16 Wexford Carol - (Traditional)
17 Murztaler Engelruf - (Traditional)
18 The Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditional)
19 We Three Kings - (John Henry Hopkins)
20 Kommt, Christen, Seht... - (Traditional)
21 Schlafe Mit Rueh - (Traditional)
22 Good King Wenceslas - (From Piae Cantiones)
23 Patapan - (Bernard de la Monnoye)
24 Capriccio a 2 Cornetti Soli - (Johann Vierdanck)
25 Silent Night - (Franz Gruber)
26 Nativity Carol (Poverty) - (Traditional)
27 Infant Holy - (Traditional)
28 Deck the Halls - (Traditional)
29 We Wish You a Merry Christmas - (Traditional)



1999


This disc recycles two different but complementary LP recordings, the first being a 1968 outing with the Gregg Smith Singers, the New York Brass and Percussion Ensemble, and organist E. Power Biggs, the second being a 1965 recording with André Kostelanetz and his Orchestra. 

Though the repertoire for both is fairly traditional carols, they make for strange listening now. The Gregg Smith Singers selections are often straightforward, except when Biggs's gimmicky organ intervenes with all sorts of effects that are deployed with the artistry of Fourth of July fireworks. Did we ever mistake Biggs for a musician? 
Kostelanetz's ultra-busy orchestrations are almost comically souped up with cushy strings, ringing brass, and more harps than you'd ever want to hear. One saving grace is the underrecorded soprano Phyllis Curtin, who sings a lovely version of "O Holy Night." Also on hand is the St. Kilian Boy Choir, which has an unusually robust sound. --David Patrick Stearns

1 Patapan - Gregg Smith Singers
2 Three Kings of Orient - Gregg Smith Singers
3 What Child Is This - Gregg Smith Singers
4 Nowell We Sing - Gregg Smith Singers
5 Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming - Gregg Smith Singers
6 The Holly and the Ivy - Gregg Smith Singers
7 Adeste, Fideles-O Come, All Ye Faithful - Gregg Smith Singers
8 Joy to the World - Gregg Smith Singers
9 Lullaby My Liking - Gregg Smith Singers
10 Good King Wenceslas - Gregg Smith Singers
11 Silent Night, Holy Night - Gregg Smith Singers
12 Go Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Gregg Smith Singers
13 Medley: Welcome Here/Merry Christmas/Dame Get Up and Bake Your Pies/Christmas Is Coming - Gregg Smith
14 Angels We Have Heard on High - Gregg Smith Singers
15 We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Phyllis Curtin
16 Adeste, Fideles-O Come, All Ye Faithful - Phyllis Curtin
17 The First Nowell - Phyllis Curtin
18 Christmas Chimes - Phyllis Curtin
19 Medley: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
20 Medley: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly/Jingle Bells - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
21 Away in a Manger - Phyllis Curtin
22 Three Kings of Orient - Phyllis Curtin
23 O Little Town of Bethlehem - Phyllis Curtin
24 O Holy Night - Phyllis Curtin
25 Medley: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear/Away in a Manger - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
26 O Tannenbaum - Phyllis Curtin
27 We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Reprise) - Phyllis Curtin

1998


America is a rich and varied country with a cultural mosaic that draws from all nations. Westwind Brass (WWB) has tapped into this wealth to present a sampler of musical Americana. A single CD can only begin to scratch the surface of the music of America, but it is a joyful scratching!

Westwind Brass mission as a professional touring, recording and teaching ensemble is to foster international awareness and appreciation of brass chamber music as a challenging, dynamic and exciting art form. The ensemble has been acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times, and others for virtuosity, musical integrity, and diverse programming. Westwind Brass is nationally recognized for its critically acclaimed concerts across the United States, prizes in international competitions, and educational performances at conventions, universities and secondary schools.

1 Joy to the World
2 Silent Night
3 Angel Medley
4 English Medley
5 O Holy Night
6 Classical Medley
7 Coventry Carol
8 Three Anthems for Brass Quintet: Dadie Zeit erf\xFCllet war
9 . Das Wort Ward Fleisch
10 Sussex Mummers Carol
11 God Rest Yea Merry Gentleman
12 Jesus Loves a Manger

Eroica Classical



1 Suite Of Medieval Carols
2 Three French Carols: Ding Dong Merrily On High/O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/Angels We Have Heard On High
3 Suite From The Nutcracker: Marche
4 Suite From The Nutcracker: Danse Arabe
5 Suite From The Nutcracker: Danse Russe Trepak
6 What Child Is This
7 A Suite Of English Carols: Deck The Halls/Coventry Carol/The First Nowell
8 Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
9 Song Of The Birds
10 Wassail Song
11 Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme
12 Three German Carols: In Dulci Jubilo/Silent Night/Hark The Herald Angels Sing
13 Suite From Judas Maccabaeus
14 Christmas Day


Label: Valmark






1997


Christmas With The Symphony Brass of Chicago
Review
"Do you like your carols bright and brassy? Here's just the ticket." -- Milwaukee Journal

1 Joy To The World
2 Ding Dong! Merrily On High
3 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
4 The Twelve Days Of Christmas
5 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
6 Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
7 I Saw Three Ships
8 O Little Town Of Bethlehem
9 Jingle Bells
10 The First Noel
11 O Holy Night
12 In The Bleak Mid-Winter
13 Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland
14 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
15 Here We Come A-Wassailing
16 Lo, How A Rose
17 Silent Night
18 In Dulci Jubilo
19 What Are The Signs
20 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
21 Angels We Have Heard On High (Westminster Carol)

Vox Classics

1994



Includes God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; O Holy Night Arturo Sandoval and the Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars; Sleigh Ride Medley; Little Drummer Boy; the Toy Trumpet Canadian Brass, and more. 18 tracks.

1 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - The Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars
2  The Holly and the Ivy
3 Let Merry Bells Ring Round
4 Short Fantasy on a Catalan Carol
5 The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter
6 The Toy Trumpet
7 Angels We Have Heard on High - The Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars
8 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Richard Stoltzman
9 O Holy Night - The Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars
10 Tuba Lullaby
11 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12 Sleigh Ride
13 Parade of Thewooden Soldiers
14 The Little Drummer Boy
15 Sheep May Safely Graze
16 Ave Maria
17 Sweet Songs of Christmas
18 Happy Christmas - The King's Singers
19 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - The Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars

1991

1991


Includes "Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, Symphony form the Fairy Queen Act IV, Sing We Joyous Altogether, Air on a G String, Rondeau (Masterpiece Theater Theme), Medley, Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Psalm 8 From Psalms of David, Sonata 20, Furchet Euch Nicht


Label: Proacrte



1990



1 O Come All Ye Faithful
2 Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
3 Ding Dong, Merrily On High
4 Away In A Manger
5 Veni, Veni Emmanuel
6 Quem Pastores Laudavere
7 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
8 The Shepherd's Pipe Carol
9 Coventry Carol
10 In Dulci Jubilo
11 The First Nowell
12 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
13 Gabriel's Message
14 Joy To the World
15 'Le Quattro Stagioni', Op.8,4: Winter: Allegro Non Molto
16 'Le Quattro Stagioni', Op.8,4: Winter: Largo
17 'Le Quattro Stagioni', Op.8,4: Winter: Allegro
18 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
19 Festive Cheer: Sleigh Ride/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas/Jingle Bells...



1 A Visit From St. Nicholas
2 Carol Of The Bells
3 Away In A Manger
4 Jingle Bells
5 The First Nowell
6 Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
7 We Three Kings
8 Angels From The Realms Of Glory
9 Coventry Carol
10 D'ou Viens-Tu, Bergere
11 The Twelve Days Of Christmas
12 Oh Come, Immanuel
13 I Wonder As I Wonder
14 What Child Is This?
15 La Clouche De Noel
16 We Wish You A Merry Christmas
17 Noel Nouvelet
18 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
19 Silent Night
20 Good King Wenceslas
21 Hallelujah Chorus
22 Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
23 Oh Come, All Ye Faithful

1988


Label: Angel Records

1986


TEREO VINYL LP! A DIGITAL RECORDING WITH DIRECT METAL MASTERING! A Solid Brass Christmas: Traditional Holiday Selections Arranged For Brass Instruments! Solid Brass is: Trumpets: Barry Browner, Steven Falker, Douglas Haislip and David Sampson; French Horn: Elizabeth DiSavino; Trombones; Carl Della Peruti, Gary Grimaldi and Hans Muhler; Bass Trombone: Jeffrey Caswell; & Tuba: Kyle Turner. Produced by Craig D. Dory. TRACKS: A1. A Suite of English Carols (The First Noel / Coventry Carol / Deck the Halls); A2. Wassail Song; A3. Three French Carols (Ding Dong Merrily on High / O Come O Come Emmanuel / Angels We Have Heard on High); A4. Three German Carols (In Dulci Jubilo / Silent Night / Hark the Herald Angels Sing); A5. Suite of Medieval Carols; A6. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Simme; B1. The Nutcracker Suite: Marche; B2. The Nutcracker Suite: Danse Arabe; B3. The Nutcracker Suite: Danse Russe Trepak; B4. Christmas Days; B5. Song of the Birds; B6. Judas Maccabaeus Suite; & B7. Greensleeves / What Child is This?




1 Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
2 Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
3 Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
4 The First Noel
5 Angels We Have Heard on High
6 We Three Kings of Orient Are
7 O Come, All Ye Faithful
8 O Sanctissima
9 O Tannenbaum
10 O Come, O Come, Emanuel
11 Good King Wenceslas
12 Silent Night, Holy Night
13 Joy To The World
14 The Twelve Days of Christmas
15 Coventry Carol
16 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
17 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
18 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
19 Good Christian Men, Rejoice
20 O Holy Night
21 What Child Is This?
22 Wassail Song
23 O Little Town of Bethlehem
24 Away In A Manger
25 We Wish You a Merry Christmas


1980



1 Jingle Bells
2 O Come All Ye Faithful/Joy to the World
3 Hark! the Herald Angel Sings
4 O Holy Night
5 O Little Town of Bethlehem
6 The Holly and the Ivy
7 Silent Night
8 Angels We Have Heard on High
9 Good King Wenceslas
10 Conventry Carol
11 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
12 What Child Is This
13 The First Noel
14 Angels from the Realms of Glory
15 Hallelujah Chorus










Date Unknown


Carols for Brass, Volume 2





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

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