Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the holiday season with "Christmas Carols" by George Frideric Handel. This exquisite collection, released on December 20, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, is a celebration of classical, choral, and operatic traditions that have stood the test of time. Spanning over two hours and forty minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through beloved carols and sacred works that have become synonymous with the festive season.
The album features a rich tapestry of compositions, including iconic pieces from Handel's own repertoire, such as selections from his monumental "Messiah," HWV 56, and the poignant "Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435." Alongside these masterpieces, you'll find timeless carols like "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht," "O Tannenbaum," and "Joy To The World," each rendered with the precision and passion that Handel is renowned for.
"Christmas Carols" is not just a collection of songs; it is a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together during the holiday season. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a casual listener, this album offers a profound and enriching experience. The meticulous arrangements and the rich, resonant voices of the choir create an atmosphere of warmth and joy that is perfect for the holiday season.
From the stirring choruses of "Hallelujah" to the gentle lullabies like "Still, weil's Kindlein schlafen will," this album captures the full spectrum of the holiday spirit. It is a perfect blend of the sacred and the secular, the traditional and the innovative, making it an essential addition to your holiday playlist. So, gather your loved ones, light the candles, and let the enchanting melodies of "Christmas Carols" fill your home with the magic of the season.
Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica: XXXIV. In dulci jubiloMichael Praetorius, Susan Hemington Jones, Tessa Bonner, Mark Le Brocq, Paul McCreesh, Gabrieli, Boy's Choir Of Roskilde Cathedral
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
The Wild Wood CarolJohn Rutter, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV435 (1664): 6. Danksagen wir alle Gott...Heinrich Schütz, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh, Boy's Choir Of Roskilde Cathedral, Kristian Olesen, Finn Evald
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 2: XLII. "Hallelujah"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir
Resonet in Laudibus à 5Orlande de Lassus, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Ave Maris StellaEdvard Grieg, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Motet "Hodie Christus natus est"Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Sistine Chapel Choir, Massimo Palombella
Communion Motet: "Uns ist ein Kindlein heut geborn" - Musae Sioniae VIMichael Praetorius, Sarah Pendlebury, Hannelore Devaere, Paul McCreesh, Gabrieli
Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël: Quem vidistis pastoresFrancis Poulenc, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Matthias Jung
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: No. 1 Chorus "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"Johann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
A Hymn To The VirginBenjamin Britten, Dresdner Kreuzchor
Il est né le divin enfantAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Ulf Forsberg, Markus Leoson
O Holy NightAdolphe Adam, Luciano Pavarotti, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Kurt Herbert Adler
Shepherd's Pipe Carol (Adapted by Chris Hazell)John Rutter, Bryn Terfel, Côrdydd, Sioned James, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
Still, weil's Kindlein schlafen willTraditional, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Alle Jahre wiederFriedrich Silcher, Jia Lim, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin, Reinhard Kammler, Augsburger Domsingknaben
Vom Himmel hochMartin Luther, Augsburger Domsingknaben, Stefan Maass
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungenMichael Praetorius, Augsburger Domsingknaben
Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III", D839 - Arr. Ion MarinFranz Schubert, Cheryl Studer, London Symphony Orchestra, Ion Marin
Joy To The World - Arr. by Patrick KerberTraditional, Los Romeros
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Ralph Blane, Anne Sofie von Otter, Göran Danielsson, Leif Henrickson, Markus Leoson
Oh du fröhlicheTraditional, Anna Prohaska, Adoro, Augsburger Domsingknaben, Reinhard Kammler, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin, Jia Lim
Leise rieselt der SchneeEduard Ebel, Anna Prohaska, Jia Lim, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin, Reinhard Kammler
Ihr Kinderlein kommetJohann Abraham Peter Schulz, Augsburger Domsingknaben
In dulci jubiloTraditional, Friedrich Silcher, Augsburger Domsingknaben
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147: Wohl mir, dass ich Jesum habeJohann Sebastian Bach, Daniel Hope, Stefan Maass, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin, Reinhard Kammler
Es kommt ein Schiff geladenTraditional, Augsburger Domsingknaben, Reinhard Kammler
Maria durch ein Dornwald gingTraditional, Anna Prohaska, Augsburger Domsingknaben