Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Classical Christmas" by Arsys Bourgogne, a renowned French vocal ensemble founded in 1999 by Pierre Cao and now directed by Mihály Zeke. This captivating album, released on November 24, 2017, under the naïve classique label, offers a unique blend of traditional Christmas carols and classical masterpieces, spanning a diverse range of composers and styles.
Featuring the exquisite vocals of Arsys Bourgogne alongside the masterful cello playing of Anne Gastinel, this album is a delightful journey through the festive season. From the lively rendition of "Jingle Bells" to the serene beauty of "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" and the timeless elegance of Bach's "Cello Suites," each track is a testament to the ensemble's exceptional musicality and versatility.
With a duration of 1 hour and 32 minutes, "Classical Christmas" is a comprehensive exploration of the holiday spirit, encompassing both sacred and secular themes. The album includes beloved classics such as "White Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," and "Minuit chrétien," as well as lesser-known gems like "Noël étranger" and "Où s'en vont ces gais bergers." The ensemble's interpretation of these pieces is both fresh and respectful, showcasing their deep understanding of the music and their ability to connect with the listener.
Arsys Bourgogne's "Classical Christmas" is not just an album; it's an experience that captures the essence of the holiday season through the power of music. Whether you're a fan of classical music, a lover of Christmas carols, or simply someone looking for a beautiful and uplifting listening experience, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
(C) 2017 naïveNaïve classique
Tracks
Jingle BellsJames Lord Pierpont, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Cello Suites, No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: VI. Bourrées I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Antoine Tamestit
6 Cello Suites, No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. PréludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Anne Gastinel
Ave Maria - After Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Gounod, Nathalie Stutzmann, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
White ChristmasIrving Berlin, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Noël étranger (Noël VIII)Louis-Claude Daquin, Michel Chapuis
Natus est hodie dominusAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
God Is with Us (Prophecy Of Isaiah)Traditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Livre de Noëls, Op. 2: No. 1, Noël, sur les jeux d’anches sans tremblantLouis-Claude Daquin, Mary Prat-Molinier
Carmen, WD 31, Act. III: Entr'acteGeorges Bizet, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre.Grenoble
Messa per il Santissimo Natale: I. Kyrie eleisonAlessandro Scarlatti, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano
Messa per il Santissimo Natale: V. Agnus DeiAlessandro Scarlatti, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano
Stabat Mater a quatro in C Minor: IX. Virgo virginum præclaraGiovanni Bononcini, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano, Sara Mingardo
Piano Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 28: III. Allegro moltoSergei Rachmaninoff, Nikolai Lugansky
Something GoodRichard Rodgers, Anne Sofie von Otter, Brad Mehldau
Orlando Furioso, RV 819: II. Se fedele serbi affetto (Aria)Antonio Vivaldi, Romina Basso, Modo Antiquo, Federico Maria Sardelli
Santa Claus Is Comin' to TownJ. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Minuit chrétienAdolphe Adam, Pavol Breslik, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Christ Is Born, Give GloryTraditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Lord, I Have Cried to YouTraditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Beata tu virgo MariaAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
Patris eterni filioAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
Où s'en vont ces gais bergersClaude Balbastre, Michel Chapuis
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: I. AllegroFranz Schubert, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre.Grenoble