Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of winter with George Frideric Handel's 'Cozy Wintertime Classics', a meticulously curated collection of classical masterpieces. Released on 13 December 2024 via UME - Global Clearing House, this exquisite album is a treasure trove of choral and operatic delights, showcasing the timeless beauty of classical music.
Spanning 2 hours and 30 minutes, 'Cozy Wintertime Classics' is a sonic journey through the ages, featuring an array of beloved compositions that evoke the magic of the winter season. From the serene 'Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)' to the enchanting 'Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy', each piece has been carefully selected to transport you to a world of elegance and refinement.
With its diverse range of genres, including classical, choral, and opera, this album is a testament to George Frideric Handel's enduring legacy as a master composer. The inclusion of iconic works such as 'Jesu bleibet meine Freude' and 'Ave María' demonstrates Handel's profound influence on the classical music landscape.
As the winter months approach, 'Cozy Wintertime Classics' is the perfect accompaniment to the season, offering a soothing and uplifting soundtrack to cosy nights by the fire, festive gatherings, or quiet moments of contemplation. So sit back, relax, and let the sublime sounds of George Frideric Handel's 'Cozy Wintertime Classics' envelop you in a warm and comforting embrace.
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: XIII. "Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Koppangen - English VersionPereric Moraeus, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengan Jansson, Kalle Moraeus, Svante Henryson
Trio Sonata for 2 Violins and Continuo in G Minor, HWV 393 "Dresden" No. 2: III. Largo (Arr. for Oboe, Violin, Harpsichord and Orchestra by Andreas Tarkmann)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia, Jakub Haufa, Monika Razynska
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147 - Arranged by Bengt Forsberg: Jesu bleibet meine FreudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Bengt Forsberg
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": III. Adagio - Allegro - AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Away in A MangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: IIb. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Christmas SongMel Tormé, Anne Sofie von Otter, Kalle Moraeus, Bengan Jansson
Bist du bei mir (Formerly Attrib. J.S. Bach as BWV 508, Transcr. for Oboe, Solo Violin, Strings and Basso continuo)Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, Albrecht Mayer, Gottfried Von Der Goltz, Berliner Barock Solisten
Capriccio in B-Flat Major, BWV 992 "On the Departure Of A Dear Brother": IV. [Andante con moto]Johann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Bred dina vida vingarAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengan Jansson, Kalle Moraeus
Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 1031: II. Siciliana (Arr. Tarkmann for Oboe & Ensemble)Johann Sebastian Bach, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Rolando Villazón, Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, Allan Wilson
In dulci jubilo, BWV 751 Anh.III 172 (Arr. by Kempff)Johann Michael Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Santa LuciaAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Markus Leoson
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Ralph Blane, Anne Sofie von Otter, Göran Danielsson, Leif Henrickson, Markus Leoson
White ChristmasIrving Berlin, Rolando Villazón, Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, Allan Wilson
Jul, jul strålande julGustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Corpus Christi CarolBenjamin Britten, Anne Sofie von Otter, Ulf Forsberg, Ulrika Jansson, Torbjörn Helander, Mats Rondin, Svante Henryson, Markus Leoson
Marias vaggsång (org.Mariae Wiegenlied)Max Reger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Sonata No.2 in E flat major, BWV 1031 - Arr. Wilhelm Kempff: SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Dance of the Blessed Spirits "Melody" (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Mischa Maisky, Pavel Gililov
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 - Arranged For Piano By Wilhelm KempffJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Uns ist ein Kindlein heut geborn, BWV 414Johann Sebastian Bach, Sarah Perl, Ophira Zakai, Vocalconsort Berlin, Daniel Reuss, Elina Albach
Concerto For Harpsichord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Arranged by Wilhelm Kempff: LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Noëls sur les instruments, H 531, 534: I. Vous qui désirez sans finMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816: III. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
The Four Seasons: WinterAntonio Vivaldi, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Mark Bennett, Michael Harrison, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": VI. Pastorale: LargoArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.