Dive into the enchanting world of classical and sacred music with "O Holy Night," a captivating album by the renowned Adolphe Adam. Released on December 20, 2024, this album is a treasure trove of 69 meticulously curated tracks, spanning a rich duration of 2 hours and 27 minutes. From timeless hymns to exquisite arrangements, this collection is a testament to Adam's mastery and enduring legacy.
The album kicks off with the iconic "O Holy Night," a sacred song that has become a staple in Christmas celebrations worldwide. Composed by Adam in 1847, the song's English text by John Sullivan Dwight adds a layer of depth and reverence. The album also features a stunning array of classical pieces, including works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart, each performed with unparalleled skill and artistry.
Highlights include the soothing "Ave Maria" arrangements, the powerful "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, and the serene "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht." The album also showcases Adam's own compositions, such as the "Advent-Motette Op. 176" and the "Mass, Op. 12: V. Panis angelicus," offering a unique blend of sacred and secular music.
"O Holy Night" is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience. The album's diverse repertoire, from the joyous "O du fröhliche, o du selige" to the reflective "In dulci jubilo," ensures there's something for every classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual listener, this album promises to enrich your musical journey with its timeless melodies and profound compositions.
Fughetta: Vom Himmel hoch, BWV 701Johann Sebastian Bach, Simon Preston
Vaterunser Op. 2: Zu uns komme dein Reich."Das sind goldne Himmelspfade"Peter Cornelius, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Jörg Demus
Resonet in laudibusTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Preter rerum seriemTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
O SapientiaTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Vater Unser (Version for Cello and Piano)Arvo Pärt, Camille Thomas, Julien Brocal
In dulci jubiloMichael Praetorius, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Robert Bodenröder, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Ave MariaIgor Stravinsky, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Morgenlicht leuchtet (Morning Has Broken) - EKG 455 - Arranged By John RutterTraditional, Maria Todtenhaupt, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey
Aus meines Herzens Grunde - EG 443Traditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Prelude In G, BWV 568Johann Sebastian Bach, Jörg Strodthoff
Quem vidistis pastoresTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Alma redemptoris materTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
In dulci jubilo à 4Michael Praetorius, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Bewahre uns Gott - EG 171 - Arranged By Michael ReifAnders Ruuth, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Großer Gott, wir loben dich - EG 331 - Arranged By Hans-Georg SpiegelTraditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren - EG 317Traditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book 1, BWV 846-869: Prelude In C Major BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Maria Todtenhaupt
O du fröhliche, o du seligeAnonymous, Regensburger Domspatzen
Laudate, omnes gentes (Lobsingt ihr Völker alle) - EG 181.6Jacques Berthier, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Nun danket alle Gott - EG 321Johann Crüger, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Messa degli Apostoli: Toccata avanti il RicercarGirolamo Frescobaldi, Timothy Roberts
Hymn To The Mother Of GodJohn Tavener, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Geh aus mein Herz, und suche Freud - EG 503Augustin Harder, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Ich lobe meinen Gott von ganzem Herzen - EKG 272 - Arranged By Michael ReifClaude Fraysse, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey
Eine feste Burg ist unser Gott - EKG 362Martin Luther, Jörg Strodthoff
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 3: XLIII. "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"George Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part One - For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 8 Aria (Baß): "Großer Herr, o starker König"Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Holl, Trumpet Ensemble Ludwig Guttler, Staatskapelle Dresden, Peter Schreier
Wohl denen die da wandeln - EKG 295Heinrich Schütz, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Requiem: IIh. IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, José Carreras, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Eurydice), Wq. 30 - Arr. D. Alagna: Che faro senza EuridiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Roberto Alagna, London Orchestra, Yvan Cassar
Von guten Mächten treu und still ergeben - NGL 276Siegfried Fietz, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Ave verum corpus, K.618Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff
Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben Cantata, BWV 147 - Arr. Peter Hurford: Jesu, Joy Of Man's DesiringJohann Sebastian Bach, Peter Hurford
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": III. Adagio – Allegro – AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto for 3 Trumpets, 2 Oboes, Timpani, Strings and Continuo in D Major: I. IntradaGeorg Philipp Telemann, Hannes Läubin, Wolfgang Läubin, Bernhard Läubin, Simon Preston, English Chamber Orchestra
Adolphe Adam, born in Paris in 1803, was a prolific French composer whose name is synonymous with some of the most beloved works in the realm of ballet and opera. Despite his father's initial reluctance, Adam pursued his passion for music, eventually enrolling at the Paris Conservatoire. His compositions, which include the iconic ballet "Giselle" and the operatic masterpiece "Le Postillon de Lonjumeau," have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Adam's repertoire spans forty-six operas, fourteen ballets, and numerous opérettes and vaudevilles, showcasing his versatility and enduring talent. His collaborations with notable figures like Eugène Scribe and Boieldieu further enriched his body of work. Adam's legacy endures through his timeless compositions, which continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.