Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the festive season with "Once, as I remember..." by The Monteverdi Choir, conducted by the esteemed Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Released in 1998 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this captivating album is a celebration of Christmas through a collection of 30 choral pieces, spanning a little over an hour and eleven minutes.
The Monteverdi Choir, renowned for their technical prowess and impeccable balance, delivers a breathtaking performance that showcases their exceptional intonation and artistry. The album is a blend of classical and requiem genres, featuring a mix of traditional carols, medieval chants, and contemporary compositions.
From the opening notes of "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to the final strains of "Gloria in excelsis deo," the choir takes you on a journey through the story of Christmas. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Maria, gratia plena," the lively "Jolly Shepherd," and the powerful "O magnum mysterium." The album also features a variety of languages, including Latin, German, and French, adding to its rich cultural tapestry.
Recorded in the acoustically stunning Church of St. Peter & St. Paul in Salle, Norfolk, the album benefits from the choir's resonant and reverberant surroundings. The recording venue's natural acoustics enhance the choir's sound, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand.
"Once, as I remember..." is not just an album; it's an experience. It's a testament to the enduring power of choral music and the timeless appeal of Christmas carols. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to get into the festive spirit, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Gloria in excelsis DeoRobert Cowper, Katherine Fuge, Nicola Jenkin, Eleazer de Carvalo, Julian Podger, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ave Maria, gratia plenaAnonymous, Sara Mingardo, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Angelus ad virginemAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Alma Redemptoris Mater - Ed. J. DixonGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Julian Podger, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Gabriel's Message (Basque Carol)Anonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Hodie Christus natus estGiovanni Bassano, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Jolly sheperdAnonymous, Noel Mann, Rachel Beckett, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Hodie Christus natus estJan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Past Three a ClockAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen - Arr. M. Praetorius; Canon a 4 by Melchior Vulpius (c1570-1615)Anonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
There is no rose of such virtuAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ave maris stellaLajos Bárdos, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
A spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Michael McCarthy, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
O magnum mysteriumWilliam Byrd, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ach Herr, Du SchöpferHeinrich Schütz, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
This endris nightAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Entre le boeufAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Guillô, pran ton tamborinAnonymous, Noel Mann, Rachel Beckett, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Psallite. French Anonymous Chanson "Ho la hé" - In Latin and GermanAnonymous, Jeremy West, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Quem vidistes pastores?Richard Dering, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The CradleAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
LullabyWilliam Byrd, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
El RorroAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Once As I RememberAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The LambJohn Tavener, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Joseph, lieber Joseph meinJohann Gottfried Walther, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Entry Of The Three Kings - IntroitJohn Gardner, The Monteverdi Choir, John Anderson, John Eliot Gardiner
The King of all KingsAnonymous, Katherine Fuge, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ring out ye crystal spheres - Written for the "Springhead Christmas Play", 1955Robert Armstrong, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Gloria in excelsis deoThomas Weelkes, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The Monteverdi Choir, founded in 1964 by the esteemed conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional performances of early music. Specialising in Baroque and Renaissance repertoire, this acclaimed ensemble has consistently pushed the boundaries of historically informed performance. With a rich discography and numerous awards to their name, the Monteverdi Choir is celebrated for its stylistic authenticity and emotional resonance. Often collaborating with the English Baroque Soloists and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, also founded by Gardiner, the choir delivers captivating interpretations of sacred music, chamber works, and operas. Their commitment to excellence and innovative approach make them a standout ensemble in the classical music scene.
Vinylscout
The Monteverdi Choir
