Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the festive season with Johann Sebastian Bach's "Peaceful Christmas - Warming Tunes for the Festive Season." This captivating album, released on November 22, 2023, under Warner Classics, is a delightful blend of classical and classical piano genres, spanning a soothing 1 hour and 22 minutes.
The album is a harmonious collection of traditional carols and classical compositions, featuring both well-known and lesser-known pieces. From the joyous "In dulci jubilo" to the serene "Stille Nacht," and the tender "The Little Drummer Boy," each track is a testament to the rich musical heritage of the holiday season.
Bach's timeless compositions, such as the Sinfonia from his Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, are interwoven with arrangements by renowned composers like Britten, Rutter, and Charpentier. The album also includes beautiful renditions of traditional carols like "Away in a Manger," "Adeste Fideles," and "Il est né le divin enfant," each brought to life with a classical elegance that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Whether you're looking to set the mood for a quiet evening by the fire or to accompany your holiday festivities, "Peaceful Christmas" offers a warm and inviting musical experience. The album's diverse selection of tunes ensures there's something for everyone, making it a perfect accompaniment to the festive season.
Traditional: In dulci jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Stille NachtFranz Xaver Gruber, Andrew Parrott, Charles Daniels, Jakob Lindberg, Stephen Charlesworth, Taverner Choir, Taverner Players
Reger / Orch. Ekdahl: Schlichte Weisen, Op. 76: No. 52, Mariä WiegenliedMax Reger, Barbara Hendricks, Eric Ericson, Stockholm Chamber Orchestra
Traditional: Lullay, Thou Tiny Little ChildTraditional, Joel Cohen, Boston Camerata
WeihnachtsfriedeRené Kollo, Diana Damrau, Richard Whilds, NDR Radiophilharmonie
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IV. (b) BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Osian Ellis, David Willcocks
Süßer die Glocken nie klingenTraditional, Lucienne Renaudin Vary, Richard Whilds, NDR Radiophilharmonie
Traditional / Arr. Shaw & Parker: Away in a MangerAnonymous, Chanticleer
Hymne à la ViergePierre Villette, Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill
I'll Be Home for ChristmasWalter Kent, Kiri Te Kanawa, Laurie Holloway, Jonathan Tunick
Traditional: The GiftTraditional, The King's Singers, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
The Little Drummer BoyHarry Simeone, Henry Onorati, Katherine K. Davis, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Traditional / Arr. Gevaert: Entre le bœuf et l'âne grisTraditional, Andre Corboz, François Delor, Maîtrise Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens de Bulle
Charpentier: Messe de minuit pour noël, H. 9: IX. Agnus DeiMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Traditional: Il est né le divin enfantTraditional, Maurice André, Michel Legrand, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Cererols: Serafín, que con dulce harmoníaJoan Cererols, Andrew Parrott, Emily Van Evera, Taverner Choir, Taverner Consort, Taverner Players, Timothy Wilson
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Noël nouveletTraditional, Clare College Singers, Jeremy Blandford, John Rutter, Clare College Orchestra
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungenMichael Praetorius, Der Bielefelder Kinderchor
Traditional: El noi de la mare (Arr. Llobet for Guitar)Traditional, Thibaut García
Anonymous: Adeste fideles (Also Attributed to Wade)Anonymous, Ton Koopman, Avro Kinderchor, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 10, SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Philippe Herreweghe, Collegium Vocale Gent
Trad / Arr. Harvey: Infant Holy, Infant LowlyTraditional, London Brass
Warlock: Bethlehem DownPeter Warlock, Choir of Guildford Cathedral, Barry Rose
Schütz: Geistliche Chormusik, Op. 11: No. 16, Ein Kind ist uns geboren, SWV 384Heinrich Schütz, Louis Devos, Schola Cantorum Bruxelliensis
Still, Still, StillMack Wilberg, Libera, Robert Prizeman