Ros 2023

Superbly crafted choral music and a rare recording of a neglected masterwork! "The inspiration for Hugo Distler’s gem of a Christmas narrative can be found in the German-language protestant sacred music of the early baroque era, especially the music of Heinrich Schütz. Drawing on Schütz’s example, Distler composed his Christmas story exclusively for vocalists – soloists and a 4-8-voiced ensemble – in what is, in Distler’s own words, described as an “Oratorium mit kammermusika- lishem Charakter”.

This programme highlights the evolution of Christmas music: from early monastic carols such as the original plainchant of O come, O come, Emmanuel; through the beautiful 16th-century melodies Lo, how a rose e'er blooming and the Coventry Carol; to the mighty splendours of later eras as exemplified by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi and Berlioz, with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiahreigning supreme. This classic VOX recording featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Robert Shaw was originally issued on the 2-LP set Nativity in 1976. The Elite Recordings for VOX by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

This is a 50's Christmas record titled "Hi-Fi Christmas Party". It features Domenico Savino and his orchestra. This is a RCA Camden recording, and I believe it is from the 50's.

Il Gardellino is a period-instrument ensemble devoted largely to the performance of Baroque music, both instrumental and vocal. Consisting of eight core members, Il Gardellino can range in size from three to as many as thirty players, depending on demands of the repertory. That said, most of the instrumental concerts feature fewer than a dozen performers.

Deeply soothing choral music and plainsong, selected from throughout the Warner Classics and Erato catalogues. Carefully chosen to bring peace and warmth to even the deepest mid-winter night, this is the Christmas compilation that leaves the obvious behind, and instead explores a world of festive stillness and serenity.It features Charles Ives, Herbert Howells, Claudio Monteverdi, Nicholas Martin etc.

This is a 50's Christmas record titled "Hi-Fi Christmas Party". It features Domenico Savino and his orchestra. This is a RCA Camden recording, and I believe it is from the 50's.

The Italian-German mezzo-soprano Sofia Pavone is distinguished by her unmistakable timbre, a wide vocal range and an expressive, musically well-thought-out design.

The choirs at Mainz Cathedral present an enchanting album of Christmas carols specially arranged by Thomas Gabriel. Gabriel is known for his sensitive style, which interweaves traditional Christmas sounds with modern nuances. His arrangements give the songs a contemporary flavour without losing the classical beauty of the original compositions. This gives the album a special artistic depth and makes it an unforgettable listening experience during the festive season. A festive Christmas album with the Mainzer Domchor, the Mainzer Domkantorei, the Mädchenchor am Dom and St Quintin under the direction of Domkantor Michael Kaltenbach and the Mainzer Domorchester under the overall direction of Domkapellmeister Karsten Storck.

In contrast to the grand scale and public profile of his orchestral and choral works, Johannes Brahms saw the organ as an instrument ‘for home use’, and one in which he confided his most intimate feelings. The earlier pieces were exercises in counterpoint inspired by Brahms’ friendship with Clara Schumann and, despite their academic titles, they are infused with distinctive musical ideas and lyrical expressiveness. The later Chorale Preludes with their themes of suffering and death can be seen as autobiographical, the elder Brahms seeking spiritual strength in the ‘pure style’ of the Protestant tradition.