Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque Christmas music with Joel Cohen's "A Baroque Christmas." Released on Nonesuch Records in 2005, this captivating album spans a rich tapestry of medieval and Baroque compositions, each piece meticulously selected and performed to evoke the spirit of the season. With a duration of just over an hour, this collection is a perfect blend of traditional and lesser-known works that will delight both casual listeners and aficionados of early music.
Joel Cohen, the renowned director of the Boston Camerata, brings his extensive knowledge and passion for early music to this album. The tracklist features a mix of instrumental and vocal pieces, including works by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Claudio Monteverdi, and Orlando Gibbons, among others. From the lively "Noëls pour les instruments" by Charpentier to the serene "Hodie christus natus est," each track is performed with a keen attention to historical accuracy and musicality.
The album opens with the evocative "À minuit fut fait un réveil" and closes with the poignant "Agnus dei" from Charpentier's "Messe de minuit pour Noël," providing a sense of completeness and continuity. Throughout, Cohen's direction ensures that the performances are both authentic and accessible, making "A Baroque Christmas" an essential addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're looking to enhance your holiday celebrations or simply enjoy the beauty of Baroque music, this album is sure to become a favorite.
Vinylscout