Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque Christmas music with the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Alun Francis. This captivating album, released in 1999 under the Hyperion label, is a delightful collection of festive compositions that span a mere 47 minutes, yet offer a rich and varied listening experience.
The album opens with the grandeur of Georg Philipp Telemann's "Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 'Festliche Suite'," a six-movement suite that sets the stage for the festive mood. The orchestra then transitions into the gentle and reflective "Behold, I Bring You Glad Tidings" by Henry Purcell, featuring two interludes that add a touch of intimacy to the album.
The Northwest Chamber Orchestra then takes you on a journey through the Italian Baroque with Gaetano Maria Schiassi's "Sinfonia a tre, per il santissimo Natale, Op. 1 No. 12" and "Sinfonia pastorale per il santissimo natale di nostro Jesu 'Christmas Symphony'." These works, rarely heard in modern times, showcase the orchestra's versatility and the conductor's insightful interpretation.
The album culminates in the famous "Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 'Christmas Concerto'" by Arcangelo Corelli, a staple of the Christmas concert repertoire. The orchestra's performance of this work is a testament to their technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
Throughout the album, the Northwest Chamber Orchestra demonstrates a deep understanding of the Baroque style, bringing to life the intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies of these timeless works. The recording quality is excellent, allowing the listener to appreciate the full range of the orchestra's expression.
Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight. It's a perfect blend of familiar favorites and hidden gems, all performed with the highest level of artistry. So, grab a cup of eggnog, sit back, and let the Northwest Chamber Orchestra and Alun Francis transport you to a world of Baroque Christmas cheer.
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": I. OuvertureGeorg Philipp Telemann, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": II. MarcheGeorg Philipp Telemann, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Alun Francis
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": III. PlainteGeorg Philipp Telemann, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": IV. GavotteGeorg Philipp Telemann, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": V. Passepied. RundtanzGeorg Philipp Telemann, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Ouverture-Suite in A Major, TWV 55:A5 "Festliche Suite": VI. GigueGeorg Philipp Telemann, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Behold, I Bring You Glad Tidings, Z. 2: Interlude IHenry Purcell, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Behold, I Bring You Glad Tidings, Z. 2: Interlude IIHenry Purcell, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia a tre, per il santissimo Natale, Op. 1 No. 12: I. Largo – Andante e forteGiuseppe Valentini, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia a tre, per il santissimo Natale, Op. 1 No. 12: II. AllegroGiuseppe Valentini, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia a tre, per il santissimo Natale, Op. 1 No. 12: III. LargoGiuseppe Valentini, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia a tre, per il santissimo Natale, Op. 1 No. 12: IV. PrestoGiuseppe Valentini, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": I. Grave – Vivace – Adagio –Giuseppe Torelli, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": II. Largo –Giuseppe Torelli, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": III. VivaceGiuseppe Torelli, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Alun Francis
Sinfonia pastorale per il santissimo natale di nostro Jesu "Christmas Symphony": I. AdagioGaetano Maria Schiassi, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia pastorale per il santissimo natale di nostro Jesu "Christmas Symphony": II. AllegroGaetano Maria Schiassi, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Alun Francis
Sinfonia pastorale per il santissimo natale di nostro Jesu "Christmas Symphony": III. Largo spiccatoGaetano Maria Schiassi, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Alun Francis
Sinfonia pastorale per il santissimo natale di nostro Jesu "Christmas Symphony": IV. AndanteGaetano Maria Schiassi, Alun Francis, Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Vinylscout