Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the holiday season with George Frideric Handel's "Christmas 2024 Classical Hits." This exquisite collection, set for release on December 20, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, is a celebration of the rich tapestry of classical, choral, and operatic traditions that define the festive spirit. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of beloved carols, arias, and orchestral pieces that have stood the test of time.
From the joyous strains of "In dulci jubilo" to the serene beauty of "Panis Angelicus," and the majestic "Messiah," this album captures the essence of Christmas through Handel's masterful compositions. The album features a diverse range of works, including the enchanting "Christmas Oratorio" and the stirring "Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 'Christmas Concerto'." Each track is a testament to Handel's genius, offering a blend of sacred and secular music that resonates with both the devout and the casual listener.
"Christmas 2024 Classical Hits" is not just a compilation of holiday favorites; it is a journey through the musical landscape of the season, featuring iconic pieces like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht," and "The Four Seasons." The album also includes lesser-known gems that add depth and variety, such as "Adventi ének (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)" and "Birjina gaztettobat zegoen."
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or someone looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday playlist, this album promises to be a delightful addition to your collection. Let the timeless melodies of George Frideric Handel fill your home with the warmth and joy of the season.
Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich herJohannes Eccard, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
In dulci jubiloMichael Praetorius, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Robert Bodenröder, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: XVI. "Rejoice Greatly, o Daughter of Zion"George Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Still, weil's Kindlein schlafen willTraditional, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339: V. Laudate Dominum - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Rachel Harnisch, Kay Johannsen, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, Schwedischer Rundfunkchor
Concerto in G Major, S. 213: V. Loure. CantabileJohann David Heinichen, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part One - For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 8 Aria: "Großer Herr, o starker König"Johann Sebastian Bach, Olaf Bär, Crispian Steele-Perkins, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungenTraditional, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing DayAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Stockholm Chamber Brass, Markus Leoson
"Panis Angelicus", IAC 25César Franck, Plácido Domingo, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Marcello Viotti
Samson / Act 3, HWV 57: Air: "Let The Bright Seraphim"George Frideric Handel, Sheila Armstrong, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
O Jesulein süssAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Ulf Forsberg, Ulrika Jansson, Torbjörn Helander, Ole Karlsson
Serse, HWV 40 / Act I: "Ombra mai fu"George Frideric Handel, Rolando Villazón, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: III. "Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted"George Frideric Handel, Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165: IV. AlleluiaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Barbara Bonney, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
In the Bleak Midwinter - Arr. by Mack WilbergGustav Holst, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
Otello, Act IV: Ave Maria, piena di grazia "Desdemona's Prayer"Giuseppe Verdi, Anna Netrebko, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part One - For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 4 Aria: " Bereite dich, Zion"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Anthony Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"Felix Mendelssohn, Christopher Herrick, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungenMichael Praetorius, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Matthias Jung
Adventi ének (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)Zoltán Kodály, Dresdner Kreuzchor
There Is No Rose Of Swych VertuTraditional, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Maria durch ein Dornwald gingHeinrich Kaminski, Dresdner Kreuzchor
Sonata a 5Vincenzo Albrici, Members of Berliner Philharmoniker
Ding Dong! Merrily On HighAnonymous, Thoinot Arbeau, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Birjina gaztettobat zegoenTraditional, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Sinfonies de Fanfare in D Major: 1. RondeauJean-Joseph Mouret, Hannes Läubin, Wolfgang Läubin, Bernhard Läubin, Norbert Schmitt, Simon Preston
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part Two - For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 10 SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": I. Vivace – GraveArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": III. Adagio – Allegro – AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": IV. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": V. Allegro –Arcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": VI. Largo. PastoraleArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: XIII. "Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
In nativitatem Domini canticum, H. 416: III. NuitMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non molto - AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Canzon noni toni a 12, C 183Giovanni Gabrieli, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147: No. 10 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Arr. by Guillermo Figueroa)Johann Sebastian Bach, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Noël pour les instruments, H. 531: III. Vous qui désirez sans finMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noël sur les instruments, H. 534: V. A la venue de NoëlMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noël sur les instruments, H. 534: IV. Or nous dites, MarieMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noël sur les instruments, H. 534: II. Où s'en vont ces gais bergers?Marc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Cantiones Sacre (1620) - Eingerichtet für Blechbläser von Hans-Dieter Schwarz: No. 15 - "In dulci jubilo"Samuel Scheidt, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: 12. "For unto us a Child is born"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, Pt. 2 "For the Second Day of Christmas": No. 10, SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.