Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's "Christmas Concertos," a captivating collection of Baroque masterpieces set to release on November 28, 2024, via UME - Global Clearing House. This album is a celebration of the festive season, featuring a rich tapestry of concertos, arias, and orchestral suites that showcase Handel's unparalleled genius and his enduring influence on classical music.
Spanning a generous 1 hour and 51 minutes, "Christmas Concertos" is a comprehensive journey through Handel's festive repertoire. The album opens with the iconic "Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, 'Fatto per la Notte di Natale,'" a work renowned for its dramatic contrasts and pastoral charm. This is followed by a diverse array of concertos and suites, including the majestic "Solomon, HWV 67," the enchanting "Noëls sur les instruments," and the lively "Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537."
The album also features beloved works by Johann Sebastian Bach, such as the serene "Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068" and the evocative "Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 'L'inverno.'" These pieces, along with others by Handel and his contemporaries, create a harmonious blend of styles and moods, from the jubilant to the contemplative.
"Christmas Concertos" is not just an album; it's an experience that invites you to explore the depths of Handel's musical legacy. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a wealth of discoveries and delights. So, dim the lights, pour a glass of wine, and let the enchanting melodies of George Frideric Handel transport you to a world of Baroque splendor.
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": 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, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": 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, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": V. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": VI. Pastorale: LargoArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Solomon, HWV 67 / Act III: Sinfonia "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noëls sur les instruments, H 531, 534: I. Vous qui désirez sans finMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noëls sur les instruments, H 531, 534: II. A la venue de NoëlMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noëls sur les instruments, H 531, 534: III. Or nous dites, MarieMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Noëls sur les i nstruments, H 531, 534: IV. Où s'en vont ces gais bergers?Marc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto Pastorale in G Major: I. Larghetto - Allegro e forte - (Larghetto)Johann Melchior Molter, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert
Concerto Pastorale In G Major: II. a tempo giusto - Lento e sempre piano - Tempo die MenuettoJohann Melchior Molter, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert
Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mark Bennett, Michael Harrison, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Mark Bennett, Michael Harrison, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mark Bennett, Michael Harrison, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 6: Pastorale In G Major - Andante SostenutoGiuseppe Sammartini, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto polonois in G Major for Strings and B.C. (43:G7): I. DolceGeorg Philipp Telemann, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto polonois in G Major for Strings and B.C., TWV43:G7: II. AllegroGeorg Philipp Telemann, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto polonois in G Major for Strings and B.C. (43:G7): III. LargoGeorg Philipp Telemann, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto polonois in G Major for Strings and B.C. (43:G7): IV. AllegroGeorg Philipp Telemann, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: I. OuvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: II. Allegro ma non troppoGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: IV. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: V. A tempo ordinarioGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: VI. Alla breve. ModeratoGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: VII. Menuet (Allegro)George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 "L'inverno": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Simon Standage, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Oboe Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, HWV 302a: III. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, David Reichenberg, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Canon and Gigue in D Major: I. CanonJohann Pachelbel, Henk Bouman, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Canon and Gigue in D Major: II. GigueJohann Pachelbel, Henk Bouman, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VII. MenuetJohann Sebastian Bach, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Water Music, Suites 2 & 3 in D/G, HWV 348: VIII. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Oboe Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: I. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, David Reichenberg, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in C Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 HWV 326: IV. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Simon Standage, Elizabeth Wilcock
Sonata No.2 In E Flat Major, BWV 1031: 2. SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilbert Hazelzet, Henk Bouman
Concerto for Recorder and Strings in A minor: I. Largo- Staccato e dolceDomenico Sarro, Gudrun Heyens, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Flute Concerto in G Minor, Op. 10/2, RV 439 "La notte": III. Largo – IV. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Andreas Blau, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: 5. BourréeJohann Sebastian Bach, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Water Music, Suites 2 & 3 in D/G, HWV 348: VII. Menuet (I)George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Major, Op. 3, No. 3 HWV 314: II. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV. 1047: II. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Sinfonia for Strings and Continuo in G Major, R. 149: I. Allegro moltoAntonio Vivaldi, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Sinfonia for Strings and Continuo in G Major, R. 149: II. AndanteAntonio Vivaldi, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
SiSinfonia for Strings and Continuo in G Major, R. 149: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in D Minor, Op. 3, No. 5 HWV 316: III. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: II. Adagio e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto for Violin and Strings in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1, RV 269 "La Primavera": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Simon Standage, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
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.