Arsys Bourgogne presents a captivating and enchanting classical Christmas experience with their album "Classical Christmas," released on November 24, 2017, under the naïve classique label. This beautifully curated collection spans a little over an hour and a half, offering a diverse range of compositions that blend traditional Christmas carols with classical masterpieces.
The album opens with a festive rendition of "Jingle Bells," setting the stage for a journey through both familiar and lesser-known holiday tunes. Arsys Bourgogne masterfully interprets timeless pieces like "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" and "White Christmas," alongside intricate works such as Bach's "Cello Suites" and the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Maria." The ensemble's skillful performances bring a fresh perspective to these beloved melodies, making them feel both nostalgic and new.
"Classical Christmas" also features lesser-known gems like "Noël étranger" and "Natus est hodie dominus," showcasing the ensemble's versatility and depth. The album's second half delves into more contemporary and sacred compositions, including "Something Good" from "The Sound of Music" and the powerful "Christ Is Born, Give Glory." The inclusion of Franz Schubert's "Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major" adds a grand and uplifting finale to the collection.
Arsys Bourgogne's "Classical Christmas" is a delightful and sophisticated celebration of the season, perfect for those seeking a refined and enriching holiday listening experience. The ensemble's impeccable musicianship and thoughtful programming make this album a standout addition to any classical music lover's collection.
(C) 2017 naïveNaïve classique
Tracks
Jingle BellsJames Lord Pierpont, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Cello Suites, No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: VI. Bourrées I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Antoine Tamestit
6 Cello Suites, No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. PréludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Anne Gastinel
Ave Maria - After Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Gounod, Nathalie Stutzmann, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
White ChristmasIrving Berlin, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Noël étranger (Noël VIII)Louis-Claude Daquin, Michel Chapuis
Natus est hodie dominusAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
God Is with Us (Prophecy Of Isaiah)Traditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Livre de Noëls, Op. 2: No. 1, Noël, sur les jeux d’anches sans tremblantLouis-Claude Daquin, Mary Prat-Molinier
Carmen, WD 31, Act. III: Entr'acteGeorges Bizet, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre.Grenoble
Messa per il Santissimo Natale: I. Kyrie eleisonAlessandro Scarlatti, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano
Messa per il Santissimo Natale: V. Agnus DeiAlessandro Scarlatti, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano
Stabat Mater a quatro in C Minor: IX. Virgo virginum præclaraGiovanni Bononcini, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano, Sara Mingardo
Piano Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 28: III. Allegro moltoSergei Rachmaninoff, Nikolai Lugansky
Something GoodRichard Rodgers, Anne Sofie von Otter, Brad Mehldau
Orlando Furioso, RV 819: II. Se fedele serbi affetto (Aria)Antonio Vivaldi, Romina Basso, Modo Antiquo, Federico Maria Sardelli
Santa Claus Is Comin' to TownJ. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie, Arsys Bourgogne, Pierre Cao
Minuit chrétienAdolphe Adam, Pavol Breslik, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Christ Is Born, Give GloryTraditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Lord, I Have Cried to YouTraditional, The Russian Patriarchate Choir, Anatoly Grindenko
Beata tu virgo MariaAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
Patris eterni filioAnonymous, Ensemble Discantus, Brigitte Lesne
Où s'en vont ces gais bergersClaude Balbastre, Michel Chapuis
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: I. AllegroFranz Schubert, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre.Grenoble