Gustav Holst's enchanting album, 'In the Bleak Midwinter - Winter Classics', is a masterful collection of winter-inspired classical pieces, carefully curated to evoke the magic and wonder of the season. Released on 28 November 2024 via UME - Global Clearing House, this captivating 2-hour and 23-minute album is a treasure trove of orchestral delights, showcasing the timeless beauty of classical music.
Featuring an exquisite array of traditional carols, such as 'In the Bleak Midwinter', 'Ave Maria', and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', alongside lesser-known gems like 'Marias vaggsång' and 'Birjina gaztettobat zegoen', this album is a testament to Gustav Holst's profound understanding of the classical genre. The inclusion of instrumental pieces, including 'Snowflakes' and 'Lyric Pieces, Book 7, Op. 62: No. 4, Brooklet', adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, highlighting the artist's ability to craft a nuanced and engaging listening experience.
With its rich, orchestral soundscapes and poignant melodies, 'In the Bleak Midwinter - Winter Classics' is an album that will resonate deeply with fans of classical music. Gustav Holst's thoughtful curation and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in a truly exceptional collection, one that is sure to become a staple of winter playlists for years to come. As the seasons change and the winter months approach, immerse yourself in the beauty and splendour of this magnificent album, and let the timeless charm of Gustav Holst's 'In the Bleak Midwinter - Winter Classics' envelop and inspire you.
Marias vaggsång (org.Mariae Wiegenlied)Max Reger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Villancicos espanolas: Villancico VascoJoaquin Nin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Rocking - Arr. David WillcocksAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"Felix Mendelssohn, Christopher Herrick, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Ave MariaIgor Stravinsky, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12: No. 4, Domine, ego credidiCamille Saint-Saëns, Jonathan Tetelman, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, Capella Cracoviensis, Karel Mark Chichon
Ave Maris StellaEdvard Grieg, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Birjina gaztettobat zegoenTraditional, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Koppangen - English VersionPereric Moraeus, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengan Jansson, Kalle Moraeus, Svante Henryson
Away in A MangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
In dulci jubilo à 2Traditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
In dulci jubilo à 2Michael Praetorius, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
In dulci jubilo à 3Michael Praetorius, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
In dulci jubilo à 4Michael Praetorius, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Resonet in laudibusTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Resonet in Laudibus à 4Christian Erbach, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Snowflakes (Arr. for Piano)Shuai Zhang, Lang Lang
In dulci jubilo (Gesangbuch von Joseph Klug, 14. Jhdt.) - Arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall (1795-1856)Traditional, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Lyric Pieces, Book 7, Op. 62: No. 4, BrookletEdvard Grieg, Emil Gilels
There Stood In Heaven A Linden Tree - Arr. G.H. PalmerAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Preter rerum seriemTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
O SapientiaTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
O Sapientia à 5Robert Ramsey, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Quem vidistis pastoresTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Alma redemptoris materTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Maria durch ein Dornwald gingHeinrich Kaminski, Dresdner Kreuzchor
Mary's Boy ChildJester Hairston, Bryn Terfel, Malcolm Martineau
Hymn To The Mother Of GodJohn Tavener, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Magnificat 1Giles Swayne, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Conditor alme siderum / Conditor alme siderum à 3Traditional, Guillaume Dufay, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Quem vidistis pastores à 7Cipriano de Rore, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
"Panis Angelicus", IAC 25César Franck, Plácido Domingo, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Marcello Viotti
Oh, Come, All Ye FaithfulJohn Francis Wade, Bryn Terfel, Côrdydd, Sioned James, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
Candlelight Carol - adapted by Chris HazellJohn Rutter, Bryn Terfel, Côrdydd, Sioned James, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
In The Bleak Midwinter (Arr. Amy Crankshaw for Solo Cello and Strings)Gustav Holst, Sophie Kauer, Scoring Berlin
The Seasons, Op. 37a: XI. November. TroikaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Bruce Liu
The Seasons, Op. 37a: XII. December. ChristmasPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Bruce Liu
The Four Seasons, Winter, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Michel Schwalbé, Eberhard Finke, Horst Gobel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Blithe Bells (Arr. of "Sheep May Safely Graze" from J.S. Bach, BWV 208)Percy Grainger, Bengt Forsberg
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Transcr. Hess for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Daniil Trifonov
"Still, still, still"Traditional, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans, Côrdydd
Jesus Christ The Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Resonet in laudibus - Arr. Herbert Birtner (1900-1942)Michael Praetorius, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, Christopher Herrick