Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the holiday season with Adolphe Adam's "O Holy Night," a captivating collection of sacred and festive music that spans centuries and genres. Released on December 20, 2024, this album is a treasure trove of beloved carols and classical masterpieces, meticulously curated to evoke the spirit of Christmas and the profound messages of hope, redemption, and joy that define the season.
At the heart of the album is the iconic title track, "O Holy Night," composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. This sacred song, originally written in French as "Cantique de Noël," has become a global Christmas classic, celebrated for its powerful lyrics and stirring melody. The album features this timeless carol alongside a diverse array of works, including traditional hymns, choral pieces, and instrumental arrangements that showcase the rich tapestry of Christmas music.
From the soaring vocals of "Adeste Fideles" and the serene beauty of "Ave Maria" to the jubilant strains of "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" and the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, this album offers a comprehensive journey through the sounds of the season. The inclusion of lesser-known gems like "Preter rerum seriem" and "Quem vidistis pastores" adds depth and variety, while the instrumental pieces, such as Bach's "Prelude in C Major" and the "Christmas Concerto" by Corelli, provide moments of reflection and contemplation.
Adolphe Adam, born in Paris in 1803, was a prolific composer known for his contributions to ballet and opera, as well as his sacred music. His legacy is celebrated in this album, which not only features his own compositions but also pays homage to the broader tradition of Christmas music. The album's duration of 2 hours and 27 minutes ensures that there is something for every taste and mood, making it an essential addition to any holiday playlist.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Adolphe Adam or a newcomer to his music, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. The careful selection of tracks and the high-quality performances ensure that "O Holy Night" will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations for years to come.
Fughetta: Vom Himmel hoch, BWV 701Johann Sebastian Bach, Simon Preston
Vaterunser Op. 2: Zu uns komme dein Reich."Das sind goldne Himmelspfade"Peter Cornelius, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Jörg Demus
Resonet in laudibusTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Preter rerum seriemTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
O SapientiaTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Vater Unser (Version for Cello and Piano)Arvo Pärt, Camille Thomas, Julien Brocal
In dulci jubiloMichael Praetorius, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Robert Bodenröder, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Ave MariaIgor Stravinsky, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Morgenlicht leuchtet (Morning Has Broken) - EKG 455 - Arranged By John RutterTraditional, Maria Todtenhaupt, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey
Aus meines Herzens Grunde - EG 443Traditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Prelude In G, BWV 568Johann Sebastian Bach, Jörg Strodthoff
Quem vidistis pastoresTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Alma redemptoris materTraditional, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
In dulci jubilo à 4Michael Praetorius, Alexander Blachly, Pomerium
Bewahre uns Gott - EG 171 - Arranged By Michael ReifAnders Ruuth, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Großer Gott, wir loben dich - EG 331 - Arranged By Hans-Georg SpiegelTraditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren - EG 317Traditional, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book 1, BWV 846-869: Prelude In C Major BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Maria Todtenhaupt
O du fröhliche, o du seligeAnonymous, Regensburger Domspatzen
Laudate, omnes gentes (Lobsingt ihr Völker alle) - EG 181.6Jacques Berthier, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Nun danket alle Gott - EG 321Johann Crüger, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Messa degli Apostoli: Toccata avanti il RicercarGirolamo Frescobaldi, Timothy Roberts
Hymn To The Mother Of GodJohn Tavener, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Geh aus mein Herz, und suche Freud - EG 503Augustin Harder, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Ich lobe meinen Gott von ganzem Herzen - EKG 272 - Arranged By Michael ReifClaude Fraysse, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey
Eine feste Burg ist unser Gott - EKG 362Martin Luther, Jörg Strodthoff
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 3: XLIII. "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"George Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part One - For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 8 Aria (Baß): "Großer Herr, o starker König"Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Holl, Trumpet Ensemble Ludwig Guttler, Staatskapelle Dresden, Peter Schreier
Wohl denen die da wandeln - EKG 295Heinrich Schütz, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Requiem: IIh. IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, José Carreras, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Eurydice), Wq. 30 - Arr. D. Alagna: Che faro senza EuridiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Roberto Alagna, London Orchestra, Yvan Cassar
Von guten Mächten treu und still ergeben - NGL 276Siegfried Fietz, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff, Simon Halsey
Ave verum corpus, K.618Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maria Todtenhaupt, Jörg Strodthoff
Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben Cantata, BWV 147 - Arr. Peter Hurford: Jesu, Joy Of Man's DesiringJohann Sebastian Bach, Peter Hurford
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": III. Adagio – Allegro – AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto for 3 Trumpets, 2 Oboes, Timpani, Strings and Continuo in D Major: I. IntradaGeorg Philipp Telemann, Hannes Läubin, Wolfgang Läubin, Bernhard Läubin, Simon Preston, English Chamber Orchestra