Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Once, as I remember..." by The Monteverdi Choir, conducted by the esteemed Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Released in 1998 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this captivating album is a celebration of choral music that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this collection features 30 tracks that blend traditional carols, sacred hymns, and classical pieces, creating a harmonious tapestry of sound. The Monteverdi Choir, renowned for their technical precision and emotive performances, delivers a breathtaking rendition of each piece, showcasing their impeccable balance, intonation, and vocal prowess.
The album opens with the majestic "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and includes beloved classics such as "Ave Maria," "Hodie Christus natus est," and "O magnum mysterium." It also features lesser-known gems like "Entre le boeuf, Guillô, pran ton tamborin" and "Psallite," adding a touch of diversity and richness to the collection. The final track, "Gloria in excelsis deo," brings the album to a triumphant close.
Recorded in the acoustically splendid Church of St. Peter & St. Paul in Salle, Norfolk, the album benefits from the choir's resonant and reverberant setting, enhancing the overall listening experience. The Monteverdi Choir's interpretation of these timeless pieces is both reverent and innovative, making "Once, as I remember..." a standout addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Whether you're seeking to enhance your holiday festivities or simply appreciate the artistry of choral music, this album offers a profound and uplifting experience that transcends the ordinary.
Gloria in excelsis DeoRobert Cowper, Katherine Fuge, Nicola Jenkin, Eleazer de Carvalo, Julian Podger, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ave Maria, gratia plenaAnonymous, Sara Mingardo, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Angelus ad virginemAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Alma Redemptoris Mater - Ed. J. DixonGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Julian Podger, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Gabriel's Message (Basque Carol)Anonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Hodie Christus natus estGiovanni Bassano, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Jolly sheperdAnonymous, Noel Mann, Rachel Beckett, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Hodie Christus natus estJan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Past Three a ClockAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen - Arr. M. Praetorius; Canon a 4 by Melchior Vulpius (c1570-1615)Anonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
There is no rose of such virtuAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ave maris stellaLajos Bárdos, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
A spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Michael McCarthy, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
O magnum mysteriumWilliam Byrd, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ach Herr, Du SchöpferHeinrich Schütz, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
This endris nightAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Entre le boeufAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Guillô, pran ton tamborinAnonymous, Noel Mann, Rachel Beckett, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Psallite. French Anonymous Chanson "Ho la hé" - In Latin and GermanAnonymous, Jeremy West, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Quem vidistes pastores?Richard Dering, Jeremy West, Michael Harrison, Susan Addison, Abigail Newman, Adam Woolf, Robert Goodhew, Ian Watson, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The CradleAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
LullabyWilliam Byrd, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
El RorroAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Once As I RememberAnonymous, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The LambJohn Tavener, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Joseph, lieber Joseph meinJohann Gottfried Walther, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Entry Of The Three Kings - IntroitJohn Gardner, The Monteverdi Choir, John Anderson, John Eliot Gardiner
The King of all KingsAnonymous, Katherine Fuge, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Ring out ye crystal spheres - Written for the "Springhead Christmas Play", 1955Robert Armstrong, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Gloria in excelsis deoThomas Weelkes, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
The Monteverdi Choir, founded in 1964 by the esteemed conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional performances of early music. Specialising in Baroque and Renaissance repertoire, this acclaimed ensemble has consistently pushed the boundaries of historically informed performance. With a rich discography and numerous awards to their name, the Monteverdi Choir is celebrated for its stylistic authenticity and emotional resonance. Often collaborating with the English Baroque Soloists and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, also founded by Gardiner, the choir delivers captivating interpretations of sacred music, chamber works, and operas. Their commitment to excellence and innovative approach make them a standout ensemble in the classical music scene.
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The Monteverdi Choir
