Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with Felix Mendelssohn's "Relaxing Christmas," a captivating collection of classical and choral masterpieces set to release on December 5, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label. This two-hour and twenty-three-minute album is a harmonious blend of chamber music, classical piano, and choral arrangements, perfect for setting the mood during the festive season.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from timeless Christmas carols like "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger" to classical piano pieces such as "Kinderszenen, Op. 15" and "Prelude in G Major." Mendelssohn's iconic works, including selections from "The Nutcracker" and "The Four Seasons," are also prominently featured, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and emotions.
"Relaxing Christmas" is not just an album; it's an experience. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of holiday shopping or seeking the perfect backdrop for a cozy evening at home, this album provides a soothing and uplifting soundtrack. The carefully curated selection of tracks, arranged by renowned musicians like Chris Hazell and Wilhelm Kempff, ensures a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.
From the serene beauty of "Ave Maria" to the lively energy of "Jul, jul strålande jul," this album captures the essence of the Christmas spirit. It's a celebration of love, joy, and the timeless magic of the season, brought to life through the brilliant compositions of Felix Mendelssohn and his contemporaries.
So, pour yourself a warm drink, settle in, and let the enchanting melodies of "Relaxing Christmas" transport you to a world of holiday cheer and musical splendor.
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu bleibet meine Freude (Arr. Forsberg for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Bengt Forsberg
Heilige NachtJohann Friedrich Reichardt, Regensburger Domspatzen
Sweet Was the SongAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Jakob Lindberg
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14 / Act 2: No. 14c Pas de deux. The Prince and the Sugar-Plum Fairy: Variation II (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy) - Live at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles / 2013Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
Silent Night - arr. by Chris HazellFranz Xaver Gruber, Bryn Terfel, Catrin Finch, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
Rocking - Arr. David WillcocksAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Advent-Motette Op. 176: 4. Ex SionJosef Rheinberger, Dresdner Kreuzchor
6 Kinderstücke Op. 72: IV. Andante con moto, MWV U 169Felix Mendelssohn, Daniel Barenboim
Maria durch ein Dornwald gingHeinrich Kaminski, Dresdner Kreuzchor
I Wonder As I WanderJohn Jacob Niles, Anne Sofie von Otter, Svante Henryson, Markus Leoson
Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Grigory Sokolov
Concerto grosso No. 12 in C Major, Op. 3/12 "Christmas Concerto": II. LargoFrancesco Manfredini, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungenTraditional, Brass Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
The Sussex Mummers' Christmas CarolPercy Grainger, Bengt Forsberg
Away in A MangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
What Child Is ThisTraditional, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
The Four Seasons: WinterAntonio Vivaldi, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Jul, jul strålande julGustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 (Arr. Kempff for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier, BWV 469Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Birjina gaztettobat zegoenTraditional, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
Kinderszenen, Op. 15: I. Von fremden Ländern und MenschenRobert Schumann, Martha Argerich
Kinderszenen, Op. 15: IV. Bittendes KindRobert Schumann, Martha Argerich
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 (Arr. Kempff for Piano) - Arranged For Piano By Wilhelm KempffJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14 / Act 2: No. 12b Divertissement: Coffee (Arabian Dance) - Live at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles / 2013Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Wild Wood CarolJohn Rutter, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - arr. by Chris HazellHugh Martin, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
5 Pieces for Piano, Op. 75: No. 5, The SpruceJean Sibelius, Bengt Forsberg
Betlehems stjärnaAlice Tegner, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Prelude in G MajorChristian Badzura, Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Ave MariaIgor Stravinsky, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
White Christmas - arranged by Chris HazellIrving Berlin, Bryn Terfel, Bing Crosby, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
Snowflakes (Arr. for Piano)Shuai Zhang, Lang Lang
Adeste fidelesCarl Thiel, Regensburger Domspatzen
Mary's Boy ChildJester Hairston, Bryn Terfel, Malcolm Martineau
Navidad Nuestra - Arranged By Mack Wilberg: El NacimientoAriel Ramírez, Bryn Terfel, Rolando Villazón, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
TourdionPierre Attaingnant, New York Pro Musica, Noah Greenberg
PavanePierre Attaingnant, New York Pro Musica, Noah Greenberg
A Hymn To The VirginBenjamin Britten, Dresdner Kreuzchor
Candlelight Carol - adapted by Chris HazellJohn Rutter, Bryn Terfel, Côrdydd, Sioned James, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans