Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Heinrich Schütz's "The Christmas Story & Other Works," a captivating collection of sacred music that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. Released on November 29, 2019, under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to Schütz's mastery of Baroque composition, offering a rich tapestry of German and Latin texts that bring to life the timeless narrative of Christmas.
The centerpiece of the album is Schütz's "Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi" (The Christmas Story), a delightful series of tableaux that vividly depict the angels, shepherds, and wise men of the Nativity. This historical milestone in music is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a profound exploration of the Christmas story, structured as eight intermedia for solo voices and chorus, interspersed with instrumental accompaniment. Each segment is narrated by the Evangelist, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Complementing "The Christmas Story" are other seasonal works by Schütz, including "Hodie Christus natus est," "Magnificat," and "Ave Maria," among others. These pieces showcase the composer's versatility and deep spiritual insight, offering a diverse range of musical expressions that celebrate the joy and reverence of the Christmas season.
Performed by the Yale Schola Cantorum under the skilled direction of David Hill, this album is a triumph of vocal and instrumental artistry. The ensemble's precise and expressive performances bring Schütz's music to life, highlighting the intricate harmonies and vivid storytelling that define his work. With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a perfect companion for the holiday season, offering a moment of reflection and celebration amidst the festivities.
Heinrich Schütz, often regarded as the father of German choral music, was a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach and a key figure in the development of Baroque music. His works, including this album, continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their beauty, depth, and historical significance. "The Christmas Story & Other Works" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the rich tradition of sacred music and the timeless stories that have shaped our cultural and spiritual heritage.
Hodie Christus natus est, SWV 456Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, Haitham Haidar, Yale Schola Cantorum, James Reese
Das Wort ward Fleisch, SWV 385Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Der Engel sprach zu den Hirten, SWV 395Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Ave Maria, SWV 334Heinrich Schütz, Addy Sterrett, Bradley Sharpe, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Ein Kind ist uns geboren, SWV 384Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Magnificat, SWV 468Heinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 1, Introduction. Die Geburt unsers HerrenHeinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 2, Recit. Es begab sich aber zu derselbigen Zeit (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill, James Reese
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 3, Intermedium I. Der Engel zu den Hirten auf dem FeldeHeinrich Schütz, Addy Sterrett, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 4, Recit. Und alsbald war da bei dem Engel die Menge der Himmlischen Heerscharen (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill, James Reese
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 5, Intermedium II. Die Menge der EngelHeinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 6, Recit. Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, James Reese, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 7, Intermedium III. Die Hirten auf dem FeldeHeinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 8, Recit. Und sie kamen eilend und funden beide (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, James Reese, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 9, Intermedium IV. Die Weisen aus MorgenlandeHeinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 10, Recit. Da das der König Herodes hörete (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, James Reese, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 11, Intermedium V. Die Hohenpriester und SchriftgelehrtenHeinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 12, Recit. Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, James Reese, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 13, Intermedium VI. HerodesHeinrich Schütz, David Hill, Morgan Sullivan, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 14, Recit. Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, James Reese, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 15, Intermedium VII. Der Engel zu JosephHeinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, Addy Sterrett, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 16, Recit. Und er stund auf und nahm das Kindlein (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, David Hill, James Reese, Yale Schola Cantorum
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 17, Intermedium VIII. Der Engel zu Joseph in ÄgyptenHeinrich Schütz, Yale Schola Cantorum, Addy Sterrett, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 18, Recit. Und er stund auf und nahm das Kindlein (Evangelist)Heinrich Schütz, James Reese, Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill
Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435: No. 19, Beschluß. Dank sagen wir alle GottHeinrich Schütz, David Hill, Yale Schola Cantorum
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