Blogmass 2015 Day 11

A glorious celebration of that traditional American holiday of. . . oh, wait, this is an album of German Christmas music (and a pretty good one it is).

From the jacket:

"The subtitle, "Christmas on the Rhine," indicates that these selections were produced and recorded in Germany, but the spirit they generate is universal.  Many of the carols, some of which are centruies old, have been internationally beloved for generations.  A few of them are identified with famous composers -- Praetorius' cherished "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" is equally popular in its English version, "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming, while "Schlafe mein Prinzchen, composed by the great Mozart, is so widely known that it is often called "Mozart's Lullaby."  Most of the melodies, however, are by less established composers, although they are no less appealing to listeners of all ages.  Simple and deeply sincere, these hymn-tunes have become part of the world's treasury of immortal folk-songs.  With two exceptions all the numbers, carrying the Yuletide message, are interpreted by a mixed chorus under the direction of the celebrated conductor, Werner Muller.  The Mozart "Lullaby" ("Wiegenlied) is rendered by The Eric Bender Children's Choir with a supporting String Quartet and Organ; "Transeamus" ("Gloria in Excelsis Deo") is an example of the fine musicianship of the Chorus and Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio under the direction of Joseph Kugler.  Reverberating church bells add authenticity as well as beauty to these unusually sensitive and inspirational recordings."

 
Werner Muller Mixed Chorus and Orchestra - O Tannenbaum - Christmas On The Rhine
Decca Records. DL8388

O, Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree)

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night, Holy Night)

Kommet, Ihr Hirten (Come Ye Shepherds)

Susser Die Glocken Nie Klingen (Sweeter the Bells Have Never Rung)

Leise Rieselt der Schnee (The Snow Falls Quietly)

Wiegenlied (Schlafe, mein Prinzchen) (Sleep Little Prince)

Vom Himmel Hoch (From Heaven Above To Earth I Come)

O, Du Frohliche, O Du Selige (O Thou Cheerful One, O Thou Holy One)

Es Ist Ein ros' Entsprungen (Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming)

Am Wiehnachtsbaum (By The Christmas Tree)

Alle Jahre Wieder (Again Every Year)

Ihr Kinderlein Kommet (Come Hither, Ye Children)

Transeamus (Gloria In Excelsis Deo)

Kling Glockchen (Ring, Little Bell)