Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with Johann Sebastian Bach's "50 of the Best: Classical Music for Christmas." This captivating album, released on November 17, 2025, under Naxos Special Projects, is a treasure trove of classical and classical piano compositions that encapsulate the spirit of the holiday season. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 19 minutes, this collection is a testament to Bach's timeless genius and his ability to evoke the essence of Christmas through his music.
The album features a diverse array of tracks, from traditional carols to intricate motets, each meticulously arranged and performed to perfection. Highlights include the joyous "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage" and the serene "A Hymn to the Virgin," showcasing Bach's versatility and mastery of the classical genre. The inclusion of beloved carols such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Adeste fideles" (O Come All Ye Faithful) adds a familiar and comforting touch, making this album a delightful blend of the classic and the traditional.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or simply looking to enhance your holiday season with beautiful melodies, this album offers a rich and fulfilling listening experience. Bach's compositions, coupled with the exquisite arrangements and performances, create a harmonious celebration of Christmas that is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Tracks
Once in Royal David's CityHenry John Gauntlett, Robert Stringer, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Donald Hunt
Ding! Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. A. Pitts for Choir)Thoinot Arbeau, Tonus Peregrinus, Antony Pitts
Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die TageJohann Sebastian Bach, Magyar Rádió Énekkara, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Géza Oberfrank
For unto us a child Is bornGeorge Frideric Handel, The Scholars Baroque Ensemble
No. 17, Glory to God in the Highest (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, The Scholars Baroque Ensemble
Christmas Overture (Arr. S. Baynes)Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Christopher de la Hoyde, William Goldring, Reuben Thomas, Simon Wall, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
VI. Pastorale. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Anna Holbling, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
VII. Pastorale. AndantePietro Locatelli, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Sir David Willcocks)Traditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
Joy to the World (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Anonymous)George Frideric Handel, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Raymond Johnston, Donald Hunt
No. 7, This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, Skaila Kanga, New London Children's Choir, Ronald Corp
4 Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: No. 4, Hodie Christus Natus EstFrancis Poulenc, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
Corpus Christi CarolBenjamin Britten, Finchley Children's Music Group, John Evanson, Grace Rossiter
Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night) [Arr. J.E. West for Choir]Adolphe Adam, Vasari Singers, Martin Ford, Jeremy Backhouse
A LullabyGerald Finzi, Blossom Street, Hilary Campbell
Lullay My Liking, Op. 34, No. 2Gustav Holst, Finchley Children's Music Group, Grace Rossiter
O magnum mysterium - LiveMorten Lauridsen, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
Stille Nacht, Heilige NachtFranz Xaver Gruber, German Boys Choir
Away in a Manger (Arr. D. Willcocks for Soprano & Choir)William J. Kirkpatrick, Ann Hoyt, Trinity Church Choir, New York
IIb. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
No. 6, WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
In terra pax, Op. 39 "Christmas Scene"Gerald Finzi, Julia Doyle, Roderick Williams, Mark Williams, City of London Choir, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Pt. 2: No. 8, L'adieu des bergers à la sainte famille (Sung in English) [Arr. for Choir & Organ by Tim Howard]Hector Berlioz, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
In dulci jubiloTraditional, Trinity Church Choir, New York
No. 3, Die KönigePeter Cornelius, Richard Lippold, Trinity Church Choir, New York, Owen Burdick
The First Noel (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Sir David Willcocks)Traditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
In the Bleak MidwinterGustav Holst, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Raymond Johnston, Donald Hunt
Nativity CarolJohn Rutter, Vasari Singers, Martin Ford, Jeremy Backhouse
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Roderick Williams, City of London Choir, Hilary Davan Wetton
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