Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hugo Distler's "Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10," a captivating a cappella choral work that brings the timeless story of Christmas to life. Composed in 1933, this oratorio is a testament to Distler's mastery of vocal composition, drawing inspiration from the sacred music of the early Baroque era, particularly the works of Heinrich Schütz. The album, released in 1979, features the Thomanerchor Leipzig under the direction of Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, renowned for their pure, natural eloquence and beautiful singing.
"Die Weihnachtsgeschichte" is a gem of a Christmas narrative, exclusively composed for vocalists—soloists and a four-part choir that sometimes divides into double choirs. The work intersperses Biblical texts about the nativity of Jesus with various settings of the hymn "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen," creating a rich and layered musical experience. The album's 23 tracks, spanning 39 minutes, offer a profound and moving journey through the Christmas story, from the annunciation to the adoration of the shepherds and the flight into Egypt.
Recorded at the Studio Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche in Leipzig, this album captures the essence of Distler's compositional genius and the exquisite vocal prowess of the Thomanerchor Leipzig. Despite being seldom performed outside of Germany, "Die Weihnachtsgeschichte" is a hidden treasure in the realm of Christmas music, deserving of a wider audience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, this album promises a rich and rewarding experience, filled with the beauty and depth of Distler's musical vision.
Tracks
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Das Volk, so im Finstern wandelt"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Es ward gesandt der Engel Gabriel"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Volker Arndt, Heidi Rieß
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "Das Röslein, das ich meine"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Maria aber stand auf"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Regina Werner
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Magnificat - Choral: "Meine Seele erhebt Gott, den Herrn - Wir bitten dich von Herzen"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Heidi Rieß, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "Das Blümelein so kleine"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Und es waren Hirten"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Volker Arndt
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Und da die Engel"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Lasset uns nun gehen"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Und sie kamen eilend"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "Die Hirten zu der Stunden"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Wo ist der neugebor'ne König"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Da das der König Herodes hörete"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Zu Bethlehem, im jüdischen Lande"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Denn also stehet geschrieben"Hugo Distler, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Hermann Christian Polster
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "Lob, Ehr sei Gott dem Vater"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Rezitativ: "Und siehe, ein Mensch war zu Jerusalem"Hugo Distler, Gothart Stier, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Choral: "So singen wir all Amen"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
Die Weihnachtsgeschichte, Op. 10: Chor: "Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt"Hugo Distler, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch
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