Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with the Bavarian Radio Chorus's forthcoming album, "Italian Christmas," set to release on October 3, 2025, under the esteemed label BR-Klassik. This captivating collection of choral and orchestral works is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of Italy, offering a unique blend of sacred and traditional Christmas music that is sure to resonate with both classical enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
The album begins with Ottorino Respighi's "Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166," a ten-movement choral work that beautifully captures the spirit of the Nativity. Each piece within this suite is a testament to Respighi's masterful composition, with the Bavarian Radio Chorus delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. From the pastoral serenity of "Pastor, voi che vegliate" to the jubilant "Gloria in excelsis Deo," this work is a cornerstone of the album, showcasing the chorus's exceptional vocal prowess.
The second half of the album features a selection of traditional Sicilian Christmas carols, arranged for choir and chamber ensemble by Howard Arman. These arrangements breathe new life into the folk melodies, highlighting the unique cultural and musical traditions of Sicily. The Bavarian Radio Chorus's interpretation of these carols is both authentic and innovative, offering a fresh perspective on these beloved songs.
The album concludes with a live performance of Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari's "Sogno d'or, SC 82," arranged for voice, choir, and orchestra by Howard Arman. Recorded at the Stadtpfarrkirche in Hilpoltstein on November 26, 2016, this performance captures the essence of the Bavarian Radio Chorus's live performances, showcasing their ability to engage and captivate an audience.
With a total runtime of 50 minutes, "Italian Christmas" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Italian Christmas music. The Bavarian Radio Chorus's impeccable musicianship and Howard Arman's insightful arrangements make this album a standout release in the classical music genre. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or simply looking to add some festive cheer to your holiday season, "Italian Christmas" is an album that promises to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 1, Pastor, voie che vegghiateOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Eunkyung Shin
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 2, E de ciò ve dò in segnoOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 3, Segnor, tu se' discesoOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Andrew Lepri Meyer
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 4, Ecco quilla stallectaOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 5, O car dolce mio figlioOttorino Respighi, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Ruth Volpert, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 6, Figliuol, t'ho partoritoOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Ruth Volpert
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 7, GloriaOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 8, Contenti n'andremoOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 9, Vogliove consolareOttorino Respighi, Howard Arman, Ruth Volpert, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166: No. 10, Gloria in excelsis DeoOttorino Respighi, Relja Kalapis, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Emma Schied, Ramon Ortega Quero, Ivanna Ternay, Natalie Schwaabe, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Eunkyung Shin, Ruth Volpert, Max Hanft
O sanctissima (Arr. for Choir by Howard Arman)Traditional, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Howard Arman
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 10, Canzonetta di pastori (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Andreu Ferrandis, Max Hanft
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 4, La nascita del Bambino Gesù (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 7, Canzone di Natale (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Howard Arman
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 8, A Gesù bambino (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 5, La nascita del Bambino Gesù (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 1, Litania e pastorale della cornamusa (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 9, A Gesù bambino (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Canti religiosi del popolo siciliano: No. 6, Pastorale (Arr. for Choir & Chamber Ensemble by Howard Arman)Francesco Paolo Frontini, Howard Arman, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Natalie Schwaabe, Ivanna Ternay, Ramon Ortega Quero, Emma Schied, Jesús Villa Ordónez, Relja Kalapis, Andreu Ferrandis, Max Hanft, Fritz Schwinghammer
Sogno d'or, SC 82 (Arr. for Voice, Choir & Orchestra by Howard Arman) - Live at Stadtpfarrkirche, Hilpoltstein, 11/26/2016Giacomo Puccini, Chen Reiss, Howard Arman, Munich Radio Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Chorus
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