Experience invites you to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with their enchanting album, "The Classical Guide to Christmas." Released in 2010 under Warner Classics International, this captivating collection spans over two hours and twenty-three minutes, featuring 54 tracks that beautifully blend classical compositions and traditional carols.
From the majestic "Bells of the Dresden Kreuzkirche" to the triumphant "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's "Messiah," Experience masterfully curates a diverse range of pieces that evoke the spirit of Christmas. The album opens with a serene instrumental selection, including works by Praetorius and Tchaikovsky, before transitioning into vocal performances that showcase both the sacred and secular aspects of the holiday season.
Experience's interpretation of "The Classical Guide to Christmas" is not just a compilation of festive favorites; it's a thoughtful exploration of the season's musical heritage. The album seamlessly weaves together compositions from renowned composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Corelli, alongside traditional carols like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "The First Noël." Each track is performed with precision and passion, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or simply looking to add some festive cheer to your holiday playlist, Experience's "The Classical Guide to Christmas" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Let the timeless melodies and harmonies of this album fill your home with the warmth and joy of the season.
Tracks
Bells of the Dresden KreuzkircheUnknown, Dresdner Kreuzchor
Praetorius, Michael : Es ist ein Ros EntsprungenMichael Praetorius, Chanticleer
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: I. OverturePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: II. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: III. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: IV. Russian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: V. Arabian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: VI. Chinese DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a: VII. Dance of the Reed-FlutesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Lazarev, The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra
Berlioz: L'enfance du Christ, Op. 25, H. 130, Part 2: "Il s'en va loin de la terre" (Choeur)Hector Berlioz, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Charpentier: Messe de minuit pour noël, H. 9: I. Kyrie eleisonMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Charpentier: Noëls sur les instruments, H. 534: No. 6, Une jeune pucelleMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Martin, Nicolas : "Nouvelles, nouvelles"Nicolas Martin, Joel Cohen
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 270 "Il riposo, per il Santissimo Natale": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Sumi Jo, Michael Schneider, Cappella Coloniensis
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 270 "Il riposo, per il Santissimo Natale": II. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, Sumi Jo, Michael Schneider, Cappella Coloniensis
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 270 "Il riposo, per il Santissimo Natale": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Sumi Jo, Michael Schneider, Cappella Coloniensis
Passereau / Bonfons : "Près Bethleem dans une estable"Jehan Bonfons, Passereau, Joel Cohen
Messiaen: La Nativité du Seigneur: I. La Vierge et l'EnfantOlivier Messiaen, Marie-Claire Alain
Certon / Daniel : Chantons Noël, menons joyeuse vieJean Daniel, Pierre Certon, Joel Cohen
Daquin: Nouveau livre de noëls: No. 6, Sur les jeux d'anches, sans tremblant et en duoLouis-Claude Daquin, Marie-Claire Alain
Bach: Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: O Jesulein Süss, BWV 493Johann Sebastian Bach, Edward Higginbottom, Choir of New College, Oxford
Schütz: Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, SWV 435 "Weihnachtshistorie": Rezitativ - BeschlussHeinrich Schütz, Louis Devos, Kurt Widmer, Musica Polyphonica, Schola Cantorum Bruxelliensis
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Pastoral Symphony "Pifa"George Frideric Handel, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Recitative. "There Were Shepherds Abiding in the Field"George Frideric Handel, Ton Koopman, Marjanne Kweksilber, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Chorus. "Glory to God"George Frideric Handel, Ton Koopman, The Sixteen, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Corelli: Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8, 'Fatto per la notte di Natale': V. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Il Giardino Armonico
Corelli: Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8, 'Fatto per la notte di Natale': VI. PastoraleArcangelo Corelli, Il Giardino Armonico
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: Chorus. "Hallelujah"George Frideric Handel, Ton Koopman, The Sixteen, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gauntlett: Once in Royal David's CityHenry John Gauntlett, Edward Higginbottom, Choir of New College, Oxford
Trad / Arr Carter : I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Sumi Jo
Trad / Arr Pettman : The Angel GabrielTraditional, Edward Higginbottom
Traditional: Go, Tell It on the Mountain (Arr. Pasatieri)Traditional, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: I Saw Three ShipsTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Trad / Arr Schifrin : What Child Is This?Traditional, José Carreras, Vjekoslav Sutej, Wiener Symphoniker
Trad / Arr Vaughan Williams : This is the Truth Sent from AboveTraditional, Chanticleer
Traditional: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Cullen)Traditional, Robin Stapleton, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Jouko Harjanne, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic
Handel: Joy to the WorldTraditional, Joel Cohen, The Boston Camerata, Brown University Chorus, Schola Cantorum of Boston
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: O TannenbaumTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Trad / Arr Pasatieri : "The first Noël"Traditional, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: The Holly and the IvyTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
The Little Drummer BoyHarry Simeone, Henry Onorati, Katherine K. Davis, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Anonymous / Arr. Cullen: Good King Wenceslas (After "Tempus adest floridum" from Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Michael George, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Adam: O Holy NightAdolphe Adam, Sumi Jo
Trad / Arr Bold, Kirkpatrick : A Lullaby & Away in a MangerTraditional, Chanticleer
Trad: Riu, riu, chiuAnonymous, The Boston Camerata, Joel Cohen
Trad / Arr Willcocks : "Quelle est cette odeur agréable"Traditional, Chanticleer
Gruber / Arr Pasatieri : "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht"Franz Xaver Gruber, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Holst / Arr. Jennings & Woodgate: 3 Hymns for the English Hymnal: No. 1, In the Bleak Mid-WinterGustav Holst, Chanticleer
Cornelius & Nicolai / Arr. Atkins: The Three KingsPeter Cornelius, Philipp Nicolai, Kiri Te Kanawa, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
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