In Dulci Jubilo

1. Chorale prelude for organ ("In dulci jubilo"), BWV 729
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Robert Grogan

2. Introduction and Pastorale for Organ
Composed by Bernardo Pasquini
with Robert Grogan

3. In Dulci Jubilo, for chorus, 2 violins & continuo, BuxWV 52
Composed by Dietrich [composer] Buxtehude
with Robert Grogan

4. Chorale Prelude for organ in A Minor, BuxWV 217, "Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
Composed by Dietrich [composer] Buxtehude
with Robert Grogan

5. Noël suisse, carol
Composed by Claude-Beninge Balbastre
with Robert Grogan

6. Adeste Fideles Variations: Theme & Seven Variations, for organ
Composed by Thomas II Adams
with Robert Grogan

7. Weihnachtsbaum, for piano, S. 186 (LW A267)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Robert Grogan

8. Weihnachtsbaum, for piano, S. 186 (LW A267) No. 3, Die Hirten an der Krippe (In dulci jubilo), S 186/3
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Robert Grogan

9. Weihnachtsbaum, for piano, S. 186 (LW A267) No. 8, Altes proveçalisches Weihnachtslied, S186/8
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Robert Grogan

10. Noël, for organ
Composed by Charles-Alexis Chauvet
with Robert Grogan

11. Offertory on Christmas Themes, for organ
Composed by Leon Boellmann
with Robert Grogan

12. Variations on an Old Carol Tune
Composed by Geoffrey Shaw
with Robert Grogan

13. Puer natus est, berceuse for organ
Composed by Dom Paul Benoit
with Robert Grogan

14. English Carols for Organ Finale: Rhapsody on "Sussex Carol"
Composed by Norberto Guinaldo
with Robert Grogan

15. Variations (6) on "The Coventry Carol", for organ
Composed by Robin Milford
with Robert Grogan

16. Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, prelude & chorale for organ
Composed by Hugo Distler
with Robert Grogan

17. Jesu, meine Freude, pastorale for organ
Composed by Barrie Cabena
with Robert Grogan

18. Heer Jezus heeft een hofken, variations for organ
Composed by Albert de Klerk
with Robert Grogan

19. Chorale Preludes, for keyboard
Composed by Samuel Barber
with Robert Grogan

20. In dulci jubilo
Composed by Hendrik Andriessen
with Robert Grogan

In Dulci Jubilo,Thomas II Adams,Hendrik Andriessen,Johann Sebastian Bach,Claude-Beninge Balbastre,Samuel Barber,Dom Paul Benoit,Leon Boellmann,Dietrich Buxtehude,Barrie Cabena,Charles-Alexis Chauvet,Hugo Distler,Norberto Guinaldo,Albert de Klerk,Franz Liszt,Robin Milford,Bernardo Pasquini,Geoffrey (composer) Shaw,Robert Grogan,Gothic Records,Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Keyboard,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Music for Keyboard,Music for Organ,Suite/Partita for Keyboard,Xmas Classical Instrumental

Average customer rating: organ works by bach Hurford plays very musically Disappointing This album belongs amongst the first four or five in every Bach collection. Never a dull moment in this Bach recording.....

Bach: Great Organ Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Passacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Organ Spectacular Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering An Organ Blaster Sampler Organ of the Mormon Tabernacle Great Toccatas ASIN: B000004248 Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565
2. Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, BWV 727
3. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme, BWV 645
4. Fantasia And Fugue In G Minor, BWV 542
5. Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier, BWV 730
6. Passacaglia And Fugue In C Minor, BWV 582
7. Prelude And Fugue In E Flat Major ('St. Anne'), BWV 552
8. Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659
9. Fantasia And Fugue In C Minor, BWV 537

Tracks:

1. Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564
2. In Dulci Jublio, BWV 729
3. Prelude And Fugue In A Minor, BWV 543
4. Fantasia In G Major, BWV 572
5. Prelude And Fugue In D Major, BWV 532
6. Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen G'mein, BWV 734
7. Wo Soll Ich Fliehen Hin, BWV 694
8. Fantasia In C Minor, BWV 562
9. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor ('Dorian'), BWV 538

Customer Reviews:

organ works by bach.......2007-01-10

excellent. unforgettable works by one of the masters, the grand organs have their own place in time mostly heard in church surroundings. this brings it home.cigar, brandy, toccata and fugue d minor, heaven.

Hurford plays very musically.......2006-11-24

Peter Hurford is a wonderul musician.. his interpretations of this music are musical.. (esp. with the St. Anne Fugue where each of the three variations are connected with beatiful transitions..)
A wonderful recording.. in an era where everything has to be perfect,
it's nice to hear an artist take some risk and give us their own
personal, unique, and original interpretations.

Disappointing.......2006-07-27

When you buy a CD like this, the one thing you expect of the artist is to nail the intro to Toccata and Fugue In D Minor, Bach's great masterwork and the lead piece on the CD. Unfortunately, the organist plays the intro robotically, truncating notes and overextending pauses. He rushes some passages so badly in the intro that one cannot distinguish the melodic line. Toccata and Fugue In D Minor is so musically advanced that it sounds modern even today, but you miss that with this recording.

This album belongs amongst the first four or five in every Bach collection........2006-07-27

What to say about these extraordinary works?

First of all, that this is a double-album full of titanic masterworks, intelligently and skillfully performed. These discs belong amongst the first four or five albums in every Bach collection. The famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor is here, together with another, lesser-known but equally awe-inspiring "Dorian" Toccata and Fugue in D minor. There are quite a few other familiar war-horses---the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, the St. Anne Prelude and Fugue, and the Tocatta, Adagio, and Fugue in C (which I first encountered in a piano transcription performed by Evgeny Kissin, on his album with the Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition... well worth hearing next to the original organ writing here), among others---and some more obscure pieces as well to keep us out of "greatest hits" territory (almost always a drawback in recital albums). Like the Mozart piano concerti and the Beethoven symphonies, Bach's compositions for organ are amongst the towering summits of Western music; there is nothing else like them.

Since I'm playing critic here, I suppose I ought to offer at least a bit of actual criticism, rather than only effusive praise. While many would beg to differ, three composers (whose careers, interestingly, were almost exactly chronologically contiguous) are, by a long-standing historical consensus, recognized to occupy the highest tier of artistic achievement in "common practice," tonal music: Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Of those three masters, Mozart alone is recognized as having achieved a perfect or near-perfect balance between subject and object, style and substance: Bach tipped the balance just a bit in favor of objectivity and substance, and Beethoven in favor of subjectivity and style. And so, just as I find that Beethoven's music does not hold up quite as well as Mozart's to repeated listenings because his stylistic and emotive devices are less effective once you've heard them before, so that they no longer take you by surprise, so too do I find that Bach's music, especially in the long contrapuntal sections, is not always as worthwhile for listening as it is for theoretical analysis... it is perhaps not quite as valuable in practice as it is in theory, in other words. The organ pieces on these discs are sublime masterpieces, but if they do fall short of absolute perfection it is for being somewhat dry and academic.

In addition, the different organs Herford plays here so often produce, as good organs will, such a staggering, chest-rumbling roar that you have trouble discerning the pitches in these compositions. It's a similar problem to listening to harpsichord music, where at times you hear just a lot of clanging and can't tell what note or chord is being played. It's not a big problem on these recordings, but it is a little distracting at times.

Nevertheless, it's said that what makes a work of art a masterpiece is not its being perfect or flawless, but rather that its virtues are so meaningful and effective that they compensate for the piece's flaws and imperfections. In fact, in sublime pieces such as these, it's precisely that imbalance, or aesthetic asymmetry, you might say, that makes the music dynamic and exciting: it creates an inner tension, a sort of yearning or striving that, in the hands of the greatest of masters (of which Bach is uncontestably one), makes for a transcendent artistic statement and an invaluable testament to the human experience.

In short, buy this album and listen to it often!

Never a dull moment in this Bach recording............2006-05-29

Peter Hurford is perhaps one of the foremost organists of his time. He has not only studied music but law as well, giving a scholarly twist on his education. I have always been pleased by his interpretations of Bach. They are no-nonsense, with strict tempos, clean, accurate passages, and registrations which are very lush and vibrant. For the new fan of Bach, there is no better place to start, as this set contains all of the "big" organ pieces for which Bach became legendary, as well as a few well-known chorale preludes. For those who wish to explore Bach's organ contributions in more detail, buy Hurford's complete Bach recordings (Although I believe it is out of print or very hard to obtain, as I have not yet found one). If this is the case, buy Marie-Claire Alain's version on Erato. No two organists understand Bach better.

Average customer rating: Flats and Sharps Still new... and fantastic A Swingle Singers Half Treasure - A capella reigns Best Swingles Ever

The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus Johann Sebastian Bach , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and The Swingle Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gigue | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Keyboard Classics Swingle Singers Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1 Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 2 Christmastime ASIN: B00000632P Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

1. Ein' feste Burg - Johann Sebastian Bach_
2. Organ Fugue from Fantasia and fugue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
3. The Well -Tempered Clavier: Prelude XVIII - Johann Sebastian Bach_
4. Cantata No. 140: Chorale prelude from Cantata No. 140 'Wachet Auf' - Johann Sebastian Bach_
5. Wachet Auf: Chorale from 'Wachet Auf' - Johann Sebastian Bach_
6. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier - Johann Sebastian Bach_
7. In Dulci Jubilo - Chorale Prelude - Johann Sebastian Bach_
8. In Dulci Jubilo - Chorale - Johann Sebastian Bach_
9. Andante fromSonata No. 2 for unaccompanied violin - Johann Sebastian Bach_
10. First movement from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
11. Cantata No. 208: Schafe konnen Sicher Weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze) from Cantata No. 208 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
12. Badinerie from Suite No. 2 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
13. Fugue VIII fromThe Well-Tempered Clavier - Johann Sebastian Bach_
14. Three - Part Invention - Johann Sebastian Bach_
15. Mass In B Minor: Et Resurrexit from Mass in B minor - Johann Sebastian Bach_
16. Bist Du Bei Mir - Johann Sebastian Bach_
17. St. Mathew Passion: Blute Nur, Du Liebes Herz - Johann Sebastian Bach_
18. Organ Fugue: Alla Gigue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
19. Suite No. 3: Air from Suite No. 3 (Air on a G String) - Johann Sebastian Bach_
20. Little Organ Fugue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
21. Cantata No. 60: Es Ist Genug from Cantata No. 60 - Johann Sebastian Bach_

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 40: Die Zauberflote - Overture - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
2. Symphony No. 40: I Molto Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
3. Symphony No. 40: II Andante - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
4. Symphony No. 40: III Minuetto: allegretto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
5. Symphony No. 40: IV Finale: Allegro assai - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
6. Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
7. String Quartet In G Major: Finale from String Quartet in G major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
8. Cosi fan tutte: Un' Aura Amorosa from Cost fan tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
9. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Finale: Rondo from Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
10. Finale from Horn Concerto No. 4 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
11. Canzonetta from Don Giovanni - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
12. Terzettino from Cosi Fan Tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
13. Gigue - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
14. Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
15. Hostias from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
16. Requiem: Quam Olim Abrahae from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
17. Piano Sonata In A Major: Finale: Alla Turca from Piano Sonata in A major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
18. Fantasia In F Minor And Major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Customer Reviews:

Flats and Sharps.......2007-05-18

I enjoy the Swingle Singers very much but sadly, in this album they are flat on about half of the tracks. When they are on key, they are very, very good. When they are flat they are awful. Recommendation: buy a different Swingle Singers CD.

Still new... and fantastic.......2007-03-25

As time goes by, these recordings seem to become better and better. Fresh, perfect... fantastic CD.

A Swingle Singers Half Treasure -.......2007-03-10

If you love Bach and are a fan of the Swingle Singers, buy this CD. Fans of the Swingle Singers enjoy them for what they do to music - release it with air and bounce - and their style is perfectly suited for Bach. I couldn't enjoy it more. But the second Cd in this set is their treatment of Mozart, and, for me, it's inconsistent. This is due to the different styles of the two composers and I just think they match up better with Bach. But at this price, I shouldn't be complaining. The first CD alone is worth twice as much. Snatch it up!

A capella reigns.......2007-01-12

Another fine offering by this group. Fun for classical music buffs and novices.

Best Swingles Ever.......2006-02-16

If you know the Swingle Singers, you may expect jazzed-up Bach with a rhythm section. Now, don't get me wrong, i like that stuff, too, but that is just clean fun, while this is just Bach. No percussion, no jazzy rythym, just straight unaccompanied Bach. AND IT IS WONDERFUL.
Precise rhythm, clear vocal lines, everything you expect from the Swingles without the jazz. This is a really great album that should be bought by all Swingle lovers and all Bach lovers.
P.S. i bought this cd when it first came out,so I have never even heard the Mozart. With all due deference to fans of the worthy Wolfgang, i have always found the artful Amadeus rather a bore, so I will remain silent about that part of the album. No matter. The Bach alone is worth twice the price, so enjoy. And, hey, the Mozart is a nice bonus.

Average customer rating: Teeming with classics Excellent Introductory CD! Good Introduction to Bach. Bach For Dummies? A super introduction to Bach

Bach: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Greatest Hits Chopin: Greatest Hits Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc.. Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits Liszt: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A1B Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Cantata No.147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
2. The Anna Magdalena Notebook, Ang. 114: Minuet
3. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Toccata
4. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Fugue
5. Orchestra Suite In D Major, BWV 1068: Air
6. Orchestral Suite In B Imonr BWV 1067: Badinerie
7. Cantata No.208: Sheep May Safely Graze
8. Invention No. 1 In C Major, BWV 772
9. Magnigicat In D Major, BWV 243: Magnificat
10. Sleepers, Awake (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)
11. Invention No.4 In D Minor, BWV 775
12. Invention No.8 In F Major, BWV 779
13. Concerto For Two Violins, Strings And Basso Continuo In D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Allegro
14. The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, BWV 846: Prelude In C Major
15. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No.2 IN F Major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
16. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, BWV 302
17. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: II. Allegro
18. Fugue In G Minor, BWV 578, 'Little'
19. Suite For Lute In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte en Rondeau
20. Concerto For Harpsichord, Strings And Basso Continuo No.5 In F Minor, BWV 1056: II. Largo
21. 'In dulci jubilo,' BWV 751
22. 'Bist du bei mir' (If Thou Be Near): Aria
23. Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: III. Presto
24. Sinfonia
25. 'Goldberg' Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo

Customer Reviews:

Teeming with classics.......2007-03-01

I purchased this for track #10, which I'd happened to hear on the radio...it stayed in my head until I tracked down the CD. I have a relatively basic working knowledge of classical music, so this long playing collection was an excellent and surprising introduction to several of Bach's diverse works...both well known and more obscure. Certainly a worthwhile addition to your classical collection.

Excellent Introductory CD!.......2006-06-29

This CD is an excellent introduction to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. It also includes pieces from Johann Michael Bach, as well as another composer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whose work was once mistakenly attributed to JSB. This entire series of CDs is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the Classical Masters. Start with this series, and then by all means, delve deeper into their respective repetoires. You won't be disappointed.

Good Introduction to Bach........2006-02-27

I don't want to repeat what has been said already but this is a great indroduction to Bach. The variety on this release is good, but like has been said numerous times before, the amount of variety fails to set a single mood. But with a low price and a great deal of variety this is a great CD for those who want to start getting into Bach. Recommended.

Bach For Dummies?.......2002-07-18

A smattering of short excerpts -- many not on their native instruments -- to introduce the great literature left to us by J.S. Bach. Some of the versions are truly inspired, a few are not.

If you like what you hear here, by all means seek out the full-length, original instrument versions!

A super introduction to Bach.......2002-03-04

For someone who knows little about Bach and wants to learn something, you couldn't do better than to give them this CD. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra give their signature warm, plush sound to the work of the great Johann Sebastian Bach, making him sound very nearly like a Romantic rather than a baroque or classical composer. This is not a bad thing--some complain that Bach, with his mathematical leanings, leaves them cold. That isn't possible with the inviting material on this CD.

Average customer rating: Pure Christmas Christmas magic a voice teacher and early music fan Simply beautiful It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!

Sing We Christmas Chanticleer Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Praetorius, Hieronymus | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chanticleer | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas with Chanticleer (Featuring Dawn Upshaw) Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King How Sweet the Sound: Spirituals & Traditional Gospel Music Chanticleer: A Portrait ASIN: B000000SNL Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

1. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
2. O magnum mysterium
3. In dulci iubilo
4. O virgo virginum
5. O Jesulein s Jesulein mild
6. Hodie Christus natus est
7. Marabile mysterium
8. Verbum caro factum est: Y la Virgen le dezia
9. A un nilorando
10. Here Is The Little Door
11. Noel canon
12. Quelle est cette odeur agrle
13. El Noi de la Mare
14. A Christmas Carol
15. A virgin unspotted
16. In the bleak mid-winter
17. Glory to the newborn King
18. Stille nacht - Douce nuit - Silent night

Amazon.com

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Pure Christmas.......2007-01-16

If you are looking for traditional madrigal sounding holiday music, this CD is for you. I have purchased this CD several times because I just keep giving them away. Everyone I've ever introduced it to has loved it. This finely polished group has a pure sound matched by no other. If you weren't looking at the CD notes you would never know this is only a group of 12 men.

Christmas magic.......2007-01-10

A CD evocative of Christmas past and present. Beautiful harmonies both wistful and ringing with joy. Buy it for next Christmas!

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-12-02

Chanticleer, the U.S. equivalent of the British King's Singers, is a full-time classical vocal ensemble named for the rooster in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'. It was founded in 1978 by Louis Botto, a tenor, and for a while was its artistic director. They have achieved critical acclaim all over the world and their repertoire is very extensive and varied. Just commenting on a few of the selections on this disc:
'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' is a hymn that originated in western Germany around 1500, and is best known in the harmonization by Michael Praetorious published around 1609. The poem used biblical imagery that pictures the newborn Christ growing forth from the "stem of Jesse'(the father of King David), as foretold in Isiah 11. The metaphorical writings of the Middle Ages depict the patriarchal figure of Jesse as a rose bush.
'O Magnum mysterium',Victoria's most famous motet, uses a subline text from the Christmas Vespers. This is incredibly beautiful with its interweaving polyphony which leads to a hushed choral declamation at the words "O beata Virgo"(O Blessed Virgin) ending with a Alleulia Section.
'Here is the Little Door' is from a set of three "carol anthems", dating from 1918-1920. Herbert Howells was revered as one of the 20th century's most distinguished Choral composers, and I recently discovered him thru the album " by the Corydon Singers conducted by Matthew Best. It includes Howells Requiem in addition to the Vaughan Williams Mass in G Minor. It is the most heavenly somewhat exotic choral music I think I have heard in many years of listening; I highly recommend it.
'Glory to the newborn King'. Joseph Jennings, Georgia native and present musical director of Chanticleer, has often drawn upon his roots to create special gospel and spiritual arrangements of familiar songs. 'Glory to the newborn King' features four traditional songs combined to showcase Chanticleer's unique choral virtuosity!
This is an excellent group of carols,and it is always refreshing to hear 'new' melodies, arrangements; a joy for the ear!!!!

Simply beautiful.......2006-02-20

The title and artist' name says it all - Christmas with clear (pure) singing. Glorious in all respects.

It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!.......2005-12-20

Walking the busy malls to the multichannel Muzak of every old Christmas song interpreted in hiphop, jazz, idiosyncratic 'rethinkings' by famous soloists as well as replays of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby etc., it is a relief to return home (or if fortunate, to the concert hall) and hear the more uplifting music of the season through the ages. And despite reliance on some old favorite Messiah recordings, and carols by Kings College Choir, the one CD that seems to reign supreme is this Chanticleer release SING WE CHRISTMAS from 1995!

These twelve male voices create an ambience that can only be labeled 'spiritual', so resonant and exquisitely performed are each of the generous works on this recording. The moods pass through Praetorius, Victoria, Bach and traditional carols of unknown authorship to works by Ives, Billings, Holst, Guerrero, Howells and Sametz. The repertoire is both familiar and rarely heard and the result of combining all these forms is the truest form of Christmas spirit on record: this is music to cleanse the Muzak blitz! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

Average customer rating: buy this one first Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes Great choral versions of ancient songs A pleasing tone A "best of", not really a Christmas record

Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Mirabilis The Rose Worldes Blysse Undrentide Salva Nos (Save Us) ASIN: B0000AM6O4 Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

1. The Holly & The Ivy
2. Gaudete
3. L'Amour De Moi
4. Salva Nos
5. Glass Window
6. There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu
7. Kinderly
8. In Dulce Jubilo
9. Love Me Broughte
10. I Am Eve
11. Quan Vey La Lauzeta
12. The Coventry Carol
13. Undrentide
14. Ecce Mundi Gaudium
15. Blow Northern Wind

Customer Reviews:

buy this one first.......2006-06-29

This is not really a Christmas, or even a seasonal, album, more of a best of the Babes. yYs, they lead off with "The Holly and the Ivy" (and do it beautifully) but do not buy this as a "holiday music album"... or do... you won't regret buying it whatever your reasons!
This was my introduction to this band and I was absolutely floored. It lived in my car CD player for 2 months straight, and still is in the first section of my CD storage unit.... a rare honor for *any* Cd. It is also responsible for causing me to go out and try to buy every other CD the band has out, and I have not been disapointed in any of the ones I have gotten so far.
Speaking as a former music major, religious student, and medieval re-creationist, I know I can be pretty nit picky when it comes to "medieval" music; all too often it is neither medieval, nor (in my opinion) music! This is one of those rare exceptions that can manage to get you out of a chair to dance, while singing at the top of your lungs in Olde Englishe, Latin, or whatever. There isnt a bad voice in the lot (although some of the harmonies can be a bit odd if you arent used to medieval music) and the instrumental backings are pure gold.

Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes.......2006-02-27

This CD has many songs from previous albums and a few new songs. It is a great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes music and serves as "best of" type of collection. It is billed as a "holiday" collection but I listen to it year round and quite often. The Mediaeval Baebes have a very unique and wonderful sound.

Great choral versions of ancient songs.......2005-11-19

I first heard the Mediaeval Baebes on a UK double CD (Best carols in the world ever) featuring three of their trackss (Guadete, Coventry carol, Adam lay ibounden), all of which can also be found on their debut album, but my curiosity only became aroused when that UK double CD was updated and repackaged with a different title (Best Christmas carols ever) and all the Mediaeval Baebes tracks were omitted with other choirs replacing them. My research showed that they have become an established group (albeit with line-up changes) and are now very successful in their chosen style, which some may regard as classical but (since they sing with their natural voices rather than operatic voices) seems more like traditional folk music to me.

This is not a Christmas album in the true sense of the word although there are some recognizable Christmas carols here - rather it is a compilation of music taken from their earlier albums together with a couple of re-recordings and two completely new recordings. I would have liked some liner notes giving some detailed information about the songs but very little information is actually provided. Apparently, much more information can found in the booklets provided with the original album releases. Still, it's the music that counts and, when it comes to choral music, this is as good as it gets.

The set opens with The holly and the ivy, set to the tune that everybody is familiar with. I seem to remember reading somewhere that this tune, although old, is not the original tune written for the song. This is where liner notes would be useful - and as this is one of the new recordings, their original albums won't help. Given that the Mediaeval Baebes aim to re-record very old songs, it would have been nice to hear them sing it to its original tune if it really was different from the current one. I suppose it doesn't matter since they sing the song superbly anyway.

Other Christmas carols that you are likely to recognize are Gaudete (revived most famously by folk-rockers Steeleye Span), In dulce jubilo (a new recording for this album, it was recorded in the seventies by Mike Oldfield, who had a UK hit with his instrumental version) and The Coventry carol. The other songs are unfamiliar to me but the group perform them all brilliantly. The other song of theirs on that UK carols compilation (Adam lay ibounded) is not included, but there's plenty else to make up for that omission.

The instruments used to back the group (mostly played by members of the group) are interesting. They include a zither, a hurdygurdy, a citern, a glockenspiel, an astrowheel and three different types of recorder - not the kind of instruments to be heard regularly on pop and rock albums. I was particularly pleased to find the recorders here. Like many Brits of my generation, I was forced to learn to play the recorder at school (I did so very badly) and so the recorder has never had a great reputation, but when played well and in the right setting (as here), it sounds wonderful.

This is a fine compilation in many ways but it may be that one of the original albums (which apparently have detailed liner notes) will provide an even better introduction to the music of the Mediaeval Baebes. Despite my reservations, this is still (easily) a five-star album and I'll certainly listen to more of their music eventually.

A pleasing tone.......2004-12-02

This is probably one of my new favorite Christmas albums. It is an absolute gem. It isn't an over-powering album with new or different things but they have recorded a few lesser known Latin Carols that are not given much attention anymore. Gaudete was one that stood out. The arrangement is rather simple and beautiful and the song itself is melodic in an unusual way. I have found that this CD has appealed to a fairly wide spectrum of people and would make a great album to play in the background during the Holidays. I think this would be the perfect thing to put on in the late afternoon in December while curling up with a good book or wrapping presents.

A "best of", not really a Christmas record.......2004-03-27

Potential purchasers should bear that in mind. As with the Medieval Baebes debut album it contains a small proportion of `holiday season' material, but most of it can be listened to without embarrassment at any time of the year. (In my experience, all of it can - even on a warm spring afternoon I can't bring myself to program out `In Dulci Jubilo', `The Holly...' etc).

Another thing potential purchasers should bear in mind - this compilation winds up being a better "best of" than the album of that name.

It's more representative - career-spanning and able to demonstrate the increasing ambition and complexity of the arrangements, and of Katharine Blake's compositions. (Of course, some of their experiments with modern instrumentation on the `Undrentide' album didn't work, but they don't appear here).

It's also more enjoyable on a basic musical level - there are no over-repetitive pieces, no odd song-fragments...nothing that drags. Or maybe there are a couple of weak spots - "I Am Eve" which goes on a little too long, and Audrey Evans's rendition of "L'amour de moi" which is suprisingly weak, and no substitute for the original featuring the much-missed Dorothy Carter - but these are easily forgiven.

Even if you can't understand what's being said, even if you understand it well enough to spot the mispronunciations here and there, it will be hard to resist the ethereal beauty the Baebes' voices, and of songs like `Quan Vey La Lauzeta', `There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu' or `Blow Northern Wind'.

Average customer rating: Truly a Festival for the Ears, Hearts, and Soul! So You Thought Bach Couldn't Dance!

A Bach Festival for Brass & Organ Johann Sebastian Bach , and Empire Brass Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Baroque Music for Brass and Organ Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion The World Sings: An Empire Brass Christmas Music Of Gabrieli Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ ASIN: B000A9QLB8 Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Jauchzet, frohlocket! (Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248)
2. Wie will ich mich freuen (Cantata BWV 146, Wir mussen durch viel Trubasal)
3. Sleepers, Awake! (Cantata BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)
4. Concerto and Alleluja (Cantata BWV 142, Uns ist ein Kind geboren)
5. Three Chorales: Nun lob', mein Seel', den Herrn; Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern; In dulci jubilo (Brass only)
6. In dulci julibo, BWV 129 (Organ solo)
7. Nun danket Alle Gott (Cantata BWV 79, Gott, der Herr is Sonn' und Schild)
8. Sinfonia (Cantata BWV 29 Wir danken, dir, Gott, wir danken dir)
9. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben)
10. Sinfonia (Easter Oratorio, BWV 249)
11. Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 664 (Organ solo)
12. Three Chorales: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', Christ lag in Todesbanden, O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden (Brass only)
13. Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten (Cantata BWV 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele)
14. Shee May Safely Graze (Cantata BWV 208, Was mir behagt)
15. Wir glauben all' in einem Gott, BWV 680 (Organ solo)
16. A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Cantata BWV 80, Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott)

Customer Reviews:

Truly a Festival for the Ears, Hearts, and Soul!.......2007-01-04

I spent a looooooooong time hunting the "perfect" recordings of "Jesu..." and "Sinfonia" for our wedding. I knew just what I wanted but I had NO IDEA there were so many different (and substandard!) versions of these songs available. THIS one was EXACTLY it. The horns are simply fantastic. If you're a musician, you'll love it.

So You Thought Bach Couldn't Dance!.......2005-12-20

This recording is almost certainly the same as the one listed as Angel 47395, with the same title. Along with several others, I reviewed that CD, and for your convenience I echo my remarks below:

If you think of Bach as a dry-as-dust, longhair composer you should stay away from this album, for it will prove you wrong, time and time and time again. On the contrary, this is one of the most exciting recordings around, featuring matchless performances by the superlative Empire Brass (my favorite brass group) and the talented Douglas Major playing the great Aeolian-Skinner organ of the Washington Cathedral (in D.C.) in some of the best-loved works of the old master, Johann Sebastian Bach.

But unfortunately this disk seems not to be in EMI's (Angel's) current catalog, so if you want to enjoy it, you'll probably have to try to track down a used copy. If you like Bach and brass and organ as much as I, you'll find it worth the effort. And we may hope that it will be reissued again soon.

In general, the music here is lively, tuneful, and joyous in character, starting from the very first selection, a fully satisfying transcription of the well-known "Jauchzet, frohlocket" (Exult, rejoice) from the Christmas Oratorio. But there are a few more somber pieces, such as the chorales "Christ lag in Todesbanden," (Christ lay in the bonds of death) and "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden," (O bloody and wounded head).

The music features basically three kind of excerpts from Bach's cantatas: choral preludes, chorales, and sinfonia. The choral preludes were written as organ introductions to the sung chorales (here "sung" by the brass quintet alone); the sinfonias were instrumental interludes in the cantatas. Most of the choral preludes here are played by the brass with the organ, though there are a few played by the organ alone. This combination of performances by the brass alone, the organ alone, and the two together offers delicious variety.

As a glance at the program will show, most of the big favorites in this genre are included, the best known being titled in English, as "Sleepers, Wake," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," and "Sheep May Safely Graze." The others are titled in Latin ("In Dulci Jubilo") or, mostly, German ("Nun danket Alle Gott," [Now let all thank God], "Wie schn leuchtet der Morgenstern," [How beautifully the morning star shines], and "Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten" [We hasten with feeble, but eager footsteps].

It is the last-mentioned piece that suggested the title of this review, for in interpreting the text Bach and the performing artists give us such a rhythmic and lively bit of music that I find it hard to sit still while listening. This piece rocks!

The recording is excellent in all respects: the balance between organ and brass is right, the sound quality is all you could want, and the acoustics of the Washington Cathedral provide about the right amount of reverberation. (You will, by the way, hear the brass players taking breaths at several points, especially in the chorales.

The sound of the Empire Brass seems uniquely fine to me; though there are several other excellent brass groups around, this one I can usually recognize almost immediately because of the quality of their sound. And the 10,650-pipe cathedral organ presents under Douglas Major's fingers all you could wish for.

Average customer rating: ***** - 8, 9, 10. There we go: 10 stars. Brilliant, transcendent... Stunning, incredible, beautiful, glorious, etc. Thrilling Disc Holy Grail of Lutheran Christmas Eve services

Mass for Christmas Morning Paul McCreesh , and Gabrieli Players Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music McCreesh, Paul | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Luther: German Hymn Mass / Chorales A Venetian Coronation 1595 Martin Luther & The Music Psalms of the French Reformation Venetian Christmas ASIN: B0000057EH Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. Christmas Mass: Processional: 'Christum wir sollen loben schon'
2. Christmas Mass: Introit: ' Puer natus In Bethlehem'
3. Christmas Mass: Kyrie (Missa: gantz Teudsch)
4. Christmas Mass: Gloria (Missa: gantz Teudsch)
5. Christmas Mass: Collect: 'Der Herr sei mit euch'
6. Christmas Mass: Epistle: 'So schreibt der heilig Propheten Jesajas'
7. Christmas Mass: Organ prelude: Praeambulum
8. Christmas Mass: Gradual hymn: ' Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her'
9. Christmas Mass: Gospel: ' So schreibt der heilige Lukas'
10. Christmas Mass: Credo: 'Wir glauben all an einin Gott'
11. Christmas Mass: Organ prelude: 'Resonet in laudibus'
12. Christmas Mass: Pulpit hymn: ' Quem pastores laudavere'
13. Christmas Mass: Sonata: Padouana a 5
14. Christmas Mass: The Lord's Prager: 'Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel' - Words of Institution: 'Unser Herr Jesus Christus'
15. Christmas Mass: Sanctus motet: 'Jesaja dem Propheten das geschah'
16. Christmas Mass: Organ prelude: ' Wie schom leuchtet der Morgenstern'
17. Christmas Mass: Communion motet: Wie schom leuchtet der Morgenstern'
18. Christmas Mass: Comminion motet: 'Uns ist ein Kindlein heut geborn'
19. Christmas Mass: Post-Communion: 'Derr Herr sie mit euch'
20. Christmas Mass: Benediction: 'Der Herr segne dich und behute dich'
21. Christmas Mass: Final hymn: 'Puer nobix nascitur'
22. Christmas Mass: Organ voluntary: 'Nun lob mein Seel'
23. Christmas Mass: Recessional: 'In dulci jubilo'

Amazon.com essential recording

This exhilarating disc is arguably the most important record Paul McCreesh has made. Praetorius, the first great composer of Lutheran church music, wrote countless pieces based on popular Lutheran chorale tunes, ranging from simple harmonizations to flamboyant fantasias for multiple choirs with instruments. He also provided detailed instructions regarding various performance options--including ways to involve the congregation. Here, for the first time, McCreesh puts these instructions into practice, reconstructing an extravagant Christmas service. We hear elaborately scored Mass movements, simple harmonizations, the Creed (with Luther's own music), lusty congregational singing, and spirited organ improvisations. Many of the Christmas chorales Praetorius used are still well-known today, including Wachet auf (Sleepers wake) and In dulci jubilo, which gets a magnificent setting with trumpet-and-drum fanfares. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

***** - 8, 9, 10. There we go: 10 stars........2006-11-19

i have had this recording for several years now. its the first one of mccreesh's i bought. and i bought it based solely on the exceptional reviews given here on amazon (4 or 5 at the time). it is unarguably pointless to write a review now, but i am going to anyway ;o).

As if you needed any further encouragement to buy this record...i will agree with all the preceding raves. i dont even mind the rackets and crumhorns and shawms, etc. - adds character. i would like to highlight one track here against the others: Puer Natus in Bethlehem. This one never gets old. such tremendous energy and powerful joy. i honestly have to wonder about the structural integrity of Roskilde Cathedral after the performance of this one piece. Nowhere else in all of his recordings is McCreesh's unparalleled talent illustrated. His scholarship, arrangement, and interpretation of this piece is a rare treasure of this genre. Considering another comparison with the Roland Wilson on Sony Vivarte release, yes, McCreesh's effort clearly has first place. Back to the entire recording, other standouts include the opening chorale - one of the most exotic and grabbing harmonies you will ever hear, the Quempas (although the cathedral acoustics do rob some of the subtle harmonies that really make this piece), and the final hymn Puer Nobis Nascitur: simple, but, again, infectious and addictive expression of the highest joy. I would also echo a previous reviewer's comment about the Roskilde organ. The tone and sonic capabilities of this instrument are simply astonishing.

Again, this review is unnecessary so far as selling is concerned, but the work represented here deserves many more. Go ahead and pick this one up, and give it the place of honor in your entire collection.

Brilliant, transcendent..........2006-11-05

I can only pile on to the other glowing reviews: this is a tour de force of choral and solo singing as well as instrumental color. With deference to Steven Guy (who's done yeoman's service in producing public-domain versions of some of this music!), I'd have to say I can gladly overlook the historical inaccuracy of using crumhorns, racketts etc. in exchange for the sheer sense of scale and awe that McCreesh provides. I own the Musica Fiata recording he mentions, and it's excellent--but it probably won't send 10,000 volts through your skull the way the massed choirs, ensembles and organ on this disc will.

Stunning, incredible, beautiful, glorious, etc........2006-02-07

After about the 3rd or 4th time I listened to this, I was absolutely enchanted. Now, having heard it 30+ times, I still hear new beauty each time. Really magnificent. Jesus Christ is glorified in this masterpiece. I get the sense of deep joy of the Reformation, being transported to Germany circa 1620. The singers sing with all their might about the glory of God, the grace of Christ, and the beauty of holiness - as if Christ has come into plain view after centuries of distortion. Buy it, listen, and enjoy a taste of heaven.

Thrilling Disc.......2005-06-17

This CD absolutely blew me away the first time I listened to it. I play it often and each time feel as though I have been transported to heaven. McCreesh really outdid himself on this recording. Right from the very beginning the listener is taken out of the 21st century and thrown back to a 17th century cathedral. Just close your eyes, forget where you are, and join the lovely processional that begins the Mass with Christus wir sollen Loben. Other great moments include: Quem Pastoris Laudevere, and Wie schoen leuchtet der Morgenstern. The crowning glory of this recording is the recessional: In dulci Jubilo. Complete with tympani, brass, choirs and congregation, this work does not exhibit "peaceful joy" rather exhilaration! I would highly recommend this CD to anyone interested in church and choral music!

Holy Grail of Lutheran Christmas Eve services.......2005-01-17

This recording of a 17th Century Lutheran Christmas service in all of its grandeur is simply a must-have for any Lutheran. The authenticity of the instrumentation, the language of the liturgy (Middle-High German and Latin), and the awesome power and emotion generated by combining these elements is almost overwhelmingly beautiful. Due to the nature of recording in a 13th Century cathedral (Roskilde Cathedral in Denmark), the single voice heard chanting Bible verses such as that of Christ's birth will require you to turn up the volume. However, when the choirs and the organ come to life, you will find out what your stereo system can really do. This is especially true on the last track, "In Dulce Jubilo."

Easily a five-star rating. If I could, I would give it ten stars. Musicians, religious scholars, and clergy alike will make this a cherished addition to their collections. This is what Christmas should be about. All those dainty "holiday" songs you hear every year are simply put to shame by this single CD.

Average customer rating: Great music, fine performance The Best of the best Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung A bleak Mid-winter If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it

Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Cambridge Singers Christmas Album Christmas Star The John Rutter Christmas Album Christmas Day in the Morning The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College ASIN: B0000031H5 Release Date: 1993-01-20

Tracks:

1. In Dulci Jubilo
2. Adam Lay Ybounden
3. Christmas Night
4. Once, as I Remember
5. A Spotless Rose
6. In the Bleak Midwinter
7. There Is a Flower
8. The Cherry Tree Carol
9. I Wonder as I Wander
10. Candlelight Carol
11. O Tannenbaum
12. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13. A Virgin Most Pure
14. I Sing of a Maiden
15. Lute-Book Lullaby
16. The Three Kings
17. Myn Lyking
18. O Little One Sweet
19. All My Heart This Night Rejoices
20. I Saw a Maiden
21. Away in a Manger
22. Nativity Carol

Amazon.com

"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries." This description might also say that the program contains some of the best and best-loved Christmas choral pieces of all time, presented in a pleasing mix of familiar carols and lesser-known original works. Among the best-known selections are Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Howells's "A spotless rose." Several original pieces by John Rutter appear here for the first time--"Christmas Night," "There is a flower," and "Nativity Carol." Other notable highlights are Peter Cornelius's "The three kings" and the lively Willcocks arrangement of "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day." Of course, the singing is among the best on the planet--in fact, there may even be a few heavenly angels in the soprano section. --David Vernier

Album Description

An incredible collection of 22 carols, old and new, including I Wonder As I Wander, Away In A Manger, O Tannenbaum, and In Dulci Jubilo. "In the field of choral Christmas CDs, Christmas Night shines brightest of all." David Vernier - Classics Today

Customer Reviews:

Great music, fine performance.......2007-01-26

Recommended for everyone to have since secularized "popular" Christmas music is repeated endlessly from mid November to 25 December with dreary lyrics and superficial performance. Carols of the Nativity is immensely better.

The Best of the best.......2006-12-22

I,ve been collecting Christmas Music for over 25 Years especially the non-pop genre. This is my desert CD. The Chanticleer and Kings College CDs are very good but this is the summit of quiet meditative music for the season. I always listen to this alone at night and still get thrilled and overwhelmed by it's beauty and sublimity. My favorite track is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" simply because of the beauty of the poetry of Rossetti. I always give this as a gift to my friends who enjoy beautiful acapella music.Do yourself a favor and purchase this most beautiful of all Christmas music. I own over 200 Christmas CD'S and this one gets played at least twice a season. The other Rutter Christmas CD's are excellent but not quite in the same class. This is a once in a lifetime album. It is the centerpiece of my own personal celebration of christmastime.

Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung.......2003-12-18

This compilation of Christmas carols both traditional and modern stands in stark contrast to much of the bubble gum, soda pop Christmas music so often heard on popular radio these days. There are no divas or over the top performances or attempts to make "a moment". What there is are beautiful songs sung by talented singers.

So many of these carols are so beautiful that it's hard to pick out which are the best. More likely than not, that's going to be a highly personal choice but if you see one of your favorites on the track list you can be sure that it's well performed.

In short, this album should be part of your Christmas collection. It's best listened to in the quiet time on Christmas Eve.

A bleak Mid-winter.......2003-10-17

This CD contains the usual Rutter mix of gorgeous traditional treatments with a few incredibly schlocky arrangements. Fortunately, I can just leave the schlock off my iPod playlist (otherwise I'd return the CD).

The real letdown is my own fault: I didn't notice that "In the Bleak Midwinter" is the Darke version, not Holst. Ugh. If only the RealAudio samples had stretched one song further down the song list.

If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it.......2002-12-24

You can't beat the polished ensemble sound of the Cambridge Singers and John Rutter has devoted his life to celebrating the joys of Anglican Christmas music. This is a coherent program of carols that you can play without skipping tracks. The selection is well-balanced and covers a broad historical range. Although there are some interesting alternatives out there for purists (such as Kings College Choir and the Tallis Singers)if you own just one CD of English Christmas music--this should be the one.

Average customer rating: Great Reference CD! Interesting musical selections, but ... A Nice Wedding Compilation

Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Praetorius, Hieronymus | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bride's Guide to Wedding Music 25 Wedding Favorites Classical Wedding A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Classical Wedding Traditions ASIN: B00000631X Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
2. Love's Ole Sweet Song
3. In dulci jobilo
4. A Dream
5. The Prince Of Denmark's March: Trumpet Voluntary
6. Wedding March From Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
7. Variations on a Theme by Haydn: St. Anthony's Chorale
8. Cantata No.140: Sleepers, Awake!
9. Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
10. Cantata No. 99: What God Hath Done, Is Rightly Done
11. Tempo di Minuetto
12. Cantata No. 85: See What His Love Can Do
13. Orchestral Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
14. Ave verum corpus
15. Serse: Largo
16. Suite No.3: Siciliana
17. Water Music - Suite No.2: Andante - Allegro
18. Trumpet Concerto In A-Flat: Allegro
19. Premiere Suite: Rondeau
20. Cantata No.129: Praise Be To God
21. Water Music - Suite No.2: Alla hornpipe

Customer Reviews:

Great Reference CD!.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume I, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs, such as Trumpet Voluntary, Vivaldi's Spring from the Four Seasons, Trumpet Tune and Canon, i.e. Pachelbel's Canon. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over with an organist, a string quartet, etc. I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner.

Interesting musical selections, but ..........2005-01-06

As the other reviewer noted, one doesn't have to be getting married to enjoy this CD...and the musical selections are certainly interesting, even eclectic. I have to wonder, however, who picked these out with what criteria since at least a couple of these melodies are not traditional wedding tunes. By this I mean the lovely arrangement of Michael Praetorius' "In Dulci Jubilo." In his home country of Germany, where I used to live until a couple of years ago, this is a Christmas carol, sung at Christmas Eve services throughout the land. The lyrics aren't especially suited to any sort of wedding, really. Unless you're marrying in December, I personally would steer clear of this song. And if the wedding's in June and you have European guests, don't be surprised if eyebrows are raised when this melody is played!

A Nice Wedding Compilation.......2001-07-24

This album provides you with some good reference materials on planning the music for your wedding. Many of us may sit around wondering what on earth "Tempo di Mineutto" is. Well, with this album you will wonder no more. This is a pretty good compilation of some wedding favorites set in order that they would appear in your ceremony (prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional). Even if you aren't planning a wedding, this album provides you with some really good classical music to relax by. At a good discount, this CD is a nice addition to any collection. I would recommend this disc.

Average customer rating: Buxtehude & Bryndorf

Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Da Capo [Naxos] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chaconnes | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Passacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 2 Dietrich Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 3 Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 4 [Hybrid SACD] Buxtehude: Seven Trio Sonatas, Op. 2 Buxtehude: Sacred Cantatas ASIN: B0000X7KF0 Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

1. Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 149
2. Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211
3. Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ, BuxWV 189
4. Puer Natus In Bethlehem, BuxWV 217
5. Der Tag Der Ist So Freudenreich, BuxWV 182
6. In Dulci Jubilo, BuxWV 197
7. Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen Allzu Gleich, BuxWV 202
8. Ciacona In C Minor, BuxWV 159
9. Passacaglia In D Minor, BuxWV 161
10. Ciacona In E Minor, BuxWV 160
11. Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 148
12. Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, Der Den Tod Uberwand, BuxWV 198
13. Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 199
14. Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 209
15. Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 208
16. Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 200
17. Gott Der Vater Wohn Uns Bei, BuxWV 190
18. Praeludium In C, BuxWV 137

Customer Reviews:

Buxtehude & Bryndorf.......2004-06-22

Adds up to an unequalled combination. Sound is marvellous, clean and crisp, and Bine Bryndorf a performer with a due restraint that plays to this music's advantage. The music is never thick, and is almost without exception engaging to one's ear and to the senses. If you are an organist, the detailing of the instrument's registrations (the Johan Lorentz at St. Mary's Church) should delight as greatly as the music itself. Listening to this quite makes one understand why Mr Bach chose to hike for hours and hours just to hear old Buxtehude play.

Track Listings:

1. Ives: Songs, Vol.2
2. John Weaver performs...
3. Joseph Schwarz Sings Arias
4. Kent Tritle, Organist
5. Kuhlau: Theatre Music
6. Last Rose of Summer
7. Liszt: Fantasia & Fugue on; Pinkham: Man's Days Are Like The Grass
8. Ludwig van Beethoven: The Complete Music for String Trio, Vol. 2 - Trio in E flat major, Op.3 / Serenade in D major, Op.8 - The Cummings String Trio (Diana Cummings / Luciano Iorio / Geoffrey Thomas)
9. Mary Preston plays Duruflé & Widor
10. Mass 5 in a Flat Major D678

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Dawn of the Tubes [Import]

Haydn: Concerto for keyboard No1; Concerto in F No4

Lionel Davis The Electric Man [Explicit Lyrics]

Dinah Was (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection)

Nash Point

Let's Go Dancing

Love Songs [Import]

Heifetz Collection, Vol 3 (1934-1937)

Joy to the World/Country Anthem

Love Walked In [Import]

Let It Be

Live Ksan 79 [Import]

Hype the Joint, Vol. 1 [Import]

Breakthrough

Spirit of Ragtime