Enjoyable seasonal music
Two recently released recordings could make for rewarding listening during the 12 days of festivities which celebrate the birth of Christ.
The first is aptly titled “Music for a Christmas Night” in which the RIAS Kammerchor of Berlin spreads across two CDs works by 30 composers held within a framework of motets by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. This is choral singing at its best which may be listened to either by session or selection from the informative booklet which provides texts in German and English. (Cat. HMX 2904098.99)
The second features the same choir supported by the Akademie für Alte Musik conducted by Justin Doyle. J.S. Bach’s “Weihnachts-Magnificat” is followed, most appropriately, by G.F. Handel’s “Te Deum” for the Peace of Utrecht. Notes in German, French and English for the fine vocal interpretations by a quintet of outstanding soloists. (cat. HMM 902730)
“A Traditional Christmas Carol Collection”, “Hodie” and “Christus Natus Est” are the three titles offered by Harry Christophers’ The Sixteen as a boxed set which provides 196 minutes of joyful celebration. This includes “some of the Devil’s best tunes given back to God in the form of carols” where you can join in the singing of traditional settings. (Cat. COR 16054)
Another choice of enjoyable seasonal music is offered by Vaughan Williams’ three pieces: “Fantasia on Christmas Carols”, “The First Nowell” and “On Christmas Night”. Competently performed by Richard Hickox conducting the City of London Sinfonia and the suitably named Joyful Company of Singers with baritone Roderick Williams and soprano Sarah Fox. (Cat. CHAN 10385)
Performing without a conductor, the globally renowned choral ensemble Stile Antico adds dimension to this selection with “A Spanish Nativity” – Christmas Music by Lobo, Guerrero, Morales and Victoria (Cat. HMM 902312) and, nearer to home, my final choice is “Concertos de Natal” with Baroque compositions by Corelli, Sammartini, Torelli, Manfredini, and Locatelli performed by Nova Filarmonia Portuguesa conducted by Álvaro Cassuto. Dating from 1992 and sponsored by BCP (Cat. 3-11024 Movieplay Portuguesa).
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Roberto Cavaleiro has been resident in Portugal since 1989 and possesses dual Portuguese/British nationality. Now in his 10th decade, he devotes much of his senility to the composition of essays, poems and commentaries on a diversity of Portuguese subjects.
