Westminster Cathedral Choir; The Parley of Instruments; David Hill, conductor
Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland / Pueri nostri concinite 'Singet und klinget' / Dances from Terpsichore / Puer natus in Bethlehem 'Ein Kind geborn' / Quem pastores laudavere / Vom Himmel hoch / Es ist ein Ros' entsprunen / Dances from Terpsichore / Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern / Nun helft mir Gottes Güte schon preisen
Michael Praetorius was a hugely versatile German composer. His 1603 post as Kapellmeister in Wolfenbüttel necessitated extensive travel throughout Germany, enabling him to establish widespread acclaim as a conductor and musical advisor. Praetorius's church music is much less known today than it should be, partly because of the sheer volume that he composed. This beautiful selection of hymns, chorales and carols attempts to reproduce the effect of a performance under Praetorius's direction; soloists are drawn from the choir and instruments of late sixteenth- or early seventeenth-century design are used. 'My favourite ever Christmas recording. Lovely music, done with affection and great sympathy' (Hi-Fi News) 'A glorious early Baroque Christmas treat' (Harmonia) 'Well crafted music, sensitively performed and recorded' (Gramophone) 'Exciting and highly enjoyable' (The Good CD Guide) 'A delightful record' (Organists' Review)
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