Random Thoughts on the Christmas Playlist

I truly love putting together the Christmas playlist every year, and even though several of the same recordings are long-cherished perrenials, I try to sneak in a few surprises now and then. Part of the fun of doing a "composed" playlist is that I can vary the mix, so to speak, and butt some pieces up against others for some interesting sequences. What about your favorite Christmas pieces? Please comment, that's what this blog is for!

Dupré: Variations on "Adeste Fideles" - Janette Fishell - Dupré: Works for Organ Vol 4
I was intimately involved with the selection and installation of this instrument (Casavant Op. 3606) back in the mid 1980s, and it is very close to my heart. This recording of the transcription of Dupré's organ roll by the excellent Janette Fishell just makes Christmas for me in so many ways...and don't you love the éclat of the full mixtures towards the end? Get this recording on Naxos and treasure it forever, not only for this but also for the 3 Preludes and Fugues (best recordings of these works anywhere!) and for the late Dupré work "Le Vitrail de St Ouen".

Traditional: Hymn "Adeste fideles" (O come all ye faithful); Organ Interlude; Traditional: Hymn "Winchester Old" (While shepherds watched their flocks by night) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
A massive, overwhelming "Adeste fideles" and the sine qua non of any recordings of this hymn, even 30+ years after its recording. The organist David Pizarro performs some amazing interludes in this sequence as well. BTW, we'd all best contribute to the restoration of this great Æolian Skinner instrument, which was damaged in the 2001 fire and I believe is still silenced.

from Pergolesi: Glory to God in the Highest - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
This was recorded by the Tab Choir back in the 60s, and was a childhood favorite...when I found the reissue on CD I danced for joy! Even though the remastering isn't that great for most of the pieces, the preservation of this lovely album was most welcome.

Howells: Three Carol-Anthems - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
You may have figured out by now how much I love to feature pieces by Howells, not only for the highly accomplished musical aspect but also for the deep spirituality that is embedded in his body of work. This suite of 3 pieces (Here is the little door, Sing lullaby, A spotless rose) is profoundly meaningful, especially "Here is the little door" which is my favorite.

Cutter: Little Lamb - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
What can I say, I love this modern setting of Blake's poem so very much...a favorite Christmas piece. The Advent Boston choir here is, as always, flawless technically and thoughtful in expression.

Victoria: O magnum mysterium - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
Rich, profound, so movingly performed...Chanticleer is such an excellent and intelligent ensemble of male singers, and this is one of their jewels.

Kocher: Hymn "Dix" (As of gladness men of old) - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
You know, I wish this CD had been better recorded and mastered than it was...from a technical standpoint it falls short, but as samples of actual service music it's quite satisfying in parts. Isn't the registration on the Æolian-Skinner here thrilling?

Lauridsen: O magnum mysterium - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
I sang with and precented for this choir in the 80s (and was a child chorister there in the 60s under Greg Colson and Sam Batt Owens), and even though I am not on this recording the sound is the same as Wilma Jensen perfected back then. (I'm still waiting for a St George's Nashville CD with the current choirmaster Murray Somerville, who came there from Harvard University's Memorial Church...Murray, I hope you read this and act appropriately!) This is a lovely Christmas CD, and I'm finding that this piece is being performed more regularly elsewhere nowadays - a great contemporary big-choir piece that maintains a glowing contemplative aura.

Campra: Messe de jour de Noël (Sanctus) - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
Bold and powerful stuff, expressive of the mysterium of this season and a great chance to hear Campra's service music performed in the latter day on this lovely Cliquot instrument.

Ninefold Alleluia and Announcement of the Holy Gospel - Organ Respond - Dean and Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
Now you know where my broadcast ID comes from! Thank you, Dean Morton, Choir and organist David Pizarro!

Büsser: Le sommeil de l'Enfant Jésus - Elizabeth Smith Anthony LaMarchina Licia Jaskunas - Christmas at St George's
Expressive of all the "hopes and fears" of the season, and a very sentimental favorite of mine. The perfect thing to go to bed to at home after Christmas Midnight Mass.

Yon arr. Brohn: Gesù Bambino - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
This is my dad's favorite Christmas piece, ever since he listened to broadcasts from St Patrick Cathedral NYC (where Pietro Yon was resident) on a crystal radio set in the 30s. I sang the baritone solo version often and quite badly for many years, so I am relieved that this much more palatable recording by Kathleen Battle exists.

Trad. English (West Country): Carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
Yee haw! this is rollicking and joyous. Parrott captures the spirit (and the West Country accent) of my common folk ancestors in this version...sounds like some had had a bit too much wassail, but that's part of the fun.

Gruber: Stille nacht ; Douce nuit ; Silent night - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
Exquisite, and a true tour de force in this presentation. I wish "Stille nacht" could be like this at every Christmas service.

Mulet: Carillon-Sortie - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
This piece, Bach's chorale prelude on "In dulce jubilo" and Vierne's "Carillon de Westminster" are classic Christmas recessionals, and all would be a stirring and fitting close to my humble Christmas playlist. May we all go out into the world this season with the same Christmas joy, warmth and com-fort!

Christmas 2007 Playlist

A very Happy Christmas to all! Here is the 2007 Christmas playlist, listed by composer. As every year, the Christmas playlist is a composed playlist and is indeed broadcast in this order:

1. Dupré: Variations on "Adeste Fideles" - Janette Fishell - Dupré: Works for Organ Vol 4
   
2. Traditional: Hymn "Adeste fideles" (O come all ye faithful) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
   
3. Organ Interlude; Traditional: Hymn "Winchester Old" (While shepherds watched their flocks by night) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
   
4. Belcher: While shepherds watched their flocks by night - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
   
5. Trad. French arr. Daveluy: Les anges dans nos campagnes - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
   
6. Trad. French arr. Ledger: Angels, from the realms of glory - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
   
7. from Pergolesi: Glory to God in the Highest - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
   
8. Carol: A nywe werke is come on honde - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night15th Cent.
9. English: Deo gracias Anglia - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly - Medieval Carols
   
10. Dandrieu: A minuit fut fait un Reveil - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    
11. Trad. arr. Moore: Masters in this hall - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
12. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Kyrie) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
13. Trad. Spanish: Riu riu chiu - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly - Medieval Carols
    
14. Scott: Nova! nova! - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
15. arr. Joubert: Here we come a-wassailing - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
16. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (Sing lullaby) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
17. Cutter: Little Lamb - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
18. Scheidt: O Jesulein süss - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
19. Plainchant: Gaude Maria; 14th Cent. German: Joseph, liber nefe min - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Medieval Christmas
    
20. Carol: Nowel, out of your slepe aryse - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night
    
21. 14th Cent. German arr. Pearsall: In dulci jubilo - King's College Cambridge Choir Philip Ledger - Favourite Carols from King's
    
22. Henry VIII: Green grow'th the holly - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
    
23. Mendelssohn arr. Willcocks: Hymn "Mendelssohn" (Hark! the herald angels sing); Brass Respond - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
24. Adam: O Holy Night - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
25. arr. Caldwell: Tell us, shepherd maids - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
    
26. Anon. 17th Cent. French: A Minuit fut fait un reveil - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Baroque Christmas
    
27. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Offertoire) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
28. Esquivel: Duo Seraphim - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
29. from Villancicos de diversos Autores 1556: Verbum caro, y la Virgen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
30. Sullivan: Hymn "Noel" (It came upon a midnight clear) - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
31. Reger arr. Sadin: Marië Wiegenleid - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
32. Plainchant usage parisien: Introit Parvulus natus est nobis - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
33. Trad. English arr. Ledger: Chester Carol - King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
    
34. Victoria: O magnum mysterium - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
35. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (Here is the little door) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
36. Kocher: Hymn "Dix" (As of gladness men of old) - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
    
37. 15th Cent. English : Nova! nova! - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
38. Lauridsen: O magnum mysterium - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
39. arr. Hancock: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
40. Niles arr. Moore: I wonder as I wander - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
41. Plainchant usage parisien: Alleluia Verbum caro factus est - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
42. Rameau: La nuit - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
    
43. Rutter: Nativity Carol - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
    
44. Rondellus: De supernis sedibus - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night
    
45. Trad. American arr. Dawson: Mary had a baby - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
46. Traditional arr. Vaughn Williams: Hymn "Forest Green" (O Little Town of Bethlehem) - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
47. Sweelinck: Ons is gheboren een kindekijn - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
48. Schein: Nun jauchzet mit hellen ton - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Baroque Christmas
    
49. Campra: Messe de jour de Noël (Sanctus) - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
50. Dandrieu: Michau qui causoit ce grand bruit - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    
51. Ninefold Alleluia and Announcement of the Holy Gospel - Organ Respond - Dean and Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
    
52. Traditional: Gaudete, Christus est natus - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
    
53. Trad. Welsh arr. Guest: Suo gân - Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
54. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (A spotless rose) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
55. Büsser: Le sommeil de l'Enfant Jésus - Elizabeth Smith Anthony LaMarchina Licia Jaskunas - Christmas at St George's
    
56. Traditional arr. Ledger: I saw three ships - King's College Cambridge Choir Philip Ledger - Favourite Carols from King's
    
57. arr. Williamson: Carol Good King Wenceslas - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
58. Trad. French arr. Moineau: Noël nouvelet - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
    
59. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Sanctus) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
60. Traditional: Hymn "Nowell" (The first Nowell) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
    
61. Yon arr. Brohn: Gesù Bambino - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
62. Traditional arr. Willcocks: On Christmas Night - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
63. Trad. English (West Country): Carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
64. Holst: Christmas Day - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
    
65. Gruber: Stille nacht ; Douce nuit ; Silent night - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
66. Plainchant: Ave Maris Stella; 13th Cent. Provençal: Hymn O Maria, Deu Maire - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Medieval Christmas
    
67. Austrian Carol arr. Luboff: Still, still, still - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
68. Buxtehude: In dulci jubilo BuxWV 52 - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
69. Praetorius: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
70. Trad. English arr. Ledger: Sussex Carol - King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
    
71. Scheidt: Duo Seraphim - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
72. arr. Ridout: Carol Greensleeves (The old year now away is fled) - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
73. Mulet: Carillon-Sortie - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    

Hallelujah Chorus with Flash Cards!

Another YouTube vid that I can't resist sharing with you. This is not offensive at all, just simply hilarious...a bunch of guys dressed as nuns are assisting us in listening to the Hallelujah Chorus from the Handel Messiah by using flash cards. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D09DCZryG2U

Random Thoughts on the Advent Playlist

Just a few thoughts on the current Advent playlist...and an open invitation to comment on the playlist yourselves, that's why I created the blog! Please do post remarks on your favorites.

18th Century, arr. Ledger: Hymn "Helmsley" (Lo! He comes with clouds descending') - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
To me, the most glorious Advent hymn ever. Best experienced at Advent Boston, singing in the choir in procession for the Feast of Title & Dedication on Advent I with thurifer and crucifer in front and that blessed Æolian-Skinner organ supporting. Though the ECUSA Hymnal 1982 words at the last are different ("Thou shalt reign, and Thou alone") the sentiment is the same: Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord, come! In that respect I'm glad the CofE lyrics are presented here.

Bach: Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland BWV661 - Adrian Partington - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
I love Partington's registration in the pedals here. When he iterates the chorale tune it really does feel like Judgment Day! Profound and wonderous.

Carter: Organ Toccata on Veni Emmanuel - John Scott - Advent at St Paul's Cathedral
It's hard to find appropriate organ works for Advent, but ever since I found this CD and this piece I've gotten very positive feedback. A grand toccata-style organ work, helped by the acoustic and the scale of the instrument at St. Paul's, especially the Dome Division at the last!

Franck: Les Béatitudes (Prologue) - Choeurs de Radio France Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique Armin Jordan
Even though Mme. Colomb's libretto is admittedly pretty insipid, Franck at times turns this sow's ear into a silk purse. And this Prologue is the best example of what he does in Les Béatitudes. The climax here with the words "Béni sont celui qui fait renaître l'espoir dans les cœurs abbatus" (Blessed is He who makes hope to be reborn in beaten-up hearts) is essential Advent...it's all about hope, people! This piece runs through my head all during Advent..."Le vieux monde se mourait...Une voix s'éleva, douce comme le miel..."

from Sacred Melodies 1815 arr. Gardiner: Hymn "Gardiner" (Where cross the crowded ways of life) - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour
Not strictly speaking an Advent hymn, but to a Bostonian the juxtaposition with the Christmas hymn 'Forest Green' (O little town of Bethlehem) with lyrics from our own Bishop Brooks is irresistable. We wait for the Son of Man "where cross the crowded ways of life"...and then at Christmas, "How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given" in the streets of the city...

Handel: Messiah (Recitative Thus saith the Lord of hosts - Boston Baroque Martin Pearlman - Handel: Messiah
I love this passage from the Book of the Prophet Haggai. The ultimate Coming of Our Lord is not supposed to be an insipid event: He will come with power and great glory, and indeed He will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land...we'd best get ready!

Manz: E'en so Lord Jesus, quickly come - Wellington Cathedral Choir Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession
This CD was a great find, such an outstanding choir is featured here. This Manz piece has been a favorite of mine for decades, and this recording is quite moving, well nigh perfection to me.

Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord alway ('The Bell Anthem') - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé
Sumptuous and quite lovely. And for someone who's sung the bass solo for this piece numerous times, I couldn't have done better! As close to a pre-Xmas bonbon as we get in this playlist.

Shaw: Hymn 'Little Cornard' (Hills of the north, rejoice) - Choir of Wellington Cathedral Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light
Wow. A great Advent hymn as is...but Cantrill's descant on the last verse is fiery and inspiring beyond belief. Every time I hear it I get goosebumps. One of the greatest descants I've ever heard...something else that runs through my head constantly during Advent. We don't know this hymn tune in ECUSA for Advent, and we should.

Willan: The Great O Antiphons of Advent - Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
I only wish the broadcast rules would have allowed me to feature all of these in the Advent playlist...every single one of them is a quiet jewel. I guess I'm just a big ole' Willan fan!

Where the Listeners Were in November 2007

What an odd mix of music to hand off to my listeners in November: mostly an extension of All Saints/All Souls music coupled with a week-early start to this year's Advent playlist. A more punishing than usual work travel schedule was to blame. Nonetheless, there were listeners aplenty, for which I am grateful! Here are the top 10 US metro areas for listeners in November:

1. New York
2. Boston (Manchester)
3. Philadelphia
4. San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose
5. Albany - Schenectady - Troy
6. Albuquerque - Santa Fe
7. Tampa - Saint Petersburg (Sarasota)
8. Cincinnati
9. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
10. Denver

As for the top 10 countries for listeners in November, here they are (with a couple of surprises):

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Luxembourg
5. Sweden
6. Netherlands
7. Bahamas
8. Brazil
9. Spain
10. Afghanistan

Once again, some smaller countries are right up there (i.e. Luxembourg and Bahamas). And Afghanistan beat out Mexico and Japan for 10th spot---while I doubt a surge of interest in Anglican-leaning church music among the Muslim population, my guess is that there are folks in uniform listening intently from there. Regardless of anyone's position on policy, I want to thank all who serve in the military in dangerous places---many people are praying for you and for the safe completion of your mission.

In November there were listeners in 60 countries, with those in 42 countries listening for at least an half-hour. All continents were represented with the exception of Antarctica. Not bad for a month of 3/4 funeral music and 1/4 early Advent, you think? =)

Also in November, this station achieved a milestone of a sort in having more than 100 listeners chose it their Overall Favorite Station on Live365. Not a big thing for stations with broader appeal, but for this particular and rather special niche in the world of music, this was a very gratifying development. My thanks to you all!