Usually we don’t review compilation recordings because they so often are a non-cohesive collection of random, mindlessly assembled tracks, the good mixed with the not-so-interesting–or they’re a sonic hodge-podge due to different venues and recording dates and setups. But when you get an intelligently chosen program such as this one, whose production values are consistent from track to track, it’s worth both a special mention as well as a claim to being worthy of your time and money.
Here we get 17 selections drawn from six of Channel Classics’ critically acclaimed recordings (most with Christmas themes), including Angels & Shepherds, Saints & Sinners, and three Bach projects–Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio, and the Mass in B minor. In fact, the majority of the numbers are from the Bach recordings, and these are stylistically fully compatible with the selections by Praetorius (an especially lovely rendition of Es ist ein Ros entsprungen), Sweelinck (Angelus ad pastores ait), and Crüger (Fröhlich soll mein Herze); the a cappella “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern”, sung by women’s voices, is both a touching and attention-getting program opener.
Of course, this compilation could be looked at as an advertisement for each of the represented recordings–and there’s nothing wrong with that: if you don’t have them already, you should. But the truth is, on its own this stands as a solid and satisfying tribute not only to the theme of its title (even the B minor Mass selections–Et incarnatus est; Gloria in excelsis; Et in terra pax–are relevant to Christmas) but to the world-class singing and playing on display. And the consistently high quality of the sound leaves nothing to be desired. Strongly recommended.
