It’s not easy any more to come up with an original idea for a Christmas recording; traditional carols, chants, major works, and theme-oriented programs have been done–often more than once–by all the world’s best choirs, orchestras, soloists, and chamber ensembles. Channel Classics always has taken an honest and practical approach to these things: What will appeal to listeners; what will be a purposeful addition to the catalog; and, most importantly, what can we do really well? Here, the label and the very fine musicians of the Netherlands Bach Society and Cappella Figuralis show how that formula can work to produce not only an original program, but also a thoroughly engaging listening experience. The choral singing is so crisp and clean and in tune that the bright harmonies of Sweelinck, Praetorius, and Scheidt shine and shimmer with unusual brilliance. Likewise, the instrumental playing, which benefits from the talents of some of Europe’s most skilled period performers, is technically flawless and always perfectly balanced with the various vocal configurations.
The music includes very interesting and unusual works or rarely performed versions of familiar pieces, from Scheidt’s “O Jesulein süss” to Sweelinck’s lovely setting of “Hoe schoon lichtet de morghen ster” (“How brightly shines the morning star”), coupled with Praetorius’ more familiar version. There’s also Buxtehude’s magnificent but almost unknown setting of “In dulci jubilo”, every bit as good as the commonly performed Pearsall and Praetorius versions. The program also stands out for its inclusion of several musical “dialogues”–a favorite form adopted by many 17th-century composers, especially in Italy, in which events or scenes from the Christmas story were set to music. This exceptional disc is filled out with works by Bach and Crüger, more Sweelinck and Praetorius, and several pieces by worthy but lesser known Dutch composers. Put this on your list. [12/04/2000]
