This collection, a 2-disc “limited edition” compilation in DG’s “Original Masters” series, is an eminently satisfying representation of performances from what may be referred to as the “golden age” of classical Christmas recordings. The vast majority of the 70 tracks feature solo renditions of traditional favorites–nearly all originating from Germany–performed by some of the finest singers of the 1950s and ’60s, most notably Rita Streich, Fritz Wunderlich, and Irmgard Seefried. The straightforward classical-style arrangements and the respectful and refined yet warmly personal vocal expression on display from all of the singers reminds us that at one time the performance of even the simplest Christmas songs was given the same artistic care as any opera, oratorio, or recital endeavor.
Highlights include carol medleys by Rita Streich from 1953, accompanied by the RIAS-Symphonie-Berlin and RIAS Knabenchor, an extended set of 18 carols by Maria Stader from 1961, a vibrant and amazingly fresh-sounding group of songs by Fritz Wunderlich (joined by Hermann Prey), and a lovely performance of songs by Peter Cornelius–Weihnachtslieder Op. 8–by Irmgard Seefried, accompanied by pianist Erik Werba. (It’s interesting to hear “Die Könige” in this sparse setting as opposed to the one more commonly known today with a choir singing the chorale.) The Bach and Handel selections–the opening chorus of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (from 1955, with Fritz Lehmann and the Berlin Philharmonic) and some numbers from a 1964 Messiah (sung in German) with the Munich Bach Orchestra and Choir conducted by Karl Richter (For unto us a Child is born and Glory to God, with the preceding soprano recitative sung by Gundula Janowitz) are clearly from a different time regarding performing tradition. Yet the relatively slow tempos and very deliberate articulation do nothing to inhibit the substantial excitement and verve that mark these renditions. And although they are mono recordings from 1952, Helmut Walcha’s performances of organ chorale preludes on Christmas hymns from Bach’s “Orgelbüchlein” are surprisingly vivid and powerful.
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s familiar burnished timbre and fluid delivery are faithfully represented in three songs (by Schubart, Reger, and Mergner, from a 1970 LP) with Jörg Demus at the piano–in excellent sound. Indeed, many of the tracks are mono, but the transfers are generally very well done and the ear quickly adjusts to the different sonic/acoustic environments. For example, in Corelli’s famous “Christmas Concerto”–a mono recording from 1955–the soundstage is somewhat close and restricted but the excellent performance by Capella Coloniensis overrides those limitations.
My only complaint is the inclusion of four selections by the Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff. While it may be of interest to some listener or two to hear these very different, very “Russian” renditions of songs such as Stille Nacht and O Tannenbaum, the stylistic context–on a program that otherwise features German soloists and choirs–seems strange and out of place. That said, fans of these singers and this music should not hesitate to acquire this rare and wonderful collection, some of which is being released for the first time on CD, and most of which until now existed only on long-ago-lost LPs. Although it’s certainly important as a historical document, this set is more memorable for its sincere, heart-felt, and still profoundly meaningful interpretations of enduring music by some of the last century’s most remarkable voices. [10/24/2003]
