Classical Discoveries: A Festive Journey Beyond Bach

Join Jens and Joe for a delightful exploration of Christmas music that goes far beyond Bach! Discover hidden gems like Pfitzner’s Christelflein, Rheinberger’s Star of Bethlehem, and Cartellieri’s Christmas Oratorio. Journey from Renaissance masterpieces to Romantic treasures, with music by Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, and even Sibelius.

Enjoy surprises such as Schoenberg’s Christmas Music and Pablo Casals’ El pesebre, plus the enchanting sounds of Russian Orthodox Christmas traditions. Jens and Joe share personal stories from their own performances and recordings, adding warmth and insight to the festive atmosphere.

Whether you’re a lifelong classical enthusiast or looking for fresh additions to your holiday playlist, this episode unwraps new Christmas classics and cherished favorites—with a charming attempt at Silent Night!

Chapters
00:21 Introduction
02:05 No Favorite Song
03:02 Heinrich Schütz – Christmas History
04:34 A Season for Boys’ Choirs
06:46 Rheinberger – The Star of Bethlehem
11:09 Cartellieri – Christmas Oratorio
13:09 Mendelssohn – Vom Himmel hoch
15:09 Jens’ Christmas Favorites
16:52 100 Christmas Classics
18:40 Assisi Christmas Cantatas
21:07 Jean Sibelius – Op. 1
22:36 Christmas Emotions
24:30 Orthodox Christmas
27:44 A Silent Night Finale

Featured Albums
💿 Capriccio C10508 – Schütz / Schelle: Christmas Histories
💿 Capriccio C10594 – Christmas with the Vienna Boys’ Choir
💿 Orfeo C230082 – Pfitzner: Das Christ-Elflein
💿 Capriccio C10551 – Rheinberger: The Star of Bethlehem
💿 Capriccio C10337 – Rheinberger: Organ Suite
💿 Capriccio C71015 – Cartellieri: Christmas Oratorio
💿 Capriccio C10216 – Saint-Saëns / Mendelssohn
💿 Capriccio C7331 – 100 Christmas Classics
💿 Capriccio C3032 – Assisi Christmas Cantatas
💿 Capriccio C3031 – Scandinavian Christmas
💿 Capriccio C3033 – Orthodox Christmas
💿 Capriccio C3030 – Christmas in the Austrian Alps

With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)
#christmas #classicalchristmas #choral #sacredmusic #traditionalmusic #scandinavianmusic #orthodoxmusic

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