Advent and Christmas Records: Part 2
Five for the Rotation
I hope many of you will find something below to add to your Advent and Christmas listening. The first recommendation is one of the best recordings I’ve ever heard.
Great Advent and Christmas Albums (Part 2)
Album: Praetorius: Mass for Christmas Morning
Personnel:
Paul McCreesh (conductor)
Gabrieli Consort & Players
Notes:
Paul McCreesh, the great english conductor and director of the Gabrieli Consort, takes us on a staggering journey with this impeccable recording of Praetorius’ Christmas mass.
Michael Praetorius (1571 - 1621) was a German and Lutheran composer, music writer, and organist. His mass compositions would include detailed instructions, not only for the musicians, choirs, and soloists, but also ways to involve congregational participation. McCreesh and his Consort respect these notes, and for the first time - incorporate them into the recording of the mass itself. Prepare yourself for the final piece, “In Dulci Jubilo,” which you will recognize in “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.” The congregation erupts, along with stirring drums and an epic trumpet fanfare. As my friend John Ahern has said, “this album will unmake and remake your whole world.” He introduced me to this recording, and no, he’s not wrong.Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Album: The Boston Camerata: An American Christmas
Notes:
Front-to-back hymn and christian-folk bangers from an older America. Make this one part of the folk culture of your home, it’s going to make you want to sing songs of joy. A regular spin around here during the Advent season.
For an excellent article and description of the project, click HERE.Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Album: Relient K: Let It Snow Baby…Let It Reindeer
Notes:
Yes. This is a fun, loud, silly, and at times meaningful record. It’s also impeccably produced and executed. Not many pop rock bands had the production and personality chops that Relient K did. Add some raucous fun to your Christmas season and give this one a try.Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Album: Andrew Peterson: Behold the Lamb of God
Notes:
A highly revered project in my circle of relationships. This is our yearly listen as we decorate the Christmas tree. A glorious folk record that takes us from the Exodus to the incarnation of Christ. Have a laugh, have a cry, celebrate the Lord’s incarnation.Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Album: Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas
Notes:
This record is the sound of a man in his 20s asking a bunch of friends over to his home to record a Christmas project, seemingly on-the-spot. The charm of these genuine, frazzled, occasionally off-kilter and mildly out of tune songs is a great addition to the Advent season. Advent and Christmas pair well with whimsy and mystery, this project helps deliver a bit of that.Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
