Our Review
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Nein? Oh, you don't know how to speak German? That's OK-because this is one of the most magnificent choral performances I have heard in a long time in any language.
The Mainzer Figuralchor handles 26 European Christmas songs with incredible professionalism and precision. The works are classical, and the presentation is cleanly done a cappella. I have a strong personal preference for a cappella works because the absence of accompaniment tends to magnify the natural beauty of human voices (the most amazing of musical instruments!) working together to achieve pure tone and harmony. This is what the Mainzer Figuralchor accomplishes on this CD.
I must confess that I do not recognize many of these songs, although every one is masterfully presented. The ones known to all will include Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night) and Die Botschaft (The First Noel). A great favorite of mine is Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen (Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming), one of the most beautiful Christmas pieces on the planet. Whether you recognize the songs or not, this gorgeous music will move you.
If you love choral music (especially a cappella choral music!), and you don't mind hearing your holiday music in German, then this CD will be a superb addition to your collection.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2003)
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From the Liner Notes:
The Mainzer Figuralchor has 43 members (13 soprano, 11 alto, 9 tenor, and 10 bass voices). The conductor is Stefan Weiler.
Ltg. Stefan Weiler Mainzer Figuralchor
Vom Himmel hoch
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Label: Valve-Hearts
Genre: Choral
Release: 2000
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht |
| Grünet Felder, grünet Wiesen |
| Auf, auf nun, ihr Hirten |
| Es kam ein Engel |
| Freu dich, Erd und Sternenzelt |
| Sieh Gottes Gestirn |
| Schlaf, mein Kindlein |
| Was soll das bedeuten |
| Hirtenlied |
| Als die Welt verloren |
| Zu Bethlehem geboren |
| Leise rieselt der Schnee |
| Am Weihnachtsbaume die Lichter brennen |
| Vom Himmel hoch |
| Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen |
| Maria durch ein Dornwald ging |
| Dort zwischen Ochs und Eselein |
| Hört, der Engel helle Lieder |
| Sei willkommen, Jesus |
| Im Stall von Bethlehem |
| Die Botschaft |
| O Bethlehem, du kleine Stadt |
| Zu Bethlehem geboren |
| O du fröhliche |
| Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Originalfassung der Melodie) |
| AudioTrack 26 |