Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Louise Seidel, Robert Shaw

 The art of the Christmas carol extends back to the Middle Ages, producing a richly varied tradition that continues to the present day. This programme highlights the evolution of Christmas music: from early monastic carols such as the original plainchant ofO come, O come, Emmanuel; through the beautiful 16th-century melodiesLo, how a rose e'er bloomingand theCoventry Carol; to the mighty splendours of later eras as exemplified by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi and Berlioz, with Handel's Hallelujah ChorusfromMessiahreigning supreme. This classic VOX recording featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Robert Shaw was originally issued on the 2-LP setNativityin 1976. The Elite Recordings for VOX by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

John Francis Wade (1711-1786) , Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) , Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) , Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) , Georges Bizet (1838-1875) , Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) , Gian-Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) , Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) , Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)

• trad.: Coventry Carol
• trad.: Dormi Jesu!
• trad.: Es ist ein Ros'
• trad.: O come, o come, Emmanuel
• trad.: So Blest a Sight
• Bach, J S: Christmas Oratorio, BWV248: Sinfonia 'Hirtenmusik'
• Bach, J S: Mass in B minor, BWV232: Dona Nobis Pacem
• Berlioz: L'Enfance du Christ, Op. 25 - L'Adieu des bergers
• Bizet: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2: IV. Farandole
• Brahms: Chorale Prelude Op. 122 No. 8 'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen'
• Handel: Hallelujah Chorus (from Messiah)
• Menotti: Amahl And The Night Visitors: Introduction, March & Shepherds' Dance
• Respighi: Trittico Botticelliano: L'adorazione dei Magi
• Vivaldi: Gloria in D major, RV589
• Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: Winter, RV297
• Wade, J F: O come, all ye faithful