Bach: Christmas Oratorio / Otto, Concerto Koln

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This energetic account of Bach's series of six Christmastide cantatas is nearly the equal of recordings by such illustrious conductors as Ton Koopman and John Eliot Gardiner that cost twice as much. The Frankfurt Vocal Ensemble doesn't have the absolutely pristine blend of Gardiner's Monteverdi Choir (an awfully high standard of comparison), but their clean execution, sense of line, energy, and (yes) blend are excellent. The instrumentalists of Concerto Köln need yield to none of their colleagues--in fact, the trumpets sound so brilliant one almost suspects them of being modern-style rather than Baroque instruments. Monica Groop's contralto sounds more accustomed to opera than to Bach with period instruments, but her vibrato isn't oppressive and she sings sensitively. The other three soloists are as good as any who have ever recorded this work--especially the pure-voiced, vibrant soprano Ruth Ziesak and tenor Christoph Prégardien, who manages the difficult tenor arias with ease and whose narration is dramatic without melodrama. In the end, if the extra money isn't a big issue, you may want the Gardiner, Masaaki Suzuki, or Koopman recordings, but this is nearly their equal--and by far the best version at budget price. -- Matthew Westphal

Bach: Christmas Oratorio / Otto, Concerto Koln,Johann Sebastian Bach,Klaus Mertens,Johann Sebastian Bach,Ralf Otto,Concerto Köln,Ruth Ziesak,Christoph Pregardien,Ralf Otto,Concerto Koln,Vokalensemble Frankfurt,Ruth Ziesak,Monica Groop,Christoph Pregardien,Klaus Mertens,Capriccio,Cantata,Choral,Christmas / Chanukkah,Classical,Oratorio

Average customer rating: Great mix of baroque music

Pachelbel Canon in D and Other Baroque Favorites Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rameau | Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe 25 Baroque Favorites Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: Canon in D ASIN: B00000IJSB Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

1. Water Music: Alla Hornpipe - Wind Ens/Budapest Strs
2. Canon in D - New Leipzig Bach Collegium Musicum/Max Pommer
3. Orchestral Ste No.2 in b: Menuet & Badinerie - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
4. Con Grosso, Op.3, No.11: Siciliano - Franz Liszt CO/Janos Rolla
5. Con: III. Presto - Gunther Holler/Konrad Hunteler/Capella Coloniensis/Georg Fischer
6. Christmas Oratorio: Pastoral Sym - Con Koln/Ralf Otto
7. Dardanus Ste: Tambourin - Collegium Aureum/Reinhard Peters
8. Fl Con in e: II. Andante - Eckart Haupt
9. Mandoline Con in C: I. Allegro - Lajos Mayer
10. Brandenburg Con No.4 in G: II. Andante - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
11. Tpt Con in D: IV. Allegro - Reinhold Friedrich
12. Org Con in F, Op.4, No.5: Alla Siciliana-Presto - Gabor Lehotka
13. The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f 'Winter' (II. Largo) - Bela Banfalvi
14. Vn Con in E: I. Allegro - Christian Altenburger
15. Con A Cinque in d, Op.9, No.2: Adagio - Reinhold Friedrich
16. Fl Con in F, Op.10, No.1 'La Tempesta Di Mare': Allegro-Largo-Presto - Eberhard Zumach

Customer Reviews:

Great mix of baroque music.......2007-07-19

Most people think of Bach and Vivaldi when the phrase Baroque music comes up, and imagine old white men in white wigs playing instrumental pieces that are mathematical than musical. I though so too until buying and listening to this CD. It does contain pieces from both Vivaldi and Bach, but only less popular pieces. It also includes works from many other Baroque composers, such as Albonini, Telemann, Buffardin, Handel and Rameau. The type of music is quite melodious and is actually closer to Classical classic music than Baroque music, with some tunes having tinges of Romanticism. The instrumentation is great as all the pieces are full orchestral scores. The sound quality is also great, and for the price, this is a great CD.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Moments, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000001VGE Release Date: 1992-11-10

Tracks:

1. Orchestral Ste No.3: Air - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
2. Ob Con in d: Adagio - Burkhard Glaetzner
3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Frank Berger/Hans Dieter Weber
4. Christmas Oratorio: Sinf - Cologne Con/Ralf Otto
5. Prld in c - Franz Just
6. Brandenburg Con No.1: Adagio - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
7. Minuet in d - Karl Heinz Passin/Walter Heinz Bernstein
8. Con: Largo Ma Non Tanto - Christian Altenburger/Ernst Mayer-Schierning
9. Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland: Chor - Matthian Eisenberg
10. Orchestral Ste No.2: Sarabande - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
11. Con D'Amore: Larghetto - Burkahrd Glaetzner
12. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme: Chor Prld - Hannes Kastner
13. Brandenburg Con No.4: Andante - German Bach Soloists/Helmut Winschermann
14. Vn Con in E: Adagio - Christian Altenburger

Average customer rating:

The Universe of Bach (Box Set) Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00004SUB3 Release Date: 2000-07-08

Average customer rating:

Bach's Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005YBX8 Release Date: 2000-07-10

Average customer rating:

Glory of Easter: Famous Bach Arias Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music ASIN: B0007PAN1Y Release Date: 2005-03-01

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Christmas Meditation, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Christmas Meditation, Vol. 3 Christmas Meditation, Vol. 1 Christmas Meditation, Vol. 5 Christmas Meditation, Vol. 4 The Baroque Christmas Album ASIN: B000001VIT Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Canon and Gigue for 3 Violins & Continuo in D Majo: Canon in D
2. Praeludium in C Minor, BWV 999
3. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
4. Cantata No. 143: Du Friedeferr Jesu Christ
5. Sonata in E Minor: Siciliano
6. Dies Est Laetitiae
7. Chorale: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659
8. Oboe Concerto, Op. 7, No. 3: Adagio
9. Ave Maria
10. Concerto for Flute and Harp: Andantino
11. Stille, Stille, La Uns Lauschen
12. Concerto for Recorder and Transverse Flute in E Mi
13. Holberg Suite: Air (Andante Religioso)
14. Chorale: Vater Unser Im Himmereich, BWV737
15. Christmas Oratorio, BWV248: Schlafe, Mein Liebster

Average customer rating: The best recording available!

Bach: Christmas Oratorio / Otto, Concerto Koln Ralf Otto , Concerto Koln , Vokalensemble Frankfurt , Ruth Ziesak , Monica Groop , Christoph Pregardien , and Klaus Mertens Manufacturer: Capriccio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B000001WVQ Release Date: 1995-12-01

Tracks:

1. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Coro - Chor: 'Jauchzet, frohlocket'
2. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit'
3. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Recitativo - Alt: 'Nun wird mein liebster Brigam'
4. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Aria - Alt: 'Bereite dich, Zion'
5. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Choral: 'Wie soll ich dich empfangen'
6. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn'
7. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Choral u. Recitativo - Chor: 'Er ist auf Erden kommen arm' - Bass: 'Wer will die Liebe recht erh
8. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Arie - Bass: 'Grosser Herr, o starker K'
9. Cantata 1: For Christmas Day: Choral: 'Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein'
10. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Sinfonia - Hirtenmusik
11. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend'
12. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Choral: 'Brich an, o sch Morgenlicht'
13. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Evangelist: 'Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen'
14. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Bass: 'Was Gott dem Abraham verheissen'
15. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Aria - Tenor: 'Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet'
16. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Engel - Soprano - Evangelist: 'Und das habt zum Zeichen'
17. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Choral - 'Schaut hin! dort liegt im finstern Stall'
18. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Bass: 'So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht'
19. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Arie - Alt: 'Schlafe, mein Liebster, geniesse der Ruh'
20. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel'
21. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Coro - Chor: 'Ehre sei Gott in der H
22. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Bass: 'So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet'
23. Cantata 2: For The Second Day Of Christmas: Choral - 'Wir singen dir in deinem Heer'
24. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Coro - Chor: 'Herrscher des Himmels, erhdas Lallen'
25. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren'
26. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Coro - Chor: 'Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem'
27. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Bass: 'Er hat sein Volk getr
28. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Choral - 'Dies hat er alles uns getan'
29. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Duetto - Soprano, Bass: 'Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen'
30. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und sie kamen eilend'
31. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Aria - Alt: 'Schliesse, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder'
32. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Alt: 'Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren'
33. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Choral - 'Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren'
34. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitativo - Evangelist: 'Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um'
35. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Choral - 'Seid froh, dieweil'
36. Cantata 3: For The Third Day Of Christmas: Coro - Chor: 'Herrscher des Himmels, erhdas Lallen (da capo Nr. 24)'

Tracks:

1. Chor: Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
2. Evangelist: Und da acht Tage um waren
3. Rez. Bass: Immanuel, o sort! - Arioso Sopran, Bass: Jesu, du mein liebstes Leben
4. Arie Sopran, Echo: Fl mein Heiland, fldein Namen
5. Rez. Bass: Wohlan, dein Name soll allein - Choral: Jesu, meine Freud und Wonne
6. Arie Tenor: Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben
7. Choral: Jesus richte mein Beginnen
8. Chor: Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen
9. Evangelist: Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem
10. Chor: Wo ist der neugeborne K der J
11. Choral: Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt
12. Arie Bass: Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen
13. Evangelist: Da das der K Herodes h
14. Rez. Alt: Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?
15. Evangelist: Und lieversammeln alle Hohenpriester
16. Terzett Sopran, Alt, Tenor: Ach, wenn wird die Zeit erscheinen?
17. Rez. Alt: Mein Liebster herrschet schon
18. Choral: Zwar ist solche Herzensstube
19. Chor: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben
20. Evangelist: Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich
21. Rez. Sopran: Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fen
22. Arie Sopran: Nur ein Wink von seinen Hen
23. Evangelist: Als sie nun den K geh hatten
24. Choral: Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier
25. Evangelist: Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum
26. Rez. Tenor: So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier
27. Arie Tenor: Nun mihr stolzen Feinde schrecken
28. Rez. Quartett: Was will der H Schrecken nun
29. Choral: Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen

Amazon.com

This energetic account of Bach's series of six Christmastide cantatas is nearly the equal of recordings by such illustrious conductors as Ton Koopman and John Eliot Gardiner that cost twice as much. The Frankfurt Vocal Ensemble doesn't have the absolutely pristine blend of Gardiner's Monteverdi Choir (an awfully high standard of comparison), but their clean execution, sense of line, energy, and (yes) blend are excellent. The instrumentalists of Concerto Köln need yield to none of their colleagues--in fact, the trumpets sound so brilliant one almost suspects them of being modern-style rather than Baroque instruments. Monica Groop's contralto sounds more accustomed to opera than to Bach with period instruments, but her vibrato isn't oppressive and she sings sensitively. The other three soloists are as good as any who have ever recorded this work--especially the pure-voiced, vibrant soprano Ruth Ziesak and tenor Christoph Prégardien, who manages the difficult tenor arias with ease and whose narration is dramatic without melodrama. In the end, if the extra money isn't a big issue, you may want the Gardiner, Masaaki Suzuki, or Koopman recordings, but this is nearly their equal--and by far the best version at budget price. -- Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

The best recording available!.......1999-11-21

Reviewing the last years recordings of the "Weihnachtsoratorium" the interpretation of Ralf Otto is surely the best one. It represents the synthesis of baroque with modern aspects of interpretation. In opposite to the main english recordings (i.e. Gardiner) which impress by a straight but "bodyless" blend it is the Vokalensemble Frankfurt and the splendid soloists (i.e. Ruth Ziesak an Christoph Prégardien) who make the music a sensual experience. Ottos "Weihnachtsoratorium" ist probably the best recording available.

Average customer rating:

Porträt Eines Orchesters Manufacturer: Capriccio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dittersdorf | Dittersdorf, Karl Ditters | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Harpsichord | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000001WV2 Release Date: 1994-07-12

Tracks:

1. Sym in D 'Da Chiesa': Andante Maestoso - Allegro Maestoso
2. Con in F, Op.10 No.1 RV 433, 'La Tempesta Di Mare': Allegro - Largo - Presto
3. Sym in C 'La Prise De La Bastille': Grave - Allegro Assai
4. Con in C, K.299: II. Andantino
5. Con in g: III. Allegro
6. Christmas Oratorio: Hirtenmusik - Pastorale
7. Con in d, RV 566: Allegro Assai - Largo/Allegro
8. Con No.8 in A 'La Pazzia': I. Allegro Affettuoso
9. Sym in c: III. Allegro Assai

Average customer rating:

Christmas Oratorio Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00064LOOG Release Date: 2004-10-19

Average customer rating:

Christmas Favorites Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B00064LOPA Release Date: 2004-10-19

Music Review:

1. Baroque Organ Music
2. Baroque Xmas Album/Various
3. Beethoven Masterpieces (Box Set) [Box set]
4. Beethoven: Notturno, Op. 42; Mendelssohn: Viola Sonata in C minor; Schumann: Märchenbilder, Op. 113
5. Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
6. Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3
7. Berwald: Piano Quintet No. 1; Piano Trio in C; Duo in D
8. Bolcom & Adler: Music for Piano & Flute
9. Boughton: String Quartet in F, et al
10. Christmas Around the World

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Ravel: Miroirs/Le Tombeau De Couperin

Puccini: Le Mie Butterfly

The Original Ellington Suite [Original recording remastered]

Sleep Baby Doll

Navidad Con Tatiana

Sagrada Biblia: San Mateo, Vol. 3

Shacklegrind I

Shenandoah - Greatest Hits

Para Morir Bailando Con [Import]

Real Life

Passioni [Import]

Rock N Roll Dance Party

Let Me Tell You 'Bout It

The Mask and Mirror