Tolzer Knabenchor, Doris Soffel, Hermann Prey, Jochen Kowalski and Siegfried Jerusalem with the Ludwig Guttler Brass Ensemble and the Staatskapelle Dresden conducted by Ferdinand Leitner
ARTHAUS 101 135
62'00"

This makes a pleasant change from the normal over-tinselled Christmas productions. Though there are a couple of trees in the background the concert is a very formal affair from the Berlin Schauspielhaus with tempi on the slow side throughout. This should not detract would be viewers however as the musical quality is exemplary and the range impressive. Alongside more obvious works from Praetorius, Bach and Gruber we hear the Harp arrangement of Handel's Organ Concerto Op4 No4, hymns and prayers from a Russian Orthodox Choir and Hail the Conquering Hero comes using the text of Rejoice greatly. For Christmas afternoon - following the Queen's speech - this could be a pleasant antidote to excess!

BH