Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the winter season with George Frideric Handel's "Cozy Wintertime Classics," a captivating collection of timeless pieces that perfectly capture the essence of the colder months. This album, set for release on December 13, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, is a harmonious blend of classical, choral, and operatic genres, offering a rich and diverse musical experience.
Spanning a generous duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy and his ability to craft compositions that resonate deeply with audiences. The tracklist is a carefully curated selection of Handel's most beloved works, including iconic pieces like "Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: XIII. 'Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)'" and "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147 - Arranged by Bengt Forsberg: Jesu bleibet meine Freude." Each track is a masterclass in musical composition, showcasing Handel's unparalleled talent and his profound understanding of the human spirit.
The album also features a variety of arrangements and interpretations by renowned musicians such as Andreas Tarkmann, Bengt Forsberg, and Wilhelm Kempff, adding a fresh and contemporary twist to Handel's timeless classics. From the soothing "Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, 'Fatto per la Notte di Natale': III. Adagio - Allegro - Adagio" to the enchanting "The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: IIb. Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," each piece is a journey through the rich tapestry of Handel's musical genius.
"Cozy Wintertime Classics" is not just an album; it's an experience. It's a celebration of the winter season, a tribute to the enduring power of classical music, and a testament to the timeless appeal of George Frideric Handel's compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. So, grab a warm blanket, light some candles, and let the soothing melodies of Handel's "Cozy Wintertime Classics" transport you to a world of musical bliss.
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: XIII. "Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)"George Frideric Handel, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Koppangen - English VersionPereric Moraeus, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengan Jansson, Kalle Moraeus, Svante Henryson
Trio Sonata for 2 Violins and Continuo in G Minor, HWV 393 "Dresden" No. 2: III. Largo (Arr. for Oboe, Violin, Harpsichord and Orchestra by Andreas Tarkmann)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia, Jakub Haufa, Monika Razynska
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147 - Arranged by Bengt Forsberg: Jesu bleibet meine FreudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Bengt Forsberg
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": III. Adagio - Allegro - AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Away in A MangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Tecwyn Evans
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: IIb. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Christmas SongMel Tormé, Anne Sofie von Otter, Kalle Moraeus, Bengan Jansson
Bist du bei mir (Formerly Attrib. J.S. Bach as BWV 508, Transcr. for Oboe, Solo Violin, Strings and Basso continuo)Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, Albrecht Mayer, Gottfried Von Der Goltz, Berliner Barock Solisten
Capriccio in B-Flat Major, BWV 992 "On the Departure Of A Dear Brother": IV. [Andante con moto]Johann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Bred dina vida vingarAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengan Jansson, Kalle Moraeus
Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 1031: II. Siciliana (Arr. Tarkmann for Oboe & Ensemble)Johann Sebastian Bach, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Rolando Villazón, Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, Allan Wilson
In dulci jubilo, BWV 751 Anh.III 172 (Arr. by Kempff)Johann Michael Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Santa LuciaAnonymous, Anne Sofie von Otter, Markus Leoson
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Ralph Blane, Anne Sofie von Otter, Göran Danielsson, Leif Henrickson, Markus Leoson
White ChristmasIrving Berlin, Rolando Villazón, Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, Allan Wilson
Jul, jul strålande julGustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Corpus Christi CarolBenjamin Britten, Anne Sofie von Otter, Ulf Forsberg, Ulrika Jansson, Torbjörn Helander, Mats Rondin, Svante Henryson, Markus Leoson
Marias vaggsång (org.Mariae Wiegenlied)Max Reger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Sonata No.2 in E flat major, BWV 1031 - Arr. Wilhelm Kempff: SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Dance of the Blessed Spirits "Melody" (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Mischa Maisky, Pavel Gililov
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 - Arranged For Piano By Wilhelm KempffJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Uns ist ein Kindlein heut geborn, BWV 414Johann Sebastian Bach, Sarah Perl, Ophira Zakai, Vocalconsort Berlin, Daniel Reuss, Elina Albach
Concerto For Harpsichord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Arranged by Wilhelm Kempff: LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
Noëls sur les instruments, H 531, 534: I. Vous qui désirez sans finMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816: III. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Kempff
The Four Seasons: WinterAntonio Vivaldi, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings and Continuo in C Major, R. 537: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Mark Bennett, Michael Harrison, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8, "Fatto per la Notte di Natale": VI. Pastorale: LargoArcangelo Corelli, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock