"In The Spirit - Sacred Music For Christmas" by Jessye Norman is a captivating classical album that beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season. Released on October 28, 1996, under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a collection of sacred Christmas music, meticulously arranged by Saylor. With a runtime of 50 minutes, it features 15 tracks that blend traditional carols and hymns with operatic and classical influences, showcasing Jessye Norman's powerful and versatile voice.
The album opens with "Angels From the Realms of Glory" and closes with "Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)," taking the audience through a journey of beloved Christmas classics. Notable tracks include "Ave Maria," "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht," and "Noël Nouvelet," each offering a unique interpretation that highlights Norman's exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. The album also features lesser-known pieces like "Puer Natus in Bethlehem" and "La Ballade du Jésus-Christ," adding a touch of diversity and richness to the collection.
Jessye Norman's renditions are both reverent and dynamic, making this album a timeless addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a fan of opera, classical music, or simply looking for a serene and spiritual Christmas experience, "In The Spirit - Sacred Music For Christmas" is a must-listen.
Angels From the Realms of Glory (Arr. Saylor)Henry Thomas Smart, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, Orchestra of St. Luke's, David Robertson
The First Nowell (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, David Robertson
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (Arr. Saylor)Richard Storrs Willis, Jessye Norman, Harry Huff
Away in a Manger (Arr. Saylor)William J. Kirkpatrick, Jessye Norman, The American Boychoir, David Robertson
Ihr Kinderlein, kommetJohann Abraham Peter Schulz, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Sarah Cutler, Harry Huff, David Robertson
Of the Father's Love Begotten (from Divinum Misterium) (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, The American Boychoir, David Robertson
Mary had a Baby (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, The American Boychoir, David Robertson
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, David Robertson
Puer Natus in Bethlehem (Benedictine Processional,14th C.) (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, David Robertson
Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III", D839 (Arr. Saylor)Franz Schubert, Jessye Norman, Sarah Cutler, Harry Huff
Noël Nouvelet (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, Harry Huff, David Robertson
A Christmas GarlandThoinot Arbeau, Anonymous, Traditional, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, David Robertson
La Ballade du Jésus-Christ (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, Orchestra of English National Opera, David Robertson
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Arr. Saylor)Franz Xaver Gruber, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, David Robertson
Balm in Gilead (Arr. Saylor)Anonymous, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, David Robertson
Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) (Arr. Saylor)John Francis Wade, Jessye Norman, St. Thomas Choir, New York, Riverside Choir, St. Barnabas Choir, Harry Huff, Orchestra of St. Luke's, David Robertson