German Christmas

Christmas music as it is still known and commonly enjoyed in Germany today is essentially limited to two areas: popular Christmas carols, which took their present forms primarily in the 19th century, and the Baroque music of the so-called Christmas concerts and oratorios, although only a few "landmarks" of the repertoire are regularly performed. The Dutch Margaretha Consort specializes in performing early music from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Under the direction of its founder, Marit Broekroelofs, the ensemble presents largely forgotten 17th-century Advent and Christmas music on this album, performed on period instruments or faithful replicas. Among the works are well-known names such as Michael Praetorius, Hans Leo Hassler, and Heinrich Schütz, as well as composers who are little known today. The music is shaped by the then-still-young Protestant conception of Christianity, which produced some of the most important sacred music of the time. In addition to the actual Christmas music, the Margaretha Consort has included further sacred works that meaningfully enrich the program of this compelling album. "A German Christmas" in the 17th century – this is what it might have sounded like! The Dutch musicians have succeeded in creating a wonderful album concept unlike anything seen before. A delightful alternative for Christmas musical enjoyment!