There is an almost unfathomable amount of Christmas pieces most of them of little value, some of them outstanding. In a way, they are comparable to the old Christmas postcards that used to be pasted in albums. Their motifs included such charming scenes as children on a large gingerbread cookie throwing snowballs; a little angel as the Christmas mailman; a Santa Claus who strangely resembles a favorite uncle or the local clergyman; a little angel on a sleigh; the Christ Child emerging from the woods with his cap full of snow; another angel sliding down the tail of a comet, squealing with glee...

To begin with, we separated the pieces whose settings relate directly to the Christmas season from those whose unembellished, graceful music conveys the Christmas magic on its own. And then there are pieces that have little to do with the actual holiday, some of which are even borrowed from the opera or concert hall, but which nevertheless conjure up the spirit of Christmas and kindle holiday warmth in the hearts of respectable families.

Among our selection of stimulating yuletide pieces which, as Julie Schrader would say, span an arch “between Bethlehem and roast goose”, some of the pieces are set on earth, while others tell of celestial occurrences.

The heavenly dwellers gather together, a simple and noble troupe, to recite their little speech:
“...sweet child with curly locks
sleep in blissful peace.”
The Salonorchester has sought out original arrangements for its program, not only “à la recherche du temps perdu”, but also “à la recherche du mauvais goût”. May the highly esteemed listener bear in mind: this recording offers more than just a few hours of leisure and levity! There is a serious core to this entertainment, something to reflect on while enjoying the music.
So let’s light the candles:
“Angels fly to and fro,
singing bright songs of joy...”
“Until the resplendent, golden tree
shines again at Christmastime.."

Dirk Schortemeier
Translation: Roger Clément