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Saint-Saens: Christmas Oratorio / Speck, Rastatt Vocal Ensemble, Les Favorites

Saint-saens / Vocalensemble Rastatt / Speck
Release Date: 09/18/2007 
Label:  Carus   Catalog #: 83352  
Composer:  Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:  Romano Giefer,  Jens Hamann,  Marcus Ullmann,  Antonia Bourvé,   ... 
Conductor:  Holger Speck
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Rastatt Vocal Ensemble,  Les Favorites
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
In Stock: Usually ships in 24 hours.  

Notes and Editorial Reviews

This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.
Includes work(s) by various composers. Ensembles: Rastatt Vocal Ensemble, Les Favorites. Conductor: Holger Speck. Soloists: Antonia Bourvé, Gundula Schneider, Sabine Czinczel, Marcus Ullmann, Jens Hamann, Romano Giefer.

The Oratorio de Noël of Camille Saint-Saëns is an important and enriching part of the repertoire. This ten-movement work is presented by an unusual ensemble: The vocal part, with string quintet and organ accompaniment, is augmented by the special sonorous effect of a harp, which lends a special atmosphere to the piece. This atmosphere – evoked through gentle harmonies, straightforward choral settings and Read more the almost chamber music-like use of the orchestra – is interrupted by only a few dramatic passages. The resulting tensions lead to the engaging charm of this work, which also explains the worldwide success of the oratorio.
The Vocalensemble Rastatt, Les Favorites and the organist Romano Giefer under the baton of Holger Speck show, with their distinct interpretation, that the concept of the “Christmas oratorio” encompasses many more impressive facets than is often assumed. - Carus-Verlag
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Works on This Recording

1. Christmas Oratorio, Op. 12 by Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:  Romano Giefer (Organ), Jens Hamann (Bass), Marcus Ullmann (Tenor),
Antonia Bourvé (Soprano), Gundula Schneider (Mezzo Soprano), Sabine Czinczel (Alto)
Conductor:  Holger Speck
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Rastatt Vocal Ensemble,  Les Favorites
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1858; France 

Sound Samples

Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Prelude (In the Style of Seb. Bach)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Recitative and Chorus: Et Pastores erant - Gloria (Chorus)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Air: Expectants expectavi Dominum (Soprano)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Air: Domine, ego credidi (Tenor, Chorus)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Duet: Benedictus qui venit (Soprano, Bass)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Quare fremuerunt gentes (Chorus)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Trio: Tecum principium (Soprano, Tenor, Bass)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Quartet: Alleluja (Soprano, Soprano, Alto, Bass)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Quintet and Chorus: Consurge, Filia Sion (Soprano, Soprano, Alto, Bass, Chorus)
Oratorio de Noel, Op. 12: Tollite hostias (Chorus)
Benediction nuptiale, Op. 9
Ave verum corpus
Sub tuum praesidium
O salutaris hostia
Ave Maria
Tantum ergo, Op. 5

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