Christiane Karg is joined by 17 composers on her Christmas Promenade and spreads seasonal cheer in a dizzying number of languages. Her light, silvery soprano is ideal for a program that explores the true meaning of Christmas, often seen through the eyes of children. Joined by the supremely responsive piano-playing of Gerold Huber, and for a few numbers by the Bavarian Radio Choir, Karg deftly weaves the familiar with some delicious novelties (like the Basque carols). Humperdinck, Schumann, Gounod, Ravel, and Massenet all feature, with Richard Strauss’ “Three Kings” (“Die heiligen drei Könige”) providing the magnificent finale, giving Huber the final word in a glorious, long postlude.
- Aurelius Sangerknaben Calw, Ola Rudner, Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, Valentin Burrer, William Roberts, Hans Porten, Darius Speier, Tobias Kruse & Cedric Kuhnen
- Elly Ameling, Brigitte Fassbaender, Horst Laubenthal, Hermann Prey, Tölzer Knabenchor, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks & Eugen Jochum
- Wolfgang Katschner, Lautten Compagney, Capella Angelica, Christoph Prégardien & Susanne Ryden
- Simon Keenlyside, Christine Schäfer, Staatskapelle Dresden & Peter Schreier
- Howard Arman, Munich Radio Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Chorus & Pavol Breslik
- Julian Prégardien, Philippe Pierlot, Carlos Mena, Ricercar Consort, Maria Keohane & Stephan MacLeod
- Roderick Williams, Martin Ford, Vasari Singers & Jeremy Backhouse