Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
CMAS-004 (STEREO) – Michael Praetorius: Polychoral Christmas Music – Four Concerti for Soloists, Choruses & Instruments from Polyhymnia caduceatrix et panegyrica (1619) – Westphalian Choral Ensemble – Wilhelm Ehmann, conductor – Michael Praetorious was one of the first musicians outside Italy to become a partisan of the musical revolution launched there at the end of the 16th century. Although he never left Germany, he amassed as imposing knowledge of the most advanced trends, which he sought with boundless energy to transplant to his native soil. Praetorious’ work as a composer reached its peak in 1619 the the publication of his Polyhymnia caduceatrix et panegyrica (roughly, “Polyhymnia [the muse of oratory and sacred poetry], herald and bearer of praise”). This collection of four selections from that publication was released on a Nonesuch LP under license by Cantate. A complete listing of performing personnel is included on the inside cover of the CD. Enjoyable listening for the Christmas season, and any other time during the year. Click here for an MP3 sample.
More Christmas titles may be found at Klassic Haus Restorations under the Choral/Vocal tab – Thanks for visiting – Cheers – Curt Timmons