Stille Nacht

Read About This Recording

Dating back to Medieval times, German Christmas carols have a long tradition. These early tunes normally integrated well-known folk melodies with lyrics written by local clergymen and sung in churches, often as choral dialogues, or performed in religious Christmas plays. Under the influence of the Reformation, the celebration of Christmas extended outside of the Church into the family domain. It was in the 19th century that many of the festive German carols known today first arose. Older carols were adapted and modernized; new lyrics were added to familiar folk tunes. While the religious impulse behind the spirit of the celebration was not wholly abandoned, the tone of the new German Christmas carols was lighter and less ritualistic than the Church songs.

Here is new Christmas album from Joachim Held and Bettina Pahn, artists considered preeminent Baroque specialists. The award-winning Joachim Held is on his way to becoming an internationally recognized lutenist while soprano Bettina Pahn, has made a name for herself singing with Ton Koopman's Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra. Together they have collaborated both in concert and on recordings.

Pairing the lute with a soprano was a staple of Baroque music in both Germany and Italy. Together the hushed sound of the voice is sweetly accompanied by plucked and strummed lute. The album includes classic holiday fare all sung in German or Latin including "In Dulci Jubilo," "Silent Night," "O Tannenbaum" and a moving version of the Christmas lullaby "Still, Still, Still" — 22 tracks in all.

This is a beautiful and well-made album with a natural beauty and a fluid musicality of singing and playing. One could not expect more. These two long-time duo partners turn the talents to capturing the home-spun beauty of the German carol tradition, sounding every bit as exquisite as they did on their other CD. Here is a consistently fine and intimate collection that should happily attract and easily appeal to listeners looking for a holiday album that is as charming as it is agreeable.

—Terrence London

Quotes

"We are fortunate to have musicians who are genuinely enthusiastic. Bettina Pahn, with Joachim Held's sparingly elegant accompaniment, is a little revelation." —Der Spiegel

Contents

Und unser lieben Frauen; Wach, Nachtigall, wach auf!; Ein Kind geboren zu Bethlehem; Mariä Verkündigung (Es flog ein kleins Waldvögelein); Es moot ein Schiff geladen; Maria durch ein Dornwald ging; Es wollt ein Jäger jagen; Preambulum und Chorea; Sys willekomen heire kerst; Uns ist geborn ein Kindelein; Allemande und Courate für Laute; Es ist ein Ros entsprungen; Kommet, hr Hirten; Geborn ist uns ein Kindelein; In dulci jubilo; Vom Himmel hoch; Ihr Kinderlein kommet; Still, still, still; Vom Himmel hoch; Resonet in laudibus; Susani, susani (Weihnachtslied beiim Kindelwiegen); Stille nacht; Passacaglia in D-Dur; Laufet, ihr Hirten; O, du fröhliche; Quem pastores laudavere; Passamezzo und Saltarella; O Jesulein zart; In dulci jubilo; Mit diesem neuen Jahre.

Bettina Pahn, Soprano; Joachim Held, Lute.