Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Christmas In Germany

Artist: Bielefelder Kinderchor
LP: Christmas In Germany
Song: "Kling, Glöckchen, Kling"
[ listen ]

My Peruvian boyfriend Edwardo proclaimed that the music of "Christmas In Germany" made him feel like he was "dead in the clouds." It must be a good feeling, since he wanted to listen again when the record was over. Here are some interesting factoids taken from the back of the LP, along with a couple more songs from the record:

The observance and celebration of Christmas in Germany is, in many
ways, remarkably similar to the way the Yuletide season is
celebrated in North America.


Artist: Wilhelm Schüchter & His Orchestra w/ Kenneth Spencer and Bielefelder Kinderchor
LP: Christmas In Germany
Song: "Weisse Weihnacht"
[ listen ]

It was in Germany, indeed, that the Christmas tree originated. The
great Martin Luther is said to have been walking alone in the night,
deeply impressed by the brilliance of the stars overhead, and the lovely
reflection of the moon on the clean, white snow. The setting inspired
Luther to hang a number of candles on a small but shapely fir tree
when he arrived home, in an attempt to illustrate to the children the
beauty of the scene outside. Everybody who saw the Luther tree was
entranced; soon hundreds, then thousands (and today, tens of
millions) followed his memorable example.

And thus, in Germany, did the Christmas tree tradition commence.
Artist: Collegium Musicum w/ Heinrich Riethmüller, organ
LP: Christmas In Germany
Song: "Heil'ge Nacht, O Giesse Du"
[ listen ]

"Christmas In Germany" presents the sounds and spirit of the Yuletide
season with extreme authenticity. All selections were actually recorded
in West Germany. Some are performed, vocally, by children. Some
are by adults. Some are instrumentals. All, however, are extremely
moving and emotional, urgently reflecting the tradition
and hope of Christmas.

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