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Christmas in Berlin
Posted on April 25, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I’ve been invited to conduct the 2010 Christmas Concert with the Rundfunkchor Berlin (Berlin Radio Chorus). I can’t even begin to describe how excited and honored I am to be working with this legendary group.
The annual performance is in the spectacular Berliner Dom, which has a special meaning for me because we performed a bunch of my a cappella music and selections from Paradise Lost there in 2003. Here’s the outside of the cathedral at night:
And here’s an inside view of the organ and the dome:
As you can see, the place is massive. If memory serves, there must be a seven or eight second reverb tail in there.
The concert is mostly a cappella, with a few instruments if I want them. I’ll definitely do Lux Aurumque, maybe Nox Aurumque. I might do Sleep, and Sleep, My Child. Maybe hope, faith, life, love. I’ll definitely do some beautiful traditional things in German, like Stille Nacht and Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen (Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming). Mostly I want to create a soft, wintry, dreamy atmosphere, something warm and magical on a snowy Berlin night.
So does anyone have any suggestions? I’d love to hear your programming ideas, your favorite holiday/winter pieces. The concert is broadcast live to all of Germany, and I want to make it as special and beautiful as possible.
57 Comments
Robbie Bennett on April 25, 2009 at 8:36 am
"Shiloh" by WilliamBillings. There is an amazing recording by Indiana University.
Like I said in the post before last, I wonder why "Her Sacred Spirit Soars" is seemingly not commonly considered for concerts. I LOVE IT :-)
-Robbie
Austin on April 25, 2009 at 9:06 am
In the Bleak Midwinter by Holst
Samuel Hunter on April 25, 2009 at 10:07 am
"O Magnum Mysterium" by Victoria immediately comes to mind. Floating, soft, perfect for Christmas.
Then again, with such a talented chorus, the Polenc "O Magnum Mysterium" might be even more special, especially for a big cathedral.
Krijn Redert on April 25, 2009 at 11:38 am
No Christmas without John Rutter's The Lamb and The Tiger(on the text of William Blake)!
Second best: 'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' by the German composer Hugo Distler.
Ashley Jensen on April 25, 2009 at 11:38 am
OMG!!! i love the piece called "prayer for the children" this song gives me chills. i love it
Camile on April 25, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Ave Maria by Franz Biebl – Tonight, Eternity Alone by Clausen -Lumen Mundi est by Ulrich
Robert on April 25, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Bruckner's "Locus Iste" and Rachmaninoff's "Borogoditse Devo (Ave Maria)" from the All-Night Vigil are both lovely.
Also, Hugo Distler has a lovely arrangement of "Lo How a Rose" that you can listen to here: http://www.musicaintima.org/listen/nativite/
And if you decided you wanted to use that fantastic organ, you could do Brahms's "Geistliches Lied."
Trevor (Teo) on April 25, 2009 at 1:31 pm
You absolutely have to do Cпасение coдeлaл (Salvation is Created, but in Russian) by Chesnekov! ESPECIALLY in a hall that has that kind of reverb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSbw8Ea2Os&fe…
Biebl's Ave Maria
Somebody mentioned Bruckner's Locus Iste…If you like the text, I'd look into Ernest von Dohnányi's setting…breathtaking.
Since it is Germany, I'd say definitely program at least one each of Bach and Brahms
Trevor (Teo) on April 25, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Also, I'd dig into some of Arvo Pärt's catalogue as I'm sure he's got some incredible works for both a cappella choir and choir and Organ.
Troy Amont on April 25, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Um, it'd be perfect to do your current 'Sleep', yet with the original lyrics that you can't use anymore, sadly :( (Stopping by Woods…)
Andy J on April 25, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I love Morten Johannes Lauridsen's arrangement of O Magnum Mysterium…one of the most beautiful pieces I've heard, to be honest. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iss5a8BqYw0
My former high school did a really neat version of Vocal Majority's (The Barbershop Chorus out of Dallas, TX) arrangement of Little Drummer Boy, placing an SATB group in the TTBB arrangement with Sopranos on the Tenor part, Alto's on the Lead part, Tenors on the Baritone part, and Basses, of course, on the bass part.
Andy J on April 25, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Oh! Also, the "Hallelujah" from Handel's The Messiah could be really neat to do.
Other really nice arrangements include Chanticleer's arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" arranged by Ray Liebau as sung by Denver A Cappella Project.
K. Connelly on April 25, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I agree with Andy…also try The Lamb by John Taverner. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyBp9hrzDQE
The bass would be SO glorious in that hall…
Peter on April 25, 2009 at 3:08 pm
How about Éyze shéleg? That one's very warm and shimmer-y. A really cool piece is John Rutter's Hymn to the Creator of Light. I also like Brian Schmidt's setting of Lux Aeterna. In the Bleak Midwinter is awesome! Hmm. Still thinking…
Peter on April 25, 2009 at 3:14 pm
If they've got some really good basses, and a lot of rehearsal time, there are the Rachmoninoff Vespers. Simply an amazing piece of art. Sven-David Sandstrøm's Agnus Dei kind of evokes that wintery sound (judging from the tiny little clip I heard of it).
Robbie Bennett on April 25, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I thought of another…
Bruckner's "Ave Maria" is fantastic. I definitely agree with "Bogoroditse Devo" by Rachmaninoff as well.
My absolute favorite is "Song For Athene" by Taverner. That seriously has to be one of the most emotional pieces I have ever heard. It became famous at Princess Diana's Funeral. I guess this is not necessarily the right setting but everyone will feel the emotion! This is not the best quality that you can find (itunes has the best) but this is from her funeral…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_QgNkG5jg
Rebecca Smurawa on April 25, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Hi Eric,
Congratulations and Merry (Psychotically Early) Christamas to you.
Four pieces for you to ponder:
Britten: from the "Ceremony of Carols" 'Balulalow' and 'There is no Rose'
Gretchaninoff: from the "Passion Week" 'Svete Tihiy'
(I know the time of year is wrong, but the text connection to Lux Arumque would be beautiful).
Philip Stopford: "Lully Lulla Lully"- very beautiful and meditative with a lot of Whitacre-esque suspensions. I think you've started something here. Hahaha. Here's a link to the "Lully…"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6o0amydcLU
Preston (kidsilver6b on April 25, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Ave Verum Corpus-William Byrd
O Crux-Jennings
Sure on this shining night-Lauridsen
Any of David Child's pieces
Noel-Todd Smith, Brad Holmes
Choral Concerto-Alfred Schnittke (In Russian)
Ubi Caritas, Magnificat-Clausen
Our Father-Alexander T. Gretchaninoff
Erik on April 25, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I have to recommend a piece my choir did this year. It is called The Winter's Night by Nicholas Myers. It is simple and beautiful and would fit perfectly with the atmosphere you want. Plus it would sound awesome in that church.
Frances on April 25, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I've always been partial to incorporating the Rutter version of "Blow, blow, thou winter wind" into Christmas/winter concerts. Although the lyrics aren't entirely appropriate, the sound is right and most people pick up on the seasonal words and tune out the rest.
And either the Victoria or Poulenc O Magnum is very nice.
Elijah Johnson on April 25, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Biebl’s Ave Maria. I have to agree with this song. It's so beautiful, and it's made me cry before. It's just plain amazing!
ulzha on April 26, 2009 at 2:44 am
Heliseb Väljadel ("Ringing in the Fields") by Urmas Sisask http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQnvrFaD9XU
Simple and not connected to Germany, but it has a wintry feeling like nothing else I've heard.
Kyle on April 26, 2009 at 7:42 am
"o magnum mysterium" arranged by laurdisen definitely :)
Bethan Thomas on April 26, 2009 at 9:33 am
How about 'A Spotless Rose' Herbert Howells
Or Howells' 'Walking in the snow' or 'Here is the little Door' All three stunning pieces. :)
Sam on April 26, 2009 at 4:46 pm
“For Unto Us a Child is Born” from The Messiah. It’s probably used too much, but it’s my favorite part of The Messiah.
Robbie Bennett on April 26, 2009 at 11:34 am
Howells' "Sing Lullaby"
Cristian Reyes on April 26, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I'm going to have to agree with the requests for Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium. Its a classic and a must for any Christmas concert, especially in a cathedral such as the one you're performing. Bogoroditse Devo is another great song. Britten's A Hymn to the Virgin is wonderful as well.
Dan on April 26, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Jacques Arcadelt's "Ave Maria"
Vince on April 26, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Ooh, I've sang there before, during a service. If I remember right, we sang Randall Thompson's Alleluia, and a couple other pieces I can't remember (one of which might have been Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium as we did that piece on that tour).
Blackhoofone on April 26, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I adore hearing Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening (composed by Randall Thompson, poem by Robert Frost) in the winter and it would fit the calming mood you wish to set.
Tim Johnson on April 26, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I echo the requests for the Lauridsen, and also suggest Jennefelt's 'Music for a big church' or Raminsh's Magnificat (2nd movement, if you can only do one mvmt). Also my choir sang a piece last year by Peter Cavell called 'Miserere'. It's not too Christmassy but would sound amazing in such a big space…the score is on his website.
Kris M. Sandrock on April 26, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Some of my absolute favorite Christmas carols:
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
In the Bleak Midwinter
The Wexford Carol
Back to the basics, I know, but sometimes the simple carols can be so beautiful. And they all would work well with the "soft, dreamy" feel you're going for. Thanks for giving me a reason to listen to Christmas carols in April!
Trevor (Teo) on April 27, 2009 at 1:06 am
Awesome post by Frances on the Rutter – Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind! It is an incredible piece in its own right.
Agree on the Éyze Shéleg!…you could even take it a step further and use something from winter…
Some other pieces that I've found in some programs:
The Snow – Edward Elgar (I wouldn't be surprised if this is exactly what you're looking for): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hALRijYZ9nY&fe…
This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten
Hodie Christus Natus Est – Pick your favorite Setting (Poulenc had a cool setting if I remember correctly)
Hopefully I can think of several more non-english language pieces, since they will probably not dominate the concert.
John W. on April 27, 2009 at 6:51 am
Agree entirely with the Bruckner "Locus iste". There are several more Bruckner pieces, including one marvelous one incorporating organ that would be magnificent.
Lauridsen: "Sure on this Shining Night"…again, total agreement. Amazing piece. The "O Magnum Mysterium" is terrific as well, but perhaps a less well-known alternative would be his "O Nata Lux" from Lux Aeterna (which would fit quite nicely with your "Lux Aurumque".
Any of Poulenc's Four Christmas Motets would be terrific, particularly "Videntes stellam".
drew on April 27, 2009 at 9:44 am
on snowy nights i always listen to
Ticheli's "There Will Be Rest"
Z. Randall Stroope's "I Am Not Yours" and "Amor de mi alma"
and of course; 5 Hebrew Love songs, Sleep, and the Seal Lullaby.
Johnny on April 29, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I think Rutter's "What sweeter music" would fit the atomsphere you described. And how about a piece of John Tavener, for example the Christmas Proclamation "God is with us"?
Max Reger did a few very beautiful compositions on traditional German texts e.g. his op. 138, 4 "Unser lieben Frauen Traum" or "Macht hoch die Tür". And there are these fine Eccard motets "Maria wallt zum Heiligtum (when Mary to the temple went)" and "Übers Gebirg Maria geht (Over the Hills!" Our Mary Saith)".
Andrew Barber on April 29, 2009 at 6:19 pm
This little babe is an amazing piece, but those stretto entrances in such a live place would just be lost. I also echo Lauridsen's O Magnum. But I would highly recommend RVW's Fantasia on Christmas Carols.
Andrew Barber on April 29, 2009 at 6:41 pm
some others that I absolutely loved that aren't anywhere on the list would be "Tollite Hostias" by Saint-Saens and "Sweet was the Song" by Robert Young
liz fuggle on April 30, 2009 at 7:20 am
'Here is the little door',
'A spotless Rose'
'Sing Lullaby' all by Herbert Howells
'Bethlehem Down' – Warlock
'Hymn to the Virgin' – Britten
are my favourites for haunting Christmas music…chills!
Kurie Andros on April 30, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I adore Poulenc's 4 Christmas Motets For a Time of Penitence. Perfect Christmas hymns.
Carah A. Naseem on May 1, 2009 at 3:31 pm
AH! My high school chamber choir sang "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL.
And AH at this church!
I generally don't like organs because they're rather insensitive instruments, but this is unlike one I have ever seen.
Carah A. Naseem on May 1, 2009 at 3:56 pm
And yes, most variations of O Magnum Mysterium.
I quite like Cristobal's (the "et expavi" duet between the the two lower voices in the SSAA version is divine; I would provide a youtube video, but the only one I could fined is a rather awkward TTBB version with, what I feel is a lack of dynamic expression), but on the flipside I ADORE Lauridsen's.
And, unfortunately, I don't think Arvo Part composed much, if any, Christmas music for choir. Though I could listen to his Kyrie Eleison and his Antiphonen series forever and ever.
Abraham on May 4, 2009 at 12:26 am
I really like Kenneth Leighton's setting of Coventry Carol, you'll need to find a fine soloist for it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1l1PAvXCA
Dr. Edith Copley at NAU commissioned a beautiful piece called "A Winter Landscape" by composer Lane Johnson who lives in the Salt Lake City area and works closely with the BYU choirs. The Shrine of the Ages Choir premiered it last year and we love this piece so much!
You can find a recording of it on our MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/naushrine
David on May 9, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Silent Night arr. by Malcolm Sargent
Quite unique harmonies, and a different English translation than we know in USA. Maybe you could do it in the original German.
The Blessed Son of God R. Vaughan Williams
From the cantata Hodie, a cappella he calls it a "choral" – nice to compare with Bach's
Jesus Christ the apple tree Elizabeth Poston
I'll bet this isn't well known in Germany
Singet frisch und wohlgemuth Hugo Distler
(this is a motet on the carol Resonet in laudibus). Fantastic
O magnum mysterium William Byrd (I think it's better than Lauridsen or Victoria, and maybe better than Poulenc) – or you could do them all and let the audience decide
Bach: how about just a couple of chorales, like Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly light form the Christmas Oratorio (whatever the German is)
Ach herr, du schöpfer alle ding Heinrich Schütz awesome.
I'm still happily remembering your rehearsals and performances last year at the Pacific Chorale's American music festival (I'm their accompanist).
Annodamydal on May 14, 2009 at 9:27 pm
How about Hall's Dream of a Blessed Spirit? Or, for the more seasonal, In Dulci Jubilo?
compozor on May 14, 2009 at 11:03 pm
How about introducing the world to another O Magnum Mysterium setting – by another American composer? Please give it a listen. http://issuu.com/compozor/docs/o_magnum_mysterium
Christian Shaum on May 15, 2009 at 7:59 am
I would go with Stroope's Amor De Mi Alma, or Stephan Chatman's Remeber from two Rossetti Songs, or Pearsall's Lay A Garland(gorgeous), or Lauridsen's Dirait-on.
Amor De MI Alma -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1AGAEvfU8I&fmt=18
Remeber -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC0JrSwPZ_8&fmt=18(vowles are spread but notes are there.)
Lay A Garland -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK1m7NdjQFM&fmt=18
Dirait-On -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47wx4Ni4VM8&feature=related&fmt=18
Christian Shaum on May 15, 2009 at 8:06 am
there is one more i forgot it is more "happy" but still is an amazing holiday and great upbeat piece
Frohlocket ihr Volker auf Erden – Felix Mendelsohn
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCSGAgE2LOY&fmt=18)
did it for All-State this year in Michigan amazing!
Christian Shaum on May 15, 2009 at 8:15 am
also Frank Martins Sanctus is absolutely amazing, or anything from his mass
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVTvwLcW3VE&feature=related&fmt=18) amazing!!
Wilson Ochoa on May 23, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Britten: Chorale after an Old French Carol. One of the most beautiful pieces he ever wrote. There's a fine recording with Polyphony.
James Napoleon on June 5, 2009 at 11:14 pm
http://www.johnpamintuan.com/catalogue.html
O Magnum Mysterium (7th song down)
Matt on January 11, 2010 at 8:46 am
Eric,
I hope that it's not too late to suggest some pieces. Can I do something rather unconventional? I'd like to recommend a piece that I composed for your concert.
It's a new setting of "It Came upon the Midnight Clear." It was premiered this last Christmas by the BYU Singers (with Dr. Staheli conducting), and was broadcast on "Performance Today" this last Christmas Eve.
Here's a link to page one and a recording of the BYU Singers: http://hotwaterishot.blogspot.com/2009/12/it-came…
Hope you like it! Tell me what you think.
Thanks,
Matt
Uwe Hoffmann on July 14, 2010 at 12:31 am
I try to find tickets for Hamburg or Berlin, but evry link on the tour-page leads into nowhere.
Searching on Google it´s the same. Can somebody tell me, where to buy tickets in Germany?
Jimmy Kirsch on August 23, 2010 at 8:33 pm
This is such an amazing opportunity! I am sure its going to be much better than the last time you went there..
How about "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day"
Make sure you visit the german christmas markets since you're going to be there..
Jimmy Kirsch on August 23, 2010 at 8:41 pm
and also "I will be home for Christmas"
Miggy Torres on September 28, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I know u posted this over a year ago, lol. I was just browsing some of your old posts and stumbled upon this. Anyway, i just have to say, idk if you already finished choosing the concert program , but if not, YOU MUSSST do Biebl's Ave Maria. It is arguably the most beautiful setting of Ave Maria ever written. Browsing o'er the comments, (Yes, "o'er") I know others have said that you should do that piece. Listen to them.
The song's first "Sancta Maria" evokes such catharsis (comparable to Sleep's final "unto" where the sopranos soar on the high Ab), it's a great for any concert program, but a must for one that you want to make as special as this.
I could go on and on with a bunch of more reasons why i think you should include that song, but i dont want this comment to appear too daunting at first glance, lol.
Lesa Jacobsen on January 3, 2012 at 12:35 am
Don’t forget ‘In the Bleak MidWinter.” It sets such a beautiful and desolate aural tableau for the listener.