Year of release 2015

Songs 18

Album time 01:14:29

Genre list Classical

1
I. Awaiting The Messiah. A Lutheran Advent Service] Chorale. Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland
 
3:16
2
Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (Polyphonic Setting, From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
5:10
3
Hymn. Wachet Auf (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
2:47
4
Carol. Puer Natus In Bethlehem (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
4:59
5
Offertory. Ach, Mein Herre (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
7:42
6
Credo. Wir Glauben All (Harmonized Setting From Musica Sioniae)
 
5:35
7
Bransle De Poictu – Gaillarde – Bransle Gay – Bransle Simple – Bransle Double (From Terpsichore's Dances)
 
4:25
8
Gloria. Glori Sei Gott (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
6:58
9
II. A Vespers Service Fro Christmas Day] Hymn. Queen Pastores (From Puericinium)
 
3:13
10
Antiphon. Christum Wir Sollen Loben (Plainchant)
 
0:49
11
Magnificat - Parts I & II (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
5:57
12
Carol. O Morning Star (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
2:57
13
Magnificat - Parts III & IV (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
7:32
14
Carol. Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming (From Musica Sioniae)
 
1:41
15
Our Father In Heaven (From Musica Sioniae)
 
1:02
16
Benediction. Benedicamus Aeterno Regi (From Eulogodia Sionia I, 1611)
 
0:49
17
Organ Voluntary. Nun Lob Mein Seel (From Musica Sioniae)
 
2:34
18
Closing Hymn. In Dulci Jubilo - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (From Polyhymnia Caduceatrix)
 
7:15

Christmas Vespers: The Music Of Michael Praetorius presents a 2015 classical program by Apollo's Fire and Jeanette Sorrell built around Advent and Christmas liturgy. Across 18 tracks and 01:14:29, the album moves like a seasonal service, placing chorales, hymns, carols, plainchant, dances, organ, and benediction in a clear winter sequence. It suits listeners who want Christmas music with historical shape and a strong sense of occasion rather than a loose anthology.

The opening section, "I. Awaiting The Messiah. A Lutheran Advent Service," centers the expectation of December. It begins with "Chorale. Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland," then returns to "Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland" in a polyphonic setting from Polyhymnia Caduceatrix. "Hymn. Wachet Auf," "Carol. Puer Natus In Bethlehem," "Offertory. Ach, Mein Herre," and "Credo. Wir Glauben All" continue that Advent arc, balancing devotion with ceremonial momentum.

Praetorius is not heard here only in solemn form. "Bransle De Poictu - Gaillarde - Bransle Gay - Bransle Simple - Bransle Double" from Terpsichore's Dances brings motion and contrast, a reminder that festive listening can include courtly rhythm as well as worship. "Gloria. Glori Sei Gott" closes the first large span with brightness, making the album feel especially well suited to late December evenings, holiday gatherings, and reflective seasonal listening.

The second half turns to Christmas Day with "Hymn. Queen Pastores," "Antiphon. Christum Wir Sollen Loben," and "Magnificat - Parts I & II." That sequence continues through "Carol. O Morning Star" and "Magnificat - Parts III & IV," giving the record a strong architectural flow instead of a simple parade of favorites. The program remains specific and devotional, yet the alternation of chant, choral writing, and instrumental color keeps the long form engaging.

Several well known titles anchor the closing part of the album. "Carol. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming" appears beside "Our Father In Heaven," "Benediction. Benedicamus Aeterno Regi," "Organ Voluntary. Nun Lob Mein Seel," and the final "Closing Hymn. In Dulci Jubilo - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice." For Christmas and New Year playlists that lean toward sacred winter repertoire, this album offers a carefully ordered 74-minute program with concrete liturgical context and a calm end-of-year atmosphere.