“Mammel makes for an outstanding Evangelist in Weichnachtstorie, telling the story vividly and ornamenting discreetly and tastefully; Lefilliâtre’s angelic interjections are lovely … a very good disc indeed” Early Music Today, December 2016 ****
SCHUTZ:
Weihnachtshistorie - The Christmas Story
1 J. H. SCHEIN: Mach dich auf, werde Licht, Zion from Opella Nova II (1626)
Claire Lefilliâtre (S), Hans-Jörg Mammel (T)
2 Matthias WECKMANN: Gegrüsset seist Du, Holdselige!
Claire Lefilliâtre (S), Hans-Jörg Mammel (T)
3 SCHUTZ: Magnificat anima mea SWV 468
Claire Lefilliâtre (S), Renaud Tripathi (HC), Hans-Jörg Mammel (T), Etienne Debaisieux (B)
4-13 Weihnachtshistorie SWV 435 Christmas Story · Histoire de la Nativité
Claire Lefilliâtre (Der Engel), Hans-Jörg Mammel (Evangelist)
14 SCHUTZ: Hodie Christus SWV 456
Claire Lefilliâtre, Julie Vallée-Gendre (S), Renaud Tripathi (HC), Hans-Jörg Mammel (T),
Thomas Van Essen (Bar), Etienne Debaisieux (B)
Claire Lefilliâtre [soprano]
Hans-Jörg Mammel [tenor]
Choeur de Chambre de Namur
La Fenice / Jean Tubéry
Christophorus now reissues a 2003 recording previously on French label K617 but long discontinued, featuring Claire Leffiliâtre, Hans-Jörg Mammel, the Choeur de Chambre de Namur and La Fenice, all under the direction of Jean Tubéry.
Heinrich Schütz’s 'Weihnachsthistorie' of 1660 is definitely one of the composer’s masterpieces, and reminds the listener by its sheer beauty and its obvious quality, why it achieved such a resounding success upon its first performance in Dresden. Many choirs requested the composer’s authorisation to perform it as part of their Christmas liturgy, but Schütz quickly took steps to ensure control over performances, mindful of his rights. In this case, musical inspiration and business sense unquestionably went hand in hand!
Christophorus CHR77404
