Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium) Main Performer or Conductor: Gerhard Wilhelm Accompaniment/Orchestra: Ensemble '76 Stuttgart; Stuttgarter Hymnus-Chorknaben Soloists: Krisztina Laki, soprano Gisela Pohl, alto Karl Markus, tenor Berthold Possemeyer, bass Instrumentation: Choir Orchestra Individual Works: Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium) BWV 248 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Hanssler Catalog Number: 94.031 Year Released/Recorded: 1983/1983 Total Playing Time: 2:36:35 Comments: Eran Zamir said: This is a good - not spectacular - recording of the Christmas Oratorio. The artists are relatively unknown, but are in general up to the task. This is not a period performance, but is well done nevertheless. Gerhard Wilhelm's conducting is even throughout: his pace is usually consistent and just right. He also eschews any overly dramatic interpretations, although this is not always for the best. (The opening and closing choruses of the work, for example, are somewhat understated.) Nevertheless, his approach is solid. The only complaint I have is that the Hanssler website does not provide a libretto (none is included with the CD). Overall, however, this set, which costs only $12, is a good bargain. Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Eran Zamir Date First Submitted: 04/23/2003 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.

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