The importance of Christmas inspired many composers to write music for the occasion, some designed to be performed in church services, others for concert or secular celebration. This 6 album set combines oratorios and concertos by Schütz, Telemann, Bach, Corelli, Rinck, Saint-Saëns, Herzogenberg, Clarke, Nicolai. Some of the finest artists and ensembles in the Hanssler catalog are showcased on these recordings, including Iona Brown, Joachim Held, Hannoversche Hofkapelle, Collegium vocale Siegen, Monteverdi-Orchester Munchen, Oregon Bach Festival Chamber Orchestra, and many more.

Herzogenberg, H: The Birth of Christ

Brunckhorst: Weihnachts-Historie

Telemann: Heilig, heilig, heilig ist Gott, TWV 2:6

Nicolai, C O: Weihnachts-Ouverture, WoO109 on the chorale 'Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her'

Schütz: Weihnachts-Historie, SWV435

Saint-Saëns: Oratorio de Noël (Christmas Oratorio), Op. 12

Rinck: Christmas Cantata, Op. 73

Bach, J N: Missa brevis 'Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr'

Bach, J S: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV1047

Corelli: Concerto grosso Op. 6 No. 8 in G minor 'fatto per la notte di Natale'

Telemann: Concerto in D major for trumpet, strings & b.c.

Bach, J S: Prelude, Fugue & Allegro for Lute in E flat major, BWV998

Clarke, Jeremiah: Suite in D