The Christmas Album - CD

German baritone Benjamin Appl celebrates Christmas through the enduring tradition of Bach chorales and popular carols, from as far afield as Germany, Austria, America, Britain, Sweden, France, and the Netherlands. For this truly universal Christmas celebration, he is accompanied by Germany's most famous children's choir, of which he was a member in his youth, the Munich Radio Orchestra, and instrumentalists (including his own mother on guitar): "Christmas evokes intense memories and emotions in all of us. It takes us back to our childhood: that sense of magic and excitement, so often reawakened by the sight of a traditional Nativity scene, or the lights on a Christmas tree, or by hearing Christmas carols… It was with all these images in mind that I returned to my hometown to record this album with 'my' boys’ choir. When, after more than twenty years, I found myself back among the choristers and heard the familiar sound, the emotion was very intense."

1. Adeste Fideles
2. Elias, Op. 70, Pt. II: Ja, Es Sollen Wohl Berge Weichen (Elias)
3. Machet Die Tore Weit
4. Schlichte Weisen, Op. 76: No. 52, Mariä Wiegenlied
5. The Three Mummers
6. Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen
7. Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. I: Grosser Herr, O Starker König
8. Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. VI: Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier
9. 5 Neue Kinderlieder, Op. 142: No. 1, Schlaf mein Kindelein
10. O du fröhliche
11. Geh, Hansl, pack dei Binggerl zaam
12. Christmas Lullaby
13. Le Noël des Oiseaux
14. Jul, Jul Stralande Jul
15. Joseph's Carol
16. Transeamus Usque Bethlehem
17. Es werd scho glei dumpa
18. Hänsel und Gretel, Act II Scene 2: Abendsegen
19. Die Könige
20. O Jesulein Zart
21. In Dulci Jubilo
22. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
23. Sehet den Stern
24. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, H. 145