Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

A word to the wise: this is a re-issue of a 2003 recording previously on the French label K617 but long deleted. Heinrich Schütz's 'Weihnachshistorie' or 'Christmas Story' of 1660 is 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. Opening the programme are works by two of Schütz's contemporaries, Johann Hermann Schein's "Mach dich auf, werde Licht, Zion" and Matthias Weckmann's "Gegrusset seist Du, Holdselige!" and then it is Schütz all the way with his "Magnificat anima mea" (SWV 468), the title piece (SWV 435) and the closing "Hodie Christus" (SWV 456). The instrumental passages are enjoyable as are the choral sections (and "Hodie Christus" is a gem) but as is always the case when reviewing Schütz I have to say I get lost in the German although that is, of course, my fault not his. The musicianship from Claire Leffiliâtre (soprano), Hans-Jörg Mammel (tenor), the Choeur de Chambre de Namur and La Fenice, all under the direction of Jean Tubéry, is more than adequate although personally I prefer the recording by Paul Hillier's Ars Nova Copenhagen. Clearly there is a market for the works of Heinrich Schütz but I suspect he sells better in Europe than in Britain.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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