For his new album, Ludwig Güttler has put together what he considers the most beautiful and contemplative Christmas songs. Although a musical Christmas as we know it, with full churches and music, will be difficult this year, Güttler’s music brings us together in a different, very intimate way. The great trumpet player raises hopes for better times and reminisces about Christmas in his homeland, the Ore Mountains in Saxony, Germany.
“Christmas in the Ore Mountains is something very special. Due to the mining tradition, it is a celebration of light. If you imagine how a miner, centuries ago, got up early in the morning when it was still dark and attended the morning service, then went down the shaft and came home from work when it was already dark, then, like this worker, you develop a longing for the light. Today it is hard to understand, when we illuminate everything around us with electric light – and too often we overshoot the mark, if we think of the global problem of light pollution. I associate the Christmas of my childhood with a reality shining through with light and thoughts like: What do I give to whom? And even more: what do I get? When I was five, my grandmother gave me an accordion. A treasure, packed in a simple cardboard box. In terms of my being and continuing to practice on the instrument, its contents were the most lasting gift I ever received.”
Sächsische Weihnacht (“Saxon Christmas”) contains 36 tracks and two encores, carefully collected from Güttler’s concert program of recent years. It is all previously unreleased material by the great trumpeter, recorded together with his brass ensemble in various churches in Saxony, including the Frauenkirche in Dresden, the Marienkirche in Pirna and the church in Polditz. The music gives listeners a homey feeling; and they are transported to a concert setting that makes one look back to childhood Christmas celebrations. Due to the high radiance of the brass instruments, one is additionally filled with a glow that should accompany all of us not only on the holidays, but throughout the year.
A Christmas without music is unthinkable for Ludwig Güttler, especially in such unusual times. With this album, he therefore wants to give all listeners the opportunity to spend Christmas as contemplatively as possible.
Sächsische Weihnacht
Ludwig Güttler & Blechbläserensemble Ludwig Güttler
For his new album, Ludwig Güttler has put together what he considers the most beautiful and contemplative Christmas songs. Although a musical Christmas as we know it, with full churches and music, will be difficult this year, Güttler's music brings us together in a different, very intimate way. The great trumpet player raises hopes for better times and reminisces about Christmas in his homeland, the Ore Mountains in Saxony, Germany.
"Christmas in the Ore Mountains is something very special. Due to the mining tradition, it is a celebration of light. If you imagine how a miner, centuries ago, got up early in the morning when it was still dark and attended the morning service, then went down the shaft and came home from work when it was already dark, then, like this worker, you develop a longing for the light. Today it is hard to understand, when we illuminate everything around us with electric light – and too often we overshoot the mark, if we think of the global problem of light pollution. I associate the Christmas of my childhood with a reality shining through with light and thoughts like: What do I give to whom? And even more: what do I get? When I was five, my grandmother gave me an accordion. A treasure, packed in a simple cardboard box. In terms of my being and continuing to practice on the instrument, its contents were the most lasting gift I ever received."
Sächsische Weihnacht ("Saxon Christmas") contains 36 tracks and two encores, carefully collected from Güttler's concert program of recent years. It is all previously unreleased material by the great trumpeter, recorded together with his brass ensemble in various churches in Saxony, including the Frauenkirche in Dresden, the Marienkirche in Pirna and the church in Polditz. The music gives listeners a homey feeling; and they are transported to a concert setting that makes one look back to childhood Christmas celebrations. Due to the high radiance of the brass instruments, one is additionally filled with a glow that should accompany all of us not only on the holidays, but throughout the year.
A Christmas without music is unthinkable for Ludwig Güttler, especially in such unusual times. With this album, he therefore wants to give all listeners the opportunity to spend Christmas as contemplatively as possible.
Tracklist - These are the tracks you will hear on the album
Sächsische Weihnacht Ludwig Güttler & Blechbläserensemble Ludwig Güttler
1
Intrada in E-Flat Major for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis
2
Five Variations on "Daughter Zion": Variation I
3
Five Variations on "Daughter Zion": Variation II
4
Five Variations on "Daughter Zion": Variation III
5
Five Variations on "Daughter Zion": Variation IV
6
Five Variations on "Daughter Zion": Variation V
7
Allemanda for two Brass Choirs
8
Choral for Brass Choir in four Parts: "Wie soll ich dich Empfangen"
9
Concerto in C Major from BWV 1051/230: I. Allegro
10
Concerto in C Major from BWV 1051/230: II. Choral
11
Concerto in C Major from BWV 1051/230: III. Fuga
12
Allemande and Courante for two Timpanis
13
Motet for Brass in nine Parts: Jubilate Domino
14
Suite in C Major for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis: II. Allemande
15
Suite in C Major for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis: III. Bourée
16
Suite in C Major for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis: IV. Sarabande
17
Suite in C Major for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis: V. Allemande
18
Partita on "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen": Sinfonia
19
Partita on "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen": Choral
20
Partita on "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen": Kanon
21
Partita on "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen": Paduane
22
"Uns ist geborn" for Brass Choirs in five Parts
23
"Joseph, lieber Joseph mein" for three Trumpets and Bass Tuba
24
Postludium
25
Canzon No. 30 for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis
26
"Den die Hirten lobeten sehre" Quempas for four Brass Choirs
27
"Kommet ihr Hirten" for four Brass Choirs and Timpanis
28
Seven Madrigals on Negro Sprituals, Op. 58b: Gwine Up
29
Seven Madrigals on Negro Sprituals, Op. 58b: Mary an' Martha jes' Gone'long
30
Seven Madrigals on Negro Sprituals, Op. 58b: I'm troubled in Mind
31
Canzon No. 31 for two Brass Choirs "in Echo"
32
Partita on "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Her": Canzona in five parts for Brass and Timpani
33
Partita on "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Her": Choral Setting for Brass
34
Partita on "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Her": Choral in five parts for Brass Choir
35
Partita on "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Her": Choral Setting for Trumpet, French Horn and Trombone from "Musae Sioniae"
36
Partita on "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Her": Choral Canzon for two Brass Choirs and Timpanis from "Musae Sioniae - Part 9"
37
The Prince of Denmark's March
38
Christus ist Geboren
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