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.