Norbert Düchtel, the organist, is known for his expertise in new organ constructions and restorations, and performed on a new Mathis Organ for Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
Composer Biography
Joseph Haas, the composer, initially became a teacher before pursuing his musical studies and becoming a renowned composition teacher in Germany.
Recording & Production
This recording features an organ arrangement of 'Christnacht' by Norbert Düchtel, making the popular work accessible for performances without an orchestra.
Compositional Technique
The composer Joseph Haas left the original folk melodies untouched in 'Christnacht,' adding only his own accompaniment, often using variations for different stanzas.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Joseph Haas co-founded the 'Donaueschingen International Chamber Music Festival for New Music' in 1921, demonstrating his open-mindedness, despite always composing tonal music himself.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Joseph Haas believed that music should delight, refine, and shake up, rather than offend, trivialize, or shatter.
Composition History
Haas's 'Christnacht' was created to fill a gap in German Christmas choral literature for evening-length music that avoids a 'high style' but maintains artistic integrity, using familiar folk tunes.
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