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Benjamin Appl: My Christmas Top Five

6 Tracks, 23:41

Learn what German baritone Benjamin Appl listens to during the "Weihnachtszeit"—German for Christmastime. Benjamin Appl shares the music which puts him in the Christmas mood, encompassing both the reflective and joyful moments the festive season brings, and the inspiration behind his very own Christmas Album.

J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio – Sir John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists, Monteverdi Choir

I cannot describe the feeling I have when I hear Bach’s Christmas Oratorio for the “first time” each December. The timpani ostinato, the descending flurry of scales in the strings and the ascending trumpet fanfares all create the most joyful, uplifting and cheerful atmosphere which sends me straight into a Christmassy mood. There’s nothing else like it!

Anonymous: O du fröhliche – Sir James Galway, John Georgiadis, Regensburger Domspatzen, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Sir James Galway

I love the selection of music on this album and the combination of a soloist, boys choir and orchestra. This album was, in part, the inspiration for me to create my own Christmas album and I am honoured to have recorded with the same musical partners - the Münchner Rundfunkorchester and the boys choir Regensburger Domspatzen (with whom I was a member as a boy).

John Rutter: Candlelight Carol (1984) – John Rutter, Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia

Moving to the UK and being away from family for the first time over Christmas made me appreciate the rich tradition of English carols. In more recent times, the music of John Rutter has become a significant part of this English choral tradition, and his music which never fails to make me feel festive. I am fascinated by the seemingly infinite inspiration John Rutter finds in creating new melodies which reflect so wonderfully the feeling of Christmas.

Anonymous: O du fröhliche (Instrumental version) – Eugene Ormandy, The Philadelphia Orchestra

This album certainly doesn‘t lack any ceremonial pomp and stylishly showcases The Philadelphia Orchestra with its full forces in the most luscious and rich way. It is the perfect album to sing along to at home - even in the shower!

Gustaf Nordqvist: Jul, jul, strålande jul (Christmas, Radiant Christmas) – Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg

Anne Sofie von Otter is one of the artists I admire most for her versatility and musicality. Both of these qualities shine through her entire Christmas album which I enjoy listening to in the more intimate, reflective moments of Christmas. This is chamber music at Yuletide, at its finest.

Franz Xaver Gruber: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht – Benjamin Appl, Florian Helgath, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Regensburger Domspatzen, Edeltraud Appl

This is probably the most personal album I have recorded to date and therefore sits extremely close to my heart. There were so many extraordinary people involved in the making of this album, all of whom played and continue to play a significant role in my personal and professional life. I will cherish the moments spent in the recording studio on this album forever.