Whether you're wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, or simply relaxing with a
cup of eggnog, Evening Music will offer up
some musical cheer on Sunday, December 22 at 8pm, with a three-hour special of
recordings from Christmas's past and present. Host Margaret Juntwait has
trawled through the WNYC vaults and discovered some fascinating renditions of
old favorites, many of which date as far back as the 1940s. She'll also offer
a taste of the best new releases in record store bins this year. Highlights include:
- Archival performances by that perennial holiday favorite, the Canadian
Brass, plus the venerable Brentano String Quartet offering a joyous arrangement
of "The 12 Days of Christmas."
- Solo piano versions of holiday chestnuts performed by Barbara Carroll,
Garah Landes, and Shahan Arzruni.
- Some wildly contemporary takes on holiday favorites by the California Ear
Unit, the Paul Winter Consort, and others.
- Vocal renditions of traditional carols sung by tenor Robert White ("Oh Little
Town of Bethlehem") and Jean Redpath ("Baloo La Loo").
- Part I of Handel's Messiah, performed by William Christie and Les Arts
Florissants (Harmonia Mundi).
- We're also reminded that Christmas is a season for group singing, with performances
by the Gregg Smith Singers and Baltimore Consort, among other vocal ensembles.
- And much, much more...
Related Links:
WNYC Holiday Specials 2002: A Complete Roundup of Seasonal Programming
A Month of Messiahs