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Messe de Minuit by Charpentier
The Midnight Mass is one of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s most famous works.
Composed in 1694, this is a re-arrangement of ten traditional French Christmas hymns. Although some of these tunes were secular in origin, and in theory the use of secular material in church music at that time had been forbidden, long standing traditions were tolerated.
Christmas Oratorio by Saint-Saens
This oratorio was written in less than a fortnight and completed only 10 days before its premiere on Christmas 1858.
The narrative portion of the text tells the part of the traditional Christmas story involving the shepherds. The remainder reflects upon the meaning and significance of the event.
It’s a quiet and lyrical work at a time of year when everything can be overstated.
Two wonderful pieces of music to take us into the Christmas season.