It's time for YourClassical's Christmas Favorites. We need your help spreading holiday warmth and cheer this year by selecting up to 10 of your favorite carols.
Six YourClassical hosts — Jake Armerding, John Birge, Tom Crann, Vernon Neal, Melissa Ousley, and Lynne Warfel — have each chosen five of their favorite carols.
Here are Melissa Ousley’s picks, with an audio player to sample:
Traditional (arr. Margareta Jalkeus) — Prepare the Way
Dale Warland Singers
When I first moved to MN, I had the chance to interview Dale Warland many times. He helped me embrace the concept of thinking of a choir as an instrument that can be perfectly tuned and balanced. My admiration for Dale is connected to his commitment to new music and his ability to make a traditional Swedish carol, like the one I've chosen, sparkle.
Johan Nordahl Brun — Hos Gud Er Idel Glede
Anne-Lise Berntsen
It was tenor Dan Dressen who introduced me to this recording with soprano Anne-Lise Berntsen and organist/improviser Nils Henrick Asheim. As I recall, it was his Desert Island Christmas CD. In a season that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and empty at the same time, this is an invitation to pause and listen.
Samuel Scheidt (harm. J. S. Bach) — O Little One Sweet
Cambridge Singers
Here's a German carol I didn't discover until I was in my mid-20s and working as a music programmer and host at a Classical station in Kansas. I remember playing the track over and over again. When I discovered the harmonization was by Bach, it sealed the deal.
George Frideric Handel — Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion (from Handel’s Messiah)
Karen Clift, soprano; Boston Baroque
My fondness for Handel's Messiah has increased over time, making it difficult to settle on a favorite recording. I like this one for its lean texture and clarity of sound. That includes the way soprano Karen Clift is able to make this aria sound almost effortless.
Herbert Howells — Here is the Little Door
Chanticleer
After 30 years, this album, which spans several centuries, is still one of my top five.
Voting for YourClassical’s Christmas Favorites ends at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 7, so don’t delay!
Find the YourClassical Christmas Favorites Voting Page here.
All voters can enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets for MN Opera’s opening night of My Name is Florence at the Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Then grab some eggnog and join us live for a one-hour special with hosts Tom Crann and Jake Armerding on Thursday, Dec. 18, to hear the top 10 holiday songs, as chosen by you.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.