Praetorius: Christmas Vespers

"Music for everyone" Christmas vespers with Michael Praetorius With this album, the Apollo's Fire ensemble under the direction of Jeanette Sorrell presents two Christmas vespers with works by Michael Praetorius for all music lovers. The motto "music for everyone" was already very important to the composer in the 17th century. He adhered to the ideals of the great Protestant Martin Luther. Music, like religion, should be free and open to everyone. Alongside Johann Sebastian Bach, Praetorius is considered one of the greatest and most versatile composers of Protestant church music in Germany. His music was intended to bring together people from all walks of life: from professional singers to church congregations and city dwellers, from young to old. In the style of the vespers of the 17th century, such as Monteverdi's Marian Vespers, this Christmas Vespers is also a collection of various works by Praetorius. With this compilation, the founder and director of Appolo's Fire, Jeanette Sorrell, presents the virtuoso vocal and instrumental works of Michael Praetorius. His best-known chorale movements, such as "O Morning Star" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" are also presented in the compilation.