From St Giles's Church, Cripplegate, London, the BBC Singers and the London Baroque Soloists join forces for two seasonal masterpieces from the 17th century. Schutz's The Christmas Story sets the familiar tale in dramatic fashion, with colourful instrumentation and choruses of angels, shepherds and wise men, while Charpentier's
Messe de Minuit weaves old French carol tunes into the music, mixing sophistication with rustic charm. To begin the second half, Stephen Farr plays a selection of noels for organ.
BBC Singers, Stephen Farr (organ), London Baroque Soloists, conductor Stephen Cleobury
Schutz The Christmas Story
8.15 Joyeux Noels
A look at the organs associated with 17th- and 18th-century Paris and some of the best known noel melodies.
8.35 Daquin Noel Suisse
Balbastre Noel Etranger
Dandrieu Noel en Duo
Daquin Noel pour les Grands Jeux
Charpentier Messe de Minuit