12 Classical Holiday Masterpieces
Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas by selecting your favorite classical masterpiece: Up vote to decide!
Tag: classical masterpiece
The “Christmas Concerto” by the Father of the Concerto Grosso
Corelli's best-known orchestral work, the Christmas Concerto, captures all the moods of the holiday, from solemn reflection to sprightly celebration.
Small Town Battles Witches, Sorcery on Christmas Eve: A Cinematic, Classical Masterpiece
Orchestral versions of the best music from Rimsky-Korsakov's opera of the same name, all taking place on -- you guessed it -- Christmas Eve!
Music and Jealousy in 17th Century Paris: A Charpentier Christmas
Charpentier's orchestral Christmas works are nothing short of masterpieces.
Bring on the Choir and Brass! Monteverdi’s “Christmas Vespers”
This monumental choral and orchestral work celebrates the Christmas story in a way that only 17th century liturgical music can.
“Christmas Oratorio”: Bach’s Six-Part Classical Masterpiece
How should you embrace this masterpiece -- Germany's equivalent of the Messiah -- as six separate cantatas, each on its own, or as a single-setting, three-hour work? (Spoiler alert: we suggest both.)
Why is This Creepy Fairy Opera Sung around Christmas?
Of all the December classical masterpieces, this opera about a witch who lures children into the woods might not seem like it fits "the holiday" spirit. (Here's why you should listen anyway.)
Ten Reasons We’re Falling in Love with “The Nutcracker” All Over Again
Sugar plum fairies, dancing mice, a handsome prince... it's the ballet you know and love with a sound that defines Christmas music today. Fall in love with Tchaikovsky's most famous work again.
Toy Story Meets Nutcracker? Respighi’s “La Boutique Fantasque”
Based on piano music by Gioachino Rossini, Ottorino Respighi's charming one-act ballet "La Boutique Fantasque," or "The Magic Toyshop," is festive, fun listening -- from the mysterious opening bars to the slam-bang finish, we dare you not to tap your toes the whole way through!
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