Bryn Terfel is possibly Australian music lovers' favourite Welshman.
Renée Fleming has called him "a force of nature" and the sheer
presence and ease of his mighty bass-baritone bubbles away like bathwater! Not
before time, he's recorded his first Christmas album. Shortly before the recording
sessions, it was suggested that he sing some of the carols in Welsh. The list
was long, and soon it was decided that one CD would become two.
What's
more, uniquely perhaps, Bryn duets with Bing Crosby on the latter's time-honoured
1940s recording of "White Christmas". We decided, then, to create a
special edition of this beautiful 2CD set for Australia, and for good measure
added a further track for our Exclusive Edition - Bing Crosby telling the story
of "The Small One". It's the tale of the little donkey, loved by its
owner, derided by others, and who carried a tired Joseph to Bethlehem. Only briefly
available, it's a track that's been repeatedly requested and now here it is, as
a companion to Bryn's carols in English, German, Spanish (a beautiful duet with
Rolando Villazón) and Welsh.
Writes Bryn Terfel: "Christmases
whilst growing up on a farm in North Wales were idyllic, with constant gatherings
of family and friends, wonderful Nativity plays, and snowy fields becoming Christmas
playgrounds. They also had their singalongs of contrasting musical styles, full
of festive cheer. Nothing has really changed. Now all roads at Christmas lead
to home, with all its meanings and traditions, peace and goodwill. The roasting
turkey, mince pies, the scent of mulled wine wafting through the air, the living
room happily made messy with wrapping paper galore. Music always a constant background
accompaniment, and such an integral part of the festive period. How excited I
was at the prospect of recording some of these wonderful songs, especially knowing
that the Welsh repertoire would also find its way onto the list. I do hope you
can share in my enjoyment of recording these special Christmas melodies, and a
heartfelt thanks to all the friends who joined me in the making of this album.
To quote one of my duet partners, 'Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share
our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it white.' Bing!"
TRACKLISTING:
CD1
[1] O Come, All Ye Faithful
[2] White Christmas
[3] Still,
still, still (Hush, Hush, Hush)
[4] In the Bleak Midwinter
[5] El Nacimiento
(The Birth) with Rolando Villazón
[6] O Holy Night
[7] Shepherd's
Pipe Carol
[8] Away in a Manger
[9] O Jesulein zart (O Gentle Little Jesus)
[10]
Candlelight Carol
[11] Mary's Boy Child
[12] Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas
[13] Silent Night - with Catrin Finch harp
[14] Wexford Carol
[15] What Child Is This? with Catrin Finch harp
CD2
[1]
O Deuwch Ffyddloniaid (O Come, All Ye Faithful)
[2] Cwsg, Cwsg, Cwsg (Still,
still, still)
[3] I Orwedd Mewn Preseb (Away in a Manger) - with Nidus Children's
Choir
[4] Carol y Gannwyll (Candlelight Carol)
[5] Tawel Nos (Silent Night)
- with Catrin Finch harp
[6] Tua Bethlem Dref (To Bethlehem) - with Gwawr Edwards
soprano Only Men Aloud
[7] Pa Fab Yw Hwn? (What Child Is This?) - with Catrin
Finch harp
[8] Ganol Gaeaf Noethlwm (In the Bleak Midwinter)
[9] Nadolig?
Pwy a yr? (Christmas? Who Knows?) - with Catrin Finch harp
[10] Gyl y Baban
(The Baby's Day)
BONUS TRACK
[11] The Small One (BING CROSBY)
www.deutschegrammophon.com/terfel-christmas
Carols & Christmas Songs is available now.
