Advent is a time of contemplation, marked by the spiritual preparation for Christmas, and it becomes more intense the closer Christmas approaches.

The Latin Introits of the four Advent Sundays form the theological and musical framework of this new CD by the viola da gamba consort Les Escapades. The ensemble has selected well-known Advent songs for it, the verses of which are set by such old masters as Praetorius, Eccard, Lasso and Isaac. They are interpreted in the alternatim practice customary during the Renaissance, making possible a variegated distribution of the parts between gambas and the two vocal soloists Miriam Feuersinger (soprano) and Daniel Schreiber (tenor), thus shedding light on these songs with a wide variety of the finest nuances.

The programme is framed by two Christmas cantatas by Johann Rosenmüller and Franz Tunder, impressively interpreted by Miriam Feuersinger, Echo-Klassik prize winner in 2014.

Contents:
Kantate 'Lieber Herre Gott, wecke uns auf'
- Johann Rosenmüller

1. Adventssonntag
Introitus 'Ad te levavi animam meam' • Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
- Lukas Osiander: Strophe 1
- Balthasar Resinarius: Strophe 2
- Andreas Raselius: Strophe 3
- Michael Praetorius: instrumental
- Andreas Raselius: Strophe 4
- Michael Praetorius: instrumental
- Johannes Eccard: Strophe 5

Übers Gebirg Maria geht: Johann Eccard
 
2. Adventssonntag
Introitus 'Populus Sion' • Conditor alme siderum
- Michael Praetorius: instrumental
- Orlando di Lasso: Strophe 1-4
- Johann Stadlmayr: instrumental
- Orlando di Lasso: Strophe 5-6

Mit Ernst, o Menschenkinder
- Hans Leo Hassler: instrumental, Strophe 1
- Eustache du Caurroy: Fantasie 32
- Jacob Praetorius: Strophe 2
- Eustache du Caurroy: Fantasie 31
- Johannes Eccard: Strophe 3
- Christoph Graupner: Strophe 4

3. Adventssonntag
Introitus 'Gaudete' • Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen
-  Hans-Jörg Kalmbach

Komm du Heiland aller Welt / Veni redemptor gentium
-  Melchior Vulpius: Strophe 1
-  Heinrich Finck: instrumental
-  Michael Praetorius: Strophe 2
-  Samuel Scheidt: Choral in Cantu
-  Melchior Vulpius: Strophe 3
-  Samuel Scheidt: Choral in Tenore
-  Praetorius: Strophe 4
-  Samuel Scheidt: Choral in Basso
-  Michael Praetorius: Strophe 5

4. Adventssonntag
Introitus 'Rorate, coeli desuper' • Tractus 'Ave Maria gratia plena' • Communio: Ecce virgo concipiet
- Heinrich Isaac

Kantate 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme'
- Franz Tunder