With his newly revived repertoire, Dutch singer-songwriter Herman van Veen proves yet again that he is a highly empathetic storyteller, interpreting the famous Christmas story in a delightfully fresh form that sounds as if he had written the songs himself. His versions of the story, now joyful, now reflective, in that inimitable van Veen style of his, together with the refined arrangements featuring strings, flutes, oboe, lute and organ, make this recording under the musical direction of Ton Koopman a legendary jewel of recording history.

Whenever huge contrasts clash, they simultaneously provide the greatest creative sparks: the Dutch singer-songwriter Herman van Veen is famous for songs like "Ich hab' ein zärtliches Gefühl"; he is also a clown, poet and the creator of the comic duck Alfred Jodocus Kwak. His fellow Dutchman Ton Koopman on the other hand is an acknowledged pioneer of Early Music and therefore a champion of classical music – as an acclaimed performer of J.S. Bach and re-discoverer of Baroque scores. Back in the 1990s the two of them joined forces to create an unusual Christmas project that is now to enjoy a new lease of life by being re-issued.

With a selection of the most popular German Christmas carols, including "Stille Nacht", Herman van Veen, who is still one of the most successful singer-songwriters, proves yet again with this well-loved repertoire that he is an empathetic story-teller who can bring a fresh approach to the famous Christmas story, as if he had written it himself. His interpretations combine the joyous with the reflective in his inimitable style, making this disc a legendary jewel in recording history. The same goes for the refined arrangements featuring strings, flutes, lute and organ played by Ton Koopman's Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, accompanying Herman van Veen's voice and the Avro Children's Choir with neo-Baroque flair. This puts a whole new complexion on Early Music!

Contents:
1. Lasst uns froh und munter sein
2. O du fröhliche, o du selige
3. A la Berline Postiljon
4. Kommet, ihr Hirten
5. While Shepherds Watched (instr.)
6. Ich steh’ an deiner Krippen hier
7. Gloria in excelsis Deo
8. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
9. Zu Bethlehem geboren
10. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her
11. Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen
12. O Jesulein zart
13. Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling
14. O kerstnacht, schooner dan de dagen
15. Herders, hij is geboren
16. Stille Nacht
17. Nun sei uns willkommen
18. Midden in de winternacht
19. Klein, klein Jezuke
20. Adeste fidelis