Animated, lively and with verve Karl-Friedrich Beringer makes Bach jubilatory: 'Resound timpani! Resound trumpets! Rejoice, exult!'

The Windsbacher Knabenchor (Windsbach Boys Choir) and the Münchner Bachsolisten (Munich Bach Soloists) should be counted, with this recording, amongst the most outstanding interpreters of the Christmas Oratorio. The production is enhanced by the prominent participation of soloists Juliane Banse, Cornelia Kallisch, Markus Schäfer (Evangelist), Robert Swensen and Thomas Quasthoff. Bach’s oeuvre takes centre stage and comes to beautiful bloom.

At the end of 2011, Karl-Friedrich Beringer announced his retirement as director of the choir after 34 years. Winter & Winter has chosen this recording as a highlight of his work, newly mastered and in refined sound quality.

This album cannot be recommended highly enough to friends of festive Christmas music.