Christmas In Switzerland – Christmas Cantata by Arthur Honegger (C 84/1984)

swissmusic

This edition features a special historical live recording. Arthur Honegger's work "Christmas Cantata" as performed in December 1968 at the Victoria Hall, Geneva under the direction of Ernest Ansermet.

The “Christmas Cantata” was the last work of great Swiss composer Arthur Honegger. He began composing this passion play in 1940 but fulfilled it only in 1953 while being severly ill and hospitalized. Honegger died two years later in 1955. The “Christmas Cantata” was a commissioned work for the 25 years celebration of Paul Sacher’s Basel Chamber Choir. The 1961 Geneva performance featured here was the last concert appearance of 85 years old Ernest Ansermet.

Musical content

1. Arthur Honegger: Christmas Cantata
Andras Farago, Baritone; Pierre Segond, organ; Choirs of Pro Arte, French Swiss Radio and Television and the College of Villamont, directed by André Charlet; Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded by French-Swiss Radio at the Victoria Hall, Geneva, 18 December 1968
Last public concert by Ernest Ansermet

Production information

Musica Helvetica. Christmas In Switzerland MH-C84. Christmas Cantata (by Arthur Honegger). Produced 1984 for SBC / SRI by Colin Farmer.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.