Exemplary work by a composer worthy of a major revival
01/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hugo Distler is one of the most talented unsung (excuse the pun) composers and organists from the first half of the 20th Century. Deeply religious, as demonstrated in his compositions, Distler took his own life in 1943 as a result of Nazi persecution. A talent cut off in mid-bloom, Distler's Weihnachtsgeschichte is one of his best, and most performed internationally, choral compositions. Distler's Schütz influence is clearly demonstrated in this composition. A stellar solo cast, plus the Thomanerchor Leipzig conducted by Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, makes this a must-not-pass-up CD, for oneself as well as for a Christmas gift. Let's hope some label will initiate a complete Distler-Edition."