Classical Christmas Music that ISN'T Handel's Messiah or The Nutcracker

We all love The Nutcracker and Messiah, but maybe it's time to take a break? If you're looking for Christmas music that's a little different this year, here's a whole bunch of it from the classical cannon.

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About me: I am a conductor, published composer, professional singer, sound engineer, and producer based in Los Angeles. I love classical music and want to help as many people as possible learn more about it.

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[TristanMA]

Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" is a televised opera for Epiphany that premiered in 1951.

[jackiesparemoments]

Great selection! I may have missed it, but for me Corelli’s Concerto Grosso (the Pastorale!) is classical Christmas 🎄 Maybe next year for the follow up?

[hannahchristinah]

David Lang's 'Little Match Girl Passion' is a Christmas story set to music, for anyone who likes a good cry during the holiday season.

[michaelvasilie]

Victoria's (or Lauriden's) setting of the introit for Christmas Day: O Magnum Mysterium.

[lauriethompson]

Yes exactly, this is such a necessary topic of discussion, at least for the US and the UK, as we've become so narrow in our tastes. I've not actually seen any of these live but in the UK its not completely unheard of for them to be performed, my recommendations are: 1) Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël 2) Durante: Messe Kyrie-Gloria "In Pastorale" 3) Scarlatti (A): Messa Per Il Sanctissimo Natale 4) Lobo: Missa Beata Genitrix Maria 5) Padilla: Missa Joseph fili David 6) Clemens Non Papa: Missa Pastores Quidnam Vidistis

[maniak]

To be honest, for most Germans, Bach's Christmas Oratorio isn't really what you'd call an insider tip.