HUGO DISTLER (1908-1942): Die Weihnachtsgeschichte for Soloists and Choir, Op. 10.

Description: A musical reformer and church musician who participated in the post-World War I revival of Protestant church music in Germany, Distler wrote much sacred music before committing suicide in 1942. His 37-minute "Christmas Story" dates from 1933 and combines old techniques such as imitative countetpoint and Venetian polychorality with syncopated rhythms and modern dissonance. No texts. Regina Werner (soprano), Heidi Rieß (alto), Hans-Joachim Rotzsch (tenor), Herman Christian Polster (bass), Thomanerchor Leipzig; Hans-Joachim Rotzsch. Original 1979 Eterna LP and 2005 Berlin Classics CD (12H069) releases.