Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen – Choir and Organ Christmas Music

The Vox Bona choir contrasts the noisy and busy exterior of Christmas with the quiet interior: the pictorial contemplation of Jesus’ birth and Mary’s motherhood; the feeling of security until death that is promised to humanity by the Nativity. From the organ piece “Maria zart von edler Art” by Arnolt Schlick from 1513 through to the most modern choral compositions by Morten Lauridsen and Wolfgang Seifen; from the famous “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” by Michael Praetorius through to a modern reflection of this piece for choir by Jan Sandström (1990), this music looks towards the interior: it concentrates on the preciousness of the event of the birth, and on its heartfelt contemplation which includes death. The organist Stefan Horz comments on these contemplations with improvisations and works by Bach, Brahms and Reger.

The chamber choir Vox Bona makes its home at the Kreuzkirche Bonn. The choir has acquired a diverse repertoire, ranging from medieval Easter Singspiele and Renaissance music to contemporary music and experimental choral improvisations. The constant progress of the choir is documented not only by its successful concerts and CD releases but also by many awards at national and international competitions. The choir regularly performs with professional orchestras and undertakes many prestigious concert tours in Germany and abroad.