My Favourite Artsy Holiday Videos
/
Happy Holidays, everyone! Ryan and I celebrate Christmas, so we’re just a few days away from the big day. But with a classical musician for a husband, it’s basically been the holiday season around here since the beginning of December (as you can imagine, there are a lot of holiday-themed concerts around this time of year, which means lots of practicing of Christmas music in our house). Nevertheless, to celebrate the TRUE start of the festive season, I’ve put together just a few of my all-time favourite artsy holiday tunes/videos that I think you’ll love as much as I do.
Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!
“The trumpet shall sound” from Handel’s Messiah
Performed by one of my favourite singers of all time, Samuel Ramey, and one of Ryan’s favourite trumpet players, Phil Smith. Ryan performs this every year with the symphony, so it always reminds me of the holidays.
“Counting Your Blessings” from White Christmas
I had trouble picking a number from the greatest holiday musical, but this one was my favourite as a kid/teen/Rosemary-Clooney-wannabe. Bing had game, I’ll give him that.
“Gesu Bambino”, performed by two opera legends
Ryan bought me the DVD of this whole amazing concert for our first Christmas together, so it holds a special place in my heart (plus, I just adore Kathleen Battle and Frederica von Stade). The only question is: which of those gowns would you choose?
The full Nutcracker
YouTube is full of wonderful full-length ballets, and this is one of the best: New York City Ballet performing the full Nutcracker with the Balanchine choreography (IMO, the best). Highlights: Snowflakes at 44min; Flowers (my favourite!) at 1hr14min; Sugarplum pas de deux at 1hr22min… but the whole thing is totally marvellous. Great if you need something non-obnoxious for a group of different-aged kids to watch.
“Jauchzet frohlocket” from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
There’s no shortage of great choral music for the holidays, but this is my favourite piece. Of course, all of the Messiah choruses are amazing, but this is just so epic! The videography here makes it even more so.
“We Need a Little Christmas”, which you might not know is from the musical Mame
Broadway grand dame and our favourite Disney teapot Angela Lansbury originated this role on Broadway in the 1950s, and seeing her perform it here later in life is just so charming.
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center band’s full holiday album
Well, I know what Ryan and I will be listening to on Christmas! If you love jazzy holiday music, look no further than this fabulous full concert.
