This recording brings together a selection of familiar and not-so-familiar works by Bach/Kuhnau, Handel, Michael Haydn, Torelli, Manfredini, Lalande, Ferrandini, Gossec and Valentini, performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The pastoral tradition in music has had a long and distinguished history dating back to ancient times. 'During the late 12th century, greater liturgical freedom permitted the singing of popular noëls during midnight mass. In the 17th and 18th century, this freedom also allowed composers to use popular tunes, and to compose new music with pastoral elements for these occasions. Italian composers began to create specific musical styles for use during Christmas celebrations, notably Christmas Eve, which were eventually taken up by composers throughout Europe.' - Marc Taddei
