Holiday Playlist

OK, so this is almost too late as the holidays are almost over but the nice thing is you are probably sick of the same songs being played over and over on the radio. Here are some suggestions to make the holiday season a bit better with quality music!

Handel's Messiah. Originally written for Easter it is the best holiday work in my estimation. I enjoy Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields for the 250 anniversary performance. If you speak German you can also try Bach's Chrismas Oratorio.

What would December be without Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker? I enjoy listening to the whole thing, not just the suite.

The Northern Lights Orchestra has What if Mozart Wrote "White Christmas" and the Lumiere String Quartet and Hampton String Quartet have both produced Christmas Albums.

For carols I enjoy Sir David Willcocks and the King's College Choir singing: Noel: Christmas at the Kings.

For a bit of a laugh, listen to Canadian Brass' "The Twelve Composers of Christmas."

You may know about Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums (if not check them out) but Chip Davis also has a Renaissance Holiday album that is a fun change from the regular Christmas music.

Finally, Steven Sharp Nelson (PIano Guys) has his Christmas Cello album that you can pair with the PIano Guys Christmas music.