Berlioz / Casadesus L'Enfance Du Christ CD

Berlioz's L'Enfance Du Christ is probably known primarily due to it's famous "Shepherd's Chorus" but it is a piece that once listeners discover it, they realize a true golden gem has been found. It is primarily a choral work which tells the story of what are called the Infancy Narratives in the New Testament. Scenes of the work are taken from both the scriptures and legends and include Herod visiting a soothsayer which predicts the birth of the Messiah, the Annunciation (Mary learning of the birth of Jesus), the birth itself, and the flight into Egypt. This recording by the Orchestre National du Lille under the direction of Jean-Claude Casadesus captures both the beauty and scope of the work.

1. Part 1. Herod's Dream. in the Manger 2. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 1. Nocturnal March. Who Comes? 3. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 2. Herod's Aria. Always This Dream! 4. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 3. Lord! 5. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 4. Herod and the Soothsayers. the Wise Men of Judaea, O King 6. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 4. Herod and the Soothsayers. the Voice Speaks the Truth, Lord 7. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 5. the Stable in Bethlehem. O My Dear Son 8. Part 1. Herod's Dream. Scene 6. Joseph! Mary! Listen to Us! 9. Part 2. the Flight Into Egypt. Scene 1. Overture 10. Part 2. the Flight Into Egypt. Scene 1. the Shepherd's Farewell to the Holy Family. He Goes Away Fa 11. Part 2. the Flight Into Egypt. Scene 1. the Holy Family's Repose. the Pilgrims, Having Come 12. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. For Three Days 13. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 1. Within the City of Sais. In This Huge City 14. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 2. In the House of the Ishmaelites. Come in, Come in, Poor Hebre 15. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 2. In the House of the Ishmaelites. Great God! What Distress! 16. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 2. In the House of the Ishmaelites. On Your Features Is Imprinte 17. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 2. In the House of the Ishmaelites. Trio for Two Flutes and Harp 18. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 2. In the House of the Ishmaelites. You Weep, Young Mother 19. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 3. Epilogue. (Lento) 20. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 3. Epilogue. It Was Thus That Through An Infidel 21. Part 3. The Arrival at Sais. Scene 3. Epilouge. O My Soul