Soprano Chen Reiss’s Top 5 Seasonal Music Pieces

Chen Reiss. Photo © Paul Marc Mitchell

Soprano Chen Reiss is at home on the big stages of this world. She has performed leading parts at the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Teatro alla Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin and many others. Born in Israel, she has been based in Europe for many years. TWoA asked her for her top five seasonal pieces:

1. J. S. Bach - “Jauchzet, Frohlocket,” the opening Chorus to The Christmas Oratorio 

John Eliot Gardiner, Bach: BWV 248 Pt. 1: 1. Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage (excerpt)

2. G. F. Handel – “Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion“ (Messiah)

3. G. F. Handel – “See the conquering hero comes” (Judas Maccabaeus), and its Hebrew version “Hava Narima” to words by Kipnis. 

G. F. Handel, Hebrew version "Hava Narima" of "See the conquering hero comes" (Judas Maccabaeus), Alla Polacca Childrens' and Youth Choir, Hannukah performance at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

 4. Bing Crosby – “White Christmas” 

Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra, White Christmas

5. P. I. Tchaikovsky- Christmas Waltz from The Seasons (12. December: Christmas). 

(Video choices by TWoA.)