Michael Praetorius saw his most important mission as a composer in the promoting and spreading of the German-language chorale. His collection Musae Sioniae comprises nine volumes and is virtually a complete edition of the Lutheran chorales in every setting imaginable. The Christmas hymns in Musae Sioniae, just as popular today as they were then, were of particular importance for Praetorius. He took the greatest care in handling them and often presented them in many different settings. Most of the Christmas hymns selected for this album are also heard in contrasting settings, from ornate bicinia and tricinia (in which only two or three of the same voices are used) to magnificent polychoral works with two or three choirs, the choral texture so masterful that even the most complicated counterpoint is clearly audible.