Many of the Dutch language Christmas ‘carols’ date from the Middle Ages, late Renaissance or early Baroque. Old sources, however, do not only yield popular evergreens but also many unknown songs with plenty of charm and character.

Popular devotion often presented the Nativity scenes as if it had all happened somewhere in a little village in Flanders, with people taking food and drink and their instruments to the stable in order to have a great party in honour of the birth of Jesus. Many of these songs prove not only to be devotional but also to have plenty of swing.

Paul Rans formed his ensemble in order to record this programme on CD for BRT Radio 2. That was in 1989, but since then this has remained one of the most popular concert programmes of the group. Crucially, the repertoire has been widely extended over the years and the programme sounds very different indeed from that of 20 years ago. Altogether wonderful music and wonderful stories on the Nativity throughout the centuries.

Paul Rans : voice, lute

Philippe Malfeyt : lutes, cittern, hammered dulcimer, percussion

Piet Stryckers : medieval fiddle; bass, tenor and descant viol, hurdy-gurdy

Paul Van Loey : recorders, whistle, dulcian

CD : MIT DESEN NYEWEN IARE (BRT CD 898522) (no longer available)