‘Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' (Lo, how a rose e'er blooming) is an album featuring Christmas carols from the German-language cultural sphere performed by the renowned North German Radio Choir (NDR Chor) directed by its choirmaster Philipp Ahmann.

It's a recording that will light up the heart of Christmas. An unusual a cappella carol selection has been created which takes the listener from the time of the Reformation up into the 20th century with cantilenas and compositions by, amongst others, Michael Praetorius, Peter Cornelius, Johannes Brahms, Heinrich Kaminski and Alban Berg.

The old hymn 'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' runs as the main thread throughout the selection; it is heard in no fewer than three different versions. In terms of the content, it's the link between pieces which relate to biblical history, and those which bring the events of Christmas into closer focus in images from nature, in visions or in legends.

The works by Michael Praetorius provide the framework and structure for the concept. With the nine volumes of his "Musae Sioniae" ("The Muses of Zion") in particular, Praetorius created a compendium of Protestant church music which, due to its variety and aspirations, set the trend for many years. In the 20th century it was adapted as a model by the movement for the reform of church music.