• Amilcare Ponchielli (1843-1886) is considered as one of the most important opera composers of 19th century Italy, but it was as an organist that he set out in life to earn his living. Having been taught by his organist father he held posts at churches in Piacenza, Cremona and finally Milan.

• The first CD of this double CD contains a set of 16 Pastorals, a popular genre originating in Baroque France. Ponchielli uses all his dramatic invention to create striking contrasts between the darkness of the Christmas night and the light provided by the glorious nativity. The second CD contains shorter works composed for liturgical use, to be played during the Offertory or after Communion.

• Marco Ruggeri is one of Italy’s foremost organists, a pioneer of forgotten Italian organ composers, he already successfully recorded for Brilliant Classics works by Fumagalli, Petrali, Gambini, Da Bergamo and Morandi. He plays a Stefani organ of 1856, which was inaugurated by Ponchielli himself, and an Inzoli organ of 1873, the specifications of which are included in the booklet.