But what's so great about Advent songs, you may ask? Aren't they just the sad little brothers and sisters of the happy Christmas carols?

Not for me. Quite the opposite: I find the darkness and yearning in these melodies much more moving than the exuberant Christmas cheer.

That's probably why I like the Advent season so much.

Not so much because of the packed calendar and the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle, but rather because of the many small rituals and customs that characterize these few weeks.
My romantic notion is that my actions and inactions during this time connect me with all those who have gone through joy and sorrow in the countless December days of past centuries, while perhaps singing these very songs.

In light of the fact that pain and despair must have been almost unbearable at times, my existence here and now seems almost like a piece of cake to me. Nevertheless, with my own modest ups and downs, I have felt deeply rooted in the ups and downs of these melodies since childhood.

And even though my view on the lyrics, indeed on the whole context, has changed over time, the old sounds still attract me in a special way.

Maybe even more and more.

Certainly also because, about halfway between my childhood and today, I had the great joy of being part of Christian Steyer's soloist choir. His wonderful cycle ”Alte Weihnachtslieder neu" wrapped these songs around my heart like a warm scarf.

And now – another 20 years later – I have approached them again from a new angle. (Or have they approached me?)

"Auf leise Weise" - in a quiet way, I tried to listen to the old melodies and let myself be inspired by their deep yearning and hope.