In the December issue of Gramophone we celebrate all things festive! Enjoy a fascinating interview with conductor John Butt, whose new recording with the Dunedin Consort recreates Bach's first Christmas Day Vespers in Leipzig, and an encounter with early music ensemble Stile Antico, whose Christmas CD 'A Wondrous Mystery' coincides with its 10th anniversary. There's also a feature on the Christmas recording by the Choir of Saint Thomas, New York, which includes an interview with the choir's late Music Director John Scott.

Elsewhere in the issue, our annual Critics' Choice feature is the perfect Christmas gift guide, as is our round-up of all this year's Christmas CD releases. Add to this our reviews of the most recent classical releases by our resident panel of critics, as well as a survey of available recordings of Humperdinck's fairytale opera Hänsel und Gretel and a Specialist's Guide focusing on 10 must-have recordings of Medieval Christmas carols, and you'll find a December issue that's bursting with information, insight and festive good cheer!

The December issue is with subscribers now and on general sale from December 9. For more information about subscribing to Gramophone, visit www.gramophone.co.uk/subscribe