3 comments about M Praetorius: Christmas Music /Westminster Cathederal Choir * Parley of Instruments * Hill.

1. The selections on the CD can't be beat and the music in itself is incomparable. However, I prefer a more melodic singing style in this type of thing (in comparison to the focus on period accuracy that is "in" in Baroque recordings right now); the sound is more percussive and so the music is not as relaxing as it could be.



2. I came across this CD by chance, and it has become my all-time favorite Christmas CD. When I bought it, the only song I recognized was "Es ist en Ros' entsprunger", but all the songs are wonderful, some being choral, some by the "Parley of Instruments", some both. Wonderful!



3. ... or, as the Germans say, "Es weihnachtet sehr." Praetorius was quite the serious religious musician and some of his works are heavy going. The selections here are of the sing-along variety, and I have been known to do so in the car when the mood struck me. It helps to know the German lyrics, too, and I've heard these selections so often, I've memorized them! I don't know, however, why the dances from "Terpsichore" are included on this CD. "Terpsichore" has nothing to do with Christmas, especially not the earnest type of Christmas the Germans of that time celebrated. What the heck, the "Terpsichore" melodies have a good beat, and you can dance to them. All in all, a nice CD, and I have several copies.

1 comments about World's Greatest Christmas Polka Party.

1. The full title of this CD is "The World's Greatest Instrumental Christmas Polka Party". It is a prayer answered for those of us who wanted Joey Miskulin to step in where Frankie Yankovic left off when the latter died in 1998. It combines Joey's light, airy accordion with another instrument, the solovox, which until now had been exclusively Yankovic's among polka artists. The solovox, which sounds halfway between a mellow accordion and an electronic organ, makes its first appearance 30 seconds into the first track -- and what a welcome sound! On the third track, Miskulin harks back to the days of Whoopee John Wilfahrt and the Six Fat Dutchmen by including, of all things, a schottische. This CD can be played any time of the year, not just at Christmas. May there be many more!

No comments about Christmas with the Drifters.

5 comments about Christmas Party with Eddie G..

1. As a collector of unusual music, this one ranks as one of the best collages of Christmas music. From beatnik bop to zydeco, blues and flat out comedy, Christmas Party with Eddie G. has some excellent nuggets. If you like raising a few eyebrows, this one will do it. Find it!



2. Easily the best Christmas mix cd ever. There's something wonderful here for everyone - from Detroit Junior's funky "Christmas Day" to George Jones and Tammy Wynette's "Mr and Mrs Santa Claus" - especially if you play it sequentially. There's a subplot with the Three Stooges (played poifectly by the great Billy West) trying to record a Christmas carol only to be foiled by an incompetent engineer. Simply and brilliantly inspired! With genres of blues, rock, country, reggae, cajun, easy listening, cool and strange, and even Hawaiian represented, this cd sets the standard for any Christmas mix. Plus, where else can you find the Merry Old Philospher spouting his classic "is that what's bothering you" bit with a yuletide spin? Listening to this cd has become a Christmas tradition in my house, along with watching the Honeymooner's Christmas show, trimming the tree, drinking eggnog and spending way too much money. Get this cd, you'll love it forever!



3. I picked up this CD on a whim way back when. To my delight, it has become a favorite. It's quirky and strange, with just enough "Christmasy" material to make it something that I want to listen to over and over. I had never heard several of the songs before, but now I've got a batch of new favorites! Even my partner, who isn't particularly a Christmas kind of guy, enjoys this CD and looks forward to hearing it every year. Hooray for something different and fun!



4. On this CD, Christmas music collector Eddie Gorodetsky compiles some of his favorite rare Christmas records. There are a lot of great songs here, plus unlisted Christmas radio spots before some of the songs. Also, there are fake "outtakes" from a Three Stooges Christmas recording session, where they attempt to record "The 12 Days of Christmas" (hilarious!). But the main reason to get this CD is for the rare songs, most of which are great. Styles represented here include blues, novelty, lounge, swing, R&B, beatnik, rock, soul, cajun, country and others. Recommended to fans of Christmas music.



5. Simply the best. I got tired of waiting for Volume II and started making my own for friends and family (particularly for my Dad, Eddie H., who always loved this one).

1 comments about Tallis: Missa Puer Natus Est Nobis (The Tallis Christmas Mass).

1. I have long thought that Tallis is one of the best composers as his music if unfailingly enjoyable. This cd from the Tallis Scholars makes a very strong case for Thomas, and highlights the Scholars strengths as well.
   
   The (incomplete) mass was probably written in 1554 on the occasion of Phillip II of Spain's visit to England to wed Queen Mary. Phillip had brought his Capilla Flamenca with him, so Tallis wrote this mass in a more continental style for their benefit. It is missing the characteristic high treble lines often associated with the English school, and compacts the seven voices into a relatively narrow range. The contrapuntal technique employed is fierce, with the cantus firmus in the tenor surrounded by a thick imitative texture.
   
   Audivi vocem is a well known motet that is quite beautiful, while the Magnificat is a very early work from Tallis' youth, which is fairly straight forward.
   
   The Marian antiphon Ave Dei patris is also an early work, but shows very clearly the brilliance of a young Tallis. It is more archaic sounding, obviously influenced by similar works by Fayrfax and Taverner. It is very English sounding with stratospheric treble parts ringing out over the other voices. This top line is sung by Ruth Holten and Deborah Roberts, and it is amazing that humans are able to make that pure ethereal sound. They blend together perfectly, and it is hard to believe it is two separate voices. Utterly gorgeous!!
   
   Some people are not fond of the Tallis Scholars sometimes treble-heavy sound, but on this cd it is shown to great advantage. This is a recording well worth owning.

1 comments about Christmas Grass, Vol. 3.

1. I got this thinking it would be a bluegrass christmas CD. It is a very good christmas CD, however it is not bluegrass. Vol. 2 is better and actually has some bluegrass on it. Skaggs Familly christmas is also good.

4 comments about Three Harps for Christmas, Vol. 2.

1. I own both volumes I and II of the Sylvia Woods "Three Harps for Christmas" CD set. They are both delightful, well-rounded collections. Both contain the heavenly sound unique to harp, with familiar holiday favorites that embody all the enchantment and warmth and magic of the season. When I listen to these elegant, fluid, incandescent pieces, I feel carried to a joyful threshold of Christmases past and future. The music of Sylvia Woods is a treasure that should grace every holiday season. It shall be a perennial favorite of mine.



2. This delightful celtic Christmas collection transported me to Ireland! As a fellow harpist, it's a treat to hear a unique and different style. Sylvia Woods brings out the best tone and music from each style of harp.



3. Three Harps for Christmas was enjoyable
   to listen to over the holidays. Pleasant
   soothing great for background music with
   guest, music that doesn't over ride
   conversation.



4. This album is a delight to listen to. The harps are mellow and clear. Each piece is different and I found myself anticipating the next selection each time I listened to this CD. This was a wonderful addition to our Christmas music collection.

1 comments about Sketches of Christmas.

1. Most people will hear Wind Machine piping through store speakers and not know who they are hearing. When they hear it at my home, they often ask "Who is that?". They want to know what group makes such beautiful music. They, of course, have likely never heard of Wind Machine. It is very unfortunate that these guys made music this good but were hardly recognized at least by name.

   Sketches of Christmas is a very good holiday offering. The arrangements and instrumentation are reflective, beautiful and tasteful. This music will not interfere with your family time but it is definitely not to be relegated to the background. It is music that enhances your time and beckons to the heart to consider the true meaning of Christmas. When you listen to Sketches of Christmas you will not hear one ounce of commercialisam, but rather you will feel the heartbeat of God's love for the world that brought Christmas into being in the first place.

   Another highly recommended Wind Machine holiday disc.

   I only wish these guys were still making music. Get all their Christmas CDs while they are still in print. You will be very glad you did.

3 comments about Christmas Moments.

1. This cd has two "terrific" songs: What are you doing New Years Eve? and My favorite things. The other songs are good too, but these two songs are awesome.



2. This cd has two "terrific" songs: What are you doing New Years Eve? and My favorite things. The other songs are good too, but these two songs are awesome.



3. 
   The Whispers are my favorite group. The CD "Christmas Moments" is excellent. I enjoyed listening to it over the holidays and continue to play it.

5 comments about The Muppet Christmas Carol.

1. Unfortunately I am not lucky enough to have a copy of this soundtrack myself, but I watch the movie frequently just to hear the wonderful songs and score. And the refrain from 'Bless Us All', when Scrooge is taken to the Cratchit residence by the Ghost of Christmas-Yet-To-Come, never fails to bring on the tears. Considering that this is the Muppets we're talking about, the songs and score of this movie would have to be the best that any of their movies have ever offered.
   Michael Caine is an absolute delight as the sour-faced Scrooge, and he gives out an atmosphere of someone who is really enjoying himself.
   If I ever have the opportunity to get a copy of this soundtrack, I'll definitely snap it up. The songs are touching and genuine and, as I said, considering that this is the Muppets that we're talking about, I would have to say that it is one of the better adaptions of 'A Christmas Carol' that I've seen. The music is just fantastic, and well worth having.



2. It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching the Muppet Christmas Carol and singing along to the music. These songs are wonderful with the real gem being "one more sleep till Christmas". I highly recommend!



3. This CD is a wonderful CD. It incorperates great musical composition as well as the light joyful spirit that only the muppets can bring. The CD gets you right in the spirit of Christmas. I suggest seeing the film also... so you can enjoy the music even more!



4. This is an excellent CD for any Muppet lover! If you have not seen the Muppet Christmas Carol, you are missing a Christmas classic. The score is beautiful! My family listens to this cd all year long!



5. This is a muppet classic. You will not be disappointed. I did not pay 100.00 dollars for this cd. I paid 10.00 so it must be a mistake that amazon is charging this much. I would definitely contact them or look around.