5 comments about L' Album de Noel.

1. This album is a MUST for everybody who likes Christmas and Christmas music. The artist's incredible voice combines with beautiful arrangements and a perfect mix of classic and more modern Christmas songs as well as a new song composed by the artist himself. If you buy this album, you - like me - will feel the magic of Christmas all year long!



2. Just listen to it and you really do feel Christmas time. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. As I said JUST WONDERFUL...



3. I purchased this CD last year and it quickly became my favourite! It is simply beautiful music. I have many Christmas CDs in my collection but this one is by far the VERY BEST! All of the songs on this CD are great and they are sung the way they should be sung!!



4. What A Nice Addition To Any Christmas Collection!! Wonderful Arrangements And A Terrific Singer!!!



5. This an excellent Album, Most of the songs are traditional christmas carols that we all recognize, but they sound beautiful in French. These arent cheesey christmas carols either, they are contemporary, well done versions of our favorite american christmas classics. there are a few songs sung in english, "christmas is calling" for instance, a song i never heard but is really nice

5 comments about Emmanuel: A Musical Celebration of the Life of Christ.

1. This is undoubtedly one of the best newer Christmas musicals ever recorded. I wish it were on VHS or DVD. The songs are amazing, as are the artists. I initially bought it because I was a fan of both Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, but all the other artists contribute a lot, too, and are just as talented. The instrumentation is great, and I highly recommend that this CD be included in everyone's Christmas collection!! In my opinion, this particular CD has the BEST version of the song Emmanuel that has been pressed to date. BUY IT!



2. Emmanuel is an excellent, upbeat, intense musical portrayal of the life of Christ. While it is intended for a Christmas celebration..I received it initially just prior to Easter and fell in love with the outstanding music, vocals and the most important portrayal of the message of Christ. I've heard so many and participated in choirs for years.. this one is special!! Don't miss it!



3. I waited untill I recieved this CD to be sure it was the same artists. I have had this album on Cassette for years. After I bought a new car, I was very disappointed that there was no tape player, and I had trouble finding this album on CD in the stores.
   
   This is Christmas Music, but I am usually burned out on it by Christmas, so after Christmas, I pack it away, but then about June I start craving the music in the album, so I dig it out and start the cycle over again.



4. This is without a doubt my favorite CD. It is spectacular! The talent, composition, combined with the most inspirational story every told make this a one of a kind. Its got it all!



5. I was looking for Christian Christmas music when I came across this. It sounded good and at least somewhat familiar so I ordered it.
   
   There is conviction in the singing of these praise-filled songs. It is sincere, powerful and beautifully done and brings a sense of Christ's passion year-round. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a loving celebration of Jesus

4 comments about Carol of the Bells.

1. An enchanting collection of traditional carols beautifully adapted for a carillon of 35 bells. Having seen Cast in Bronze live, this CD (with volume up) captures the same effect.



2. My husband and I saw a performance of Cast In Bronze at the Texas Renessaince Festival. Being totally mesmerized by the sound of this beautiful instrument, I had to see where it was coming from. I have never before witnessed anything so beautiful as the sounds we heard that day. Frank DellaPenna plays the carillon beautifully. I would go out of my way to hear him perform again.



3. This is the best listening music available. The music takes you places and always makes you feel good.



4. IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE THIS VENDOR AT ANY LOCAL FAIRS, IT IS WELL WORTH YOUR TIME TO STOP AND TO LISTIN TO THE SOUNDS OF THE BELLS. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT THE BELLS COULD SOUND SO GOOD. I REALY LOOK FOWARD TO SEEING FRANK AND HIS PLAYER AGAIN IN REMSON NEW YORK ARTS STREET FAIR IN 2005! I HOPE THAT HIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM WILL MAKE FOR NEW X-MAS MORNING ENJOYMENT THIS YEAR. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE BELLS AS MUCH AS I AND MY FAMILY DID.

5 comments about My Favorite Time of the Year.

1. 
   Anyone Who Has a Heart for music will not be able to resist this Christmas album. Dionne Warwick has long been one of my favorite singers and a cd by this artist has been long anticipated. Just to know that we can still enjoy one the great singers of the '60s,70's,80's, and 90's is a treat.Her singing is clean, clear,and lyrical. I especially enjoyed her duet with Bebe Winans. As long as I know that she is still singing I can never Walk on By a musical encounter made by this great lady. Thank you Dionne!



2. I enjoy searching out and collecting Christmas/Holiday music
   of all types and this new addition is exceptional.THANKS AMAZON
   and others for getting to sample the music FIRST. Dionne's
   voice continues to amaze even though she's lost some of its power
   from the 60's & 70's radio heyday, she more than makes up for any shortcomings in range with
   spirit and style on many classic songs and a few newer surprises. Shes restrainted at times but very soulful and the lighter
   jazz treatments work best with this music. I was most impressed
   with her take on "O Come all Ye Faithful", just a great track,
   she still has a one of a kind vocal delivery. Her guests compliment these songs, especially BeBe Winans((I believe in Christmas) and Gladys Knight(Have yourself a merry litte Christmas), an especially soulful standout track here. Gladys
   has another wonderful voice. A nice touch from Paulinho Da Costa on percussion and
   of course Dave Koz is especially gifted with his contributions
   to many artists Christmas music attempts. "MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR" is a welcome addition for the Christmas music collector, for Dionne Warwick one of the smoothest vocalist to come out of the 60's and 70's and still
   a gifted singer and song stylist, a keeper!



3. When I bought this Christmas CD by Dionne Warwick I really did not expect it to become my staple for Christmas music over the season. But, as I listened to the new interpretations of old classics by this old master of pop - I realized that is seems as this Diva of the 60s moves into her 60s - Dionne has settled into a genre that is suited for her unique sophisticated style and phrasing once again. The more I heard the more I was drawn to the music and genuineness of her interpretations of what Christmas must represent to her. The melodies and music mixed with her matured voice are soothing and lush. Christmas feels relaxed and warm and less hectic and cold and I remember why Christmas is "My Favorite Time of the Year" too. Dionne thanks once again for the music - may you have many happy and peaceful Christmases ahead



4. In the context of great vocal artistry,musical arrangement and production this album is a phenominal piece of work.As an audiophile,my taste for music is very sensitive to quality particularly in the area of sound quality.This disc exceeded my expectation and in my opinion is probably among the greatest holliday album ever made.In this regard,my respect is due to the absolutely amazing artist Dionne Warwick who has establish a new benchmark for holliday albums.A must buy for any serious fan but an absolute collectors item for the sensitive audiophile...highly recommended.



5. My stepfather turned me on to Dionne when I was very young, I was about seven or eight years old. Dad bought a reissue of Dionne's single "Trains And Boats And Planes" and although I was too young at the time to understand the context of the storyline, I loved the melody and the quacking of the "ducks." Now, as an adult into my 40's, I can trace my own following of Dionne's career and I'm proud to say that this cd is one of her finest, and a welcome return. Dionne's voice has matured to a smokey, deep alto that doesn't have to try to be warm. The song choice and the compassionate arrangements suit her delivery, which is filled with emotion. Some of these songs are traditional carols heard time and time again with each Christmas season, but Dionne's interpretations of these standards will make these old chestnuts seem new again.

No comments about Simplicity Christmas: Volume 2 - Saxophone.

4 comments about Feliz Navidad.

1. spanish and english come together in this well done christmas album easy to listen and also to understand.



2. Tatiana recently received the Prize: "The children phenomenum of the decade" by a television magazine in Mexico. Nothing more appropiate.



3. Tatiana's christams cd's are the greatest idea ever! because when it is christmas you want to listen good christmas music, maybe you feel tired of classical christmas music or even you feel tired of various artists christmas songs, well don't worry because Tatiana is here with not one TWO CHRISTMAS CD'S with a great quality, this cd contains danceable and entertaining christmas music but also it contains ballads with all kind of christmas music I entirely reccommend you to buy this.
   As long as there's christmas I truly believe that Tatiana's cds are the greatest of the gisfts you'll recieve.



4. This is a cute, pop Christmas CD in Spanish. I am a Spanish teacher and I like to play this for my students around the holiday. My high school students really love it.

5 comments about Celebration (Christmas Fanfares & Carols).

1. This is the CD you want to play when family is gathered around. It is beautiful, inspiring, peaceful. It's in perpetual rotation throughout the Christmas season at our house.



2. Christmas Fanfares and Carols is an exciting collection of superb coral music for the Christmas season. Not just a collection of the run of the mill carols, this collection includes spirituals, old english carols, and some moving contemporary pieces sung with the marvelous choral style of the BBC Welsh Chorus. I first heard the album on WQED in Pittsburgh several years ago, and have been in love with this Christmas album ever since.



3. What more can I say! We have enjoyed this album for several years and would HIGHLY recommend it for all who enjoy traditional Christmas music.



4. What more can I say! We have enjoyed this album for several years and would HIGHLY recommend it for all who enjoy traditional Christmas music.



5. I ordered this CD after seeing a video of Bryn Terfel performing Tua Bethlehem Dref on a classical music cable channel. The carol, as he performed it, was stunning. On this CD, it's performed by a choir.
   
   Speaking as an American listener, I do not like spirituals or folk music when it's "gussied-up" and performed by very highly-trained choirs. The spoken-word segments of the CD also left me flat, as did other arcane carols that were rather lacrymose.
   
   I personally would not recommend this CD to anyone who was not Welsh or British (because I assume the disparity between my disappointment and others' raves may have to do with ethnicity).

2 comments about Celtic Christmas.

1. Let me preface this review by saying that when I went to Amazon.com to search for this particular album, I had no idea I would run in to roughly eighty different Celtic Christmas search returns! Having not heard the other eighty, I can't hold this one against any others as "better" or "best", I can only give my thoughts on this particular album itself.

   I only recently discovered some of the Celtic field to be of interest after listening to the soundtrack for the movie Lord of the Rings. When a sibling of mine was given this music CD as an early Christmas present, I sat down for a good listen.

   This CD plays most of your favorite Christmas songs, but of course with a Celtic flair. From the songs you know like Away in a Manger and Auld Land Syne, to a few extra obscure ones that you may not know, like "Coleraine's Jig" and "Cannaught Man's Rambles". The CD is a great little seasoning you can use to spice up the humdrum holiday music in that old CD rack. The lovely little Irish/Celtic jilt just might be enough to make you dance a jig!

   If you've got a bit of the Scotsman in ye, or if you just happen to be hosting a Hobbit Head party for the holidays, this is the CD you should buy.




2. JUST AS GOOD AS IT'S PARTNER "A CELTIC CHRISTMAS STORY" BY DAN GIBSON, BOTH BY THE SAME LABEL.

5 comments about Rejoice! A String Quartet Christmas.

1. One doesn't think about string quartets and Christmas carols, but these folks do--and do a marvelous job of it! If you like "background music" during the Christmas season (let's trim that tree and boil the figgy pudding), this should be part of your collection. Also see the companion CD. Great set. Music well played and artistically arranged in a variety of styles.



2. Tired of the same old Xmas caroles sung by the same singers I decided to try something a little different. Being a chamber music fan and finding this CD at a book store I purchased it having recognized the name John Marks.This was the best thing I did all year.I listen to this CD all year long. Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall.The artistry of the players is extraordinary as is the sound.5 Stars for each.I did not buy this CD,I invested in it.The dow falls and the music soars.



3. When the first String Quartet Christmas CD was released a few years ago, it did not immediately catch my attention, until I was stuck in a major traffic jam a few days before Christmas. WCRB, a classical music station in Boston, often plays what they call "classic clusters" of short relaxing classical pieces and one was a holiday cluster with music from this disk. This particular cluster had selections from this CD. Though horns were honking from impatient drivers behind me, I felt relaxed while listening to this soothing music. I later purchased the recording knowing that it would become a favorite part of my Christmas collection.

   The concept of this collection is not all that complex. Christmas carols are arranged for string quartet. Most of the arrangements sound like Christmas music of the great classical composers. It makes for wonderful background music for more sophisticated Christmas get together, or a relaxing collection to listen to at the end of a busy day preparing for the holidays. Ideally I imagine a person putting a few logs on the fire, turning down the lights, putting the disc in the player, and simply enjoying the melodious music of the holiday season.




4. So someone wanted background on the musicians. I can give you some background on the second violinist, Alexander Romanul (you know the one they almost mixed out of this CD). Read it fast before he gets furious with me and tells me to take it down. (Well, I've never actually heard him even raise his voice, but even if he asks me nicely I'll honor his wishes.)
   
   So there's the usual stuff. He was a child prodigy, won the BSO young artists at 13, debuted with some other orchestra at 11 or 12 playing the Mendelsson. Has done lots of solo performances in North America and Europe, played with the BSO a lot of years, yada. yada. A friend of his, who has been concertmaster of a couple New England orchestras once told me, "You understand, don't you, Margaret, that Alexander can really play? It's enough to drive a person completely nuts."
   
   As a young man, he decided to try for the Wieniawski. He locked himself in a room in Germany for 5 months and played scales very slowly without vibrato seeking to play perfectly in tune. He only placed fifth, but the change in him could evidentally be felt and he caused something of a national sensation.
   
   It was then that the process began which he describes as the quest for pure sound, something for which he has sacrificed a great deal. The process has brought him into deep states and he undergoes a constant, tortured struggle to reconcile its lure with the demands of the world. He still sometimes closes himself in a room for long periods of time, coming out only to shower and eat or take an evening stroll.
   
   He claims to have hit a couple home runs in his life, but in my experience, he has never been fully satisfied with anything, so I wouldn't let the fact that he's not satisfied with this CD unsettle you too much. I define a good CD as one which I can listen to four times in a row and then come back to the next day. I think the difference has relatively little to do with the recording quality, the virtuosity, the genre. One can still miss even with technical perfection. It has to do with whether the performers can remain true to the calling and not go up into their heads as a refuge from doubt. I do feel that this music bears on its wings an authentic, "Peace on earth, Goodwill toward men."
   
   Alexander has spent hundreds of hours with my son in tickle fights, swimming in the local reservoir and competing for the best rendition of Disney characters. "Hello, my name is Bruce! I know, why trust a shark?" He reads a lot. Some of his mainstays are Joseph Campbell, Tolkien and Krishnamurti. But at any given moment he might be into an analysis of the stock market or Sir Walter Scott, rammed earth housing, sun spots, Wampanoag Indians or the peculiar behavior of a stray dog in the local police reports. He's articulate and thoughtful and has a sort of zany mischievous sense of humor. He remembers his dreams, likes carnations and Indian food, watches the weather, can identify most of the North American raptors and lepidoptera, plays board games, swims long distances, gets attached to his shirts, makes a mean chocolate chip cookie and drives an old Civic.



5. This is a marvelous group of Boston area musicians who have come together and recorded beautiful arrangements of classic Christmas carols. The blending and intonation of this string ensemble is gorgeous!!

No comments about Celebration of Christmas.