5 comments about Renaissance Holiday.

1. The arrangements are good except quality lacks. The tracks are frequently different sound levels, so one must constantly turn up or down to hear clearly.



2. This wonderful CD is collection of Renaissance Christmas tunes which all date from the fourteenth (well, 1592 anyway) through to the seventeenth century. Though compiled by Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller fame, these tunes are all performed by world-class musical groups, including the London Symphony Orchestra Strings, the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, the Chicago-based Asbury Brass Quintet, the Chicago Chamber Musicians Brass Quintet, and the Musica Anima Renaissance Consort. I found the tunes to be quite enjoyable to listen to any time of the year; they are masterfully done, and I found the sound quality to be quite good.

   I enjoyed and enjoy this CD, and highly recommend it to you!




3. Before there was Mannheim Steamroller, there was Chip Davis, a composer/arranger in his own right. Here he has teamed up with the LSO, and the result, while different from Steamroller arrangements, is quite nice. I like Renaissance and "ancient" music, and found much of this CD to be very pleasing. There are a few melodies I've never liked, no matter who played them, so I skip over said melodies and go to the next. I've been known to play this CD in my car whether it's Christmas or not.



4. I love my Renaissance Holiday CD. I have several CDs by Chip Davis. This is a good addition. Don't know how I missed it years ago. Thank you for the reasonably priced and speedy service.



5. Six Praetorius pieces, Hieronymus and Michael, make this CD worth much more than the price: they bring beauy to the ears and heart, especially M. Praetorius's opening track "Volte" by the Pittsburg Symphony Brass. Others are equally beautiful and played by such artists and organizations as the London Symphony Strings, Asbury Brass Quintet, Chicago Chamber Musicians Brass Quintet, and the Musica Anima Renaissance Consort. Here is a CD presented by Chip Davis that proves its value in its ability to be heard far beyond the December holiday season. Buy it now and enjoy it all year!

3 comments about Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan.

1. THere was only one piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and that was the solo on "My Lord, What a Morning," but I can tell you that one song made the purchase worth while.
   
   Phil B



2. Excellent!!!!!!!! I gave my first purchase to a friend who is also a lover of spirituls and hymns and purchased another for myself. I just had to share it with someone. The music is so moving. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone, regardless of them being a lover of spirituals and hymns or not. I plan on purchasing another one soon.



3. The simplicity of these beautiful songs creates a sense of space and wonder. Shows how less is so much more. I am not a very religious person but this music soothes my soul.

5 comments about World Christmas.

1. Tired of Christmas time schlock? This is one that you can sink your teeth into -- and besides, the money goes to a good cause (International Special Olympics). Standout cuts: John Scofield and the Wild Magnolias absolutely burning down "Go Tell it on a Mountain" and Angelique Kidjo's mountain 'o overdubs version of "O Holy Night" in which she not only sings the words but all the instrumental parts as well. Way cool.



2. This is among the best Christmas music collections available-particularly for listeners who are tired of old conventional presentations. True to the World Christmas title, songs are sung in French, Spanish, African Portuguese, and English--some with exuberant West African rhythms. For example, "Navidad" by the Gypsy Kings is among the most celebratory Christmas songs I know. Other songs like "Boas Festas" and "Natal" are simply lovely and may become Christmas favorites for you. Even an overworked standard like "Twelve Days of Christmas" is presented with a novel sultry jazz sound that will exercise your subwoofer. Take a chance on this album. You will enjoy the rewards.



3. I first heard Ave Maria(Deep Forest) a few weeks ago. Liking what I heard I searched for more on them. I was led to the World Christmas CD. When I had an opertunity to hear the entire CD I fell in love with every song there.
   Most of these artists I had never heard before. Believe me they do the songs justice. I would recommend the CD to all my friends.Even though I had a hard time finding it, I kept up the search until I did. I put in my order right away for fear of the CD being sold out quickly. Now I eagerly anticipate the delivery so that I can start listening.



4. By this album - only the song Holy Night with Angelique Kidjo is worth it!



5. Each time I listen to this, I feel happy! I first heard this in a store, and I immediately asked what was playing! This cd is great for people who love to travel.

5 comments about Soul Christmas.

1. The original "Soul Christmas" lp said it all, this reissue not only adds filler that dilutes the original, its missinf Booker T's Jingle Bells, which is an utter disgrace.
   
   Otherwise, pick up this cd, if you don't have the lp. Many classics. Otis Redding's "White Christmas"? He just took that song from Bing Crosby. Badda Bing, badda boom.



2. I play this album over and over in the car, I look forward to the Christmas season so I can bring out this CD and enjoy these songs - esp. New Year's Resolution



3. Found this at 50% off post xmas and what a find!.....Donny Hathaway's classic "This Christmas" is hard to find on any CD and virtually not played anymore (At least in my region) by the Clear Channel corporate media conglomerate, yet this original version is better than just about all of the covers done by others of the same tune.
   
   "This Christmas" is worth the price of admission (as a forgotten rarity), but this Atlantic collection has other un(der)played gems that won't get pass the focus group review panels that now dominate AM/FM radio content.....listen for yourself to find out what is missing on the air waves?!.....
   
   I can listen to the Atlantic label's stable of artists and relisten to them again and again.
   
   A highly recommended "soulful" collection "Buy It Now"



4. Number 3-Carla Thomas "Gee Whiz It's Christmas" made the album complete. The whole album made the holiday complete.



5. Soul Christmas is definitely one of the best Christmas Compilations of all time. My Mom bought this CD a little over 10 years ago and it's been a Christmas tradition in our home ever since. I decided to buy it myself this year and after a LONG hunt, I finally found it (and at a wonderful price too!) on Amazon.com. Listening to Soul Christmas will definitely continue to be a holiday tradition for many more years to come.

5 comments about Christmas Memories.

1. I'm so glad I read the Amazon critic Jerry McCulley's review above before I posted my own. I was about to use the same, "What's a nice Jewish girl from Brooklyn doing recording a Christmas album?" line. So much for originality on my part. Of course, as McCulley notes, it's hardly Streisand's first attempt at a holiday album, and in fact, her 1967 release A CHRISTMAS ALBUM is considered a classic of the genre. CHRISTMAS MEMORIES is a much different album, however. For one thing, most of the tracks are NOT traditional carols or well-known holiday themed pop songs. Sure it begins with "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and it does include the seasonal-but-not-really-Christmas standard "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" There's a classical nod with Schubert's "Ave Maria" (done her way, with some brassy coloration here and there--a little nose thumbing toward the critics of CLASSICAL BARBRA, perhaps?). But most of the material on the album is actually not your standard Christmas album fare. In fact, much of it was totally unfamiliar to me. So much the better, I'd say: who doesn't welcome a surprise at Christmas?
   
   It almost doesn't matter if songs like Marilyn and Alan Bergman's "Christmas Mem'ries" and "Christmas Love Song" or David Foster's "Grown Up Christmas List" actually become standards or not. They're well suited for Streisand, and that's what matters at the end of the (Christmas) day.
   
   Since I'm only just getting around to this album in 2004 (I'm admirer, but not really a hardcore fan), I didn't immediately notice the release date was three years ago. The fact that this album was in fact recorded in 2001 seems somehow significant (even if it actually was recorded BEFORE September 11). The melancholy edge to many of the songs seem all the more poignant in light of the horror this nation and the world endured that year. Coincidence? Well, Barbra dedicated the album to a recently deceased friend (Stephan Weiss, husband of designer Donna Karan), and the whistfulness of at least some of the songs was no doubt related to that loss. But they took on an even more universal significance in light of the tragedy of 9/11. Streisand was never really the rockin'-around-the-Christas-tree type, but the relative somberness of her second holiday album turned out to be eerily appropriate for the year of its release.
   
   What's also almost uncannily appropriate is the final track, "One God." For a "nice Jewish girl," or rather a sophisticated Jewish woman and artist to do an honest Christmas album, some kind of acknowledgement that she is stepping outside of her own tradition is necessary. But reminding the listener of the universality of the truths behind the major religions is neither inappropriate nor "unseasonal." While there are those who might object to the inclusion of an ecumenical anthem like "One God" (at least on a Christmas album), others will find it a solace in the song's openhearted embrace of all humanity. It may have been inadvertent, but it was a message we needed during the holidays in 2001. We still do.



2. Buying this CD will surely make your Christmas one to remember. I am a great fan of Streisand and I have grown with her voice since I was 10 years old. I bought her first CHristmas Album when I was 15 and it was thrilling...so you can imagine how thrilled I was to get hold of her second piece of artistic work...her voice is angelic as she sings Ave Maria (I wish she could have sung it during my wedding Mass).
   This is not a CD for just the festive season but for all seasons!! Thanks Barbra for making a wonderful Christmas



3. In October of 2001, Barbra Streisand released her thirty-ninth album entitled, CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. This would actually be Barbra Streisand's second Holiday album, since THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM in 1967. This Christmas album lives up to the reputation of Barbra's first Holiday album and it really puts me into that Christmas mood.
   
   I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
   As much as I love Barbra's rendition, Frank Sinatra's rendition, although I am not Frank fan, is so much better and more Christmas-E. I love his rendition.
   
   A CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
   A great song with a the strong Holiday spirit.
   
   WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE?
   Well, I'll be with my family in Haddonfield, NJ, where my father's Beatles' band will be playing from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm (NJ-Philly time), an hour away from the year of 2006.
   
   I REMEMBER
   Great.
   
   SNOWBOUND
   Great.
   
   IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE
   Beautiful.
   
   CHRISTMAS LULLABY
   This is another Christmas Spirit filled song.
   
   CHRISTMAS MEM'RIES
   The album's title track, but with a slightly different spelling. Great song.
   
   GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST
   Both Barbra Streisand & Amy Grant have their own renditions of this song and both of them are simply beautiful.
   
   AVE MARIA
   Great.
   
   CLOSER
   Beautiful.
   
   ONE GOD
   This song title is very true. There is only one God and that God is God, Himself. Beautiful song.
   
   CHRISTMAS MEMORIES is the Holiday album for everyone: Children of all ages, Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens. This album is very pleasing and it will most certainly put you into the Holiday Spirit. Pick up a copy of Barbra's second Christmas album. Oh, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



4. This is a must-have for any Streisand fan AND/OR those who love Christmas and winter. The songs are varied, and the imagery is fabulous. Barbra wraps her beautiful vocals around I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS MEM'RIES, and CHRISTMAS LULLABYE and the tears start to flow; she handles IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE with ease, and I love the Barbra Mandrell original. Then, there are the visions of snow and bare trees and vast sky as she sings I REMEMBER and SNOWBOUND. And AVE MARIA, CLOSER, and ONE GOD add the spiritual feel and reverence for this time of year that are important to all of us. Masterfully-written songs and lush orchestration make this a signature Barbra recording. Give yourself a gift this Christmas. This is one present you will enjoy "unwrapping" the entire season.



5. I ABSOLUTELY agree with L.SHIRLEY but read so many reviews since that I forgot what she said LOL.... but I also agree with the boring aspect of this album mentioned by another, though Barbra's actual SINGING can never be ''boring''.... Oh, yes.... Shirley said this is NOT for a party [back to that in a moment].....
   
   Ok, look, there is nothing bad to be said about Barbra, she's magnificent and I have EVERYTHING she's done....all her films first on tape, then updated with DVD's then all her albums on records, then tapes, now CD's [please stop inventing new formats, I'm going broke]. I, like Barbra... am Jewish [not religious] and even come from Flatbush Brooklyn [went to Midwood, not Erasmus though close], so I take offense at a comment of someone really resenting a Jew making a Christmas album! Christmas is everyone's holiday and my favorite OF the year, and favorite TIME of year, and if our greatest female singer of all time can't leave her stamp on it, then we're really in trouble on this planet [we are anyway]........
   
   Now, my only beef is that I want Christmas to be upbeat. I want all happy, funny songs on an album for a party or just getting into a great mood [as Shirley implied] and another when feeling dreamy and alone or with someone. I make MANY of my own CD's with all Mathis' upbeat songs and slow ones, separately [the greatest MALE vocal quality and range that ever lived] and also Sinatra in his ring a ding ding mode songs so I don't understand why the music industry can't comply with that and do the same. When I'm in a great mood and getting dressed for a party or having one, of COURSE I want all the fast, happy, cheerful Christmas [and other] songs ONLY playing and not intercepted with slow depressing ones.....
   
   I bought this CD long ago and just hadn't gotten around to her "A Christmas Album" yet. Wanting Christmas from her, I just grabbed one, and now years later playing it again on Christmas, am SO disappointed because it isn't upbeat with the traditional FUN songs, so ordered the other one tonight, although it too has a couple with the religious bent so I guess we're out of luck and my search brought no better results, and I guess these are the only two. I would want an ALL spiritual album from her as well because those songs are also beautiful, but for when the time is appropriate to listen to it, and separately. Of course this is beautiful [nothing she does isn't the best there is], but my complaint is for the producers of albums not catering to different MOODS, and not separating the song genre's on different whole albums, not just for holiday albums, but all of them. This [and the other one] is not what I play when wanting to feel good and in a great Christmas mood. It's just because I have to have everything she does, and it's nice when sitting and relaxing during Christmas or with someone special at a quiet time. Barbra.... let's hear about Rudolf's nose, jingle bell rock, toyland, winter wonderland, marshmallow world, needing a little christmas, letting it snow, santa coming to town, beginning to look a lot like Christmas, it being the 'most wonderful time of the year, and so MANY more! Lighten UP! lol I gave it 5 stars because other than all of the above, the album and 'she' is magnificent for what it is.... a mixture of moods.

5 comments about Christmas At Trinity.

1. Absolutely beautiful! A must have for those who listen to Christmas music seriously.



2. Sit back,relax and enjoy the wonderful music on this sure to be a classic Christmas CD. I am particularly interested in this CD because my 5th great-grandfather was a vestryman at Trinity and is buried in the Trinity Church Yard. HOWEVER, whether or not you have a family connection to Trinity, it is still a wonderful, relaxing and meaningful album.



3. This is a wonderful CD. The singing is wonderful. The recording is excellent with a huge soundstage. Descriptions like "smooth like silk" come to mind when I want to describe their voices. I bought this CD last year and play it all the time, even after Christmas. My system consists of Meridean CD player, Audio Research amp, Herron preamp, and Verity speakers.



4. Trinity Church at Wall Street was directly in the path of the World Trade Center's monumantal rubble showers when the buildings collapsed on 9/11. Consequently Trinity's magnificinet organ was a victim of dust and debris along with everything else in its path. As a sort of memorial to the late renowned organ, "Christmas at Trinity" is a tribute to not only the superb choir and its director, Dr. Owen Burdick, but a fond farewell (for the time being) to one of this country's finest musical instruments. And as the the parishoners get used to a decent substitute organ, the glorious instrument is being refurbished (at enormous, but worthy expense) to return to its place of honor at Trinity, Wall Street.
   Having added that bit of history, "Christmas at Trinity" is a general collection of the finest arrangements and selection of choral literature for Christmas. Under the direction of Dr. Owen Burdick, the Choir breathes sensitivity into each carol. This disc is one of the finest collections of Christmas music available. It is a classical collage of sound and literature which I would recommend for a single choice for one's Christmas enjoyment, that is, if you are on a limited budget.
   And, speaking of "budget", for $6.98 this is a superb bargain. Naxos is the label with delicious and unusual collections of music for anyone wanting to be adventuresome, or looking for a modest start to a personal CD library. Start with "Christmas at Trinity" and be delighted with not only the performance, but also the lovely price!



5. I mistakenly bought this CD thinking it was a reprint of an LP of Christmas carols that my parents played when I was a child. What a happy accident this was! The singing is beautiful, the arrangements are well-crafted and the sound is lush and warm.
   
   These are indeed the carols that I enjoyed as a child, but the fact that they were recorded in New York City and accompanied by a pipe organ that was shortly afterward ruined in the September 11 World Trade Center attacks gives this CD an extra resonance.

5 comments about Noël.

1. Christmas is not Christmas without this beautiful recording.
   
   After having given this album/cd to friends throughout the years, I discovered recently that I didn't have my own copy anymore. I looked everywhere--big box stores, used music stores, etc.--but to no avail. I finally checked Amazon, and was happy to find it in this new, remastered version, along with additional tracks not present on the original.
   
   This recording is an amazing combination of Baez's impeccable soprano, extraordinarily nuanced arrangements, and an 'x' factor that I can only call "sublime." Most Christmas music (to my ears) bounds forward in an unreflective, mechanized glee. Not so here. The pathos inherent in Christ's birth--so often overlooked in most Christmas music--is fully present in this gorgeous album, and serves as a necessary counterpoint to the joy and wonder of the nativity.
   
   If you need a cure for the overwhelming commercialism that has become Christmas, just play this album. It will reconnect you in a profound way with the simple beauty of Christmas.



2. This Christmas album is a gem in a sea of mediocrity. It seems that every renowned singer feels obliged to produce a Christmas collection - and we have been inundated with lack-luster performances of boring old Christmas songs ever since Elvis gave us Blue Christmas.
   
   It is not so with this wonderful collection. Here we have Joan Baez with her purest simple soprano singing from her heart set against a background of inspired orchestral arrangements. The songs are both familiar and strange. The entire cd evokes an atmosphere of love and wonder. We are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas throughout.
   
   A classic for me. I urge you to share my delight.



3. How can you beat P. Shickele and J.Baez? The original songs are a wonder. Thank you for putting these musical treasures into CD format so that 'new' listeners can discover the sublime match of musicology, true talent, and old Christmas songs. For us 'old' fans, it remains perfectly produced, perfectly sung, and a magical, musical treat.



4. Even if you own this album on vinyl or on the original CD, as I do, the remastered CD is very much worth buying -- for the excellent sound, for the revealing new liner notes by Peter Schickele, and, above all, for the added tracks, previously unreleased. Most thrilling among these tracks is Virgin Mary, a signature song for Baez in the early 1960s but heretofore available only on an obscure album of poor sound quality consisting mostly of non-Baez material. Baez does not so much sing this song as call it out to the angels -- a haunting performance on a gorgeous album.



5. This is not an album to enjoy only during the holiday season. It is an album to enjoy anytime you want to hear the exceptional voice of Joan Baez. Although "Very Early Joan" is my favorite, I find myself selecting this album just to hear Joan's pitch-perfect voice.

5 comments about Christmas Jollies.

1. This CD offers something different from the ordinary Christmas songs. It's upbeat and fun to listen and sing-a-long to! A must have for any Christmas collection.



2. Probley the #1 Orchestra of the Disco Era dropped their only Christmas project and has ALWAYS been a Holiday Favorite in Dance Clubs (Even now!). This also works on other levels too, but you must understand THIS was the Disco Band Of The Land, so you won't find no 'Go-To-Sleep Songs on this collection....NONE!



3. I had a cassette tape of Christmas Jollies years ago, in the early eighties, and I made copies for friends and family. When I found the album was available on Amazon on CD, I ordered it immediately. I have seen other reviewers who state this version is not as good as the original because of a "remix." That may be true, but it is still great.



4. Back in the late 1970's. I was the dancing machine and this was one of the all time disco classic for Xmas. It a shame none of the Radio station never play it much. The flow of the second track Christams Medley with 13 Christmas Classic was one of my Fav and the best mixed I ever heard it blands in so well you think it one song. For New Year Medley is just as great. During the Disco Era were ever I was this was placed when the clock stroke 12.



5. my coworker has not been able to find this anywhere, so when i gave it to her for xmas she was so happy. Thank you

2 comments about Highland Christmas: Celtic Women.

1. I regret buying this CD. Musically, it's reminds me of a group of high school girls trying to sing like the Celtic Woman ensemble seen on PBS, except they're out of pitch with poor arrangements. The worst song is "Go Tell it on the Mountain." The singers actually try to sound like a Gospel group. The results is rather silly. There is no credit given to the singers. The only hint that they might be Irish, is that they sing the Anglican version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Don't buy this CD. It's cheap for a very good reason.



2. This is truly an amazing cd. The voices and sounds are so beautiful. I actually bought one for myself and 3 others for gifts and all my friends love them!

5 comments about Christmas Adagios.

1. Great CD. The reviewer who calls him/herself POCOCAT says he/she is an opera singer. Wonder how much work an uninformed singer gets?
   A "fast spinning" vibrato,as you describe Ms. Price, is not the same as a wide vibrato. The former is a speed issue, the latter a width issue. Therefore, 4 variables exist: fast, slow, wide, slim. Thus, 4 types of voice exist: fast/wide, fast/slim, slow/wide, and slow/slim. Most often a singer leans toward fast/slim or slow/wide, in varying degrees. A matter of taste, yes, but learn more about the voice before you expound.



2. What a delightful surprise this 2 disc album was and I'm not a big fan of Christmas music. I loved all the selections and felt they were well performed. This is a true "must have" for any Christmas collection. Superior to many other compliations on the market. This one is a keeper! It is the one album I'll pick first to listen to after Thanksgiving.



3. Beautiful Adagios and a rich selection for the price. Audio travels to Vienna, London, Cambridge etc



4. this was one of the best assortment of classical holiday songs that i have ever heard. it contains a marvelous array of the best composers and performers that the world has to offer. if you are a fan of classical music, i think this cd will be a positive addition to your music collection



5. This is the BEST Christmas collection that I have ever heard. I would like
   to purchase 15 more to give as gifts this year; however, it appears that
   Decca is out of stock or no longer releasing it. HELP!!