5 comments about The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir (Box Set).

1. Their performance is just superb. If you like classical music. I find this elevating my spirits.



2. When I received this album, I found that it was much, much more than I had expected. The angelic, pure, innocent yet DEFINED voices of these boys add the spark to your day. (at least to mine!)

   The first CD is absolutely beautiful choral music which is really relaxing. I DO prefer boys' singing to adults, because it just sounds so much better.
   When I bought the CD, I wasn't expecting much out of the second CD because I bought it for the first CD's sake, but the second CD turned out to be my real favorite.
   Not that I don't adore the first one, but the second one is SO IRRESISTABLY CUTE!! whenever I listen to it, I keep on smiling and going "awww. isn't this cute!"
   It is REALLY sweet and fun to listen to. I just LOVE this CDs and want to give 10 stars out of 5, but obviously there are limitations, so..

   Well, if you like choral music, you won't regret getting this one.




3. Wow...That was my first word when I listend to this CD.

   I like classical numbers more than like traditional songs of
   other countries, so the 1st one was wonderful
   (Of course as well as the second one.)

   When you want to relax, you may choose the 1st one, but
   if you want to be excited, choose 2nd one!!

   You will feel as if you were out of this world.




4. I love this bos set, especially the second one Edelweiss is simply great, it's filled with passion and truly shows the beauty of music.But if you had already bought Ave Maria and Edelweiss please don't buy this one, they are the same, this CD is just perfect!



5. This CD is absolutely beautiful. Everything that I would expect from this famous institution and more. I couldn't be more pleased!

2 comments about Christmas With Leontyne Price (Dig).

1. The group of bored fifth grade boys are huddled into the public school library. The weeks drag on before we break for the holidays, of spending time at home with our families and the anticipated loot we'll get for Christmas. The librarian/teacher insists on playing Christmas music on the record player. We sit and giggle about the long-haired musical arrangements and the high soprano voice singing. The librarian tells us all to shut up and listen "to one of the greatest voices in the world". We do. And at that tender age I first heard the voice of Leontyne Price and this beautiful Christmas album that has been part of my holiday music ever since.
   
   Nothing is amiss in this collection. The Price instrument was young and spontaneous, the arrangements are spectacular and von Karajan is (for once) taking a back seat to his soloist. Thank you, Mrs. Farrell, for the introduction to this wonderful album. All I have to do is put this CD on and I'm transferred back to the public school library, my classmates eagerly waiting for Christmas to come, and to my family and Christmas home in Chicago.



2. This Christmas is THE Cd to own above all others, as most anyone who's heard it will tell you - critics worldwide included.
   
   Without a doubt, the singing of soprano Leontyne Price -"La Splendissima" - is incomparable here. There has never been a soprano with a timbre so incredibly distinctive & beautiful that also infuses her music with a rare humanity and humility. Every Christmas is inauguarated with this recording at my home, and those fortunate enough to receive this CD as a gift from me, are infinitely grateful & astounded by Ms. Price's gifts.(especially those not inclined to Opera singers!)
   Her collaboration here with Maestro Von Karajan is just as rewarding as all of the others including "Carmen", "Tosca", the Verdi "Requiem"(VHS/DVD), and a legendary "Il Trovatore". These (2) musical 'giants' seem to derive inspiration from each other that ignites a passionate response from each as well. Nowhere is this more evident than in their now 'classic' rendition of the Schubert "Ave Maria". Listen to the ethereal, voice-like intro of the orchestral strings that precedes Ms. Price's celestial vocalism. It's magical! The programme is diverse and deeply satisfying for the Season. Miss Price's singing, whether in this rep, singing Spirituals, the recital stage, or Grand Opera, is almost always an inveterately soulful experience. It is no less so here. Celebrate the Season (any Season you like) with "La Splendissima" Leontyne Price singing classical 'Soul' music at Christmas. Get this!!!!!!!! Note: This particular packaging includes the original picture and liner notes from the original 1960 Decca release. Its so nostalgic, and makes this collection all the more treasurable. Enjoy.

5 comments about The Christmas Spirit.

1. My brother bought this in vinyl the Christmas of 1964. I was only 10, but the words of "The Ballad of the Harp Weaver" and "Christmas as I Knew It" became indellibly etched in my mind. I had completely forgotten the album until Johnny Cash passed into glory and I started remembering our old albums. The old Sun recordings were some of his best early work. I don't think any other artist has had a greater effect on the American Music Scene.



2. My parents gave this album to me along with Jim Reeves Christmas album in the early 60's and they both remain standards in my home. I wore them out on vinyl...and then on cassette. At a time when artists performed the standard holiday classics the Man In Black stepped outside the norm and put down some of the most beautiful and moving holiday music not equalled in my opinion. "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" stuck in my mind and gave me the courage to stand on that schoolhouse stage and sing it solo when i was afraid to even speak in front of class. "Ballad Of The Harp Weaver" continues to be a source of hope and consolation more so now that when i first heard those haunting words many years ago. Johnny Cash had the ability to put you there by singing from the heart and personal experience. If traditional holiday music is what you want you can't get any better than this.



3. one of the songs has the line "Sorry I'm Crying/My brother Jim's dying/Ring a bell for Jim." Hey, but it's Cash-- what do you expect? Very slow, but some of the songs are good. I'm happy



4. Since this is the second Johnny Cash Christmas CD I own, I can compare this one, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, to his COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CD from 1991. This one is better, in my opinion, but since they are both priced so low, you can buy both on amazon.com for the price of a normal CD, so you might as well do that!
   
   This CD, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, has 1996 in the fine print of the CD cover, but other amazon.com reviewers are saying it is from the 1960s, which does agree with the younger Johnny Cash photo on the cover. The CD booklet is just a one-sided insert, and there are no details beyond the names of the song composers.
   
   There are 12 songs for 38 minutes of music on this CD, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
   
   If this CD is from the 1960s, then they did a pretty good job of remastering it for a CD. This is issued by Sony Music, so I think it sounds a little better than the COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CD which is issued by the off-brand LaserLight label.
   
   None of the performances are the same, so you can buy both CDs without duplicating any performance, but Johnny and friends did repeat 3 songs on COUNTRY CHRISTMAS with new performances captured. "Blue Christmas" and "Silent Night" are better on COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, but "Here Was A Man" is better on this CD, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
   
   This CD has 3 songs composed solely by Johnny, another traditional one arranged by Johnny, and even one co-written by Johnny and his father-in-law, Ezra "Eck" Carter! June Carter also co-wrote two songs.
   
   "Christmas as I Knew It" is an interesting biographical song about Johnny's Christmas as a kid in Dyess, Arkansas, co-written by June!
   
   "Little Drummer Boy" has a novel focus on the drumming, though it is sparse and a bit strange upon the first listen.
   
   At first I kind of was distracted by the 1950's barber shop quartet styled backing vocals, but then I kicked myself when I realized that has to be the Carter Family ladies for the female vocals! So those oldie styled backing vocals are much more appreciated, but they are still oldies-styled.
   
   Johnny sings lead vocals on all the songs, and the overall feel of the album is calm, with mostly strong, heartfelt lyrics. This is better than the 1991 COUNTRY CHRISTMAS which suffers from being too uneven in quality and tone, with some songs seeming to have little to NONE of Johnny's lead vocals.



5. I bought it on vinyl back in 1964 when I was 14. Played the heck out of it until it was virtually unplayable. Glad that I finally found it on cd, but I wish Sony would have taken some time to remaster/remix for optimum sound quality. It also would have been nice if they would have used the original artwork/graphics. But, I guess for the price you can't have everything. Hopefully, they will re-release this album one day on the Legacy label with deluxe packaging.

1 comments about Really Big Musical Tribute to Clifford the Big Red Dog.

1. I bought this CD for my three year old about a year ago and she just loves it. Even my husband and I enjoy it. "Dog House Party" and "Big Big Big Red Dog" are really catchy sing-along songs. Other songs reinforce ideas of friendship and liking who you are. I'd definetly recommend this for any Clifford fan.

1 comments about The New Spirit of Christmas.

1. I first heard this interesting Christmas music on XM channel 78 - "Escape", and it defies description. You want to put it into the 'new age' category, yet it still has a 'beautiful music' instrumental sound to it. It's hard to tell if it's electronic or acoustic. Whatever, the case may be, the tracks are quite good, and fairly long for Christmas songs (some around the 4 minute mark) when other albums have little 2 minute versions. It's worth listening to several times. Season's Greetings.

4 comments about Christmas: Winter Nights.

1. What!! A Christmas album by DiMeola!!

   I must admit I was a bit sceptical at first because so many Jazz/Fusion artist have made overly sweet and sentimental Christmas albums, but of course I shouldn't have doupted the master, this album is really good.

   Al playes acoustic guitars on the album along with percussion, keyboards and a multi string harp Herman Romero plays additional guitar and percussion and then there is a player from Ukraine, Roman Hrynkiv who playes an ukrainian instrument called Bandura which is a plucked string instrument with a bright sound which fits this music wery well.

   The music is a mix of well known Christmas songs and new compositions by DiMeola, there is of course a Christmas feel to the album but it's all in great taste and underneath the calm surface Al is burning.

   I'm going to give the c.d a rest for now but come December this c.d. is going to be played a lot. This Christmas is definitely going to be fun, musicaly speaking at least.




2. I bought this CD after hearing a Christmas track played over the radio. It is absolutely fabulous. Winter nights includes some seasonal tracks as well as eclectic choices - the arrangements are wonderful. Check out his version of the beautiful Peter Gabriel ballad "Mercy Street ". Done as an instrumental in Dimeolas style it fits perfectly with the winter theme of this CD. Don't just save it for the holidays - select the great non seasonal tracks for any gathering.



3. What a challenge ? Conceptualize the beauty and spirit of cold winter nights. Well to my ear, these instrumental interpretations distill that chill in the air and render a meaning from the twinkling stars.Eight songs are original, five imaginary revisions of seasonal standards, and two inclusions of popular pop tunes stripped of vocals yet bellowing like the changing wind. The talented trio of artists creative echoing of a fresh blanket of snow and the darkness of night upon melody, their quite complexity between percussion and other playables,and their use of todays mixing techno all combine to answer. .... Post Script~ Great background seasonal drumel and even better headphone dozing.buyit...save it...



4. I first encountered Al Di Meola as the lightning-fingered guitarist for the fusion group Return to Forever and later on solo albums like ELEGANT GYPSY and SPLENDIDO HOTEL. But on WINTER NIGHTS, he is in a more subdued mood. Many of the tracks feature Ukrainian musician Roman Hrynkiv on bandura, a folk instrument similar to a lute. The two perform together to marvelous effect like on the Di Meola original "Zima" and the more traditional "The First Noel." In addition, Hrynkiv plays solo on several shorter pieces ("Winterlude No. 2, 3 and 4"). With only a scattering of recognizable Christmas songs, you can enjoy this album year 'round. [Running Time - 51:25] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5 comments about Holiday Pops.

1. In an age of Christmas artists like Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Who came up with these names anyway?), it's a blessing that we still have artists who have become as timeless as the Christmas music that they play. For many years, the Boston Pops Orchestra has had an annual tradition of performing Holiday Pops concerts in December, with the audiences enjoying champagne and refreshments on the floor. And Keith Lockhart has certainly done an excellent job of carrying on the tradition long maintained by Arthur Fiedler and John Williams.

   This CD is an excellent compilation of the Boston Pops at its finest. From the opening "Gloria" to "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas," each selection has its own unique touch applied to it. My favorites are "Gloria," "Christmas Waltzes," "Carol of the Bells," "The Shepherds' Chorus," "Christmas Time Is Here," and the swinging compilation "Frosty All The Way!"

   He also presents a different version of the tune "Sleigh Ride," long a Pops Holiday staple, but I still think it sounds better without the lyrics. Fortunately, I have other recordings by Fiedler and Williams of this work. But other than this, it's a great CD overall. Thank you, Keith Lockhart, for keeping the tradition of great holiday music going. Your orchestra certainly has the timelessness that Mannheim Steamroller will never have.




2. Poor Keith Lockhart did not have the easiest time when he first came to Boston. He made a few major mistakes. First, he shortened the 1812 Overture at the July 4th Concert at the Esplanade, which may have been a decision of the television stations carrying the broadcast, but it, went over with a thud. His first few Christmas concerts were not critically acclaimed, though crowds still attended. By the time his album HOLIDAY POPS was released, things got a bit better for poor Keith, and now he is as much of a Boston institution as anyone.

   The collections greatest strength is the lush sound of the orchestra and Lockhart's excellent handling of the ensemble. No matter what he selected as music for this album, it probably would have worked rather well. The track has a "Gloria" that was commissioned by the Boston Symphony. There are also familiar arrangements in the style associated with the Boston Pops of Christmas waltzes, a track called "Frosty All the Way," "Good Swing Wenceslas," and perhaps the best track on the disc "Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day." The chorus adds to numbers such as "The shepherd's Chorus," "Sleigh Ride," and John William's "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas" from HOME ALONE 2.

   Lockhart's style differs greatly from the legendary Arthur Fiedler and his successor John Williams, but for those who love the Boston Pops, especially at Christmastime, will not have a complete collection without this disc.




3. This is a great cd and Farandole has been a favorite of our son for over a year (he's 2 1/2). I highly recommend it!



4. This is one of the cleanest orchestral recordings of the 90s and shows the Boston Pops to great advantage. The production values are amazingly good to my ears, as is the wonderful interpretation of Maestro Lockhart. Amazon should list his name (not Mark Oswald's) to increase sales. This one will put you in the spirit of the holidays, for certain!
   
   John Whitney, Music Director, Southern Tier Symphony



5. I ordered this CD because I had received one for the music library at the public radio station where I was music director before my retirement. I loved hearing it every Christmas when I programmed music from it to air on my station, so I decided to get one for my own library at home when I no longer had access to the CD at work. I love it! And amazon.com processed my order quickly. Thanks!
   
   ~Mary Lee Warner

1 comments about Birthday of the World, Part 1: Rosh Hashanah.

1. This CD is volume 1 of a two-volume set (each sold separately -- volume 2 is for Yom Kippur). It was originally produced for Public Radio International in 1995, and not only features the voices of Western Wind Ensemble & Chorus, but also has guest cantors Alberto Mizrachi, Faith Steinsnyder Guerney, Jacob ben Zion Mendelson, and Charles Osborne. It's narrated by Leonard Nimoy, who is best known for playing Spock on Star Trek, but who also has a deep and abiding love for his Jewish heritage, which shines through in this performance. Together, this gathering of male and female voices is a feast for the soul.

   Unlike many Jewish holiday albums which come across as mere concerts, this one has the feel of a genuine Rosh Hashanah service. For one thing, it's done a capella, just as it would be on the holy day itself, when musical instruments are not used (except for the shofar, or ceremonial ram's horn, which is included on the CD). And it includes some of the longer prayers, such as the complete "Hineni" and "Ha Yom Harat Olam." (In consideration of those who feel the Name of God should not be pronounced except in real worship, the Name is rendered "Adomai", with an "M" instead of an "N.")

   Each liturgical piece is introduced by Nimoy, reading an inspirational script written by Rabbi Gerold Skolnik. These introductions set the proper mood and make the spirit of the service accessible even to those listeners who don't know any Hebrew. The narrations are recorded on separate tracks so, if you just want to listen to the music, you can program your CD player to skip the commentaries. (There's even a note on the back cover suggesting this possibility!) I really like that feature, because narrated albums do tend to get tedious after a while. This one lets you learn the lessons in the first few listenings, then skip them to just enjoy the music.

   The CD is over a hour long, and comes with notes on the meaning of each liturgical piece, as well as background info on the performers and composers. A wonderful way to prepare yourself for Rosh Hashanah, the Birthday of the World.

No comments about World Classics: Germany.

5 comments about Christmas with Chanticleer (Featuring Dawn Upshaw).

1. CHANTICLEER INSPIRES ME TO REMEMBER 'THE REASON FOR THE SEASON'!
   
   For nearly 25 years Chanticleer has performed a large and wide variety of music, from Gregorian Chant to the most modern fare. With its seamless blend of 12 male voices,ranging from counter-tenor to bass, the ensemble has earned international renown as "an orchestra of voices". Chanticleer was founded in 1978 by tenor Louis Botto, and was named after the 'clear-singing' rooster in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'.
   
   This CD offers a wide variety of choral gems, some well-known; some traditional;some in French, in German; most in English. But all of them are performed with great skill as well as exquisite tone quality. Dawn Upshaw is an added plus on this disc.
   
   Just commenting on a few of them that captured my interest:
   "A Christmas Round: Today The Virgin". Sir John Tavener joined the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977 which had a tremendous impact on his compositions. The brief text for 'A Christmas Round' is from the Orthodox Liturgy for Christmas Day. 'Today the Virgin' is a strophic setting of a text by Mother Thekla, an Orthodox nun, who has provided him with the libretti for several of his major works. In typical Russian Orthodox style, a drone is employed in the bass, and the upper voices move in parallel fifths and octaves.
   
   
   "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" (Lo, How an ever-blooming rose).Hugo Distler combines an extensive use of rediscovered forms and genres,and a very effective use of word-paintings in his music. Based on the famous tune of the same name, his setting resembles a fantasia, finally submerging the theme in rhythmic complexity as the number of voice parts expands from 4 to as many as 8. The text for the soprano that is laid over verse 3 is taken from the 'Magnificat' (Luke I:46-55).
   
   
   "Die Stimme des Kindes" (The voice of the child) Finnish composer,Jaako Mantyjarvi adopts influences from a number of styles and periods, fusing them into his own idiom. This gently-rocking setting for eight-part men's chorus uses lush tone clusters to impart a late-
   Romantic sentiment.
   
   THIS ALBUM IS A THINKING MAN'S JOY! We all love the familiar carols, but it's so refreshing to hear some new ones. This group is certainly reminiscent of the "King's Singers" who preceded them; both excellent in every way!!!!



2. I was very disappointed when I listened to this CD. I should have paid more attention to the fact that there was another artist performing with the group before I ordered it. I am sorry I bought it.



3. If you are a Chanticleer purist and are turned off by the idea of someone else singing with them, I can tell you that you will miss out on a large number of some of Chanticleer's best recorded tracks ever by passing up this CD. The tracks with Dawn Upshaw are in the minority on this disc and (in my opinion) do not detract from the majority which are of Chanticleer only. Also, it must be stated that while some may still not be a fan of the concept upon listening, she performs wonderfully with them and even blends well at many points! I urge you to at least give it a chance.
   
   Anyway, on to the music. This recording is literally overflowing with impeccably chosen arrangements and compositions, all of which encompass a wonderfully peaceful holiday ambiance. It is full of tracks which are worth the price of the disc alone. Joe Jennings' gorgeous arrangement of the Huron Carol and the wonderfully different arrangement of Noel Nouvelet are among the many highlights. However, Die Stimme des Kindes by the Finnish composer Mantyjarvi, is the crown jewel of this disc. It is a brilliant and extremely haunting piece of music full of gorgeous polychordal harmonies and it is performed with astonishing intensity and accuracy. Also to be found here is one of the very best gospel/spiritual arrangements Chanticleer has ever done: Jerusalem In The Morning will become an instant favorite for anyone.



4. Ah, the never-ending annual quest of a classical music fan to find unusual Christmas music. This was how I came to have 'Christmas with Chanticleer', and I count it among my best finds.
   I will admit that I do not enjoy every single track on this cd (hence the 4 stars), but the 'Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen' set is something I can't help listening to even in the summer months, or any month at all.
   I think the inclusion of Dawn Upshaw adds much to this disc, although I don't like some of her other stuff.
   I heartily recommend this cd.



5. Chanticleer is an incredibly musical and blended clear-tone vocal group that performs each piece on the album with perfection and insightful musicianship. Overall, the album is very peaceful and perfect for getting your head and spirit out of the chaos of the Christmas season and really brings your focus back to the beauty of the Christmas. All of the arrangements are beautiful, and my favorite is Hugo Distler's variations on "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" (in German, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen). The close and weaving harmonies make this piece and others songs you want to listen closely to, and not just have them playing in the background of your Christmas party.