1 comments about Christmas Melodies.

1. You must has this CD for your Christmas music collection if you ever owned any of Percy Faith's three original Christmas albums.
   This is the only place that you can get some of these great Christmas songs in remastered form from the great Percy Faith and His Orchestra.
   THE best instrumental version "Silver Bells" is on this disk, as is the best instrumental version of "Do You Hear What I Hear".
   This disc is really hard to come by, so if you can get your hands on one - buy it - you won't be disappointed. This disc is way above average length for a Christmas CD, and takes music from all three of his Columbia holiday LP's (1958, 1965 and 1966). I can't say enough nice things about this great collection - the only song missing that needs to be here is his great "Good King Wenceslas" - which is MIA. -AND-
   IF there are any SONY / BMG / Legacy / COLUMBIA RECORDS executives out there - would you please remaster and release the 1958 stereo LP by Percy Faith and His Orchestra called "Music of Christmas" (volume 1)? Thanks!

3 comments about How the Grinch Stole Christmas & Other Christmas Songs.

1. This is a great CD. I foud the original Vinyl Record at a Library Book Sale. (The original recod was called "Songs From 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' And Other Children's Christmas Songs" on the RCA Special Productions label.) It had Christmas Songs on it that I never heard of Before. I got it. I loved "Rags" from the first minute I heard it. it is about a poor boy selling Christmas trees and what Christmas is REALLY about. The Marty Gold Children's Chorus, who sing All the Songs, are really good singers. even the Grinch songs are the next best thing to the original if you want to hear slightly diffrent versions of the songs I thought it would be one of those great Children's Records that would be lost and forgotten in the archives, that I would never see again. I am glad that it was brought back on CD in Great quality for todays Children!!!! Buy it!!!!!!
   
   Track Listing:
   1. Trim Up the Tree
   2. Welcome Christmas
   3. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
   4. Kitty Ate the Tinsel on the Christmas Tree
   5. Roaring Sam, The Snowmobile
   6. Elmer Elf
   7. Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)
   8. Rags
   9. Lullaby for Christmas Eve



2. This is not a good CD. The songs are sung by a group of children. It sounds as if the children made no effort and are not happy to sing the songs at all. Each song sounds like the last song. My children did not like this at all.



3. I grew up listening to these on a record as a child and to find them sounding even better on CD was amazing! I even bought one for another family member who charishes tem as much as I do.

5 comments about Bach: Sacred Masterpieces.

1. First of all, I don't own this box set but I do own each of the individual recordings it contains. The box would have been considerably cheaper and would take less precious space on my shelves.
   
   However, for each of the works presented here, Richter's versions are my favourite, and I have 40+ recordings of the Mass alone (ten or fewer of the other compositions). These aren't period instruments HIP recordings, but neither are they over-indulgent romantic slop. What they are are *supremely* musical readings. Even some HIP purists keep these in their collection. The very successful HIP conductor Suzuki even sings their praises, and every now and then I'll spot a trait of Richter's popping up in a Suzuki recording.
   
   Unless you really really need HIP performances and have already made up your mind against anything that isn't, this box is highly recommended.



2. I've owned all these recordings for years, first on the Archiv LPs - in fabric upholstered boxes with 4 x 6 library index cards enclosed - and the subsequent individual CD issuances. For those who have never heard them, I strongly advise you to seize the opportunity. I also have the cantata series mentioned in other postings, so my affection for Richter's achievement should be obvious.
   
   To get the negatives out of the way first, the sound isn't state of the art, but who cares? The choral sopranos can take on a metallic edge at times, but those passing faults do not undermine the achievement of this well rehearsed ensemble. I'm still not entirely happy with Richter's slow motion treatment of the Christmas Oratorio's Part II "Schlafe, mein liebster" but it doesn't bother me so much any more.
   
   Overall, Richter strikes a good balance between performance practice sensibilities and his personal interpretative point of view. With playing and singing of this quality, the absence of period instruments and the use of a medium sized choir doesn't bother me. Hearing these operatic soloists apply their well schooled vocal resources and emotional sensibilities to the music is a treat indeed.
   
   While it would be nice to hear Richter's second St. Matthew again - the CD reissue has disappeared - I prefer the 1958 version. Haefliger's Evangelist is one of the great assumptions of the part. Seefried was outclassed by Mathis in the second version, but Engen's Jesus in the earlier version stands up very well indeed, as do Hertha Topper, Fischer-Dieskau and Haefligher in the tenor arias. The organ continuo of 1958 can get screechy at times but it's preferable to the harpsichord of the 1970s.
   
   The St. John holds its own with the competition and is one of the few examples we have of Evelyn Lear singing Bach. In the Christmas Oratorio, Wunderlich's Evangelist is another example of our great loss in his untimely death. Janowitz, Ludwig and Crass complete an unbeatable solo quartet.
   
   If you like your B-Minors "massive" this is the recording for you. It has a satisfyingly grand sound without being overblown. The soloists are again a distinguished group and Adolf Scherbaum leads the trumpets. Be prepared for the umlaut shift in latin words like "coeli". I don't think the Magnificat has held up quite as well after 45 years, but it's no clinker.
   
   I am also very satisfied by more recent historically informed period instrument performances, but Richter was one of the last great representatives of an older performance tradition. Few conductors have done these works so well with such performing forces, particularly the vocal soloists.



3. The performance of the B-minor Mass in this set is NOT the famous one in the boxed set of LPs, contrary to what other reviewers have implied. Sorry, but it is not as good, plus it was recorded in front of a live audience, meaning coughs etc. Why would DGG do this? I feel duped.



4. The notion that to be "authentic," a Bach performance must be on period instruments and in precisely the style of the day makes as much sense as a claim that the Hammerklavier must be played only on Beethoven's Broadwood and not on a Bosendorfer.
   
   This is not to say that the Romantic, ponderous, 19th-century performance style epitomized by Klemperer wasn't due for an overhaul by Gardiner, Harnoncourt, et al. But our 21st-century ears have heard the modern instruments, and we've heard the music that came after Bach. We can never truly hear his music exactly as the people of the 18th-century perceived it. And the people of the 22nd century will perceive it differently from the way we do.
   
   So let's be glad we have the various interpretations, appreciate the insights they provide, and not worry about whether Professor Authentico would approve.
   
   That being said, Richter's conception of these masterpieces is akin to that of Colin Davis in his 1966 "Messiah": hardly "authentic" in the narrow sense, but superbly authentic in that it conveys the music deep into the listener's heart and soul. This to me is the true gauge. I would add that, somewhat surprisingly, the polyphonic nature of the choruses is more evident with Richter than with any other conductor I have heard. Perhaps this was Richter's intent; perhaps it's just the recording. But repeated listenings have borne this out.
   
   This 10-disc set costs less per disc than the "Greatest Hits" garbage on the no-label CDs in the $4.99 bin at Wal-Mart. I cannot imagine that anyone would ever regret purchasing it.



5. Just look at this set, you can't beat a set like this! All with the great Karl Richter! Thanks DG!

5 comments about Let It Snow.

1. Michael Buble just has the most wonderful voice and I was really glad that he was coming out with a Christmas album, but this one is so ridiculously short! It's good... but it's so short. Still a must for your Buble collection.



2. thank you for this wonderful c.d. It is what xmas is all about. For anyone who enjoys a pure voice that gives you goose-bumps this is one disc you must own



3. This cd is amazing, but I would have loved to hear "Baby It's Cold Outside" in addition to these classics!



4. Before you think about shelling out the big bucks that some sellers are asking for this rare five-track Xmas EP it is worth noting that this EP is now also available as an Import 2 CD set bundled together with his first album, just search for "Michael Buble Christmas" on here.



5. Beautiful voice up there with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin,Andy Williams, Well you get my drift. My ONLY complaint is there aren't enough holiday songs! Come on Michael with a voice like that you could really start a new holiday tradition!

2 comments about Worship Jamz Christmas.

1. I brought this CD a few days after it came out.
   Worship Jamz Christmas does a good job of remaking traditional Christmas/holiday songs on this CD. Some of the best tracks are Angels We Have Heard on High, The First Noel, and Joy to the World. This album is appropiate for all ages!



2. We just got this CD and like it. It has upbeat music that both kids and adults can enjoy. This CD has no "Santa" songs on it. It has a nice selection of songs and they are arranged nicely.

No comments about Christmas, An Irrational Season.

No comments about O Holy Night.

2 comments about Four of a Kind 2.

1. I purchased the first 4 of a Kind CD shortly after it came out in 92. At the time there weren't many "Classical" Trombone CDs (well ok I admit it, I bought it on Cassette Tape), and the release of this item was a real find for me. I loved the tape. It was just great to hear what a trombone could sound like in the hands of a master.

   As an amateur trombonist of more than 30 years, it has been very tough to develop as a player as there aren't many audio resources available to help you with things like sound and approach. At the time of the casette's release, the cassette was a real find, and I was happy to add it to my collection of trombone playing resources.

   Well, it is almost 11 years later, and I am very happy to add this second great CD to my collection now. As a student and a listener, there is so much "to get out" of this CD. From a technical standpoint, the balance of playing, overall musicality of every recorded number, and the many styles presented is a wonderful resource to help you learn to play this great instrument. Of especially significant note is the absolutely beautiful sounds that can be heard, the balance between each and every part, and the perfect tuning of this ensemble (at least to this listener's ears). Things just ring in the high range, and "rattle and roll" down low. Listen for some just great Blair Bollinger Bass Trombone on this CD throughout. The playing and blend is gourgeous, and it is easy to see why these very fine players are so admired.

   From a pure listener's standpoint, this album is fun listening and a musical joy to the ear. From the first track to last, this CD is full of musical gems, plenty of good musical ideas, and imaginative and very inspired music making. What becomes clear quickly as you listen is just how obviously much these guys like playing together, and the fun they are having. It comes out over and over again in every number.

   There isn't a single clinker on this CD, or anyting that is disappointing or below standard in any way. The "Barber of Seville" is espcially good fun; I could see Elmer and Bugs in my mind as I listened to it (as an aside, if you haven't seen that famous Warner Brothers Cartoon featuring The Barber of Seville excerpts, try to find it, ooh, wait till I get that Wabbit!). On the other hand, I must also profess a real love for baseball, and the tune "Take me Out to The Ball Game". I just loved the arrangement, and the ensemble playing. It was just great. Including the "Crack of the Bat" and fan noise close to the end of the track just tops things off.

   I really think these wonderful musicians have produced a truly great CD that obviously was put together with the listener in mind. From a techncial recording standpoint, you don't need to adjust the volume any time while listening to the CD, and the quality of the recording and editing of every tune is just great. Consequently, this CD simply flows by from beginning to end. You will want to play it again and again.

   Personally, I very much recommend this CD to Student, Teacher, and music afficinado alike. This is a great CD that will make just a super addition to your musical library, regardless of the reason why you may have bought it!




2. This is another superb performance by Alessi, Hartman, Lawrence and Bollinger. These players are extremely gifted musicians. The musicality and technical prowess of these players is first rate. They play beautifully as an ensemble and the entire disc is very enjoyable. This should be required listening for all aspiring trombonists and brass enthusiasts.

4 comments about Trio West Plays Holiday Songs.

1. Awsome holiday record. Super relaxing and interesting arrangments. This recording makes me feel like I'm on vacation. It gives a feeling of romanticism that captures the true spirit of what Christmas should be about.



2. if you're like me you love the Vince Guaraldi Peanuts xmas and you're looking for more music like that for the holidays . . . this is it right here - makes a perfect gift as you get to look cool by turning peeps on to a new thing they likely never heard of. HIGHLY reccomended and very tasty..... jazz purists will love it as will your Uncle Fred who knows nothing about jazz. . . .



3. This has become my favorite holiday CD ever, winning its place next to Nat King Cole's on my shelf. If you're tired of all the hokey, overproduced holiday music you have to suffer through during December, put on Trio West and let it permeate the room: a mixture of nostalgia, sophistication, joy and warmth. Thank you, Trio West, for recapturing the holiday spirit!



4. What I love about this CD the most is that it's not the same old holiday songs that are played ad naseum in stores, on the radio, or on television. Instead, you'll find new jazz-inspired takes on classic tunes that are not only delightful but which also foster a warm and inviting atmosphere. A standout in the category and one you'll likely listen to all year round.

5 comments about Someday at Christmas.

1. Maybe Stevie can't go wrong, but other producers and songwriters can. Too bad this album was made before Stevie took control of his own career. If he wrote his own original songs and produced the music, this album could have been much, much better. Instead you get one classic Motown style original ("What Christmas Means To Me"), and few great interpretations of classic Christmas songs (highlighted by "Silver Bells" and "Ave Maria"), but the rest of the original songs are sappy and flat. The string section and choral arrangements sound like something you would expect from Johnny Mathis or Andy Williams, not from Stevie Wonder. It is still a good album, just not as good as you might expect.



2. a nice christmas album from stevie which was recorded in 1967 while still in his teens after his "i was made to love her" album.what is good about this album is the amount of written original material besides the traditional material.the motown originals on this album are:'someday at christmas'/'one little christmas tree'/'the day that love began'/'bedtime for toys'/'twinkle twinkle little me'/'a warm little home on a hill'/'what christmas means to me'...wonder gives dramatic performances on the traditional pieces such as 'ave maria'as stevie also puts his harmonica spin on the song,and'the little drummer boy'.the written motown originals are just as good or better than the traditional songs.on 'that's what christmas means to me'-the motown signature sound is evident on this moderate upbeat number.stevie's performances on the slow paced motown written originals such as 'the day that love began'and 'a warm little home on the hill'is legend.this is a nice holiday album from stevie.



3. This Stevie Wonder album has the slow version of The Christmas Song. There are two versions of The Christmas Song that Stevie Wonder did. It would be nice if this album had the bonus track of The Christmas Song, of where Stevie Wonder is jammin' to the beat. When I heard The Christmas Song by Stevie Wonder on the radio, it was the jammin' version, instead of the slow version. I would rate this ablum as a 4 instead of a 5, because it does not have the jammin' version of The Christmas Song by Stevie Wonder. It just has the slow version of The Christmas Song by Stevie Wonder, instead. Can any body tell us, which Stevie Wonder album has the jammin' version of The Christmas Song by Stevie Wonder, instead of the slow version of The Christmas Song by Stevie Wonder?



4. ... that are so much better, please check out this man's milestone masterpieces "Songs in the key of life" or "Innervisions"



5. This is not Stevie's best voice, he still has some vocal maturing to do when this was recorded, but I love the innocence of this album. I always cry when I hear bed time for toys. I wish it would get some radio play, it is so approrpiate for the times.
   
   One little Christmas tree always makes me smile.
   
   Definitely worth a buy