1 comments about Nativity - Christmas Music from Georgian England (English Orpheus, Vol 49) /Psalmody * Parley of Instruments * Holman.

1. Buy this disc!!
   
   If you are tired of the same old Christmas tunes being endlessly arranged, mangled and destroyed at the hands of unoriginal hacks who are more concerned with making money than musical integrity, then this is the perfect antidote. Years ago, Peter Holman made an album called "While shepherds watched - Christmas music from English parish churches 1740-1830" which is a total delight (see my review of it). This is something of a sequel, and is every bit as enjoyable. The freshness of this music is wonderful to hear, and the performance is absolutely spot on, with tremendous playing and singing from all involved.
   
   I just don't see how anyone who likes Christmas music, especially those with early music sympathies, wouldn't just love this disc. It is one of my biggest treats of the season to pull this out and revel in it.
   
   Like I said; Buy it!!

1 comments about The Essential Sibelius.

1. BIS set itself the task of recording EVERY work by Sibelius, and this 15 CD set is the downpayment on that more ambitious project. That in no way renders this so-called Essential Sibelius set modest or compromised. This set is so good, it risks eclipsing the subsequent Complete Works project BIS is still working to finish. All the major works (symphonies, tone poems, songs, Kullervo, concerti) are represented here and are gorgeously recorded. All but the second half of the 15th CD are digitally recorded (the analog material is restricted to some piano works).
   
   The recording engineers at BIS do stunning work, and this collation is no exception. Let's consider the symphonies as representative of the set itself. This is a marvelous traversal of all seven. I own the readings done by Sir Colin Davis (still highly respected), the four that Bernstein recorded with the Vienna Philharmonic, and Maurice Abravanel's recordings. In virtually all particulars, Osmo Vanska betters the competition. He's done something I would not have thought possible (given that I own over 2,000 classical CDs): one of these disks has earned entry into my "Ten Desert Island CDs" list. That would be CD 2, containing the Second and Third Symphonies of Sibelius. Astonishingly compelling music-making: authoritative, with deeply carved emotion, overwhelming power, and soul-searching tenderness. It was like rediscovering Sibelius anew. I don't think there can be any higher praise than this.
   
   The multi-lingual booklet is informative on a biographical level, but weak on extended discussion of the individual works. The sleeve packaging is arguably bargain-basement level, as is the silkscreening on the disks, which sometimes requires the booklet to let you know what you're facing. But at the stupendous price these gorgeous recordings are offered at, to complain about the packaging is to quibble.
   
   There is something authoritative about any Sibelius project BIS puts its hand to, and one gets that sense in this collection. National pride, corporate pride, and (as we learn from the booklet) a personal connection to Sibelius, is evident in this box set and the loving attention the interpreters and recording engineers lavished on these works. Rediscover Sibelius by starting here. This box set will become the new benchmark for Sibelius box sets, at least until BIS finishes the Complete Works project in the future.

2 comments about Warner Bros. Jazz Christmas Party.

1. this is the best christmas jazz cd in my collection of over 10. excellent moods and tone for almost any occassion...i have taken it office xmas parties, small dinner parties and just listning at home alone. wounderful addition to seasonal music or any time during the year.



2. His ironic "I Bought You a Plastic Star For Your Aluminum Tree" is a signature Franks song that happens to be about Christmas. But his "Let It Snow", with a killer piano intro that counterbalances a conventional rendition of the song itself, isn't here--that's on Warner's "Jazz To the World". But I'll be damned if I can find "Island Christmas" or his pensive treatment of Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" anywhere but the peer share sites. That's 4--count 'em--songs and this dude still ain't done no Exmass album. Elsewhere on this disc, Bela Fleck does an interesting treatment of "White Christmas". All in all, this disc is a really decent Holiday collection when you consider the fact that jazz's improvisational nature can often be at odds with the fact that a Christmas song (even an instrumental) should be played as straight-ahead as possible. So you will notice that a lot of the artists here are from the smooth jazz camp, whose one-foot-in-pop ethic makes it a lot easier.

No comments about Embraceable You.

No comments about Bob Chilcott: Chorwerke / Choral Works.

5 comments about THE IRISH TENORS: Home for Christmas.

1. This collection goes straight to your heart. It's their voices, their song selections, and most of all their enthusiasm and heart that makes this albumn shine. I listen to it over and over and it still is fresh each time. The best Xmas singing ever as far as I am concerned!



2. I first videotaped the "Live from Belfast" performance on PBS.I don't know how many times I have watched it. Then I bought the CD (as well as the "Live from Dublin" CD and video), thinking it would have a song book, but it didn't. That is the only thing I could wish for. I am delighted to find the "Home for Christmas" CD, as I have been told by two different sources that it is unavailable.As someone else expressed, I am glad Finbar Wright was given a chance, even though I am sorry for the occasion that made it possible. I am of Irish descent, and their songs (and especially their interpretations) touched me deeply. I would also like to see a list of other recordings, especially of Anthony Kearns. Pavarotti and Bocelli are the only tenors I might rank as equals with Anthony for ability, pure beauty of tone, and control. I have tried repeatedly to access their web site, but it is unavailable.



3. Like millions of others I discovered the Irish Tenors through PBS. I promptly began looking for anything else by these wonderful performers and found this Cd. The music is soul-satisfying as the Christmas music is all sacred (the closest to secular is "Good King Wenceslas"). The arrangements are in turn glorious, tender, and sweet. "Suo Gan" by McDermott, ''Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "The Wexford Carol" by Kearns are highlights. Of the ensemble pieces, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" stand out. But the crowning selection is "The Holy City." We are wearing the album out and it's only May. We'll have to have another copy for Christmas!



4. I have the CD and the tape of this item and I have also seen the Concert twice.TWICE !! The most amazing part of it is when Anthony sings his LITTLE JESUS BOY. When I went to the concert the first time I wasn't really prepared for the effect that song would have on me. On the CD & tape he sings with a Choral Group to back him up. EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST LINES OF THAT SONG !!!!!.

   IT IS ONLY HIS VOICE WE HEAR, AND WHAT A VOICE !!! But at the live shows, he does the same thing, but without the music, and the effect it has IS LIKE A PHYSICAL BLOW TO THE SENCES. I think every one in the place just held our breath until he was finished. IT'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUND THAT EVER CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF ANY SINGER I HAVE EVER HEARD. I play that one number over and over just to hear ANTHONY'S VOICE. I guess by now you know that I think all THE IRISH TENORS are great, but there is always something special about each of them on certain numbers they each sing. I especially like the trio doing AMAZING GRACE. They do it so well together. Just can't wait for the new "STUFF" FROM YOUR #1 FAN. JOAN WAY




5. I really enjoy this music. I like the quality and style of music presented by the Irish Tenors, and I like Christmas music. This is the perfect CD for me. I like hearing it from early November through the holiday season. I have given this album as a gift, and it was much appreciated. I would recommend it for anyone who likes traditional Christmas music.

5 comments about Rosie Christmas.

1. This is truly a strong compilation for the holiday season. Several of the tracks are superb, fresh and upbeat.
   Elton providing a new take on the classic WHITE XMAS. The track from CHER (with co-vocals from ROSIE) is worth the price of the entire compilation! This is a perfect CD to play during a holiday party. It'll cast an upbeat and entertaining tone to your festivities.



2. This CD reminds of of my family. They left me. Every Christmas I listen to this CD and cry to a box of donuts.



3. If not for one outstanding performance, this would be merely a "good" Christmas album. To be certain, there are many very good performances. I particularly enjoyed Celine Dion's The Magic of Christmas (can't get the tune out of my head), and most of the performances were warmly evocative of the season.
   
   I say most, because there is one that is nearly vulgar in its interpretation: Lauryn Hill's version of Little Drummer Boy. She took a classic, and turned it into a hunk of Spam.
   
   However, there is a performance on this CD that is worth the entire cost of the CD itself (even if it were more than $9.99). That performance is Billy Porter's O Holy Night.
   
   I saw the TV special, and Porter sang the song at the end of the first half hour. When he was ending the song in a stunningly powerful fashion, so infused was he that he was jumping around on the stage - and I was so caught up in his passion that I was nearly in tears. When he was finished, the entire audience jumped to their feet *screaming* their approval. In all honesty, I haven't seen an audience respond like that to anyone other Patti LaBelle. I said to my friend: God, I'd hate to be the poor sap that goes on after him! I wish I could remember who it was, but it didn't matter. Whoever it was didn't hold a candle to Porter.
   
   Darren Hayes (former lead singer of Savage Garden) showed, perhaps, why he didn't achieve the same success that he did with Savage Garden. His rendition of Last Christmas reminded no one of George Michael - although it was still serviceable. But comparing the two, Hayes voice sounded weak and shallow.
   
   Still - buy this for Billy Porter. The song is a phenomenon.



4. Who in their right mind told her she could sing? All she can do is tell dirty jokes and talk a lot - A LOT!!
   
   Thank goodness it is a CD and not a DVD! That way, I don't have to look at her......



5. Rosie O'Donnell gives us a Christmas CD with an interesting assortment of fourteen tracks, some of which work better than others. The quality of the sound is very good and there's pretty much something for everyone on this CD.
   
   Rosie and Cher (well, mostly Cher) do a great job with their duet of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." This somewhat melancholy number gets a dance beat flavor to it as Cher delivers every note to perfection. Cher sings with great sensitivity and passion; and Rosie does her share to make the ballad a solid number. Love that percussion! The mixing on "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" reflects a great deal of effort. Great! "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" features Billy Joel and Rosie doing their best for this duet. Billy sings with a panache I rarely hear and enjoy; and Rosie again contributes her best for this classic Christmastime ballad from Meet Me In St. Louis. The piano on this number is very beautiful, too.
   
   "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a cute number by Rosie with the voice of Elmo from Sesame Street; and Elton John joins Rosie for a beautiful rendition of "White Christmas." Elton never sounded better; and the piano arrangement along with the strings work wonders for this duet. Rosie's voice sounds better on this track did it does on the other tracks; perhaps this range and key work better for Rosie.
   
   One reviewer noted that Rosie and Lauryn Hill wrecked "Little Drummer Boy," so I wanted to listen closely to this number. I was not surprised: if you like rap and/or hip hop, you'll like this rendition of "Little Drummer Boy." The overall sound and flavor are not as bad as I had feared; but the arrangements are a sharp departure from the versions many people are more accustomed to hearing.
   
   Donny Osmond does a fine job with Rosie on "Winter Wonderland;" the backup vocals also work well for this classic Christmastime tune. The modulations are interesting although they don't always work. There are fast changes between major and minor keys; and some just plain sound better than others. Listen also for Rosemary Clooney to join Rosie for "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town." This tune gets a big band sound that really swings brightly as Rosemary and Rosie belt this one straight out of the ballpark.
   
   The CD ends with Billy Porter doing a smash version of "O Holy Night." The musical arrangement stuns me with its beauty; and Billy delivers this with great sensitivity and all his heart. The choir works well. What a strong ending for this album!
   
   The liner notes include awesome artwork and we get the song credits.
   
   In sum, this Christmas CD from Rosie O'Donnell and the other artists has a few bumpy moments although the vast majority of the music works very well. I recommend this CD for people who are comfortable with more recent, less traditional renditions of Christmas songs. Fans of the artists on this CD may want to check it out, too.
   
   Four stars. (Three and one-half stars if you don't like Lauryn Hill's style.)

No comments about Jewish Holiday Songs.

1 comments about Beauty of Christmas.

1. To begin,I am a Christmas music affecinato.I favor Robert Shaw, Meinheim Steamroller,Chamber music,acappella chouruses and probably lean toward more "High Brow" Christmas music.No offense but there is no Burl Ives, and "Jingle Bell Rock" in my collection!
   This collection is excellent and is only replaced in my player every Christmas season by Robert Shaw.
   The players are The London Festival Orchastra accompanied by The Ambrosia Singers.The music is arranged and conducted by Nashville Symphony Orchestra's Ronn Huff.The pieces are about half instrumental and half vocal accompinment.The version of "O Holy Night" is absolutely superb,uniquely performed by tenor Darwin Hobbs.Also the violin/flute renditions of "He Shall Feed His Flock" and "Lo,How A Rose" are exquisite, with The sublime "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" slowly evolving into the majestic "Lo How a Rose".The price of the CD is well worth it for these four pieces alone. The vocal "Break Forth,O Beauteous Heavenly Light" is also very well done.
   The cd flows seemlessly from start to finish, as if it were a live concert which it is not.Being partly instrumental, it sometimes has a Chip Davis/Meinheim Steamroller feel.At other times it has a Robert Shaw quality due to the excellent Amrosia Singers singing.The feel is of if one were at a Madrigal Feast, with all types of fine food and music.
   For any serious Christmas music lover, this CD is a must!

No comments about John Rutter: Christmas Festival.