5 comments about Menotti - Amahl and the Night Visitors.

1. Sometimes being "original" isn't necessarily better. Now don't get me wrong... I love this opera and grew up watching it on tv as did many reviewers.. But I'm not wasting my money on a black and white early tv video. What I am hoping for is a DVD of the wonderful video filmed on location in Israel with Theresa Stratas as the mother. I saw this the first time on PBS circa 1979, and was able to find a video tape produced by VAI. However it is time for a release of that performance on DVD. If I want to hear the original cast, I have the cd of that performance.



2. excellent quality. The content is excellent too, with an insight of what was happening behind the stage from the mother's point of view, is where you really start knowing what happens in the real world, also I liked the chorus that was a bonus.



3. It has been a long time since I have seen this wonderful opera. I don't know why they don't put it on TV particularly on the educational channels. I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd and it brought back such enjoyable memories. The music is very good and the melodies stay with you after it is over.



4. I ordered a copy of the 1955 prformance of Amahl and the Night Visitors for many reasons which I think valid, and for some personal reasons.
   As mentioned in other reviews, this performance offers no glitzy color or modern day technical perfection to which we have become accustomed. However, we should not always seek such shallowness when
   we wish to purchase musical performances. What this performance does have is a dramatically staged version by the composer, a hand-chosen conductor, by the composer, a soprano who, by all accounts was the composer's ideal, a fine trio of Kings, an emsemble which is one of the
   tightest I have ever heard and an Amahl who combines vulnerability, sweetness and strength in every way possible. I saw many peformances of this as a child and surely gained much from what it teaches as well as the sublime musical and dramatic moments. I was lucky to have been the college roommate of Bill McIver as we experienced early musical life together. Hearing about his role as he child comprised one of the best periods of my life. I see the man in this child in many ways. I own a number of recordings. This one is all I really need. Recommended highly!!!
   
   David Evans, Kill Devil Hills, NC



5. I agree that the DVD is somewhat dark.....but if you were one who saw this opera in 1952 (when I was 5 yrs old), which I did, under the close direction of Menotti himself, you will realize that this is the most exemplery rendering of the opera, unforgettable for the time, and never equalled in subsequent editions. No actress has ever equalled Rosemary Kuhlman's performance as the mother.

5 comments about Vivaldi: The Four Seasons.

1. I am a huge fan of Joshua Bell and his interpretation of the Four Seasons is the best i've heard. If you are a huge fan of Vivaldis four seasons then do not think twice about buying this CD. Its beyond amazing and I absolutely love it!!



2. This recording is perhaps one of the finest I've ever heard. The orchestra is crisp, clear and doesn't overpower the lead violinist. Joshua Bell is simply at his best. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Vivaldi's Four Seasons.



3. Mr Bell can rarely play in anything but an excellent and clean fashion, and the same can be said of St. Martin-in-the-Fields orchestra. But in the case of this recording of Vivaldi's most famous set of concertos, there it ends. Technically well executed, almost no understanding of this marvelous 18th c. music is evident in this performance-- it adds nothing to the countless interpretations of this music that was not already present 25 years ago or more before the EM (or HIP or music reconstruction or whatever we may call it) movement came to the forefront. Make no mistake, I'm no "authenticity fascist" and do not have any objection to modern instrument performances, even with a little Romantic flair added in, but this is being marketed to us as a "deeply personal" interpretation and it rather feels perfunctory, at times, bordering on the joyless. By all means acquaint yourself with this wor, but there are better, more affectionate and joyful renditions available that may not have overly hyped commercial packaging or marketing driving them.



4. Vivaldi's Op. 8, 4 of the beginning of those 12 violin concerti headed 'Four Seasons' were preceded by poems depicting each in turn.
   Mr. Bell's new album comes in a luxurious package in an attempt to foster the mood of the different seasons.
   Alas, the outcome is vastly different from the poetic Italian setting. Rather, these are well-articulated pieces, played with mastery in terms of technique, but not interpretative skill.
   First of all, Mr. Bell has not much idea about the musical nuances. The imagery he paints are much too lineal and flat. Perhaps he has in mind those hi-tech images now adorn CEOs' offices in New York. And when a CEO sits in his year-round warm or chill office, there isn't really not much change discernible with regard to nature.
   Music making does have a lot to do with one's live experience.



5. Although nearly everybody who owns at least dozen classical CDs, has already Vivaldi's Four Seasons in his collection. In spite of this, I do not hesitate to chose Joshua Bell's version with the excellent orchestra as a present, The most charming composition and particularly Bell's wonderful performance as soloist deserves it; not to forget that also on this CD he plays the without any flaw the technically extremely difficult Devil's Trill Sonata by Tartini. It is good to hear Bell also masterly performing Baroque music.

5 comments about Chant: Music For The Soul.

1. I listen to this in my car between stops and I love how the songs soothe my spirit, especially when hectic schedules stress me out!



2. I agree with reviewer J. Anderson that this is a "consummately attractive collection" of Gregorian chant. However, that the "divine interior pulse of Gregorian chant seems often lost by overconsideration" seems to me a gratuitous and purely subjective judgment. To these ears, the monks of Heiligenkreuz probably include vocal training in their preparation of the chant, not a quality one primarily associates with the singing of Solesmes (think of the "Solesmes scoop"). Historically, a great part of the Gregorian repertoire was written for scholae cantorae, singers whose training and experience was above and beyond the capabilities of the "average" monk or chanting celebrant. Singing even some of the simpler yet still magnificent Introits such as the "Requiem" on this disc required and still requires significant vocal culture. Again, to these ears, it seems that these monks sing with that consummate "elan vital" so prized by Dom Mocquereau, one of the great leaders of Solesmes chant. I am also put off by Anderson's characterization of their use of standard Germanic pronunciation of the Latin -- not a "mixed classical pronunciation" as the reviewer states -- as a "transgression" of Italian pronunciation. "Trangression" implies spiritual deviation -- a "sin" in other words. At the least, it is a strange term to use to describe a common practice, both historically and at present, to use the Latin pronunciation of one's native linguistic tradition, thus an English, or German, or Spanish or even a French pronunciation of the Latin in addition to the Italian which has been more prevalent in America. Nothing "transgressive" about German monks singing with German Latin pronunciation! At any rate, I am pleased that Anderson recommends this recording as mostly praiseworthy -- but in my estimation, 5 stars.



3. 
   This is one of the most beautiful sacred music ever, you reach peace, sublimity in a humble heart.
   Please visit Heiligenkreuz when in Vienna, a delightful short trip (try to find out when the Cistercian monks sing in the church) you'll never forget the experience.
   
   Walter M. Reimann
   Toronto,Canada



4. this cd was awesome and just what i hoped it would b..very relaxing, helpful to meditate..its soothing sounds lull u..excellent!



5. This CD by the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz is marvelous. The chants are soothing and inspiring. The blending of voices makes the listener aware of the calming effect of Gregorian chants. It is beautiful, fulfilling and lifts the soul. The voices become one.

4 comments about Bach Violin Concertos & Gubaidulina ‘In Tempus Praesens'.

1. I had the pleasure of listening to Anne-Sophie Mutter play the JS Bach violin concertos BWV 1041, BWV 1042 and BWV 1043 during her recent concert in East Lansing, Michigan. So I had to get this CD when I found out about it. I thought the recording was excellent, although I still preferred the live performance. Then I compared this with her previous recording with EMI. This newer DG recording is still Anne-Sophie, but I found her playing to be more mature and sublime.
   Not knowing what to expect of Gubaidulina, it took me two listenings to appreciate it. On the second listening, I found myself floating in a meditative state! Thank you for the music, and thank you for the experience.



2. As one of our greatest living violinists--a crowded field, these days, considering the competition among a growing number of very great players, indeed--Anne-Sophie Mutter turns in a bouncy and full-bodied account of the Bach concerti, in very much a modern idiom, that leaves me wanting only the 'missing' entry, here--Bach's Concerto for Two Violins. Oh well, perhaps on another recording.
   
   The Gubaidulina work is also deeply satisfying, given its mindfulness of the soloist and her place in the repertoire: In Tempus Praesens ("in our time") is a worthy successor to her earlier Offertorium. It is beautifully--colorfully, clearly and skillfully--orchestrated, and presents the listener with the sense of solid musical argument that a concerto can accomplish when the soloist and ensemble are heard in a sort of conversation: motifs are introduced and 'discussed,' analyzed and transformed--and the end result is a cogent and fulfilling experience.
   
   Gratitude is in order, as much for the sheer fun of hearing such confident and zestful standards as for the introduction of a new and noteworthy work!



3. The Gubaiadulina concerto is magnificant, as is Mutter's playing and Gergiev and the LSO. I have listened to this work about half a dozen times now and am more impressed every time I hear it. One continuous piece that contains about every aspect of violin playing one could ask for, with a lean, but brilliant orchestration (the use of percussion is striking and very effective). Kudos to Mutter to learn such a demanding piece. Bravo!



4. Five INSPIRING Stars!! BRILLIANT!! With the possibility of retirement taken off the table, Anne-Sophie Mutter, the brilliant Grammy-winning virtuoso violinist, seems to be back with an artistic vengeance presenting a program that bridges both her love of traditional and contemporary classical music. She revisits works by Bach which she recorded in her youth and performs the world premier recording of a five movement work which famed Russian contemporary composer Sofia Gubaidulina dedicated to Ms Mutter. Her performances are absolutely superb and inspiring. Her artistic choices are ably supported by Norway's famed Trondheim Soloists (TrondheimSolistene) with whom she has toured and the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Valery Gergiev. Ms Mutter uses a baroque-style bow (but no gut strings) and tightly controlled left-hand dynamics on the Bach concertos to achieve "transparency of sound and also the capacity to use Bach's original phrasing". Based on this recording, she succeeds wonderfully.
   
   It has been over 20 years since Ms Mutter recorded the two Bach concerti and now she clearly demonstrates her changed attitude and "new ideas". Likewise, it has been almost a decade since Ms Mutter recorded the heralded Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/Tartini: The Devil's Trill with the Trondheim Soloists and the relationship, based on touring with them prior to this recording, produces a wonderfully cohesive sound and interplay on both Bach pieces. The 'pieces de resistance' of Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor are the wonderous beauty of the Andante and the Allegro assai movements. Similarly, the Adagio and Allegro assai of No 2 are of exceptional splendor. The performance of Ms Gubaidulina's dense and intense 32 minute "In tempus praesens" (In The Present Time) is soaring and emotional reflecting influences of both the Russia of her past and our modern day insecurities in her concerto without the conventional "hero" (soloist). Ms Mutter's blazing bow-work produces intense, incandescent beauty and force. The five movements are performed as one continuous passionate piece. Anne-Sophie Mutter, maestro Gergiev and the LSO, using unusual instrumentation, give this magnificent work the grandeur and angst it deserves. This is a CD of outstanding performances of great works. Kudos to all concerned. My Highest Recommendation. Five IMPRESSIVE Stars. (This review is based on an Amazon.com MP3 download. There is also both a CD and limited-edition hard bound CD package available.)
   .

5 comments about Andrea Bocelli - Amore.

1. This is one of the best romantic songs albums I've ever heard.
   I really recommend it for anyone who is still in love and would like to stay that way forever.



2. I own this CD and every time I hear it, I am taking away to another world of lyrics, rhythms, and relaxation. It also brings back memory of my childhood since I grew up listening to most of these songs. The songs were nicely chosen and presented in an harmonic order.
   
   Other thumbs up to Mr. Bocelli!



3. Although I don't know the languages that Andrea usually sings in, I prefer he not sing in english. And the nod to Elvis on this CD is out of place.



4. This cd is wonderful, I have fallen deeply in love with Andrea Bocelli! What a gift God has given him with all that talent. Thank God for Andrea Bocelli.



5. Andrea Bocelli has a voice unlike anyone else. His music is pure. Buy this, you'll love it!

5 comments about Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols.

1. This is one of my favorite choral Christmas CDs. "Songs of Angels" pretty much sums it up, so I don't know what more I can add, but I'll try.
   First, let me say that I enjoy all types of Christmas music, with the exception of stuff like "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," and songs of that ilk. I like secular and sacred, instrumental and vocal, soloists and choirs.
   This collection, however, is--how can I put it?--transcendent! Besides the practically flawless blend of voices, the selection and variety of songs is amazing. There are many Christmas moods: joyous, reflective, humorous, poignant, mysterious, awestruck, loving. Every song seems to shimmer with a heart-filling brilliance that almost makes you catch your breath, it's so beautiful.
   If you love to listen to great choral music all during the year, this will totally be THE Christmas CD for you. If you like more contemporary secular Christmas music, this probably won't be your cup of tea. If the commercialism of Christmas starts to make you crazy, take a little time off, make a nice cup of cocoa or tea, retire to a room by yourself and listen to this lovely music. It will bring you back to what Christmas is about.



2. I really enjoy this CD, it reminds me of the music I grew up. I was looking for something to just have on in the background, in my home during the day. I was disappointed that there were too many songs I didn't know, but this was the best choral music CD I could find so far that included both religious carols and non-religious carols.



3. I am something of a purist, and prefer my Christmas Carols without all the bells and whistles provided by orchestral accompaniments: I like simple SATB acappella singing. This album has it, and it is, of course, conducted by the great American conducting genius, Robert Shaw. Priceless.



4. I have been looking for this CD for years!! Our family had a Shaw Chorale LP which contained almost all the songs on this CD. We had a number of excellent holiday albums and played all of them often, but we wore the Shaw Chorale album out! Not only are the musical renditions excellent and very similar to earlier Shaw recordings, the nostalgia evoked for this listener is incomparable!



5. I received this recording on cassette from a choral teacher, and played it so often that I wore it out! I especially appreciate the purity of sound and the arrangements in this recording. Lovers of choral music will feel as though "Songs of Angels" brings them a taste of heaven!

5 comments about Adams: Doctor Atomic.

1. This production is 95% very, very close-up full face shots. There are no, zero, full stage shots. Very Occasionally there is a full body shot. There is absolutely no sense of theater at all.
   
   This opera could have been filmed in an 8 x 12 foot room. No sense of space exists. DAS BOOT had more wide shots. Even the dance sequences, by famed choreographer Lucinda Childs, are shown in half body, never in full ensamble. There were close-ups that showed only an EYE, full screen. The average cut away was about every two seconds. The camera never lingered on a singer for more than a second or two. The fine chorus was shown, guess what, as only full face individuals. Gerald Finley was excellent, but did we have to see him in extreme close-up ALL THE TIME. Paul Newman he's not. We have scene after scene of Kitty Openheimer SLEEPING in close-up. There is even a close-up of a plastic baby doll.
   
   This Video is a shame. A wonderful performance ruined by totally inept filming. The video jacket credits the director, Peter Sellers, as the TV director. He must be incompetent or playing a joke on us.
   
   Wait for the Mets HD filming to become available.



2. When a local theater subscribed to the Metropolitan Opera's HD LIVE series and broadcast DR. ATOMIC on November 8th I decided I shouldn't miss it. I'm not a fan of Adams, but the subject matter is so important, and it had been brought to my doorstep...
   
   DR. ATOMIC has its moments. The first act builds up to a tremendous aria, Gerald Finley singing "Batter My Heart," one of the Holy Sonnets of John Donne, as the character of Robert Oppenheimer. The first scene is the assembled throng of Manhattan Project workers. I was decidedly underwhelmed. The second scene is a love scene with Oppenheimer and his wife Kitty -- much better, with Finley in fine form. Then back to the bomb, with the test blast impending and a rainstorm, building tension. Finally, the Faustian scene with Oppenheimer singing to God. The problem with this is that Oppenheimer was Jewish, and not observant. Yes, he did in fact use Donne's sonnet for the name of the Trinity Test Site in southern New Mexico, but this discrepancy undercut the power of the most powerful scene in DR. ATOMIC for me.
   
   The second act I found to be poorly conceived. The weather and the delay in the test, which took place July 16th, 1945, drives the action, which strikes me as a small and mundane aspect of such a literally earth-shattering series of events. The best part of Act II is Kitty, who in real life was a committed leftist and opponent of the Project, and who in the opera symbolizes the human conscience as well as the archetypal Woman standing against the deadly plans of the men, generals and scientists alike. I was not at all convinced by the addition of a Noble Savage role for the Indian maid Pasqualita and a gallery of impassive male Indians in full regalia. The ending is weak, with a pointed message about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, yes, (148,000 people were killed immediately by the only two atomic bombs ever to have been used in war, and 340,000 including those killed later by radiation poisoning and other effects), but not nearly as effective as the ending of Act I.
   
   Of course the Met's production is not the same original Peter Sellars staging as in this DVD of the Netherlands Opera. I haven't stressed those details, only the basic plot elements. Finley continues in his role as Oppenheimer -- he has sung the part in every production so far, in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Chicago and New York.
   
   As far as Adams's position as a leading American composer, I remain underwhelmed. Minimalism has become merely one element in his eclectic but tonal style, now a sort of audience-friendly PoMo Lite, an acceptable badge of hipness, and Adams continually strives to be a contemporary composer for those who don't like New Music.



3. This is an excellant production. If you don't like modern, dissonent opera, then this might not be for you. The production is powerfully done and the singing and symphonic quality top notch.



4. Thanks for the history lesson, Tom, but Holy Cow! If the only acknowledgment of the music you heard today is "While the score is certainly engaging and momentous at times.." and your best recommendation is to forget the opera and read a book chronicling the Manhattan Project, why did you spend the money to go to the opera? Like any theater piece, opera is at its best dealing with human passions and the conflicts which arise between people in relationship to each other. Words, music and visuals combine to create a vivid metaphor for the human condition, and perfect historical accuracy need not be part of the equation. The hopes and fears of the scientists as they struggle with creating a device they hope will save lives but may indeed pose the threat of annihilation; the personality conflicts between two scientists working toward the same goal while harboring different personal agendas; the costs that single-minded dedication to an urgent goal may exact on a precious personal relationship; the contrast between hard concrete left-mind science and mysterious, numinous native spirituality; and above all, the struggle of a sensitive and artistic temperament to reconcile his sense of beauity and love with the monstrosity he has created--these are the business of opera, and Doctor Atomic is a riveting exploration of those issues.
   
   Adams' music reflects these struggles magnificently, flowing through them all, from love and passion to lurking menace and fear, like a river. I, too, was in the theater today for Doctor Atomic, and I was knocked flat by the electrifying scene at the end of Act I, as Oppenheimer, alone with his creation as it looms over him, writhes in an agony of conscience over what he has done. The historical record supports this idea, and you can see it there on his face in any portrait of the man even if he didn't really stand there alone in the moonlight. But even if it wasn't real fact, it is a perfect way for the artist to illustrate one of the major cosmic themes of the opera and of our day. Any viewer/listener with the equipment to allow the music, poetry, and images to work their triple magic on one's conscious and unconscious being would have to be struck dumb by the power of that scene. This is great theater--cosmic questions made real in the passions of human beings--so, who cares about history at a moment like that? On that level, Doctor Atomic is a work of genius which takes one's breath away.
   
   I've read my World War II history as well, and it has enriched my experience of this opera; for example, I am inspired to revisit the historical record to see if my memory of the characters of Oppenheimer and Teller should be adjusted because of the surprisingly different angle on their personalities and conflicts which the opera presents. But that's only an interesting sidelight compared with the overwhelming emotional experience of surrendering to the sights, sounds and words of great human passions, illustrated as only a great opera can do.
   
   If these live transmissions by the Met can help people learn to park their preconceived ideas at the door for a couple of hours and open themselves to such powerful experiences, they have done their job. Leave the history books next to your easy chair for some other cold day in front of the fire.



5. The plot is based on the last days of the Manhattan project, but in fact the greatness of this opera is the portraying of the human struggles of the people involved in the project. The plot itself is the reason to get into those very human emotions and struggle, so the full accuracy of the plot doesn't seem to me of crucial importance. The best music is for those internal looking moments, with the necessary "actions" to put everything in perspective (sounds familiar?). Some of the tense moments in the plot are for music only, masterly composed by John Adams.
   I have the feeling the production is over played which sometimes disturbs and distracts. In addition, some of the close-ups (for the DVD) are over-dramatic veering the attention from the poetry and the music. The music and the lyrics are beautiful and strong enough. It doesn't need over-acting and distractions like people moving fast on the scene.
   The last scene of first act is impressive, in particular when Oppenheimer silhouette raises his hand and finger to the "Gadget" (God?)... but there is no finger responding this time.
   Remembering that all music (and opera) was once new, this DVD is recommended for all Opera lovers and enthusiasts.

5 comments about Bach: The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites.

1. Not exactly sure what I would do without these recordings. A world without Bach: a scary thought. My pulse slackens a bit each time I put these on. Relaxing, sure, but also tremendously moving. A perfect antidote for the trivial drone, distraction, and bustle of our post-capitalist world. No need to go buy new-age computer glitch world-music ambience; this is sonic therapy, written centuries before we needed it.



2. Yo-Yo Ma is one of the greatest cello players of all times and he's playing Bach. Is there really anything left to say? I think not :)



3. I admit that I had initial misgivings about this product in light of the widespread renown of Mstislav Rostropovich. But I did some comparison, courtesy of YouTube clips which had surprising sound quality. I came to prefer the more personal and intimate rendition consistent with Yo-yo Ma's style. I suppose, at the end of the day, there is no point arguing taste. The qualities that make Yo-yo Ma's playing uniquely his own just happen to lend themselves well to my personality and current state of mind, which does not detract from the greatness of Rostropovich on the cello.
   
   With regard to Bach's work itself, the Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, I am in awe. I have heard parts of this set at one time or another. Perhaps the most famous would be the first movement prelude of suite no. 1 in G major, having been used for TV ads and such. If you are a fan of Bach, this set is further demonstration of his versatility and genius. The sound quality is excellent, having a mild reverberation, which perfectly complements the cello as an instrument, Yo-yo Ma as a performer, and the suites themselves as stunning examples of music of any age.



4. this one's for me - couldn't find in the big record stores- yay amazon. quick delivery, good price, great condition



5. YoYo Ma awoke an entire generation to Bach with this recording. Listening to Ma play these works is truly a stunning thing.
   
   Bach is THE master who demands attention and requires another master to play his work correctly and with emotion. In the hands of a technician, Bach can be all dried up and too mathematical. In the hands of a master such as Yo Yo Ma, the concept of the Master living forever through his music becomes true. Bach is all about math. But, with only the math and none of the humanity, Bach can be cold-- and that would be an appalling thing.
   
   Bach's music is about the glorification of God and humanity and only the combination of technique, mathematics, and emotion can bring it alive and make it true. Bach is very challenging for every player on every instrument. Yo Yo Ma will forever be remembered for this 2 disc set. He introduced Bach to a new generation and made Bach seem cool again. But Bach has always been cool and always will be.
   
   Yo Yo Ma's Cello Suites set the standard for every Bach cello recording before or after, for better or ill. But this is no disservice to Mr. Ma. It is rather an acknowledgment of the power of his performance, the brilliance of his technique, and his very special and rare ability to bring the master alive and off the page to enrapture new audiences.
   
   Yo Yo Ma has done the world a service and Bach would certainly concur, I think.
   
   I had a friend in Massachusetts who lived next door to Yo Yo Ma. My friend could hear him practicing the cello at all hours. I said, "Oh how lucky you are!" He replied, "Well, it gets really aggravating after a while-- he's playing all through the night."
   
   I kindly replied, "You're a f****** moron."
   
   What a brilliant set this is by Yo Yo Ma. Anything that advances Bach into the public consciousness as this recording did and still does is a service to humanity. Superb.

5 comments about 25 Classical Favorites.

1. Bought this product for my grandchild to introduce him to classical music. It was perfect. Thanks



2. Overall an excellent collection of classical favorites and for $3.99 its a steal, but strangely there is not a single Beethoven composition in the CD.



3. This turned out to be the right pace and type of classical music that I was looking for. (I like and appreciate classical music but can't stand, nor understand, a lonesome violin screeching away for 55 minutes).
   I think this set is a great gift and/or as an introduction to classical music especially to younger audiences.
   As for the sound quality - it sounds like...well..a regular "Digital Audio" CD. Nothing to write home about. Its not the audiophool quality recording you might be looking for. Some tracks are recorded better than others. But if you think MP3 sounds freakin' awesome, don't worry about what I said about sound quality.



4. The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.



5. It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

5 comments about O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca).

1. Pavarotti is in his prime for this one and the selections are both touching and grand. Mille Cherubini, a tender lullaby, is my favorite but his Agnus Dei is rich and grand. The choral backgrounds are also very good. I bought the cassette when it came out in the 70's and I am thrilled that they reissued it as CD to grace my 2007 Christmas .



2. Since Pavarotti's death, there will be no more wonderful Christmas music from such a perfect voice. The "O Holy Night" CD was glorious to listen to during the holidays. His "Ave Maria's" were outstanding!



3. My wife and I love Christmas music, but this album is in a class by itself. It is opera, classical music, Christmas carols, and the most heartfelt and expressive personal expression of religious feeling. It is exalted and joyous, and to my wife and me, inexpressively beautiful. We're listening to "O Holy Night" as I type this on Christmas Eve, as we've listened to this album since its release, several times each year before and after Christmas. Each year, I discover new depths and new appreciation for songs that we maybe didn't hear as clearly previously.
   
   Forget the aging Pavarotti singing with diminished voice into a microphone to packed arenas, handkerchief in hand. This was recorded in January 1976 in England when Pavarotti was in his prime, movingly expressing his deep religious feeling through magnificent music. The great opera conductor Kurt Herbert Adler of the Chicago Lyric Opera and then Music Director of the San Francisco Opera perfectly led the National Philharmonic Orchestra, along with the magnificent Wandsworth Boys Choir and London Voices led by Terry Edward. I should point out that this album is classical and operatic music, or beloved carols done in a classical or operatic style. You won't find "Frosty the Snowman", "Jingle Bells", or "A Chipmunk's Christmas" here.
   
   Treat yourself to this album, and look forward to years of deepening appreciation and pleasure from it. It can become an integral part of your Christmas celebration, a special annual treat, as it's become for my family.



4. This is one of 5 cd's that we purchased to help in some small way to capture the voice of the ages that was quieted this past year. Now we will be able to enjoy his emense talent simply by a click of the switch. Purchasing this and the other 4 items was so easy on Amazon no hunting through aisles of cd's-very pleased with all 5 and unwilling to single one out as the best of the best. Each is a treasure.But for seasonal music this is the primo selection of all.



5. This is a CD I have listened to repeatedly. Pavarotti sings with sincerity and great musicality. The songs are familiar and some are 'potboilers' (such as Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "Panis Angelicus"). Pavarotti's voice is characteristically warm, open-throated and full yet there is an intimacy to these recordings, which were made over several decades.
   
   Pavarotti sings with various top class orchestras and some songs have a choral backing. There are 17 songs, which is generous.
   
   It seems strange to have included "Che faro senza Euridice?" on what is otherwise a CD of exclusively Christian music, but Pavarotti does such a beautiful job with it that that is a minor quibble.
   
   This is a CD which will give the listener years of pleasure.O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca)