The Classical Child's Christmas

On this CD:

1. Joy to the World (theme by Handel)
Composed by George Frideric Handel


2. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Composed by Christmas Traditional


3. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky


4. Angels We Have Heard on High
Composed by Christmas Traditional


5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas (English)
Composed by Christmas Traditional


6. Concerto Grosso in G minor ("Christmas Concerto"), Op. 6/8
Composed by Arcangelo Corelli


7. The First Nowell
Composed by Christmas Traditional


8. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 Aria no. 19
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach


9. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber


10. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Hallelujah!
Composed by George Frideric Handel


11. Deck the Halls (Welsh)
Composed by Christmas Traditional


12. Carol of the Bells
Composed by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych


13. Nutcracker, suite from the ballet, Op. 71a Overture
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky


14. Nutcracker, suite from the ballet, Op. 71a March
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky


15. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
Composed by Christmas Traditional


16. Behold, I bring you glad tidings, anthem, for alto, tenor, bass, chorus, 2 violins, viola & continuo, Z. 2
Composed by Henry Purcell


17. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (adapted by W. H. Cummings from Mendelssohn's Festgesang for the Gutenberg Festival)
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn


18. Cantata No. 172, "Erschallet, ihr Lieder," BWV 172 How Brightly Shines the Morning Star
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach


Editorial Reviews
Album Description
THE CLASSICAL CHILD's CHRISTMAS For centuries, the spirit of Christmas has been celebrated in song -- from glorious concertos to simple folk carols. The Classical Child's Christmas is a charming collection of 18 of these holiday classics, festively arranged to delight children of all ages. It's the perfect way to enhance Christmas holiday activities like tree trimming, gift-wrapping and cookie baking...a delight for the whole family! .

The Classical Child's Christmas, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Arcangelo Corelli, Franz Xaver Gruber, George Frideric Handel, Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych, Felix Mendelssohn, Henry Purcell, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Christmas Traditional, Anthem, Ballet, Cantata, Chamber, Choral, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Classical, Concerto, Concerto Grosso, Holiday, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Oratorio, Orchestral, Romantic Ballet, Suite for Orchestra
Peace Like a River
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful
  • A few bright spots, but also some disappointments
  • This CD Deserves SIX Stars!
  • every good adjective
  • Fabulous!
 Peace Like a River
James Lucas , Janice Kapp Perry , John Rutter , Jean Sibelius , John Tavener , American Traditional , English Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Mack Wilberg , Craig D. Jessop , Clay Christiansen , John Longhurst , Richard L. Elliott , Daron Bradford , and Meredith Campbell
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Consider the Lilies
  2. Love Is Spoken Here
  3. America's Choir
  4. Choose Something Like a Star
  5. Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

ASIN: B00020H9W0
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

  1. Sweet Peace
  2. Be Still, My Soul
  3. Peace Like a River
  4. All Things Bright and Beautiful
  5. Lord Is My Shepherd
  6. This Is My Father's World
  7. Wayfarin' Stranger
  8. Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
  9. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
  10. Deep River
  11. Lamb
  12. Child's Prayer
  13. It Is Well With My Soul
  14. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
  15. Gaelic Blessing
  16. Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends
  17. Come, Let Us Anew

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful.......2007-06-14

This CD is a must have for any Mormon Tabernacle Choir fans. The music is very reverent and gentle, and should also appeal to those not from the LDS church, seeing as how most of the music is common to the wider Christian community. This CD is a fantastic addition to any music collection.

3 out of 5 stars A few bright spots, but also some disappointments.......2007-01-19

It Is Well With My Soul is one of my favorite-favorites and that is the main reason why I bought the CD; it turned out to be a huge let down on this album, they rearranged it so much that I almost didn't recognize it. Be Still My Soul is another reason why I bought it and it's good, but not great. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is where it starts to get good. The last two songs "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends"
and "Come, Let Us Anew" are very good reasons to buy this CD, they each have truely powerful passages and make the CD worth having. The Mormon Tabernacle Choirs 2006 release entitled Then Sings My Soul is by far the best that I've heard from them.


5 out of 5 stars This CD Deserves SIX Stars!.......2005-11-05

However, the rating scale has a limit of five. I own over 700 CDs of virtually every type of music. Peace Like A River belongs in a class by itself! I've never written a review before but, after listening to this STUNNING performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I feel compelled to share my praise with that of the five other reviewers. If I were limited to one word, I would use the word "SUPERB" to describe this beautiful and moving CD. SIX stars for Peace Like a River! BRAVO!!!

5 out of 5 stars every good adjective .......2005-08-06

This album is all beauty and solace. The singing is pristine, the arrangements lush and often stirring--never saccharine. As with the previous reviewer, my first listing of "Peace Like a River" brought me to tears (especially "Peace Like a River," the sopranos in "Swing Low," and the bagpipes in "Thou Gracious God"). Buy this one.

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous!.......2005-05-29

The perfect recording to help you recover from a long, hard day. Showcasing the MTC's "new" sound in contemporary choral arrangements with its own orchestra and conductor, "Peace Like a River" brought tears to my eyes in selection after selection during my first listen -- and I'm not normally an emotional person! The title song together with "Deep River," "Swing Low" and "Be Still My Soul" are alone worth the cost of the recording. Get this one!
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Rutter Christmas Album
  • Unique and Beautiful!
  • Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album
  • Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review.
  • John Rutter and Cambridge Singers
 The John Rutter Christmas Album
Cambridge Singers , Rutter , and City of London Sinfon
Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. John Rutter Collection
  2. Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
  3. Christmas Star
  4. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  5. Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B00006JJ4T
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

  1. Wexford Carol
  2. Jesus Child
  3. There Is a Flower
  4. Donkey Carol
  5. Wild Wood Carol
  6. Angels' Carol
  7. Nativity Carol
  8. Mary's Lullaby
  9. Star Carol
  10. Candlelight Carol
  11. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
  12. Christmas Lullaby
  13. Dormi, Jesu
  14. Love Came Down at Christmas
  15. Sans Day Carol
  16. I Wonder as I Wander
  17. What Sweeter Music
  18. Joy to the World
  19. I Saw Three Ships
  20. Deck the Hall
  21. Very Best Time of Year
  22. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  23. Silent Night

Album Description

Top of the British Classical Charts for 10 Weeks! Billboard Top Ten Classical Recording - December 2002! This album gathers together most of the carols I have composed over the years, plus a sprinkling of my arrangements of traditional carols, grouped to form a program which narrates, reflects upon, and celebrates the Christmas story. I have always enjoyed carols ever since I first sang them as a member of my school choir, and it was not long before I began to write carols of my own-in fact my first two published compositions were the Nativity Carol and the Shepherd's Pipe Carol. For any musician involved in choral music, Christmas is an especially joyous time, and I am indeed happy that it has played a part in my musical life for so many years- JOHN RUTTER

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Rutter Christmas Album.......2007-05-14

Great selection of music, and well presented. This is however older recordings that do not match the quality of Rutter's latest recordings such as the Te Deum or the Gloria.

5 out of 5 stars Unique and Beautiful!.......2007-03-09

John Rutter, and his beautiful music, is such a gift to the world. This unique Christmas CD is magnificent! Especially touching are two of Rutter's original carols, "Christmas Lullaby" and the joyful "Angels' Carol." The musical selections speak to the soul, helping the listener connect to emotions of joy, peace, faith, hope, and love. This is a worthy addition to your collection of Christmas CDs.

5 out of 5 stars Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album.......2007-02-19

If I were to choose only one Christmas album to ever own, this would be the one. John Rutter is an exceptional composer of religious music, with unusual harmonies. The music is difficult to sing, and because this is his own choir and he is directing it, the performance is flawless. Gives you goosebumps.

5 out of 5 stars Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review........2007-02-07

Great music by John Rutter: Great performance!

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter and Cambridge Singers.......2007-01-18

This is quintessential English cathedral music; beautifully sung. Reminds one of the English Christmas -- warm and serene -- that we've only experienced in our dreams!
A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
  • One of the most beautiful Christmas albums
  • A Christmas Collection For The Ages
  • Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas
  • Pure Joy
 A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle , traditional/various , Leonard Slatkin , and Orchestra of St. Luke's with New York Choral Artists & Harlem Boys' Choir
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
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ASIN: B000002ROL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. O Come All Ye Faithful
  2. O Holy Night
  3. Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabelle
  4. Fum, Fum, Fum!
  5. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
  6. Ave Maria
  7. Gesu Bambino
  8. Medley: I Saw Three Ships; The First Nowell; The Holly And The Ivy
  9. Away In A Manger
  10. Silent Night
  11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  12. Mary's Cradle Song
  13. Zither Carol
  14. I Wonder As I Wander
  15. Mary Had A Baby
  16. Rise Up, Shepherd
  17. What Child Is This?
  18. Ave Maria
  19. Finale and Reprise: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Silent Night; O Come All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle.......2007-01-19

what can i say about the best of the best? As always, Miss Battle makes me wonder how anyone else would dare to sing this music after her rendition. A beautiful CD

5 out of 5 stars One of the most beautiful Christmas albums .......2005-11-22

I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Collection For The Ages.......2005-11-13

If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.

Overall I believe that Ms. Battle performs better in complete opera recordings than recital albums, but most of her recital recordings are of at least good quality and this Christmas collection is outstanding. She handles all of the works with apparent similar ease, but since the recording is so varied, this is a compliment to her skill as a performer. She begins and ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" where she does a few vocal acrobatics but it's never overdone. Each time I think of what the bets part of the collection is, my mind changes. She brings her skills from the operatic stage in her renditions of "O Holy Night," "Gesu Bambino" (only Pavarotti sings this better, but it's a very close second), and "The Zither Carol" which sounds so much like something that could come from the mouths of Oscar from UN BALLO or Zurbinetta from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, two of her signature roles. The music from the African American Spirituals tradition and American background are well done and the accompaniment of the Harlem Boys Choir, used to great advantage here adds so much.

With so many Christmas collections from the world of opera available, choosing one can be difficult, but this is one collection that has proven to be a joy for almost fifteen years and will continue to give holiday pleasure for years to come.

5 out of 5 stars Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas.......2004-12-28

I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it.

5 out of 5 stars Pure Joy.......2003-12-07

In a world where disturbing things are all too common, Christian scripture guides us to dwell on that which is lovely. Kathleen Battle's blessed voice is most certainly one of those lovely things.

I bought this CD in the early 1990's, and I am here to buy it again because I have worn out the original with scratches, etc. I only listen to it during the Christmas season, but I enjoy it enough to hear it all year.

The 'Christmas Celebration' CD should be enough to convince you to also purchase Kathleen's 'A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert'. Ms. Battle's wonderful soprano voice is joined by that of the mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the blending is more than memorable. There are a couple of songs which are on both CD's, but you'll want to hear both. In fact, the video of the PBS special is also available, and I recommend buying all three. You won't regret it.

Some of my favorite selections from 'Christmas Celebration' include 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle' and 'Fum, Fum, Fum', both of which are from a culture different from my own. I found such glimpses into unfamiliar favorites to enhance my own enjoyment of the Christmas season, as long as all of my traditional American favorites were included. They were. "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" are there among the other favorites.

This CD's music is the kind that sets a wonderful Christmas mood. It can establish memories that say "Christmas" in the memories of children for life. Along with other classics like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'The Nutcraker' (from your favorite orchesta) and George Winston's 'December' and a few others, you will slowly be able to assemble a Christmas music library that will stay with you for life.
Christmas Present From Polyphony
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Choral perfectionists.
  • Sublimely beautiful!
 Christmas Present From Polyphony
Polyphony , and Stephen Layton
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00030NU4A
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Choral perfectionists........2007-02-19

This is an essential Christmas choral CD. The program itself is fabulous and unique, lacking the tacky "favorites" found on most recordings of this type. Entirely a cappella except for two Rutter arrangements with orchestra. Not a single track is lacking in depth and sincerity.

Polyphony is one phenomenal choir. For its small size, it has truly unmatched sustaining power and control (demonstrated most astonishingly in Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and the end of Howells' A Spotless Rose). The only disappointment on the entire disc is Grieg's gorgeous "Ave Maris Stella" in which, for whatever reason, the men sing with a rather unblended and even wobbly sound while the women are almost entirely straight-tone. "Sing Lullaby" by Howells is a priceless gem worth several times the cost of this CD....a powerfully haunting piece performed here to utter perfection and taste. You will also find what is most assuredly the most perfect and definitive recording of "O Magnum Mysterium" to be found anywhere. The balance and length of line this incredibly gifted ensemble achieves in this too-often-performed piece will leave you breathless.

5 out of 5 stars Sublimely beautiful!.......2005-02-01

Heavenly music, beautifully captured in a location with fantastic acoustics. This is music that needs to be heard on headphones or outstanding surround sound to be really appreciated. Here I am in February still listening to this CD of Xmas music... it's very calming to the soul. I can't recommend this highly enough.
A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Traditional Christmas Music
  • The quintessential Christmas recording
  • A Top List Christmas CD
  • The best
  • How do you describe perfection?
 A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Robert Shaw Chorale
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. A Festival of Carols in Brass

ASIN: B000003EPA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
  2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
  3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  4. Shepherd's Carol
  5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
  6. Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
  7. I Wonder As I Wander
  8. We Three Kings
  9. My Dancing Day
  10. Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
  11. Coventry Carol
  12. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
  13. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
  14. Carol Of The Bells
  15. Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

5 out of 5 stars The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

5 out of 5 stars A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

5 out of 5 stars The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

These words are no surprise to those familiar with choral music in the United States. If you are not so familiar, but would like to enjoy Christmas music at its most beautiful, you can do no better than acquiring this CD.
Dream a Dream
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Dream a dream
  • This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!
  • This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!
  • A must-have for Christmas music lovers
  • Gorgeous!
Dream a Dream

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004ZDPO
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

  1. Dream A Dream (Elysium)
  2. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  3. The Little Drummer Boy
  4. Mary's Boy Child
  5. Ding Dong! Merrily On High
  6. Winterwonderland
  7. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
  8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  9. The Coventry Carol (Lully Lullay)
  10. Joy To The World
  11. When A Child Is Born
  12. What Child Is This?
  13. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  14. Draw Tua Bethlehem/Far Over Bethlehem
  15. Ave Maria
  16. Gabriel's Message
  17. O Holy Night
  18. Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
  19. Silent Night

Amazon.com

Everybody's favorite precocious sprite of a soprano comes out with her third album in Dream a Dream. It's only been two years since Charlotte Church's smash debut, Voice of an Angel, but that's a big chunk of the Welsh singer's life span so far. This latest is basically a Christmas album, so full of festive cheer you'd never guess it was recorded in the summer. Even the glummest of moods will disappear when you hear Charlotte's infectious take on chestnuts such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Little Drummer Boy" (and having the London Symphony Orchestra as your backup band doesn't hurt either). And on top of that is a really special treat: the title song (borrowing an unforgettable classical melody) which blends Church's soaring vocals with the tender voice of young country prodigy Billy Gilman. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Dream a dream.......2007-04-03

I bought this CD after watching the music video of the same name. Their performance of "dream a dream" is exquisite. The fact that they wrote the lyrics just adds icing to an already magnificent cake!

5 out of 5 stars This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

You know charlotte church has received so much harsh critismn about her,I find that people were jeolous of her voice, and of how a young girl can sing, she is definetly my dream ome true, (So back off johnathan flanders),this girl in the past has done some wonderful music which is inspirational and she is a wonderful person, I dont care whether she has changed, anyway her rock albumn has given me a lease on life and has given me potential in my singing,I love your voice very much, and this reviewer hasnt been written by a kid at all,if charlotte church is reading this,good on yeah girl,you definetly my dream come true,and I hope I will see you one day. your best friend JJCox

5 out of 5 stars This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

You know charlotte church has received so much harsh critismn about her,I find that people were jeolous of her voice, and of how a young girl can sing, she is definetly my dream ome true, (So back off johnathan flanders),this girl in the past has done some wonderful music which is inspirational and she is a wonderful person, I dont care whether she has changed, anyway her rock albumn has given me a lease on life and has given me potential in my singing,I love your voice very much, and this reviewer hasnt been written by a kid at all,if charlotte church is reading this,good on yeah girl,you definetly my dream come true,and I hope I will see you one day. your best friend JJCox

5 out of 5 stars A must-have for Christmas music lovers.......2006-12-07

this cd is pure magic...almost 20 great christmas songs on one cd sung by the voice of an angel herself..there may be a few mixed reviews by some people who must be opera voice teachers because there is nothing wrong with this cd...it is flawless....charlotte's soaring vocals, the beautiful orchestra and background singers, the whole cd has the christmas feel to it..."o come all ye faithfull" has to be heard to be believed...it is breathtaking...i love charlottes take on "winter wonderland" and "ding dong merrily on high" ..made me want to go dance in the snow or something.....she hits every note beautifully..buy this cd...i bought it back in 2000 and have listened to it at every Christmastime since or Christmas doesnt feel the same.

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous! .......2005-12-07

Charlotte Church has done it again! She is extremely talented. Even if she was 25 when she put this out, she'd be amazing. But she was only 14-15 years old when she recorded this! Beautiful. This album has great choral accompaniments and fabulous orchestra arrangements. It is a little on the high side in certain songs, but it still sounds amazing. I love her voice.
Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Joy To The World........a joy indeed!
  • If you like classical Christmas music, this is for you
  • "Joy To The World . . . The Lord Has Come . . . And Heaven And Nature Sing"
  • Christmas music done in Ormady's rich "Philadelphia Sound"
  • A Timeless Christmas Classic
 Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003EPC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing
  2. Away In The Manger
  3. The Little Drummer Boy
  4. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  5. Waltz of the Flowers
  6. What Child Is This
  7. Sleigh Ride
  8. The First Nowell
  9. Carol of the Bells
  10. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  11. Joy to the World
  12. I Wonder As I Wander
  13. Good King Wenceslas
  14. Silent Night
  15. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  16. Angels We Have Heard On High
  17. Silver Bells
  18. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony (Messiah)
  19. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Joy To The World........a joy indeed!.......2007-03-16

This wonderful CD has everything to celebrate the great joy of the Christmas season. Recorded in the early 1970's it still sounds as fresh and timeless as it did way back then.
The orchestrations are majestic and imaginative without being mushy or too symphonic in structure.The addition of the chorus in most of the carols is an added bonus. The singers and orchestra blend wonderfully without either dominating the other too much. The programme of selected songs is excellent and with some lovely orchestra only tracks the CD is not tiring to listen to creating a well balanced programme.
Maestro Eugene Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with great zeal and a passion for the music that is felt by the listener.The chorus master is the very talented Robert Page and the carols are arranged and orchestrated by the great Arthur Harris.
The sound quality is excellent and the CD has been beautifully remastered without any loss of crispness or dynamics.The stereo balance and instrument placement sound superb with the singers centre stage.
This is a remarkably good CD from the RCA Gold Seal range and is a must for lovers of really good seasonal music played with love and passion for the joys of the Christmas season.
Thank you for taking the trouble to read my review and I wish one and all much enjoyment from this lovely CD.

Happy listening!

5 out of 5 stars If you like classical Christmas music, this is for you.......2007-01-13

A truly great collection of classical Christmas music. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars "Joy To The World . . . The Lord Has Come . . . And Heaven And Nature Sing".......2006-12-15

For those of you who, like me, love traditional and old-fashioned Christmas carols with a chorus and a full orchestra, this album is just a perfect listen this Yuletide season. It's always been a delight listening to this classic Christmas CD, "Joy to the World with Eugene Ormandy and The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus." It creates a nostalgic feeling and an atmosphere of an old-fashioned Christmas that reminds me so much of the past Christmas celebrations I had with my late parents. This is the kind of Christmas music they so loved.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Robert Page performed ten of the nineteen tracks and The Philadelphia Orchestra performed the rest of the tracks without the Chorus under the baton of one of the most respected names in conducting and orchestration, Eugene Ormandy. Arthur Harris beautifully and traditionally arranged all the songs. This is one of the greatest Christmas albums ever recorded and a worthy addition to your Christmas collection.

The true essence of Christmas is captured by the artful blend of voices from the chorus combined with the sublime orchestration from the first carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to the last piece, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah."

Each and every track is a highlight and sacredly performed. My top favorites are "Silent Night," Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from "The Nutcracker," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Away In A Manger," "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves), and "Joy To The World."

"Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing."

Joyfully recommended!

5 out of 5 stars Christmas music done in Ormady's rich "Philadelphia Sound".......2004-12-04

"Joy to the World" has Eugene Ormandy with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus providing a rich selection of Christmas songs, both classical and traditional, arranged by Arthur Harris. It is the former that are most impressive, although there are fewer of them, starting with Mendelssohn's "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from "The Nutcracker," then ending with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire," and the "Pastoral Symphony" and "Hallelujan Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."

Eugene Ormandy (born Jenö Blau in Budapest) was one of the most famous of the popular American conductors of the 20th century, known best for his long time relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Originally gaining public notice with the orchestra when he served as a last-minute replacement for an ill Arturo Toscanini in 1931, Ormandy would serve as Musical Director in Phialdelphia from 1938 until 1980. Under his baton the Philadelphia Orchestra became known for its warm tones, textured romantic "Philadelphia Sound," which is well represented on this Christmas album. I always thought Ormandy's interpretation of Rachmaninoff was particularly strong, although I do not know enough about classical music to articulate a coherent defense of that position beyond noting that when Vladimir Horowitz played Rachmaninoff's Third Concerto on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his Carnegie Hall debut, he picked Ormandy as the conductor of the orchestra that night.

There is over an hour's worth of music here for you to enjoy if you like more of the classical approach to your Christmas music. But Ormandy's work is always marked by an ability to bring out the emotions of music being played by a symphonic orchestra. That is why the standout tracks here are "The Little Drummer Boy," "I Wonder as I Wander," and "What Child Is This?" You would not normally think of these songs as working as well song by a chorus that by a single individual, but this album will get you to rethink your position. In terms of choirs at Christmas I still have a preference for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Ray Conniff Singers (I embrace the extremes), but in terms of listening to an orchestra play Christmas music, this is as good as it gets.

5 out of 5 stars A Timeless Christmas Classic.......2003-12-08

I'm a lover of traditional Christmas music and I've acquired about 20 CDs of it. There's nothing my family likes better in December than putting on some good Christmas music and getting in the mood for the season, hearing once again the old favorites you've known since childhood. Of all the Christmas music CDs I've tried, I have two desert-island favorites, the two I always reach for first. This is one of them. I think it's one of the greatest recordings of traditional Christmas music ever made. The arrangements (by Arthur Harris) are joyous, beautiful, and soul-stirring; the performances are heartfelt and magnificent. If you can listen to this CD and not feel filled by the Christmas spirit, you must be (a) named Ebeneezer Scrooge, or (b) deaf. This one is a timeless Christmas classic, not to be missed. Warmest recommendation.
The Christmas I Love
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • excellent entertainment
  • The Christmas I Love
  • A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun
  • Wonderful; marvellous
  • ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
 The Christmas I Love
Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041OB
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

  1. O Daughter Of Zion
  2. White Christmas
  3. Sleigh Ride
  4. From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
  5. Ave Maria
  6. Transeamus
  7. Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
  8. Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
  9. Jingle Bells
  10. Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
  11. Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
  12. Christmas Rose
  13. The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
  14. O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
  15. Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
  16. Dearest Believe Me
  17. Come Little Children
  18. The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
  19. The Holy City
  20. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

5 out of 5 stars The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

5 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.
A Festival of Carols in Brass
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Nice music but...
  • Great CD
  • A Noble and Festive Christmas
  • Meat and Potatoes
  • Totally Awesome
 A Festival of Carols in Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000024Q6
Release Date: 1991-07-16

Tracks:

  1. Deck The Halls With Broughs Of Holly
  2. Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming
  3. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
  4. The First Nowell
  5. Angels We Have Hard On High
  6. We Three Kings Of Oreint Are
  7. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  8. O Sanctissima
  9. O Tannenbaum
  10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  11. Good King Weceslas
  12. Silent Night, Holy Night
  13. Joy To the World
  14. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
  15. Conventry Carol
  16. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  17. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  18. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  19. Good Christian Men Rejoice
  20. O Holy Night
  21. What Child Is This?
  22. Wassial Song
  23. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  24. Away In A Manger
  25. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Nice music but..........2007-03-08

I liked the music and the performances a lot, but there is no booklet to depict the performers, nor analyse the music or the arrangements, which are superb

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2007-02-16

This is a great holiday CD. We used it for several holiday dinners this year.

5 out of 5 stars A Noble and Festive Christmas.......2007-01-21

This is the best Christmas album you could ever get. It is the most stable as you do not have to think about it. This is the album you really sing along to. Brass makes everything festive, grand and noble; so will your Christmas! A gem for every year!

5 out of 5 stars Meat and Potatoes.......2007-01-18

Since the release of this fine recording in 1967 there have been many fine
brass groups:The Canadian Brass, the Empire Brass, just to name a few.
Whereas these latter groups have all resorted to "gimmicks" such as unique arrangements to sell their albums this group of brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra give us an album of good old "meat and potatoes" playing spiced with fine tone,good ensemble playing, and good tempos.

5 out of 5 stars Totally Awesome.......2007-01-12

I love listening to this cd at christmas. The brass is so crisp, almost like being right there. You have to add this to your holiday collection, and for those of you who like brass, you will love it. I play the french horn and I esp. love hearing the french horn in it.
We Three Kings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • We Three Kings
  • 3 Tenors Christmas
  • Beautiful and Amazing
  • These Three Kings Rule!
  • Another Winner
 We Three Kings
Anthony Kearns , Ronan Tynan , and Finbar Wright
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Irish TenorsIrish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Home for Christmas
  2. Sacred
  3. The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
  4. Heritage
  5. Ellis Island

ASIN: B0000D9PST
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

  1. We Three Kings
  2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
  4. Fairytale Of New York
  5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
  6. Mille Cherubini In Coro
  7. O Holy Night
  8. Silent Night
  9. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
  10. Winter Wonderland Medley
  11. Mary's Boy Child
  12. Panis Angelicus
  13. Pie Jesu
  14. How Great Thou Art
  15. The Lord's Prayer
  16. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
  17. America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

1 out of 5 stars 3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

5 out of 5 stars These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

5 out of 5 stars Another Winner.......2003-12-22

In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.

Music Review:

  1. The Leipzig Chorales of J. S. Bach
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  5. Together Forever
  6. Transcriptions By Stokowski
  7. Transfigured Night / Chamber Symphony
  8. Vida Breve / Goyescas
  9. Virtusos Organ Music
  10. Vivaldi: Salmi a due cori

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