Carols

On this CD:

1. Cantique de Noel for voice & orchestra, "O Holy Night"
Composed by Adolphe Adam
Performed by Sandy Owen

2. Nesem Vam noviny, Bohemian Christmas Song
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Sandy Owen

3. Carol of the Drum
Composed by Katherine K. Davis
Performed by Sandy Owen

4. Angels From the Realms Of Glory
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Sandy Owen

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

6. Joy to the World
Composed by Isaac Watts
Performed by Sandy Owen

7. Carol of the Bells
Composed by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych
Performed by Sandy Owen

8. Deck the Halls (Welsh)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Sandy Owen

9. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Sandy Owen

10. Once in Royal David's City
Composed by Henry John Gauntlett
Performed by Sandy Owen

11. We've been a while a-wandering
Composed by English Traditional
Performed by Sandy Owen

12. Coventry Carol
Composed by Robert Croo
Performed by Sandy Owen

13. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber
Performed by Sandy Owen

Carols, Music, Adolphe Adam, Anonymous, Robert Croo, Katherine K. Davis, Henry John Gauntlett, Franz Xaver Gruber, Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych, Felix Mendelssohn, Christmas Traditional, English Traditional, Isaac Watts, Sandy Owen, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Miscellaneous Vocal Music, Pop, Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra, Vocal
The Polar Express
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Polar Express
  • Excellent! First Rate
  • Polar Express is hot
  • Polar Express music CD
  • PERFECT!
 The Polar Express
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Polar Express (Full Screen Edition)
  2. The Polar Express
  3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2000 Film)
  4. Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)
  5. Josh Groban

ASIN: B00063F8B2
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

  1. The Polar Express -- Tom Hanks
  2. When Christmas Comes To Town -- Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore
  3. Rockin' On Top of the World -- Steven Tyler
  4. Believe -- Josh Groban
  5. Hot Chocolate -- Tom Hanks
  6. Spirit of the Season -- Alan Silvestri
  7. Seeing is Believing -- Alan Silvestri
  8. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town -- Frank Sinatra
  9. White Christmas -- Bing Crosby
  10. Winter Wonderland -- The Andrews Sisters
  11. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- Perry Como
  12. Silver Bells -- Kate Smith
  13. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Claus Lane) -- Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
  14. Suite From the Polar Express -- Alan Silvestri

Amazon.com

In adapting Chris Van Allsburg's beloved, 1986 Caldecott Medal winning children's Christmas fable, director Robert Zemeckis fused the technologies of live-action motion capture and CGI to an unprecedented degree, producing a visual sensibility that perfectly embodies the netherworld between fantasy and reality that made the book so inviting. Musically, Zemeckis has shrewdly teamed longtime collaborator Alan Silvestri with hit tunesmith Glen Ballard for the original half his soundtrack, then given the rest over to a star-packed tribute to pop Christmas past that includes such timeless chestnuts as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" by the Andrew Sisters and Perry Como's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." But the Silvestri/Ballard originals here are the main event, from Tom Hanks' vigorous vocal mugging on the title track and "Hot Chocolate" through the innocent charm of "When Christmas Comes to Town" and the over-the-top, jumpin' jive of Steven Tyler's "Rockin' On Top of the World." Josh Groban's "Believe" overdoes the treacle, but Silvestri's rich choral workouts and underscore suite are grand Hollywood-scaled tributes to the spirit of the season. Also available in a deluxe, illustrated children's book format gift edition that includes an actual encased jingle bell embedded in the cover. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Promising to be this holiday season's family film blockbuster, the revolutionary computer-animated The Polar Express-based on a best-selling children's book, starring the voice of Tom Hanks and directed by Academy Award winner Robert Zemeckis-is a classic Christmas film with a modern look. The soundtrack album also mixes the classic with the contemporary, with immortal versions of the greatest Christmas songs ever penned, such as "White Christmas" from Bing Crosby and new recordings from Josh Groban "Believe", Aerosmith's Steven Tyler "Rockin' On Top Of The World" and others. This Christmas everyone will be getting on board The Polar Express.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Polar Express.......2007-05-24

A dream of a boy comes to life in the great book polar express. It is about a great journey to the North Pole to meat Santa Claus. He meats lots of friends and has many good and bad/ dangerous things happen to him.
The main character has brown hair and eyes also he is about 9 of 10. During the book you can tell he is very generous. also he get in to many bad situations like when we dosent belif in santa claus.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent! First Rate.......2007-04-11

We give it a strong 5 stars. Young and old alike will love this movie. Nothing in it is offensive, and it has a great message of hope.

5 out of 5 stars Polar Express is hot.......2007-04-11

I am 57 yet I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and as a result bought the soundtrack. It plays in my Subaru's CD and has songs that remind me of childhood, songs that are fun, and others that make me want to move to the beat. It takes you through the movie and I find myself recalling little scenes from the movie. It was an outstanding performance by Tom Hanks and he puts just the right amount of train conductor and wise sage in the cuts he does on this soundtrack. I am glad I bought it.

5 out of 5 stars Polar Express music CD.......2007-02-06

Quick to receive. Only slight thing I noticed was a crack in the cover but the CD itself was in perfect condition.

5 out of 5 stars PERFECT!.......2007-02-02

This is the BEST Heart-felt Christmas Story I have seen in years. I have 2 copies of this and still had to watch it everytime it was on TV. AWESOME!!!!!
Winter Carols
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Love it!
  • Blackmore the Raider
  • This is a Great Album!
  • Just good music.
  • Ritchie Blackmore Never Fails To Make Amazing Music...
 Winter Carols
Blackmore's Night
Manufacturer: Locomotive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Village Lanterne
  2. Blackmore's Night -- Castles & Dreams
  3. Ghost of a Rose
  4. Beyond the Sunset: The Romantic Collection
  5. Fires at Midnight

ASIN: B000JBXOHG
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Hark The Herald Angels Sing / Come All Ye Faithful
  2. I Saw Three Ships
  3. Winter (Basse Dance)
  4. Ding Dong Merrily On High
  5. Ma-O-Tzur
  6. Good King Wenceslas
  7. Lord Of The Dance / Simple Gifts
  8. We Three Kings
  9. Wish You Were Here
  10. Emmanuel
  11. Christmas Eve
  12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Album Description

"Winter Carols" features familiar favorites, new songs including "Christmas Eve" and even their unique interpretation of The Rednex "Wish You Were Here". Each track is a magical, velvety blend of lush orchestral arrangements, organic Renaissance instruments, guitar mastery and ethereal vocals. Listening to "Winter Carols" is like sitting next to a roaring fire with a glass of cherry brandy as the crystalline snow blankets the earth outside. Let Blackmore's Night be a part of your holiday fantasy!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Love it!.......2007-04-08

I'm a huge fan of Christmas music, and this CD is one of my favorites.

2 out of 5 stars Blackmore the Raider.......2007-03-01

This is quite a nice little holiday album, I must say. It would have gotten a five star review, though, if it had the splendid sounds of an electric guitar demolition as a coda to the whole thing.

4 out of 5 stars This is a Great Album!.......2007-02-15

This album was as wonderful as I had expected. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because there were 2 things that annoyed me on the album.
1. The word Christ was never uttered in any of the songs. They changed all the traditional lyrics that mentioned "Christ" and replaced them with vague references. If they don't want to mention "Christ", perhaps they should go with less religious Christmas carols like "Deck the Halls" or "Here We Go Caroling".
2. I am not the biggest fan of "Wish You Were Here". I was disappointed to see they had included it on this album since it has nothing to do with Christmas. I would have loved to see them include "Greensleeves" instead. That way the song would have fit on the album AND they wouldn't have to mention Christ! :)
Overall, I do highly recommened the album to all, not just Blackmore's Night fans.

5 out of 5 stars Just good music........2007-02-04

Although I am a big Blackmore's Night fan, you don't have to be a BN fan to love this cd. I have played this cd when my in-laws were around at Xmas and Thanksgiving. They made comments on how beautiful the music was and would sing along to the songs they knew.

Candice's voice is simply beautiful and blends in so well with the musical arrangements played by the band. I cannot say enough about how great this music is. I only hope that they will come out with another Xmas album in the near future. This is by far my favorite holiday album ever.

5 out of 5 stars Ritchie Blackmore Never Fails To Make Amazing Music..........2007-01-29

Thanks to Amazon.com, I was able to find the new holiday album, WINTER CAROLS, by one of my favourite artists and one of my favourite bands...Blackmore's Night.

I looked everywhere for it, from my local record store to places like Barnes & Noble and Borders...both usually having Blackmore's Night albums in stock.

I have all of their CD's, and WINTER CAROLS is just another quality album among their masterworks. I was so pleased with their last original album, VILLAGE LANTERNE, that I knew this was going to be a sure thing.

All of the songs are beautiful, with that Renaissance sound that Mr. Blackmore has perfected. With such classics as "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "Good King Wenceslas," and "We Three Kings," it makes the holidays much brighter and jollier. My favourite track is the majestic "Emmanuel." And of course, there are a few originals, most notably the wonderful "Christmas Eve."

If you have the Blackmore's Night collection, you HAVE to have this one...
America's Choir
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfect starter CD!
 America's Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Peace Like a River
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  4. Sing, Choirs of Angels!
  5. Songs from America's Heartland

ASIN: B0002CX1LQ
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

  1. Fanfare Alleluia/Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
  2. Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
  3. This Is My Father's World
  4. Hallelujah Corus
  5. Fugue In C Major
  6. Come, Come, Ye Saints
  7. O Home Beloved
  8. Come Let Us Anew
  9. Bound For The Promised Land
  10. Shenandoah
  11. Cindy
  12. Danny Boy
  13. Climb Ev'ry Mountain
  14. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
  15. Praise TO The Lord, The Almighty (Reprise)
  16. God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Perfect starter CD!.......2005-02-12

I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this CD yet. Released in conjuction with the Nationally-released PBS documentary "America's Choir" - this album is a perfect starting place for people who wish to have a sampler of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Serving as both a latter-day "greatest hits" and a stand alone album, this CD gathers six tracks from the Choir's recently released albums "Consider The Lilies," "Spirit Of America" and "Peace Like A River" and adds TEN brand new tracks recorded specially for this project, creating a perfect sampler of both the Choir's magnificent history and it's current sound. It highlights the strengths of the Choir's repetoire, from well-known hymns ("Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing") to patriotic standards ("Battle Hymn Of The Republic") to folk songs ("Shenandoah," "Bound For The Promised Land") and even some surprises, like the traditional Welsh anthem "O Home Beloved" and the "Fugue In C Major (Jig)" for organ and orchestra. A wonderful, wonderful CD, with startling changes in mood and tempo, but with the unifying artistry of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Sqare.
Winter's Knight
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Completely satisfied
  • Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!
  • Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!
  • Music to be enchanted by
  • Very Good, Different
 Winter's Knight
Nox Arcana
Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Transylvania
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ASIN: B000ALIUR4
Release Date: 2005-07-25

Tracks:

  1. Vigil
  2. Ghosts of Christmas Past
  3. Ebonshire
  4. Solitude
  5. Crystal Forest
  6. First Snow
  7. Evening Star
  8. Reflections of Long Ago
  9. December Winds
  10. Phantom Toccata
  11. Hallowed Ruins
  12. Gregorian Hymn
  13. Spirit of the Season
  14. Coventry Carol
  15. Lullaby
  16. Winters Knight
  17. Past Time with Good Company
  18. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  19. Veni, Veni, Emannuel
  20. Redemption
  21. Carol of the Bells

Product Description

Nox Arcana weaves a musical ghost story with this haunting collection of original melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and Gothic renditions of traditional carols. Winter's Knight contains 21 tracks and over 60 minutes of darkly enchanting music to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Completely satisfied.......2007-04-01

I am very satisfied with this product and recommend it to anyone who likes instrumental and haunting melodies.

5 out of 5 stars Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!.......2007-01-26

If you are in a holiday mood, but are heartily fed up with Irish (or even worse: Mariah Carey!) Christmas songs, then you might want to consider this album. It is not a soundeffect album, nor is it program music. A final touch is that it is not cheaply produced, as some more traditional holiday albums.
The music conveys a feeling of cold, dark, and immensly lonely winter. The Christmas is there, but there are undertows of older and more sinister rituals, and whispers call the more unwary listeners to join in...
This album could be a very good way to spice up the celebrations.

5 out of 5 stars Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!.......2007-01-03

Nox Arcana's versatility has made them a tough act to follow. Whether it be a musical journey into the foreboding land of vampires (Transylvania) or a sinister carnival with a bloody history (Carnival of Lost Souls) or any of their other forays into gothic imaginings, Nox Arcana has taken each concept and breathed impressive, symphonic life into it. Their CDs truly are mini symphonies, with astounding musicianship and intricate orchestrations.

In Winter's Knight, Nox Arcana presents a moody, elegant collection of holiday-themed songs that captures the more mystical, meditative side of Christmas. The CD's strong medieval/classical flavor is refreshing, particularly since most Christmas music nowadays seems dominated by more modern songs. Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski offer great new arrangements of classic pieces like "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" as well as many of their own moving compositions, such as the memorably haunting "Crystal Forest" and the chilling piano-dominated "Evening Star." Guest vocalist Michelle Belanger also contributes a lovely interpretation of the holiday standard "Past Time With Good Company" and Jeff Endemann's vocal work on "Coventry Carol" is likewise a highlight.

While most Christmas music is, unfortunately, either infantile and annoying or overdone, Winter's Knight provides a refreshing change of piece full of musical elegance and mystical beauty.

5 out of 5 stars Music to be enchanted by.......2006-12-25

As mesmerizing as falling snow, this poetic and magickal soundscape creates a wonderland of lavish treats befitting the Holiday Season. Haunting and sophisticated, there's a certain luster to these songs that reflects the gothically romantic luxury only Nox Arcana can deliver. The addition of neo-bard, Jeff Endemann's spellbinding voice on "Coventry Carol" delivers an extra gift of warmth for those chilly Yuletide evenings. The original score by Vargo and Piotrowski interspersed with classic carols and a booklet of eye-candy artwork by Joseph Vargo makes this a perfect fit for any Holiday Collection, so fill your wassail cup, pull up some moonlight and breathe in the wonder of Winter Knights.

3 out of 5 stars Very Good, Different.......2006-11-04

The idea behind this CD and the music itself are a breath of fresh air in the stagnant holiday music scene. Dark and evocative, it pushes aside the sugarplums and saccharine we're all used to. However, the production leaves quite a bit to be desired. It's all done with computers - the choral parts are lacking in fullness, I can't always tell what the stringed "instruments" are supposed to be, and rather than cadences that would give finality to the piece, the tracks often come to a sudden stop. 3 1/2 stars.
Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A most incredible, beautiful, and moving recording
  • An old friend
  • Can't go wrong with Hodie
  • Some of the loveliest Christmas music ever written
  • A classic recording of a classic
 Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Britten: A Ceremony of Carols
  2. Vaughan Williams - Serenade to Music · Five Mystical Songs · Fantasia on Christmas Carols · Flos Campi / Sixtieen Soloists · Thomas Allen · Nobuko Imai · Corydon Singers · ECO · Matthew Best
  3. Respighi: Laud to the Nativity; Monteverdi: Magnificat
  4. Vaughan Williams: An Oxford Elegy/ Flos Campi/ Sancta Civitas/ etc.
  5. The John Rutter Christmas Album

ASIN: B00004YU84
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Fant On Christmas Carols: This Is The Truth Sent From Above- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  2. Fant On Christmas Carols: Come All You Worthy Gentlemen- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  3. Fant On Christmas Carols: On Christmas Night All Christians Sing- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  4. Fant On Christmas Carols: God Bless The Ruler Of This House - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  5. Hodie: I. Prologue: Nowell! Nowell!
  6. Hodie: II. Narration: Now The Birth Of Jesus Christ-
  7. Hodie: III. Song: It Was The Winter Wild
  8. Hodie: IV. Narration: And It Came To Pass In Those Days
  9. Hodie: V. Choral: The Blessed Son Of God
  10. Hodie: VI. Narration: And There Were In The Same Country
  11. Hodie: VII. Song: The Oxen (Christmas Eve, And Twelve Of The Clock)
  12. Hodie: VIII. Narration: And The Shepherds Returned
  13. Hodie: IX. Pastoral: The Shepherds Sing
  14. Hodie: X. Narration: But Mary Kept All These Things
  15. Hodie: XI. Lullaby: Sweet Was The Song The Virgin Sang
  16. Hodie: XII. Hymn: Bright Portals Of The Sky
  17. Hodie: XIII. Narration: Now When Jesus Was Born
  18. Hodie: XIV. The March Of The Three Kings: From Kingdoms Of Wisdom-
  19. Hodie: XV. Choral: No Sad Thought His Soul Affright
  20. Hodie: XVI. Epilogue: In The Beginning Was The Word

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A most incredible, beautiful, and moving recording.......2005-04-12

I first became aware of Hodie when I performed the work in high school. While it is true that Vaughn-Williams does use a variety of styles, this is much more than a compendium of musical approaches. Each style is well chosen to provide an appropriate context for the words in a way matched by few composers - intimate in "The Oxen", hushed and reverential in "No sad thought his soul affright", and imposing and even majesterial in "The March of the Three Kings". I can't imagine how anyone could listen to the Epilogue (especially as performed here) with it's quoting of the beginning of St. John's gospel without being utterly undone.

Because of the beauty of the work and the quality of the performance, it quickly became one of my most beloved recordings, defining for me how this work should be performed just as Karl Richter's Mass in b Minor and Colin Davis's Mozart Requiem have. The singers all have incredibly beautiful voices and each use their voice very sensitively. Just listen to John Shirley-Quirk's simple yet eloquent singing in "The Oxen", describing the animals in the manger on their knees at cradle of God incarnate or Janet Baker's "Lullaby" with a beauty that can bring tears to your eyes. Richard Lewis likewise provides a good range from the heroic to the sensitive - one of the best performances of his I have heard. The choral work is likewise fantastic. I have been searching for this work on CD for years to replace my well-loved but somewhat worn-out LP copy and am delighted that it is finally available again.

More so than Messiah, this work has come to define Christmas for me. If you love choral music, Vaughan-Williams's work, works that can put you in touch with the Divine, or you just appreciate beautiful singing, I would STRONGLY urge you to purchase this recording while it is still available.

5 out of 5 stars An old friend.......2004-02-09

It is always a wonderful thing to find a beloved recording transfered to CD. My old LP is still on my shelves and has been there since 1973, though the recording dates from 1965. It is a fine performance of an unjustly neglected Christmas work.

Vaughan Williams was 81 when he wrote this. It is a portmanteau piece, a form pioneered by Britten, with narrations alternating with chorals, hyms and songs enclosed within a prologue and epilogue. The words set range from the biblical to Thomas Hardy. The narrations, sung by a boys' choir accompanied by a chamber organ, tell the story of the Nativity, and are often followed by a short tenor solo with full orchestral accompaniment. These brief, melismatic sections are of extraordinary emotional power. They still make me go all funny after 30 years. Set in this regular framework go the assorted numbers which vary in character from a gentle lullaby to the glittering March of the Three Kings (the words of which were written by the composer's wife). The work has been criticised for the disparate styles of the settings - some songs like early RVW, others set to the glassy, late orchestral style of Sinfonia Antartica. To me it adds variety as well as demonstrating the sheer breadth of his music. This is a gorgeous piece to play on Christmas day and it will refresh your spirit no end.

The performance is first rate, with a trio of distinguished soloists. The recording is remarkably good for its age.

The Fantasia on Christmas Carols is a much earlier work and its title is self- explanatory. It is a very attractive work which is given a perfectly acceptable performance here. A mystery is the name of the band : "String Orchestra", which sounds alarmingly generic. Guildford, a town to the west of London, does have a semi-professional orchestra so maybe the players are from this.

The insert notes are by Michael Kennedy, who was a close friend of the composer and is the leading authority on his music. Full texts are included for Hodie.

5 out of 5 stars Can't go wrong with Hodie.......2003-01-02

The other reviewers have it right in giving this disc five stars, at least for Hodie. First the bad news: the Fantasia is given here in a slightly bloodless version for baritone, chorus, strings, and organ, which can't quite match the original.

Now the good news: the performance of Hodie on offer here is amazing. As good as Hickox is in his later EMI recording, he and his team of soloists are clearly outmatched. We have captured here early recordings of both Dame Janet Baker and John Shirley-Quirk, two of the great British singers of modern times, each in gorgeous voice and both deeply committed to the work. If you need much convincing of this, try "It was the winter wild" or "The Shepherds sing"; you won't be disappointed. Of course, we shouldn't leave Richard Lewis out, even though he has a somewhat smaller role in the proceedings than the other two. In exchange, he has the challenging hymn "Bright portals of the sky," which he delivers with seeming ease. Their trio in the "March of the Three Kings" is the crowning moment of the work, until topped a few minutes later by the bank-holiday fervor of the finale.

The choral and orchestral work is on pace with that of the soloists: I would say that one can hear more orchestral and choral detail on this disc remastered from the mid-1960's than is available on the Hickox recording!

So, in short, this disc is a must-have for Hodie; if you want the "Fantasia" too, go for Matthew Best's recording with Thomas Allen, the Corydon Singers, and the English Chamber Orchestra on Hyperion.

5 out of 5 stars Some of the loveliest Christmas music ever written.......2002-12-25

I have played this recording every Christmas for the past 28 years at least, first in the original LP from Angel, and then the first CD release, which for a while was out of print. I am so happy to see that it is again available.

If you do not know the Vaughan Williams Hodie, you are missing some of the loveliest Christmas music ever composed. A brilliant mosaic of musical styles serving to set poetry of the most diverse sources,the various parts are all bound together by the Gospel narration of the Nativity story sung by boy's choir. The result, far from being a hodge-podge, is instead deeply felt, organic, and filled with that pastoral, mystical and intensely affecting quality of the best of RVW's work. The soloists are terrific, especially the young Janet Baker at her most radiant. The sound is still quite fresh and beautifully recorded.

I cannot imagine Christmas Eve without this heavenly music!

5 out of 5 stars A classic recording of a classic.......2002-01-09

I first heard Hodie on the initial vinyl release of this performance over 30 years ago. It's one of the finest choral works of the 20th century, and a rare instance where the nobility of the music matches the nobility of texts--and what texts! Milton, the Bible, Thomas Hardy, George Herbert--some of the finest religious poetry in English. The performance is, quite simply, perfection. Willcocks owns every note of the score, and the soloists are perfectly matched.

I could go on for pages, but it would be superfluous. Just buy it. At this price, it's a steal.
Classical Kids Christmas
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not what I expected
  • Whole Family Favorite for Years
  • My favorite Christmas CD
  • Incredible Experience
  • "Classical Kids Christmas" -- Outstanding!
 Classical Kids Christmas

Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Song of the Unicorn
  2. Classical Kids: Hallelujah Handel!
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  4. Tchaikovsky Discovers America
  5. Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'

ASIN: B00005NHOX
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

  1. I. The Advent Of Christmas: Christmas On Main Street - The Pageant Begins
  2. Medley: I. The Advent Of Christmas: O Come Little Children/O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  3. Medley: I. The Advent Of Christmas: Huron Carol/O Come All Ye Faithful
  4. Medley: II. The Kings: Personent Hodie/Kings Came Riding
  5. Medley: II. The Kings: This Great Day/We Three Kings/The Wise Men Ask the Children the Way
  6. Medley: III. Gifts For the Baby: Winter, II/We Are the Poor Children
  7. Medley: III. Gifts For the Baby: What Shall We Bring?/How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
  8. IV. Saint Nicholas: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
  9. Medley: V. Christmas Around The World: O Tannenbaum/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Swedish Dance
  10. VI. Christmas Is I'cumin: Christmas Is I'cumin
  11. VII. Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve Is Here
  12. Medley: VII. Christmas Eve: Joseph, Dearest/Brahm's Lullaby/Christmas Carol
  13. Medley: VII. Christmas Eve: Silent Night/The Story Of Silent Night
  14. VII. Christmas Eve: O Holy Night
  15. Medley: VII. Christmas Eve: Nutcracker Suite Overture/T'was The Night Before Christmas
  16. Medley: VIII. The Shepherds: Messiah, Pifa/The Oxen
  17. Medley: VIII. The Shepherds: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks/O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  18. Medley: VIII. The Shepherds: What Is This Perfume?/Christmas Carol
  19. Medley: IX. Christmas Day: Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark The Herald Angels Sing
  20. IX. Christmas Day: Polish Lullaby
  21. IX. Christmas Day: Go Tell It On The Mountain
  22. Medley: X. The Animals At The Manger: Sussex Carol/The Barn
  23. Medley: X. The Animals At The Manger: Away In A Manger/Two Medieval Myths
  24. Medley: X. The Animals At The Manger: What Child Is This?/What The Mice Saw/What The Donkey/From The East The Donkey Came
  25. X. The Animals At The Manger: The Friendly Beasts
  26. XI. Christmas Of Old: Good King Wenceslas
  27. XI. Christmas Of Old: Here We Come Awassailing
  28. Medley: XII. Epiphany: D'ou Viens Tu, Bergere/Joy To The World/Away In A Manger/Angels We Have Heard On High
  29. Medley: XII. Epiphany: In The Bleak Midwinter/The Pageant Ends

Amazon.com

This soaring collection of carols and poems is a splendid way for adults to share with children some of the classic tales of Christmas. Mostly narrated by children and sung by the High Park Choirs of Toronto, along with several soloists, these pieces celebrate the birth of Jesus through the stories of the three wise men, the shepherds, the animals at the manger, and through songs of Christmas from around the world. As we hear St. Nicholas say, "Christmas is about giving not getting," this attractively packaged CD contains favorites, including "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "O Holy Night," "Handel's Messiah," and "Away in a Manger." A simple voice and guitar rendition of "Silent Night" is a gift in itself. --Martha Johnson

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not what I expected.......2007-01-09

I like this CD just fine but it was not what I expected or really what I wanted. I was looking for an all instrumental Christmas CD for my Autistic son. He does not particularly like the Christmas narration or the singing. I will make sure to read the description more closely next time.

5 out of 5 stars Whole Family Favorite for Years.......2006-10-16

A CLASSICAL KIDS CHRISTMAS is a Symphony of Stories for all ages. This truly beautiful interweaving of traditional yuletide songs with stories and legends from around the world which illustrate each song is a CD that will become your family favorite for December for many years. The music, performed by some of the best artists in the world, is magnificent, and each voice chosen to tell one of the stories and legends is perfect for the spirit of that story. The CD is a magnificent treasure. Be sure to order many for your friends and family.

5 out of 5 stars My favorite Christmas CD.......2005-11-04

This is, by far, my favorite Christmas CD. In fact, I listen to it all year round.The music is so wonderful, you really have to experience it for yourself. This would make a wonderful gift for any child or adult, especially for a sick or hospitalized patient. At $14 is not cheap, but it's so worth it...

5 out of 5 stars Incredible Experience.......2001-12-24

Classical Kids' Christmas is one of the most reverent experiences it has ever been my pleasure to hear.It is not just for kids, but for everyone who cherishes the essentially intimate, family-oriented and community-based nature of the Christmas celebration. Noble in concept, deceptively artless and understated in its expert execution, it recaptures the magic and wonder of those earliest Christmases we all recall when we compare what we did then with what we do these days. Classical Kids Christmas should become a part of every child's fondly remembered Christmas traditions.

5 out of 5 stars "Classical Kids Christmas" -- Outstanding!.......2001-10-29

Classical Kids, has for a number of years now, provided some of the finest productions in introducing children of all ages--from four to 90--to classical music. I've been broadcasting all of Classical Kids' released on the radio for some time, and always to great enthusiasm from families, judging from phone calls and letters I receive asking for more.

With Classical Kids' previous release, "Song of the Unicorn," it was hard to imagine what creator/writer Susan Hammond might come up with next in her forays of digging into the lives of composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky and making the stories come alive to young listeners. It is, after all, the younger folk of today who will guide the future of great music. It's up to us to see that they get the best.

All of this is said in praise of the latest release from Classical Kids, "A Classical Kids Christmas," an ingenious idea from Susan Hammond, and one that seems to emerge to the world at a time when we truly need the beauty, charm, and inspiration that is contained in the disc's 47 minutes. The Christmas story is told over a background of wonderfully performed traditional carols and music featuring soloists, choirs, and instrumentalists of the highest caliber. One will occasionally find a piece that is not familiar--such as the Polish Lullaby, stunningly sung by Mary Bella, whose voice pours forth in a cathedral of grand magnificence. The High Park Choirs of Toronto, along with the instrumentalists, are in top form.

What amazes me about Susan Hammond's creativity, and what makes her work so magnetic, is the fact that she provides such a variety of music, from Medieval chants to music by Handel and Vivaldi to Tchaikovsky and Brahms, and many others. Hammond was responsible for most of the arrangements and adaptations contained on this disc, and credit is due to Errol Gay for some outstanding choral arranging. The disc is charged with energy that, at once, becomes infectious.

All one needs to do is to paint an image in the mind of an entire town pouring down Main Street, all feeling the joys of the Christmas season, taking in the festive decorations. It is great fun to discover the Medieval myths of how the robin got its red breast! But more, the choices of music, the effectiveness of the actors ... indeed, the entire way this is assembled makes it one of the finest discs of its kind that I have encountered.

Packaging and sound--with an added bonus of a Christmas tree ornament inside the jewel case--are first class. I noted that Manta Eastern Sound under Gary Gray was responsible for the recording, which is impeccably clean and clear.

If I have but one negative, it is the fact that I must wait until Christmastime each year to broadcast this recording. You can be sure it will be heard much more frequently than this by yours truly. As a classical music broadcast, however, this is precisely the kind of recording I would consider broadcasting.

"A Classical Kids Christmas" is highly recommended. It is a great stocking stuffer and will give to children the true meaning of Christmas interspersed with some of the greatest music they will hear.

This release is like a gift to Classical Kids' many fans, and for that, I thank them!

Lance G. Hill
Classical Program Director
Montrose Broadcasting Corporation
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

All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Similar Items:
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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.
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

All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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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.
Peace
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 1st purchase with Amazon
  • Relaxing and Enjoyable
  • Music lover
  • Brickman's best yet - Sending us all a little Christmas!
  • GRAMMY NOMINATED FOR GOOD REASON
 Peace
Jim Brickman
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
Solo InstrumentalSolo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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ASIN: B0000ABGD4
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

  1. We Three Kings
  2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
  4. Early Snowfall
  5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
  6. Away In A Manger
  7. Rejoice (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)
  8. O Holy Night
  9. Jingle Bells
  10. God Rest Ye Merry Christmas
  11. Sending You A Little Christmas
  12. Blessings
  13. Peace (Where The Heart Is)

Amazon.com

Peace, Jim Brickman's second collection of holiday-themed music, is largely a mirror image of his first (The Gift, released in 1997). Both feature a mix of solo piano works, augmented piano selections (involving oboe, strings, synthesizers, a pop-jazz ensemble, or some combination thereof) and glossy, radio-ready pop vocal productions. To some ears, the polished sheen of the vocal tracks (four are included) may infringe on the more contemplative mood of Brickman's instrumental tracks, the way a city's after-dark glow can seep into your view of a deep night sky's canopy of stars. Still, as with The Gift, Peace is an attractive mood-setter for the season. Brickman's best arrangements will resonate with a listener's introspective sensibilities. "Jingle Bells," "Away in a Manger," and "We Three Kings," for instance, all receive slow-building, reflective treatments that might prod you into pondering deeper meanings. A pair of nonholiday originals, "Early Snowfall" and "Blessings," achieve the same heart-nudging effect. As for the vocals, The Blind Boys of Alabama reinforce the finger-snapping, muted-trumpet, `40s-swing vibe of "Let It Snow;" Kristy Starling takes a sweetly romantic turn on "Sending You a Little Christmas;" and country's Collin Raye (also featured on The Gift) earnestly conveys the clear-eyed optimism of the title track. --Terry Wood

Album Description

2003 Christmas album featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs, with guests such as The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Anne Cochran, Kristy Starling & Collin Raye. Includes the bonus track 'Peace (Where The Heart Is)'. BMG.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 1st purchase with Amazon.......2007-01-31

Decided to "surf" for CD that I wanted to purchase. Went to Amazon for the first time since I was told by friends that it was an easy site to use. WOW! Were they ever right!!! Finding what I wanted & purchasing it were easy & quite refreshing after having stood in many a line at Xmas for other purchases. I will certainly be using your site in the future!

5 out of 5 stars Relaxing and Enjoyable.......2007-01-09

Wonderful music. Simple joy just listening to it. This man knows how to play piano. Loved it.

5 out of 5 stars Music lover.......2005-12-08

This is an all-time great Christmas album! It is almost perfect. The best song is "Rejoice" - probably the most ethereal, beautiful 4 minutes of music you can find! Jim Brickman has a real knack for making classic songs sound new and fresh but without going over the top. Perfection!!

5 out of 5 stars Brickman's best yet - Sending us all a little Christmas!.......2004-03-14

Jim Brickman's second holiday CD, not just an incredible work worthy of a Grammy nomination, will also carry with it his patriotic efforts, as fans remember his farewell shows for the USO and CD distribution to the departing troops. Kristy Starling, who sings "Sending You a Little Christmas" and Jeff Timmons (of 98 Degrees) joined Jim for several farewell shows for deploying troops during the holidays. The USO named that song as its theme, CDs were distributed to the troops, and many soldiers and their families seemed pleased with the sendoff.

Jim's beautiful renditions of traditional favorites like "We Three Kings", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", "Away In a Manger", "O Holy Night", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Rejoice" lend such beauty to the season. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" with Tracy Scott Silverman's electric violin and Anne Cochrane's lovely voice ... if you've ever seen them perform this live in concert, well, it's a very special treat."

The title track, "Peace ... Where the Heart Is" is superbly performed by Colin Raye, who vocalized on "The Gift" with Susan Ashton on Jim's previous holiday CD. The Blind Boys of Alabama do a nice job of "Let It Snow"

Having seen Jim's live performances (and some are available on DVD: My Romance, and Love Songs and Lullabies), the CD is a wonderful way to close your eyes and re-live that show.

"Early Snowfall" was a favorite of mine ... original and accoustically descriptive, as Jim's native Ohio background sparks his creativity. "Blessings" was exactly my feeling about this collection ... each song was a blessing to enjoy from "America's Newest Romantic Piano Sensation"

5 out of 5 stars GRAMMY NOMINATED FOR GOOD REASON.......2003-12-30

I saw Jim on TODAY show and had to explore his music. Peace is an amazing piece of work and deserves the Grammy. I can't wait to hear the rest of his albums. You listen to his work and you feel like you've known him for years. Such a personal gift this album is!
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
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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 Track:

  1. Chants de Mendiants En Italie
  2. Chopin: 24 Preludes; Barcarolle; Piano Sonata No. 2
  3. Claudio Monteverdi: L'incoronazione Di Poppea [Box set]
  4. Corsica: Chants Polyphoniques
  5. Cosě fan tutte
  6. Davies:Into the Labyrinth/Sinfonietta Accademica
  7. Dvorák: Violin Concerto/Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1
  8. Early Russian Plain Chant
  9. Egon Petri Volume II
  10. Elgar: World of Elgar [Import]

Music Track

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