Home for Christmas

Joy To The World
Ave Maria
The Wexford Carol
Suo Gan
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Medley: Good King Wenceslas, Angels We Have Heard on High, Ding Dong Merrily On High
While Shepards Watch Their Flocks
Away In A Manger
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Ave Maria (Gounod)
What Child Is This?
O Holy Night
The Holy City
The First Noel
Silent Night
Amazing Grace

Product Description

1. Joy To The World2. Ave Maria3. The Wexford Carol4. Suo Gan5. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)6. Sweet Little Jesus Boy7. Medley: (a) Good King Wenceslas (b) Angels We Have Heard On High (c) Ding Dong Merrily On High8. While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks9. Away In A Manger10. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear11. Ave Maria (Gounod)12. What Child Is This?13. O Holy Night14. The Holy City15. The First Noel16. Silent Night17. Amazing Grace

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Irish Tenors are an acquired taste that, it seems, nearly everyone has acquired. On Home for Christmas, John McDermott, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan create a stirring seasonal follow-up to their extremely popular self-titled debut of Irish standards. On this disc, we get some of the best-loved holiday songs performed by the tenors in their trademark, Emerald Isle vocal style. Though the disc boasts a 78-piece orchestra, don't expect big-band arrangements on these tunes; if anything, these are intimate performances, with the tenors front-and-center. Each vocalist gets his own solo turns, but there are plenty of tunes featuring all three: "Joy to the World," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Holy Night," The Holy City," "Silent Night," and "Amazing Grace." If you still haven't had your fill of holiday music, check out McDermott's solo Christmas album from 1998, on which the vocalist performs an eclectic mix of standards and lesser-known holiday gems. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Christmas Music.......2005-10-26

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

BREATH - TAKING !!!.......2001-03-07

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

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

Home for Christmas--A Masterpiece.......2000-05-28

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

Live From Belfast.......2000-04-15

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

Breathtaking.......2000-03-19

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

Average customer rating:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself
wonderful
Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!
Wonderful and funny compilation
A historical meeting...

The Three Tenors Christmas
Pavarotti , Domingo , and Carreras
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of the Three Tenors
Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta
The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994
O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca)
#1 Christmas Album

ASIN: B00004YB9Y
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
Adeste Fideles
Ave Maria, Dolce Maria
Wiegenlied
Oh Tannenbaum
Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
Amazing Grace
White Christmas
Dormi O Bambino
Silent Night
Pregarla (El Can de L'Anima a La Verge)
Susani
Happy Christmas/War is Over
Wiegenlied
Carol of the Drum (The Little Drummer Boy)
La Virgen Lava Paqales
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Winter Wonderland
Un Nuevo Siglo
Feliz Navidad

Amazon.com

Resplendent in voice and manner, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti deliver 21 songs of traditional sacred music and secular numbers in a remarkable 1999 live recording from the opulent Viennese concert hall (Konzerthaus), with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and a renowned choir. The Three Tenors are practically as famous as the faces of Mount Rushmore and inspire perhaps even more awe and adulation around the world than the four presidents. The performances--whether alone, in tandem, or simply as the threesome that has made them collectively famous--are generally impeccable for their passion, nuance, and sheer tour de force vocal artistry. Reaching often into the classical realm for such works as the traditional German carol "Susani," Strauss's and Brahms's "Wiegenlied," plus traditional Polish and Spanish pieces, the trio also visits Pavarotti's "Ave Maria, dolce Maria" (cowritten with Vittoriano Benvenuti), and "Un nuevo siglo," written by Domingo's son. Only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas/War Is Over" doesn't quite work in this grand setting. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself.......2007-01-16

Album is great. For any other holiday music, just listen to your local radio station that plays it during December.

wonderful.......2007-01-15

they are wonderful singers a delight to the ears and doing Christmas music made Christ mas even better

Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!.......2005-08-23

First, let me state I don't listen to opera singers that much; thus, don't expect a hypercritical review here. (Really, is there ANY field of music that has more hypercritics than opera?) I got this CD simply because Columbia House had it on sale for $2.99, and I wanted some new Christmas CDs.

I found the CD delightful beyond words. It has some beautiful versions of well-known Christmas songs, as well as songs I've never heard before. "Carol of the Drum" and "War Is Over" are my two favorites, with "Sleigh Ride" a close third.

Sure, there is some tripping over of words by these three great opera stars...but that makes it even more enhancing in my opinion. Pavarotti was particularly amusing when he was singing: "And all our friends are calling 'HOO-HOO'!" (Watch the DVD for Carreras' reaction to that one!) And let's not forget Pavarotti singing: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can PLAY on me."

The children's chorus is great, the Vienna Symphony is great...and, once again, buy or rent the DVD so you can get the full affect of this astounding Christmas concert...the music, the lights, the colors, and the marvelous Steven Mercurio conducting it all.

Wonderful and funny compilation.......2005-03-09

The Three Tenors are, of course, wonderful to listen to. This is also a funny CD. When they sing the more modern songs (Happy Christmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, for example) they have trouble keeping up with the pace of the song. They almost sound like they're tripping over the syllables, because as opera singers they are more accustomed to long, drawn out vowels, not fast ones. This doesn't hurt the song at all, it makes it more interesting to listen to. It's a great CD. I would recommend this as an addition to any collection of Christmas music.

A historical meeting..........2004-11-28

Although several labels already had Christmas albums of the three tenors in their catalogue, the three maestros never actually trioed on these releases. When Plácido Domingo and the "Christmas in Vienna" team started preparing the eighth concert in the series (six predecessors were captured by Sony, and one, titled "Celebration of Christmas" issued by Erato-Warner), they made a monumental decision: Re-uniting three of the greatest voices of the current music business.
For one and a half hour, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti performed the greatest Christmas songs and carols from around the world. Nearly 65 minutes of this monumental concert are captured on this disk. The opening version of "O Holy Night" (aka "Cantique De Noel", "Minuit, Chrétien") by Domingo and Pavarotti would be reason enough to get this one. But wait, there is far more on the way, than selections from the classical genre. The real enjoyment starts, when the three tenors do one of the most romantic arrangements of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" ever heard and fade from a rousing "La Virgen Lava Pa`nales" into one of the finest treatments of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ever heard. Also of great interest is the trio arrangement of "Let It Snow!", which is included on some of the import versions and on the DVD.
If you are a hopeless completist like me, you may be asking, what happened to the 25 minutes cut from the CD release. Well, first let me say, that none of the currently available releases has the order of the songs as they were performed in the concert. Although this is a live recording, handclaps and other characteristics of a live recording are hardly audible on the CD version. Two tracks, "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow", which had clearly audible handclaps at the beginning and at the end of the performance (and therefore couldn't be faded out) can be found on the mentioned import disk and on the DVD's PCM soundtrack. "Children of Christmas" (a Plácido Domingo Jr. composition originally introduced in "Christmas In Vienna IV" by Plácido Domingo and Michael Bolton) and "Ay" Para Navidad" can be found exclusively on the DVD. Currently unavailable on any official release is the "Overture" (which can be found on the DVD, but abridged with sound effects). So here's the actual running order: "Overture", 20, 2, 1, 11, 3, 4, "Children of Christmas", 16, 17, 6, 15, 8, "Let it snow", 5, "Ay! Para Navidad", 9, 19, 14, 18, 12, 13, "Jingle Bells", 7, 21, 10;
If you still doubt about the quality of this performance, let me say one for sure: As other volumes in the series will slowly disappear (as some of them have already in the US), this one is a matter of decades and when you buy this one, you will have joyful Christmas hours for many, many Christmases to come.

Average customer rating:

Only half the songs of the original set!!
Its all Christmas
A Good Basic Collection
cd reviews
Poor Quality

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas

Manufacturer: Time Life Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories
Ultimate Christmas
A Christmas Festival
Now That's What I Call Christmas!
Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection

ASIN: B00005NOZH
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Jingle Bells - Ella Fitzgerald
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Andy Williams
Carol Of The Bells/Deck The Halls - The Robert Shaw Chorale
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
My Favorite Things - Eddie Fisher
Joy To The World - Julie Andrews
Here We Come A-Caroling - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
March Of The Toys - The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - The Boston Pops Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Sleigh Ride - Johnny Mathis
Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis
The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

Although I love the CDs, I was disappointed that there were only about half of the songs I thought there would be. I bought the original double cassette set back in the early 90's and when I found the CDs with the same name and cover, I thought I was getting the same thing only on CD. But the Cassettes had twice as many songs, including Let it Snow,Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas,The First Noel, Jingle Bells by Jim Reeves, The Christmas song by the Carpenters and so many others!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

It reminded me of Christmas as a child. I played this all throughout the holidays.

A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music. As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.

My only complaints are that there are only 24 songs on two disks and one or two of them are not ones that I would have picked (not my style).

Overall, it's a good set that I would recommend to anyone who wants to start a collection.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.

Average customer rating:

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

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Similar Items:

Home for Christmas
Sacred
The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
Heritage
Ellis Island

ASIN: B0000D9PST
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

We Three Kings
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Fairytale Of New York
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Mille Cherubini In Coro
O Holy Night
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
Winter Wonderland Medley
Mary's Boy Child
Panis Angelicus
Pie Jesu
How Great Thou Art
The Lord's Prayer
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
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:

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Average customer rating:

I don't own this CD.
I love this alblum
Not Just Another Boy Band
as much of an nysync fan as i am...
WOW.

Home for Christmas
*NSYNC
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Winter Album
No Strings Attached
Celebrity
N Sync
Merry Christmas

ASIN: B00000DALT
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Home For Christmas
Under My Tree
I Never Knew The Meaning Of Christmas
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
I Guess It's Christmas Time
All I Want Is You This Christmas
The First Noel
In Love On Christmas
It's Christmas
O Holy Night (A Cappella)
Love's In Our Hearts On Christmas Day
The Only Gift
Kiss Me At Midnight

Amazon.com

Home is the last place these pop-aholics will be at Christmas: 'N Sync were on such a tight touring schedule in 1998, it's a wonder they even had time to record this disc in time for the holidays. The standard carols--"The First Noël," and "The Christmas Song"--aren't nearly as much fun as the original tracks here, but the a cappella version of "O Holy Night" is by far the masterpiece, and proof that the boys are more than just hyper-pretty faces. In fact, their superbly blended harmonies save what could have been ill-fated attempts to put a '90s R&B spin on songs like "In Love on Christmas" and the title track. "The Only Gift" and "Under My Tree" are addictive despite being overly cute, and you'll have a hard time getting "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" out of your head. Keep in mind that Christmas CDs belong in the background, let go of your anti-pop prejudices for just one day, and you'll be bopping along with the boys in no time. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

I don't own this CD........2006-12-31

I bought this through Amazon for my older daughter when it first came out. She tired of it after a year. Currently, it is one of the dog's frisbee's.

I love this alblum.......2006-12-22

Everytime when I'm working at Sears, they always put on the songs in this alblum on and it makes me so sad. Just thinking about how sad this Christmas year is and I miss these songs so much. I used to own this cd but its been a very long time and It suckd that Walmart didnt have it. I'll have to buy this after christmas. its really sad but oh well.

Not Just Another Boy Band.......2006-10-13

NSYNC sets themselves apart from the pack with this one. Their smooth harmonies and absolute talent shines in each song on the album. I love the original songs on the CD, like "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," "I Guess it's Christmastime," and others, as well as the classic Christmas favorites "The First Noel," and "The Christmas Song." But the highlight of the CD is definitely their amazing a cappella version of "O Holy Night." I would have bought the CD just for that.
I would recommend this CD not only for NSYNC fans, but for anyone looking to add to their Christmas collection. It's definitley worth your money!

as much of an nysync fan as i am..........2006-05-13

this is just an okay cd, i remember being really excited when this came out but it became lackluster after a few listens. it was still the life of the Christmas eve party, but I've heard much better Christmas cd's. I reccomend The Cheetas Girls Christmas cd!

WOW........2005-11-28

Oh. My. God. This CD is my life! My sister just came home from college and she forgot to bring it and I felt like punching her in the face.

It is absolutely amazing with classics and some new ones! It's a MUST BUY!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, soulful Christmas music
A New Country Classic
"Home For Christmas": The Best new Christmas CD of the season
The Perfect Christmas Gift.....
Essential Christmas Album

Home for Christmas

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

James Taylor at Christmas
The Philadelphia Years
A Classic Christmas
Cool Yule
Our Kind Of Soul

ASIN: B000K0YOZM
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

Overture / The First Noel
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
No Child Shoud Ever Cry On Christmas
Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday
Home For Christmas
Christmas Must Be Tonight
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Mary Had A Baby
The Christmas Song
Jingle Bell Rock
Oh Holy Night

Album Description

2006 holiday offering from the dynamic duo. Call it a masterpiece, a labor of love or the beginning of a new tradition, Daryl Hall & John Oates release Home For Christmas, a beautifully recorded and heartfelt Holiday album. 11 new yuletide recordings including nine classics and semi-obscure treats plus two new self-penned Christmas tunes. **Please note that the U.S. pressing of this album is only available at selected retail chain stores.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, soulful Christmas music.......2007-03-22

This compilation of Christmas songs has some of the most wonderful holiday songs ever written. They range from Christmas classics as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "The Christmas Song" (the latter sung most soulfully by Mr. John Oates) to cover songs performed in the "rock & soul" manner that Hall and Oates became famous for. ("Christmas Must Be Tonight", "Children Go Where I Send Thee") My personal favorites are "The First Noel" and "O Holy Night"; they're sung with such soul and depth that I come close to crying whenever I hear them. This is one album that almost anybody can treasure during the holidays and throughout the wintertime.

A New Country Classic .......2007-01-06

The new song written by Daryl Hall "Home For Christmas" will be a favorite of anyone who has fond memories of family gatherings at Christmas. It became a favorite of mine the first time I heard it, and I had to have the CD.

"Home For Christmas": The Best new Christmas CD of the season.......2006-12-26

I heard of this new CD when I knew they reached the # 1 in the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with a Christmas song. Then I found they had released this whole Christmas album. After hearing only the brief samples, immediately I rushed to FYE (only retail store who is selling it in the U.S.), and I don't regret it. It 's awesome!!!!!!!!

This is the CD that I have been playing over and over ever since, even more than my all time favourite Mariah Carey's.

Each song has been done in a so wonderful way. The classics (Mary Had a Baby, The Christmas Song) have been brought to the beautifull blue-eye soul style of Hall and Oates. I discovered some old songs like "Children Go Where I Send Thee" with a tasty Southern gospel flavor, and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".

My favorite tune is the new song "Home for Christmas" that I am sure will become a classical over the years. I also love "Christmas Must be Tonight" and "No Child Should Ever Cry on Christmas"

The album is joyful and all the songs are pretty, catchy, and "O Holy Night" placed at the end makes you to play the whole CD all over again.

A CD that has made my Christmas season more merry than I thought.

Wonderful work of the duo!!!!

The Perfect Christmas Gift............2006-12-26

Wow, this cd is truly amazing!!! I mean, I don't think I've heard anything more wonderful from this duo. This cd is wonderful gift from the duo to share with their fans. They have a wonderful take some of the traditional Christmas songs and they've managed to throw in two new songs as well. Which are just fantastic!!! This makes a wonderful Christmas gift!!! It's just great.

Essential Christmas Album.......2006-12-25

My first reaction to Daryl Hall & John Oates' Christmas album was some surprise to how good it sounds and how true to Christmas the songs are. No "Frosty the Snowman" types here....

The string arrangements complement the album's beginning overture into "The First Noel". Daryl and John's vocals remain first-rate and it stays that way right through the best "O Holy Night" you've ever heard.

This album is must for anyone who needs some Christmas music that keeps the real meaning of Christmas right up front where it belongs. The lone exception may be "Jingle-Bell Rock" which is a newer version than the 1983 release.

Best tracks are:

Home For Christmas (Title Track)
Christmas Must Be Tonight
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Mary Had A Baby
The Christmas Song
Jingle Bell Rock
O Holy Night

Average customer rating:

Eh...
The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle
Bravissima Diva!!!!
Battle shows her true colors yet again
Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective

Classic Battle: A Portrait

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Kathleen Battle
Grace
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
So Many Stars

ASIN: B0000639A4
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Puccini: O Mio babbino caro (new recording)
Handel: Let the Bright Seraphim
Traditional Chilean: Dormi, Jesu
Traditional: Cancion de Cuna
Vangelis: Mythodea-Movement IX
Mozart: Laudate Dominum
Handel: Rejoice Greatly
Traditional Fix Me Jesus (new recording)
Faure: Pie Jesu
Traditional Catalan: El Noi de la Mare
Traditional Catalan: El Desembre Congelat
Ellington:L Prelude to a Kiss (new recording)
Handel: Eternal Source of Light Divine
Mozart: Alleluja
Traditional: Angels Watching Over Me (new recording)
Mahler: Sehr Behaglich (from Symphony No. 4
J.S. Bach: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
Dvorak: Going Home ("Largo" from New World Symphony)

Amazon.com

This compilation of previous releases is clearly intended to include something for everybody and to offer an overview of Kathleen Battle's wide, varied repertoire. The result is a motley assortment of music sacred and profane, Baroque, classical and romantic, Spanish and American folksongs, and jazz. It is Battle's radiant, impeccably produced voice, which sheds a glow over every note she sings, and her effortless coloratura and serene expressiveness that provide the unifying, and most rewarding, element.

Four new recordings sound just as glorious as those she made years ago. One is the famous aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi performed with piano--a strange misfit among all the arias with orchestra. Wynton Marsalis plays Bach and Handel brilliantly, but sounds too loud and prominent. And despite some baroque ornamentation, he plays in a style so different from hers that the two hardly seem to be performing the same piece. The Orchestra of St. Luke's plays beautifully; an anonymous orchestra under Robert Sadin is competent but too matter-of-fact. A mournful, repetitive duet with Jessye Norman against a background of unearthly noises from Vangelis's Mythodea sounds like an angelic plea for mercy.

In the finale of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic under Lorin Maazel, Battle captures just the right blend of childlike wonder and heavenly bliss. Of the jazz numbers, one by Duke Ellington is lovely, but Dvorák would have been quite surprised by the arrangement of the Largo from his "New World" Symphony. However, the tonality is right, and Battle sings the melody so beautifully that she almost redeems it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Eh..........2006-12-10

Kathleen Battle is admirable, with her many recordings and her many performances across the country. But, I cannot say that I adore her voice. Yes, she may be a soprano, but her voice is not top of my list. Her technique is flawed, and her voice lacks any depth or richness. When I listen to her voice, it sounds so empty. Singers like Sumi Jo (my favorite of all) or Renee Fleming are a much better choice when it comes to rich tone and beautiful technique.

The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle.......2003-11-18

An excellent compilation of some of Miss Battle's greatest work. Of course, it would have been great if more of her operatic literature was included, but to have the opportunity to hear anything from Miss Battle is heaven.

Bravissima Diva!!!!.......2002-07-03

I must comment on the preceeding review which has nothing to do with the calibur of this CD nor of the artist. And just a touch on that whole Brevard "incident", there were two performances one of which came off without a fault...but I too digress. This CD is a plethera of what endures Kathleen Battle to us all...her diversity. It is true that none of her signature operatic roles appear in this mini compilation but what is given more than accomodates. In 18 selections she covers Spirituals, Oratorio, Jazz, Afro-Cuban/Brazilian influenced melodies, cantata's and a symphony all with miraculous ease. It is also true that this is in many ways a best of...and chances are you'll already have most of these pieces, but Classic Kathleen Battle is Worth Buying simply for the four new selections and accompanying art of the set. The pictorial art included in this CD is worthy of gallery display! A standing testament of her vocal beauty and artist superlatives...this is a CD that you don't want to pass up!

Battle shows her true colors yet again.......2002-06-27

I have followed Ms. Battle's career for a number of years and have always loved the clarity and purity of her voice--no doubt she is a tremendous talent. Several years ago I saw her give a stunning concert at UNC-Chapel Hill and was blown away at the thrill of finally experiencing her voice live. I always thought it unfortunate that so many negative stories about her flourished and subsequently found myself coming to her defense in conversation with others. Last summer I had tickets to see her sing at Brevard Music Center in the mountains of North Carolina. Several nights prior to this performance, my 20-year-old nephew was killed in a car accident. I decided to go ahead with my plans and attend the concert, thinking it would be a sort of balm for my soul after living through this terrible experience of losing someone I loved. Immediately after my nephew's funeral I left my family behind and drove the five hours to the concert venue. Needless to say I had incredibly high hopes for this concert and its potential to help heal my wounds. Long story short, Ms. Battle behaved in the most unprofessional manner I have ever witnessed and refused to perform the program as planned. What little she did offer to the audience was mediocre at best. A packed house of patrons was left stunned and dismayed at what they'd just witnessed. So, Ms. Battle, you proved to me in a very personal way that all the stories are true and you have serious issues. I will not be buying your recordings in the future and I currently have about 20 that are now worthless to me.

Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective.......2002-06-04

CLASSIC KATHLEEN BATTLE: A PORTRAIT is limited in its perspective in the sense that this is a compilation of only SONY Classical recordings from their catalog. There are no Deutsche Grammophon or Angel/EMI performances represented here. A "portrait" of Miss Battle would have rightly included some of these wonderful and musical interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Gounod, and Bach among others. Of course paying the license fees from the other 2 labels wouldn't be cost-efficient from a record company's standpoint. How wonderful this would've been if they'd all cooperated on a box set of her recordings, which would show Miss Battle's superlative musicality in not only Italian and French, but also her great wit and charm in the English language (her Purcell and Dowland are not to be missed!)

In any case there are several magical performances to be found here:

Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" w/piano; Dormi, Jesu; Cancion de Cuna, Fix Me Jesus, Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss"; Angels Watching Over Me; and the enchanting song (the German title is too long for me to remember--it's from the Das Knaben Wunderhorn cycle) from Mahler's 4th Symphony.

For any Kathleen Battle fan, this is a nice selection of her works, but only a 2-dimensional portrait at best. Certainly not Miss Battle's fault, as she graces the listener with no less than FOUR new recordings on this album.

Once again her silvery tones and superb musicality are a wonderful gift to us!

Thank you, and Bravo many times over....

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