Michael Ball Christmas

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The West End's favorite tenor, Michael Ball, fills his first Christmas album with a number of unusual selections to go with the standard fare ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night" with Irish vocalist Brian Kennedy). For example, you may not associate "From a Distance" with the holiday, and the "Ave Maria" here is the Bach-Gounod version, not Schubert's. Other notable selections on this 46-minute album include Joni Mitchell's "River," ABBA's "Happy New Year," Ball and Kennedy's "Light a Candle," and "As Long as There's Christmas," a duet with the West End's favorite diva, Elaine Paige. --David Horiuchi

Michael Ball Christmas, Music, Michael Ball, Adult Contemporary, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Holiday, Pop, Xmas Vocal
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I waited for this for five years
  • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
  • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
  • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
  • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
 Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
  2. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
  3. Evita (Original London Cast)
  4. Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
  5. Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

  1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
  3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
  4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
  5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
  6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
  7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
  8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
  9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
  11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
  12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
  13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
  14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
  15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
  16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
  17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
  18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
  19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

  1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
  2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
  3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
  4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
  5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
  6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
  7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
  8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
  9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
  10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
  11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
  13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
  14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
  15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
  17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
  18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
  19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

  1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
  2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
  3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
  4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
  5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
  6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
  7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
  8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
  11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
  12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
  13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
  14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
  15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
  16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
  18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
  19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
  20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

  1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
  2. Memory - Betty Buckley
  3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
  4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
  5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
  7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
  8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
  9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
  10. With One Look - Petula Clark
  11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
  12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
  13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
  14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
  15. No Matter What - Boyzone
  16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
  17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
  18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

  1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
  2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
  3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
  4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
  5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
  6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
  7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
  8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
  9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
  10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
  11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
  12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
  13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
  14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
  16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
  17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
  18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
  20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
  21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
  22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

4 out of 5 stars ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

5 out of 5 stars SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

4 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
Michael Ball Christmas
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Michael Ball Christmas
  • Mixed review
  • Great Christmas cd
  • A Traditional Untradional Christmas CD
  • More delicious variety than your holiday cookie tray...
 Michael Ball Christmas
Michael Ball
Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Love Changes Everything: The Essential Michael Ball
  2. Musicals
  3. Centre Stage
  4. Music
  5. Michael Ball - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

ASIN: B000026HW9
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

  1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  2. Driving Home For Christmas
  3. O Holy Night
  4. From A Distance
  5. A Winter's Tale
  6. As Long As There's Christmas
  7. Ave Maria
  8. River
  9. Happy New Year
  10. Light A Candle
  11. When A Child Is Born
  12. Silent Night

Amazon.com

The West End's favorite tenor, Michael Ball, fills his first Christmas album with a number of unusual selections to go with the standard fare ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night" with Irish vocalist Brian Kennedy). For example, you may not associate "From a Distance" with the holiday, and the "Ave Maria" here is the Bach-Gounod version, not Schubert's. Other notable selections on this 46-minute album include Joni Mitchell's "River," ABBA's "Happy New Year," Ball and Kennedy's "Light a Candle," and "As Long as There's Christmas," a duet with the West End's favorite diva, Elaine Paige. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Michael Ball Christmas.......2007-05-12

I am so happy that I discovered Michael Ball. His voice is the best I have heard in a long time. The songs are different from traditional Christmas albums. It is his voice that keeps you listening.

3 out of 5 stars Mixed review.......2007-02-10

Love Michael Ball's voice but I am unhappy with some of the selections on this cd. Found myself listening to only particular songs.

5 out of 5 stars Great Christmas cd.......2006-10-01

I own this. Wonderful Christmas music. Can't get enough of his music. This is a nice cd. Track 5 "A Winter's Tale" is my favorite. I play it all year round but it's exceptionally nice at Xmas time.

5 out of 5 stars A Traditional Untradional Christmas CD.......2005-12-14

Each year I have been fortunate to come across a Christmas CD that just seems to grab me, and the year I bought this, Michael took top honors. He had songs in there I had never heard before and will admit I didn't latch on to right away either. But of the new material, the song "Happy New Year" is quickly turning into one of my all-time favorites. The words are pretty self-explanatory and cover a range of emotions we tend to go through during the holiday period. His version of "River" is also very good, but he definitely did not disappoint with his rendition of "O Holy Night". The arrangements go from simple ("Silent Night") to grandiose ("O Holy Night") and everywhere in between. If you enjoy Michael's style of singing or enjoy listening to new music that are not as traditional as the regular Christmas songs, then there is no doubt you will enjoy this CD now and for years to come.

5 out of 5 stars More delicious variety than your holiday cookie tray..........2005-12-03

Easily one of my favorites, if not the MOST favorite Christmas cd in my collection. Michael Ball is always a pleasure to listen to but he brings so much warmth and feeling to these selections. The songs chosen for this cd are really refreshing and not the stale old selections heard over and over in every store. Like "From a Distance"-who would have thought this was a holiday song. But it really works. After all it is a song of joy and peace and that's what it's all about, right?

Breathtakingly beautiful renditions of "O Holy Night", "When a Child is Born" (if you don't shiver hearing Michael Ball's last note on this song...), and "River". Absotively the best "River" I have ever heard and hasn't just about everyone recorded it? Probably my personal fav track is "As Long as There's Christmas" with Elaine Paige. And his cover of Abba's "Happy New Year" is nearly embarrassingly wonderful. ;-)

I confess to pulling out this cd for a few run throughs months before Christmas. And of all holiday cds I am more likely to give this one as a gift (and I have) than any other. A beautifully crafted and treasured cd.
'Round The Christmas Tree
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Opera and Ragtime
  • A Christmas Delight
 'Round The Christmas Tree

Manufacturer: Rialto
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SousaAll Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Classic Big BandClassic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Knockout Drops
  2. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays "The Entertainer"
  3. On the Level, You're a Little Devil--Songs of Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley
  4. Black Manhattan: Members of Legendary Clef Club
  5. 1904 St. Louis World's Fair: Meet Me At The Fair

ASIN: B00005TSKX
Release Date: 2001-10-08

Tracks:

  1. Nutcracker Rag: A Sweet Travesty on Tchaikovsky
  2. Variations on "Oh Tannenbaum"
  3. The Reindeer Rag
  4. The Night Before Christmas
  5. Mr. Santa Claus, Don't Forget Me
  6. The Lily Queen Rag
  7. Hallelujah (Chorus) Trombone
  8. Selections from "Babes in Toyland"
  9. The Tishomingo Blues
  10. Please Let Me Sleep
  11. Parade of the Tin Soldiers
  12. The Snow Baby
  13. Mrs. Hooligan's Christmas Cake
  14. 'Round the Christmas Tree: Grand Yuletide Fantasia
  15. Nutcracker Rag (reprise)

Album Description

'ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE is a brand new digital recording of American holiday music of the 1880s through the 1910s as performed by the world's foremost interpreters of this era - the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. The music is played from the actual original orchestrations (i.e. orchestra sheet music), using antique instruments and authentic period playing styles. The 65 minute disc features 15 Yuletide selections - most not available on record since the age of the Victrola. Included as well are a number of world premier recordings, including "The Nutcracker Rag" (a travesty on Tchaikovsky's famous holiday ballet), and Theodore Moses-Tobani's colorful 1908 fantasia "Round the Christmas Tree." This new Compact Disc was recorded with the latest in high-definition digital technology at the Edison Studio in New York City.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Opera and Ragtime.......2007-01-10

This CD falls somewhere between opera and rag time. I love rag time and I love some opera...what I wasn't expecting was the opera part. It is nice to hear something different that you aren't hearing constantly on holiday radio stations, but don't expect this to be an instrummental album.

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Delight.......2001-12-18

This recording is truly a delight for the holidays. It's refreshing to hear music that's you don't hear on the radio during the Christmas season. The selections are delightful. The orchestra sounds superb, the singing and the piano playing add a special charm to this recording, and the songs bring back memories of long ago. This is a must have for your Christmas CD collection.
Save The Children: Christmas Carols and Festive Songs
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great CD amazing cast !!
  • A MISSED OPPORTUNITY...
  • The Absolute Best
  • A jewel of a collection
  • A Wonderful Christmas CD!
 Save The Children: Christmas Carols and Festive Songs
Michael Ball , Steve Barton , David Essex , Anita Harris , Jim Dale , Emile Belcourt , and Sarah Brightman
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Holiday MusicHoliday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B000001FWX
Release Date: 1990-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Christmas Overture - The London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  2. Silver Bells - London Philharmonic Orchestra
  3. Very Best Time of the Year - The Philharmonia Orchestra
  4. Away in a Manger - Wren Orchestra of London
  5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Wren Orchestra of London
  6. Winter Boy - The Philharmonia Orchestra
  7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - The London Symphony Orchestra
  8. Go Tell It on the Mountain - Wren Orchestra of London
  9. When a Child is Born - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  10. White Christmas - London Philharmonic Orchestra
  11. Happy Christmas Little Friend - Wren Orchestra of London
  12. While Shepherds Watch - The London Symphony Orchestra
  13. In the Bleak Mid-Winter - The London Symphony Orchestra
  14. We Three Kings - Wren Orchestra of London
  15. Good King Wenceslas - Wren Orchestra of London
  16. First Nowell/Hark the Herald Angels - The London Symphony Orchestra
  17. Silent Night - The London Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

  1. Let's Pretend - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  2. Joy to the World - Wren Orchestra of London
  3. Most Wonderful Birthday of All - London Philharmonic Orchestra
  4. Ding Dong Merrily on High/O Come All Ye Faithful - Wren Orchestra of London
  5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The London Symphony Orchestra
  6. Candlelight Carol - Wren Orchestra of London
  7. In Dulci Jubilo - The London Symphony Orchestra
  8. Ave Maria - The London Symphony Orchestra
  9. I Watch You Sleeping - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  10. Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
  11. Winter Wonderland - The London Symphony Orchestra
  12. Santa Claus is Coming to Town/I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus - Alyn Ainsworth Orchestra
  13. Frosty the Snowman - Alyn Ainsworth Orchestra
  14. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Alyn Ainsworth Orchestra
  15. Mary's Boychild - Alyn Ainsworth Orchestra
  16. Save the Children - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great CD amazing cast !!.......2006-07-21

This is a great CD bring together Twenty international Musical Broadway casts including Cats,Phantom of the Opera ,42nd Street, Les Miserable South pacific six symphony orchestra

2 out of 5 stars A MISSED OPPORTUNITY..........2006-01-04

I recently obtained a copy of this CD set. I cannot express my disappointment enough. Based upon the reviews below, these CD's are BEYOND OVER-RATED AND BEYOND OVER-TOUTED... Mind you, the carols are good - note I said "good", not "great". I have heard better from high school choirs and shopping mall choirs!

On the CD, all but three (3) selections are performed by groups or "troops" of singers - and I think when they put together the "troops" they included the backstage crew members! There is no attempt at singing in a choral style or in vocal parts (bass, baritone, tenor, alto, soprano, etc). It is as if each person were handed a sheet of words to the carol they had been selected to perform, and told to sing when they heard the music in their earphones.... Additionally, the "troops" are identified as such, i.e., The Broadway Cast of Cats, The London Cast of Phantom, etc., with no clue being given as to who is performing with each troop.... Given the audio quality of the vocal recordings (poor to dismal) of the group-sing selections, I guess this is all that is necessary.

There are three bright spots on the two CD's: 1.) Colm Wilkinson, who was appearing in a Broadway production at the time, sings a wonderfully performed solo, and 2.) Michael Ball, who was with the London Cast of Phantom at the time, sings a wonderful selection with a very nice, uncredited female soprano, (the third solo is by a gentleman- unknown to me - who, in my opinion, is NOT a SOLO singer, and should have been paid NOT to sing), and 3.) the orchestrations of most, if not all, of the songs are beyond belief! In many cases, the orchestration of the pieces are the ONLY redeeming quality and the ONLY thing that makes listening to the CD's bearable. Unfortunately, the orchestration sooooo tremendously "outshines" the vocals that one wonders why the vocal tracks were laid down over such wonderful music! These CD's truly represent a missed opportunity to have some wonderful stage talent leave a vocal gem for future generations.

If you can get a copy for under $15.00, go for it - but, remember you have been warned of the disappointment that awaits you... If you have to pay more than that to get the CD's and you just have to have a CD or two with some of your favorite Broadway stars performing Christmas music, then my recommendation would be to skip these CD's and spend your money where your ears will thank you - buy a copy of Michael Ball's Christmas CD or Linda Eder's Christmas CD or Michael Crawford's Christmas CD. Each is worth owning, and the performances are a million times better than that found on the Save the Children CD's.

5 out of 5 stars The Absolute Best.......2004-12-15

I have a copy published in 1989 (not 1990 as listed above, unless it was re-issued)-- it has been, and remains to be, my absolute favorite Christmas music album. The collection contains over 30 Christmas favorites sung by late-80's Broadway stars, some as solos (including Michael Crawford) and some as ensembles, and the accompaniments are world reknowned orchestras. It was a 'sleeper', and yet everyone who has heard my copy has been absolutely mesmerized by it. If you appreciate Broadway and celebrate the Christmas season, FIND THIS CD!

5 out of 5 stars A jewel of a collection.......2002-12-22

Powerful voices telling powerful stories. I have loved this set since it was produced and wish it was available to purchase so I could give it to friends. A nice mix of song types and arrangements. Buy it if you can find it.

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Christmas CD!.......1998-11-26

A few weeks ago, I read a review of this album on Playbill.com, and I decided to try it out for myself. I was not disappointed! This CD features casts from New York, London, and Sydney singing some of the best Christmas carols. My favorite song is "When a Child is Born", which features my favorite singer - Michael Ball. Michael Crawford, Elaine Paige, and Colm Wilkinson are some other featured artists on this album. This is a wonderful album to add to your Christmas collection!
Christmas at Trinity
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Christmas at Trinity

    Manufacturer: Delos Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dupré, Marcel | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Howells, HerbertHowells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Michael PraetoriusAll Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rheinberger, JosephRheinberger, Joseph | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by WarlockAll Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    ASIN: B0000006YE
    Release Date: 1994-01-03

    Tracks:

    1. Verbum Caro
    2. In Dulci Jubilo
    3. Once, as I Remember
    4. My Dancing Day -
    5. No
    6. Prope Est Dominus
    7. God, Beyond All Names
    8. Nativit
    9. Benedicamus Domino
    10. Frozen December
    11. Variations Sur un No
    12. Spotless Rose
    13. Adam Lay Ibounden -
    14. Noranger
    15. Lullay My Liking
    16. There Is No Rose of Such Virtue
    17. Berceuse-Paraphrase
    18. Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming

    Music:

    1. Mink Jazz
    2. Monica Mancini
    3. Musicals
    4. My Favorite Time of the Year
    5. Natural Woman/Is That All There Is? [Import]
    6. Nina Simone's Finest Hour
    7. Noel Coward Album [Import]
    8. Pastel Blues/Let It All Out
    9. Personal Christmas Collection
    10. Piano in the Foreground [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

    Music

    Music