Christmastime

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Christmastime, the 1998 holiday release on which Michael W. Smith plays chemist and combines elements not previously forged together, is a study in contrast. His inclusion of three medleys of classic holiday tunes works more than it doesn't. But the addition of Christmas show tunes like "The Happiest Christmas," Kay Thompson's "Jingle Bells," and "Christmas Waltz" makes little sense. One has to be a crooner to pull these off and Smitty is many things but a crooner. The release's finest moments come in more contemporary style with the Chris Rice-penned "Welcome to Our World," Smitty's title track, and the Phil Keaggy-enriched instrumental "O Christmas Tree." Of the medleys, "Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel " showcases Smitty's sensible arrangements as well as his now-famous "Emmanuel" chorus. --Michael Lyttle --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Christmastime, Music, Michael W. Smith, Adult Contemporary, CCM, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Holiday, Pop
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Rutter Christmas Album
  • Unique and Beautiful!
  • Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album
  • Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review.
  • John Rutter and Cambridge Singers
 The John Rutter Christmas Album
Cambridge Singers , Rutter , and City of London Sinfon
Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. John Rutter Collection
  2. Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
  3. Christmas Star
  4. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  5. Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B00006JJ4T
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great music by John Rutter: Great performance!

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

This is quintessential English cathedral music; beautifully sung. Reminds one of the English Christmas -- warm and serene -- that we've only experienced in our dreams!
A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • like all but one track
  • Heaven is here!
  • A Very Mixed Bag
  • Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings
 A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers
various/traditional , Dame Kiri Te Kanawa , The King's Singers , London Sinfonia , and Richard Hickox
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The King's Singers Original Debut Recording
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  3. Kids' Stuff
  4. The King"s Singers: English Renaissance
  5. Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers

ASIN: B000002RRF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Here We Come A-Wassailing
  2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
  3. The Little Drummer Boy
  4. I Wonder As I Wander
  5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  6. Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
  7. Ding Dong! Merrily On High
  8. Stille Nacht
  9. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  10. A Little Christmas Music (Medley A La Mozart)
  11. The Coventry Carol (Lully, Lulla)
  12. The Boar's Head Carol
  13. Gaudete
  14. Joy To The World
  15. Three Spanish Carols: Riu, Riu, Chiu
  16. Three Spanish Carols: El Nino Querido
  17. Three Spanish Carols: Villancico Catalan
  18. Deck The Hall
  19. The Wexford Carol
  20. The Gift (Simple Gifts)
  21. Patapan And Farandole

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-11-29

The King's Singers come to us steeped in the 500 year old English tradition of choral singing; and that's fine with me.!!!There are 6 singers in this group (the personnel change from time to time)namely: Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume (countertenors)- Robert Chilcott (tenor)- Bruce Russell and Simon Carrington (baritones) and Stephen Connolly (bass). They are very capably accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia and Brass Quintet conducted by Richard Hickox. An added PLUS is the great Kiri Te Kanawa who sings an arrangement by Daryl Runswick entitled "A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)". It's a hodge-podge of Mozart melodies sewn together in a rather haphazard manner, and meant to be humorous. I guess this type of composition does not appeal to me personally, and I'm sorry that Kiri's glorious voice was wasted. However, that's only MY opinion; I am certain others may disagree.
This album is really a mixture of Christmas tunes and that's partly what makes it interesting. And, of course it is masterfully sung by the King's singers;I enjoy all their discs; especially the recording of Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. Some of the arrangements on this disc are somewhat esoteric, and I'm not too fond of the very STRANGE arrangement (again by Daryl Runswick) of the Coventry Carol, but 'to each his own'. Their opening selection:"Here We Come a-wassailing" (arr. Robert Chilcott) is a great opening number and I must say that it's the best arrangement I have ever heard of this selection.
Let's face it:the KING'S SINGERS are perfection. But don't forget our American group:Chanticleer.

4 out of 5 stars like all but one track.......2006-02-02

With the exception of track 11 (The Coventry Carol, Lully lulla) I really like this CD. I personally prefer the traditional renditions of The Coventry Carol. I do not like the "modern" harmonics and arrangement of it on this CD. Otherwise, it is very fine, indeed.

5 out of 5 stars Heaven is here!.......2005-10-26

Xmas carols are always touching, but this cd is beyond all you have already heard. The King's Singers plus Kiri Te Kanawa is a combination of angelical adult voices, yes, adults can also have angelical voices. Buy this cd and check yourself if it is not true!

2 out of 5 stars A Very Mixed Bag.......2003-08-15

I've often admired the King's Singers' performances, and of course they are a famous and accomplished ensemble, noted for the precision of their close-harmony singing, so I was looking forward to this CD. I regret to say that I find it a very mixed bag, on the whole disappointing. Unfortunately the reliable executant skills of the King's Singers are not matched here by their judgment and taste in choosing arrangements--perhaps there was too great a push for mixing it up, adding variety, "something different." The resulting arrangements are wildly uneven, some of them unattractive and tasteless in varying degrees from mild to dreadful. They range from the very good (bands 7 and 18: straightforward a cappella close-harmony, which is what these singers do best), to exotic (band 16), to schmaltzy (band 5), to busy (band 8), to campy (bands 11 and 19), to cutesy (bands 3 and 6), to terminally cutesy-poo (bands 4, 11, and 19). "Deck the halls," for example, is done in by its arch, cutesy-poo arrangement, as is "White Christmas," which even includes a bizarre, wholly gratuitous interpolation of a bit from Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije, God knows why!

Band 12, "The Coventry Carol," the longest cut on the CD, demands special mention: it is downright awful. The annotator of this CD writes cosily, "And of course there are the old traditional English Christmas songs, all mulled wine and mince pies." Nothing could be less descriptive of what we get here, where the misguided, pretentious, weird, grotesquely ugly, far-out dissonant-modern arrangement does its utmost to pervert and spoil this lovely old English carol, twisting and distorting it into something almost unrecognizable; this cut is a real horror. (Sir David Willcocks, the famed King's College choirmaster under whom the King's Singers trained and sang as youths, would be appalled. The man responsible for this travesty, one Daryl Runswick, also arranged two other selections; his consistently tasteless arrangements comprise three of the four worst on the CD.)

The performing forces vary from the a cappella singers to accompaniments with brass ensemble or orchestra. The variable but undistinguished engineering (EMI's Abbey Road studios, 1989)--over-processed, over-bright, hard-edged, and occasionally canned-sounding--is an additional drawback. If you like traditional Christmas music (as I do) you might want to think twice before buying this CD. At least try to listen to it first. Caveat emptor.

5 out of 5 stars Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings.......2002-12-26

King's Singers maintains the highest standard for all those who aspire to create spine-tingling a cappella harmony. Somewhat akin to the small number of their peers worldwide, no style seems off limits to their abilities. But certain aspects set the King's Singers apart. Perhaps it is their early and consistent training in the English choral discipline, or the many, years of touring together in one combination or other. Their most remarkable quality is their quintessentially English sound -- the pipe-like tone produced especially in the mid- to upper registers -- that is at once remarkably free of vibrato, but still alive with overtones. If one listens closely to the solo parts, it becomes evident: the sound isn't produced merely by excellent group intervallic intonation, but by individual voices capable of producing overtones. Thus, it's the sound you can't hear that takes your breath away.

Because the recording is so excellent on the whole, one disappointment stands out: I wish that Coventry Carol had been saved for another recording. The dissonances conjure up distressing images at odds with the overall effect they seem to have been trying to accomplish with the recording, and I can certainly imagine that in another context, I might have been interested and emotionally moved, rather than unsettled and annoyed.

In any case, this has remained for years one of my favorite Christmas recordings, and I have to give it 5 stars.
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wolcum Yule
  • lovely and unusual Yule album
  • Goose Flesh!
 Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
John Tavener , Richard Rodney Bennett , Peter Maxwell Davies , Geoffrey Burgon , Henry VIII , Benjamin Britten , Anonymous 4 , and Andrew Lawrence-King
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
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ASIN: B0000AZKK4
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

  1. Awake, And Join The Cheerful Choir
  2. Good People All
  3. The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
  4. The Lamb
  5. A Scots Lilt
  6. Balulalow
  7. Balulalow
  8. The Holly And The Ivy
  9. The Reel Of Tullochgorum
  10. I Saw Three Ships
  11. A Calendar Of Kings
  12. Air: La Fuar Geimhreadh
  13. An Teicheadh Go Heigipt
  14. A God, And Yet A Man?
  15. Grene Growith The Holy
  16. Wel, Dyma'r Borau Gorau
  17. The Cherry Tree Carol
  18. Can Wassel
  19. A New Year Carol

Amazon.com

This offbeat disc of seasonal songs and carols by the Anonymous 4 will delight their fans and please everyone else. The 19 selections include traditional folk melodies and texts, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, interspersed with fitting selections by contemporary composers including John Taverner, Benjamin Britten, and Peter Maxwell Davies, whose ethereal a cappella A Calender of Kings gets its first recording. Andrew Lawrence-King, playing Irish harp, Baroque harp, and psaltery with his accustomed finesse, is a major reason for the disc's success, accompanying most of the vocals and contributing three lovely solos. The disc is crammed with highlight tracks, like the lilting Cornish Wassail song and the Irish Good people all, and haunting numbers like "Flight into Egypt," sung in Gaelic, and "Behold, here is the best morning," sung in Welsh. Excellent sonics and Harmonia Mundi's typically fine production values also help make this a Christmas disc that will give joy in July. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Wolcum Yule.......2006-01-17

The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally

5 out of 5 stars lovely and unusual Yule album.......2004-01-06

Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery. There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings.

The songs are pure, simple and very beautiful -- a welcome addition to your holiday listening.

5 out of 5 stars Goose Flesh!.......2003-12-09

This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts. Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful. This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted. It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies!
Christmastime Is Here / Kunzel, Erich & Cincinnati Pops
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good Holiday CD
  • Best yet!
 Christmastime Is Here / Kunzel, Erich & Cincinnati Pops
Erich Kunzel , Ann Hampton Callaway , Tony DeSare , Tierney Sutton , and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000HIVOBY
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Sing With Us Of Christmas
  2. Precious Moments
  3. I Wonder As I Wander
  4. Christmastime Is Here
  5. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
  6. Silent Night
  7. Little Drummer Boy
  8. We Need A Little Christmas
  9. The Christmas Song
  10. Caroling Fun
  11. Jingle Bell Rock
  12. I'll Be Home For Christmas
  13. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
  14. Silver Bells

Amazon.com

A mere 16 years after Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops recorded their now-classic Christmas with the Pops, Christmastime Is Here is their 2006 follow-up. It sticks to the same basic formula: a mix of orchestral, choral, and solo numbers performed by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers (a Kunzel favorite, succeeding the original's May Festival Chorus), the School for Creative and Performing Arts Children's Choir (who sang on the original, though presumably with a different roster), and an entirely new crop of soloists. While the original relied on classic veterans such as Rosemary Clooney and Doc Severinsen, Christmastime Is Here makes use of hip jazz vocalists (and, not coincidentally, Telarc recording artists all) Ann Hampton Callaway ("I Wonder as I Wander"), Tierney Sutton ("I'll Be Home for Christmas"), Tony DeSare ("The Christmas Song"), and John Pizzarelli (""Silver Bells") as well as British sextet the King's Singers ("Silent Night"). --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good Holiday CD.......2006-12-07

I am far from a music critic but I know what I like for Christmas music and this CD is outstanding. The Singing Hoosiers are excellent in their performance.

5 out of 5 stars Best yet!.......2006-11-30

While listening to XM (XM Classical Christmas), I heard selections from this album, and was impressed. True, this is more of a compilation album, but the quality is very good. Most of what I mention below are the singers, because the orchestra (Cincinnati Pops, Erich Kunzel directing) can be summed up as bright when they need to be, quiet when (I assume) Kunzel doesn't want them to overpower the singers.

It starts with a bright medley ("Good King Wenceslas/It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/We Three Kings/O Little Town of Bethlehem/Away in a Manger/What Child Is This/The Holly and the Ivy/Wassail/I Saw Three Ships/We Wish You a Merry Christmas"), with the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers.

The next song is "Precious Moments", written by John Williams, from the movie Home Alone. On one hand, listening can bring memories of the movie, but if you listen to the words, it evokes the joy and memories of Christmas. It is sung by School for the Creative and Performing Arts Childrens Choir. The kids who sing it are clear and on the note, I don't hear any discernable lagging, these kids are definitely our future singers.

Following that is the classic "I Wonder As I Wander", sung by Ann H. Calloway, whose voice is operatic, yet soft. I've heard some operatic singers whose voice can get a little rough on the outside, but she brings a sense of wonder to the song, like a person really thinking about the Messiah's birth. The orchestra in this is big, but goes quiet (woodwinds and bells) while she sings.

Bringing back the children's choir is Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime Is Here", from the classic Peanuts animated special. The orchestra adds some big-band jazz feel, but then goes quiet while the children sings.

Another famous Christmas song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", bringing back the I.U. Chorus. Similar to their first track, the chorus does a great job of hitting the notes on time, and the words are clealy heard.

In their only song on this CD, the Kings Singers bring us Silent Night, sung in German (Stille nacht), with small orchestra and harpsichord. The men's harmony and the subdued orchestra (mainly just strings).

The first orchestra-only song is The Little Drummer Boy, written and made famous by the Harry Simeone Chorale. The melody is intact, but the harmony is Maurice Ravel's BOLERO, which fits perfectly. Plus, the arranger used the same instrument progression as in Ravel's piece, and it ends with a huge orchestra again similar to Bolero.

While many songs are simply written for the season, or for a movie, the next track is "We Need a Little Christmas", from the musical MAME (Jerry Herman). This one brings back the I.U. Chorus, fast-paced but still invokes memories of the haste of getting ready. There are also a few bars of a couple Christmas songs (not sure if that is in the original song - no biggie).

After that bright rendition, the orchestra and Tony DeSare bring out "The Christmas Song", which was first written by Mel Torme (made famous by Nat King Cole). Many people know the voice of "The Velvet Fog", while Mr DeSare sounds like a younger Torme.

Like the first track, we have another great medley, this time sung by the childrens chorus (mentioned above). In this one, the kids do a spectacular job of singing "Here We Come a Wassailing/Over The River and Through The Woods/Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella/Pat a Pan/Jolly Old St Nicholas/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". I know I would trip trying to sing "Over the River..." as fast as they did! Ending the medley, "Jolly Old St Nicholas has a grand big-band finale. The trumpeters even threw in a horse's nay (sp) during that song, implying a fast sleigh ride to Grandma's house.

Another orchestra-only song is "Jingle Bell Rock", but the orchestra - with a piano and banjo - becomes a Dixie-land band, then moves into a 70's rock sound. I've heard a couple other songs with the Dixie-land style, and Kunzel does a great job of bringing the feel to those type songs.

During most wars since World War II, men and women serving overseas wish they could be home with family. The song that says this is "I'll Be Home for Christmas". The song is sung by Tierney Sutton and the I.U. Chorus, not as bleak as many versions may be, but she brings a caring voice to someone wishing their relatives will be home.

Famous more for being a flautist for John Philip Sousa, and writing the musical "The Music Man", Meredith Willson wrote "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas", also sung by the IU Chorus. Some words may be out of date, but like all their other songs, they do a great job of singing. In the middle of the song, again Kunzel brings out the Dixie-land style, then going back to the jazzy and big marching band styles.

Ending the CD is the famous song from "The Lemon Drop Kid" (1950) is John Pizzarelli with the chorus (backup) singing "Silver Bells".

Overall, everything makes this CD a great Christmas addition! Some may find recording/mixing flaws, but in terms of the Cincinnati Pops, both choruses, and the soloists, over the years have made a great CD. Most people would buy a Christmas CD and keep it stowed away until next Christmas, which is fine. I do the same thing. But, this is the perfect musical backdrop to Christmas morning, the childrens chorus implies the children in us that should enjoy the holiday, while the power of the orchestra and IU Chorus implies the "reason for the season".
Christmastime
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • My favorite Christmas CD
  • Christmastime
  • Press play , decorate tree........a modern classic
  • excellent CD
  • Christmas Worship Experience
 Christmastime
Michael W. Smith
Manufacturer: Reunion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000D9VV
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

  1. The Happiest Christmas
  2. Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells
  3. Christmastime
  4. Welcome To Our World
  5. Hope Of Israel
  6. Medley: Sing We Now Of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel
  7. O Christmas Tree
  8. Christmas Waltz
  9. We Three Kings
  10. Medley: Away In A Manger/Child In The Manger
  11. Carols Sing
  12. Medley: I Saw Three Ships/Joy To The World

Amazon.com

Christmastime, the 1998 holiday release on which Michael W. Smith plays chemist and combines elements not previously forged together, is a study in contrast. His inclusion of three medleys of classic holiday tunes works more than it doesn't. But the addition of Christmas show tunes like "The Happiest Christmas," Kay Thompson's "Jingle Bells," and "Christmas Waltz" makes little sense. One has to be a crooner to pull these off and Smitty is many things but a crooner. The release's finest moments come in more contemporary style with the Chris Rice-penned "Welcome to Our World," Smitty's title track, and the Phil Keaggy-enriched instrumental "O Christmas Tree." Of the medleys, "Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel " showcases Smitty's sensible arrangements as well as his now-famous "Emmanuel" chorus. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My favorite Christmas CD.......2007-01-16

I have actually bought two of these, one for the house and one for my car. I love the original "Christmastime" and even my music savvy 20 year old who loves Keane, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, The Fray, etc., deemed "Christmastime" her favorite Christmas song this year. If you want to add to your Christmas music collection with something different than choirs or acoustic guitar ... this is the CD to buy!

4 out of 5 stars Christmastime.......2007-01-09

Michael Smith is a terrific musician and I enjoyed this album very much. It had some variations of old familiar Carols as well as a few new ones that I also enjoyed immensely.

4 out of 5 stars Press play , decorate tree........a modern classic.......2006-10-18

Michael has two Christmas cd's out now, and I wish he would do another. I have called his first one a masterpiece, this cd does'nt disappoint. This release and his "Christmas" are the two cd's that get heavy playing time at my house. In the past year I have sampled and or purchased more Christmas music than in the last 15 years. I have heard some really good music but for the season His music has not been topped. These two cd's are what I would consider a modern classic or masterpieces! If you do not have both his Christmas cd's your Christmas is not complete. He has clearly captured the spirit of the season, MWS has done it again!!

5 out of 5 stars excellent CD.......2005-11-14

This is a great CD! I have had it for awhile now and love to listen to it every Christmas. It has a lot of upbeat songs as well as some traditional ones. It's a fun holiday CD and I would recommend it to everyone!

5 out of 5 stars Christmas Worship Experience.......2004-11-16

I first listened to this CD in November 1998. I went to Texas to go with my parents to the doctor. The diagnosis: multiple myeloma, incurable cancer for my mother. After spending a few days with them, I listened to this CD all of the way home, a 400 mile trip. I prayed & worshipped all the way while God used the beautiful music of Michael W. Smith's Christmastime to guide me safely home. I still listen to the CD and it is truly a beautiful CD that can be a worship experience for an open heart.
The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Simply gorgeous
  • Angelic Music
  • Top list Christmas CD
  • Wonderful Christmas CD
  • traditional, and comfortingly so...
 The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Michael PraetoriusAll Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Carols From Clare College
  2. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  3. Christmas Star
  4. Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
  5. Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity

ASIN: B0000041VV
Release Date: 1990-05-30

Tracks:

  1. King Jesus Hath A Garden
  2. Up! Good Christian Folk, And Listen
  3. Gabriel's Message
  4. Donkey Carol
  5. Wexford Carol
  6. Cradle Song
  7. Child In A Manger
  8. Mary's Lullaby
  9. Ding! Dong! Merrily On High
  10. Quelle est cette odeur agreable?
  11. I Saw A Maiden
  12. In dulci jubilo
  13. In The Bleak Mid-Winter
  14. I Saw Three Ships
  15. The Noble Stem Of Jesse
  16. The Crown Of Roses
  17. Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
  18. Omnis mundus jocundetur
  19. Wassail Song
  20. The Holly And The Ivy

Amazon.com

Initially released in 1979, this album built on the success of the legendary Carols for Choirs volumes in establishing John Rutter's name with the wider public, and it gave a strong hint that he was more than just a talented composer-arranger. As the many subsequent releases on the Collegium label have also shown, Rutter is a deeply sensitive and musical conductor, alive to the color of words, always allowing phrases to breathe naturally. The accomplished Clare College Choir features male and female voices, the latter providing a more rounded alternative to those world-famous neighbors in Cambridge. Included are many of Rutter's own easy-listening carol arrangements ("King Jesus Hath a Garden" and "Wexford Carol," for example), plus others by the likes of Vaughan Williams and David Willcocks, while "Donkey Carol" and "Mary's Lullaby" are quintessential Rutter originals. Only a few numbers can be classed (statistically) as all-time Christmas faves--the likes of "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High"--but this needn't deter anyone from snapping up what is the perfect album to accompany Christmas pud mixing (preferably by candlelight, imagining the twilight scene in Ely Cathedral's Lady Chapel, whose glorious acoustic graces the sound). --Andrew Green

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Simply gorgeous.......2007-04-10

I bought this album through Columbia mail order, and it instantly became one of my favorite CDs in my collection of over 2000. When it was scratched beyond playability, I immediately re-purchased it. I have almost everything else John Rutter has put out, as well as the Dale Warland singers from the US.
The music is simply ethereal, and the songs are not the overplayed tunes we hear over and over and over.
My two complaints with the album are that some of the tracks are hard to hear because the singing is so quiet and the sound level is uneven between tracks, and some of the tracks have Rutter's cutesy, saccharine arrangements drowning out the singing (Donkey Carol is the protoypical, and one I frequently skip).
However, the album is so beautiful otherwise, with the Wexford Carol, and the nearly inaudible Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, and several other tracks, that I still have to give it a 5 star rating.

5 out of 5 stars Angelic Music.......2007-01-16

Lovely. So classic and ethereal. Perfect with Christmas dinner, or quiet card games by the fire.

5 out of 5 stars Top list Christmas CD.......2006-12-12

The Holly and the Ivy is one of two absolutely must-have Christmas CDs from Clare College. This is a traditional English choir with adult male and female voices, trained in the utmost clarity and sweetness of voice that is rarely found elsewhere in the singing world. Clare College Choir is coupled with a most delightful orchestral score that seamlessly melds voices and orchestra into something surprisingly merry, uplifting, and completely satisfying. There are both familiar and lesser known carols here, and every single one is a joy.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Christmas CD.......2006-11-15

Too many people are overwhelmed with the more modern Christmas songs out there today and are unaware of the wonderful music available on CDs like this. John Rutter proves his brilliance in arranging and conducting. The music overwhelms the senses and the joy of Christmas overcomes you as you listen. This is one of the most peaceful Christmas CDs I have ever heard. "Wassail Song" is incredible, and if you are ever in a small vocal ensemble, this song is a must to perform. You will not be disappointed when you purchase this CD.

5 out of 5 stars traditional, and comfortingly so..........2005-08-23

In a world where new is better and change occurs at an ever-increasing rate, it seems logical that seasonal music would be included in the rush toward mass marketing and commercial airplay. It is amazing, but not surprising, that "carols" which extol the virtues of an electrically-illuminated ungulant, or which humourously recall the tragic events surrounding the collision of an elderly woman and another ruminating creature of the forest should be featured so prominently in the playlists of the popular culture.

Tired as I am of such artistic efforts, Rutter's efforts in leading the Clare College Choir and Orchestra on this collection come at the right time and to the right place. This is true and beautiful music of the season: it is performed well and interpreted with Rutter's master's touch. For those of us whose tastes run to the traditional, this is welcome stuff indeed.
The Christmas Album: Vienna Boys Choir
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Christmas Album: Vienna Boy Choir
  • THE BEST VIENNA BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!
 The Christmas Album: Vienna Boys Choir

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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Vienna Boys ChoirVienna Boys Choir | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Christmas With the Vienna Boys Choir
  2. The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir (Box Set)
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  5. Christmas Angels

ASIN: B0000VJFPU
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

  1. Sleigh Ride / Troika
  2. Mary's Boy Child
  3. Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
  4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)
  6. Jingle Bells
  7. Jingle Bell Rock
  8. Ukraine Bell Carol
  9. Wexford Carol
  10. Suo-Gan
  11. O Holy Night
  12. White Christmas
  13. Winter Wonderland
  14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
  15. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
  16. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
  17. Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth
  18. Wonderful Christmas Time
  19. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
  20. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  21. Coventry Carol
  22. Away In A Manger / Stille Nacht

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Christmas Album: Vienna Boy Choir.......2007-01-10

When in Vienna we attending a Boy Choir concert.

Gave an album to each set of grandchildren. They loved it.

Harold KLlbertanz

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST VIENNA BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!.......2005-06-01

This wonderful collection of Christmas music is especially good! Many pieces are very well known standards, and have been rewritten in ways that keep the music fresh, interesting and new! Every holiday season (and even throughout the year) this CD is played by our family quite a bit! [I may be a little biased, since my 12 year old son from Cincinnati, OH is one of the boys singing in most of the songs!] It is awesome!!
Christmas Echoes, Vol. 2
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Christmas Echoes, Vol. 2

    Manufacturer: Gothic Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    All Works by WarlockAll Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000ARFPZ8
    Release Date: 2005-09-13

    Album Description

    2003 Grammy nominee for Best Choral Performance! An assortment of carols from traditional to modern, in familiar and new arrangements, featuring America's preeminent choral ensemble, which retired in 2004 after a legendary 31 seasons. This album includes a cappella tunes as well as accompaniment for harp, guitar, organ, handbells, and other instruments.
    Christmastime
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Christmastime
      David Benoit
      Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Smooth JazzSmooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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      Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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      ASIN: B00000E7A2
      Release Date: 1990-08-15

      Tracks:

      1. Carol of the Bells
      2. O Holy Night/Little Drummer Boy
      3. Christmas Time Is Here
      4. We Three Kings
      5. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
      6. Oh Tauuenbaum
      7. All I Want for Christmas
      8. What Child Is This?
      9. Christmas Story
      Christmastime
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Great sounds
      • My All-time Favorite!
      		 Christmastime
      Swingle Singers , Irving Berlin , Franz Xaver Gruber , and Christmas Traditional
      Manufacturer: Philips
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      ClassicClassic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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      5. Swingle Singers

      ASIN: B000051W4G
      Release Date: 2007-04-26

      Tracks:

      1. Jingle Bells/IlEst Ne Le Divin Enfant/Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
      2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/The First Nowell/Go Tell It On The Mountain
      3. Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
      4. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly/What Child Is This? - (Greensleeves)
      5. O Jul Med Din Glede/Komt, Verwondert U Heir Mensen/Away In A Manger
      6. Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes/Oh Tannenbaum/Bel Astre Que J'Adore
      7. El Noi De La Mare/Hanej, Nynej, Jezisku - (Rocking Carol)/Canzone Dei Zampognari
      8. We Three Kings Of Orient Are/The Holly And The Ivy/La Peregrinacion
      9. White Christmas
      10. Stchedrivka - (Carol Of The Bells)/Dag Visen/O Sanctissima

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Great sounds.......2007-01-13

      My mother had this on vinyl when I was growinf up over 30 years ago. It is timeless Christmas music that you just do not hear the likes of anymore.
      I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all these songs again performed in this funky, jazzy a capella manner.

      5 out of 5 stars My All-time Favorite!.......2005-10-19

      This Swingle Singers album is my very favorite Christmas music. I grew up with Swingle Singers music in the house. If you're not familiar with them, you'll be surprised by the "no words" jazzy style of singing. This is a great "background music" holiday CD, since lyrics can be distracting. However, don't be surprised when you start scatting along with every song.

      "Christmastime" features music you'll recognize, like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night," performed in original Swingle Style. There are also beautiful foreign carols, some of which you'll know despite their unfamiliar names.

      This album was remastered and released on CD in 2003. Alas, Amazon didn't have it linked to a "Swingle Singers" search, so I wasn't aware if it until now, Fall of 2005. I am so happy I'll be able to Swingle in the car this Christmas! Along with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" music by Guaraldi, and "The Christmas Album" by The Manhatten Transfer, and other favorites, my holiday music collection is nearly perfect!

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