Spirit of Christmas

Track Listings

1. O Holy Night

2. Shepherd's Song

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

4. Christmas Song

5. Peace on Earth

6. Joy to the World

7. Star Is Born

8. O Little Town of Bethlehem

9. Spirit of Christmas

10. White Christmas

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

Mass of the Children
A Brilliant Masterpiece
Britten-lite :(
Outstanding!
Beautiful!

Mass of the Children

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

John Rutter Collection
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter
John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music
Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection

ASIN: B0000BX5K6
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

Mass of the Children
Look at the world (1996)
To every thing there is a season (1997)
Wings of the morning(2002)
A Clare Benediction (1998)
I will sing with the spirit (1994)
Musica Dei donum (1998)
I my Best-Beloveds am (2000)
Come down, O Love divine (1998)

Album Description

This is the FIRST ALL NEW RECORDING OF JOHN RUTTER'S MUSIC IN TEN YEARS! "Mass of the Children was written in late 2002 and early 2003. The occasion of its first performance in February 2003 was a concert in New York's Carnegie Hall involving children's choir, adult choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and orchestra. I had always wanted to write a work combining children's choir with adult performers, not only because I find the sound of children's voices irresistible but also because I wanted to repay a debt. As a boy soprano in my school choir I had been thrilled whenever our choir took part in adult works with children's choir parts, such as the Mahler Third Symphony and the Britten War Requiem, and years later I remembered this experience and wanted to write something that would give children a similar opportunity to perform alongside adult professionals". From the notes - John Rutter

Customer Reviews:

Mass of the Children.......2006-03-24

My daughter is performing this work with her high school chorale. She is the main listener, and is totally enamored with this particular recording.

A Brilliant Masterpiece.......2005-12-24

After being able to perform this piece myself, I know that is is just amazing! I reccomend it to anyobdy who likes spiritual, uplifting music.
Nice work, Mr. Rutter!

Britten-lite :(.......2005-03-30

I contemplated on this 3-star rating for a bit, especially after reading all the 4- to 5-star ratings preceding this. John Rutter is a terrific and charismatic choral conductor and writer. His editing on Fauré's Requiem really galvanized the popularity of that work, not to mention his own very heart-felt Requiem setting as well. Speaking of Requiem settings, my bone to pick about the "Mass of the Children" work is such that it emulates (albeit in a heart-felt and sincere fashion) other large-scale works that involve orchestral, treble and mixed choruses, very specifically Benjamin Britten's unforgettable War Requiem. I couldn't help but feel a bit slighted by the last few pages of "Mass of the Children" and its much diluted rendition of the War Requiem's counterpart conclusion. I think those famliar w/ the Britten will know what I mean. It's hard not to draw a comparison because the similarities are striking yet determinedly contrived.

In any case, I do understand that the participants and "target audience" are perhaps less lofty than that of the Britten. According to the score inscription, this was "written at the inviation of Peter Tiboris and MidAmerica Productions."

There are other anthems on this CD that offer a nice addition. I think the Clare Benediction is a stand-out as a great latter-Rutter anthem, with a characteristically satisfying, fluent and "inevitable" cadences towards the end.

Outstanding!.......2004-12-27

As an avid choral enthusiast, and having performed The Mass of the Children, I can say that this is one of Rutter's finest works. Without a doubt, Rutter truly allows his soul to shine through in this masterpiece. The children's choir is fabulous, and the music gives me chill bumps whenever I hear it. I highly recommend this album!

Beautiful!.......2004-09-11

I sing with my school choir, and was blessed to be able to perform the Mass of the Children with the school. It is a beautiful mass-- the lightness of the childrens voices with the power of the adult choirs make a moving and powerful mass. The orchestra is stunning, just enough to add beauty to the piece. Rutter's Mass of the Children is a must-have for any person who enjoys this type of music.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful CD
Great music; interesting group
My humble opinion.....
Completely beautiful
The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
American Angels
La Bele Marie: Songs to the Virgin from 13th-Century France
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy

ASIN: B0006OBW8E
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

Average customer rating:

Sacred Songs & Spirituals

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman
Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan
Richard Strauss Lieder
Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit: Spirituals
The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

ASIN: B0007XZUF0
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Sanctus
Ave Maria, Op.52/6
Panis Angelicus
O Divine Redeemer
The Holy City
Amazon Grace
Greensleeves (What Child Is This)
Let Us Break Bread Together
I Wonder As I Wander
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Gesu Bambino (When Blossoms Flowered)

Tracks:

I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
My Lord, What A Morning
Do Lawd, Oh Do Lawd
There's A Man Going Round - Jessye Norman
Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit - Dalton Baldwin
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Dalton Baldwin
Gospel Train - Dalton Baldwin
Great Day - Dalton Baldwin
Mary Had A Baby
Live A-Humble
Walk Together Children
Were You There - Jessye Norman
Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Give Me Jesus

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
A Great Soulful Christmas CD!
What a disappointment!
Ray Charles
Brother Ray is a great gift to us all

The Spirit of Christmas
Ray Charles
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered]
The Christmas Song
Frank Sinatra Christmas Collection
Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters
Christmas Through the Years

ASIN: B000003432
Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

What Child Is This
The Little Drummer Boy
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
This Time Of The Year
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
That Spirit Of Christmas
All I Want For Christmas
Christmas In My Heart
Winter Wonderland
Christmas Time
Baby It's Cold Outside

Amazon.com

The cover of this holiday classic pictures Ray Charles with a sleigh-full of gifts. That's an appropriate image, since he's so generous with the soulful sounds contained inside. Ray's gravelly growl may turn sweet on such merry romps as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," but he doesn't fully hit his groove until he delves into the set's more grown-up material. He gives "Winter Wonderland" a soul transfusion the likes of which you won't see on many televised Christmas specials, and really lights a fire under "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now that's the spirit! --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-05-23

Ray Charles never fails to deliver a beautiful performance. His rendition of "The Spirit of Christmas" is so moving and simply beautiful. I listen to the song over and over. It's sad that Mr. Charles is no longer living but the treasure of music he left with us is priceless.

A Great Soulful Christmas CD!.......2007-01-20

Ray Charles' unmistakable voice makes for a very enjoyable and soulful Christmas CD. Contains many classics as well as songs you don't often hear. My favorites include Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, This Time of the Year, and That Spirit of Christmas. Excellent!!

What a disappointment!.......2007-01-19

The quality of the recording on this cd was absolutely terrible! It sounded 'tinny' and 'scratchy'. I love Ray Charles, but unless I just happened to get a bad copy, don't waste your money.

Ray Charles.......2007-01-18

A classic Christmas CD by the legendary Ray Charles, a must have for the holidays. I received my CD in lightening speed too and will definitely do business again!

Brother Ray is a great gift to us all.......2006-12-24

Ray's treatment of these classics is unique and could only be done by him. Ordinarilly, I don't even like "The Little Drummer Boy" but when the pedal steel kicks in along with blues vocals and big band horn refrains, I have to say "Wow, what a great song". Ray Charles could make ANYTHING sound good.

The Spirit of Russia: Music by Rimsky-Korsakov

Average customer rating:

Good sampler of the master's music
Rare Rimsky Extravaganza!
Great Recordings of Rare Rimsky-Korsakov Gems!
An unbelievable musical treasure
Rare CD, must-have for R-K collectors

The Spirit of Russia: Music by Rimsky-Korsakov

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 4
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture
The Romantic Piano Concerto, Vol.3

ASIN: B000001K3R
Release Date: 1994-10-14

Tracks:

Prelude
Bridal Procession
The Battle Of Kershenetz
Apotheosis Of Fevronia
Introduction
Redowa
Lithuanian Dance
Indian Dance
Cortege
May Night
Christmas Eve

Tracks:

Overture On Russian Themes
Skazka (Fairy Tale)
Sadko (A Musical Picture)
Piano Concerto
Concert Fantasy

Customer Reviews:

Good sampler of the master's music.......2006-12-14

Rimsky-Korsakov is one of the most influential Russian composers. Part of the Mighty - Five, he composed numerous works inspired by folk music of various Russian and East European nationalities. Many of them were made to accompany ballets, plays and famous Russian stories. This two-disc set contains excerpts from many of his lesser-known pieces. So there is nothing from Scheherezade or his symphonies. Instead we have music from Mlada, Sadko, and other pieces unknown to all except the die-hard Russian fans. All the music on both discs are orchestral, and exemplify the Russian Romantic style of evocative and emotional melodies.

Of the two discs, I prefer the first, as it contains more, shorter, self-contained pieces. The second disc contains only longer works. The orchestration is fine. Both discs are over an hour long, so this set is a great buy for its price. Note that the cover picture can differ, the set I bought was from Virgin Records and has a totally different cover than the one shown here on Amazon.

Rare Rimsky Extravaganza!.......2005-12-19

With the classical music market flooded in excerpt reissues, this 2 CD set is a welcome budget addition for any romantic period collection. The varied selections are drawn from the 1972-1978,VOX output and are decently remastered. Rimsky-Korsakov composed 16 known operas and it was his custom to make
orchestral suites for them. The three in this set are typical of the composer's fantasies. All his life he loved fairy-tales,
nature, and folklore. He used colorful and bizarre tales for his operas, and wrote colorful and brilliant music to set them off. Each of the three included here feature an introduction,
some lovely themes and some exotic effects. "Christmas Eve" is evocative but it's storyline is based on paganism. Each suite is just right and dosen't outlast it's welcome.
The overture to "May Night" is cut from the same mold. The "Overture On Russian Themes" utilizes the same melody in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" representing the Russian forces.
"Shazka"(Legend)is another fairy-tale based on a prologue by Pushkin. The enchanting score for "Sadko, a Musical Picture" preceded the opera by the same name by thirty years. With all Rimsky's descriptive orchestral music, we forget he composed symphonies and concertos.

Rimsky-Korsakov's short(under 12 mins.)Piano Concerto was probably inspired by his teacher Balakirev, is characteristic of Liszt's one movement form. It's themematic development is unmistakably Russian. In developing his violin writing skills he composed the "Concert Fantasy" based on Spanish themes. It prepared him well for the later "Capriccio espagnol".

The various artists all perform well but one wishes for even more updated sound; hence my reservation for a fifth star. Detailed liner notes are included.

Great Recordings of Rare Rimsky-Korsakov Gems!.......2005-12-11

This 2-CD set contains wonderful performances of some really great music of Rimsky-Korsakov which, unfortunately, has not achieved the popularity of works like Scheherezade and Capriccio
Espagnole. The Invisible City Suite is truly magical: colorful, imaginative music that transports you to a sound-world that is quite different from most classical works. The performance is very good, with very solid sound and accoustics. The Mlada Suite is another colorful Russian showpiece that Rimsky-Korsakov excelled at. An excellent performance too. The May Night Overture gets a brisk, propulsive performance that makes it really enjoyable to listen to. The first CD ends with the rare Christmas Eve Suite No. 2, and what a delight it is! It starts out slow, with an exotic theme that is jovial and intriguing and develops into a number of exciting climaxes, and it is very well-played.
The second CD starts with the marvelous Overture on Russian Themes, which contains at least one theme you're sure to recognize (it's also in the 1812 Overture). A really smashing performance. Next is the rare Skazka/Fairy Tale, sometimes called Baba Yaga. It starts out menacing and contains both lyrical and dramatic themes, which is to be expected, as it is a tone poem that tells a story. The performance is first-rate, though it sounds like there's some background noise going on at times. Next is Sadko, given a fast, exciting performance, though I prefer the Zinman/Rotterdam one. The Piano Concerto comes next, and what a find this is! It sounds just like Rachmaninov at times. It is given a faster-than-usual performance here, which is just what it needs. This rare concerto is so enjoyable that you will wish it would go on longer than its 12 minutes and wish it were performed more often. The set ends with the Concert Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, which is another gem that is extremely satisfying, featuring a great performance by the violinist, orchestra and conductor, as well as great sound balancing and accoustics.
If you get this set together with the Zinman/Rotterdam collection of RK's orchestral works on Phillips
as well as a good performance of Scheherazade (I'd recommend the Spano/Atlanta performance among modern ones or the Karajan/Berlin one among stereo recordings), you'll have almost all of the best music by Rimsky-Kosakov at a really low price.
Do not be put off by the fact that this CD-set features orchestras and conductors that you've probably never heard of, or by the fact that you won't find any reviews by the the standard professional musical critics. You get two CDs filled with great music at a budget price, and the performances are first-rate throughout. It is worth every penny and a whole lot more! I cannot recommend this more strongly!

An unbelievable musical treasure.......2004-07-02

Consider the low prize of this set you'll be rewarde for a long time .
The invisible city is well played , the piano concert is warmth and powerful and the violin concert is much more than a simply promised land . You'll be surprised about the musical richness of Nikolai Rimski Korsakov.

Rare CD, must-have for R-K collectors.......2004-05-14

This is cheap set, but at least two performances makes it best of all existing ; the Sadko with Katims and Seattle SO is the ultimate performance, far best of all - I heard all, with Svetlanov, Serov, and more, and Katims is high over all. I do not undertand it, because nor the orchestra, nor conductor, are of top quality - but really, they did great job. One more piece is quite unknown (but very good) Rimsky-Korsakov piano concerto. This performance is quite faster and more fercious than other exsting, and I think it is fater than it should be (according to music sheet), but still, it has value as rare performance.

Average customer rating:

I Love This Album
Better Than COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, but So Affordable That You Should Buy Both
most depressing christmas CD...ever
A Diamond In The Rough
I finally found it

The Christmas Spirit
Johnny Cash
Manufacturer: Sony Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Country Christmas
Bitter Tears (Ballads of the American Indian)
Christmas With Johnny Cash
Pretty Paper
Hill Country Christmas

ASIN: B000002YTE
Release Date: 1995-09-01

Tracks:

The Christmas Spirit
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Blue Christmas
The Gifts They Gave
Here Was A Man
Christmas As I Knew It
Silent Night
The Little Drummer Boy
Ringing The Bells For Jim
We Are The Shepherds
Who Kept The Sheep
The Ballad Of The Harp Weaver

Customer Reviews:

I Love This Album.......2006-10-10

I bought it on vinyl back in 1964 when I was 14. Played the heck out of it until it was virtually unplayable. Glad that I finally found it on cd, but I wish Sony would have taken some time to remaster/remix for optimum sound quality. It also would have been nice if they would have used the original artwork/graphics. But, I guess for the price you can't have everything. Hopefully, they will re-release this album one day on the Legacy label with deluxe packaging.

Better Than COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, but So Affordable That You Should Buy Both.......2006-06-10

Since this is the second Johnny Cash Christmas CD I own, I can compare this one, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, to his COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CD from 1991. This one is better, in my opinion, but since they are both priced so low, you can buy both on amazon.com for the price of a normal CD, so you might as well do that!

This CD, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, has 1996 in the fine print of the CD cover, but other amazon.com reviewers are saying it is from the 1960s, which does agree with the younger Johnny Cash photo on the cover. The CD booklet is just a one-sided insert, and there are no details beyond the names of the song composers.

There are 12 songs for 38 minutes of music on this CD, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.

If this CD is from the 1960s, then they did a pretty good job of remastering it for a CD. This is issued by Sony Music, so I think it sounds a little better than the COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CD which is issued by the off-brand LaserLight label.

None of the performances are the same, so you can buy both CDs without duplicating any performance, but Johnny and friends did repeat 3 songs on COUNTRY CHRISTMAS with new performances captured. "Blue Christmas" and "Silent Night" are better on COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, but "Here Was A Man" is better on this CD, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.

This CD has 3 songs composed solely by Johnny, another traditional one arranged by Johnny, and even one co-written by Johnny and his father-in-law, Ezra "Eck" Carter! June Carter also co-wrote two songs.

"Christmas as I Knew It" is an interesting biographical song about Johnny's Christmas as a kid in Dyess, Arkansas, co-written by June!

"Little Drummer Boy" has a novel focus on the drumming, though it is sparse and a bit strange upon the first listen.

At first I kind of was distracted by the 1950's barber shop quartet styled backing vocals, but then I kicked myself when I realized that has to be the Carter Family ladies for the female vocals! So those oldie styled backing vocals are much more appreciated, but they are still oldies-styled.

Johnny sings lead vocals on all the songs, and the overall feel of the album is calm, with mostly strong, heartfelt lyrics. This is better than the 1991 COUNTRY CHRISTMAS which suffers from being too uneven in quality and tone, with some songs seeming to have little to NONE of Johnny's lead vocals.

most depressing christmas CD...ever.......2006-02-22

one of the songs has the line "Sorry I'm Crying/My brother Jim's dying/Ring a bell for Jim." Hey, but it's Cash-- what do you expect? Very slow, but some of the songs are good. I'm happy

A Diamond In The Rough.......2004-12-08

My parents gave this album to me along with Jim Reeves Christmas album in the early 60's and they both remain standards in my home. I wore them out on vinyl...and then on cassette. At a time when artists performed the standard holiday classics the Man In Black stepped outside the norm and put down some of the most beautiful and moving holiday music not equalled in my opinion. "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" stuck in my mind and gave me the courage to stand on that schoolhouse stage and sing it solo when i was afraid to even speak in front of class. "Ballad Of The Harp Weaver" continues to be a source of hope and consolation more so now that when i first heard those haunting words many years ago. Johnny Cash had the ability to put you there by singing from the heart and personal experience. If traditional holiday music is what you want you can't get any better than this.

I finally found it.......2003-11-15

My brother bought this in vinyl the Christmas of 1964. I was only 10, but the words of "The Ballad of the Harp Weaver" and "Christmas as I Knew It" became indellibly etched in my mind. I had completely forgotten the album until Johnny Cash passed into glory and I started remembering our old albums. The old Sun recordings were some of his best early work. I don't think any other artist has had a greater effect on the American Music Scene.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard Von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins [Hybrid SACD]
Feather on the Breath of God
Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 3 & 8 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00070EBRG
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Average customer rating:

Chuck Brown/Eva Cassidy Christmas
The Other Side of Christmas Music
A go-go Christmas
rip...
Put some funk into your holiday music

Spirit of Christmas
Chuck Brown , and Eva Cassidy
Manufacturer: Raw Venture
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

The Other Side
Your Game: Live at the 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
Method Actor
The Best of Chuck Brown
American Tune

ASIN: B00001X58U
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

Merry Christmas Baby
White Christmas
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
This Christmas
Silent Night
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The Christmas Song (w/Eva Cassidy)
That Spirit of Christmas (w/Eva Cassidy)

Customer Reviews:

Chuck Brown/Eva Cassidy Christmas.......2003-12-24

I understand Ms. Cassidy's fans disappointment in her limited use on this CD. However, during her illness and untimely passing, Mr. Brown wanted the world to hear this wonderful songbird. He and Chris Biondo (musician/producer/engineer on this CD) wanted Ms. Cassidy to get all the recognition, praises, and financial rewards overdue to her before she passed. Concert fundraisers were held for her to help pay medical costs. Her listings and credits on CD's may be Mr. Brown's way of seeing that her name and memory and possible royalties continue on. Her fans in Prince Georges County still mourn her passing.

The Other Side of Christmas Music.......2003-12-16

Opening with a rousing go-go version of Charles Brown's "Merry Christmas Baby", this cd has the ability to kick-start a sluggish Christmas spirit and have you moving your behind while you bake your cookies. An uptempo "White Christmas" follows, including nice guitar (Chuck Brown) and Hammond organ (Benji Porecki) solos. "What Are You Doing New Years Eve" is a nice vehicle for Mr. Brown's rich voice and ranks above Nancy Wilson's version if, however, below the Orioles'. The Tracy Morgan Show recently had a plot line concerning the lack of a black Christmas song. I thought, as I watched, certainly "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway qualifies as a Christmas standard along with "Merry Christmas Baby", and Mr. Brown includes both. Fitting "Silent Night" to a go-go beat doesn't seem easy at first, but gospel delivery/asides bring the listener back nicely to the core subject matter, after all. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a haunting song to begin with. With strong percussion and guitar, and finishing off with a crunk saxophone solo, this is one of the two strongest songs on the cd. I sometimes have to sneak a listen in the off-season. A straight rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has Mr. Brown soaring on the lyrics before informing, "I wanna play my guitar, now". Eva Cassidy joins in for the last two songs(Listing the album as by Chuck Brown/Eva Cassidy would lead one to expect equal participation). A nice, jazzy version of "The Christmas Song", with some strange Hammond organ work by Hilton Felton is followed by the closing track. "That Spirit of Christmas" (recorded previously by Ray Charles) is the other track on this cd that I have to hear occasionally during the rest of the year. What a treat to have additional duets from these two singers. While this is not "Any Other Way To Go" for a Chuck Brown fan or "Songbird" for an Eva Cassidy fan, I, as a fan of both, have to have these versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "That Spirit of Christmas" in my collection.

A go-go Christmas.......2002-12-27

An upbeat joyful antidote to sometimes too somber Christmas CDs. Unlike Aaron Neville, Chuck Brown sounds like a robust man who is not on verge of keeling over. Don't expect an Eva Cassidy CD -- as advertised, she only appears on two tracks.

rip..........2002-01-10

was expecting a lot more of eve cassidy as advertised.Extrremely disappointed

Put some funk into your holiday music.......2000-01-14

Chuck Brown puts some funk-swing-jazz into your typical Christmas standards like "Silent Night" and "White Christmas," that will get even the rhythmless toe-tapping. Don't miss the two duets with the brilliant Eva Cassidy, "The Christmas Song" and "That Spirit of Christmas." These two feature a mellow, yet angelic sounding Eva Cassidy, who will make you believe that Santa is, in fact, really on his way with lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Dan Schutte's Here I Am, Lord
Dan Schutte's Here I Am, Lord
God is an Englishman

English Hymn 1

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Jerusalem the Golden
English Hymn 3
Lead, Kindly Light: Hymns of Faith and Assurance
All Things Bright and Beautiful
A Vaughan Williams Hymnal

ASIN: B000038I68
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Tracks:

Christ Triumpant, Ever Reigning (Guiting Power)
How Shall I Sing That Majesty [Coe Fen]
Like a Mighty River Flowing (Old Yeavering)
Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer (Cypress Court)
I Vow to Thee, My Country (Thaxted)
We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died (Bow Brickhill)
I, Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord)
All My Hope on God If Founded (Michael)
Give Me the Wings of Faith (San Rocco)
Lord Jesus Christ (Living Lord)
For All the Saints (Sine Nomine)
My Song Is Love Unknown (Love Unknown)
Praise the Lord of Heaven (Vicars' Close)
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (Abbot's Leigh)
Come Down, O Love Divine (Down Ampney)
Hark What a Sound, and Too Divine for Hearing (Highwood)
King of Glory, King of Peace (Redland)
Holy Spirti, Ever Dwelling [Salisbury]
For the Fruit of His Creation [East Acklam]
Lead, Kindly Light (Alberta)
Lord, for the Years Your Love Has Kept and Guided (Lord of the Years)
Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided (Thorbury)

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-05

This is a really good representation of 20th century hymn tunes sung by a typical British Choir made up of boy sopranos, male altos and the usual number of tenors and basses. The choir sings very well using good diction and appropriate interpretation. The arrangements are varied, different groups of voices singing parts of a hymn usually alternating and eventually the full choir joins in; nothing unusual in the arrangements themselves. There is a nice variety of hymns, some more interesting than others. I will comment on a few of them as follows:
The opening hymn:'Christ, triumphant, ever reigning' is a good opener in that it is quick and begins with the boy sopranos and immediately gets your attention. John Barnard's majestic 'Guiting Power' tune sweeps the words up in a wide-ranging,flowing melody that creates from them a fine hymn.
'I, the Lord of sea and sky(Here I am, Lord) is a truly striking hymn! The words of this song begin with a proclamation in the verses; this is answered in the refrain by the singer's commitment to service. This is reflected in the tune. The melody for the verses has a vigorous movement to proclaim the work of God in creation, His continuing love for that creation,and His call for service. Both the words and music are by the American Jesuit musician Daniel L. Schutte, who has served both on college campuses and in parish ministry.
'All My Hope On God Is Founded' the tune of which is written by Herbert Howells and is called 'Michael'in memory of his son who died in childhood. It is a lovely melody and the words suit it very well.
The composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was the music editor of the 'English Hymnal'. The most widely used of his own tunes was the 'Monk's Gate' which he created from a folk tune. It is subtly contrived, as the rhythm of the alleluias shows. 'Sine nomine' simply means without a name.The resulting hymn is 'For All the Saints'.

The Wells Cathedral Choir under the direction of Malcolm Archer accompanied by Rupert Gough on the organ have produced an excellent disc.

Dan Schutte's Here I Am, Lord.......2001-01-08

I bought this collection because I saw the song, Here I Am, Lord written by Daniel Schutte. I grew up singing this song and many other pieces from the St. Louis Jesuits and this continues to be one that has deep meaning for me. In addition, the other pieces in this collection are very enjoyable to listen to, not only for worship but for time of reflection.

Dan Schutte's Here I Am, Lord.......2001-01-08

God is an Englishman.......2000-06-05

After the Anglican Communion, particularly the American branch, has completed its transformation from a church to a political-social club, at least it will be remembered for two things: the beautiful and influential language of its Book of Common Prayer (1662) and its wonderful music. The English Hymn, volume 1, is a promising start to another English music series by Hyperion. This series complements Hyperion's English Anthems series, its Psalms at St. Paul's (many volumes of Anglican chant), and its two-CD collection of "Mags and Nuncs" (My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord and My Spirit Hath Rejoiced). Volume 1, "Christ Triumphant," features hymns written in the 20th century. The styles of the hymns range from confident, pre-Great War, "God is an Englishman" roof-raisers to insipid, happy-clappy jingles, which inadvertently, I assume, parallel the decline of the church. The Wells Cathedral Choir sings with gusto and, typical of Hyperion, the sound quality is excellent. My only disappointment came when the CD ended - is this all there is to the 20th century? I hope Hyperion plans to include more than one volume on the 20th century in this series. If you enjoy this type of music, you will be satisfied with this CD. If you have CDs from the other series listed above, the English Hymn, vol. 1, and a programmable, carousel-CD player, now you can click your heels and transport yourself to Evensong at King's College, Cambridge, or St. Paul's, London!

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. O Holy Night
2. Shepherd's Song
3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
4. Christmas Song
5. Peace on Earth
6. Joy to the World
7. Star Is Born
8. O Little Town of Bethlehem
9. Spirit of Christmas
10. White Christmas