Gospel at Christmas

Track Listings

1. Special Christmas

2. Silent Night - Solomon Burke

3. Oh What a Wonderful Child - Shirley Caesar

4. Children Go Where I Send Thee - Walter Ponder

5. White Christmas - The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama

6. When Was the Baby Born - The Swan Silvertones

7. Child Is Born - The Stars of Faith

8. Christmas Message

9. Let's Keep the Christ in Christmas - Solomon Burke

10. Christmas Prayer - Solomon Burke

11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Shirley Caesar

12. White Cliffs of Dover

13. Go Tell It on the Mountain

Tracks:

O Come Emmanuel
You Shall Call His Name Jesus
First Day Of The Son
Love Came Down
Beneath His Father's Heaven
Carols: Carol Of The Bells/I Wonder As I Wander/O Come All Ye Faithful/Do You Hear What I Hear...
Happy Birthday Jesus
They Followed His Star
Light Of A Million Mornings
Have A Merry, Mery Christmas

Amazon.com essential recording

A fine selection of traditional carols mixed with contemporary takes on the birth of the Christ child, Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle is a festive and joyful celebration of the season. True to their roots, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir pays homage to their ethnic diversity by including a variety of styles: the funky Caribbean influenced "First Day of the Son," the soulful R&B groove of "They Followed His Star," and the exquisitely executed classicism of "Carol of the Bells." Also included are the popular "Happy Birthday Jesus," performed by the children's choir division, and a magnificently arranged rendition of director Carol Cymbala's "You Shall Call His Name Jesus." Featured soloists include the well-loved voices of Charles Allen, Susan Cymbala, and Karen Melendez. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

PERFECT.......2007-02-08

IT'S A CLASSIC, EACH SONG IS PERFECTLY PERFORMED. I THINK THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD I'VE HEARD. THE VOICES, THE CHORUS, THE MUSIC... SUPERB!

Outstanding Christmas Album.......2006-12-22

The transition between the first two tracks speaks volumes about the quality of the engineering and production of this CD. In fact, the placement of the tracks on the album add to the overall experience of the this Christmas album.

That being said, I will admit that the BTC has done better, but there is little to complain about with this CD; it achieves its purpose--it glorifies God and uplifts your spirit!

Of course, there are complaints about "Happy Birthday, Jesus." How can this be? Oh, how cute! Yes, I purchased this CD primarily for this track. Despite the age of this CD (now over ten years), this single track remains on airplay.

This CD is well worth the few dollars that are required. Buy it...you won't be disappointed!

Happy Birthday, Jesus and other selections.......2006-01-29

My wife and I had been searching for the song we heard on K-Love called "Happy Birthday, Jesus". It's sung by a little girl (beginning and end) with a backing choir in the main part of the selection. After enough Googling, we finally found it on this CD.

Neither of us had even heard of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Mormon? Yes. Brooklyn? No. The other selections on the CD are enjoyable and soulful. Still, our favorite is "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with the little girl. Sure, some say it's sappy and most so-called "progressives" and "intellectuals" would write it off as emotional fluff. Fine, so be it. Everyone's entitled to an opinion. I however prefer to focus on the reason for the CHRISTmas season, and that sweet, innocent little girl in "Happy Birthday, Jesus" can make even a big, rough old guy like me tear up when I hear it.

Happy Birthday Jesus.......2006-01-29

I ordered this CD and was not disappointed. Brooklyn Tabernacle always has high quality Christian music...but I ordered this CD for the song Happy Birthday Jesus. A very touching tribute to Jesus in honor of his birthday, and IT IS ALL SUNG BY CHILDREN!!!
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, one child's voice says it all....Happy Birthday Jesus!!! You must hear this one song...it is a great tribute.

Some great songs but they've done better.......2003-07-01

This is a good album but not their best. The most ambitious song on this CD is "They Followed His Star," an original song written for the BTC.

Several traditional Christmas songs are recorded. The choir sounds amazing as usual. However, the use of children singing seems obviously calculated to evoke emotion. If that's your cup of tea, then by all means. However, overly sentimentality of "Happy Birthday Jesus" was a little too much.

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.

Average customer rating:

Incredible
Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!

Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
It's Christmas
Love Is Spoken Here
America's Choir

ASIN: B0002ABTGC
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

I Saw Three Ships
Away in a Manger
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
Still, Still, Still
Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
O, Green and Shimmering Tree, Good Day!
What Sweeter Music
Angels' Carol
Fum, Fum, Fum!
Candlelight Carol
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Silent Night
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-09-22

I have about 40 Christmas CDs, and this one is in my top 2 or 3 favorites. The orchestra compliments the choir so beautifully and the offerings here are varied and interesting. 5 stars!

Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!.......2004-09-20

This brand-new recording of Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir is marvellous. Recorded on their own "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, this is the choir's first recording of seasonal music, and it surpasses any previous holiday release that the choir has made.

Using the music of both John Rutter and the arrangements of Mack Wilberg, "Sing Choirs of Angels" enjoys a wonderful flow from track to track: from the propulsive "Fum, Fum, Fum" to the sublimely meditative "What Sweeter Music"; from the majestic "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" to a brand new music and lyric setting of the gentle "Still, Still, Still" there is something here for everyone. Listening to this recording brings a warm holiday spirit into my heart and home.

Recorded in the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and using the versatile Orchestra at Temple Square, the choir and orchestra sound luminous and warm; these new recordings truly are miles above anything the Choir has done before - the polish and feeling that they bring to these new recordings are stunning.

The booklet that accompanies the CD is beautiful as well, with full color photographs of traditional Christmas symbols, full lyrics, track by track commentary, and a glossary of what each Christmas symbol means. This is a quality gift to give to friends and neighbors to help usher in the Christmas season. Unreservedly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD
Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?
A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album
Stunningly beautiful
Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
George Frideric Handel , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , John Jacob Niles , Christmas Traditional , Barlow Bradford , Felix Mendelssohn , Franz Xaver Gruber , Craig D. Jessop , John Longhurst , Robert Breault , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
The Joy of Christmas
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

ASIN: B00004WKD2
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Carol Of The Bells
I Wonder As I Wander
Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?
Masters In This Hall
The First Noel
How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
Pat-A-pan
What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger?
One December Bright And Clear
Fantasy On 'What Child Is This?'
Hark! The Herald Angel Sing
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Silent Night

Amazon.com

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has made more than 20 seasonal recordings since its first one (for broadcast to U.S. servicemen in Europe and the Pacific on Christmas Day, 1945), but none finer than this one, led by the group's newly appointed music director, Craig Jessop. Featuring lush arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford, it emphasizes the gentler, more rapturous moods of the holiday, especially in such beautiful settings as Wilberg's of "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?" and "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and Bradford's fantasy on "What Child Is This?" Balancing these are several selections in which the choir's blazing, full-voiced splendor shines forth, including Wilberg's festive arrangements of "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as Bradford's colorful take on "Pat-a-pan." The choir's singing is magnificent. Listen to the way the men lead off "The First Noel" and to how the full chorus builds the piece to a gorgeous climax, or to the virtuosic job the singers do in the "Carol of the Bells" (with its echoes of Rachmaninoff's The Bells). Impressively backed by the Orchestra at Temple Square, this is a disc to treasure, and a tribute to the admirable work being done in Salt Lake City by maestro Jessop--who now seems poised to inherit the mantle of Robert Shaw. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or a worthier musician. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD.......2007-01-19

CD arrived in perfect condition; however, the front of the jewel case was cracked.

Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?.......2005-12-29

There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.

A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album.......2005-12-28

What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.

If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.

"What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.

For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."

Stunningly beautiful.......2005-12-14

I have heard and enjoyed many recordings from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir over the years. Then, it happened. I heard Joy to the World from this album on the radio and it sent chills up my spine. That never happened. A thrilling arrangement. The other music equally excellent as described. If you have never been big fan of Christmas music, get this album and surprise yourself.

Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas.......2004-12-09

The Mormon Tabernacle choir is already known for their beautiful voices of praise. When you add the orchestra of temple square and the spirit of christmas, you receive even more. This CD portrays the birth of Christ. It is beautiful!

Average customer rating:

Northern Period Counterpoint to "Sacred Harp"
Nearly Lost Heritage

The American Vocalist

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

American Christmas
Early American Choral Music, Vol. 2
Early American Choral Music, Vol. 1
Rivers of Delight (American Folk Hymns From the Sacred Harp Tradition)

ASIN: B000005E8P
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

I - The Warning: The Warning
I - The Warning: Windham
I - The Warning: The Judgement Day
I - The Warning: Greenwich
II - Great Comforter, Descend: Wrestle
II - Great Comforter, Descend: Canterbury New
II - Great Comforter, Descend: Edom
II - Great Comforter, Descend: I Shall Be Satisfied
III - The Star Of Bethlehem: Milford
III - The Star Of Bethlehem: Star In The East
III - The Star Of Bethlehem: Bonnie Doone
IV - The Gospel Feast: O Come, Come Away
IV - The Gospel Feast: School Hymn
IV - The Gospel Feast: The Gospel Feast
IV - The Gospel Feast: Go Worship At Emmanuel's Feet
IV - The Gospel Feast: John Anderson My Jo
IV - The Gospel Feast: Go When The Morning Shineth
IV - The Gospel Feast: Captain Robert Kidd
IV - The Gospel Feast: How Precious Is The Name
IV - The Gospel Feast: Roll Call
IV - The Gospel Feast: Glad Tidings
V - At The River: Deal Gently With Thy Servants
V - At The River: Shall We Gather At The River
V - At The River: Happy Land
V - At The River: Burst Ye Emerald Gates

Customer Reviews:

Northern Period Counterpoint to "Sacred Harp".......2006-10-05

A beautiful collection of "low-church" hymns in a folk style, but from the North. Some similarities to Sacred Harp-style shape-note singing, mostly found in the South, but from New England and largely taken from mid-19th Century period sources. Extremely well-performed and haunting, these songs will be running through your head for weeks after your mega-church's latest electric guitar extravaganza fades away.

Nearly Lost Heritage.......2000-08-09

I am appreciative of any CD, such as this one, that brings the sounds of traditional hymns to modern ears. This CD includes familiar gospel with not so familiar hymns that whisper of a rich heritage nearly lost in the maze o modern choruses. Many of these modern songs lack the genuine passion found in the traditional songs found on this CD. I recommend this CD to those who are interested in cultural history as well as in beautiful hymn texts.

Average customer rating:

Gregorian Chant, Christmas Chants

Manufacturer: Jade Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Gregorian Christmas: Chants & Motets
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Christmas Chant
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000015HN
Release Date: 1994-11-08

Tracks:

Antiphon: Judaea et Jerusalem
Responsory: Salve Virginale Christi Jesu Palatium
Antiphon: Completi Sunt Dies Mariae
Responsory: Hodie Nobis De Caelo
Reading: Genealogy According To Saint Matthew
Responsory: Verbum Caro
Introit: Dominus Dixit Ad Me
Kyrie IV
Offertory: Laetentur Caeli
Agnus Dei IV
Communion: In Splendoribus
Hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine
Introit: Puer Natus Est Nobis
Kyrie XI
Gloria XI
Gradual: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae
Alleluia: Dies Sanctificatus
Offertory: Tui Sunt Caeli
Sanctus XI
Agnus Dei XI
Communion: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae
Antiphon: Natus Est Nobis Hodie Salvator
Alma Redemptoris Mater

Average customer rating:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!
Great recording!
Good and Bad
This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas at Trinity

ASIN: B00002R16A
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

Gospel at Christmas
Average customer rating:
Gospel at Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Hob
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00008F6L4
Release Date: 1993-11-19

Tracks:

Special Christmas
Silent Night - Solomon Burke
Oh What a Wonderful Child - Shirley Caesar
Children Go Where I Send Thee - Walter Ponder
White Christmas - The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama
When Was the Baby Born - The Swan Silvertones
Child Is Born - The Stars of Faith
Christmas Message - Charles Taylor
Let's Keep the Christ in Christmas - Solomon Burke
Christmas Prayer - Solomon Burke
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Shirley Caesar
White Cliffs of Dover
Go Tell It on the Mountain

Malaco Records Presents Gospel at Christmas

Average customer rating:

Malaco Records Presents Gospel at Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Malaco Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B000001KSY
Release Date: 1991-10-25

Tracks:

Say a Prayer for Christmas - Jackson Southernaires
Sound of Christmas - Fantastic Violinaires
Go Tell It on the Mountain - The Sensational Nightingales
Christmas Spirit in the Air - Bill Moss
Happy Birthday Jesus
Love Is the Greatest Gift of All
Till Morning Comes - The Williams Brothers
Only God Knows - The Gospel Keynotes
Glory to the Newborn King - Angelic Gospel Singers
Dig a Little - Truthettes
Hallelujah - Salt of the Earth

Average customer rating:

Gospel Choir at Christmas
103rd Street Gospel Choir
Manufacturer: Castle/Pie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

4-for-3 Christian & Gospel | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00002MUIV
Release Date: 1999-10-27

Tracks:

The First Noel
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
White Christmas
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
A Star Stood Still (Song Of The Nativity)
The Most Beautiful Night Of The Year
It Isnt Christmas (If Youre Not Here)
Hark The Herald Angels Sing
When A Child Is Born
O Come All Ye Faithful
Silver Bells
What Can I Give
Silent Night Holy Night
Ooh Child
Joy To The World
Christmas Comes To Us All Once A Year

Album Description

Budget price collection with special guest Pat Lewis featuring 16 tracks including 'The First Noel', 'White Christmas' & 'Joy To the World'. Castle Records. 1999.

Album Details

Tracks Include: Hark the Herald Angels Sings, When a Child is Born, O Come all Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, Christmas Comes to Us all Once a Year.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Special Christmas
2. Silent Night - Solomon Burke
3. Oh What a Wonderful Child - Shirley Caesar
4. Children Go Where I Send Thee - Walter Ponder
5. White Christmas - The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama
6. When Was the Baby Born - The Swan Silvertones
7. Child Is Born - The Stars of Faith
8. Christmas Message
9. Let's Keep the Christ in Christmas - Solomon Burke
10. Christmas Prayer - Solomon Burke
11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Shirley Caesar
12. White Cliffs of Dover
13. Go Tell It on the Mountain