First Noel

Track Listings
1. Midnight Clear Medley    
2. First Noel    
3. All My Heart Rejoices    
4. Good News    
5. What Child Is This?    
6. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus    
7. Rose of Bethlehem    
8. Holy Child    
9. Jesu, Light of Lights    
10. Away in a Manger Medley    

First Noel, Music, Steve Green, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Inspirational, Pop
Christmas Extraordinaire
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mannheim Steamroller
  • I like it
  • Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller
  • Christmas Extraordinaire
  • Doesn't Really meet the test of time
 Christmas Extraordinaire
Mannheim Steamroller , George Frideric Handel , Irving Berlin , James R. Murray , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Noel Regney , Christmas Traditional , Ray / Livingston, Jay Evans , Catalan Traditional , Alfred S. Burt , Felix Bernard , Robert Burns , and Chip Davis
Manufacturer: American Gramaphone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ElectronicElectronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration
  2. Christmas
  3. Fresh Aire Christmas
  4. Christmas in the Aire
  5. The Lost Christmas Eve

ASIN: B00005NNDK
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

  1. Hallelujah - from 'The Messiah'
  2. White Christmas
  3. Away In A Manger
  4. Faeries - from 'The Nutcracker'
  5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
  6. The First Noel
  7. Silver Bells
  8. Fum, Fum, Fum
  9. Some Children See Him
  10. Winter Wonderland
  11. O Tannenbaum
  12. Auld Lang Syne

Amazon.com

Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mannheim Steamroller.......2007-01-10

I own quite a few of Mannheim Steamroller cd's and love them all.

4 out of 5 stars I like it.......2006-12-18

Although, anyone should definately buy their first two albums from the 80s first, this is much calmer and more sophisticated. The first two albums are much more upbeat and inticing. This is still some beautiful Christmas music though. It's relaxed and possibly more suitable for the parents (not that children wouldn't like it) and creates a really great chilled out loving mood.

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller.......2006-12-06

This was a pleasure to listen to again!It makes nice background yule-tyde music for the winter solitice holiday celebration.The birth of Jesus also represents the growing length of sunlight and rebirth of life.Also smartly included are Johnny Mathis (O Tannenbaum),University of Michigan Men's Glee Club,Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum Women's Choir, Almeda Berkey directing.They should continue to stick with Christmas standard classics and stay away from the Halloween tunes.This wintertime CD from Mannheim Steamroller is extraordinaire indeed!

2 out of 5 stars Christmas Extraordinaire.......2006-02-26

I am a fan of Mannheim Steamroller and had high expectations for this CD. This is not quite as good as their older Christmas Cd's. It is ok but far from what it could have been.

3 out of 5 stars Doesn't Really meet the test of time.......2006-01-05

With no offense intended to Mannheim Steamroller, I just wasn't very excited about this CD. Probably the best thing on here is the Nutcracker selection, but nothing stands out as being original or a fresh look at music. The best thing I think that can be said about it came from my father, who heard it at Christmas, and said "At least it doesn't sound like all their other music." So, if you are tired of hearing the standard radio playlist of Chip Davis, this might be refreshing. On the other hand, if none of the selections from CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE are being played, then probably none are very good (or popular).

In retrospect, I wish I had gotten FRESH AIRE, which I recognize as having some of my favorite Mannheim Steamroller songs. I'm not throwing this CD away, but it won't be on the top of my Christmas music pile either.
John Barry: The Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!
  • Persuaders Theme!
  • A Variety Of Classics!
  • Incredible Barry Collection
  • " one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry"
 John Barry: The Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music
  2. Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
  3. Beyondness of Things
  4. The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
  5. Eternal Echoes

ASIN: B00005BADD
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

  1. Zulu
  2. From Russia With Love
  3. From Russia With Love - 007
  4. Goldfinger
  5. The Ipcress File
  6. The Knack
  7. Mister Moses
  8. Thunderball
  9. The Wrong Box
  10. Born Free
  11. The Quiller Memorandum
  12. You Only Live Twice
  13. The Girl With The Sun In Her Hair
  14. Deadfall

Tracks:

  1. The Lion In Winter
  2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
  3. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
  4. Midnight Cowboy
  5. Midnight Cowboy
  6. The Appointment
  7. The Last Valley
  8. Walkabout
  9. Monte Walsh
  10. Diamonds Are Forever
  11. The Persuaders
  12. Mary Queen Of Scots
  13. The Man With The Golden Gun
  14. The Dove

Tracks:

  1. The Tamarind Seed
  2. King Kong
  3. Eleanor And Franklin
  4. Robin And Marian
  5. The Deep
  6. Hanover Street
  7. The Black Hole
  8. Moonraker
  9. Somewhere In Time
  10. Raise The Titanic
  11. Body Heat
  12. Frances
  13. Octopussy
  14. The Cotton Club

Tracks:

  1. High Road To China
  2. A View To A Kill
  3. Out Of Africa
  4. The Living Daylights
  5. Dances With Wolves
  6. Dances With Wolves
  7. Chaplin
  8. Moviola
  9. Indecent Proposal
  10. The Specialist
  11. The Scarlet Letter
  12. Cry The Beloved Country
  13. Mercury Rising
  14. The James Bond Theme

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!.......2006-11-09

Granted, they only need it for one composition (the last one, "The James Bond Theme") but still, without the guitar it's just not the same. Barry didn't compose this one so I suppose it was a bonus and I shouldn't complain, really. The rest of the music on all the CDs is fantastic. Some of the stuff I had heard before without realizing who had composed it. Very enjoyable, to say the least.

5 out of 5 stars Persuaders Theme!.......2006-03-02

Buy it for the Persuaders theme, probably the best TV theme song ever written.

5 out of 5 stars A Variety Of Classics!.......2005-12-06

John Barry has been composing film scores for over forty years and this is only scratching the surface of his productions. Never mind that the entire set is recorded by the Prague Philharmonic; it's pure to Barry's themes. While John Williams compositions ("Star Wars", etc.) are wild and flamboyant and Jerry Goldsmith's (Hoosier's, etc.) are mood pieces, John Barry crosses over all barriers and is amazingly diverse. Barry has recorded most of the exciting James Bond themes, melodramatic classics like "The Lion In Winter' and moody theme hits like "Midnight Cowboy". He also tugs at the heartstrings with compositions from, "Somewhere In Time", "Frances" and "Out Of Africa". He varies his themes for all types of films and few composers capture it so well.

There is over four hours of music in this set with a colorful and informative booklet.

5 out of 5 stars Incredible Barry Collection.......2004-03-11

Any fan of movies will absolutley love this collection. Being a movie buff I couldn't wait to get this boxed set. Knowing Barry from all the James Bond movies, I did not realize his involvement with so many others. The orchestra is magnificent in all these themes. I'm listening to "High Road to China" right now and I'm drifting in the clouds in a Tiger Moth with Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. If you are familiar with a movie it will definitely have you seeing it again, if not the scores are still beautiful. Any fan of classical music will be pleased as well. Travellers will defintitely enjoy it for a long drive. I know from when I use to travel that music like this made the miles float by faster. I highly recommend these four CDs even if you just know a handful of the songs.

5 out of 5 stars " one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry".......2001-07-06

This collection of four compact discs...are worth their weight in GOLD! Barry creates visual moods for each film he scores...romantic, sentimental, action, adventure, suspense and mystery...the list could go on. Strings, brass and lush-velvet arrangements overlay each cue in his distinctive style of legendary scoring...we have ~ "John Barry:The Collection", Silva Screen's release traces 40 years of film music, featuring "The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra" ~ conducted by Mr. Nic Raine (outstanding)..."Crouch End Festival Chorus" ~ David Temple, Choir Master...perform 56 selections, over four hours of symphonic suites with a full orchestra sound...all individually wrapped-up into one neat package...just the way "film-score-buffs" like 'em!

Must ask the following to take a bow ~ James Fitzpatrick (compilation producer), always in their pitching, Reynold da Silva (executive producer), Nic Raine (conductor, arranger, orchestrator & associate producer), a tremen!dous asset to every project he undertakes...and the man who made it all possible...a legendary icon always leading the way in film scoring ~ JOHN BARRY!

Total Time: 258:76 on 56 Tracks ~ SSD-1128 ~ (2001)

You might try other albums from Silva Screen, all worthy of a good listen ~ "The Essential James Bond" (SSD-1034)..."Bond:Back In Action" (SSD-1100)..."Bond:Back In Action 2" (SSD-1119)..."Zulu" (SSD-1095)..."Raise The Titanic" (SSD-1102)..."Walkabout" (SSD-1120)...check out my reviews on amazon.com/music.
The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Only half the songs of the original set!!
  • Its all Christmas
  • A Good Basic Collection
  • cd reviews
  • Poor Quality
 The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas

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

All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HerbertAll Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Holiday MusicHoliday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ClassicClassic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories
  2. Ultimate Christmas
  3. A Christmas Festival
  4. Now That's What I Call Christmas!
  5. Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection

ASIN: B00005NOZH
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

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

5 out of 5 stars Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

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

4 out of 5 stars A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

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

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

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

4 out of 5 stars cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

2 out of 5 stars Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.
A Festival of Carols in Brass
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Nice music but...
  • Great CD
  • A Noble and Festive Christmas
  • Meat and Potatoes
  • Totally Awesome
 A Festival of Carols in Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Christmas Festival
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  5. O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B0000024Q6
Release Date: 1991-07-16

Tracks:

  1. Deck The Halls With Broughs Of Holly
  2. Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming
  3. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
  4. The First Nowell
  5. Angels We Have Hard On High
  6. We Three Kings Of Oreint Are
  7. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  8. O Sanctissima
  9. O Tannenbaum
  10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  11. Good King Weceslas
  12. Silent Night, Holy Night
  13. Joy To the World
  14. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
  15. Conventry Carol
  16. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  17. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  18. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  19. Good Christian Men Rejoice
  20. O Holy Night
  21. What Child Is This?
  22. Wassial Song
  23. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  24. Away In A Manger
  25. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Nice music but..........2007-03-08

I liked the music and the performances a lot, but there is no booklet to depict the performers, nor analyse the music or the arrangements, which are superb

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2007-02-16

This is a great holiday CD. We used it for several holiday dinners this year.

5 out of 5 stars A Noble and Festive Christmas.......2007-01-21

This is the best Christmas album you could ever get. It is the most stable as you do not have to think about it. This is the album you really sing along to. Brass makes everything festive, grand and noble; so will your Christmas! A gem for every year!

5 out of 5 stars Meat and Potatoes.......2007-01-18

Since the release of this fine recording in 1967 there have been many fine
brass groups:The Canadian Brass, the Empire Brass, just to name a few.
Whereas these latter groups have all resorted to "gimmicks" such as unique arrangements to sell their albums this group of brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra give us an album of good old "meat and potatoes" playing spiced with fine tone,good ensemble playing, and good tempos.

5 out of 5 stars Totally Awesome.......2007-01-12

I love listening to this cd at christmas. The brass is so crisp, almost like being right there. You have to add this to your holiday collection, and for those of you who like brass, you will love it. I play the french horn and I esp. love hearing the french horn in it.
A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
  • One of the most beautiful Christmas albums
  • A Christmas Collection For The Ages
  • Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas
  • Pure Joy
 A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle , traditional/various , Leonard Slatkin , and Orchestra of St. Luke's with New York Choral Artists & Harlem Boys' Choir
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Michael PraetoriusAll Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Reger, MaxReger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Battle, KathleenBattle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Battle, KathleenBattle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert
  2. Angels' Glory
  3. Jessye Norman - Christmastide
  4. The Best of Kathleen Battle
  5. Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000002ROL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. O Come All Ye Faithful
  2. O Holy Night
  3. Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabelle
  4. Fum, Fum, Fum!
  5. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
  6. Ave Maria
  7. Gesu Bambino
  8. Medley: I Saw Three Ships; The First Nowell; The Holly And The Ivy
  9. Away In A Manger
  10. Silent Night
  11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  12. Mary's Cradle Song
  13. Zither Carol
  14. I Wonder As I Wander
  15. Mary Had A Baby
  16. Rise Up, Shepherd
  17. What Child Is This?
  18. Ave Maria
  19. Finale and Reprise: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Silent Night; O Come All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle.......2007-01-19

what can i say about the best of the best? As always, Miss Battle makes me wonder how anyone else would dare to sing this music after her rendition. A beautiful CD

5 out of 5 stars One of the most beautiful Christmas albums .......2005-11-22

I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

5 out of 5 stars A Christmas Collection For The Ages.......2005-11-13

If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.

Overall I believe that Ms. Battle performs better in complete opera recordings than recital albums, but most of her recital recordings are of at least good quality and this Christmas collection is outstanding. She handles all of the works with apparent similar ease, but since the recording is so varied, this is a compliment to her skill as a performer. She begins and ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" where she does a few vocal acrobatics but it's never overdone. Each time I think of what the bets part of the collection is, my mind changes. She brings her skills from the operatic stage in her renditions of "O Holy Night," "Gesu Bambino" (only Pavarotti sings this better, but it's a very close second), and "The Zither Carol" which sounds so much like something that could come from the mouths of Oscar from UN BALLO or Zurbinetta from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, two of her signature roles. The music from the African American Spirituals tradition and American background are well done and the accompaniment of the Harlem Boys Choir, used to great advantage here adds so much.

With so many Christmas collections from the world of opera available, choosing one can be difficult, but this is one collection that has proven to be a joy for almost fifteen years and will continue to give holiday pleasure for years to come.

5 out of 5 stars Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas.......2004-12-28

I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it.

5 out of 5 stars Pure Joy.......2003-12-07

In a world where disturbing things are all too common, Christian scripture guides us to dwell on that which is lovely. Kathleen Battle's blessed voice is most certainly one of those lovely things.

I bought this CD in the early 1990's, and I am here to buy it again because I have worn out the original with scratches, etc. I only listen to it during the Christmas season, but I enjoy it enough to hear it all year.

The 'Christmas Celebration' CD should be enough to convince you to also purchase Kathleen's 'A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert'. Ms. Battle's wonderful soprano voice is joined by that of the mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the blending is more than memorable. There are a couple of songs which are on both CD's, but you'll want to hear both. In fact, the video of the PBS special is also available, and I recommend buying all three. You won't regret it.

Some of my favorite selections from 'Christmas Celebration' include 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle' and 'Fum, Fum, Fum', both of which are from a culture different from my own. I found such glimpses into unfamiliar favorites to enhance my own enjoyment of the Christmas season, as long as all of my traditional American favorites were included. They were. "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" are there among the other favorites.

This CD's music is the kind that sets a wonderful Christmas mood. It can establish memories that say "Christmas" in the memories of children for life. Along with other classics like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'The Nutcraker' (from your favorite orchesta) and George Winston's 'December' and a few others, you will slowly be able to assemble a Christmas music library that will stay with you for life.
Christmas with Mario Lanza
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Superb Christmas Album
  • Love Mario Lanza
  • Mario Lanza - fantastic
  • Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me
  • Pure hymnal power.
 Christmas with Mario Lanza

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Lanza: Greatest Hits
  2. The MARIO LANZA Collection
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  5. You'll Never Walk Alone

ASIN: B000003EP6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Deck The Halls
  2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  3. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
  4. Joy To The World
  5. O Christmas Tree
  6. I Saw Three Ships
  7. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
  8. Ave Maria
  9. O Holy Night
  10. The Virgin's Slumber Song
  11. Pieta Signore
  12. The First Nowell
  13. O Come All Ye Faithful
  14. Away In A Manger
  15. We Three Kings
  16. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  17. Silent Night
  18. Guardian Angels
  19. I'll Walk With God
  20. The Lord's Prayer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Superb Christmas Album.......2007-02-19

Mario Lanza infuses his characteristic beautiful vocal intensity into this collection of carols and Christmas songs.
The result is an outstanding album which will bring a lump to your throat and tears to your eye.
The recordings are old, but the Lanza magic makes this album a must-buy

5 out of 5 stars Love Mario Lanza.......2007-01-28

I love Mario Lanza. He is in my top favs. I have wanted this album for ages and it is just as great as I knew it would be. I'll be back to buy more of Mario Lanza.

5 out of 5 stars Mario Lanza - fantastic.......2007-01-15

Fantastic voice, wonderful classic Christmas songs. My all-time favourite version of O Holy Night - spine tingling.

5 out of 5 stars Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me.......2007-01-12

Wonderful songs, great selections of songs sung by the greatest singer, Mario Lanza.

5 out of 5 stars Pure hymnal power........2006-12-20

I have just spent the past six hours listening to snippets of every Christmas CD that I can find on Amazon, and this is the best by far. It's the purest rendition of the best Christmas hymns that are sung in church on Christmas Eve. No inane flourishes, no ignorant alterations, no arrogant amendments, just pure hymnal power. Don't agree? Type "christmas" in the Amazon music search box, listen to all the renditions of all the classic hymns such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and when you are done you cannot but agree that Mario Lanza is not surpassed.

Update: I am now listening to the full CD and it is better even than I had hoped for. The beauty of Lanza's voice brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
Dowland: Consort Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful sampler of Dowland's music
  • A great introduction to Dowlandýs and renaissance music
 Dowland: Consort Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  4. Byrd: Consort and Keyboard Music; Songs and Anthems
  5. Elizabethan Songs and Consort Music

ASIN: B0000014DF
Release Date: 1998-10-10

Tracks:

  1. Mr. John Langston's Pavan
  2. Mistresse Nichols Almand
  3. The Earle of Essex Galiard
  4. A Sheperd in a Shade
  5. Lasso vita mia
  6. M. Buctons Galiard
  7. M. henry Noel his galiard
  8. M. Thomas Collier his Galiard
  9. Farewell (In Nomine)
  10. Semper Dowland semper dolens
  11. Sweet stay awhile
  12. Can she excuse my wrongs
  13. A Fancy
  14. M. Giles Hobbies Galiard
  15. Captaine Digorie Piper his Galiard
  16. The King of Denmark's Galiard
  17. Burst forth my tears
  18. Dowland's Adieu for Master Oliver Cromwell
  19. M. George Whitehead his Almand
  20. M. Nicholas Gryffith his Galiard
  21. Sir John Souch his Galiard
  22. All ye whom love or fortune
  23. Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful sampler of Dowland's music.......2007-03-25

An excellent sampler of Dowland's repertoire. The Rose Consort of Viols plays wonderfully and are well supported by a warm and immediate recording. I have spent many hours enjoying this album. Naxos strikes gold once again. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Dowlandýs and renaissance music.......2000-09-18

If you are a classic or pop fan (or both), and you are not familiar with early music, buy this CD. After you will become addicted to it (as I had) you will rush to buy other CDs of this composer and period (as I did). It contains a balanced repertoire of galliards and other viols' music, songs and lute pieces, and all possible combinations of them. While not making any allowance for popularity, it does contain several timeless pieces that will nail you from first listening (try "lasso vita mia", for example), and the other pieces will get under your skin after several more. The sound of the Rose Consort of Viols is amazingly warm, makes you wonder why classical composers ever stopped writing for these instruments. Dowland's music is beautifully polyphonic, yet it never quits being melodious and lyrical. In fact, for pop fans it might be very enjoyable to discover Bach in a natural way by starting with Dowland, and not the other way around. This CD is not perfect: I would like my galliards with a bit more swing to them, and perhaps this is why this CD seems to over-emphasize the melancholic side of Dowland. Overall, however, this one is still closer to five stars than four, in the disc library of any music fan.
Joy to the World
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Timeless Christmas Classic
 Joy to the World
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006L3ON
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

  1. Joy To The World
  2. The First Noel
  3. Deck The Hall
  4. Carol Of The Bells
  5. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  6. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  7. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  8. O, Holy Night
  9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  10. Here We Come A-Caroling
  11. O Tannenbaum
  12. Silent Night
  13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  14. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
  15. Hallelujah Chorus (From Messiah)

Amazon.com

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sets the tone for what Christmas albums should sound like, and Joy to the World upholds their exacting standard of excellence. Re-released from two concerts recorded in 1970 and 1977 and repacked with three bonus tracks, this collection is as perfect as it gets, thanks to pristine production, gorgeous vocal arrangements, and stately accompaniment by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. This record will set the mood for reveling, both with more contemporary carols, like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song," and sacred numbers, such as Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and "O Holy Night." Joy to the World qualifies as an essential yuletide album. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Timeless Christmas Classic.......2003-12-08

I'm a lover of traditional Christmas music and I've acquired about 20 CDs of it. There's nothing my family likes better in December than putting on some good Christmas music and getting in the mood for the season, hearing once again the old favorites you've known since childhood. Of all the Christmas music CDs I've tried, I have two desert-island favorites, the two I always reach for first. This is one of them. I think it's one of the greatest recordings of traditional Christmas music ever made. The arrangements (by Arthur Harris) are joyous, beautiful, and soul-stirring; the performances are heartfelt and magnificent. If you can listen to this CD and not feel filled by the Christmas spirit, you must be (a) named Ebeneezer Scrooge, or (b) deaf. This one is a timeless Christmas classic, not to be missed. Warmest recommendation.
The Christmas Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • WOW!!!
  • The Best of The Best
  • You can find better
  • Great Christmas Album
  • Good Stuff!
 The Christmas Album
The Canadian Brass , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jr. Hopkins John Henry , William James Kirkpatrick , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , Felix Mendelssohn , James Pierpont , Michael Praetorius , Ward Swingle , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Christmas Traditional , John Francis Wade , Anonymous , and Lydia Adams
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000412W
Release Date: 1990-08-10

Tracks:

  1. A Visit From St. Nicholas
  2. Carol Of The Bells
  3. Away In A Manger
  4. Jingle Bells
  5. The First Nowell
  6. Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
  7. We Three Kings
  8. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
  9. Coventry Carol
  10. D'ou veins-tu, bergere
  11. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
  12. Oh Come, Immanuel
  13. I Wonder As I Wander
  14. What Child Is This?
  15. La cloche de Noel
  16. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  17. Noel Nouvelet
  18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  19. Silent Night
  20. Good King Wenceslas
  21. Hallelujah Chorus
  22. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
  23. O Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars WOW!!!.......2007-03-26

What has not been said about the Canadian Brass? The album is a wonderful blend of brass and voices. I especaily appreciate the non-traditional selections. It is a heart warmer.

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

Just be sure to buy this version (18 tracks) rather than what appears to be a very pared-down later issue (same cover, only about half a dozen tracks).

This is by far the best holiday album I have ever heard. I am a double-reed player and I must take issue with the complaints about intonation and musicianship by the one negative reviewer on this page. The song selection, mix of secular and religious, mix of serious and light, mix of familiar/less heard - Good as driving music, gift wrapping, or sing-along. This is the Holiday CD I listen to year round. If you are looking for ONE CD to buy for the season- for your collection or as a gift- This is it!

2 out of 5 stars You can find better.......2004-11-24

Lousy musicianship here, frankly-- missed notes and poor intonation. I was hugely disappointed when I heard this album. Greatly recommend A Festival of Carols in Brass (Philadelphia Brass Ensemble) instead, which is pure joy for the listener.

5 out of 5 stars Great Christmas Album.......2003-11-05

I've had this particular Canadian Brass album for so long that I have it on cassette! But it's become a classic family Christmas album for us. It's a great addition to any Christmas, especially as background music. It's very calming and just plain good. I can't imagine my Christmas without it.

5 out of 5 stars Good Stuff!.......2000-12-12

This is yet another top-notch Canadian Brass Christmas album. These guys, once again, demonstrate why they are the best in the world at what they do. With the addition of the fine choral singing by the Iseler Singers, this is the complete Christmas CD, one you'll never get tired of year after year. Buy it!
Candlelight Carols
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Timeless Tradition
  • A nice blend of music for Christmas
 Candlelight Carols
The Choir of Trinity Church
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041Y7
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

  1. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  2. Candlelight Carol
  3. Carol Of The Bells
  4. All Poor Men And Humble
  5. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
  6. The First Nowell
  7. What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
  8. King Jesus Hath A Garden
  9. A Spotless Rose
  10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  11. Away In A Manger
  12. Joseph est bien marie
  13. Sleeps Judea Fair
  14. Noel Sing!
  15. O Holy Night
  16. Suo Gan
  17. What Strangers Are These?
  18. I Wonder As I Wander
  19. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Timeless Tradition.......2005-12-15

I have been listening to this choir since 1982. I wore out the original tape, in the days before CD's. I have been to the actual performance, a week before Christmas three times and am going back this year 2005.

The performance is so delicate, yet so powerful that it is emotional and moving, regardless of your orientation. Imagine this performance, in the manificent HH Richardson-designed Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston. People wait for hours to get in. The lights go out, the Choir, brass timpani and organ just work so well together. One by one, candles are lit, and the huge church comes alive. The choir processes down the asiles singing in strength and everyone joins in.

It is a spiritual experience even if you are not religious. The strength of the performance invites you to participate. I find myself singing louder than I do anywhere else.

After my first child was born, I held her in my arms, and "Candlelight Carol" became my anthem:
How do you capture
The wind on the water?
How do you count all the stars in the sky?
How can you measure
The love of a mother
Or how can you write down
A baby's first cry?

I am not a musician and to my ear, the Chorus is professional. The tunes are classic, but they bring a new life to familiar tunes.

If you've been feeling stressed out, this is the perfect time to calm the nerves, focus on meaning and purpose, and let you enjoy yourself for a few minutes.

If you can't attend, do the next best thing, get the CD, turn it up till you hear the bass of the organ rumble your rafters and sing your heart out.

Enjoy!

3 out of 5 stars A nice blend of music for Christmas.......2003-12-30

This is one of my favorite discs at Christmas time. It is at once peaceful and calm, yet joyous and expectant. There are the usual brass and organ carols, but also stunning arrangements and performances of lesser-known things. Prime among these are the setting of "Away in a Manger" that makes me want to pull off the highway and listen just to that song without distractions, and the pulsing, exciting "What Strangers are These", which I have never heard anywhere else. Chorally, the disc is a little unsatisfying because of balance issues with the rest of the disc--some songs are loud, others very soft, so it makes it hard to listen to without having to adjust the volume periodically. However, I still wouldn't trade it for all the Messiahs in the world!

Music Review:

  1. Forgotten Dreams
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  6. He'll Fix It
  7. Hold up the Light
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Music Review

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