Christmas Joy

From the Artist
Like so many singers, I have always dreamed of making a Christmas album. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my music is present during very special times in peoples' lives... while wrapping gifts, enjoying the company of family and friends, or just relaxing by the fire and enjoying the lights of the Christmas tree! I pray that this album adds a special touch of joy to your holidays! Merry Christmas!

Product Description
The fourth album from Gretchen Harris is "Christmas Joy." It combines traditional favorites with new songs of the holidays. This is a delightful journey for the soul, as we travel through the Christmas season with the joy that it holds for our hearts.

"Joy to the World" is the opening tune, with guitar, percussion, and a unique rhythm that springs forth in true joy. Bob and MaryJo Cowsill wrote "Christmastime," a song that evokes the sentimental feelings of the holidays.

A beautiful and uplifting rendition of "O Holy Night" is next with soaring vocals by Gretchen and vibrant background vocals by a talented trio. This is followed by "And On That Day," written by Phil Keaggy. This is a wonderful song that tells how that special day when Jesus was born is the day that opened the way to our redemption.

Gretchen’s ten-year-old daughter Amy joined in on the upbeat duet of "Away in a Manger," which showcases Amy’s amazing vocal gifts. "What Child Is This" is a traditional favorite of many, and "One Star," written by Cynthia Cummins, has a smooth oldies flavor in this version and speaks of the glory of the angels singing "Alleluia!"

Gretchen and producer David Harris co-wrote "Promised Messiah," which sings of a world in darkness searching for a savior, culminating in the arrival of Jesus Christ, our Promised Messiah. "Silent Night" is the perfect smooth and peaceful lullabye.

This album closes with an introspective promise to hold the newborn Jesus in our hearts even "After December Slips Away." This album is a spirit-filled and welcome addition to hearts and homes this Christmas season and in the years to come.

Christmas Joy

Christmas Joy,Gretchen Harris,Overhead,Part well-known favorites, part new songs for the season...

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Average customer rating: so amazing Essential Bach is OK Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music Exquisite Essential Bach Good

Essential Bach Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Essential Beethoven Essential Tchaikovsky Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces 25 Bach Favorites ASIN: B00004SPLF Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
3. Prelude in C major
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
5. Goldberg Variations: Aria
6. Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
7. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
8. Jesu, joy of man's desiring
9. Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
10. Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
11. Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
12. Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
13. Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
14. French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
15. Prelude in D Minor
16. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
17. Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

1. Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
2. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
3. Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
4. Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
5. Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
6. Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
7. Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
8. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
9. Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
10. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
11. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
12. Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
13. Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
14. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
15. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
16. Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
17. Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
18. Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
19. Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating: I hate to be rude, but . . . Outstanding Sacred Songs My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Franck, César | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Haunted Heart The Inner Voice : The Making of a Singer Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva ASIN: B000AM6OXK Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
3. Dank sei dir, Herr
4. Ave Maria, D839
5. Laudamus te
6. Panis Angelicus
7. Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
8. Simple Song
9. Pie Jesu
10. Domine Deus
11. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
12. Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
13. Abends will ich schlafen gehn
14. L'Adieu des bergers
15. Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
16. Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating: Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ? Gentle background music with lots of harp Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening Bach for any meal! Lovely!!!

Bach for Breakfast Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading Mozart for Meditation ASIN: B0000041D9 Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

1. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D
3. Concerto In D Minor For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Siciliano
4. Suite in D: Bourree I - II
5. Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Sicilliano
6. Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Allegro Moderato
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 In B-Flat: Adagio ma non tanto
8. Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Allegro
9. Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Adagio
10. Sinfonia: Christmas Oratorio
11. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C: Forlane
12. Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Andante-Presto
13. Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Menuetto I - II
14. English Suite No. 3 In G Minor: Allemande
15. Brandenberg Concerto No. 2 In F: Andante
16. Suite In E-Flat For Harp: Gavotte en rondeau
17. Concerto In D Minor For Violin & Panpipes: Adagio
18. Concerto In A For Oboe d'amore, Strings & Continuo: Allegro moderato

Customer Reviews:

Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ?.......2005-10-04

This recording is a delightful morning brew of Bach's most beautiful and atmospheric instrumental music, even making use of an instrument that most music scholars forget he even wrote music for - the harp, as in the SLonatas for Flute, Harp and Cello, which on this recording, sound positively radiant coming from the likes of Sir Neville Marriner's Academy of St Martin In The Fields or the English Chamber Orchestra. The opening track is the ever popular Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, mostly a featured piece in Wedding Ceremonies. The Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, which I believe is marked "Overture" is regal and elegant. The English Suite No. 3 in G Minor is a lovely piece, as is the intimately slow andane of the Brandenbur Concerto No. 2. The Concerto for Violin and Panpies in D is a fresh new rendition. All in all, this is a very intimate CD, full of Baroque charm and romance. It is a fine way to start your day.

Gentle background music with lots of harp.......2005-06-26

In general, the Philips series "Set Your Life to Music" is one of the better, high-quality compilation series of classical music. This CD is a collection of Bach's Baroque-era music that is ideal for those unfamiliar to the often-intimidating world of classical music who mainly are looking for some pleasant and inspiring background music while learning a little about classical music. This Bach collection contains music that is rich in the soothing sounds of flute, harp, guitar and oboe along with a sampling of Bach's mild-mannered, songful orchestral music. Overall, the selections are all gentle and lyrical with a good sound quality. The concerto, oboe and orchestral works are some of Bach's finest compositions of sheer beauty and elegance and are performed by some of classical music's finest musicians. Some selections most everyone who has been ever been to a few weddings will recognize (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire). And no piece is as haughtingly lovely as the flute sonata slow movement (Siciliano) on track 5 - a highlight of the disc.

While 'classical purists' may raise their brow because of the many flute/harp selections (citing that Bach never composed any music for the harp), the person buying this CD for inspiring and relaxing mood music should be be delighted just fine with these "transcriptions" from piano to harp. The harp has a special niche for creating the most serene of atmospheres which it does not fail to do here. The solo Suite in E-flat was originally composed for solo violin but sounds much more smooth and dreamy on the harp - a piece very well done. However, some pieces are so serene that you might fall asleep at the breakfast table - hence, the sub-title "A leisurely way to start your day." Actually, it could easily be titled, "Bach for Bedtime" as the selections are all pretty relaxed and on the quiet side. So, if the hyper-energy of Mozart symphonies is too much for your mornings or if the sharp surges of Beethoven's music unsettle you, then these calmer Bach selections should be a better way to ease into the day.

If you like the flavor of Baroque music, "Bach for Book Lovers" in the same series is a good choice and has more solo piano selections for the piano lover. "Bach for Bedtime" is also a wonderful (non-duplicating) collection of some of Bach's most serene music and is also recommended. Perhaps the most calming and sedating music in this Philip's series is "Baroque for Bathtime" which can easily put you to sleep - in a good way - with or without the bath. All are high quality with well-selected pieces from the treasures of classical music's most influential composer of the Baroque era - Johann Sebastian Bach.

Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening.......2004-01-26

You will love this CD! Like many of the CD's from this series, the music was carefully chosen for home listening. I just love playing this CD at home.

The "songs" on this CD and from the series were chosen from the vast and excellent Phillips classical music catalog. The sound, performances, and song selections are world-class.

A lot of great classical music is great for an evening at the concert hall but not very good for listening at home. The crescendos can be loud and the themes too intense. I would rather listen to a breathtaking Mozart piano sonata (solo piano) at home than a grand Mozart symphony (large orchestra) at home. The music on this CD was chosen for home listening, such as when reading a book.

This music appeals to everyone. Classic musicians may snub this music because it's not grand like a full-blown opera. They ignore the fact that the great composers, like Bach recognized different musical genres such as chamber music for at home or the kings court, and grand symphonies for an evening at the concert hall.

The music on this CD is EXCELLENT for listening at home. It's both brilliant and mellow. When I listen to this music I marvel at the brilliance of Bach. I am very grateful for this music and other CD's in this series.

A fantastic CD!

Bach for any meal!.......2004-01-22

By far, one of the best "collection" CDs of Bach's music. On a couple of tracks, some liberties are taken, but overall, this is a must-have. It includes 6 tracks from the Flute Sonatas, and features a soloist with whom I was not familiar - Irena Grafenauer gives THE MOST EXQUISITE performances I have ever heard - Galway and Rampal, step aside!

Lovely!!!.......2002-04-06

Worth every penny! A must have in the car if you commute on busy highway daily to and from work -- help to ease road rage! It's great for relaxing after a long day of programming too!

Average customer rating: Rutter Christmas Album Unique and Beautiful! Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review. John Rutter and Cambridge Singers

The John Rutter Christmas Album Cambridge Singers , Rutter , and City of London Sinfon Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: John Rutter Collection Cambridge Singers Christmas Album Christmas Star Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers Be Thou My Vision ASIN: B00006JJ4T Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

Rutter Christmas Album.......2007-05-14

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

Unique and Beautiful!.......2007-03-09

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

Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album.......2007-02-19

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

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

Great music by John Rutter: Great performance!

John Rutter and Cambridge Singers.......2007-01-18

This is quintessential English cathedral music; beautifully sung. Reminds one of the English Christmas -- warm and serene -- that we've only experienced in our dreams!

Average customer rating: Great collection of sacred music An Inspiring and Heartening Compilation making a joyous sound A correction I AM A SIMPLE WOMAN

Kiri Te Kanawa - Ave Maria Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Dame Kiri | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | 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 Similar Items: Kiri Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song Kiri Te Kanawa Classics Ave Maria Christmas with Kiri ASIN: B0000040X1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. O Divine Redeemer
2. Laudate Dominum
3. Bist Du Bei Mir
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
5. Sanctus
6. Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges: On Wings Oof Song
7. Panis Angelicus
8. Ave Verum K. - KV 618
9. Ave Maria Op.52-6
10. Trumpet Tune
11. Let The Bright Seraphim
12. Let Their Celestial Concerts

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of sacred music.......2005-12-23

What a great collection, many real sacred classics, all delivered in very heartfelt, but simple way, and Kiri's voice is just so beautiful. And I like the fact that there are many different moods, there are some songs which are very soothing, slow pieces but also different ones, and the the final songs are Let The Bright Seraphim which is so uplifting and bright and Let Their Celestial Concerts. They are both from Samson, it's refreshing to hear these tracks instead of the usual pieces from Messiah.
My favourite songs are Bist du bei mir and especially Mozart's Ave Verum, so perfect when sung by Kiri, I know so many different versions but these are probably the best I have heard.
Mozart's Laudate Dominum is done very nicely, good tempo and such great singing. Kirir has a great trill! Panis Angelicus is good too, I wish Kiri would do something else instead of this worn classic, but her version of Schubert's Ave Marias on this album is actually very good. This is a great, refreshing collection overall, well put together, with very tasteful arrangements. There is also a nice chorus, they only sing in few pieces but they sound really good.
There is a small problem with the sound level on this album, it's true, but Kiri's voice still sounds beautiful, just crank up the volume a little bit, so you can hear her better. Maybe the bright seraphim will hear her too!

An Inspiring and Heartening Compilation.......2004-07-12

Kiri Te Kanawa voice never fails to inspire me and uplift my spirit. Her rendition of "Ave Maria" is just so beautiful and moving that its effect on the listener can not be expressed in mere words. Kiri's voice and intuitive nature of delivering the inner strength and emotion of each selection on this CD is just inspiring.

making a joyous sound.......2003-07-03

Dame Kiri's voice shines in these beautiful sacred pieces, and as her biographer David Fingleton, in his excellent liner notes for this CD points out, that going back to her youth and first voice teacher, who was a Sister of Mercy, church music has always been a part of her repertoire, even though she is mostly noted as an operatic soprano.
Favorites include Gounod's exquisite "O Divine Redeemer" ("Repentir"), the two Mozart pieces, "Laudate Dominum" (from "Vesperae solennes de confessore" KV 339), and "Ave Verum" KV 618, and the luminous performance of Schubert's popular "Ave Maria".

Track # 11, Purcell's "Trumpet Time", is a trumpet solo by Crispian Steele-Perkins, and there is also a good and jolly trumpet on track # 11, Handel's "Let the Bright Seraphim" from "Samson", which is the piece Dame Kiri sang in St. Paul's Cathedral for the Prince and Princess of Wales, at their wedding in 1981, and has become one of her most often requested songs.
This recording was made in 1984, at the All Saints' Church in Tooting, England, and the sound is not great but quite adequate. The boys of the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral sing like little angels, and the English Chamber Orchestra is led by Barry Rose. Total time is 47:40.
This would make a nice change of pace CD during the Christmas Season, and for fans of this wonderful soprano, hearing her voice is a joy any time of the year.

A correction.......2003-05-28

I don't know where this comment belongs, but I have a correction to make:
Track 2 is Laudate Dominum from Vespearae solennes de confesore (K.337) and not Vespeare de Dominica (K.321) as the listing says.
Both Mozart's arias are beautiful, though.

I AM A SIMPLE WOMAN.......2003-02-08

I LEARNED TO PLAY CHOPSTIX AND THE RIGHT HAND PART OF BLUE MOON FROM MY FATHER WHEN I WAS LITTLE. I LEARNED TO SING FRERE JAQUES FROM HIM TOO AND WE SANG IT TOGETHER IN ROUNDS. I KNOW WHERE MIDDLE C IS ON THE PIANO AND THIS IS THE EXTENT OF WHAT I KNOW ABOUT MUSIC. SO YOU EXPERTS CAN JUST GO TO THE NEXT REVIEW IF YOU LIKE AND I WONT BE OFFENDED. I AM A KNUCKLEHEAD BY YOUR STANDARDS AND I WOULDN'T PAY ATTENTION TO ME EITHER IF I WERE YOU. BUT FOR THE REST OF YOU, LET ME SAY THAT THIS WOMAN'S VOICE IS LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER HEARD. THE MUSIC SHE CHOSE TO SING FIRST OF ALL, IS BEATUIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL. YOU'LL GET GOOSEBUMPS. BUT HER VOICE IS THE THING. IT'S LIKE GOOD COLD SPRING WATER. IT'S CLEAN AND CONFIDENT, NO FUZZY EDGES OR BIG SHOWY SWOOPS. IT'S SOFT AND STRONG AND BIG AND TINY JUST WHEN IT SHOULD BE, I THINK. YOU WILL JUST FIND YOURSELF LISTENING AND SOMETIMES YOU WILL JUST BE HOLDING YOUR BREATH, HARDLY BELIEVING YOUR GOOD LUCK THAT YOU ARE HEARING THIS. I ACTUALLY SHUSHED MY HUSBAND AND TOLD HIM TO STOP TRYING TO TALK TO ME WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID I WOULD MISS SOMETHING. I LOVE A GOOD VOICE AND/OR A GOOD SINGER. THEY AREN'T ALWAYS THE SAME THING. SO I WILL ADD THIS WOMAN AND HER MUSIC TO MY COLLECTION OF FAVORITES THAT INCLUDE THE MUSIC OF JANIS JOPLIN, NINA SIMONE, JONI MITCHELL, CECILIA BARTOLI, MARIAH CAREY, MR. PAVOROTI AND SOME OTHER GOOD GIRLS AND GUYS. AND POUR YOURSELF A GLASS OF WINE THE FIRST GO AROUND...

Average customer rating: Insipid BEST TRADITIONAL & NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS ALMUM EVER! My Favorite Christmas Music Ok....but 160 reviews? ............don't get to excited! Amazing!

Joy - A Holiday Collection Jewel Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | 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 Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Spirit This Way 0304 Pieces of You Goodbye Alice in Wonderland ASIN: B00000K53Y Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

1. Joy To The World
2. O Holy Night
3. Silent Night
4. Winter Wonderland
5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
6. Ave Maria
7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
8. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
9. Face Of Love
10. Medley: A. Go Tell It On The Mountain/B. Life Uncommon/C. From A Distance
11. I Wonder As I Wander
12. Gloria
13. Hands (Christmas Version)

Amazon.com

Jewel has concocted an intriguing and at times beautifully inspired holiday album, playing it straight with a big orchestra and backing voices for the first half of the record with standards such as "Joy to the World," "Winter Wonderland," "Silent Night," as well as a lovely rendition of "Ave Maria." Things finally get sparkling in the last half where Jewel does a low-key, kid version of "Rudolph" and sings her own compositions. Her moving "Face of Love" and "Hands" are certain to become holiday standards, capable of being sung in a country, pop, gospel, or R&B vein and deserving of an audience as wide as the nation itself. The record's centerpiece, however, seems to be a six-minute-plus medley that mixes "Go Tell It on the Mountain" with the recent hit "From a Distance" and her own "Life Uncommon." Nonetheless, her stunning adaptation of "Gloria" inspired, in part, by Bach's B-Minor Mass, two tracks later is as powerful and lovely a Christmas vocal performance as you will find anywhere. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, Joy is destined to become a holiday classic. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Insipid.......2007-01-02

A generally uninspired album - at times it sounds as if Jewel is simply phoning her performance in. Her voice isn't powerful, and when the orchestra gets loud she simply gets drowned. The better tracks are definately those where the production is kept to a minimum (Rudolph, I Wonder). In a few others (O Little Town, Go Tell it on the Mountain) her voice gets unpleasantly thin, which I found distracting.

Overall this is a forgettable set; personally, I really wasn't moved in a Christmasy sort of way. If you're a Jewel fan it's maybe worthwhile but other folks will find that there are better holiday albums available.

BEST TRADITIONAL & NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS ALMUM EVER!.......2006-12-18

I have had this CD for several years and from the beginning I liked it alot, but now it has become my favorite Christmas CD to listen to in December. The traditional songs are great to sing along to...but of course no one can match Jewel's exquisite voice. She uses non-traditional melodies on some of the traditional songs which gives them an interesting and happy twist. Now that I've grown to love it so much I know the words to all the other non-traditional songs as well. There is a really deep meaning behind ALL of the songs. I think some of the people who don't like some of the album just haven't "gotten it" yet....just listen....you'll see(hear)what I mean. I have decided to buy this CD for all of my family and friends this year because I want them to expierence the "JOY" and deeply spiritual message behind the songs too!

My Favorite Christmas Music.......2006-11-26

I have had this videocassette for years and its so worn I'm so glad to finally get a CD! Jewel's voice is beautiful and some of the classics like Joy to the World and O Little Town of Bethlehem are the best versions I have ever heard. I could have done without the non-traditional songs which don't quite fit into the holiday arrangement or match the beauty of her voice but its well worth the purchase for Gloria, O Holy Night and Ave Maria. If you like to sing along, I highly recommend it.

Ok....but 160 reviews? ............don't get to excited!.......2006-10-28

This is a pretty decent Christmas release, but "A Must have" "Beautiful and Classic" "stunning" I don't know. Maybe these folks don't really listen to christmas music all that much. Yodeling and Christmas music don't mix! Yes there are a few great tracks like "Gloria" and "Ava Maria". Most of the cd is a good listen, but I just can't seem to feel this cd. I think it lacks a choral or symphonic sound I was expecting from a creative artist like Jewel. Instead it sounds a little to "folksy" for me, but thats ok too. I think there are cd's that are much more Christmas sounding like both of Michael W. Smiths Christmas releases. If you enjoy Christmas music you will enjoy this disc ,I plan on enjoying it this Christmas.

Amazing!.......2006-07-31

Jewel uses her own unique style to sing classic Christmas music (as well as two songs of her own) and the result is the best holiday music I've ever heard a modern-day artist sing. Sweet, cheerful, and melodic, if it doesn't put you in the holiday spirit I can't immagine what could!

Average customer rating: Priceless, at any price Good overview Great Music!!!!!!!!! Very nice for a Danny Elfman collection Bring on Volume 3

Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 2: Film & Television Music Manufacturer: Fontana Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Elfman, Danny | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music Serenada Schizophrana So Lo Sleepy Hollow: Music from the Motion Picture Edward Scissorhands: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B000002P4P Release Date: 1996-12-03

Tracks:

1. Edward Scissorhands Suite: Main Titles
2. Edward Scissorhands Suite: Storytime
3. Edward Scissorhands Suite: Suite
4. Edward Scissorhands Suite: Suburbia-Barber
5. Edward Scissorhands Suite: The Grand Finale
6. Dolores Claiborne Suite: Main Titles
7. Dolores Claiborne Suite: Vera's World
8. Dolores Claiborne Suite: Flashback
9. Dolores Claiborne Suite: Sad Room
10. Dolores Claiborne Suite: End Titles
11. To Die For Suite: Main Titles
12. To Die For Suite: Suzie's Theme
13. To Die For Suite: Busted
14. To Die For Suite: Wheepy Donuts
15. To Die For Suite: Finale
16. Black Beauty Suite: Main Titles
17. Black Beauty Suite: Baby Beauty
18. Black Beauty Suite: Jump For Joy
19. Black Beauty Suite: Frolick-Sick
20. Black Beauty Suite: Bye Bye Jerry
21. Black Beauty Suite: Memories
22. Black Beauty Suite: End Titles
23. Batman Returns Suite:Birth Of A Penguin
24. Batman Returns Suite: Trouble Suite
25. Batman Returns Suite: The Finale
26. Batman Returns Suite: End Titles

Tracks:

1. Mission Impossible Suite: Trouble
2. Mission Impossible Suite: Looking For Job
3. Mission Impossible Suite: Betrayal
4. Sommersby Suite: Main Titles
5. Sommersby Suite: Return Montage
6. Sommersby Suite: Finale-End Titles
7. Dead Presidents Suite: Main Titles
8. Dead Presidents Suite: Daughter
9. Dead Presidents Suite: Montage
10. Dead Presidents Suite: Nam
11. Dead Presidents Suite: Nightmare
12. Nightmare Before Christmas Suite: Overture
13. Nightmare Before Christmas Suite: Jack And Sally Suite
14. Nightmare Before Christmas Suite: Christmas Eve Montage
15. Freeway Suite: Main Titles
16. Freeway Suite: On The Road
17. Freeway Suite: Back In The Car
18. Shrunken Heads Suite: Main Titles
19. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Amazing Stories 'Family Dog'
20. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Amazing Stories 'Family Dog'
21. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Amazing Stories 'Mummy, Daddy
22. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Barkley Superhero 'Nike Commercial'
23. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: The Flash 'Theme'
24. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Pee Wee's Playhouse
25. Television Odds 'N Ends Suite: Beetlejuice - Animated Tv Series 'Theme'
26. Untitled
27. Untitled
28. Untitled
29. This Is Halloween (Original Demo For Nightmare Before Christmas)

Amazon.com

A delightfully buoyant, mock-creepy collection of film scores from Hollywood's first and best call for quirk, strangeness, and charm. Focusing on Elfman's post-1992 work (much of it for director Tim Burton), this 2 CD set features excerpts from Edward Scissorhands, To Die For, and Batman Returns, among other lesser items. -- Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Priceless, at any price.......2007-07-06

Years ago, watching peter Jennings cover the funeral procession of Princess Diana, my soul was captured by some hauntingly beautiful music that at times played in the background. So began my mission to find out what it was, who wrote it and how I could get it. After some correspondence with the network I was put in touch with the woman who "put together" that part of the programming. All she could remember is that it came from the movie "Black Beauty". THEN I found out how many versions of that had been made lol. With determination, I finally found it, and had a local music store order it for me.
There are no words to describe what this music does to me. I did try listening to some of the other tracks, but they didn't even come close. I rate this music right up there with the 1971 score for "Jane Eyre" by John Willams... and that's pretty high :D

Good overview.......2007-04-18

Very nice overview of Elfman work. Insufficient by itself but worth having along with the full soundtracks. Bonus disc is a nice extra.

Great Music!!!!!!!!!.......2005-09-08

I Love Danny Elfman's music so much that I have started my own collection of the soundtracks that he composed. For a while, I was trying to find the "Beetlejuice" theme song from the TV show, but thanks to this release, I finally have it!!! Keep up the good work Elfman!

Very nice for a Danny Elfman collection.......2005-08-02

Music For A Darkened Theater, Vol.2 is a great cd!!! I love all of the tracks on both cd's,but my fav. ones are the t.v. scores and the This Is Halloween demo!!! If you love this,then i recomend looking at all the actually albums on this cd and his other works!!!! good job,Danny Elfman.

Bring on Volume 3.......2005-05-04

The liner notes and "This is Halloween Demo" on this compilation are well worth the CD price by themselves. Danny comments on each of the tracks on the CDs which is a rare and ego-free look at what a composer thinks of his own work.

Edward Scissorhands is magical, Black Beauty is a rollercoaster of emotion, and Dolores Claiborne makes me want to find the nearest piano. This is not a "Most Popular" compilation, rather it aptly showcases Danny Elfman's (and Orchestrator, Steve Bartek's) brilliance and wide range of style.

Every suite has an Elfman signature, such as the layered complexity which never sounds overdone, or the use of a choir as an instrument.

This (and Volume 1) are examples of the work of a modern day composer who consistently stands out as one of the best.

If you like this and have the spare cash, grab the individual scores from some of the movies he has worked on, including "Men In Black", "Spiderman", "Batman", "Batman Returns", "Nightmare Before Christmas", "Edward Scissorhands", "Mars Attacks" and so many more.

Average customer rating: 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 Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | 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 Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories Ultimate Christmas A Christmas Festival Now That's What I Call Christmas! 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:

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!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

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

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.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

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.

Average customer rating: Baroque Masterpieces Great short Baroque piece collection Excellent Baroque Collection

Baroque Masterpieces Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Musettes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Baroque Favorites The Best of Baroque Music Essential Baroque Greatest Hits ~ Baroque Baroque Guitar ASIN: B00005YQL6 Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Canon In D Major - Johann Pachelbel
2. Suites De Symphonies No. 1: I. Rondeau - Jean-Joseph Mouret
3. Adagio In G Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
4. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': I. Menuett In G Major, BWV Anh. 114 - Johann Sebastian Bach
5. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': II. Musette In D Major, BWV Anh. 126 - Johann Sebastian Bach
6. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': III. 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 - Johann Sebastian Bach
7. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': IV. Marche In D Major, BWV Anh. 122 - Johann Sebastian Bach
8. Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Christoph Willibald Gluck
9. Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
10. Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
11. Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: Pastorale Ad Libitum - Arcangelo Corelli
12. Berenice: Overture - George Frideric Handel
13. Abdelazer: Rondeau - Henry Purcell
14. Xerxes: Largo - George Frideric Handel
15. Belshazzar: Martial Symphony - George Frideric Handel
16. Saul: Dead March - George Frideric Handel
17. Cantana BWV 147 Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
18. Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conquering Hero Comes - George Frideric Handel
19. Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim - George Frideric Handel
20. Suite For Strings: I. Sarabanda. Largo - Arcangelo Corelli
21. Suite For Strings: II. Giga, Allegro - Arcangelo Corelli
22. Suite For Strings: III. Badinerie. Vivace - Arcangelo Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Baroque Masterpieces.......2007-07-07

The music was very good but wish they had more to listen too. Not enough bang.

Great short Baroque piece collection.......2005-02-05

This CD has 17 pieces on 22 tracks including 7 by Handel, 2 each by Bach & Corelli, and 1 each by Pachelbel, Mouret, Albinoni, Gluck, Clarke, & Purcell. They are frequently the best known piece by the composer--and easily recognizable: Pachelbel's Canon, Mouret's Rondeau (theme from PBS' Masterpiece Theater), Albinoni's Adagio, etc. If you like high quality short pieces/excerpts, this CD is for you. My only qualification is: no Telemann, but it's just too good for a 4-star rating.

Excellent Baroque Collection.......2003-07-22

As I have stated in many of my previous reviews, I am a huge fan of the Sony Essential Classics (SEC) budget series. Most of the recordings feature classic and often definitive performances featuring the likes of George Szell, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Casadesus, Isaac Stern and Rudolf Serkin among others. Here we get a variety of orchestras and conductors including big names like Jean-Claude Malgoire, Raymond Leppard, Pierre Boulez, Sir Charles Groves and the great Eugene Ormandy. This disc features excellent performances of what is arguably the most popular Baroque music ever written. I am not usually one to give five-star ratings to greatest-hits style collections (particularly in classical), but the half-dozen performances by Ormandy make this disc a great purchase for both novices and serious collectors.

Average customer rating: Utterly disapointing Great! charming Something for everyone!

The #1 Choral Album Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
2. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
3. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
4. Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
5. Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
6. Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
7. Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
8. L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
9. Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
10. Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
11. Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
12. Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
13. Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
14. Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
15. Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
16. La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

1. Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
2. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
3. Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
4. Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
5. Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
6. Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
7. Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
8. Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
9. Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
10. Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
11. Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
12. Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
13. Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
14. Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
15. Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
16. Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
17. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
18. Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
19. Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Meditation Music:

1. Classic: The Universal Masters Collection [Original recording remastered] [Import]
2. Coming Home
3. Flake
4. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! [Import]
5. God Is a DJ [CD-single] [Import]
6. Goin' Down [UK CD1] [CD-single] [Import]
7. Gone [CD-single] [Import]
8. Greatest Hits
9. Have a Nice Day [Import]
10. Heavy Mellow [Import]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Machine Head [SACD] [Import]

Schubert: Pieces for piano

Proclomation

Music: Folk of the World: Colombia Chile [Import]

Pure House

Roma Alta Moda, Vol. 2 [Import]

Maxximum [Limited Edition] [Import]

Reflections [Original recording remastered]

Psychedelic Furs [Import]

Rebecca: The 1940 Film Score by Franz Waxman [Soundtrack]

Phil Talks With Quill [Import]

Mi Armonia

Llenate de Rock

By Request: The Best Of John Williams And The Boston Pops Orchestra

The Aggrolites