Christmas Extraordinaire

On this CD: 1. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Hallelujah Chorus
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

2. White Christmas, song (from "Holiday Inn")
Composed by Irving Berlin
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

3. Away in a Manger
Composed by James R. Murray
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

4. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71 Faeries
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
Composed by Noel Regney
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

6. The First Nowell (English)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

7. Silver Bells (for the film The Lemon Drop Kid)
Composed by Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

8. Fum, Fum, Fum (Catalan)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

9. Some Children See Him, carol for voice & piano
Composed by Alfred S. Burt
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

10. Winter Wonderland
Composed by Felix Bernard
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

11. O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) (German)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

12. Auld Lang Syne
Composed by Robert Burns
Performed by Louis Stout with Mannheim Steamroller
Conducted by Chip Davis

Editorial Reviews
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

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,Chip Davis,American Gramaphone,Adult Alternative,Ballet,Choral,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Holiday,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Miscellaneous Vocal Music,Neo-Classical,Oratorio,Pop,Progressive Electronic,Romantic Ballet,Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble,Vocal,Xmas Vocal

Tracks:

Hallelujah - from 'The Messiah'
White Christmas
Away In A Manger
Faeries - from 'The Nutcracker'
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The First Noel
Silver Bells
Fum, Fum, Fum
Some Children See Him
Winter Wonderland
O Tannenbaum
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:

How do I chose?.......2007-08-04

I have this CD along with most of the other Christmas Cd's by Manheim. It is hard to pick, but I do believe this one is my very favorite!, especially after seeing them in concert last Christmas (2006). If you ever get the chance to see them, it is WELL worth every penny and you will appreciate thier CDs even more!! Especially this one!

Mannheim Steamroller.......2007-01-10

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

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.

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!

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.