Christmas Spirit

Track Listings

1. Good King Wenceslas

2. Angels We Have Heard On High

3. What Child Is This

4. Joy To The World

5. The Little Drummer Boy

6. The Coventry Carol

7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

8. We Three Kings

9. The First Noel

10. Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella

11. I Saw Three Ships

12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Celebrated New Age keyboardist, David Arkenstone presents a spirited soundtrack for seasonal celebrations.

Christmas Spirit,David Arkenstone,Village Square

Christmas Spirit

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

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

Mass of the Children

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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John Rutter Collection
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter
John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers

ASIN: B0000BX5K6
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

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

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

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Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered]
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ASIN: B000003432
Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

English Hymn 1

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000038I68
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas at Rao's: A Celebration of Family, Friends & Holiday Spirit

Average customer rating:

Donkey fan
Wonderful Christmas Compilation!
A super way to ring in Christmas

Christmas at Rao's: A Celebration of Family, Friends & Holiday Spirit
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005RGPX
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Where Do you Go For Christmas - Frank Pellegrino
Ave Maria - Michael Amante
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
Oh Holy Night - Arlette
Silver Bells - Jerry Vale
Dominick The Donkey - Lou Monte
The Christmas Song - Mel Torme
White Christmas - Johnny Mathis
Buon Natale (Means Merry Christmas To You - The
Shake Hands With Santa Claus - Louis Prima
Please Come Home For Christmas - Dion
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jimmy Boyd
Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett
Christmas Auld Lang Syne - Bobby Darin
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn

Customer Reviews:

Donkey fan.......2007-01-15

I fell in love with the Christmas song Dominic the Donkey after hearing it on the radio. I searched everywhere to try to buy this CD, but was unable to find it. I was so excited when I finally was able to purchase it so I would be able to hear my favorite Christmas song over and over!

Wonderful Christmas Compilation! .......2005-11-26

This CD is a perfect mix of Christmas favorites! My four-year-old daughter loves it. We sing along to all of the songs together. Dominic the Donkey reminds me of my childhood with my Italian grandparents enjoying Christmas. It is such a cute song for the entire family! And Feliz Navidad is great to sing along to as well. To balance out the catchier tunes, there are classic, beautiful Christmas carols to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. I highly recommend this CD for the entire family to help celebrate your Christmas season!

A super way to ring in Christmas.......2001-11-21

Brand new CD with 16 tracks of songs loved by all, by the original artists. These are favorites performed at Rao's Italian Restaurant in New York City, that have been played for years at holiday time. To get into the holiday spirit, this is a must. It features: Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams, The Christmas Song by Mel Torme, Ave Maria by Michael Amante, Buon Natale by The Four Coins, Winter Wonderland by Tony Bennett, Christmas Auld Lang Syne by Bobby Darin and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Jonny Maestro, and more. Just hearing these favorites instantly put me in a holiday mood. It's a winner. Enjoy !!

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One of the BEST Seasonal Albums EVER
Christmas Spirit
Christmas In Summer. Why Not?!
Donna Summer: CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (1994)
A Christmas Classic

Christmas Spirit
Donna Summer
Manufacturer: Umvd Special Markets
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

White Christmas
The Christmas Song
O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Is Here
Christmas Medley
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Christmas Spirit
Breath Of Heaven
O Holy Night
Lamb Of God

Customer Reviews:

One of the BEST Seasonal Albums EVER.......2007-03-05

Why oh why did this album not receive wider distribution and coverage. It is one of Donna's finest works. She pours her heart and soul into her interpretations of Seasonal favourites including; White Christmas, The Christmas Song and an awe inspiring version of Oh Holy Night where Ms Summers vocals send tingles down the spine. Produced by Michael Omartion (who also produced She Works Hard For The Money and Cats Without Claws) this cd is one of the finest Christmas CD's around. It should have been properly promoted - as it is whenever I play it it draws gasps and solicits questions such as " who is singing and what an incredible voice".
A minor gripe is the rather cheap looking cover - surely Polygram and Donna could have come up with something better at the time.
Thankfully it is now getting a wider distribution under the 'Universal Master Series'
Do not hesitate buy it now, a timeless masterpiece.

Christmas Spirit.......2007-01-11

The best Christmas CD period. A must for any Donna Summer fan and even for those who are not.

Christmas In Summer. Why Not?!.......2006-12-26

Melding together the trademark Summer soul and voice with a Classical/symphonic arrangement turns this collection into a majestic masterpiece. This album is forever a Christmas standard. Here's why:

For starters--quite the standout is Donna's rendition of Amy Grant's anthem "Breath Of Heaven." Combined with the majestic arrangement of Michael Omartian, the deeply soulful Summer vocal touch and an incredible opening narrative all of which gives "Breath Of Heaven" a life all its own that would make Amy proud. Donna's ability to infuse a wealth of feeling is what gives new dimension to an already stunning piece of musical artistry. Taking this even further, "Lamb Of God' is a masterwork. By fusing a closing narrative over "Breath Of Heaven" toward the close brings this album full circle--simply genius!

It's from this plateau vocal and emotional depth as well as the stunning orchestrations which are woven throughout these ten tracks that this becomes an absolutely amazing Christmas collage. With this foundation laid down, even Mel Tormé's classic gets the royal treatment (and rightly so!). Amid such powerful music, this "Spirit" still sparks of fun and spunk with such tracks as "Christmas Is Here" and the title track itself.

Higlights include O Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Medley and O Holy Night

Donna Summer: CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (1994).......2006-11-18

In 1994, Donna Summer released her twenty-first album entitled, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, her first-ever Holiday recording. With this album, Donna Summer really says "Seasons Greetings". This album would really make an awesome Christmas gift.

WHITE CHRISTMAS
An amazing traditional Christmas song.

THE CHRISTMAS SONG
This song is definitely the kind of song that could help us spread that Holiday cheer. Great song.

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Great.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE
AMazing.

Christmas Medley: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?/DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?/JOY TO THE WORLD
I have always enjoyed heart a medley, and this is an amazing medley.

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Although, Donna Summer did a great job with this song, but it does not come close to that Frank Sinatra's recording of this Christmas classic. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Donna Summer's, and I mean no disrespect to the Queen of Disco, and I am not a fan of Frank Sinatra's, but his version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is the best.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Very nice title track.

BREATH OF HEAVEN
Beautiful.

O HOLY NIGHT
A very nice song, but to be honest, I would have preferred if Donna Summer recorded "Silent Night" and put it here instead of "O Holy Night".

LAMB OF GOD
Beautiful.

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year: basically because there's a lot more joy and a lot more peace brought to the world. It's the only time out of the entire year where everyone treats each other with a lot more respect. This Christmas album will always gear me up for the Christmas Holiday, it will remind me of all the Christmas' I have celebrated in my past.

A Christmas Classic.......2006-11-05

This album contains an appealing mix of secular and devotional Christmas songs by the once upon a time disco diva. There's nothing to dance to here since they're all ballads, but the album is a classic of its genre. On several tracks Donna is backed by the Nashville String Quartet and by various choirs on others.

The two slow ballads White Christmas and The Christmas Song are followed by a rousing version of O Come All Ye Faithful, where Donna is assisted by a children's and men's choir. Another highlight is the Christmas Medley consisting of What Child Is This/Do You Hear What I Hear?/Joy To The World, a most impressive arrangement.

I'll Be Home For Christmas comes across as a bit melancholy, whilst Christmas Spirit is joyful and optimistic. The beautiful devotional Breath Of Heaven has a spoken intro. It is a most stirring piece of music with a magnificent melody and soaring vocals. Equally moving is O Holy Night, a slow, tender song with a gospel choir.

The album concludes with Lamb Of God. This one also has a spoken intro from the Gospel and a lovely inspirational sound with its children's and adult choirs. This wonderful album is on a par with two other great Chrismas albums by female vocalists: Noel by Noel Baez and Light Of The Stable by Emmylou Harris. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

English Hymn 3
Wells Cathedral Choir , and Archer
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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English Hymn 1
Jerusalem the Golden
Lead, Kindly Light: Hymns of Faith and Assurance
All Things Bright and Beautiful
A Vaughan Williams Hymnal

ASIN: B00006GO6I
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Hills Of The North, Rejoice
On Jordan's Bank
Of The Father's Heart Begotten
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Brightest And Best Of The Sons Of The Morning
From The Eastern Mountains
Forty Days And Forty Nights
Lord Jesus, Think On Me
Ah, Holy Jesu, How Hast Thou Offended
It Is A Thing Most Wonderful
Drop, Drop, Slow Tears
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise The Strain
Ye Choirs Of New Jerusalem
Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise
Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost
Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
I Bind Unto Myself Today
Holy!, Holy!, Holy!
We Plough The Fields And Scatter
For The Beauty Of The Earth
Palms Of Glory, Raiment Bright
For All The Saints

Average customer rating:

Somewhat disappointing

Hymns Through the Centuries 2
Recorded Sound , R. Osborne , J. Reilly Lewis , and Cathedral Choral Society
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Hymns Through the Centuries
Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
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Abide With Me

ASIN: B00007K2GE
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Peal Bells
Jesus, My All, To Heaven Has Gone
Our Thanks We Give For Love And Hope
In The Bleak Midwinter
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart!
Let All The World In Every Corner Sing
Ar Hyd Y Nos (Organ Solo) - Eric Plutz
Of The Father's Love Begotten
Come Down, O Love Divine
Spirit Of God, Descend Upon My Heart
God Is Love
What Wondrous Love Is This!
All My Hope On God Is Founded
Leoni (Carillon Solo) - Edward M. Nassor
O God Of Our Divided World
Christ, Mighty Savior, Light Of All Creation
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God
I Vow To Thee, My Country
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
Lord Of All Hopefulness
O Brightness Of The Immortal Father's Face
O Praise Ye The Lord!
Hyfrydol (Bagpipe Solo) - John G. Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Somewhat disappointing.......2005-09-25

There are some unique and interesting songs of this album. Unfortunately the performance does not shine. I found the singing and accompaniment a bit slow and monotonous and uninspired. Furthermore, it was difficult to understand the words at times (indistinct enunciation). There are a few exceptions: tracks 3, 4, 9, 20, 21 I gave 3 stars in iTunes; all the rest got two stars or less. If you want beautiful, traditional choral music, I recommend any of the albums featuring the Cambridge Singers over this collection.

Average customer rating:

Best Christmas Album Of The Last Ten Years!
What a great surprise!
Buy This CD!
something for everyone
The best M.McDonald work ever!

In the Spirit: A Christmas Album
Michael McDonald
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Through The Many Winters - A Christmas Album
Blue Obsession
Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters
Take It to Heart
Blink of an Eye

ASIN: B00005QKC2
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Angels We Have Heard On High
To Make A Miracle
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Every Time Christmas Comes Around
Peace
White Christmas/Winter Wonderland
One Gift
On This Night
House Full Of Love
On Christmas Morning
World Out Of A Dream

Amazon.com

In the Spirit is an appropriate name for Michael McDonald's first Christmas album because the ghosts of the Doobie Brothers are all over it. Which makes perfect sense since McDonald penned all but three of the songs in this collection. And while each make titular references to Yuletide, most of them would be at home either on a Doobies album or one of McDonald's solo discs, being that the subject matter is similar--overcoming obstacles, living in the moment, and the necessity of having deep convictions. In addition, these songs are dominated by McDonald's distinctive, husky baritone and idiosyncratic rhythmic sense, making them more his own songs than holiday classics. When McDonald does cover a traditional carol--"Angel's We Have Heard on High," "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland"--he jazzes them up and bends them into a new form until they're almost unrecognizable. No doubt the idea is to escape the clichéd treatments that others have given these timeless tunes, but as a result, they lose much of their natural beauty. The album comes alive when smooth crooner James Ingram steps up to the mic, and adds sparkle and warmth to "The Gift," even though it still sounds like a Christmas version of "Minute by Minute." --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

Best Christmas Album Of The Last Ten Years!.......2005-03-01

What do you say when you discover an instant classic? This is what Michael has given us in this collection. I discovered this disc Christmas of 2003 and being a huge fan of Michael's since his days with the Doobies, I bought it without ever hearing any of the tracks. What I found was a collection of songs that best conveyed the true meaning of Christmas.

With songs like "Angels We Have Heard On High," "To Make A Miracle," "Children Go Where I Send Thee," "Peace," "One Gift," "World Out Of A Dream," and my personal favorite, "On This Night," Michael eloquently reminds us all that there would be no hope of "Peace On Earth" without the Promise and Gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

Also, with songs like "Everytime Christmas Comes Along," "White Chrstmas/Winter Wonderland" (how cool is that blazing blues guitar on Winter Wonderland!), "House Full Of Love," " and "On Christmas Morning" Michael reminds us that our family and friend relationships help to make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year.

By focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, Michael has created a classic that will endure for many, many years. I have spent many hours listening to this wonderful music all year long.

Michael, I want to thank you for such an inpirational recording. It has moved me to tears of gratitude and joy many times because of the awesome Gift that God gave us in our Lord Jesus Christ. Your gift is also a gift from God that we are so grateful that you chose to share it with us. I pray that God will richly bless you for your willingness to share your heart and that you were not afraid of what the "PC" crowd might say, but that Jesus is the "Reason For The Season."

What a great surprise!.......2004-11-01

When I first heard of this album, I was a little weary of getting it. Michael's my favorite singer, but the thought of him doing original holiday tunes didn't sound real appealing to me.

What a nice surprise I got when I finally did hear this album. This contains some of his best songwriting ever! In fact, I think a lot of the stuff on here sounds like some of his Doobie Brothers' music. This is really a good thing. Even though I've enjoyed most of his solo albums, most of his solo stuff hasn't sounded like his Doobies' stuff.

It sounds like Michael was very inspired in his writing and singing on this album. There's a lot of passion to be heard on this one. It's definitely one of his best albums.

Buy This CD!.......2003-11-19

Really, Really enjoyable holiday music! Can listen to this all day!

something for everyone.......2003-10-13

Yes, this is not your typical holiday cd.
And thank you Michael for that. It has
alittle something for everyone. A few
holiday standards, some blues, some jazz,
some gospel. The only problem I have is
his beautiful voice on the softer songs
makes me want to hear more. The hilights
for me are Peace, On This Night and
the uptempo Everytime Christmas Comes Around.
But, it is his version of Kenny Loggins new
classic, On Christmas Morning that is worth
the cost of the cd alone. When he sings
"you hold me in your arms, we watch the
snowflakes fly" --well you just have to
hear it yourself. Thanks Mike, Thanks Kenny.
Get this cd!

The best M.McDonald work ever!.......2003-01-17

I usually don't buy Christmas CD's, and although I'm a huge fan of M McD I hesitated quite a bit before I picked up this one. Moreover I'd been a little disappointed with his previous release "Blue Obsession". But don't be mistaken: for me, this latest release "In the spirit" is M McD best album, EVER (and I've got all his discography)! Even if you don't care much for Christmas songs, please buy this CD! You won't regret it! M McD is superb, better that ever, and what I think makes all the difference is the help of Marc Harris arranging and producing. What a musician! No doub he's shown M McD the right path to follow (musically speaking), in order to take the right advantage of Michael's fabulous voice. Nowadays we seldom hear music with this quality. Thank you, Michael! I'm sure you make many people around the world (like me) very happy with your music! Ever since I heard you for the first time singing "Takin' it to the streets", more than 25 years ago, I've been an unconditional fan of yours! Keep on doing your excellent work!

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