New Age Christmas 2

Track Listings

1. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

2. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

3. Do You Hear What I Hear?

4. Frosty the Snowman

5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

6. I'll Be Home for Christmas

7. Nutcracker Overture

8. Feliz Navidad

9. What Child Is This?

10. Little Drummer Boy

New Age Christmas 2,Various Artists,Happy Holidays,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Instrumental Pop,Pop,Xmas Vocal Collections

New Age Christmas 2

Tracks:

Sinfonia - From Cantata 29
Aria (Contented Peace) - From Cantata No. 170
Bourree - From Suite 2 In B Minor For Flute And Strings
Badinerie - From Suite 2 In B Minor For Flute And Strings
When Thou'rt With Me
Harpsichord Concerto In E Major (1st Movement)
Sinfonia - From Cantata No. 156
Sheep May Safely Graze - From Cantata 208
Cantata No. 140: Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices - From Cantata 140
Sonatina - From Cantata No.106
Concerto For Oboe & Violin In D Minor (2nd Movement)
We Hasten With Faltering, Yet Eager Footsteps - From Cantata No. 78
Sinfonia (Pastoral Symphony) - From The Christmas Oratorio
Air - From Suite 3 In D Major For Orchestra
Gavotte - From Suite No. 3 In D Major For Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Bach- No Humbug!.......2000-11-30

I really didn't know what kind of quality to expect from this CD. I bought it based strictly on the quality of other American Gramaphone music (Mannheim Steamroller to be specific). I was not disappointed in any way! If you're not sure what Bach to get, hesitate no more, this is a wonderful project.

A must get Bach CD.......2000-02-14

There are so many popular works written by Bach, that they could make a multi-disc set (Toccata and Fugue in D minor, "Air On The G String", "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring", Brandenburg Concertos, Orchestral Suites, etc., etc., etc.). There are many individual CDs that have their own collection of Bach's works. Some CDs are budget, some mid-priced, and some full-priced. If you are getting started on Bach (and, quite possibly, other kinds of classical music), you might wonder where to start.

Well, as for a full-priced Bach album, this American Gramaphone CD would be a great place to start. It's one fine collection of only some of his finest works on one CD. John Rutter and the City of London Sinfonia did a fine job of performing these works. The performances are brisk, which is pretty much how these works must've been performed during the Baroque period. By the sound of the orchestra, it must've contained modern instruments (which I mostly perfer over authentic). Although I was kind of dissappointed that the "Air from Suite #3 (a.k.a. 'Air On G String')" was a little too rushed. That's the only complaint I have about this CD. But that would NOT be enough to take a star away from the rating.

Tracks:

Bach: Arioso
Beethoven: Adagio
Chopin: Largo
Corelli: Adagio
Schubert: Piano Trio
Bach: Air
Bach: Concerto
Vivaldi: Largo
Schumann: Traumerei
Bach: Arioso with Ensemble

Album Description

Music to Relax is designed to create space to calm the mind and unwind the body. Simplified harmonies, the mid-range sounds of the viola, alto flute, cello, and piano, and elegant compositions make this an exceptionally peaceful and fulfilling listening experience. Improvised classical music is quite rare. However, in the hands of sensitive and skilled craftsmen, we now have the opportunity to experience what was commonly done in the time of the original composers. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and their contemporaries were highly respected for improvisational skills and adaptations of other composer's music.

Customer Reviews:

Great alternative--.......2007-06-07

We first heard selections from this CD on Internet Radio one evening at home. My wife enjoyed them so much she began requesting to hear them every night before bedtime. We both find the CD very relaxing and calming, just the thing after we've had a long day at work. Don't look for technical perfection here, that's not what this is about. It's about enjoyment of the music for the pure music's sake. Kids can "tolerate the grown-up music" and begin their appreciation of the classics in a very unobtrusive way. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a wonderful alternative to the fully orchestrated versions of these pieces.

Music to Relax...JUST LISTEN!.......2002-02-28

I have found Music to Relax to be so enjoyable. It creates such a comfortable mood in my home. Our family is large, and to have this beautiful music playing in the background is so peaceful for all of us. It's also great to listen to while you read or just need to Relax! It really works!

Average customer rating:

MYSTICAL, ENCHANTING, SENSUOUS YET SPIRITUAL
Haunting, breathtakingly beautiful
A sensual sensation that soothes the ears of the soul!
Mystical yet earthy

Goddess Celestial Realms, Vol. 2
Lucia Hwong
Manufacturer: Goddess Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Goddess Awakening, Vol. 1
Goddess Mystical Visions, Vol. 3
Secret Luminescence
Ofra Haza 1997
Soria Moria

ASIN: B00000G35N
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Angels
Light
Beauty
Transformation
Dream
Venus
Dream
Light
Angels
Beauty
Transformation
Venus

Customer Reviews:

MYSTICAL, ENCHANTING, SENSUOUS YET SPIRITUAL.......2001-05-27

After listening to the first album in the trilogy, I thought I knew what to expect on this one. I didn't. While the first album is energizing and pulsating, this second volume is so very exquisitely beautiful. Again, you have the exotic instrumentation. You have the ethereal voices. You also have much of the same music, but the setting and mood are so different. I find that listening to this album in dim light, eyes closed, induces beautiful visions. The beauty of the music on tracks such as "angel" and "light" touched my total being, my heart, my mind, my body. This CD is the result of several expert musicians playing exotic instruments and vocalists who sound ccloser allied to the heavens than the earth. Lucia sings a couple of the vocals and plays many of the instruments herself.

This CD is especially recommended for meditation, healing, contemplation. Listened to at bedtime, it can carry you into a blissful dreamland.

Haunting, breathtakingly beautiful.......1999-08-26

Lucia brilliantly uses keyboards and synthesizers, with exotic percussion, bells and flutes collected from her travel in Tibet and elsewhere, and while maintaining an interesting balance between sensuousness and a kind of Goddess-like otherness, invites us to explore the hidden-most recesses of our hearts and souls. Lucia Hwong - Celestial Realms is an essential recording for anyone who treasure this kind of haunting, ethereal music. It is touching, lifting, mind-expanding music that will brighten your day and make the stars shine with greater luminosity in your night.

A sensual sensation that soothes the ears of the soul!.......1999-08-21

After giving Ms. Hwong's first LP a spin, it was wonderful to find out that there was more where that came from! This second part brings you to the after hours lounge of the soul. It is deep, dark, yet so softly textured that it feels uplifting in a very dark sexy way. Worth a spin after 3AM! It works!!!

Mystical yet earthy.......1999-08-17

This music rocks both soul and body. Great for relaxation, meditation, good times, and fabulous sex. I don't usually like a lot of stuff that could be categorized as "new age," but Ms. Hwong infuses her music with earthy, street beats and infectuous riffs which raises it far above the usual cardboard-bland fare of this realm.

Average customer rating:

Sharing the Season, Vol. 2
Lorie Line
Manufacturer: Time Line Production
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Sharing the Season: Piano Instrumentals
Sharing the Season, Vol. 3
Sharing the Season 4
Lorie Line - Music from the Heart: Greatest Cover Hits
Threads of Love

ASIN: B000003HB5
Release Date: 1995-09-12

Tracks:

I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Deck The Halls
O Come All Ye Faithful
We Three Kings
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Joy To The World
The Holly And The Ivy
Brightest And Best (Star Of The East)
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
The First Noel
Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabella
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Noel Nouvelet
What Is This Fragrance

Average customer rating:

Great addition to the 1st treasures
Christmas Treasures II
Wonderful Music For All Ages
Christmas Without MEDHI Isn't Christmas At All
I got them both and I love it.

Christmas Treasures 2
Mehdi
Manufacturer: SoothingMusic.com
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Christmas Treasures
Instrumental Paradise Volume 8
Instrumental Odyssey Volume 2
Mehdi Gift Set Volumes 1-8
Instrumental Evolution Volume 6

ASIN: B000BRMC4O
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Holly Jolly Christmas
So This Is Christmas
We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad
Jingle Bell Rock
Carol Of Bells / We Three Kings
Jingle Bells
Little Drummer Boy
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Winter Wonderland
Silver Bells

Album Description

Holiday Instrumental: Piano, Electric Guitar, Flute, Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Sliegh Bells And Orchestral Strings, Accented By Holiday Bells, Placed In Uplifting Electronic Arrangements.

Customer Reviews:

Great addition to the 1st treasures .......2006-12-16

This is a great addition to the 1st Treasures and none of the songs repeat, which I thought was great. It rates up there with their other Christmas CD, it gives a wonderful variety of all my favorite Christmas tunes.

Christmas Treasures II .......2006-12-16

All of the songs here are nicely arranged and full bodied, but... Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Now, who isn't familiar with this song? But I promise that you have never heard it sound like this. It begins with a real techno-funk sound; you don't recognize the song to begin with. About 15-20 seconds into it you will recognize it. The tempo to this one is not fast, or not as fast as we are used to hearing Rudolph. But an enjoyable song because of it's totally different sound here.

Jingle Bells - OK, what album is complete without one of the old standbys? But this is like no other Jingle Bells you have ever heard. I don't know the instrument that begins, maybe it is a keyboard, or the harpsichord, but you don't really recognize the tune to begin with because it is played in an atypical key. I can say that this is my favorite song on this album, it is a piece of work due to the arrangement of tempo and instruments. I love the tinkling bells in this one. A real toe tapper that everyone will enjoy !

Wonderful Music For All Ages .......2006-12-16

I found this CD to be a really nice collection of Christmas music. It is just as nice as their other Christmas CD that I have purchased. I hope that they will make another one next year.

Christmas Without MEDHI Isn't Christmas At All.......2006-12-16

At Christmas time in my home, Medhi rules the sound system. I own all of his CD's, and I have been unable to choose a favorite. His unique blend of classical, rock and new age sound results in a truly magical experience that you have to hear to believe. Each album contains something for everyone, whether it be relaxing mood music, or a jazzed up version of "We 3 Kings." He includes many melodies with Renaissance touches, and the kids especially like his version of Rudolph , as you can actually "hear" Santa's sleigh fly from one end of the house to the other! This collection is a must for every home.

I got them both and I love it........2006-12-16

It is a bit different than other Christmas CDs. He mixes old with new world to create an orginal sound while mantaining the spirtual quality of the music Love it!

Average customer rating:

Elements: Waterfall Suite

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Oratorios | 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

4-for-3 New Age | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Elements: Symphony of Light
Elements: Four Seasons
Elements: Symphony of the Sea
Elements: The Majestic National Parks
Elements: Winter Crystals

ASIN: B0009MAODW
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Tracks:

Toccata in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto #3
Rejouissance
Mass in B Minor Gloria
Violin Concerto E Major
Brandenburg Concerto #
Menuet & Baderine
Italian Concerto in F
Art of the Fugue
Christmas Oratorio
Menuet in D Minor
Musical Offering
Oboe Concerto in D Minor
Piano Concerto #5
Air on a G String

Tracks:

Toccata in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto #3
Rejouissance
Mass in B Minor Gloria
Violin Concerto E Major
Brandenburg Concerto #4
Menuet & Baderine
Italian Concerto in F
Art of the Fugue
Christmas Oratorio
Menuet in D Minor
Musical Offering
Oboe Concerto in D Minor
Piano Concerto #5
Air on a G String

Product Description

CD:
1. Toccata in D minor
2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
3. Rejouissance
4. Mass in B minor Gloria
5. Violin Concerto E major
6. Brandenburg Concerto #4
7. Menuet & Baderine
8. Italian Concerto in F
9. Art of the Fugue
10. Christmas Oratorio
11. Menuet in D minor
12. Musical Offering
13. Oboe Concerto in D minor
14. Piano Concerto #5
15. Air on a G string

DVD:
1. Toccata in D minor
2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
3. Rejouissance
4. Mass in B minor Gloria
5. Violin Concerto E major
6. Brandenburg Concerto #4
7. Menuet & Baderine
8. Italian Concerto in F
9. Art of the Fugue
10. Christmas Oratorio
11. Menuet in D minor
12. Musical Offering
13. Oboe Concerto in D minor
14. Piano Concerto #5
15. Air on a G string

Format: CD

Christmas Presence
Average customer rating:
Christmas Presence
Ann Sweeten
Manufacturer: Orange Band Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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A Place in the Sun

Reflections

Passage

Prism

Sapphire Days

ASIN: B00006RSU0
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

O Holy Night
What Child is This?
Angels We Have Heard on High
We Three Kings
A Christmas Memory
Coventry Carole
Brahms Lullaby/Away in a Manager
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The First Noel
I Wonder as I Wander
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Christmas in Your Heart
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Ave Maria
Silent Night

Album Description

A truly unique holiday album that combines Ann Sweeten's signature sound with the beauty of traditional Christmas music, adding two original works as well. Sweeten's innovative piano arrangements are both reverent and uplifting as she looks inside the simplicity of these well-known melodies and discovers the incredible complexity and depth that lies within.
A truly special holiday album and a must-have for everyone's Christmas Music collection!

Adagio II - A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Orchestral Classics

Average customer rating:

Adagio II - A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Orchestral Classics

Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Adagio I: A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Orchestral Classics

ASIN: B0000007ZT
Release Date: 1992-11-03

Tracks:

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)/Largo from Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor/Op.37/Stefan Vladar, Piano, Capella Istropolitana, Barry Wordsworth,Conductor
Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868)/Andantino from Sonata for Strings No. 2 in A Major/Rossini Ensemble, Budapest, Andras Kiss, Leader
Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868)/Andantino from Sonata for Strings No. 4 in B Flat Major/Rossini Ensemble, Budapest, Andras Kiss, Leader
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)/Largo from Viola Concerto in G Major/Ladislav Kyselak, Viola, Capella Istropolitana, Richard Edlinger,Conductor
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)/Adagio from Cello Concerto in C Minor RV 434/Gyorgy Kertesz, Cello, Hungarian State Opera Chamber Orchestra
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)/Adagio-Allegro-Adagio from Concerto Grosso in G Minor Op. 6 No. 8/(Christmas Concerto) Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krechek, Conductor
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)/Adagio from Clarinet in A Major KV 622/Ernst Ottensamer, Clarinet, Vienna Mozart Academy, Johannes Wildner, Conductor
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)/Larghetto from Concerto No. 8 in A Minor for two violins and basso continuo RV 522 (L'estro armonico Op. 3) Capella Istropolitana, Jozef Kopelman
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)/Adagio from Cello Concerto in E Minor Op. 85/Maria Kleigel, Cello, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz, Conductor
Anatol Lyadov (1855-1914)/The Enchanted Lake Op. 62/Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Guzenhauser, Conductor
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)/Siegfried Idyll/Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (Katowice)/Johannes Wildner, Conductor

Tracks:

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)/Larghetto from Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor Op. 21/Idil Biret, Piano, Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)/Robert Stankovsky, Conductor
Max Bruch (1838-1920)/Adagio from Violin Concerto in G Minor Op. 26/Takako Nishizaki, Violin, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Steven Guzenhauser, Conductor
Sergey Rakhmaninov (1873-1943)/Adagio from Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor Op. 18/Jeno Jando, Piano, Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Gyorgy Lehel, Conductor
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)/Adagio from Piano Concerto in A Minor Op. 16/Jeno Jando, Piano, Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Andras Legeti, Conductor
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)/Adagio from Cello Concerto in B Minor Op. 104/Maria Kliegel, Cello, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz, Conductor
Max Bruch (1838-1920)/Koi Nidrei Op. 27/Julia Pantelyat, Cello, Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)/Johannes Wildner, Conductor
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)/The Lark Ascending/Tibor Kovacs, Violin, Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)/Johannes Wildner, Conductor

Average customer rating:

Spiritual Chants
Monsignor Guiseppe Biella , Josef Schabasser , Choir of the Vienna Hofburgkapelle , and Choir of the Polifonica Ambrosiana
Manufacturer: Special Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009KMS
Release Date: 1994-09-27

Average customer rating:

Carols of Christmas Past
from Solo Piano Publications
Really Big Shoes
Mystical Christmas Journey
A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!

Carol: A Christmas Journey

Manufacturer: Really Big Shoes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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Paint the Forest Winter

ASIN: B0000C9ZA8
Release Date: 2003-09-03

Tracks:

A Virgin Most Pure
Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents
Children's Song of the Nativity
Carol of the Birds
The Wexford Carol
Huron Carol
The Boar's Head Carol
Joyeaux Noel
Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella
The Dutch Carol
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Poverty
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Carols of Christmas Past.......2003-12-24

If you're tired of Christmas songs after hearing so many of the same ones over and over and are ready for something new here is the solution.
Zola Van's beautiful melodies give the Christmas spirit a new dimension. Carols from past centuries, seemingly lost in time, are brought to the present and surely must sound more beautiful than ever before.
These selectins are calming and soothing to the nerves. Highlights here are "Huron Carol", "The Boar's Head Carol" and "The Dutch Carol". But every song is played with remarkable excellence. For those longing to hear something more familiar, the timeless carol "Silent Night" completes this magnificent set of piano solos.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2003-11-08

When I slipped "Carol: A Christmas Journey" into my CD player, I expected to hear a collection of the usual Christmas pieces and carols with Zola Van's inspired solo piano interpretation. She had told me that this album was going to be different, and different it is! What sets "Carol" apart from other collections is the darkness and moodiness of the album. At first, it seemed almost bleak, but the more I listen, the more I hear the hope and anticipation in the music. Most of the carols are extremely old, going as far back as the twelfth century, and come from various European countries and traditions (one is Indian/Canadian). Van really did her homework on this album, researching the origins of the music as she collected the songs, and writing a short history of each piece in the liner notes. With all of the Christmas music I listen to and teach, I was amazed that I was familiar with only a small number of the carols, and because the collection is so unusual, I would think it would be easy to listen to it year-round without feeling silly about playing a Christmas album in, say, April while you're preparing your taxes!

The three familiar carols are "Coventry Carol," "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella," and "Silent Night," all played lovingly true to the originals, but with fresh interpretations. "A Virgin Most Pure," is a hauntingly beautiful carol that tells of the prophecy and of three journeys to Bethlehem. Van's use of heavy chords in the deep bass of the piano accentuates the mystery and darkness of many of the pieces, this one included. "Children's Song of the Nativity" is a bit lighter, full of innocence and questions about traveling to Bethlehem - how far is it? what will we do when we get there? - a very sweet vignette. My favorite track is probably the darkest one of all, "Huron Carol". The words come from Huron droning, and were set to an Indian/Canadian tune by a Jesuit missionary who taught the Huron and Wendot in a wilderness outpost in Quebec. Van does an exquisite job with this piece - to the point that you can almost feel the chilling winds blowing through it. "The Boar's Head Carol" is a bit lighter and more festive. "The Dutch Carol" comes from about 1599, and is delicate, melancholy,and very beautiful. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is probably the most upbeat piece - a dance that servants and peasants would perform for their employers' entertainment.

A very unusual collection of holiday music, "Carol" is certainly an antidote for too much Santa Claus. It makes you realize how far back our holiday traditions go, and the vastly different ways in which Christ's birth has been celebrated over the centuries. Historically, this is a fascinating collection - I learned so much from the liner notes. Musically, it is a spiritual and introspective journey to hear these haunting melodies played with such care and emotion. Zola Van has done an outstanding job with this album. Just be aware that this is not a happy-go-lucky album of "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Really Big Shoes.......2003-11-01

What I liked most was the powerful, suspenseful style of play, swirling with emotion, her embellishing style radiating a natural grandeur. I also liked the way her arrangements seemed to get to the heart of these Christmas melodies without being too precious. Her realization seemed to be much more about integrating Christmas into her musical vision than about trying to be a part of the sweet, tinkling chorus we'll be hearing soon enough. And it should be noted that she applied her style to a relatively unusual selection of carols, so there were significant segments where I could enjoy Christmas music without it being something I've heard over and over.

I found her treatments to be both relaxing and moving. And mind you, this--with the stereo on the fritz and my boombox at Lost Pines with my wife on a training mission--was first heard on the tinkly little computer speakers. I soon had to graduate it to the DVD player in the den to get the full surround, but its power is evident whatever the volume or acoustics.

I like this one a lot.

--Richard Banks, Christmasreviews.com

Mystical Christmas Journey.......2003-10-19

"I am a simple traveler. I am transported adrift a gentle, melodic seduction across hundreds of years to this place. Here in a shroud of feudal protection is common man, with reasoning and conduct conforming to his day, desperately seeking beauty, purity, and gentleness in an otherwise brutal world. Beyond dark stone walls of medieval thought, the allure of the beautiful virgin and the child-king's humble birth is the cherished focus of desire and intrigue." ~Zola Van

I first heard Zola Van's radiant music on a CD titled "The HeartAid Project." Her music captures hope, wonder, kindness and beauty. The fluidity of the fragile notes are balanced by the strength and depth of the message. Crisp, delicate and heart-felt notes mingle with images of Christmas memories and dreams.

There are lesser-known carols you might be hearing for the first time and a few beloved favorites that have survived in the hearts and minds of people across the centuries.

1. A Virgin Most Pure - Poignant and delicate rendition of an Old English carol.

2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents - A 16th Century English carol with familiar strains and has grief and love intertwined.

3. Children's Song of the Nativity - A piece filled with questions and expectation. "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?" Zola plays this piece with precision and deep understanding. It is pure and beautiful.

4. Carol of the Birds is from Bas-Quercy, France. The peasants of the time told legends of enchanted animals who could speak on Christmas Eve. I can see birds swooping and soaring and following the "noel star."

5. The Wexford Carol is an Irish Carol known as the "Enniscorthy Carol."

6. Huron Carol is an Indian/Canadian tune - One of my favorites because it almost foretells sadness. Zola shows the full force of her interpretation as she alternates between spectacular lightness of hand and rich intensity. Zola has truly captured a moment in time with exquisite detail.

7. The Boar's Head Carol - A piece to take your breath away. The notes almost seem to be floating through the air like an invigorating breeze.

8. Joyeaux Noel - A French Carol sung at New Year's in the 1400s. Zola captures mystery and magic. You will recognize this sweet dream of new beginnings and hope for the future. This piece might delve into your memory and remind you of your most beautiful Christmas memories. I love how Zola tantalizes the listener with tiny raindrop notes and then just sends a downpour of notes to refresh your spirit.

9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella - A 15th Century French Provincial Carol with a playful twist. In the depth of night I can see little torches swirling in circles as Jeanette playfully dances instead of hurrying with the torches. There is a touch of humor here. It is as if time stops and this song could play forever.

10. The Dutch Carol - The beauty here is a solitary angel flying high above the earth. In the stillness of the night you can here "How sweet is love." The most comforting carol on this CD. It wraps you in warmth and you almost feel protected from all harm. Zola's playing dissolves all stress, this is a piece you could easily fall asleep to. As beautiful as a lullaby with a depth of caring that speaks of love and sweet dreams.

11. Ding Dong Merrily on High - A lighthearted piece. The emphasis here seems to be a joyous celebration.

12. Poverty - Spectacular depth and understanding. Zola shows her sensitivity in this interpretation. I hear a message so subtle it almost begs not to be explained but only to be felt with the heart. Perhaps this piece mostly evokes a sense of awe. We gaze at the tiny gift sleeping in the straw and are amazed at how a small child could be the hope of the world.

13. Silent Night - Instantly recognizable and a combination of all we love at Christmas Time. Zola plays this carol with an intricate beauty befitting this captivating story of heavenly peace.

Truly, I've never heard a collection of piano solos so delicate in magical beauty. Zola Van's music will quickly capture your heart. The universal messages of hope, peace and love have been captured in her interpretations of each carol. I highly recommend "Carol: A Christmas Journey" for the Holiday Season or anytime when you need a musical escape. It is timeless in its appeal and is a much needed escape from the harried pace of the holiday season or everyday life.

You may also enjoy "Paint the Forest Winter," and "River to River Trail: The Hike."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!.......2003-10-14

I have had the pleasure and priviledge of listening and reviewing Zola Van's 2 previuos releases. I am proud to say the the third release is just a entertaining as the other 2. Zola Van's talent seems with out limits in this release.

There are 13 tracks, totaling over 50 minutes of some of the best piano music out there today. The complete collection of Christamas music has you listening to all time favorites like Silent Night, which is my personal faovrite on this album.

You have some lesser known releases such as Carol of the Birds and the Wexford Carol. Even though the music is lsated for the holiday season, and it would make a perfect holiday gift, this cd could and should be listened to almost any timeof the year.

Having been given the rare oppurtunity to hear music that not only calms the situation but also relaxes you at the same is one of life simple pleasures. This recording is gentle in sound but large in volume as the music will resonante for more that just the Winter season.

Zola Van has given the listener a true gift of the holiday spirit - excellent job!

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