Celtic Christmas (Silver Anniversary Edt)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Traditional Celtic instrumentation always sounds beautiful on holiday classics, but Celtic Christmas is different than what its title might suggest. This oddly compelling album is composed entirely of modern New Age Celtic musicians playing their own compositions and obscure traditional folk tunes. Only three of the tracks contain any vocals, and only one of those--Karan Casey's "On a Winter's Day"--appears to be in modern English. It creates a mood, reflecting the meditative side of the holidays as opposed to the festive or religious. --Bill Holdship

Celtic Christmas (Silver Anniversary Edt),Various Artists,Windham Hill Records,Adult Alternative,Celtic Folk,Celtic Pop,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Contemporary Celtic,Contemporary Instrumental,Irish Folk,Pop,Traditional Celtic,Traditional Irish Folk,Traditional Scottish Folk,V/a Compilations,Xmas Vocal Collections

Tracks:

O Holy Night
Away In A Manger
Ding Dong Merrily On High
White Christmas
Silent Night
Christmas Pipes
The Christmas Song
Carol Of The Bells
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Panis Angelicus
That Night In Bethlehem
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Little Drummer Boy
The Wexford Carol
Let It Snow!

Amazon.com

One of the more impressive things about A Christmas Celebration is its glowing immediacy. The record's rich vocals and colorful instrumentals create a concert-like setting, reprising the season's most loved hymns, carols, and pop standards, along with a Gaelic version of "That Night in Bethlehem." Unexpected numbers such as "Christmas Pipes" and "Carol of the Bells" (here led by the spirited fiddling of Mariread Nesbitt) only enhance an already engaging disc that finely weaves between the piety of classical music and the playfulness of pop. Chloe Agnew, Orla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, and Meav Ni Mhaolchatha combine their Celtic voices against orchestral arrangements and sparser settings--spiked with the traditional Irish fare of uilleann pipes, harp, and ancient choral harmony--to deliver an assortment of reverent but lively arrangements that wouldn't be out of place at a church, concert hall, or good Irish celli. --Martin Keller

Amazon.com

Irish producer/arranger David Downes, the creative mastermind behind Celtic Woman's chart breakthrough and burgeoning international success, here conjures up an inviting holiday showcase for his neo-superstar crossover quartet. He pushes the group's crowd-pleasing formula into more expansive arrangements with the Irish Film Orchestra, supplemented by a strong core of featured instrumentalists, including Downes himself. If the ethnic folk influences that gave the group its name are sometimes less pronounced, the result is a collection whose dignified, pop elegance often transcends national boundaries. The vocal performances are expectedly polished, with the quintet breaking off into smaller units and solo showcases such as Lisa Kelly's Broadway-lullaby take on "The Christmas Song," a neo-classical "Panis Angelicus" by Chloe Agnew, and the muscular orchestral/choral setting for Mariead Nesbitt's earthy fiddle on "Carol of the Bells." The quintet (backed only by Nesbitt's spare strings) harmonize richly on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and bring their trademark neo-Celtic charms more fully to bear on intimate translations of "Silent Night" and "The Wexford Carol" as well as a glorious take on the Gaelic traditional "That Night in Bethlehem." Perhaps to remind fans of their true range, the swinging, big-band bonus track "Let It Snow" closes the collection with upbeat flair. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautifu music.......2007-07-31

I saw this special on PBS and was pleased when I could have my own copy. Fantastic music my multitalented women. A must for music lover everywhere.

Excellent Music.......2007-07-23

Terrific music. I gave this to my mother for a stocking stuffer....in August. Great CD.

celtic woman.......2007-05-20

Love the CD. Am giving it as a Christmas gift to friends.

One of the best music CD I have ever bought.......2007-05-14

One of the best music CD I have ever bought

Christmas celebration.......2007-05-14

Christmas never sounded so good. Mairead's playing is wonderful as always. Orlagh is the stand out for me with that hauntingly beautiful voice but when they all sing together it is something special.

Average customer rating:

A Listening Pleasure

Christmas Songs
Anuna
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002VEQ5M
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

AWAY IN A MANGER
THE WEXFORD CAROL
THE FIRST DAY
RIU RIU
SILENT NIGHT
THE COVENTRY CAROL
CODHLAIM GO SUAN
CHRISTMAS DAY IS COME
WINTER, FIRE AND SNOW
PIE JESU
HYMN TO THE VIRGIN
O HOLY NIGHT
THER IS NO ROS

Customer Reviews:

A Listening Pleasure.......2005-12-12

This is a five star album from a five star group. "Away in the Manger" is done in a simple, but exquisite manner. The quality of sound is magnificent. Monica Donlon has a gorgeous voice, well showcased on the Irish "Wexford Carol." "The First Day" adds instrumental interest, a very contemplative piece with voices used as pedal tones. "Riu Riu" is rhythmical and catchy. "Silent Night" is performed at an extremely slow tempo milking the harmonization and classic Anuna sound in a aura of sensual sound. The plaintive melancholy of "The Coventry Carol" aptly suits the text. There are interesting harmonizations and slight tweeks in the melody that separate this arrangement from the average. Four of the next six tracks are original compositions by Michael McGlyn and are a wonderful addition to the Christmas repertoire. The liner notes are ten pages that include the lyrics and brief commentary. Like the album, they are rendered in a classy manner. If you appreciate fine choral music and exceptional Christmas music, this album is a must.

Average customer rating:

Sonic Yulescaping
Enya Christmas Music
Quality...
Total ripoff
Just Lovely

Christmas Secrets
Enya
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas Ep
Sounds of the Season
May It Be
Amarantine, Pt. 2
Amarantine

ASIN: B000JVSUXY
Release Date: 2006-11-27

Tracks:

Adeste, Fideles
Magic of the Night
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Christmas Secrets

Customer Reviews:

Sonic Yulescaping.......2007-02-20

This is a celebrative, yet meditative, collection of songs that elicits the beauty of the Yuletide season. The only 'problem' I find with it is that it is too short, but at least it's longer than her other Christmas EPs. The textures and nuances of melody and arrangement make it an engaging offering.

Enya Christmas Music.......2007-01-27

It's a great addition to both a Christmas Music collection or Enya collection!

Quality..........2007-01-08

The other reviewer seems to miss the point - most artists today put tons of music, so you can get your money's worth, but where's the quality? Better four good songs than fifteen lousy ones.

This is an exquisite EP, not anything different from other Enya works, but that is a good thing - she has never put out anything but good music. So you are sure that when you buy an Enya CD, you don't have to worry if you will not like it. It is always mysterious, otherworldly and lovely. Great present for the Holidays or any other time.

Total ripoff.......2006-12-22

I love Enya, so I sent this CD to my sisters for Christmas, and ordered one for myself. I was horrified to discover that the CD contains four songs, about 15 minutes of music. What a paltry, humiliating Christmas present for my sisters, when I thought I was sending them something so special!

Just Lovely .......2006-12-19

This is the import version of a U.S. release. The U.S. release is only available in Target stores and at the NBC store in Rockefeller Center in New York City (and likely other NBC stores, if there are any).

If you watched the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting this year, Enya sang "Magic Of The Night" on the air. That is the highlight of this CD and is such a pleasure to hear over and over. It caught my ear immediately, yet Amazon music searches in early December were not turning up any new Enya releases. Was quite frustrated until I discovered that sales were NBC & Target in-store only.

U.S. version contains six tracks: 4 new holiday recordings and 2 previously-released. All are very well done and a joyful addition to her holiday music repertoire. The six tracks are: "Adeste Fideles" (new), "Magic Of The Night" (new), "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (new), "Christmas Secrets" (new), "Amid The Falling Snow" (from her Amarantine CD) and "Oiche Chuin (Silent Night").

The CD's U.S. title is "NBC Sounds Of The Season: The Enya Collection". It is more than worth the $6.99 that the NBC store and Target stores are charging. If you like Enya, you will like this CD.

Average customer rating:

Old Christmas Carols
A Haunting Experience
Let all that are to mirth inclined

To Drive the Cold Winter Away
Loreena Mckennitt
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000J233TY
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

In Praise Of Christmas
The Seasons
The King
Banquet Hall
Snow
Balulalow
Let Us The Infant Greet
The Wexford Carol
The Stockford Carol
Let All That Are To Mirth Inclined

Customer Reviews:

Old Christmas Carols.......2007-01-12

Wonderful in style and execution; I thought that I had heard the best but I was wrong. Anything from Loreena McKennitt is truly an amazing experience!

A Haunting Experience.......2006-12-12

The best word I can come up with for Loreena McKennitt's voice is "haunting". I almost said ethereal and that would have been correct too but I chose haunting because it is one that keeps coming back to me. It makes me wonder if I really heard some of the things it said. In this context, that is a good thing.

This is a collection of "Christmas" songs but it is definitely not a collection of carols. They are songs of midwinter and the voice and instrumentation conveys that theme as well as the lyrics. They would not be out of place in a medieval hall.

This is not a somber collection but it might well be perceived as such by someone expecting ditties about reindeer with red noses or jolly old elves. It is a joyous collection with the joy is sedate, as is the whole album. That does not stop it from being a masterful work of art.

Try this one and let it haunt your memories through the winter and the rest of the year.

Let all that are to mirth inclined.......2006-11-15

Most Christmas albums sound tailor-made for mall muzak -- bland and recycled, with the same ol' songs about bells, Santa Claus, and snow. Loreena McKennitt breaks the mold with "To Drive the Cold Winter Away," an enchantingly wintry collection with muted instrumentation, and a classic feel.

It opens with the ethereal "In Praise of Christmas," a languid little harp ballad, and the rich "Seasons," which sounds like a solo performance at a medieval banquet. "Come all you lads and lasses, I'd have you give attention/To these few lines I'm about to write here,/'Tis of the four seasons of the year that I shall mention,/The beauty of all things doth appear," McKennitt sings in her rolling voice.

Those songs set the tone of the remaining songs -- pretty, airy wintry ballads accompanied mostly by harp. A few exceptions are sprinkled through it, such as the icily pretty instrumental "Banquet Hall," languid harp music in "Snow," and a few songs like "Let All That Are to Mirth Inclined" are done without instrumentation at all.

It's not hard to get sick of the endless repetitions of "Jingle Bells," "The Christmas Song" and "Let It Snow." It comes to the point where people get violent at mall loudspeakers. Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is an antidote of sorts -- she dips into traditional Christmas and winter ballads from England, Scotland and Ireland, sometimes going back hundreds of years.

On the other hand, the sound quality is worse than McKennitt's other albums, particularly her a capella songs. While her singing cannot be faulted, she sang them in an old Irish abbey, which causes a weird echo effect in some songs. Her voice doesn't sound quite on top form in these.

However, the instrumentation often covers this effect -- it's much more minimal than in most of Mckennitt's work, often with her merely playing harps, and occasionally a tin whistle or accordian. The ethereal, minimal instrumentation gives the feeling of chilliness and beauty in a winter forest.

It's a bit hard to sing some old ballads, especially since many do not have specific tunes assigned to them. McKennitt does well at this; despite a few awkward moments, she sings richly and soulfully. "The King," her duet with Cedric Smith, is not so great, however since Smith's mediocre voice often blots out hers completely. Aside from that, her voice lilts lightly over the songs about Christ, snow, and firesides during the winter.

"To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is a truly beautiful collection of traditional Christmas songs. Despite the occasional echo problems, McKennitt's sweet voice and music bring out an older, richer side of Christmas.

Average customer rating:

The Beauty of the Winter Solstice Season Incarnate!
This was the most popular gift I gave for Christmas
This CD just flew off the shelves last Christmas and I can see why
Great Christmas Songs
WOW~

An Irish Christmas
Moya Brennan
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Signature

ASIN: B000FVGNLY
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Carol Of The Bells
The Wexford Carol
Deck The Halls
Do You Hear/Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithil
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Gabriel's Message
Joy To The World
What Child Is This?
In The Bleak Midwinter
Angels We Have Heard On High
In Dulci Jubilo
Oiche Chuin (Silent Night)

Amazon.com

Blending moods of reverence and quiet good cheer, Moya Brennan's first seasonal recording is a dignified, easy-to-like assortment of familiar standards and a few lesser-known carols, all well suited to her crystalline voice and the recording's prevailing themes of innocence and humble joy. Celtic influences and instruments at times serve more as adornments than centerpieces (e.g., "Deck the Halls" exudes a sort of Fleetwood Mac vibe), yet the disc's most distinctive tracks tap more deeply into Brennan's Irish roots, particularly the ethereal textures and vocal tenderness exhibited on "The Wexford Carol" (a carol Brennan traces to 12th-century Ireland). Beyond the tympani-powered opening track, "Carol of the Bells," the 47-minute disc embraces the season's softer, gentler moods, concluding with a lovely, unhurried version of "Oíche Chúin" ("Silent Night"). Here, Brennan--the principal voice of Clannad and the elder sibling of Enya--breathes the lyrics as much as she sings them (it's one of just two tracks sung in her native tongue), then closes by adding the voices of her own children. Pleasant listening. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

The Beauty of the Winter Solstice Season Incarnate!.......2007-02-20

I bought this CD without even previewing it, as I'm a Moya fan. Even still, I was blown away by the beauty of it, the simplicity of the vocal lines, and the intricate way in which the tunes are arranaged. This is not your ordinary 'holiday' clone CD; with one more boring recording of the same dozen or so overdone Christmas carols! All of the tracks offer refreshing new 'advents' into the wonder of the Winter Solstice Season. A haunting, blissful album!

This was the most popular gift I gave for Christmas.......2007-02-07

I was in Barnes and Noble when they were playing this and I was enchanted and bought a copy. One of my friends heard it and was likewise enchanted. By the time I was finished sharing it I had handed out 14 copies to friends, many of whom cited this as their favorite Christmas album this year! Absolutely lovely voice and unique, so that it's not just another version of the same songs sung by a different artist. You can tell that she is moved by what she sings and also that some of these songs are definitely being sung with the heart of a mother singing to her children and wanting them to feel warmth and magic of the Christmas season.

This CD just flew off the shelves last Christmas and I can see why.......2007-01-18

My order came in late, January, to be exact--but I'm still listening to Moya's Christmas CD and loving it. Moya's voice is one of the most incredible I've ever heard. If I were to be asked for a suggestion for future CD's, I'd like to hear more in Gaelic.

Great Christmas Songs.......2007-01-18

I love all this music by the Celtic Woman. I purchased this and one other Christmas cd. I also purchased the Celtic Woman cd. The most beautiful music.

WOW~.......2007-01-16

These ladies are so entertaining, whether you get to see them on TV or just listen to them on a CD!!! I will be lucky enough in May to get to see them in person! This CD brings back many wonderful childhood Christmas memories.

Average customer rating:

No music gives me more christmas spirit
Great Christmas CD.
Hands down - best holiday cd EVER
Already a favorite
Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection

The Bells of Dublin
The Chieftains
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F53
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

The Bells Of Dublin Christmas Eve
Past Three O'Clock
St. Stephens Day Murders
Il Est Ne/Ca Berger
Don Oiche Ud I MBeithill
I Saw Three Ships A Sailing
A Breton Carol
Carol Medley: O The Holly She Bears A Berry
Carol Medley: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Carol Medley: The Boar's Head
The Wexford Carol
The Rebel Jesus
Skyline Jig
O Holy Night
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Arrival Of The Wren Boys
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Dingle Set--Dance
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Wren In The Furze
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': A Dance Duet--Reels
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': Brafferton Village/Walsh's Hornpipe
Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Farewell: The Piper Through The Meadow Strayed.
Medley: Once In Royal David's City
Medley: Ding Dong Merrily On High
Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful

Amazon.com

Ireland's world-class ambassadors the Chieftains seem determined to play with anyone who is anyone, regardless of genre. On The Bells of Dublin, they do an exceptional job of teaming up with the likes of rockers Jackson Browne and Elvis Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

No music gives me more christmas spirit.......2007-01-18

This is a beautiful album. The Irishness and Chieftains-esque thread runs through it all, but the guest appearances make for a varied and unique listen. It is old and new at the same time. I love this music. Merry Christmas to all.

Great Christmas CD........2007-01-12

The Chieftains are, as usual, awesome and with the help of some good friends have crafted what I think is the best Christmas/Celtic CD out there. It came out years ago, but it has never lost it's flavor, timeliness, or sense of pure Celtic enjoyment. An absolute joy to own again and to listen to.

Hands down - best holiday cd EVER.......2006-12-12

The Chieftans are the only ones capable of making the global leap and carrying such a variety of artists to play WITH them. True it's a holiday cd and it's all you expect: inspiring, comforting, humourous and familiar. It's also breath taking beautiful. Light the candles and cozy up; I've never found a better cd for the season BUT! I don't know how some people keep this for holidays only -- I play the Macgarriles and The Wren medley frequently just for a pick me up.

I'm eternally grateful to the Chieftans for the musical education they've provided me throughout the years - amazing artists and this cd is a must if it's not in your holiday collection.

Already a favorite.......2006-12-06

I actually bought this CD because I am a huge Jackson Browne fan and he performs "Rebel Jesus" on it. Turns out that I prefer Jackson's rendition of "Rebel..." on his "Next Voice You Hear" CD MUCH better.
But as for this CD, it's wonderful. I loved it and I have played it every day since it arrived. Light the candles, and turn it up. Even my day care kids love it! I will need to buy another copy...so I have one for my car and one for my home. And a few for gifts for friends and family......a great CD!

Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection.......2006-08-17

I love Christmas music. I'm one of these annoying people who can hardly wait until the day after Thanksgiving to play it around all the other people who can't stand to hear it until then. It's not necessarily a religious thing for me, because it's been true even through my atheist years; but more of a traditional thing associated with the types of European and folk music I like. So I long ago began collecting all sorts of Christmas CD's, both to listen to as a whole, and to combine with others in mixes of music to play at parties, or simply at home while preparing for the holiday.

I've had this one about fifteen years and would never part with it. In fact, I thought it was lost once, bought it again, and ended up with two! I find the Chieftains' and childrens' choirs the most compelling performances. The lone boy's voice singing "Once in Royal David's city" so evokes a blanket of snow with tiny flakes falling down one can imagine young carollers in Ireland. "The Holly Bears the Berry" has always been a favorite in my house simply because of my niece, Holly, who still likes to pantomime her importance in the life of Christ as exemplified by that song (a lot more fun than Deck the Halls, I am told, although that is provided here too).
We are given the history of the trapping of the wren, how people went from place to place to beg money to bury the wren, and then would dance for the people who payed to bury the wren. This is the occasion for glorious dance music that is hard to sit by and just listen to if you are used to getting up to a jig or a reel!

I am not as fond of the celebrities singing on this disk, with the exception of the McGarragle sisters. Their version of the French songs "Il est ne" and "Un flambeau" prove they are as comfortable with folk as pop.

But Elvis Costello is not, and he does not make is black humor sound at all humorous in the "St Stephen's Days Murders."

And I am not sure what Rickie Lee Jones' song sounds like, but it frightens me.

Nancy Griffith's session is fine, but it sounds like a Nancy Griffith session with the Chieftains; they do not blend as well as I would have liked.

The one last jewel, however, regardless of the sound, is the lyric written by Jackson Browne called "The Rebel Jesus." If you are a Christian of any stripe----strong, doubting, seeking; if you're not a Christian wondering why those Christians are so....you know; mostly hypocritical, this may be the song you wish you had written. I often buy Chieftains CDs and Christmas CDs for how they sound, not necessarily the lyric....but this one stops me in my tracks. I'm glad it's on this lovely CD.

Average customer rating:

Enya at her finest
Sounds of the Season by Enya
The Magic of Enya...

Sounds of the Season
Enya
Manufacturer: Rhino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Celts

ASIN: B000KQHUUW

Product Description

6-track EP subtitled 'The Enya collection'. This exclusive CD features a collection of Holiday songs including 4 new recordings - produced in conjunction with NBC. Track Listing: 1. Adestes Fideles 2. The Magic Of The Night 3. We Wish You A Merry Christmas 4. Christmas Secrets 5. Amid The Falling Snow 6. Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)

Customer Reviews:

Enya at her finest.......2007-05-14

Oh, my goodness, what a HAUNTINGLY, beautiful cd this is!! I couldn't stop playing it during the holiday season last year.....Simply a MUST for any Enya fan.

scifigal.

Sounds of the Season by Enya.......2006-12-01

Needless to say, I was impressed with this CD by Enya. As soon as I found out on the Enya website that another Enya CD was being released, I quickly purchased Sounds of the Season. Enya's rendition of Adeste Fideles is wonderful, and Magic of the Night has to be my favorite single on this CD.

The Magic of Enya..........2006-11-21

If for nothing else, buy this for Enya's rendition of "Adeste, Fideles". It's a great addition to the holiday. Funny that a proper Christmas album has yet to be done - Enya's music fits so well into the winter months. Her melodies definitely warm things up.

Among the remaining traditional carols ("We Wish You A Merry Christmas" & the now classic, "Oíche Chiúin"), we get 2 original seasonal pieces.

"The Magic of the Night" has that Enya vibe we all know and love. Full of layered stings in a staccato waltz time. The perfect background for trimming the tree or the soundtrack to your holiday gathering.

"Christmas Secrets" is a sweet, delicate ballad. There is a longing for that special someone you're missing. With hope that distance won't keep you apart for Christmas: "So I am waiting here for you. If you don't come, what will I do? Who shall I tell my secrets to?"

Addtionally, "Amid the Falling Snow" shows up. It is lifted from 2005's "Amarantine."

A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season

Average customer rating:

ok, THIS is Loreena McKennitt's CHRISTMAS Album
Great Artist!
wonderful
a winter garden
beautiful!

A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season
Loreena McKennitt
Manufacturer: Quinlan Road
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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An Ancient Muse
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Parallel Dreams
The Mask and Mirror

ASIN: B000002N3H
Release Date: 1995-11-07

Tracks:

Coventry Carol
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Good King Wenceslas
Snow
Seeds Of Love

Amazon.com

Loreena McKennitt's "songs for the season" are haunting for their beauty and her fascinating voice. Blending traditional Irish music with worldbeat and New Age-like instrumentation, McKennitt's arrangements are at once elegant and eloquent, enchanting and familiar, whether she's singing "Coventry Carol," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," or "Good King Wenceslas." "Snow," adapted from a 19th-century poem, and the traditional "Seeds of Love" are so lofty and deep they reach almost mystical places. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

ok, THIS is Loreena McKennitt's CHRISTMAS Album.......2007-06-16

Everyone considers Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" her Christmas album. I ask people not to call it that, it is more than that, it is music for the whole season from leaf-fall to buds and sprouts in the spring.

This, then, is her Christmas album. Although short, at only five songs, it is a well thought-out album, and a definite "Must-Have" and a "Keeper". The songs here are wonderful, not your standard fare for Christmas, so it is a fresh experience, something always welcome with music for this time of the year, don't you think? Her accompanyment, here, is harp only, so everything is light and open, just right, and soothing after all the crash and bang regular Christmas music......I mean, how many times can one listen to Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, and Here Comes Santa Claus before you just wanna scream "STOP!", huh?

Pick this album up, take it home, and slip in between some other Christmas albums, and be prepared to go "WOW!....That's Nice!", and to also find a new favorite Christmas album. ~operabruin

Great Artist!.......2007-05-14

This is an awesome holiday / winter / Christmas CD. It is short (only 5 songs) but it is full of voice and enough to set the mood perfectly. Not traditional versions of the songs, but none the less beautiful.

wonderful.......2007-01-20

This is THE Christmas album to have.Loreena McKennitt's hauntingly beautiful voice and the wonderful arrangements of traditional Christmas songs has made this our most listened to Christmas album in the last few years.I like to play this album any time of the year as it is very peaceful and relaxing to hear.

a winter garden.......2007-01-11

I love Loreena McKennitts' music. this CD is very melodic in a Celtic way. the music on this CD is also very mellow listening. I love the rhythms of the instruments used.

beautiful!.......2006-12-31

The only reason I gave this item "4 stars" is because it only has the 5 songs on it - I wish it had more. However, it's still worth buying. The songs are hauntingly beautiful, in McKennitt's signature style. If you enjoy her music, this album won't disappoint. I recommend it! :-)

Average customer rating:

sublime
The Only Thing Better Is Phil Coulter's 2 Disc Christmas Collection!
Best Christmas album ever
The Best Christmas CD Out There
Peaceful, Relaxing

Phil Coulter's Christmas
Phil Coulter & The Dublin Boy Singers
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Winter's Crossing
Serenity
American Tranquility
Country Serenity
Lake of Shadows

ASIN: B000000E1T
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Silent Night
Mary's Boy Child
The First Noel
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Little Drummer Boy
Song Of The Sheperd
Away In A Manger
Jingle Bells
White Christmas
Angels We Have Heard On High
When A Child Is Born
Good King Wenceslas
Walking In The Air (The Snowman)
Oh! Holy Night
Going Home For Christmas
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)

Customer Reviews:

sublime.......2005-12-04

This is a fantastic listening experience.
It does drip, it can be a little schmaltzy...but, for Christmas time, that's all the better.
I cherish this performance.
It is rare and special.
I'ts one slight step away from being new-agey, but, it's dreamy
and takes you far away from your worries.
I have hundreds of Christmas Lp's and Cd's.
If I had to pick only one....Phil Coulter's Christmas would be it.

The Only Thing Better Is Phil Coulter's 2 Disc Christmas Collection!.......2005-12-03

I love "Phil Coulter's Christmas." His fun and love of the music shines through. His arrangements are pure, and you don't get lost in the "frills" that a lot of artists throw in. As with all of his recordings, he knows exactly which instruments to use to bring out the full emotion and richness of the song. No wonder my other Christmas recordings have hardly made it off of the shelf this year!

I have the 2-disc version called "The Christmas Collection," which also includes "Winter Wonderland," "All Through The Night," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Fairytale of New York," "Morning Has Broken," and "We Three Kings." While I would rather have "Phil Coulter's Christmas" than nothing at all, I have to say the additional six songs make the double CD version worth looking for, as they are some of the best songs.

Best Christmas album ever.......2004-09-20

We discovered Phil Coulter on a trip to England four years ago. Since then, we have bought almost every one of his albums. This Christmas one is outstanding - wonderful background for a party or perfect just for listening. No one will regret their purchase of this fine album.

The Best Christmas CD Out There.......2003-12-20

I will never tire of this CD - it is by far the best Christmas CD of all times. I have a lot of Christmas CD's - this one still gets played the most.

Peaceful, Relaxing.......2003-12-10

This album is collection of very traditional Christmas music presented in q very relaxing format.

Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

Average customer rating:

Wolcum Yule
lovely and unusual Yule album
Goose Flesh!

Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
John Tavener , Richard Rodney Bennett , Peter Maxwell Davies , Geoffrey Burgon , Henry VIII , Benjamin Britten , Anonymous 4 , and Andrew Lawrence-King
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

American Angels
On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets - Anonymous 4
Gloryland
Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B0000AZKK4
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Awake, And Join The Cheerful Choir
Good People All
The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
The Lamb
A Scots Lilt
Balulalow
Balulalow
The Holly And The Ivy
The Reel Of Tullochgorum
I Saw Three Ships
A Calendar Of Kings
Air: La Fuar Geimhreadh
An Teicheadh Go Heigipt
A God, And Yet A Man?
Grene Growith The Holy
Wel, Dyma'r Borau Gorau
The Cherry Tree Carol
Can Wassel
A New Year Carol

Amazon.com

This offbeat disc of seasonal songs and carols by the Anonymous 4 will delight their fans and please everyone else. The 19 selections include traditional folk melodies and texts, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, interspersed with fitting selections by contemporary composers including John Taverner, Benjamin Britten, and Peter Maxwell Davies, whose ethereal a cappella A Calender of Kings gets its first recording. Andrew Lawrence-King, playing Irish harp, Baroque harp, and psaltery with his accustomed finesse, is a major reason for the disc's success, accompanying most of the vocals and contributing three lovely solos. The disc is crammed with highlight tracks, like the lilting Cornish Wassail song and the Irish Good people all, and haunting numbers like "Flight into Egypt," sung in Gaelic, and "Behold, here is the best morning," sung in Welsh. Excellent sonics and Harmonia Mundi's typically fine production values also help make this a Christmas disc that will give joy in July. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Wolcum Yule.......2006-01-17

The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally

lovely and unusual Yule album.......2004-01-06

Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery. There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings.

The songs are pure, simple and very beautiful -- a welcome addition to your holiday listening.

Goose Flesh!.......2003-12-09

This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts. Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful. This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted. It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies!

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