Christmas Visions

Track Listings

1. Carol of the Bells

2. Away in a Manger

3. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

4. All My Heart This Night Rejoices

5. O Christmas Tree

6. We Three Kings

7. Love Came Down at Christmas

8. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

9. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

10. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Christmas Visions,Various Artists,Unison Records,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,New Age,Pop

Christmas Visions

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:

TRUE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLING THROUGH VISUALIZATION
Visualizing a scene of serenity and beauty
A lush journey through aurel space that truly warms you!

Goddess Mystical Visions, Vol. 3
Lucia Hwong
Manufacturer: Goddess Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Goddess Celestial Realms, Vol. 2
Goddess Awakening, Vol. 1
Secret Luminescence

ASIN: B00000G35O
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Galapagos
Tibet
Amazon
Hawaii

Customer Reviews:

TRUE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLING THROUGH VISUALIZATION.......2001-05-29

I've never been to the Galapagos, nor to Tibet, nor up the Amazon, nor to Hawaii. Not until last night when I experienced the third CD of Lucia Hwong's Goddess trilogy. With her loving, healing voice, she took me by the hand to each of these places and through adventures in each place. The blending of her voice with the music is exquisite, and this album as well as her others are true spiritual experiences.

Visualizing a scene of serenity and beauty.......1999-08-26

During the narration, Lucia Hwong helps the listener to experience different sensations and journeys without ever leaving your chair or floor. Not something to listen to while cleaning the house, this is a work that requires serious attention and will result in total relaxation.

A lush journey through aurel space that truly warms you!.......1999-08-23

Lucias trilogy is really astounding in terms of the amazing range of sounds, textures and rythms the artist blends together. The artist takes us on a journey through spiritual space, sound is our visceral guide. This music is truly healing and sounds new with every listen. Give it a try and find yourself feeling refreshed and healed!

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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Similar Items:

Hildegard Von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins [Hybrid SACD]
Feather on the Breath of God
Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00070EBRG
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Wrapped in White: Visions of Christmas Past

Average customer rating:

Wrapped in White: Visions of Christmas Past - John Doan
My new favorite Christmas CD
Traditional Music played on REAL old-time instruments
Peaceful, well crafted, and filled with memories!

Wrapped in White: Visions of Christmas Past
John Doan
Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Departures
Christmas Spirit
Christmas Past: Holiday Harp Guitar Classics
An Ancient Muse

ASIN: B000000X6X
Release Date: 1995-09-13

Tracks:

Carol Of The Bells
Away In A Manger
In The Manger
We Three Kings
Three Kings
O Come, O Come
Angels We Have Heard On High & The First Noel
The Angel's First Noel
Joy To The World (Edison Phonograph)
Joy To The World
Jesu Joy
Born Is Jesus The Infant King
Infant King
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Jolly Old King Wenceslas
Go Tell It
O Christmas Tree
Silent Night (Gem Rollar Organ)
Silent Night
Old Long Since (Auld Lang Syne)

Product Description

1. Carol Of The Bells
2. Away In A Manger
3. In The Manger
4. We Three Kings
5. Three Kings
6. O Come, O Come
7. Angels We Have Heard On High giFirst Noel, The
8. Angel's First Noel, The
9. Joy To The World - (Edison Phonograph)
10. Joy To The World
11. Jesu Joy
12. Born Is Jesus The Infant King
13. Infant King
14. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
15. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
16. Jolly Old King Wenceslas
17. Go Tell It
18. O Christmas Tree
19. Silent Night - (Gem Roller Organ)
20. Silent Night
21. Old Long Since (Auld Lang Syne)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Wrapped in White: Visons of Christmas Past is truly a treat. More than adhering to the theme of Christmas, multi-instrumentalist John Doan furthers the concept to embrace 19th-century American Victoriana. Doan tackles the long-forgotten harp guitar and a vast stable of Victorian-era instruments, including the toy piano, with its plinking kidlike sounds, and piccolo trumpet, as well as a pleasing novelty blend of strings such as mando-bass, autoharp, and parlor guitar. Songs are craftily assembled and arranged as groupings such as Carols of Kings, Carols of Night, Carols of Bells, and Farewells. Altogether enjoyable, Wrapped in White embodies age-old tradition, celebrates nostalgia, and captures the spirit of the holiday's peace, warmth, and ritual. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Wrapped in White: Visions of Christmas Past - John Doan.......2004-11-25

A beautiful, fascinating combination of classic music songs. Notes have a lot of information about the instruments used and history of the songs. This should be part of everyone's Christmas music collection.

My new favorite Christmas CD.......2002-12-22

Wow, what a treat this CD is! I ran across it by accident and after listening to the samples, ordered 3 copies immediately, for myself and as gifts. I've always loved the sound of old acoustic instruments, and there's such variety here, coupled with pure virtuosity of performance that I don't know how I lived this long without owning anything by John Doan.

The harp guitar has great range and a wonderful "sound" for this music. It's perfect for background while doing other things, but also complex enough to listen to intently, alone. The piccolo trumpet featured in O Come, O Come will take your breath away. Turn the volume up!

I love the 30-second intros followed by the full songs. Whoever arranged the CD is a genious. The toy piano on Jolly Old St. Nick, and the scratchy Edison wax cylinder on Joy To the World are fun and unique. The mando-bass accompanying the classical banjo on Jesu Joy brought back memories of doing this song in high school choir 35 years ago, but John does it so much better than we did!

If your taste in music is eclectic like mine is, and if you appreciate clean performances by master musicians, you'll love this CD like I do. This is my first ever review after shopping here for almost all my music. Guess it took a great performance like this to get me started. Am I gushing here? Sorry. This is my all-time favorite Christmas music.

Traditional Music played on REAL old-time instruments.......2000-11-29

Oregon-based musician John Doan is a master of many instruments, and on this CD he has chosen to play traditional, old-time Christmas music on instruments popular at the end of the 19th century. This choice gives the music an atmosphere of peppermint and mulled wine not found on most seasonal recordings. All the carols are carefully selected, peaceful and very wonderfully played. The selection of songs is flawless. There is even a Christmas greeting from Thomas Edison as played on an old grammaphone. I love this CD, and play it every Christmas season on a Public Radio program in Alaska. Part of the appeal is that the music doesn't seem to have any age barriers. This would make a wonderful, and unique, addition to your Christmas collection.

Peaceful, well crafted, and filled with memories!.......1998-12-09

This album is a masterpiece. It blends sounds from many different instruments. It lights memories in the listener. If it is possible to wear out a CD, this is one we will wear out! It is peaceful, joyous, and melodic. This is the perfect instrumental Christmas CD.

Tracks:

What Child Is This? - Hilary Stagg
Coventry Carol - Mason Williams
The First Noel - John Boswell
Christmas Day Ida Moarnin/Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella - John McCutcheon
Caroll Of The Bells - John Doan
Westminister Carol - Wind Machine
Little Drummer Boy/Luna Negra Beat - Ottmar Liebert
Lo, How A Rose - Cusco
Swedish Song - Paul Winter
The Gloucester Wassail/When Blossoms Flowered 'Midst The Snow (The Christmas Rose) - Patrick Ball
Silver Bells - LunaMoon
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Maggie Sansone
We Three Kings Of Orient Are - Joemy Wilson
Magnificat (For Four Voices) - Paul Horn
Gesu Bambino - John Tesh
Let There Be Peace On Earth - Peter Kater
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Georgia Kelly
Ave Maria - Tom Barabas

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for Holiday quiet times........2004-11-22

This is a compilation of gorgeous holiday arrangements. All instrumental, the sounds are lush, warm, and definitely peaceful. Track #8, Lo, How A Rose, is hauntingly beautiful. Myself a Christmas historian, I have hundreds of Christmas CDs. This is the first album I play each year in order to ease myself into the season. If I am looking for something to put me in the "Christmas mood" i.e. something jovial, this wouldn't be the album. No tinny-sounding keyboards or electric guitars. This collection is soothing and calm, one to be savored by the lights of the tree. It would also be a lovely backdrop for a time of Christmas devotion or meditation. These arrangements, though familiar carols, are fresh and unique sounding. Peaceful, but definitely not elevator music. Treat yourself to a rare moment of tranquility this Christmas. Buy this album.

Excellent !.......2002-12-30

"Peace on earth to all man of goodwill" - This CD really puts you in the right peacful mood which, the Birth of Christ we celebrate at Christmas, reminds us of, brings around and urges us to do our part to achieve.

Very exquisite instrumental arrangements of rare beauty

Christmas Visions
Average customer rating:
Christmas Visions
V. Keith Mason , and Music House
Manufacturer: Regency Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LC9684

Product Description

1993 Regency Music instrumental Christmas release. Track listing: 1. Carol of the Bells; 2. Away in a Manger; 3. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas; 4. All My Heart This Night Rejoices; 5. O Christmas Tree; 6. We Three Kings; 7. Love Came Down at Christmas; 8. Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella; 9. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; 10. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

Average customer rating:

Visions of Christmas

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006OAN9
Release Date: 2002-09-01

Tracks:

Joy to the World
Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella
O Tannenbaum
Angels From the Realms of Glory
Good Christian Men Rejoice / The Susex Carol
The Coventry Carol
This is the Truth Sent from Above
Deck the Halls
The Angel Gabriel
I say Three Ships
Hail the Blest Morn / Organ Fugue in G Minor
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Average customer rating:

Wrapped in White - Visions of Christmas Past
John Doan
Manufacturer: Tapestry Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B000003759

Tracks:

Born Is Jesus the Infant King
Infant King
We Three Kings
Three Kings
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Jolly Old King Wenceslas
Away in a Manger
In the Manger
Angels We Have Heard on High/The First Noel
Angel's First Noel
Go Tell It
Joy to the World [Edison Phonograph]
Joy to the World
Jesu, Joy
O Christmas Tree
O Come, O Come
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Silent Night [Gem Roller Organ]
Silent Night
Carol of the Bells
Old Long Since (Auld Lang Syne)

Average customer rating:

Christmas Guitar
Rosalie Glemann
Manufacturer: Rosalie Glemann
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA9GIA
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
Away in a Manger
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O Come All Ye Faithful
Joy to the World
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Go Tell It on the Mountain
I Wonder as I Wander
O Holy Night

Average customer rating:

Holiday Music to Soothe the Savage Commuter
Traditional Favorites.......New Sound

Christmas Visions
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Unison Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00000E99W
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Carol of the Bells
Away in a Manger
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
All My Heart This Night Rejoices
O Christmas Tree
We Three Kings
Love Came Down at Christmas
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Customer Reviews:

Holiday Music to Soothe the Savage Commuter.......2004-01-03

I picked up a cassette version of this album on an impulse buy at a deep discount store just before Thanksgiving 2003. It's funny how some of my most favorite music is acquired in this fashion. I nearly wore the tape out by Christmas!

I am a sucker for syncopation, and the light, happy pizzicato counterpoint of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" delighted me. I can't hear the track without wanting to move to the competing rhythms.

Fortunately for me, I had this tape with me while stuck in a 2 1/2 Interstate traffic jam on a mid-December evening at rush hour. "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" kept me sane.

"We Three Kings" is also a wonderful arrangement...there just isn't a bad song on the entire album.

V. Keith Mason is credited as the producer, arranger, and performer on the all-instrumental cassette I have under the Regency Music label (1993). The songs have a 'new age' and sometimes 'jazzy' feel and each is a showcase for a different style and mood. If there was ever anything like a Christmas Sandbox, Keith Mason was definitely playing in it, and from the sounds of it, having a blast!

The CD version is on my list of "must haves" for next Christmas season and beyond.

Traditional Favorites.......New Sound.......2003-11-02

"Christmas Visions" is an all instumental compilation of holiday standards with an updated sound.The mix is a nice, light and airy new age feel that would be great as background music at a Christmas Eve gathering or dinner.It is a nice change of pace and one that will put the holdiay spirit in your home or office.

There are 10 tracks all running between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes long.Included is a beautiful rendition of "Carol of the Bells",a more upbeat sounding "We Three Kings", and a mesmerizing "O Christmas Tree". The songs range from the fun "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" to a moving "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day".(See buying info for complete list of songs included).

The performing artist is V. Keith Mason and the CD, a nice quality, is by Regency Music. If your looking for something just a little different,with a good variety, the price is right to give this one a try.

Happy holdiays..and enjoy.....Laurie

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