Christmas Carols

Track Listings
 
1. Coventry Carol
2. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
3. Joy to the World
4. O Come All Ye Faithful
5. Christmas Magic
6. Noel
7. What Child is This
8. Carol of the Bells
9. Away in a Manger
10. We Three Kings
11. Good King Wenceslas
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem
13. Silent Night
14. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
15. Angels We Have Heard On High

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Neal Davis has five CDs available on the Creative Energy Label.

Product Description
Traditional Christmas Carols performed and arranged by Neal Davis with an ethereal new age feel.

Christmas Carols,Neal Davis,Creative Energy,Contemporary Instrumental,peaceful instrumental arrangements of favorite Christmas Carols.

Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols
The Polar Express
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Polar Express
  • Excellent! First Rate
  • Polar Express is hot
  • Polar Express music CD
  • PERFECT!
 The Polar Express
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00063F8B2
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

  1. The Polar Express -- Tom Hanks
  2. When Christmas Comes To Town -- Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore
  3. Rockin' On Top of the World -- Steven Tyler
  4. Believe -- Josh Groban
  5. Hot Chocolate -- Tom Hanks
  6. Spirit of the Season -- Alan Silvestri
  7. Seeing is Believing -- Alan Silvestri
  8. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town -- Frank Sinatra
  9. White Christmas -- Bing Crosby
  10. Winter Wonderland -- The Andrews Sisters
  11. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- Perry Como
  12. Silver Bells -- Kate Smith
  13. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Claus Lane) -- Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
  14. Suite From the Polar Express -- Alan Silvestri

Amazon.com

In adapting Chris Van Allsburg's beloved, 1986 Caldecott Medal winning children's Christmas fable, director Robert Zemeckis fused the technologies of live-action motion capture and CGI to an unprecedented degree, producing a visual sensibility that perfectly embodies the netherworld between fantasy and reality that made the book so inviting. Musically, Zemeckis has shrewdly teamed longtime collaborator Alan Silvestri with hit tunesmith Glen Ballard for the original half his soundtrack, then given the rest over to a star-packed tribute to pop Christmas past that includes such timeless chestnuts as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" by the Andrew Sisters and Perry Como's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." But the Silvestri/Ballard originals here are the main event, from Tom Hanks' vigorous vocal mugging on the title track and "Hot Chocolate" through the innocent charm of "When Christmas Comes to Town" and the over-the-top, jumpin' jive of Steven Tyler's "Rockin' On Top of the World." Josh Groban's "Believe" overdoes the treacle, but Silvestri's rich choral workouts and underscore suite are grand Hollywood-scaled tributes to the spirit of the season. Also available in a deluxe, illustrated children's book format gift edition that includes an actual encased jingle bell embedded in the cover. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Promising to be this holiday season's family film blockbuster, the revolutionary computer-animated The Polar Express-based on a best-selling children's book, starring the voice of Tom Hanks and directed by Academy Award winner Robert Zemeckis-is a classic Christmas film with a modern look. The soundtrack album also mixes the classic with the contemporary, with immortal versions of the greatest Christmas songs ever penned, such as "White Christmas" from Bing Crosby and new recordings from Josh Groban "Believe", Aerosmith's Steven Tyler "Rockin' On Top Of The World" and others. This Christmas everyone will be getting on board The Polar Express.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Polar Express.......2007-05-24

A dream of a boy comes to life in the great book polar express. It is about a great journey to the North Pole to meat Santa Claus. He meats lots of friends and has many good and bad/ dangerous things happen to him.
The main character has brown hair and eyes also he is about 9 of 10. During the book you can tell he is very generous. also he get in to many bad situations like when we dosent belif in santa claus.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent! First Rate.......2007-04-11

We give it a strong 5 stars. Young and old alike will love this movie. Nothing in it is offensive, and it has a great message of hope.

5 out of 5 stars Polar Express is hot.......2007-04-11

I am 57 yet I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and as a result bought the soundtrack. It plays in my Subaru's CD and has songs that remind me of childhood, songs that are fun, and others that make me want to move to the beat. It takes you through the movie and I find myself recalling little scenes from the movie. It was an outstanding performance by Tom Hanks and he puts just the right amount of train conductor and wise sage in the cuts he does on this soundtrack. I am glad I bought it.

5 out of 5 stars Polar Express music CD.......2007-02-06

Quick to receive. Only slight thing I noticed was a crack in the cover but the CD itself was in perfect condition.

5 out of 5 stars PERFECT!.......2007-02-02

This is the BEST Heart-felt Christmas Story I have seen in years. I have 2 copies of this and still had to watch it everytime it was on TV. AWESOME!!!!!
Winter Carols
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I wish they played in my town...
  • Love it!
  • Blackmore the Raider
  • This is a Great Album!
  • Just good music.
 Winter Carols
Blackmore's Night
Manufacturer: Locomotive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JBXOHG
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Hark The Herald Angels Sing / Come All Ye Faithful
  2. I Saw Three Ships
  3. Winter (Basse Dance)
  4. Ding Dong Merrily On High
  5. Ma-O-Tzur
  6. Good King Wenceslas
  7. Lord Of The Dance / Simple Gifts
  8. We Three Kings
  9. Wish You Were Here
  10. Emmanuel
  11. Christmas Eve
  12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Album Description

"Winter Carols" features familiar favorites, new songs including "Christmas Eve" and even their unique interpretation of The Rednex "Wish You Were Here". Each track is a magical, velvety blend of lush orchestral arrangements, organic Renaissance instruments, guitar mastery and ethereal vocals. Listening to "Winter Carols" is like sitting next to a roaring fire with a glass of cherry brandy as the crystalline snow blankets the earth outside. Let Blackmore's Night be a part of your holiday fantasy!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I wish they played in my town..........2007-07-20

I have adored this band since a college friend played "Shadows of the Moon" for me. I like to play their albums as I drive to my volunteer job at the Renaissance faire. As a rule, I get tired of Christmas music way before the big day but I could listen to this particular collection a long, long time.

5 out of 5 stars Love it!.......2007-04-08

I'm a huge fan of Christmas music, and this CD is one of my favorites.

2 out of 5 stars Blackmore the Raider.......2007-03-01

This is quite a nice little holiday album, I must say. It would have gotten a five star review, though, if it had the splendid sounds of an electric guitar demolition as a coda to the whole thing.

4 out of 5 stars This is a Great Album!.......2007-02-15

This album was as wonderful as I had expected. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because there were 2 things that annoyed me on the album.
1. The word Christ was never uttered in any of the songs. They changed all the traditional lyrics that mentioned "Christ" and replaced them with vague references. If they don't want to mention "Christ", perhaps they should go with less religious Christmas carols like "Deck the Halls" or "Here We Go Caroling".
2. I am not the biggest fan of "Wish You Were Here". I was disappointed to see they had included it on this album since it has nothing to do with Christmas. I would have loved to see them include "Greensleeves" instead. That way the song would have fit on the album AND they wouldn't have to mention Christ! :)
Overall, I do highly recommened the album to all, not just Blackmore's Night fans.

5 out of 5 stars Just good music........2007-02-04

Although I am a big Blackmore's Night fan, you don't have to be a BN fan to love this cd. I have played this cd when my in-laws were around at Xmas and Thanksgiving. They made comments on how beautiful the music was and would sing along to the songs they knew.

Candice's voice is simply beautiful and blends in so well with the musical arrangements played by the band. I cannot say enough about how great this music is. I only hope that they will come out with another Xmas album in the near future. This is by far my favorite holiday album ever.
Christmas Carols
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great for Kid's Christmas Programs
  • Kids music
 Christmas Carols
Cedarmont Kids
Manufacturer: Cedarmont Kids
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DPKG
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Joy To The World!
  2. The First Noel
  3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  4. Silent Night! Holy Night!
  5. We Three Kings
  6. Angels We Have Heard On High
  7. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  8. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
  9. O Come All Ye Faithful
  10. Good Christian Men, Rejoice
  11. How Great Our Joy!
  12. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  13. Away In A Manger
  14. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  15. O Come, Little Children
  16. Joy To The World!
  17. The First Noel
  18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  19. Silent Night! Holy Night!
  20. We Three Kings
  21. Angels We Have Heard On High
  22. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  23. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
  24. O Come All Ye Faithful
  25. Good Christian Men, Rejoice
  26. How Great Our Joy!
  27. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  28. Away In A Manger
  29. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  30. O Come, Little Children

Product Description

BRAND NEW, sealed, includes the original CD, case, and paperwork, First Class shipped, ask me for my CD List or more Titles to combine shipping!M

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great for Kid's Christmas Programs.......2007-01-15

The children loved these songs and they were easy to teach and to use, especially with the split tracks.

5 out of 5 stars Kids music.......2007-01-12

This is a great cd for kids. I bought one for my children for Christmas and they love it. The songs are fun, upbeat, and timeless.
Winter's Knight
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Completely satisfied
  • Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!
  • Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!
  • Music to be enchanted by
  • Very Good, Different
 Winter's Knight
Nox Arcana
Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000ALIUR4
Release Date: 2005-07-25

Tracks:

  1. Vigil
  2. Ghosts of Christmas Past
  3. Ebonshire
  4. Solitude
  5. Crystal Forest
  6. First Snow
  7. Evening Star
  8. Reflections of Long Ago
  9. December Winds
  10. Phantom Toccata
  11. Hallowed Ruins
  12. Gregorian Hymn
  13. Spirit of the Season
  14. Coventry Carol
  15. Lullaby
  16. Winters Knight
  17. Past Time with Good Company
  18. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  19. Veni, Veni, Emannuel
  20. Redemption
  21. Carol of the Bells

Product Description

Nox Arcana weaves a musical ghost story with this haunting collection of original melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and Gothic renditions of traditional carols. Winter's Knight contains 21 tracks and over 60 minutes of darkly enchanting music to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Completely satisfied.......2007-04-01

I am very satisfied with this product and recommend it to anyone who likes instrumental and haunting melodies.

5 out of 5 stars Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!.......2007-01-26

If you are in a holiday mood, but are heartily fed up with Irish (or even worse: Mariah Carey!) Christmas songs, then you might want to consider this album. It is not a soundeffect album, nor is it program music. A final touch is that it is not cheaply produced, as some more traditional holiday albums.
The music conveys a feeling of cold, dark, and immensly lonely winter. The Christmas is there, but there are undertows of older and more sinister rituals, and whispers call the more unwary listeners to join in...
This album could be a very good way to spice up the celebrations.

5 out of 5 stars Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!.......2007-01-03

Nox Arcana's versatility has made them a tough act to follow. Whether it be a musical journey into the foreboding land of vampires (Transylvania) or a sinister carnival with a bloody history (Carnival of Lost Souls) or any of their other forays into gothic imaginings, Nox Arcana has taken each concept and breathed impressive, symphonic life into it. Their CDs truly are mini symphonies, with astounding musicianship and intricate orchestrations.

In Winter's Knight, Nox Arcana presents a moody, elegant collection of holiday-themed songs that captures the more mystical, meditative side of Christmas. The CD's strong medieval/classical flavor is refreshing, particularly since most Christmas music nowadays seems dominated by more modern songs. Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski offer great new arrangements of classic pieces like "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" as well as many of their own moving compositions, such as the memorably haunting "Crystal Forest" and the chilling piano-dominated "Evening Star." Guest vocalist Michelle Belanger also contributes a lovely interpretation of the holiday standard "Past Time With Good Company" and Jeff Endemann's vocal work on "Coventry Carol" is likewise a highlight.

While most Christmas music is, unfortunately, either infantile and annoying or overdone, Winter's Knight provides a refreshing change of piece full of musical elegance and mystical beauty.

5 out of 5 stars Music to be enchanted by.......2006-12-25

As mesmerizing as falling snow, this poetic and magickal soundscape creates a wonderland of lavish treats befitting the Holiday Season. Haunting and sophisticated, there's a certain luster to these songs that reflects the gothically romantic luxury only Nox Arcana can deliver. The addition of neo-bard, Jeff Endemann's spellbinding voice on "Coventry Carol" delivers an extra gift of warmth for those chilly Yuletide evenings. The original score by Vargo and Piotrowski interspersed with classic carols and a booklet of eye-candy artwork by Joseph Vargo makes this a perfect fit for any Holiday Collection, so fill your wassail cup, pull up some moonlight and breathe in the wonder of Winter Knights.

3 out of 5 stars Very Good, Different.......2006-11-04

The idea behind this CD and the music itself are a breath of fresh air in the stagnant holiday music scene. Dark and evocative, it pushes aside the sugarplums and saccharine we're all used to. However, the production leaves quite a bit to be desired. It's all done with computers - the choral parts are lacking in fullness, I can't always tell what the stringed "instruments" are supposed to be, and rather than cadences that would give finality to the piece, the tracks often come to a sudden stop. 3 1/2 stars.
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Microcosmos
  • Great value with a few flaws
  • eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much
  • Best classical value out there
  • 5 Stars for the music and performance
 Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008X5AY
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sàndor, still active at 90 as this reissue appears, was a student of Bartók and a preferred interpreter of his music. Since this set appeared on nine LPs in the early 1960s, it has been the standard for Bartók's piano music; in this fine-sounding reissue, it still is. Sàndor can hit hard enough for such virtuoso pieces as the Piano Sonata and "Out of Doors," but he also retains the romantic element heard in the composer's own playing which tempers the harsher qualities of the music. While this collection isn't quite as complete as advertised (some early, insignificant piano music by Bartók is omitted), it includes all of Bartók's significant piano music, including such relatively obscure gems as the Bagatelles, eight Improvisations, and many delectable folk arrangements which will appeal even to listeners who think Bartók is too challenging for them. Vox's recorded sound, superbly remastered, resists obsolescence as effectively as Sàndor's performances. Even with the inclusion of the early books of "Mikrokosmos," which will appeal mostly to piano students, this set is worth several times the asking price. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Microcosmos.......2007-03-08

Sándor was a champion not only of Bartók's music but also of Bartók's style of playing. He often complained that people were too quick to see Bartók as ultra-modern, and to fail to appreciate the rich seam of lyricism that also runs through his music.

The piano music is dominated by short pieces, many of them written for piano students, notably the collections "Microcosmos" and "For Children". These, together with suites of folk dance arrangements, make up the bulk of the solo piano output.

Sandór plays these short, and often simple pieces, with neither too much nor too little art. As a gifted teacher, he knew unerringly how much music each of these small vessels held. The result is beguiling - but be warned: no-one can listen to the 153 short pieces of Microcosmos end-to-end. This is an anthology to be dipped into, not swallowed whole.

The remastering is pretty successful (fortunately - some of Vox's CD reissues are plagued by severe deterioration of the original tapes). And it's for half nothing-what's not to like?

4 out of 5 stars Great value with a few flaws.......2006-07-28

I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played. There are, however, a couple of other problems.

As mentioned by an earlier reviewer, very few of the works are split into tracks - Mikrokosmos is divided into 7 for each of its six volumes, and to accomodate for a full CD. In these seven tracks there are 121 songs. I would have much preferred if the songs had been split into tracks. Almost the entire CD set is this way - Fifteen Hungarian Songs is one track, Fourteen Bagatelles, etc. It is very annoying when one wants to hear a particular song in those tracks and not the others.

Another detriment to the collection is the recording quality. It is decent most of the time, but in loud sections the piano buzzes. One might be able to ignore it, but I think that it detracts from the passion of the forte quite a bit.

Overall, for $18 it is pretty decent, but if you are like me and like to keep your music library neatly organized (and aren't extremely cheap), I would not recommend this set.

3 out of 5 stars eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much.......2006-07-25

I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music. I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art. I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.

5 out of 5 stars Best classical value out there.......2005-10-05

To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week. One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis. It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.

Now, Kocsis is one of the greatest pianists alive, and if anyone is worthy of commanding a premium, it is him. And to be fair, that CD is going to be re-released on October 11 as part of a Collector's Edition - eight CDs, $63.97 MSRP. But it's already going up against this little gem, which contains five CDs with all of the truly great solo-piano works by an internationally recognized Bartok specialist for $21 - not much more than the cost of one CD from the other set. This kind of value is not to be taken lightly.

I came to this set with my impression of Sandor informed by his complete Prokofiev - ultra-hard, sometimes rhythmically slack, always melodically lacking in some way or another. But he held a very special feeling for Bartok, and saved his best playing for the great Hungarian. In passages like the first of the Three Csik Dances, the opening of the Improvisations Op. 20, or in the Ten Easy Pieces, there is a simplicity, charm and wistful homesickness that is quite touching. In pieces like the Out of Doors suite, the Sonata, or the Burlesques, there is a vicious, impulsive energy, a wicked sense of humor and an overabundance of overtones. It is never mindless, inappropriate or even overly harsh - it's just very, very loud.

In this set I like best the endless landscape of the Sonatina, the unusual colors and fragrances in the Etudes, the brilliantly conceived Bear Dance (the last of the Ten Easy Pieces), and the multifaceted, complex, gorgeous Improvisations. Any fan of Bartok should hear these.

4 out of 5 stars 5 Stars for the music and performance.......2005-04-04

This is a fantastic deal, but the problem with this Collection stems from the fact that the pieces are often not separated by tracks. This is especially annoying for the Children's Pieces and Mikrokosmos. There are so many pieces, one wears out the fast forward button and still may miss the particular piece one is looking for. The booklet is fairly insightful, and the performer is widely hailed as the supreme interpreter of Bartok's piano music. So aside from this slightly annoying at times and ridiculously annoying at other times flaw, this is one of the best deals in Classical music. Don't hesitate. Add it to the cart.
Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A most incredible, beautiful, and moving recording
  • An old friend
  • Can't go wrong with Hodie
  • Some of the loveliest Christmas music ever written
  • A classic recording of a classic
 Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  4. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  5. Fantasia on Christmas Carols/ The First Nowell/ On Christmas Night

ASIN: B00004YU84
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Fant On Christmas Carols: This Is The Truth Sent From Above- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  2. Fant On Christmas Carols: Come All You Worthy Gentlemen- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  3. Fant On Christmas Carols: On Christmas Night All Christians Sing- - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  4. Fant On Christmas Carols: God Bless The Ruler Of This House - John Barrow/Chor Of Guildford Cathedral
  5. Hodie: I. Prologue: Nowell! Nowell!
  6. Hodie: II. Narration: Now The Birth Of Jesus Christ-
  7. Hodie: III. Song: It Was The Winter Wild
  8. Hodie: IV. Narration: And It Came To Pass In Those Days
  9. Hodie: V. Choral: The Blessed Son Of God
  10. Hodie: VI. Narration: And There Were In The Same Country
  11. Hodie: VII. Song: The Oxen (Christmas Eve, And Twelve Of The Clock)
  12. Hodie: VIII. Narration: And The Shepherds Returned
  13. Hodie: IX. Pastoral: The Shepherds Sing
  14. Hodie: X. Narration: But Mary Kept All These Things
  15. Hodie: XI. Lullaby: Sweet Was The Song The Virgin Sang
  16. Hodie: XII. Hymn: Bright Portals Of The Sky
  17. Hodie: XIII. Narration: Now When Jesus Was Born
  18. Hodie: XIV. The March Of The Three Kings: From Kingdoms Of Wisdom-
  19. Hodie: XV. Choral: No Sad Thought His Soul Affright
  20. Hodie: XVI. Epilogue: In The Beginning Was The Word

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A most incredible, beautiful, and moving recording.......2005-04-12

I first became aware of Hodie when I performed the work in high school. While it is true that Vaughn-Williams does use a variety of styles, this is much more than a compendium of musical approaches. Each style is well chosen to provide an appropriate context for the words in a way matched by few composers - intimate in "The Oxen", hushed and reverential in "No sad thought his soul affright", and imposing and even majesterial in "The March of the Three Kings". I can't imagine how anyone could listen to the Epilogue (especially as performed here) with it's quoting of the beginning of St. John's gospel without being utterly undone.

Because of the beauty of the work and the quality of the performance, it quickly became one of my most beloved recordings, defining for me how this work should be performed just as Karl Richter's Mass in b Minor and Colin Davis's Mozart Requiem have. The singers all have incredibly beautiful voices and each use their voice very sensitively. Just listen to John Shirley-Quirk's simple yet eloquent singing in "The Oxen", describing the animals in the manger on their knees at cradle of God incarnate or Janet Baker's "Lullaby" with a beauty that can bring tears to your eyes. Richard Lewis likewise provides a good range from the heroic to the sensitive - one of the best performances of his I have heard. The choral work is likewise fantastic. I have been searching for this work on CD for years to replace my well-loved but somewhat worn-out LP copy and am delighted that it is finally available again.

More so than Messiah, this work has come to define Christmas for me. If you love choral music, Vaughan-Williams's work, works that can put you in touch with the Divine, or you just appreciate beautiful singing, I would STRONGLY urge you to purchase this recording while it is still available.

5 out of 5 stars An old friend.......2004-02-09

It is always a wonderful thing to find a beloved recording transfered to CD. My old LP is still on my shelves and has been there since 1973, though the recording dates from 1965. It is a fine performance of an unjustly neglected Christmas work.

Vaughan Williams was 81 when he wrote this. It is a portmanteau piece, a form pioneered by Britten, with narrations alternating with chorals, hyms and songs enclosed within a prologue and epilogue. The words set range from the biblical to Thomas Hardy. The narrations, sung by a boys' choir accompanied by a chamber organ, tell the story of the Nativity, and are often followed by a short tenor solo with full orchestral accompaniment. These brief, melismatic sections are of extraordinary emotional power. They still make me go all funny after 30 years. Set in this regular framework go the assorted numbers which vary in character from a gentle lullaby to the glittering March of the Three Kings (the words of which were written by the composer's wife). The work has been criticised for the disparate styles of the settings - some songs like early RVW, others set to the glassy, late orchestral style of Sinfonia Antartica. To me it adds variety as well as demonstrating the sheer breadth of his music. This is a gorgeous piece to play on Christmas day and it will refresh your spirit no end.

The performance is first rate, with a trio of distinguished soloists. The recording is remarkably good for its age.

The Fantasia on Christmas Carols is a much earlier work and its title is self- explanatory. It is a very attractive work which is given a perfectly acceptable performance here. A mystery is the name of the band : "String Orchestra", which sounds alarmingly generic. Guildford, a town to the west of London, does have a semi-professional orchestra so maybe the players are from this.

The insert notes are by Michael Kennedy, who was a close friend of the composer and is the leading authority on his music. Full texts are included for Hodie.

5 out of 5 stars Can't go wrong with Hodie.......2003-01-02

The other reviewers have it right in giving this disc five stars, at least for Hodie. First the bad news: the Fantasia is given here in a slightly bloodless version for baritone, chorus, strings, and organ, which can't quite match the original.

Now the good news: the performance of Hodie on offer here is amazing. As good as Hickox is in his later EMI recording, he and his team of soloists are clearly outmatched. We have captured here early recordings of both Dame Janet Baker and John Shirley-Quirk, two of the great British singers of modern times, each in gorgeous voice and both deeply committed to the work. If you need much convincing of this, try "It was the winter wild" or "The Shepherds sing"; you won't be disappointed. Of course, we shouldn't leave Richard Lewis out, even though he has a somewhat smaller role in the proceedings than the other two. In exchange, he has the challenging hymn "Bright portals of the sky," which he delivers with seeming ease. Their trio in the "March of the Three Kings" is the crowning moment of the work, until topped a few minutes later by the bank-holiday fervor of the finale.

The choral and orchestral work is on pace with that of the soloists: I would say that one can hear more orchestral and choral detail on this disc remastered from the mid-1960's than is available on the Hickox recording!

So, in short, this disc is a must-have for Hodie; if you want the "Fantasia" too, go for Matthew Best's recording with Thomas Allen, the Corydon Singers, and the English Chamber Orchestra on Hyperion.

5 out of 5 stars Some of the loveliest Christmas music ever written.......2002-12-25

I have played this recording every Christmas for the past 28 years at least, first in the original LP from Angel, and then the first CD release, which for a while was out of print. I am so happy to see that it is again available.

If you do not know the Vaughan Williams Hodie, you are missing some of the loveliest Christmas music ever composed. A brilliant mosaic of musical styles serving to set poetry of the most diverse sources,the various parts are all bound together by the Gospel narration of the Nativity story sung by boy's choir. The result, far from being a hodge-podge, is instead deeply felt, organic, and filled with that pastoral, mystical and intensely affecting quality of the best of RVW's work. The soloists are terrific, especially the young Janet Baker at her most radiant. The sound is still quite fresh and beautifully recorded.

I cannot imagine Christmas Eve without this heavenly music!

5 out of 5 stars A classic recording of a classic.......2002-01-09

I first heard Hodie on the initial vinyl release of this performance over 30 years ago. It's one of the finest choral works of the 20th century, and a rare instance where the nobility of the music matches the nobility of texts--and what texts! Milton, the Bible, Thomas Hardy, George Herbert--some of the finest religious poetry in English. The performance is, quite simply, perfection. Willcocks owns every note of the score, and the soloists are perfectly matched.

I could go on for pages, but it would be superfluous. Just buy it. At this price, it's a steal.
We Three Kings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • We Three Kings
  • 3 Tenors Christmas
  • Beautiful and Amazing
  • These Three Kings Rule!
  • Another Winner
 We Three Kings
Anthony Kearns , Ronan Tynan , and Finbar Wright
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000D9PST
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

  1. We Three Kings
  2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
  4. Fairytale Of New York
  5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
  6. Mille Cherubini In Coro
  7. O Holy Night
  8. Silent Night
  9. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
  10. Winter Wonderland Medley
  11. Mary's Boy Child
  12. Panis Angelicus
  13. Pie Jesu
  14. How Great Thou Art
  15. The Lord's Prayer
  16. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
  17. America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

1 out of 5 stars 3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

5 out of 5 stars These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

5 out of 5 stars Another Winner.......2003-12-22

In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.
O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • This is an excellent Christmas CD!
  • Best Christmas CD ever
  • Perfect English Choral
  • Just what you need for a pure Christmas
  • Still the Finest Selection of Carols for the Season
 O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge
King's College Choir
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004CVK
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Once In Royal David's City
  2. Up! Good Christian Folk, And Listen
  3. On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol)
  4. Ding Dong! Merrily On High
  5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  6. Silent Night
  7. In The Bleak Mid-Winter
  8. The First Nowell
  9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  10. Away In A Manger
  11. The Seven Joys Of Mary
  12. The Infant King
  13. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
  14. The Holly And The Ivy
  15. I Saw Three Ships
  16. O Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This is an excellent Christmas CD!.......2007-01-19

I gave this CD to my wife for Christmas and she was thrilled to receive it. The arrangements are wonderful, the performance superb, and the audio engineering excellent. I highly recommend it for anyone's Christmas collection.

5 out of 5 stars Best Christmas CD ever.......2007-01-17

A friend of mine gave me a tape of this CD about 15 years ago. I had just about worn it out, and was searching for the CD for 4 - 5 years, until I found it at Amazon ( I am Canadian ). The bass notes of the organ go down to your very soul, and the voices soar. It is exactly as if you are seated in one of the huge, old cathedrals of Britain - perfect in every way. There has been no better Christmas album produced than this. Buy it - you will be so glad you did!

5 out of 5 stars Perfect English Choral.......2007-01-06

Even if you're not religious (me!) you'll still love this. The choral pieces are superb and there's no annoying trilling or whooping. Even the most fickle judges (like my brother!) love this CD. Well worth the $$, I bought this last year as a gift but liked it so much I kept it. So I bought more of them this yr as gifts.

5 out of 5 stars Just what you need for a pure Christmas.......2007-01-03

Pure, Clear, the Very best of Christmas Carols. Sung my favorite way - angelic voices in a Cathedral. Praising God and thanking Him for His wonderous Christmas gift to mankind.

5 out of 5 stars Still the Finest Selection of Carols for the Season.......2006-12-04

Though released in 1990 this collection of carols from the inimitable King's College Choir, Cambridge, England as conducted by Stephen Cleobury for this listener is the CD that comes out first once the Christmas season begins. The selection of carols is unabashedly British and the atmosphere form the introit through the entire concert echoes that special mystery of the acoustic of the chapel in which it was recorded.

Included in this fine collection are Once in a Royal David's City, Up! Good Christian Folk, and Listen, On Christmas Night, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, In the Bleak Midwinter, The First Nowell, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Away in a Manger, The Seven Joys of Mary, The Infant King, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, The Holly and the Ivy, I Saw Three Ships, and O Come All Ye Faithful. Each is fresh, especially with the composition of the choir being boys and men. The organ balance is excellent - but it is the reverberations within the hall that makes this recording indispensable for the mood of the season. Grady Harp, December 06
A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Traditional Christmas Music
  • The quintessential Christmas recording
  • A Top List Christmas CD
  • The best
  • How do you describe perfection?
 A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Robert Shaw Chorale
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. A Festival of Carols in Brass

ASIN: B000003EPA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
  2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
  3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  4. Shepherd's Carol
  5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
  6. Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
  7. I Wonder As I Wander
  8. We Three Kings
  9. My Dancing Day
  10. Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
  11. Coventry Carol
  12. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
  13. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
  14. Carol Of The Bells
  15. Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

5 out of 5 stars The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

5 out of 5 stars A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

5 out of 5 stars The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

These words are no surprise to those familiar with choral music in the United States. If you are not so familiar, but would like to enjoy Christmas music at its most beautiful, you can do no better than acquiring this CD.
A Festival of Carols in Brass
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Nice music but...
  • Great CD
  • A Noble and Festive Christmas
  • Meat and Potatoes
  • Totally Awesome
 A Festival of Carols in Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000024Q6
Release Date: 1991-07-16

Tracks:

  1. Deck The Halls With Broughs Of Holly
  2. Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming
  3. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
  4. The First Nowell
  5. Angels We Have Hard On High
  6. We Three Kings Of Oreint Are
  7. O Come, All Ye Faithful
  8. O Sanctissima
  9. O Tannenbaum
  10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  11. Good King Weceslas
  12. Silent Night, Holy Night
  13. Joy To the World
  14. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
  15. Conventry Carol
  16. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  17. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  18. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  19. Good Christian Men Rejoice
  20. O Holy Night
  21. What Child Is This?
  22. Wassial Song
  23. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  24. Away In A Manger
  25. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Nice music but..........2007-03-08

I liked the music and the performances a lot, but there is no booklet to depict the performers, nor analyse the music or the arrangements, which are superb

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2007-02-16

This is a great holiday CD. We used it for several holiday dinners this year.

5 out of 5 stars A Noble and Festive Christmas.......2007-01-21

This is the best Christmas album you could ever get. It is the most stable as you do not have to think about it. This is the album you really sing along to. Brass makes everything festive, grand and noble; so will your Christmas! A gem for every year!

5 out of 5 stars Meat and Potatoes.......2007-01-18

Since the release of this fine recording in 1967 there have been many fine
brass groups:The Canadian Brass, the Empire Brass, just to name a few.
Whereas these latter groups have all resorted to "gimmicks" such as unique arrangements to sell their albums this group of brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra give us an album of good old "meat and potatoes" playing spiced with fine tone,good ensemble playing, and good tempos.

5 out of 5 stars Totally Awesome.......2007-01-12

I love listening to this cd at christmas. The brass is so crisp, almost like being right there. You have to add this to your holiday collection, and for those of you who like brass, you will love it. I play the french horn and I esp. love hearing the french horn in it.

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