Winter Dreams for Xmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1993)
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Reviews (5)

Classic interpertations of the holiday season...
I received this wonderful cd over 10 years ago as a Christmas
gift at work and its been part of my Christmas music for the end of the year
holidays. Beautiful, haunting music created by Carlos Nakai and
William Eaton with the theme of introspection and renewal at
its core. Something about this music, I guess the southwestern
desert landscapes and the open space created in the music just
make this a classic. Timeless melodies and familar songs created
by master musicans featuring flute, guitar, lyre and harp guitar. Unforgettable.

Beautiful, contemplative music for the Christmas season
I found out about this CD in a recent catalogue that I received in the mail. I am a longtime fan of R. Carlos Nakai and was thrilled to see that he had released a CD of traditional Christmas carols reinterpreted for cedar flute and guitar.

Some of the songs are more improvisational than others and may not be to everyone's taste if you're expecting a more traditional collection of holiday songs and carols, but all are strikingly beautiful and reflective with a recognizable melody. I love the Navajo chorus on "Silent Night"--it's worth buying the CD just for this inspiring new version of a beloved song.

The album evokes the some of the same sense of wonder and contemplation as Loreena McKennitt's Christmas album "To Drive the Cold Winter Away." Hearing the Native American cedar flute carrying the melody and accompaniment was a very pleasant surprise. The cedar flute is hauntingly beautiful and mysterious, much like the holiday season itself.

I am not familiar with William Eaton, but his guitar playing is superb, gentle and radiant, shimmering like the lights on a Christmas tree. It is a perfect compliment to the flutework of R. Carlos Nakai.

"Winter Dreams" is among my most cherished Christmas albums but it is appropriate year-round as it is a deeply spiritual and beautiful CD. It captures the magic of the first snowfall, the winter silence and crisp air, peace and comfort. Buy this for yourself if you seek a little wonder, contemplation, and peace in your holiday season. Happy Holidays.

Beautiful!
This is one of the most exquisite collections of Christmas music I have ever heard.It will take you on a magical, winter-y, spiritual journey. ... Read more

Asin: B000001387
Sales Rank: 89661
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Music Box Christmas: Enchanting 19th Century Music Boxes from the Collection of Rita Fo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (13)

Rita Ford's boxes are the best
Don't bother with some of the other music box CDs; get Rita Ford's CDs first.This is my second one, and it's just wonderful.Very nice sounds for the holidays; especially good as background music for parties.Everybody wants to know what's playing!

A Musical Trip Back In Time
Every time I hear A MUSIC BOX CHRISTMAS, I recall the Christmas 1985. Boston's famed department store Jordan Marsh was still in business, and the store windows had their "Ebben Bears" (a store brand stuffed animals) decorating the house for Christmas, playing in the snow, preparing holiday goodies, and of course shopping. In the background, this recording was playing, setting the mood back to an age gone by.

This recording is a collection of music boxes owned by Rita Ford. All of eth standard Christmas carols, as well as a few works that are not so standard, are available in this collection. The recording is authentic. At certain points listeners hear the actual machinery which gives the recording an old world feel. Some of the tracks are more enjoyable than other tracks, but the variety gives the tracks character.

When I listen to this disc, I usually set the CD player on shuffle, rather than listening to the collection from beginning to end, which can be tiresome. I find it gives variety to my Christmas listening ands always puts me in the holiday mood.

Enjoy!.

bells
If you like to hear bells this is for you. They sometimes get in the way of the music, but bells are for Christmas, aren't they? All the traditional American Christmas music is on this cd. They are played very well, but sometimes you have to break with tradition. I really wish that there would have been some other carols, like "in the bleak midwinter" or "three Kings". Other than that and maybe too many bells, I would reccomend this cd. ... Read more

Asin: B0000024R5
Sales Rank: 71685
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Pop   

Baby's First Christmas - Music Box Lullabies
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 1998)
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Reviews (1)

A MUST-OWN COLLECTION OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC
This is a beautiful collection of the lilting melodies of your favorite Christmas songs, including some songs which are harder to find today.All are played on antique music boxes as you've never heard a music box before. At their height of popularity as a music player, these provide joyousrenditions in beautiful harmonies and chiming quality.The Christmasseason has not begun officially until the family has heard this disc. You'll play it again and again! ... Read more

Asin: B000009LJW
Sales Rank: 120140
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Pop    4. V/a Compilations   

The Bells of Dublin
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
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Editorial Review

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 ... Read more

Reviews (21)

KW NH
This CD is a strictly observed family tradition. I am very particular about my holiday listening and this is the first one played on Thanksgiving night and the last one back in the box when I take down the tree.In a world of done-to-death carols and relentless Xmas pop-schlock, this is so refreshing.Everything from Elvis Costello's hilarious "St. Stephen's Day Murders" to Jackson Browne's "The Rebel Jesus" is good-hearted, sincere and original after all these years. Some of us cry at "O Holy Night".I am deeply moved and inspired by "Once in Royal David's City" which was unknown to me before this.Also included is the best "Deck the Halls" ever.We always turn the volume way up at the mad clanging of the bells that begin and end the album and celebrate the Chieftans on such a fine outing.

Every single track has it's charm, I love it!!!
Simply put, this continues to be one of my all time favorite Christmas albums.Yes the songs vary in style but never do they veer too far from the wonderful flavor this CD allows me to enjoy.It's one of the only CDs I have that gives me that special Christmas feeling.I relish that first time I listen to it every Christmastime.

A (mostly) terrific CD
This is a delightful compilation of the Chieftains' rendition of Christmas songs.My whole family enjoys it immensely.I have to agree with another reviewer, however, that it does slow down into a non-Celtic vein on a couple of occasions, like Jackson Browne's "Rebel Jesus", which I like anyway, but really bogs down with Rickie Lee Jones's "O Holy Night" - which we skip.
Well worth the investment, for the most part. ... Read more

Asin: B000003F53
Subjects:  1. British Folk    2. Celtic    3. Celtic Folk    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Ireland    6. Irish Folk    7. Pop    8. Traditional Celtic    9. Traditional Irish Folk   

L'album De Noel
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 2000)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (4)

Nice Addition...
What A Nice Addition To Any Christmas Collection!! Wonderful Arrangements And A Terrific Singer!!!

My favourite Christmas CD
I purchased this CD last year and it quickly became my favourite!It is simply beautiful music.I have many Christmas CDs in my collection but this one is by far the VERY BEST!All of the songs on this CD are great and they are sung the way they should be sung!!

just wonderful...
Just listen to it and you really do feel Christmas time. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. As I said JUST WONDERFUL... ... Read more

Asin: B0000549JP
Sales Rank: 180250
Subjects:  1. World Beat    2. World Music   

A Motown Christmas [Motown 1973]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 August, 1992)
list price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

Since caroling is all about harmony and spirit, it's not surprising that Motown's superb array of vocal groups would take to holiday song so perfectly. This generous 25-song helping of Christmas cheer puts the spotlight on fan favorites like the Temptations (who deliver a handful of honey-sweet performances, highlighted by "Silent Night"), Diana Ross & the Supremes (who really soar on "Joy to the World"), and then-adolescent phenoms the Jackson 5 (led by Michael, who turns in a playful performance of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"). Interspersed between the traditional songs are some hit-and-miss originals, most performed by Stevie Wonder. --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Outstanding and fun!
This is one of my top three Christmas albums of all time- the other two being "Christmas with Mario Lanza" (featuring the voice of "the world's greatest tenor, Mario Lanza!") and "We Three Kings" by The Roches.I worked three Christmas seasons in retail music store and from the day after the Thanksgiving up until Christmas Eve I heard Christmas music by all kinds of artists in all genres every hour of every day.As a result I have been exposed to ALOT of Christmas music and I believe that "A Motown Christmas" is one of the best Christmas albums ever made.

This is such a fun and joyeous album.Virtually every song is terrific with my personal favorites being Miss Diana Ross and The Supremes' version of "My Favorite Things," Stevie Wonder's "What Christmas Means to Me" which was unfortunately used in an Old Navy commercial a few years ago, and all the Smokey Robinson songs.Of course, it's alway fun to hear young Michael Jackson alongside his brothers and remember how he was before he turned into the King of Weird.However, I think Miss Diana Ross' "Children's Christmas Song" to be the weakest song, but it's followed up by a pretty decent "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by the Jackson 5 featuring Jermaine on lead which ends by going into an early 70's style version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!" with the Jackson brothers wishing "everybody a Merry Christmas and a GROOVY New Year!"

A perfect CD for any Christmas music lover
A Motown Christmas is a staple of my collection.I spent many Christmases as a kid listening to it.As an adult, I appreciate it even more.It features all of Motown's artists doing respectful interpretations ofclassics with that Motown flair ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"by the Temptations, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by SmokeyRobinson and the Miracles, and "White Christmas" by Diana Ross& the Supremes).It also features original Christmas songs which havebecome popular on many R & B stations.If I had to keep 10 CD's, thiswould be one. ... Read more

Asin: B000001AFB
Subjects:  1. 60's    2. 70's    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Disco    6. Funk    7. Motown    8. Pop    9. Pop-Soul    10. Pop/Rock    11. Psychedelic Soul    12. Quiet Storm    13. R&B    14. Smooth Soul    15. Soul    16. Urban   

Christmas Extraordinaire
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 October, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Fum, Fum, Fum!
What to say, what to say.It's not really fair to compare this album with other Mannheim albums, because this one is so different.But then again, not in an unwelcome way.I like this album, and I can't see why most of the other reviewers don't like it too.It is an album bearing even more amazingly well done Christmas arrangements by the already incredible Chip Davis.But then again, there are those that I'm really not sure about.If you're a big fan of Chip Davis, like I am, you'll almost definitely like it.

My track-by-track analysis:

1. Hallelujah Chorus - A very good start to this album.It sets the mood perfectly.A work of art in its own right.I love how he formulates seamlessly from one chord to another in this song in particular.Very recognizable as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.I especially like it when he goes into the very memorable "And he shall reign forever and ever" near the end.It has a baroque new-age-ish feel to it that is amazingly powerful.An extraordinary beginning to Extraordinaire.

2. White Christmas - Nice.That's a terrible word, but so is "interesting", which is the other word I had in mind.I'm not exactly sure about the chorus that comes in with the intermittent oohs, but I think the song is nice.Excellent background music.The best part is when the full-fledged orchestra comes in at the very end.However, it does seem stretched in some places; it could have been a little shorter.

3. Away in a Manger - I was caught slightly off-guard by it, actually.I think it's a bit too laid-back until about two minutes into the song.I love the harpsichord part that Chip added in.

4. Faeries - I love this song!The tone is mysterious and spooky, and I love it!The only complaint I have is that it was too short.It's amazing how well the bells mix with the different rhythms and bass line.The orchestra is used perfectly.This is really something you can get into.There aren't many bad things you can say about it.It's one of my favorite songs on the album.

5. Do You Hear What I Hear? - No, I don't.That is, if you think the melody comes out enough.It's hardly recognizable.Despite this, it's okay as a piece in and of itself.I just don't think these ideas work for this particular song.He should put these ideas into something else.This piece seems quite stretched.

6. The First Noel - One of the best on the album.Period.It's soft, it's sweet, it's beautiful.The solo violin and clarinet (it actually might be another violin, I'm not sure) are absolutely gorgeous.And the little chorus part just adds so much, unlike in White Christmas.Perhaps because they're ahhing and not oohing.

7. Silver Bells - I actually quite like the jazzy flavor Chip put into this song, unlike a lot of people, it seems.I often find myself whistling along to this one.Quite possibly it's because I don't really like the song Silver Bells to begin with.But I love this arrangement.

8. Fum, Fum, Fum - Here we go.This is my favorite song on the album.It definitely is amazing.I actually have a hard time describing it.It's just-wow.Has a very definite New World feel to it.Especially beautiful are the counterpoint piccolo melodies.

9. Some Children See Him - I don't really like it.It's kind of boring, actually.Chip can do so much better than this.I don't think he really tried here. It is pleasant background music, but if you actually listen to it it's almost like it's half there, if you know what I mean.

10. Winter Wonderland - Another song like Silver Bells that some people didn't like.I loved this just as much as I liked Silver Bells.It's a great, upbeat change from the other songs on the album.

11. O Tannenbaum - Now this one's up for debate.I personally love Johnny Mathis' voice in this song.In my humble opinion, it fits perfectly with the song.A very interesting choice for the song, but it does do very well.I really like this arrangement, although Chip really did take a chance with Mr. Mathis.

12. Auld Lang Syne - This is good.I think it works as an album closer.It's ponderous, it really makes you think about Christmas.I like it.

All in all, this is an amazing album, but I wish they could have just cut a couple of the worst arrangements.Three and a half stars, rounded to four, because of Do You Hear What I Hear, and Some Children See Him, and also because of White Christmas and Away in a Manger, two other subpar arrangements.Boy, do I wish Amazon would let you rate by the half-star.[HINT HINT!!!]

Good but not the best
Manheim has been my family's favorite christmas music since I was a few years old. If you don't have the first two albums, get them because they are the best. The newer ones are good, but they lack originality. But if you are a Manheim fan you need to get this album because it still has some great classics. I am a ballet fan, and I enjoy Faeries immensely. Instead of changing or distorting the melody, Chip simply adds his own style. It becomes driving instead of dainty. Fum, Fum, Fum is by far the best song on the album. Remember the two God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen on the first album? This is like a mix of those two styles. It is very powerful. Away in a Manger gives a nice bit of charm. I think it really captures the nativity scene. The First Noel is very good, but I think it borrows too much from Manheim's hit Stille Nacht. IO Tannenbaum is only good until Johnny Mathis starts singing. Then, I usually skip to Auld Lang Syne because it is a beautiful and peaceful ending. It succeeds in invoking nastalgia about the past year. Overall, this is a good buy, but it still isn't as good as the originals.

Just make it stop already!
If there is such a thing as dumbed-down pretentiousness, then Mannheim Steamroller is it.While simultaneously pandering to the lowest common denominator of taste, Chip Davis also tries to convince you that he is somehow deigning to share his High Art with the fortunate masses.I will give him credit --- his formula has been most profitable, but high sales hardly equates with quality.

In regards to this particular album, it would seem to me that fans of Mannheim Steamroller would find this to be a case of going to the well once to often.A number of lukewarm reviewers from longtime MS fans seems to bear this out to a point.For those of us who have always found this to be insipid "progressive rock" from the start, it is simply a case of going from bad to worse.Really, enough is enough.Haven't you made enough millions of dollars already, Chip Davis?I read somewhere that he even markets auxiliary Steamroller products like a barbecue sauce & candles & coffee.Come on and admit it, it's just about raking in the big bucks these days, not about creating anything that has artistic merit.There is enough of this crap out on the airwaves already, to the point that you cannot hope to avoid it.There is no need to make it worse. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NNDK
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Ballet    3. Choral    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Holiday    7. Miscellaneous    8. Neo-Classical    9. Pop    10. Progressive Electronic    11. Vocal   

Renaissance Holiday
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 October, 1998)
list price: $12.98 -- our price: $12.98
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Reviews (10)

Not Bad At All!
Before there was Mannheim Steamroller, there was Chip Davis, a composer/arranger in his own right.Here he has teamed up with the LSO, and the result, while different from Steamroller arrangements, is quite nice.I like Renaissance and "ancient" music, and found much of this CD to be very pleasing.There are a few melodies I've never liked, no matter who played them, so I skip over said melodies and go to the next.I've been known to play this CD in my car whether it's Christmas or not.

I enjoyed and enjoy this CD
This wonderful CD is collection of Renaissance Christmas tunes which all date from the fourteenth (well, 1592 anyway) through to the seventeenth century. Though compiled by Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller fame, these tunes are all performed by world-class musical groups, including the London Symphony Orchestra Strings, the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, the Chicago-based Asbury Brass Quintet, the Chicago Chamber Musicians Brass Quintet, and the Musica Anima Renaissance Consort. I found the tunes to be quite enjoyable to listen to any time of the year; they are masterfully done, and I found the sound quality to be quite good.

I enjoyed and enjoy this CD, and highly recommend it to you!

Mediocre Chip Davis
The arrangements are good except quality lacks.The tracks are frequently different sound levels, so one must constantly turn up or down to hear clearly. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFTH
Sales Rank: 49771
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Neo-Classical    5. Pop    6. Progressive Electronic    7. V/a Compilations   

Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Depending on your point of view, Christmas is either a quaint sonic time capsule extracted from the mid-1980s or a timeless holiday classic. The first in what has become an ongoing series of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas recordings, this CD has sold millions, which seems to indicate that it is everything its advertising claims it to be: "America's favorite Christmas music." The powerfully successful Mannheim Steamroller formula, conceived by group mastermind Chip Davis, involves a blend of Renaissance-flavored moods and instrumentation (strings, harpsichord, flute, French horn) intertwined with polite pop instrumental music. At times, the analog synthesizers used in this 1984 recording sound dated and a little cheesy, particularly on "Deck the Halls" and "Good King Wenceslas." But it is a forgivable offense since live instruments and the earnest but ersatz medieval atmosphere they evoke dominate 8 of the 11 tracks. As pleasant and soothing as a Willard Scott birthday wish, Christmas does offer one selection that truly merits "classic" status: the reverent, prayerful, slow-motion interpretation of "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") for piano and strings that closes the album--a beautiful and heart-touching work. This selection alone makes this album worth owning. --Terry Wood ... Read more

Reviews (44)

A pretty good start
I must confess I was not as impressed by this CD as most people were.I was certainly not as impressed as I am with Mannheim Steamroller's later efforts.I know Mannheim Steamroller is known primarily for synthesized music.But on this, their first Christmas CD, it sounds far too synthesized.On the "Blue" CD (I think it's A FRESH AIRE CHRISTMAS) and the "Red" one (CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE) the synthesizers don't sound so...for lack of better words...synthetic.What I mean is simply that they relied more on choirs and soloists.They threw a great mix into the whole project.And it sounded great!

If you're looking to purchase your first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD, then I would recommend the Blue or Red CD.Those two are the best.If you're already a satisfied Mannheim Steamroller fan, then this CD is definitely not all that bad an addition to your collection (hence the three stars instead of one).But this is not their best.Fortunately, though, as good as this is, it only improves from here.

A Christmas Classic
Mannheim Steamroller is the brainchild of Chip Davis, and is a fusion of classic music with high-tech pop. Mannheim Steamroller burst on the scene in 1974, with their Fresh Aire album. This album came out in 1984, and is without a doubt the greatest of their great Christmas albums. Having such classics as Stille Nacht (Silent Night) and Good King Wenceslas, it is very pleasant to listen to, with their rendition of Stille Nacht being a new Christmas classic.

Now, some can argue as to which album of Mannheim Steamroller is better. As for me, this one is it. Indeed, it has now gotten to the point where I cannot imagine Christmas without this album. So, if you are looking for some excellent Christmas music, then you really should consider getting this album. My family and I love this album, and give it our highest recommendations.

My First Steamroller Experience!
I remember when I first heard the Steamroller:I was stationed in Munich, Germany, in the 80's.It was afternoon in Germany, and I was in my military quarters, shortly before Christmas, and "The Today Show" had Chip Davis & his crew as guests."Deck the Halls" was performed.I heard it and was hooked.Wow.Had to get a friend in the USA to send me the recording since I couldn't get it at the military store at the time.I prefer older Christmas carols and melodies to the newer ones, by this I mean the old stuff stemming from the Renaissance.I changed my mind when I first played my cassette recording of Christmas 1984.In the meantime, I've moved on to CDs and I've been giving this recording as presents for years.I never get tired of these arrangements, and hope others will enjoy them as well. ... Read more

Asin: B0000005MT
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Fresh Aire Xmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (42)

One of My All-Time Favorites!
I bought this when it first came out on cassette, and am happy it's now on CD because I played the heck of the cassette ... and the CD, for that matter.I've given this as a present for years to American and European friends, and everyone has been pleased.My favorite tracks are "veni, veni" (I've been known to sing along), "Greensleves" and "Carol of the Bells,"Very melodic, very uplifting, these are melodies I can hear over and over again and not get tired of them.A very good investment indeed!

A new twist on some old Christmas favorites.Fabulous!
I first got introduced to this offering when I bought it on cassette in 1989.I have been reveling in it every Christmas season for the past 15 years, and marveling at the way it never gets old even after many, many listenings.While it may be a bit presumptuous to say that this is the best Christmas music available, there is no question that it's absolutely unique, and has a flavor quite unlike anything else.

Chip Davis and the boys take some classic holiday songs and rearrange them in that distinct Mannheim Steamroller fashion, with plenty of synthesized sound and complex, funky rhythms."Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is a great example of one such highly modernized and stylized song."Little Drummer Boy" is another.

However, the modern is balanced by the simple and classic.For example, "Veni Veni" is a Latin chant version of "O Come Emmanael", done in a cappella vocals with chiming bells for accents -- absolutely beautiful!"O Holy Night" and "Still, Still, Still" are gentle and soothing, and will quickly draw you back to a bygone era of horsedrawn sleighs, cozy fireplaces and delicate, pristine snowfalls.

I still have the same cassette I bought 15 years ago, and I still break it out every year at Christmas.I will continue to do so until it wears out, at which time I will promptly buy another copy, this time on CD.If you've never experienced the unique sound of Mannheim Steamroller at Christmas, by all means, please do!You'll be glad you did.

Soundtrack to the Holidays
Everyone has a certain song or group that reminds them of the holiday season. For me, that group is Mannheim Steamroller. I don't know exactly when my parents first discovered this artist, but I do know that, for as long as I can remember, the sounds of Mannheim's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" is the soundtrack to the holiday season. I can clearly recall baking Christmas cookies or putting up the tree while listening to this album, first in cassette tape, then CD form.

There's something almost magical about this album. Mannheim Steamroller has managed to capture the holiday spirit in its almost haunting renditions of Christmas favorites. Dark and rich, there's something nearly ethereal about these instrumentals. Each one is presented beautifully, and in a way that you can't easily forget.

Every track on this record is well-done, but it is the combination of all twelve that makes the album magical. From `Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing' to `Cantique de Noel', the listener is taken on a journey that is truly a treat for the ears. The styles vary, but they are woven seamlessly into a piece of perfection. `Greensleeves' is almost medieval in sound, as is `In dulci Jubilo', though the former is quiet and the latter reminiscent of a fair. `Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming' is piece of triumph for brass instruments, while `Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)' is performed by a men's choir in Gothic fashion. However, my favorite track is undoubtedly `Carol of the Bells', which is both rich and frenzied, previewing the style Trans-Siberian Orchestra would later make famous.

Looking for an album that captures the Christmas spirit without singing chipmunks and endless jingle bells? Something that, perhaps, reminds you of the sacredness of the holiday without endless carols? Look no further. Mannheim Steamroller's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" has everything you need. Enjoy it this season and let it become the soundtrack to your holiday celebration. ... Read more

Asin: B0000005MV
Sales Rank: 43825
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Christmas in the Aire
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 September, 1995)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (29)

Powerful
In my opinion, this album is worth it for just two songs: "Joseph Dear Oh Joseph Mine" and "Jingle Bells."Not that the other songs are low quality, by any means."Jingle Bells" doesn't even sound like itself; Mannheim Steamroller took this bouncy little tune and transformed it into something very dramatic and emotional.This is my personal favorite among the Steamroller Christmas albums.

Lots of great tunes
Mannheim Steamroller is the brainchild of Chip Davis, and is a fusion of classic music with high-tech pop. Mannheim Steamroller burst on the scene in 1974, with their Fresh Aire album. This album came out in 1995, and is a good, solid addition to their collection. Having such classics as Joy to the World and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, it is pleasant to listen to, with their rendition of Joy being a new Christmas classic.

Now, some can argue as to which album of Mannheim Steamroller is better. As for myself, I thought that their 1984 Christmas album was the best. But, that said, this is a very nice Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album, with lots of great tunes. It makes for nice, relaxing mood music, and goes along excellently as background music for a party. My family and I love this album, and do not hesitate to recommend it to you.

A Must For The Christmas Music Collection!
I love listening to Christmas music and I love Mannnheim Steamroller's Christmas music, I have been a fan ever since I heard my sister's Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD and I liked it so much I went out and bought my own CD's! I own the first three Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD's and this is my #1favorite Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD and I really think the music is very good and I especially like The Carol of the Bells and I love how they flawlessy blend modern synthesizer music with a sometimes old world sound and I very highly recommend this delightful CD! ... Read more

Asin: B0000005MY
Sales Rank: 62596
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Christmas at St. Stanislaus (Beloved Polish and English Carols)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 November, 1999)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (1)

Beautiful Christmas Album
A beautiful album from the music and voices, music performances and arrangements to the cover artwork.I was very pleased with the selection of songs - a lovely combination of English carols and Polish carols.Have played many times already since purchasing - very listenable.The traditional songs have a warm feel like you are in the church at Midnight Mass! ... Read more

Asin: B00005ATXH
Sales Rank: 129307

Star of the Magi
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 December, 1999)
list price: $17.98
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Reviews (3)

Starlight on Dark Water
If it resurfaces, don't hesitate for even a split second. All seven musicians shine with refined, unearthly beauty.

Best classical music recording of the year 1999
This outstanding production has just won the "Best Classical Album Of The Year" Award (Félix) at the Gala del'ADISQ 2000 - the equivalent of a Grammy in the USA. Counter tenor Daniel Taylor,Soprano Suzie Leblanc, Les Voix Humaines (viola da gamba duet), Francis Colpronrecorders, Sylvain Bergeron Luth and Rafik Samman percussions.

A great array of Christmas Carols
The Duet "les Voix Humaines", the great voices of Dan Taylor, countertenor and Suzie Leblanc, soprano, accompanied by a cast of superstars. This is a must for Renaissance and Baroque music lovers ... Read more

Asin: B00003GPOW
Sales Rank: 230527
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Classical    4. Miscellaneous    5. Vocal   

Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias, the release of which coincides with the first English-language biography of the singer. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody.It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. --Thomas May ... Read more

Reviews (115)

Sacred indeed
Very good solid album, but it's not my favorite.If you are an opera buff I would advice you to listen to Franco Corelli's album "Sacred Songs."Nevertheless, a great relaxing album of Arias with an interesting interpretation of Bocelli that stands on it's own.His singing on this album is effortless and beautiful.

Timeless
Andrea has breathed new life into our historical sacred favotites. I have never heard these songs performed so perfectly. There are several Christmas songs at the end which make it perfect for the Christmas season, but they detract from the collection through the rest of the year.

This CD is graceful
This Cd is really wonderful. you feel like you're really in a church , praying for the lord you love.
thank you Andrea for this nice Cd. you're very wonderful as usual as.

... Read more

Asin: B00002ND9N
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Classical    4. Classical Crossover    5. Classical Vocals    6. Holiday    7. Miscellaneous    8. Opera    9. Vocal   

The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 October, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

If you're already stocked up on your favoriteChristmas carols but are looking for a nice solid anthology of sacred music, this one certainly has a lot of enjoyment to offer. True, a little more thought could have gone into this themed compilation. What does the Largo fromHandel's opera Serse, featuringcountertenor Andreas Scholl (his name consistently misspelled on the CD, by the way), have to do with the Yuletide season? No matter, it is after all one of the world's supreme melodies, and Scholl is part of the motley collection of big-name performers Decca has culled from its catalog for this release, which also includes Luciano Pavarotti, Cecilia Bartoli, Marilyn Horne, Bryn Terfel, et al. The anthology is weighted heavily toward the baroque, with a number of Bach selections and seven tracks fromMessiah (another work that has by popular tradition become most associated withChristmas even though it was conceived as an Easter celebration). Thelatter make a sort of mini-anthology within this anthology, giving youa series of "ultimate" moments fromHandel's masterpiece--but you certainly won't want to be without the entire work. --Herbert Fellows ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Awesome voices
This CD is eloquent and so magnetically alluring.It begins with the ever so popular (sopranist) Ms. Leontyne Price's "Ave Maria" and finishes beautifully with the entire operatic voices of the English Choir in the song "Amen".I'm always floored by the voices of Ms. Leontyne Price and Mr. Jose Carrera. The instrumentalists and the great composing of many of the fine songs listed on this CD is superb; well job done by the conductors, very.

prevision
When I read what is on this CD and who performs it, I can not wait to order. Now only 4 stars, but I am sure that the 5th will be given after I heard this album. Kobus Kortmann ... Read more

Asin: B00004YWUA

Sing We Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 September, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. --Barbara Eisner Bayer ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Music? Chanticleer invented it!!!
Miraculous, amazing, wonderful, incredible, marvelous!These words just won't do.I can't think of any words good enough to desribe the work of this group.The voices of Chanitcleer blend seamlessly as they tackle some of the most difficult harmonies imaginable.

In their gospel album, "When the sun goes down" these men learned the music by rote which is very difficult for trained musicians to do.The effect was well worth it.Sing We Christmas is so beautiful that it cannot be described.It must be heard.Sometimes this album has an etheral quality that transports you to a calmer and quieter place.After you've finished listening to it you wonder why the music stopped and have to start playing it again.

Chanticleer sings everything, jazz pop, show tunes, gregorian chants, spirituals, gospel, classical, mexican barouque, etc.I haven't heard them rap yet but who knows, that may be next.The group includes basses, tenors, baritones and counter-tenors.The male sopranos are quite suprising.They really hit the high notes.They tour around the world every year and come to New York City twice a year.Listening to any Chanticleer album is an experience but this album in particular is just the best.Please give it a try.

Breathtaking!
I simply don't have the words to describe the sublimity of this CD. Breathtaking? Sublime? I'm not sure words have been invented for it.

It was my first Chanticleer CD, recommended by a music club, and it certainly hasn't been my last, but it's still my favorite. I love it so much that I listen to it year-round--even in the heat of summer, when I put on this CD, it's Christmastime to me by the end of "Es ist ein Ros".

The voices are simply amazing. It sounds like angels singing. I think part of the haunting, resounding sound that sets this CD apart from other choral CDs (and even from other Chanticleer ones) is that it was recorded in a cathedral, so there are some amazing acoustics. I don't know all that much about music theory, so I'm sure my words seem amateurish and maybe a little silly, but this is a truly glorious CD.

The best of Chanticleer's Christmas CDs
The 12 voices of Chanticleer (the only full-time professional choir in America) are justly famous for their exquisite tone and range, both vocally and stylistically.12 men, but nothing is missing.The first two tracks, Es ist Ein Ros by Preatorius and the famous O Magnum Mysterium of Tomas Victoria are absolute gems -- as well as studies in perfection of choral tone and balance.

The repertoire here runs from the early Renaissance (Josquin's O Virgo Virginum) to the more well-known 18th and 19th centuries (including the purest performance of Stille Nacht available) thru the American colonies (Billings' A Virgin Unspotted) up to the 20th century.This latter time period includes a marvelous little gem, Noel Canon, and a surprisingly lyrical composition by Charles Ives.Jennings (the director of the group) has chosen the original Holst version of In the Bleak Mid-winter (as opposed to the Harold Darke setting, which has become more popular over the last several years).This performance of the Holst is simply impossible to improve upon.

Defintely one of my half-dozen picks for a desert-island Christmas CD.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B000000SNL
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Classical    4. Miscellaneous    5. Orchestral    6. Vocal   

Christmas with Chanticleer (Featuring Dawn Upshaw)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 October, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (14)

Christmas amoungst the stars!
This must be what the angels in heaven sound llike when they sing.The voices of Chanticleer blend so beautifully that it seems as if one voice is singing 12 parts.This album is a serious must have for all those who consider music an important part of the holidays.

There is one fly in the ointment though.No disrepect to Dawn Upshaw.Her voice is beautiful but we purists don't like to hear anyone sing with Chanticleer.We even find it difficult to adjust when instrumentation is used.Hearing a piano or flute throws us into a talespin.We just don't want anything to interupt the beauty of the voices.Let's face it, how many great groups are there out there who can sing without music let alone hold a note for more than 10 seconds without wandering off the note into oblivion!

The First Nowell is sung as it was meant to be sung when it is written so long ago.Lovely harmony but not over done or severly complicated.Most of the beauty is in the message it gives.No need to over sing it.

Die Stimmes des Kindes (The Voice of the Child) is gently sung to perfection with an other worldly, etheral quality.A haunting but gentle, sweet, harmony sings the last line here, "Ein schlafend Kind! (A sleeping child), they sing (Almost as wonderous as the child Himself. Almost!) of the Christ child.Countertenors above while the basses support them as they sing a final "o still!"I literally could not move as it ended.In a trance, I somehow found my remote and hit the replay button again and again.How in the world can this music be written by mere humans?Hmmmmmm, not of this earth, you think?

The Three Kings is something I haven't heard before.The music, written by Healy Willan in 1928, includes text from a poet named Laurence Housman (1856-1959).I thought I was going to hear a new rendition of "We Three Kings."WRONG!!!As the kings arrive to the place that the star of Bethlehem lead them, the last line of the song invites the kings to "come in ye kings and kiss the feet of God." The countertenors sing angelic while the lower voices sing the parts of the kings (two three voice choirs SSA and TBB).I dare you to listen to it just once.You'll play it over and over.Sometimes you must do that with Chanticleer because the arrangements are so rich you want to make sure that hear everything that there is to hear.Listening to Chanticleer sometimes requires a sophisticated enough ear to get through all the layers but everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.Some folks might say it's too high brow for them but I strongly urge you to give it a try.Sit your kids down and turn off the hip hop stuff for awhile.It's a music lesson in a bottle!

nice
These are a cappella renditions of songs from a variety of sources; Chanticleer's style gives almost all of them a distinctly medieval feel. Beautiful arrangements, but don't expect to understand all the lyrics, even when you speak the featured language. The faked accents (as on "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," where I guess they were trying for Ozark mountain hillbilly and wound up with my home dialect) can be moderately annoying.

Interesting selections; beautiful singing
This CD is quite excellent, but I've knocked off one star for a simple reason: Dawn Upshaw. It's not that her voice isn't beautiful, but gee whiz, I wanted to hear Chanticleer! I felt that in the songs she sang, she completely dominated them, so my favorite songs on the CD are the ones which Chanticleer sings without her.

I think my favorite on this CD was "The Huron Carol." I liked it because it is something different from the usual holiday fare (I'm getting awfully bored with most of what choirs usually sing for Christmas) and it expresses a completely different understanding of the miracle of Christ's birth. If you're looking for something new for a jaded Christmas music palate, this is certainly the CD to do it! ... Read more

Asin: B000059QW4
Sales Rank: 63120
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Classical    5. Holiday    6. Miscellaneous    7. Vocal   

All Star Classic Christmas Album
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (4)

This is my favorite Christmas CD of all time!
These aren't your traditional Christmas carols but a more classical selection.The Corelli Pastorale performed on this disc is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard in my life.Ramirez' Sanctus performed by Jose Carreras is light and joyous as are most of these classical pieces.Sarah Brightman's Pie Jesu is hauntingly beautiful, and these pieces blend in with age old favorites like Bach's Jauchzet, frohlocket and Handel's For unto us a Child is born.If you're like me and you grow weary of hearing the same Jingle Bells carols this is a refreshing addition to your collection.

A Pleasing Selection of Fresh, Classical Christmas Music
I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this CD. The very first track, Handel's "For unto us a Child is born" is pure ambrosia as the English Choir performs to perfection.

Other highlights include:8.Maria durch ein Dornwald ging,10. Mozart's Agnus Dei featuring Kathleen Battle,13. Pie Jesu featuring Sarah Brightman,20. Bach'sJauchzet, frohlocket.

There are a few other songs which don't fit in thiscollection quite as comfortably. Bryn Terfel's rendition of "Mary'sBoy Child" at first seemed a bit smarmy, but it grows onyou.

Overall, this album is a great value and I'm giving copies to myfriends this holiday season.

An Excellent Selection of Fresh, Classical Christmas Music
I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this CD. The very first track, Handel's "For unto us a Child is born" is pure ambrosia as the English Choir performs to perfection.

Other highlights include:8.Maria durch ein Dornwald ging,10. Mozart's Agnus Dei featuring Kathleen Battle,13. Pie Jesu featuring Sarah Brightman,20. Bach'sJauchzet, frohlocket.

There are a few other songs which don't fit in thiscollection quite as comfortably. Bryn Terfel's rendition of "Mary'sBoy Child" at first seemed a bit smarmy, but it grows onyou.

Overall, this album is a great value and I'm giving copies to myfriends this holiday season. ... Read more

Asin: B000009TEZ
Sales Rank: 135624

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 October, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

On A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Brian O'Donovan, the host of theCeltic Sojourn radio show, compiles a collection of songs that mixes thecontemplative with more raucous fare, ancient melodies with modern, and theearthy with the ethereal. The musicians come from all corners of the Celticworld, and include the Breton choir Ensemble Choral du Bout du Monde, who blendmedieval vocal harmonies with modern instruments such as the tin whistle and theguitar; Dordan, the masters of Irish baroque music; and the pan-Celtic band theBoys of the Lough. Also included are English performers Maddy Prior (the leadsinger of Steeleye Span) and the family group Waterson:Carthy, who deliver ahearty version of the "The Ditchling Carol." The majority of the tracks featurevocals, but the instrumental selections--particularly fiddler Bonnie Rideout'shaunting "Gloomy Winter" and the lovely "Midwinter Waltz" from the Boys of theLough--do a beautiful job of wordlessly evoking the season. By passing overtoo-familiar Christmas songs in favor of less-well-known melodies, O'Donovan hascome up with that rarest of all holiday treats--a gift that that both surprisesand delights. --Michael Simmons ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful
I absolutely love this cd. The first time I listened to it, its soothing music almost put me to sleep. It's really good for relaxing, and the Christmas songs were some I had never heard of, making the cd new and interesting.

Love it over and over again
This is by far one of my favorite Christmas CDs, one of my favorite Celtic CDs, one of my favorite CDs period.I can listen to it for hours while driving through the farmlands in the US.It has a dreamy quality and my daughter day dreams out the window on our long cross country jaunts.If you enjoy the music in Rob Roy, Braveheart, or Lord of the Rings, you'll enjoy this.My favorite selections are #3 Christ's Child Lullaby, #4 Sou Gan, #9 Spered Hollvedel, and #12 A Midwinter Waltz.

A Christmas CD set apart from the rest
I purchased this CD because of some of the musicians listed on the CD and after listening to some of the excerpts. This is one CD that I have repeatedly listened to this Christmas season. Not only can it be listened to during the holiday season, but throughout the year. Much of the music is not the traditional Christmas music and has an earthy, folk sound to it. Every time I have played this with company here, someone has wanted a copy of it!! If you are looking for Christmas music that doesn't have the commercial sound to it, this is the CD for you!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005PJBV
Subjects:  1. British Folk    2. Celtic Folk    3. Celtic Pop    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Contemporary Celtic    7. Contemporary Folk    8. Holiday    9. Irish Folk    10. Pop    11. Traditional Celtic    12. Traditional Scottish Folk   

Dream a Dream
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 October, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Everybody's favorite precocious sprite of a soprano comes out with her third album in Dream a Dream. It's only been two years since Charlotte Church's smash debut, Voice of an Angel, but that's a big chunk of the Welsh singer's life span so far. This latest is basically a Christmas album, so full of festive cheer you'd never guess it was recorded in the summer. Even the glummest of moods will disappear when you hear Charlotte's infectious take on chestnuts such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Little Drummer Boy" (and having the London Symphony Orchestra as your backup band doesn't hurt either). And on top of that is a really special treat: the title song (borrowing an unforgettable classical melody) which blends Church's soaring vocals with the tender voice of young country prodigy Billy Gilman. --Sarah Chin ... Read more

Reviews (123)

An amazing display of an amazing voice
In this CD Charlotte Church sings the many traditoinal songs we know for the Christmas season. She performs amazingly on songs such as O Come All Ye Faithful hitting every note spot on. She added a verse that I haven't heard before in the middle and adds a creative twist on the ending. In the song O Holy Night most music freaks know of `the note' at the end. It is very hard to find a Christmas CD with the note hit perfectly. This CD is one of those. There are also some not so traditional songs such as Mary's Boy Child. These are also perfect. The song that the CD is titled for is called dream a dream. It is sung in duet with the young Billy Gilman. Both artists perform beutifully. Dream a Dream has become my favorite song on the CD. It is not really a Christmas song so you can enjoy the amazing score and lyrics all year 'round. If you are a fan of Charlotte Church I suggest this CD. If you are not a fan of Charlotte Church I suggedt this CD, You will become a fan of Charlotte Church

Now This Is Beautiful!
This is the way Christmas songs should be sung! All the songs are so beautiful I don't even have a favorite. All I can say is BUY IT!

Quality operatic Christmas album
I rarely listen to operatic music but there's no doubt about the quality of this album, mainly filled with carols. All the carols are well known in Britain but only some are famous in America so American listeners will get a chance to hear songs they are unfamiliar with.

Note that the UK edition of this album (which I have) includes First Noel, omitted from the American version. The two versions also have different cover artwork. The title track, not really a Christmas song, is one of two duets that Charlotte recorded with Billy Gilman - the other (Sleigh ride) can be found on Billy's Christmas album. Except for Winter wonderland and Christmas song, the rest of the songs focus on the religious aspect of Christmas.

All over the world, people will recognize classics such as O come all ye faithful, Little drummer boy, Mary's boy child, Hark the herald angels sing, Joy to the world, What child is this, God rest ye merry gentlemen, Ave Maria, O holy night and Silent night. Of the remaining songs, several American singers have recorded When a child is born - these include Johnny Mathis (who had a UK number one hit with it), Kenny Rogers and Judy Collins, but the song is not especially well known in America.

Charlotte is in fine voice throughout, supported by excellent orchestral backing. While this is not typical of the various styles of music I normally listen to, I can appreciate the sheer quality of this album and it's always good to have something different to listen to, especially at Christmas. ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZDPO
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Classical    5. Classical Crossover    6. Holiday    7. Miscellaneous    8. Vocal