Reviews (6)

clearing up a discrepancy
The play list is correct, the one with the ability to listen to clips.This CD has 14 tracks, beginning with "Puer natus est nobis" (the Introit) and ending with "Magnificat anima mea Dominum."The list that says ON THIS CD is a totally different list of chants.I do not know what it is doing on this page.
One of the best I've heard
Not technically Gregorian, because of some polyphony. But this is one of the best selections of this kind of music that I've heard. Compare to expensive monastery or convert CDs, and others, and this is one you put on the CD changer more than the rest. Found it in a bargain bin at Fry's. Amazing CD.

Beautiful music
Beautiful musical rendition of Christmas music.Soothing and lilting, it'll help you get centered or reconnected or whatever it is you need for stress relief.A fantastic CD at a great price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chant    3. Choral    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Europe    9. Flute Solo/Sonata    10. Gregorian Chant    11. Holiday    12. Hungary    13. Motet    14. Oratorio    15. Recorder Solo/Sonata    16. Western European Chant    17. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (29)

A Christmas Classic!!!
This is my all-time favorite Christmas album. Some like the schmaltzy sounds of Johnny Mathis and Bing Crosby for Christmas, which is fine. But Percy Faith has a pristine ambient beauty of the wordless choir which soars to emotional heights beyond any other Christmas album.

Timeless Classic
This music collection is superb. I first obtained it on vinyl, and then on CD. It is one of my top three favorite Christmas albums, and I have over 75. This is an instrumental album that cannot grow tiring. It is a must-have.

A Christmas "classic" that never grows old
I have close to thirty Christmas CDs, the "best of the best" I have come across over the years.This recording, which I have owned at various times on cassette, LP and CD, is one of my all-time favorites.When Sony f-i-n-a-l-l-y released it and the follow-up Volume 2 on CD, I was ecstatic and snatched up copies right away.I'm glad I did.This recording has rightly taken its place as a Sony CD catalog "standard".Sadly, Sony has not done the same with Volume 2, which is as good if not better in some aspects as Volume 1.Hopefully continued steady sales of Volume 1 will eventually convince Sony to re-release Volume 2, or, perhaps, create a two-disc "Music of Christmas" collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Easy Pop    6. Holiday    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Orchestral Pop    10. Pop    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Traditional Pop    13. Vocal    14. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

The flashy, kaleidoscopic Read more

Reviews (15)

Absolute interpretation!
Actually therecord was made in the eighties. I have a vinil edition of that. No words to properly describe the Ms Kirkby perfomance, her accurate 12 years old boy incarnation. Mr Gardiner reliable direction is also impressing.

Jauchzet - a gasping race to the finish line
I bought this CD (specifically for the Jauchzet) at Border's in Ann Arbor, after my Stich-Randall LP version was no longer playable.From the first 4 seconds I knew it would be bad.The race through the Jauchzet was 50 seconds shorter than Stich-Randall's 4:53.Audible gasps, unfinished words and phrases, a trumpet that could barely keep pace with the rest of the English Baroque Soloists.What was Gardiner thinking?
Brilliant playing, insightful conception, wonderful music!
Bach's "Magnificat" has been a favorite since it was composed for a Chirstmas service in 1723 at Leipzig.He revised it in 1730 by taking out some elements more relevant to Christmas, transposed it down a half-step to D major, and some other small changes.This recording is of the 1730 version and is performed with tremendous energy and exuberance.And why not?These are the words of Mary upon being greeted by Elizabeth as the mother of the Lord.The soloists are very fine and the choruses are unbelievably clear and precise.The instrumental playing is first rate.Who would expect any less from John Eliot Gardiner.
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Magnificat   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    2. Bagatelle for Keyboard    3. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    4. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    5. Berceuse for Keyboard    6. Cantata    7. Canzona for Keyboard    8. Chamber    9. Chamber Music & Recitals    10. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    11. Choral    12. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    13. Classical    14. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    15. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    16. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    17. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    18. Concerto    19. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    20. Etude for Keyboard   

Reviews (6)

Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral
This selection of recordings by The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral contains pieces representative of traditional Anglican musical liturgy.The technical aspects of this production on compact disk seem to be outstanding, but beware that the original recordings were in some cases less than stellar.Another reviewer points out that on some tracks the lyrics sung by the choir are overwhelmed by the superb organ playing, which no doubt occurred due to inadequate microphone placement during the recording sessions.That said, I nevertheless rate this presentation of the St. Paul's Choir highly.It provides a mixture of musical types.In addition to the choir, the CD presents the work of four organists, including a marvelous organ solo, as well as several pieces sung a cappella by the choir and its boy treble soloists.I especially recommend this choir's rendetion of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," which features the voices of two boy trebles, a boy alto and a bass, which yeilds a mesmerizing experience.Unless one is acquiring full sets of the St. Paul's Choir's music, this compact disk should delight anyone interested in traditional cathedral organ and choral music.

LACK OF DICTION?!!!
Obviously the individual who wrote the review including the"marred by lack of diction" remark is not too familiar with the traditional boychoir sound.I am moved to sickness that they were so openly compared with the sound of the all-too-familiar MTC.THOSE WERE ADULTS!!!These are boys!Boys cannot give the kind of sound of the MTC because their voices are not developed enough.The greatest hope a boychoir has of wowing audiences is in their contrast in dynamics.They model this beautiffully in their acapella pieces.In their accompanied pieces, I feel they hold their own above the (sometimes blearing) organ. Marred by lack of diction
The singing is beautiful, melodious and full of harmony. The organ would make Bach proud.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Choral    4. Choral Music    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Vocals    9. Keyboard    10. Magnificat    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    14. Psalm Setting    15. Romantic Symphony with Multiple Solo Voices and Chorus    16. Sacred Choral Music    17. Symphonic    18. Vocal   

Editorial Review

In the six years since this female quartet astonished the music world with its clear- voiced, impeccably sung renditions of medieval chant and polyphonic music, chant rose from thedark and dusty corners of classical music to enjoy a phenomenal run at center stage. New andreissued chant recordings achieved sales figures normally reserved for popular music. This is therecording that started it all (that Spanish monks disc came later), winning awards and earning near- permanent resident status on the national charts. Spiritually moving and vocally revelatory, thisprogram re-creates a kind of mass sung in English churches during the 13th and 14th centuries. Withtheir warm tone and perfect intonation, these four singers achieve an expressiveness that is rareamong chant interpreters, most effective in the seductive, highly ornamented "Kyrie."The sound is exemplary--although a studio recording, it perfectly conveys the atmosphere of anEnglish cathedral. Read more

Reviews (13)

The Secret of Success
An English Ladymass. 13th and 14th Century Chant and Polyphony in Honor of the Virgin Mary. Performed by Anonymous 4 (Ruth Cunningham, Martha Genensky, Susan Hellauer and Johanna Rose).
Other worldly bliss
The American Angels fly again from their permanent perch in heaven, inviting us all to accept this bliss. And they did this
Angelic Purity
It seems pointless to add another 5-star review to the list, but I have to.This CD is simply one of the most beautiful recordings ever made, and it touches your soul with every listening.If you are content, it will bolster and reinforce your tranquil mind.If you are sad or depressed, it will force tears from your eyes and rip sobs from your breast, setting you on the healing path.If you are happy, it will make you prance about your flat like a gleeful child.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Mass    6. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (2)

Highest Quality Hildegard
Sequentia's entire series of Hildegard recordings is inspired, but there is a rather inarticulable quality to this cd that somehow soars even higher.It is apparently a result of the centrality of the Ursula stories, here musically illustrated, to Hildegard's entire conception of herself as a pledged virgin and artisan, and the freedom she found within that role to allow her gifts to fly as high as they could for the glory of God.Nor, in our terms, was it any sort of solo act:Hildegard stood quite consciously at the pinnacle of a vast supporting structure of devotion, prayer, sacred order and art.

Absolutely divine.
"My husband and I first encountered this CD in our local library. It's one of those encounters that transformed our life. Listening to italmost daily, while we're getting ready for the day, while we're working onour computers, or while doing the dishes, has helped us have an experienceof the divine no matter where we are or what we're doing. Ever since wewere introduced to the work of St. Hildegard of Bingen, we have read quitea bit about her and her works and are truly grateful to this great soul forwhat she has given our world. This CD is a great introduction to the worldof Hildegard, together with another fine CD, Feather on the Breath ofGod." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiphon    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Classical Music    8. Early Music / Chant    9. Hymn    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Response    12. Sacred Choral Music   

Reviews (9)

Solid Basic March Collection
Great solid basic collection, a real bargain with mostly outstanding performances.Having played several in bands and orchestras and sung one (the Rimsky Mlada), I have a good idea how they should go.As other other commentators say, there are better individual recordings, such as anything by Fennell and the Eastman band.The organ pieces just don't do this music justice, although a real cathedral organ can come close, but that's beyond these discs.The Nielsen Aladdin March is the new one for me.Berlioz by Solti is great! Buy it!

Bold and brassy mixes well with the rest
I am impressed most by the variety in 40 Famous Marches on 2 CDs, a Double Decca release.The performers include Philharmonic Orchestras, a Brass Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, organ, Symphony, and for nine selections, the Wiener Philharmoniker.I am not sure if the word schmaltzy ought to be applied to any of this, but the Wiener Philharmoniker often exhibits a unique sound which is not quite the same as any of the other selections.The final five selections are all performed by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble under Elgar Howarth in ADD/DDD format in 1983 and 1985.Two of those five are rousing marches by John Philip Sousa, another called `Entry of the Gladiators' is typical of songs played by live bands at circuses, and the remaining two are from movie soundtracks.`Colonel Bogey' is famous from the movie about British prisoners of war building a railroad bridge for the Japanese in World War Two, the Bridge over the River Kwai.
40 Famous Marches - a great collection!!
This is a wonderful collection.What a wide collection of exciting pieces, all in one affordable package!!It encompasses so many composers and styles, from the majesty of Elgar and Walton, to upbeat Sousa to schmaltzy Strauss.It also includes such classic marches as Meyerbeer's Coronation, a pinnacle of the French opera style, the timeless Wedding March of Mendelssohn, and the brilliant organ piece, Marche Triomphale of Sigfrid Karg-Elert.There are also some interesting oddball selections like the mysterious Things to Come of Bliss (composed for the H.G. Wells film), the jaunty Chabrier marche, and oriental flair of Nielsen's Aladdin.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Incidental Music for Orchestra    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Band Music    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    8. Choral    9. Classical    10. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    11. Classical Music    12. Film    13. Film Music    14. French Romantic Opera    15. Italian Baroque Opera    16. Italian Romantic Opera    17. Keyboard    18. March for Band    19. March for Orchestra    20. Miscellaneous   

Editorial Review

Director Milos Forman's rewarding 1984 film adaptation of playwright Peter Shaffer's Tony-winning play won no fewer than 10 Academy Awards (including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Director); only Wolfgang himself (and his filmic counterpart, Tom Hulce) seemed to get overlooked by the Academy. This expanded three-disc set contains all of Sir Neville Marriner's crisp, accurate readings of the excerpted Mozart symphonies, concertos, serenades, and operas (including marvelous portions of Read more

Features

• Box set
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (36)

This needs to have a 10 star rating!
There are many great composers, but Wolfie's music is just incredible.There are a few of his operas that I don't care for but most of it is pure bliss to listen to.Do yourself a huge favor and purchase this CD or the gold extended version.You won't be sorry-unless you don't have any taste.In which case, there is nothing the rest of us can do to help you.But the local pharmacist might. . .

Amadeus
The music by Mozart was a great effort but now and then...every now and then there seems to be...How would one say?
Top-Chart Album of the 80's That Made Classical Music Sell !!
In 1984, Milos Forman's film Amadeus, based on the hit Broadway play by Peter Schaffer, made it to the big screen with resounding success nationwide. When the soundtrack was released, it was a top seller and even found itself selling as much as such popular 80's artists as Madonna. The music from this well-made film, mostly Mozart but used some Classical-Era works by Salieri, Pergolesi and Salieri- hooked young people into classical music when they might have otherwise never given it a chance.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Period Orchestral Music for Orchestra    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Classical Period Symphony    7. Concerto    8. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    9. Dance/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Orchestra    10. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    11. Italian Classical Period Opera    12. Mass    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Piano Concerto    18. Requiem/Requiem Section    19. Sinfonia Concertante    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (5)

The Etheral Tavener
I bought this CD a week ago and have listened to it every night at least once.I am a fan of church choral music.This album has some of the most interesting, moving and uplifting music I have listened to. I put Tavener up there with Talis, Gorecki, and the giants of the past.

A Beauty that aches
I'm not sure how I just happened upon John Tavener for the first time in my life.Where has he been hiding? Heavenly music without equal
I ordered DARKNESS INTO LIGHT shortly after its release earlier this year, and I have listened to and enjoyed it immensely many time over since. Having recently ordered Anonymous 4's WOLCUM YULE, I was inspired to finally write a review of this masterwork collection of choral music.Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Early Music / Chant    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Sacred Choral Music a cappella    10. Sacred Choral Music with chamber ensemble   

Editorial Review

Mendelssohn (1809-1847) is a perennially underrated composer who finally may be coming to greater appreciation. Certainly this fine recording (in English) of a masterpiece that he believed joined the Jewish faith of his fathers with his own Protestant Christianity should not hurt his reputation. The superb Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel gives a dramatically charged performance in the title role, while soprano Renee Fleming sings with beauty and limpid understanding; the cast is almost uniformly strong. The Edinburgh Festival Chorus, directed by David Jones, sings with care and conviction, and Paul Daniel conducts his forces firmly. Read more

Reviews (6)

A prophetable experience
I've heard a lot of performances of Elijah, a well-crafted work that used to be more popular than it is these days, and this is an extremely good one. The musical direction is to the point, Fleming and Terfel are at their best, and the other soloists are extremely good. (Although I wonder if they originally tried to get an alto better-known than Patricia Bardon.) I'm also glad that there are enough soloists on hand: Mendelssohn asked for at least 8, and older recordings that make do with 4 (turning all octets into choruses, for instance) seriously distort his plan. The Standard. Period.
I've heard many fine performances of this, the Mendelssohn masterpiece, both live and recorded, and THIS recording is the quintessential presentation. I've heard this sung in German, and I've heard it sung in English. And, no matter which of the two this is sung in, there is no finer performance anywhere. From the opening, with Bryn Terfel bursting force with the most power I've heard from him to date, to the defeat of the prophets of Baal, to the plea for Israel, to the final praise of God by the children of Israel, this work never lets up. Regardless of the pitching of the instruments or how Mendelssohn would have heard it, there is no doubt in my mind that he most certainly would have been enthralled with Terfel's performance. Terfel is, no question, the best there is in the world of classical bass-baritones today. Renee Fleming delivers a magnificently gorgeous performance. John Mark Ainsley holds his own as well. I was particularly impressed with the work of Patricia Bardon, whom I'd never heard from before this recording. Paul Daniel is worth his salt, too. And, the cake, which all of the soloists and the conductor are the icing for, is the combination of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the Enlightenment Orchestra...these are simply wonderful! They are so dramatic, articulate, and involved. If one is in search of a recording of "ELIJAH" by which one wants to hear the way it was meant to be performed (with intensity, emotion, fervor, and energy), then THIS is THE recording to pursue.

A Dramatically Intense, Moving "Elijah"
Even if it is flawed, this is the kind of recording that reminds you why, exactly, Mendelssohn is in the Pantheon of great composers. To start, Bryn Terfel and Renee Fleming turn out some of the most sensitive, smart,deeply-felt singing I've heard in a long time.Fleming's Widow is palpablytearful -- sorrowfully when proclaiming that there's "no breathleft" in her young son, then joyfully as he "reviveth."Andher reading of "Hear Ye, Israel," is truly involved, and notsimply sung as a bravura aria -- there's no doubt that God is present,powerful and "he that comforteth, ... will strengthenthee."Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Oratorio   

Editorial Review

A fine French touch is evident in this collaboration between the Swiss- born conductor Charles Dutoit and his Canadian orchestra. They give a highlypolished performance of the standard Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent program
I can enthusiastically recommend this high quality production.First off the program includes Faure's two best large scale works (Op. 48 and Op. 80).The sound is outstanding.As an example the organ in Requiem is clearly heard even during periods of both choral and orchestral activity.Fine details in the orchestra are easily discerned.The singing in Requiem is also excellent although at times the Sherrill Milnes' vibrato is a bit 'wide' for my taste.Op. 80 is also beautifully played.Well worth the investment of your time and money.

In Paradisum
I first encountered the Faure Requiem by singing it in high school. I enjoyed the experience, but had little to compare it to, musically or artistically. I have since then acquired a little more knowledge and perspective. Faure's vocal writing is subtle, melodic, and can be rapturous, as witnessed by his art songs (and I sang my share in college and afterward). The requiem has a quiet lyricism, as opposed to the works by Mozart, Berlioz or Verdi. I would like to think that maybe death is more in Faure's view than the angst of the other works. If I want to be swept away by overcharged emotionalism and dramatic writing for huge forces, I turn to the Verdi. It always makes me want to weep, for it conjures up Man's deepest fears and longings. The Faure is gentle, lulling, and breathtaking in its simplicity. It also makes me want to weep, for it suggests hope and peace. If you have never heard this work, you owe yourself this experience. If you know this work, this is a beautiful recording. I've been listening to it since its first release and have yet to tire of it.

kiri te kanawa is angelic
the best recording of faure's requiem i'vehad the pleasure of hearing.many pieces i played during my wedding ceremony. the additional pieces are are stunning as well. Faure is a brilliant and unsung genius. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral    6. Requiem/Requiem Section    7. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    8. Secular Choral Music with Orchestra   

Features

• Selected by The Knot's Carley Roney
• Includes 5 Prelude, 7 Processional, 5 Interlude and 6 Recessional selections from Bach, Beethoven, Handel and others
• A must-have for the bride- and groom-to-be

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Concerto    8. French Romantic Opera    9. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    10. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Music Theater    14. Musical Theater    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Orchestral    18. Quartet for Four String Instruments    19. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    20. Romantic Symphony   

Editorial Review

It would be impossible to adequately describe the inherent haunting beauty of Perotin's music, or to fully detail its far-reaching influence in latter-12th-century France. The opening "Viderunt omnes" is a perfect illustration of the surprising vitality and highly charged sense of forward motion that can be obtained with relatively simple rhythmic impulses and harmonic devices. The male voices of the Hilliard Ensemble generate an electrifying resonance that vibrates everything in the room that's not solid or nailed down. You can literally feel this music, ringing with natural harmonics and set to body-moving rhythms. Yes, it's religious music, intended for lofty cathedral spaces; but it moves, and it's moving, and this recording gives it to you full blast. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (20)

Absolutely stunning!
I am a musical novice.I was brought up listening to Pink Floyd, Santana, Joni Mitchell, and so on.I could not read music to save my life.Then someone introduced me to some Josquin Des Pres Rennaissance Polyphony - Missa L'homme arme sexti toni, Agnus Dei, to be specific - and I was totally hooked.
The Best Perotin Recording.
Perotin was a 12th century composer in Paris at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.We know almost nothing about him.Perotin (which is a diminutive of Peter) is described by a mid-thirteenth century student identified today as Anonymous IV who states that Perotin was the greatest composer of discant and better than another composer, Leonin, who came before him (it's not even 100% clear that they were at the Cathedral of Notre Dame).Now you know literally everything there is to know about Perotin.
Magnificent
This is a great recording.Anyone who has the least interest in serious music should be familiar with Perotin's works, just as they would with all the "greatest" composers.This music is profound, sublime and truly beautiful.And, I might add, diametrically opposed and far superior to much of the "minimalist" music of today with which it is sometimes compared.The Hilliard Ensemble is incomparable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Conductus    7. Early Polyphony    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Sacred Choral Music   

Editorial Review

Not only is this album an essential compilation for Vaughan Williams fans, but it's also a treat for anyone who loves beautiful choral music--from the popular and unabashedly romantic Read more

Reviews (7)

Small, endearing masterpieces from the twilight of empire
English society was still so secure in the imperial twilight (1910-40) that native composers could afford to ignore the revolution mounted by Schonberg, Webern, Berg, and Stravinsky, not to mention lesser modernists. Vaughan Williams is too lovable a compser to criticize for being a musical reactionary, and here we get some of his most endearing works for solo voices and chorus. The intent behind this Serenade to Music was to duplicate, as much as possible, the 16 stellar soloists for whome V-W wrote the work. That was already done, in truth, by Leonard Bernstien at the opening of Philharmonic Hall in 1962 with the likes of Jon Vickers, George London, Richard Tucker, and Eileen Farrell, to thrilling effect. Best's reading is quite low-key, mellifluous, and gentle by comparison.
There'll always be an England!
The best thing about this recording is the composite selection of this music on a single disc.The Corydon Singers, and particularly Thomas Allen (he of legendary career!) are quite fine, though quirkily I prefer John Shirley-Quirk's version of 'Five Mystical Songs' with Kings College Choir, especially his 'Love Bade Me Welcome' with its magnificent rendering of the last words "and I did sit and eat", which once heard will never forsake your memory.The spare yet intensely textured sound of the Corydon Singers is best suited to the diaphanous 'Serenade to Music'.Vaughan Williams' ability to set a text like no one else is a perfect partner to Shakespeare's arching mastery of the English language!It's a superb piece basically ignored in this country, as are most of VW's symphonies except for the ubiquitous No. 2.When have you heard an American orchestra perform the inventive Eighth or the redemptive Fifth? I agree that Boult's recordings of VW's music are a fine standard, &his 'Serenade' is especially fine, but this recording flourishes. Matthew Best gives space and reason to the beautiful ambience of the score. Flos Campi is well done here with Nobuko Imai's viola playing free of affectation as always, displaying an unpretentious mastery of the score.The 'Fantasia' (one of VW's favorite musical motives, even when not properly so called!) demonstrates Vaughan Williams' true veneration of the English hymn tune, a fetching gift that annointed all of us throughout his composing career, and perhaps more than anything secured for him a place in the pantheon of great composers.This is a successful disc of masterworks of an often misunderstood and certainly under-performed composer.The English Chamber Orchestra enjoys one subtle triumph after another in this recording - the strings are beautifully recorded, as is the singing.If it had been designed as a 2-disc effort and included 'Benedictus', the 'Mass in G', 'Sancta Civitas', and 'The Lark Ascending', we'd have close to a set of VW's essential choral and smaller orchestral works in one package!

Some of the finest of English vocal music
Of this collection, only the "Five Mystical Songs" will be familiar to most listeners. It is a treat to discover the remaining works all available in one package, and especially good to hear them.Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Miscellaneous    8. Secular Music for Soloists, Chorus and Instruments    9. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    10. Viola Concerto    11. Vocal   

Reviews (10)

buy this one first
This is not really a Christmas, or even a seasonal, album, more of a best of the Babes.yYs, they lead off with "The Holly and the Ivy" (and do it beautifully) but do not buy this as a "holiday music album"... or do... you won't regret buying it whatever your reasons!
Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes
This CD has many songs from previous albums and a few new songs. It is a great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes music and serves as "best of" type of collection. It is billed as a "holiday" collection but I listen to it year round and quite often. The Mediaeval Baebes have a very unique and wonderful sound.

Great choral versions of ancient songs
I first heard the Mediaeval Baebes on a UK double CD (Best carols in the world ever) featuring three of their trackss (Guadete, Coventry carol, Adam lay ibounden), all of which can also be found on their debut album, but my curiosity only became aroused when that UK double CD was updated and repackaged with a different title (Best Christmas carols ever) and all the Mediaeval Baebes tracks were omitted with other choirs replacing them. My research showed that they have become an established group (albeit with line-up changes) and are now very successful in their chosen style, which some may regard as classical but (since they sing with their natural voices rather than operatic voices) seems more like traditional folk music to me.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Christmas Music    6. Early Music    7. Ethnic Fusion    8. Medieval    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Pop    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music    15. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

Five centuries, seven languages, and six singers with 35 years of remarkable experience inform this rare collection of choral music. In the world-renowned King's Singers resplendent voices, ancient and modern choral music comes to life with all the blazing immediacy and timeliness of the gospel of the nativity. With 25 pieces of music--ranging from familiar works such as "Coventry Carol" to the obscure Tchaikovsky piece "The Crown of Roses"--the King's Singers move through