Reviews (2)

Elegant performances of Mozart's Vespers plus...
Mozart composed the two Vesper Services ('Vesperae de Dominica' K321 and 'Vesperae solennes de confessore'K339) in 1779 and 1780 for performances in the Salzburg cathedral and so it is very fitting that this lovely recording is performed in the cathedral-like setting of the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge.These works were written as occasional pieces and have never reached the popularity of Mozart's Masses or Requiem but they have unusually beautiful passages.
beautiful music, dreadful sound
The first 2 pieces, Vesperae de Dominica and Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, were composed when Mozart was in his early twenties (which might sound young had he not written his first sacred piece when he was ten), and are lovely, and the 3rd work, the 3 minute luminous, solemn Ave Verum Corpus, which was one of Mozart's last compositions, are here ably performed by The Hilliard Ensemble, which consists of Lynne Dawson, soprano / David James, alto / Rogers Covey-Crump, tenor / Paul Hillier, bass, with the Cambridge Classical Players (who use period instruments) led by Stephen Cleobury.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Motet    6. Sacred Choral Music   

Reviews (7)

Virtuosic Trumpet:Baroque And Classical Showcase
This album is an incredible showcase for the trumpet and the orchestra, in other words, the trumpet concerto. Hakan Hardenberger, the featured trumpet player, is highly talented and at the top of his game. Even the great jazz and classical trumpeter Winston Marsalis does'nt seem to reach the flights of fancy on the trumpet as does Hakan Hardenberger. Hardenberger masters the trumpet to perfection, capturing every nuance and every tone, from fortissimo fanfares to the softest pianissimo. On this compilation are the trumpet concerti of Baroque and Classical Era composers, among them Corelli and Albinoni and the Classical masters Franz Joseph Haydn and Leopold Mozart, Mozart's father. The sheer scale and magnetism of this music cannot be neglected. It is the greatest gathering of trumpet concerti ever made. The trumpet was perhaps the most fascinating instrument for Baroque composers. The trumpet produces grand, triumphant tones when played forte. It was an instrument that was displayed in ceremonial pomp- weddings, coronations and marches. The Baroque composers were sponsored by kings so they were expected to compose music for trumpet, which could be expressive not only as a fanfare for the king himself, but as an instrument of many dynamics. It can be played softly and slowly, which seems to create a nocturnal, reflective mood and staccato and fast-paced which made the music sound exciting and lively. In my opinion, it was the premier instrument of the Baroque Age. superb playing
Hardenberger is indeed an extraordinary.The playing is right up there with the best of them.One thing unique to hardnberger is his ability to lock in ever note of every passage reguardless of register, speed, etc.In addition he playes with great character.The only reason i give hims less than 5 stars is because his lyricism, the most important thing, is surpassed by Maurice Andre and Phil Smith without questiong. especially after seing all of them live and buying their CDs.He is definitely among the greatests ever.

The Best Trumpeter in the Business
It's a rare treat for a reviewer when he can throw caution to the winds and go out on a limb for a musician.This is such an occasion for me.Hakan Hardenberger is a phenomenon.I think he is the Babe Ruth, the Wayne Gretzky, the Michael Jordan, the Vladimir Horowitz, the Jascha Heifetz of trumpet players.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Music for Organ    12. Oboe Concerto    13. Orchestral    14. Quartet for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    15. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    16. Trio Sonata    17. Trumpet Concerto    18. Trumpet Sonata    19. Violin with Keyboard    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. Read more

Reviews (3)

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!
It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?
Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price.These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better.This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics.If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics.Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?
This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symphony    2. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    3. Alleluia    4. Ballet    5. Baroque Individual Dance Movement for Orchestra    6. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    7. Cantata    8. Chamber    9. Chamber Music    10. Choral    11. Clarinet Concerto    12. Classical    13. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    14. Classical Music    15. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    16. Classical Period Symphony    17. Concerto    18. Concerto Grosso    19. Folk Dance for Orchestra    20. German/Austrian Romantic Opera   

Reviews (10)

Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ?
This recording is a delightful morning brew of Bach's most beautiful and atmospheric instrumental music, even making use of an instrument that most music scholars forget he even wrote music for - the harp, as in the SLonatas for Flute, Harp and Cello, which on this recording, sound positively radiant coming from the likes of Sir Neville Marriner's Academy of St Martin In The Fields or the English Chamber Orchestra. The opening track is the ever popular Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, mostly a featured piece in Wedding Ceremonies. The Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, which I believe is marked "Overture" is regal and elegant. The English Suite No. 3 in G Minor is a lovely piece, as is the intimately slow andane of the Brandenbur Concerto No. 2. The Concerto for Violin and Panpies in D is a fresh new rendition. All in all, this is a very intimate CD, full of Baroque charm and romance. It is a fine way to start your day.

Gentle background music with lots of harp
In general, the Philips series "Set Your Life to Music" is one of the better, high-quality compilation series of classical music.This CD is a collection of Bach's Baroque-era music that is ideal for those unfamiliar to the often-intimidating world of classical music who mainly are looking for some pleasant and inspiring background music while learning a little about classical music.This Bach collection contains music that is rich in the soothing sounds of flute, harp, guitar and oboe along with a sampling of Bach's mild-mannered, songful orchestral music.Overall, the selections are all gentle and lyrical with a good sound quality.The concerto, oboe and orchestral works are some of Bach's finest compositions of sheer beauty and elegance and are performed by some of classical music's finest musicians.Some selections most everyone who has been ever been to a few weddings will recognize (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire).And no piece is as haughtingly lovely as the flute sonata slow movement (Siciliano) on track 5 - a highlight of the disc.
Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening
You will love this CD! Like many of the CD's from this series, the music was carefully chosen for home listening. I just love playing this CD at home. Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Cello Solo    4. Chamber    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Concerto Grosso    11. Flute Solo/Sonata    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Oratorio    17. Orchestral    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Reviews (1)

Authentic Vivaldi side-by-side with delicious Galuppi - musical and scholarly delight!
What a stunning work this is. It is impossible to exaggerate the sense of overpowering excitement that reverberated through the musical world upon the discovery that a manuscript, long thought to be a work by Galuppi, is in fact a full-scale sacred work by Vivaldi. A genuine and wondrous find indeed - and it's no surprise that performances of it the world over occurred as a result.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Psalm Setting    6. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    7. Vocal   

Editorial Review

A vast audience received its first exposure to the music of György Ligeti through Stanley Kubrick's use of his haunting "Lux Aeterna" (despite the composer's lack of consent) in the film Read more

Reviews (7)

Surprising Variety in Modern A Capepella Choral works
This 'A Cappella Choral Works', the second volume in a collection of Gyorgy Ligeti compositions contains one of the pieces of music which contributed to making '2001, A Space Odyessy' such a profoundly interesting film. This piece, 'Lux aeterna' which is the textbook example of 'SciFi' music, is very different from many of the other pieces on this recording. In fact, one is really impressed by the wide variety of styles, where you have some peasant songs which sound a lot like sea chantys and other pieces which are definitely liturgical. One can certainly thank Stanley Kubrick for bringing Ligeti to our attention.

Mostly unlistenable....
Not even good for background music/noise as the voices get really loud in certain parts and almost silent.
a handful of great Ligeti works.
As a compilation, musically speaking, Edition 2 is probably my least favorite of the Sony Ligeti Edition collection. Many of the pieces come from traditional Hungarian sources, conceived while Ligeti was still in his early years. They are pretty, but also pretty straightforward and conventional, and other than their simple pleasantness and occasionally yummy dissonances, they aren't really mindblowing like the best Ligeti. They are often very beautiful though. However, Edition 2 DOES feature one of the most harrowing, apocalyptic compositions of 20th century Western music, _Lux aeterna_. The profound tension in the quiet web of micropolyphonic voices is just devastating. Also great are the other later pieces, _Drei Phantasien nach Friedrich Holderlin_, three wild polyphony pieces from German literature, and _Magyar Etudok_, three very complex Hungarian etudes for 16 voices. Those pieces are all outstanding but honestly I think everything I've heard by Ligeti is worth hearing. Check out Ligeti edition 4 for more vocal works, some of which are the best of Ligeti's works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Requiem/Requiem Section    6. Secular Choral Music a cappella    7. Secular Choral Music for Female Voices   

Reviews (12)

Yes, this version really "pops"
One of the other reviews stated that this version "pops", and I have to agree.Messiah is a widely performed, as it should be.Even a frequently performed great piece of music has aspects that can be profitably explored in new and different ways, and that is what Perlman and crew do.
One of the Best Messiah Recordings on the market.
This recording of Handels Oratorio Messiah by Martin Pearlman
Majestic, Powerful, with Tempo and Flair
I own 3 full Messiahs (Martin Pearlman, Christoper Hogwood's, and Robert Shaw's) and a couple of highlights CDs.I like and recommend Hogwood because he employs a boys choir, which gives the choral added depth and clarity.However, this recording by Martin Pearlman & the Boston Baroque continues to be my reference recording against which I judge all others.This is, without question, Handel's Messiah precisely as it was meant to be:Majestic, Powerful, with tempo and flair. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Classical    4. Classical Music    5. Oratorio    6. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Editorial Review

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you.From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Read more

Reviews (22)

Heard this with NEW appreication.........
This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.

Wynton's the best
I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.

Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions
For anyone who loves trumpet music as I do, this album is a must.Wynton Marsalis has mastered twenty all-time favorite pieces with such brilliance, that no other trumpeteer comes near by comparison.Opening with J. Clarke's, The King's March, Wynton proceeds to favor listeners with such baroque favorites as Purcell's Entrada from "The Indian Queen," J. Clark's The Prince of Denmark's March and J. Stanley's Trumpet Voluntary.Fantastic selections from Bach, Mozart, and Haydn follow, with the album also including such delightful listening as The Last Rose of Summer, Carnival of Venisee, and Flight of the Bumblebee.You won't be disappointed with this purchase! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Incidental Music for Orchestra and Voices (or Sem    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Concerto Grosso    10. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    11. Duo for Two String Instruments    12. Jazz    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Pop    18. Quartet for Four String Instruments    19. Russian Romantic Opera    20. Symphonic   

Reviews (2)

Music for Personal Relection and Prayer
Sacred Treasures IV is a beautiful tapestry of tonal prayers and a wonderful tool for quiet reflection. Each piece has been carefully selected for its text, musical texture, instrumentation and performance.The collection has much variety in these respects, incorporating a distinctly different setting of Our Father in a folk setting for women's voices, a secular setting from Morten Lauridsen's Poem Cycle: Le Chanson des Roses, as well as two instrumental pieces by Arvo Part. Still,a continuity of atmosphere and purpose gives the listener a sense of inner peace.
Stunning Musical Expressions of Piety
This CD is another fine offering in the "Sacred Treasures" series.Unlike many other compilations, the represented ensembles are some of the best in the world and each piece has been chosen with deliberation and care.This particular volume highlights the continuity of the sacred music tradition, reaching back to high craft of Renaissance Polyphony (Tom?s Luis de Victoria) to today's more contemporary composers such as P?rt and Lauridsen. From pieces as seemingly disparate as Kedrov's Russian Orthodox "Otche Nash" and Lauridsen's "Contre qui, Rose" the listener obtains the same sense of a very personal piety.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Hymn    5. Keyboard    6. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    7. Magnificat    8. Mass    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. New Age / Meditation    12. New Age Collections    13. Pop    14. Requiem/Requiem Section    15. V/a Compilations    16. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (3)

Good job
I remember when I was little, I had this cd, but i lost it.I bought a similiar type of one through TIme Life and decided to try the Classical Thunder one.I have like it so far.

Masterful!
This two CD set is magnificent.I got the set in the early 1990's when it was advertised on television, along with other releases in Time Life's set.I was struck by the interpretations of the conductors.Whenever I hear these pieces now, I judge them against this recording.Amazing selection as well.There are staples of orchestra repetoire, like Beethoven symphonies, but also gems that are not heard very often, like the Rimsky-Korsakov "Procession of the Nobles." A very impressive recording.

Great CD of Classical music's power pieces!
I got this CD when I was around 16 because I loved a lot of the music on this double CD set. As a student pursuing a Music Education major, it has been a great asset for my musically, and just great for listening to. I will drive on short trips and take this with me and blast it louder than the guy in the next car blasting rap music. I also take it skiing as it sets a great tempo down the mountain. This is a great CD for anyone that loves music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    3. Ballet    4. Band    5. Cantata    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    9. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    10. Film    11. Film Music    12. French Romantic Opera    13. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    14. March for Orchestra    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Orchestral & Symphonic    18. Orchestral Music    19. Requiem/Requiem Section    20. Romantic Orchestral Music   

Editorial Review

There are two English Davises, both conductors: Colin and Andrew--no relation. Colin recorded a landmark Read more

Reviews (22)

Overproduced!
There are many brilliant moments within this recording including some of the solos, BUT the use of too much brass and an organ give it too much of a 'production number' feel.{My experience with The Messiah includes singing it on stage at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall ~30 times total among other venues - as a bass section member.}While not a true purist in that all the choral members be male [ala boy sopranos and altos...] a harpsichord, limited brass and a fairly small orchestra is better suited to the baroque music and renditions which are supposed to be emotive, evocative and spiritual.This rendition is just too far into the big, brassy and bassy is better zone!

This is one of my favorite Messiah albums!!
I can't get technical about this CD set like others have, all I can say is I think all the singers & orchestra sound fabulous & I just get lost in it.This is 1st copy I bought when I left home.Lost my Messiah in a move & couldn't remember any info on the CD, after searching/listening on several sites found it thankfully.I'm very happy I was able to find it again!

Big, bassy and brassy, but there are better options
Davis uses a lot of organ pedal underpinning for the choruses, making for good fun in the big choral moments. There's also some very noticeable brass reinforcement in the big choruses where it's not part of Handel's, admittedly shorthand, scoring. The arias are pretty much played straight by a big string section with continuo. I've listened to this several times but I never come away with much of an impression one way or the other - aside from some very palpable and impressive low bass from the orchestra. The soloists vocalize nicely, but there's a generic quality to the whole enterprise. If you like this sort of thing, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's remake on the Nightpro label uses the Prout orchestrations set against the string/continuo accompaniment of the arias. Some of the latter's soloists have seen better days, but there's no out and out disaster. The Nightpro DVD-audio version in 5.1 channel sound is also very impressive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Oratorio    6. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

King's College Classic
Way back in the dark ages, before CDs roamed the earth, I purchased the LP of this recording. It remains my favorite performance of Britten's work. The voices of the choir, accompanied by one harp, weave an achingly beautiful tapestry of sound. It is a wonderful way to introduce children and friends to the English choral tradition of sacred music.

Britten Brilliance
Captivating from start to finish: EMI has programmed & remastered this bounty of Britten choral work superbly. The Choir of King's College,Cambridge performs with stunning sensitivity, ethereal, heartbreaking & transcendent. A just classic disc ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Hymn    7. Modern Mass    8. Sacred Choral Music    9. Te Deum   

Reviews (7)

Can listen all year
This is a great cd and Farandole has been a favorite of our son for over a year (he's 2 1/2).I highly recommend it!

A Must For Boston Pops Lovers
Poor Keith Lockhart did not have the easiest time when he first came to Boston. He made a few major mistakes. First, he shortened the 1812 Overture at the July 4th Concert at the Esplanade, which may have been a decision of the television stations carrying the broadcast, but it, went over with a thud. His first few Christmas concerts were not critically acclaimed, though crowds still attended. By the time his album HOLIDAY POPS was released, things got a bit better for poor Keith, and now he is as much of a Boston institution as anyone. Thank you, Keith Lockhart
In an age of Christmas artists like Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Who came up with these names anyway?), it's a blessing that we still have artists who have become as timeless as the Christmas music that they play.For many years, the Boston Pops Orchestra has had an annual tradition of performing Holiday Pops concerts in December, with the audiences enjoying champagne and refreshments on the floor.And Keith Lockhart has certainly done an excellent job of carrying on the tradition long maintained by Arthur Fiedler and John Williams.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Oratorio    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Suite for Orchestra    14. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (8)

A great introduction to Baroque music...
This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.
Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque.But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music. Phenomenal Collection of Music
Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    10. Classical Music    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. Oratorio    14. Orchestral    15. Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments    16. Symphonic    17. Symphony    18. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (12)

One of the most beautiful Christmas albums
I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

A Christmas Collection For The Ages
If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.
Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas
I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Holiday    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Opera    10. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Vocal    13. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Editorial Review

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?Read more

Features

• Extra tracks

Reviews (10)

Beautiful and Amazing
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.

These Three Kings Rule!
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!

Another Winner
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Battle Music    2. Carols    3. Choral    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical Crossover    8. Irish    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Pop    13. Requiem/Requiem Section    14. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal    18. Vocal Music   

Reviews (4)

A blast of brass
I first encountered this on cassette, quite by accident. It later became the background for my work at morning at the easel painting watercolours. But this is no wallpaper music. The technical genius of matching separate recordings of different trumpet parts is surpassed only by Marsalis's bright and lively technique. The masters would be pleased. As for the watercolours, I can now stand before them and see the music's influence on paper. Well worth the listening...

Old school Wynton
This cd features a lot of Wynton's earlier piccolo playing, which, while perhaps not as brilliant as you'd hear on his Gabriel's Garden album, is slightly more refined and appropriate to the repertoire. That isn't to say he doesn't embellish; The Fasch concerto has some tastefully inserted ornaments. "Let the Bright Seraphim" is as well played with soprano Edita Gruberova as it is in Wynton's later recording with Kathleen Battle. The Purcell selections on the album are probably the best examples of good piccolo playing I've found, particularly the trills. One only need listen to the "Entrada" to see how delicate and refined the playing on the whole album is.

fabulous
Marsalis' prodigious talent coupled with the greatest of Baroque brass composers is a combination that cannot be beat!Of course, Anthony Newman takes everything (less the slow stuff, of course) at his characteristic "lively" pace, but Marsalis keeps up.His execution of the ornamentation is awesome!Gotta have this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Incidental Music for Orchestra and Voices (or Sem    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Miscellaneous Sacred Choral Music    9. Mixed Chamber Ensemble with Keyboard    10. Ode    11. Oratorio    12. Trumpet Concerto    13. Vocal