A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has made more than 20 seasonal recordings since its first one (for broadcast to U.S. servicemen in Europe and the Pacific on Christmas Day, 1945), but none finer than this one, led by the group's newly appointed music director, Craig Jessop. Featuring lush arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford, it emphasizes the gentler, more rapturous moods of the holiday, especially in such beautiful settings as Wilberg's of "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?" and "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and Bradford's fantasy on "What Child Is This?" Balancing these are several selections in which the choir's blazing, full-voiced splendor shines forth, including Wilberg's festive arrangements of "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as Bradford's colorful take on "Pat-a-pan." The choir's singing is magnificent. Listen to the way the men lead off "The First Noel" and to how the full chorus builds the piece to a gorgeous climax, or to the virtuosic job the singers do in the "Carol of the Bells" (with its echoes of Rachmaninoff's The Bells). Impressively backed by the Orchestra at Temple Square, this is a disc to treasure, and a tribute to the admirable work being done in Salt Lake City by maestro Jessop--who now seems poised to inherit the mantle of Robert Shaw. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or a worthier musician. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Sweet Peace
Be Still, My Soul
Peace Like a River
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Lord Is My Shepherd
This Is My Father's World
Wayfarin' Stranger
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
Lamb
Child's Prayer
It Is Well With My Soul
Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
Gaelic Blessing
Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends
Come, Let Us Anew

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-06-14

This CD is a must have for any Mormon Tabernacle Choir fans. The music is very reverent and gentle, and should also appeal to those not from the LDS church, seeing as how most of the music is common to the wider Christian community. This CD is a fantastic addition to any music collection.

A few bright spots, but also some disappointments.......2007-01-19

It Is Well With My Soul is one of my favorite-favorites and that is the main reason why I bought the CD; it turned out to be a huge let down on this album, they rearranged it so much that I almost didn't recognize it. Be Still My Soul is another reason why I bought it and it's good, but not great. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is where it starts to get good. The last two songs "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends"
and "Come, Let Us Anew" are very good reasons to buy this CD, they each have truely powerful passages and make the CD worth having. The Mormon Tabernacle Choirs 2006 release entitled Then Sings My Soul is by far the best that I've heard from them.

This CD Deserves SIX Stars!.......2005-11-05

However, the rating scale has a limit of five. I own over 700 CDs of virtually every type of music. Peace Like A River belongs in a class by itself! I've never written a review before but, after listening to this STUNNING performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I feel compelled to share my praise with that of the five other reviewers. If I were limited to one word, I would use the word "SUPERB" to describe this beautiful and moving CD. SIX stars for Peace Like a River! BRAVO!!!

every good adjective .......2005-08-06

This album is all beauty and solace. The singing is pristine, the arrangements lush and often stirring--never saccharine. As with the previous reviewer, my first listing of "Peace Like a River" brought me to tears (especially "Peace Like a River," the sopranos in "Swing Low," and the bagpipes in "Thou Gracious God"). Buy this one.

Fabulous!.......2005-05-29

The perfect recording to help you recover from a long, hard day. Showcasing the MTC's "new" sound in contemporary choral arrangements with its own orchestra and conductor, "Peace Like a River" brought tears to my eyes in selection after selection during my first listen -- and I'm not normally an emotional person! The title song together with "Deep River," "Swing Low" and "Be Still My Soul" are alone worth the cost of the recording. Get this one!

Average customer rating:

Perfect starter CD!

America's Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

Peace Like a River
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Songs from America's Heartland

ASIN: B0002CX1LQ
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

Fanfare Alleluia/Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
This Is My Father's World
Hallelujah Corus
Fugue In C Major
Come, Come, Ye Saints
O Home Beloved
Come Let Us Anew
Bound For The Promised Land
Shenandoah
Cindy
Danny Boy
Climb Ev'ry Mountain
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Praise TO The Lord, The Almighty (Reprise)
God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Customer Reviews:

Perfect starter CD!.......2005-02-12

I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this CD yet. Released in conjuction with the Nationally-released PBS documentary "America's Choir" - this album is a perfect starting place for people who wish to have a sampler of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Serving as both a latter-day "greatest hits" and a stand alone album, this CD gathers six tracks from the Choir's recently released albums "Consider The Lilies," "Spirit Of America" and "Peace Like A River" and adds TEN brand new tracks recorded specially for this project, creating a perfect sampler of both the Choir's magnificent history and it's current sound. It highlights the strengths of the Choir's repetoire, from well-known hymns ("Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing") to patriotic standards ("Battle Hymn Of The Republic") to folk songs ("Shenandoah," "Bound For The Promised Land") and even some surprises, like the traditional Welsh anthem "O Home Beloved" and the "Fugue In C Major (Jig)" for organ and orchestra. A wonderful, wonderful CD, with startling changes in mood and tempo, but with the unifying artistry of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Sqare.

Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas

Average customer rating:

An awesome performance!
WELL DONE, EVEN OVERDONE
Mormon Tabernacle at their Best

Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
It's Christmas
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

ASIN: B0000025LY
Release Date: 1990-07-16

Tracks:

Joy To The World
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
O Come All Ye Faithful
Carol Of The Bells
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
White Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Carol of the Drum (Little Drummer Boy)
Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Silver Bells
O Tannenbaum
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

An awesome performance!.......2005-01-08

Wow!!! A tour-de-force by America's preeminent choir! Those people that can "feel choral music in their soul", rather than just listen to music, cannot help but to be impressed with this CD. Of especial power are "Joy to the World", "Silent Night", and the "Hallelujah Chorus". Hearing these songs sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has to be as close to listening to Heaven's Choir of Angels that you will get here on earth.

WELL DONE, EVEN OVERDONE.......2001-01-03

After listening to many recordings by this choir - and many of their Christmas recordings - I have come to the conclusion that their tendency to add elements such as a brass and percussion ensemble interferes with their presentation of music. (In this recording, they are joined by the Columbia Brass and Percussion Ensemble.) The programm here brings out the greatest hits of Christmas - and it is odd perhaps to hear them perform a number such as WINTER WONDERLAND. The singing is uniformly fair to good, becoming exceptional in HALLELUJAH CHORUS and FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN. One thinks back to the great Christmas recordings they have done - two LPs come to mind - THE HOLLY AND THE IVY and THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR SINGS CHRISTMAS CAROLS. And their excellent LP under Leonard Bernstein. That is the sound that suits them best. The straightforward, unadorned sound that made them famous.

Mormon Tabernacle at their Best.......2000-12-19

This is classic Mormon Tabernacle Christmas music. This is a must in everyone's Christmas collection. We have enjoyed them for decades on LP. We were not disappointed in this CD. Their voices are full and vibrant as ever. Their enunciation and diction is so clear you understand each word. Their selection consists of the classic carols, and modern Christmas songs. A choice between the CD,"Sleigh Ride" with the subtitle of the Mormon Tabernacle and this CD favors this one; as the other only has one selection actually song by the choir.

Average customer rating:

An Emotional Favorite
Short and sweet
My Favorite Recording of Handel's Messiah
Worth it for Warfield alone
Nostalgic, but that's about it

Handel - Messiah - Mormon Tabernacle
George Frideric Handel , Eugene Ormandy , The Philadelphia Orchestra , Eileen Farrell , Martha Lipton , Davis Cunningham , William Warfield , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Joy of Christmas
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Messiah: An Oratorio Complete Vocal Score (G. Schirmer's Editions of Oratorios and Cantatas)
Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis
Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner

ASIN: B0000024OE
Release Date: 1991-07-16

Tracks:

Messiah: Overture
Messiah: Comfort Ye, My People
Messiah: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
Messiah: And The Glory Of The Lord
Messiah: Thus Saith The Lord
Messiah: But Who May Abide
Messiah: And He Shall Purify
Messiah: Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive
Messiah: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion
Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
Messiah: There Were Shepherds
Messiah: And The Angel Said Unto Them
Messiah: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel
Messiah: Glory To God
Messiah: Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind Be Opened
Messiah: He Shall Feed His Flock

Tracks:

Messiah: His yoke Is Easy
Messiah: Behold The Lamb Of God
Messiah: He Was Despised
Messiah: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
Messiah: And With His Stripes We Are Healed
Messiah: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
Messiah: Life Up Your Heads
Messiah: Why Do The Nations?
Messiah: He That Dwelleth In Heaven
Messiah: Thou Shalt Break Them
Messiah: Halleluja!
Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Messiah: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
Messiah: The Trumpet Shall Sound
Messiah: Worthy Is The Lamb

Customer Reviews:

An Emotional Favorite.......2006-12-06

My father, a tenor vocalist, performed as a soloist in the Messiah in Tucson, AZ in 1940. He chose this recording to introduced me to the Messiah in the early 1960s. Granted, some tempos are "different", and the 1950s recording technology does not fully recreate the capabilities of the chorus. But, having spent my life listening to and attending performances of the Messiah, this is by far my favorite. If you are looking for a full choir, full orchestra version, this is it. Enjoy it as I have for decades.

Short and sweet.......2006-11-27

Very simply: For close to 50 years my Christmas season doesn't begin until I hear this wonderful recording. Christmas isn't Christmas without it! Enjoy it with your heart.

My Favorite Recording of Handel's Messiah.......2006-01-23

I am no music expert. In fact, technically speaking, music is something I know nothing about. I have purchased seven different recordings of Handel's Messiah and this is my favorite one. It just pleases me more than any of the other recordings I have listened to so far.

Worth it for Warfield alone.......2006-01-17

While the tastes of the vast classical music CD-buying public --all 7 of them-- has moved on to more lean, agile performances with smaller choirs and authentic instruments, there are still reasons for buying this collection. One of them is William Warfield, arguably one of the most wonderful Bass voices ever produced in this country.

For me, Warfield's rendering of the bass arias and recitatives of this work are the definitive ones. Diction, intonation, voice quality, emotion, all are unsurpassed. There is utter conviction.

Warfield also sings in the Bernstein recording; I have not heard that, and cannot comment. There is a selection of most popular cuts from this album; it might be better value for most customers.

Eileen Farrell does a fair job with I know that my redeemer liveth. And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has this going for it: they do sound like a good amateur choir, rather than a professional choir, which is (to me) a plus, since Messiah choruses have the feel of participation numbers rather than things you sit back and listen to.

Arch

Nostalgic, but that's about it.......2005-12-06

I've never cared much for this recording and repeated listening still doesn't give me a clue about all the enthusiasm for it. First, Ormandy's consensus tempos just lumber along, like in Beecham's humorous comment on Gotterdammerung, "like an old cart horse." If you equate ponderous to profound, you won't be disappointed. The cuts, typical of the era, give us a Reader's Digest condensed version of the story of the redemption of humankind. I always wondered why "Rejoice greatly" was missing until I read an interview with the late Eileen Farrell a few years back. For unexplained reasons, she simply didn't want to sing it. I've always wondered why Ormandy acquiesed. As a group, the soloists are OK, but surpassed numerous times in the almost half century since this was recorded. For whatever reason, the famed MTC doesn't (to me at least) live up to its sterling reputation or the missionary fervor of the LDS. I may be in the minority on this, but they sound much more alert and attuned to the nuances of the narrative in the later recording with Willcocks. The orchestrations are the Mozart/Hiller retouchings. Rigidly insisting on historical performance practice is not my thing. I find much to enjoy in this performance's comtemporaries by Sargent and the older Thompson Stone version with the Handel and Haydn society that has never found its way onto CD. For that matter, the older tradition is also well represented by Boult and Klemperer (even Susskind) with a simpler string/woodwind orchestra sonority without the retouchings. For that matter, Beecham's kaleidoscopic and controversial version gets more to the heart of the matter than this middle of the road coziness.

Average customer rating:

A Timeless Christmas Classic

Joy to the World
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
It's Christmas
A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
The Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir

ASIN: B00006L3ON
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Joy To The World
The First Noel
Deck The Hall
Carol Of The Bells
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O, Holy Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Here We Come A-Caroling
O Tannenbaum
Silent Night
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
Hallelujah Chorus (From Messiah)

Amazon.com

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sets the tone for what Christmas albums should sound like, and Joy to the World upholds their exacting standard of excellence. Re-released from two concerts recorded in 1970 and 1977 and repacked with three bonus tracks, this collection is as perfect as it gets, thanks to pristine production, gorgeous vocal arrangements, and stately accompaniment by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. This record will set the mood for reveling, both with more contemporary carols, like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song," and sacred numbers, such as Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and "O Holy Night." Joy to the World qualifies as an essential yuletide album. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

A Timeless Christmas Classic.......2003-12-08

I'm a lover of traditional Christmas music and I've acquired about 20 CDs of it. There's nothing my family likes better in December than putting on some good Christmas music and getting in the mood for the season, hearing once again the old favorites you've known since childhood. Of all the Christmas music CDs I've tried, I have two desert-island favorites, the two I always reach for first. This is one of them. I think it's one of the greatest recordings of traditional Christmas music ever made. The arrangements (by Arthur Harris) are joyous, beautiful, and soul-stirring; the performances are heartfelt and magnificent. If you can listen to this CD and not feel filled by the Christmas spirit, you must be (a) named Ebeneezer Scrooge, or (b) deaf. This one is a timeless Christmas classic, not to be missed. Warmest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Incredible
Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!

Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
It's Christmas
Love Is Spoken Here
America's Choir

ASIN: B0002ABTGC
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

I Saw Three Ships
Away in a Manger
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
Still, Still, Still
Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
O, Green and Shimmering Tree, Good Day!
What Sweeter Music
Angels' Carol
Fum, Fum, Fum!
Candlelight Carol
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Silent Night
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-09-22

I have about 40 Christmas CDs, and this one is in my top 2 or 3 favorites. The orchestra compliments the choir so beautifully and the offerings here are varied and interesting. 5 stars!

Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!.......2004-09-20

This brand-new recording of Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir is marvellous. Recorded on their own "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, this is the choir's first recording of seasonal music, and it surpasses any previous holiday release that the choir has made.

Using the music of both John Rutter and the arrangements of Mack Wilberg, "Sing Choirs of Angels" enjoys a wonderful flow from track to track: from the propulsive "Fum, Fum, Fum" to the sublimely meditative "What Sweeter Music"; from the majestic "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" to a brand new music and lyric setting of the gentle "Still, Still, Still" there is something here for everyone. Listening to this recording brings a warm holiday spirit into my heart and home.

Recorded in the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and using the versatile Orchestra at Temple Square, the choir and orchestra sound luminous and warm; these new recordings truly are miles above anything the Choir has done before - the polish and feeling that they bring to these new recordings are stunning.

The booklet that accompanies the CD is beautiful as well, with full color photographs of traditional Christmas symbols, full lyrics, track by track commentary, and a glossary of what each Christmas symbol means. This is a quality gift to give to friends and neighbors to help usher in the Christmas season. Unreservedly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD
Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?
A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album
Stunningly beautiful
Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
George Frideric Handel , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , John Jacob Niles , Christmas Traditional , Barlow Bradford , Felix Mendelssohn , Franz Xaver Gruber , Craig D. Jessop , John Longhurst , Robert Breault , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
The Joy of Christmas
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

ASIN: B00004WKD2
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Carol Of The Bells
I Wonder As I Wander
Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?
Masters In This Hall
The First Noel
How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
Pat-A-pan
What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger?
One December Bright And Clear
Fantasy On 'What Child Is This?'
Hark! The Herald Angel Sing
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Silent Night

Amazon.com

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has made more than 20 seasonal recordings since its first one (for broadcast to U.S. servicemen in Europe and the Pacific on Christmas Day, 1945), but none finer than this one, led by the group's newly appointed music director, Craig Jessop. Featuring lush arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford, it emphasizes the gentler, more rapturous moods of the holiday, especially in such beautiful settings as Wilberg's of "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?" and "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and Bradford's fantasy on "What Child Is This?" Balancing these are several selections in which the choir's blazing, full-voiced splendor shines forth, including Wilberg's festive arrangements of "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as Bradford's colorful take on "Pat-a-pan." The choir's singing is magnificent. Listen to the way the men lead off "The First Noel" and to how the full chorus builds the piece to a gorgeous climax, or to the virtuosic job the singers do in the "Carol of the Bells" (with its echoes of Rachmaninoff's The Bells). Impressively backed by the Orchestra at Temple Square, this is a disc to treasure, and a tribute to the admirable work being done in Salt Lake City by maestro Jessop--who now seems poised to inherit the mantle of Robert Shaw. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or a worthier musician. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD.......2007-01-19

CD arrived in perfect condition; however, the front of the jewel case was cracked.

Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?.......2005-12-29

There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.

A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album.......2005-12-28

What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.

If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.

"What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.

For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."

Stunningly beautiful.......2005-12-14

I have heard and enjoyed many recordings from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir over the years. Then, it happened. I heard Joy to the World from this album on the radio and it sent chills up my spine. That never happened. A thrilling arrangement. The other music equally excellent as described. If you have never been big fan of Christmas music, get this album and surprise yourself.

Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas.......2004-12-09

The Mormon Tabernacle choir is already known for their beautiful voices of praise. When you add the orchestra of temple square and the spirit of christmas, you receive even more. This CD portrays the birth of Christ. It is beautiful!

Average customer rating:

Get a "Handel" on Christmas

Great "Messiah" Choruses
George Frideric Handel , Richard P. Condie , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Make A Joyful Noise
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Songs of the Civil War & Stephen Foster Favorites
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

ASIN: B00000252R
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Messiah: Glory To God In The Highest
Messiah: And The Glory Of The Lord
Messiah: Lift Up Your Heads
Messiah: Behold The Lamb Of God
Messiah: His Yoke Is Easy
Messiah: Worthy Is The Lamb
Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Messiah: But Thanks Be To God
Messiah: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - And With His Stripes We Are Healed - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
Messiah: Hallelujah

Customer Reviews:

Get a "Handel" on Christmas.......2000-11-17

If you like Handel's Messiah but get bored with the solo's then this is the CD for you. Handel's Messiah has been around for many years, with different versions. I like this CD because the collection of the most famous and beloved chorus' are found here without having to hear all the solo's which are usually included on the other CD's that I have found. The chorus' are the best known and those that I look forward to hearing at Christmas. The quality of the rrecording is excellent and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir does a great job at what they do best.