Spirit of Christmas

Track Listings

1. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

2. Tell Us, Shepherd Maids

3. O Little Town of Bethlehem

4. Snow Lay on the Ground

5. Shepherd's Story

6. For Christ Is Born

7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

8. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

9. Coventry Carol

10. Silent Night

11. Carol of the Bells

12. Glory to God in the Highest

13. Three Kings

14. Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light [Christmas Oratorio]

15. Bethlehem Night

16. What Perfume This? O Shepherds Say!

17. Christmas Day

18. O Come All Ye Faithful

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

Mass of the Children
A Brilliant Masterpiece
Britten-lite :(
Outstanding!
Beautiful!

Mass of the Children

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

John Rutter Collection
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter
John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers

ASIN: B0000BX5K6
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

Mass of the Children
Look at the world (1996)
To every thing there is a season (1997)
Wings of the morning(2002)
A Clare Benediction (1998)
I will sing with the spirit (1994)
Musica Dei donum (1998)
I my Best-Beloveds am (2000)
Come down, O Love divine (1998)

Album Description

This is the FIRST ALL NEW RECORDING OF JOHN RUTTER'S MUSIC IN TEN YEARS! "Mass of the Children was written in late 2002 and early 2003. The occasion of its first performance in February 2003 was a concert in New York's Carnegie Hall involving children's choir, adult choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and orchestra. I had always wanted to write a work combining children's choir with adult performers, not only because I find the sound of children's voices irresistible but also because I wanted to repay a debt. As a boy soprano in my school choir I had been thrilled whenever our choir took part in adult works with children's choir parts, such as the Mahler Third Symphony and the Britten War Requiem, and years later I remembered this experience and wanted to write something that would give children a similar opportunity to perform alongside adult professionals". From the notes - John Rutter

Customer Reviews:

Mass of the Children.......2006-03-24

My daughter is performing this work with her high school chorale. She is the main listener, and is totally enamored with this particular recording.

A Brilliant Masterpiece.......2005-12-24

After being able to perform this piece myself, I know that is is just amazing! I reccomend it to anyobdy who likes spiritual, uplifting music.
Nice work, Mr. Rutter!

Britten-lite :(.......2005-03-30

I contemplated on this 3-star rating for a bit, especially after reading all the 4- to 5-star ratings preceding this. John Rutter is a terrific and charismatic choral conductor and writer. His editing on Fauré's Requiem really galvanized the popularity of that work, not to mention his own very heart-felt Requiem setting as well. Speaking of Requiem settings, my bone to pick about the "Mass of the Children" work is such that it emulates (albeit in a heart-felt and sincere fashion) other large-scale works that involve orchestral, treble and mixed choruses, very specifically Benjamin Britten's unforgettable War Requiem. I couldn't help but feel a bit slighted by the last few pages of "Mass of the Children" and its much diluted rendition of the War Requiem's counterpart conclusion. I think those famliar w/ the Britten will know what I mean. It's hard not to draw a comparison because the similarities are striking yet determinedly contrived.

In any case, I do understand that the participants and "target audience" are perhaps less lofty than that of the Britten. According to the score inscription, this was "written at the inviation of Peter Tiboris and MidAmerica Productions."

There are other anthems on this CD that offer a nice addition. I think the Clare Benediction is a stand-out as a great latter-Rutter anthem, with a characteristically satisfying, fluent and "inevitable" cadences towards the end.

Outstanding!.......2004-12-27

As an avid choral enthusiast, and having performed The Mass of the Children, I can say that this is one of Rutter's finest works. Without a doubt, Rutter truly allows his soul to shine through in this masterpiece. The children's choir is fabulous, and the music gives me chill bumps whenever I hear it. I highly recommend this album!

Beautiful!.......2004-09-11

I sing with my school choir, and was blessed to be able to perform the Mass of the Children with the school. It is a beautiful mass-- the lightness of the childrens voices with the power of the adult choirs make a moving and powerful mass. The orchestra is stunning, just enough to add beauty to the piece. Rutter's Mass of the Children is a must-have for any person who enjoys this type of music.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful CD
Great music; interesting group
My humble opinion.....
Completely beautiful
The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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Similar Items:

1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
American Angels
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
La Bele Marie: Songs to the Virgin from 13th-Century France
Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy

ASIN: B0006OBW8E
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
A Great Soulful Christmas CD!
What a disappointment!
Ray Charles
Brother Ray is a great gift to us all

The Spirit of Christmas
Ray Charles
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered]
The Christmas Song
Frank Sinatra Christmas Collection
Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters
Christmas Through the Years

ASIN: B000003432
Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

What Child Is This
The Little Drummer Boy
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
This Time Of The Year
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
That Spirit Of Christmas
All I Want For Christmas
Christmas In My Heart
Winter Wonderland
Christmas Time
Baby It's Cold Outside

Amazon.com

The cover of this holiday classic pictures Ray Charles with a sleigh-full of gifts. That's an appropriate image, since he's so generous with the soulful sounds contained inside. Ray's gravelly growl may turn sweet on such merry romps as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," but he doesn't fully hit his groove until he delves into the set's more grown-up material. He gives "Winter Wonderland" a soul transfusion the likes of which you won't see on many televised Christmas specials, and really lights a fire under "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now that's the spirit! --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-05-23

Ray Charles never fails to deliver a beautiful performance. His rendition of "The Spirit of Christmas" is so moving and simply beautiful. I listen to the song over and over. It's sad that Mr. Charles is no longer living but the treasure of music he left with us is priceless.

A Great Soulful Christmas CD!.......2007-01-20

Ray Charles' unmistakable voice makes for a very enjoyable and soulful Christmas CD. Contains many classics as well as songs you don't often hear. My favorites include Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, This Time of the Year, and That Spirit of Christmas. Excellent!!

What a disappointment!.......2007-01-19

The quality of the recording on this cd was absolutely terrible! It sounded 'tinny' and 'scratchy'. I love Ray Charles, but unless I just happened to get a bad copy, don't waste your money.

Ray Charles.......2007-01-18

A classic Christmas CD by the legendary Ray Charles, a must have for the holidays. I received my CD in lightening speed too and will definitely do business again!

Brother Ray is a great gift to us all.......2006-12-24

Ray's treatment of these classics is unique and could only be done by him. Ordinarilly, I don't even like "The Little Drummer Boy" but when the pedal steel kicks in along with blues vocals and big band horn refrains, I have to say "Wow, what a great song". Ray Charles could make ANYTHING sound good.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard Von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins [Hybrid SACD]
Feather on the Breath of God
Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00070EBRG
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Average customer rating:

Canticle of the Sun: Excerpts From Published Reviews

Amy Beach: Canticle of the Sun

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Similar Items:

Amy Beach: Violin Sonata, etc.
Amy Beach : Piano Quintet ETC
Amy Beach: Songs
Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto
Amy Beach, Passionate Victorian: The Life and Work of an American Composer, 1867-1944

ASIN: B000009N6V
Release Date: 1998-07-21

Tracks:

Canticle Of The Sun, Op. 123, 1928
Invocation For The Violin, For Violin And Piano, Op. 55, 1904
With Prayer And Supplication, Op. 8, 1891
Te Deum, From Service In A, Op. 63, 1905
Constant Christmas, Op. 95, 1922
On A Hill, 1929, Solo Song
Communion Responses: Kyrie Eleison, Op. 122, 1928
Communion Responses: Sanctus, Op. 122, 1928
Communion Responses: Agnus Dei, Op. 122, 1936
Communion Responses: Spirit Of Mercy, Op. 125, 1930, Solo Song
Communion Responses: Evening Hymn, Op. 125, 1936
Communion Responses: I Will Give Thanks, Op. 147, 1939
Communion Responses: Peace I Leave With You, Op. 8, 1891

Customer Reviews:

Canticle of the Sun: Excerpts From Published Reviews.......2000-11-26

"The latest recording of (Beach's) work, 'Canticle of the Sun,' has just been issued by Albany Records and features the Capitol Hill Choral Society and a fine group of Washington (DC) soloists, directed by Betty Buchanan... The performances are skilled and idiomatic throughout." The Washington Post

"This sacred music collection represents an important contribution to the recorded literature of American composers... In this performance the text is presented clearly, and fine attention is given to the dynamic extremes of the (Canticle of the Sun). Unison passages highlight the choral ensemble's good blend... A particular strength of this recording is the variety of the selections it contains. Included are large accompanied choral works, unaccompanied selections, two solo songs, and (a) composition for violin and piano." The Choral Journal of the American Choral Directors Association

Tracks:

Prelude
Bridal Procession
The Battle Of Kershenetz
Apotheosis Of Fevronia
Introduction
Redowa
Lithuanian Dance
Indian Dance
Cortege
May Night
Christmas Eve

Tracks:

Overture On Russian Themes
Skazka (Fairy Tale)
Sadko (A Musical Picture)
Piano Concerto
Concert Fantasy

Customer Reviews:

Good sampler of the master's music.......2006-12-14

Rimsky-Korsakov is one of the most influential Russian composers. Part of the Mighty - Five, he composed numerous works inspired by folk music of various Russian and East European nationalities. Many of them were made to accompany ballets, plays and famous Russian stories. This two-disc set contains excerpts from many of his lesser-known pieces. So there is nothing from Scheherezade or his symphonies. Instead we have music from Mlada, Sadko, and other pieces unknown to all except the die-hard Russian fans. All the music on both discs are orchestral, and exemplify the Russian Romantic style of evocative and emotional melodies.

Of the two discs, I prefer the first, as it contains more, shorter, self-contained pieces. The second disc contains only longer works. The orchestration is fine. Both discs are over an hour long, so this set is a great buy for its price. Note that the cover picture can differ, the set I bought was from Virgin Records and has a totally different cover than the one shown here on Amazon.

Rare Rimsky Extravaganza!.......2005-12-19

With the classical music market flooded in excerpt reissues, this 2 CD set is a welcome budget addition for any romantic period collection. The varied selections are drawn from the 1972-1978,VOX output and are decently remastered. Rimsky-Korsakov composed 16 known operas and it was his custom to make
orchestral suites for them. The three in this set are typical of the composer's fantasies. All his life he loved fairy-tales,
nature, and folklore. He used colorful and bizarre tales for his operas, and wrote colorful and brilliant music to set them off. Each of the three included here feature an introduction,
some lovely themes and some exotic effects. "Christmas Eve" is evocative but it's storyline is based on paganism. Each suite is just right and dosen't outlast it's welcome.
The overture to "May Night" is cut from the same mold. The "Overture On Russian Themes" utilizes the same melody in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" representing the Russian forces.
"Shazka"(Legend)is another fairy-tale based on a prologue by Pushkin. The enchanting score for "Sadko, a Musical Picture" preceded the opera by the same name by thirty years. With all Rimsky's descriptive orchestral music, we forget he composed symphonies and concertos.

Rimsky-Korsakov's short(under 12 mins.)Piano Concerto was probably inspired by his teacher Balakirev, is characteristic of Liszt's one movement form. It's themematic development is unmistakably Russian. In developing his violin writing skills he composed the "Concert Fantasy" based on Spanish themes. It prepared him well for the later "Capriccio espagnol".

The various artists all perform well but one wishes for even more updated sound; hence my reservation for a fifth star. Detailed liner notes are included.

Great Recordings of Rare Rimsky-Korsakov Gems!.......2005-12-11

This 2-CD set contains wonderful performances of some really great music of Rimsky-Korsakov which, unfortunately, has not achieved the popularity of works like Scheherezade and Capriccio
Espagnole. The Invisible City Suite is truly magical: colorful, imaginative music that transports you to a sound-world that is quite different from most classical works. The performance is very good, with very solid sound and accoustics. The Mlada Suite is another colorful Russian showpiece that Rimsky-Korsakov excelled at. An excellent performance too. The May Night Overture gets a brisk, propulsive performance that makes it really enjoyable to listen to. The first CD ends with the rare Christmas Eve Suite No. 2, and what a delight it is! It starts out slow, with an exotic theme that is jovial and intriguing and develops into a number of exciting climaxes, and it is very well-played.
The second CD starts with the marvelous Overture on Russian Themes, which contains at least one theme you're sure to recognize (it's also in the 1812 Overture). A really smashing performance. Next is the rare Skazka/Fairy Tale, sometimes called Baba Yaga. It starts out menacing and contains both lyrical and dramatic themes, which is to be expected, as it is a tone poem that tells a story. The performance is first-rate, though it sounds like there's some background noise going on at times. Next is Sadko, given a fast, exciting performance, though I prefer the Zinman/Rotterdam one. The Piano Concerto comes next, and what a find this is! It sounds just like Rachmaninov at times. It is given a faster-than-usual performance here, which is just what it needs. This rare concerto is so enjoyable that you will wish it would go on longer than its 12 minutes and wish it were performed more often. The set ends with the Concert Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, which is another gem that is extremely satisfying, featuring a great performance by the violinist, orchestra and conductor, as well as great sound balancing and accoustics.
If you get this set together with the Zinman/Rotterdam collection of RK's orchestral works on Phillips
as well as a good performance of Scheherazade (I'd recommend the Spano/Atlanta performance among modern ones or the Karajan/Berlin one among stereo recordings), you'll have almost all of the best music by Rimsky-Kosakov at a really low price.
Do not be put off by the fact that this CD-set features orchestras and conductors that you've probably never heard of, or by the fact that you won't find any reviews by the the standard professional musical critics. You get two CDs filled with great music at a budget price, and the performances are first-rate throughout. It is worth every penny and a whole lot more! I cannot recommend this more strongly!

An unbelievable musical treasure.......2004-07-02

Consider the low prize of this set you'll be rewarde for a long time .
The invisible city is well played , the piano concert is warmth and powerful and the violin concert is much more than a simply promised land . You'll be surprised about the musical richness of Nikolai Rimski Korsakov.

Rare CD, must-have for R-K collectors.......2004-05-14

This is cheap set, but at least two performances makes it best of all existing ; the Sadko with Katims and Seattle SO is the ultimate performance, far best of all - I heard all, with Svetlanov, Serov, and more, and Katims is high over all. I do not undertand it, because nor the orchestra, nor conductor, are of top quality - but really, they did great job. One more piece is quite unknown (but very good) Rimsky-Korsakov piano concerto. This performance is quite faster and more fercious than other exsting, and I think it is fater than it should be (according to music sheet), but still, it has value as rare performance.

Average customer rating:

Somewhat disappointing

Hymns Through the Centuries 2
Recorded Sound , R. Osborne , J. Reilly Lewis , and Cathedral Choral Society
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Hymns Through the Centuries
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ASIN: B00007K2GE
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Peal Bells
Jesus, My All, To Heaven Has Gone
Our Thanks We Give For Love And Hope
In The Bleak Midwinter
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart!
Let All The World In Every Corner Sing
Ar Hyd Y Nos (Organ Solo) - Eric Plutz
Of The Father's Love Begotten
Come Down, O Love Divine
Spirit Of God, Descend Upon My Heart
God Is Love
What Wondrous Love Is This!
All My Hope On God Is Founded
Leoni (Carillon Solo) - Edward M. Nassor
O God Of Our Divided World
Christ, Mighty Savior, Light Of All Creation
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God
I Vow To Thee, My Country
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
Lord Of All Hopefulness
O Brightness Of The Immortal Father's Face
O Praise Ye The Lord!
Hyfrydol (Bagpipe Solo) - John G. Sprague

Customer Reviews:

Somewhat disappointing.......2005-09-25

There are some unique and interesting songs of this album. Unfortunately the performance does not shine. I found the singing and accompaniment a bit slow and monotonous and uninspired. Furthermore, it was difficult to understand the words at times (indistinct enunciation). There are a few exceptions: tracks 3, 4, 9, 20, 21 I gave 3 stars in iTunes; all the rest got two stars or less. If you want beautiful, traditional choral music, I recommend any of the albums featuring the Cambridge Singers over this collection.

Average customer rating:

One of the BEST Seasonal Albums EVER
Christmas Spirit
Christmas In Summer. Why Not?!
Donna Summer: CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (1994)
A Christmas Classic

Christmas Spirit
Donna Summer
Manufacturer: Umvd Special Markets
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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ASIN: B000001E5V
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

White Christmas
The Christmas Song
O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Is Here
Christmas Medley
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Christmas Spirit
Breath Of Heaven
O Holy Night
Lamb Of God

Customer Reviews:

One of the BEST Seasonal Albums EVER.......2007-03-05

Why oh why did this album not receive wider distribution and coverage. It is one of Donna's finest works. She pours her heart and soul into her interpretations of Seasonal favourites including; White Christmas, The Christmas Song and an awe inspiring version of Oh Holy Night where Ms Summers vocals send tingles down the spine. Produced by Michael Omartion (who also produced She Works Hard For The Money and Cats Without Claws) this cd is one of the finest Christmas CD's around. It should have been properly promoted - as it is whenever I play it it draws gasps and solicits questions such as " who is singing and what an incredible voice".
A minor gripe is the rather cheap looking cover - surely Polygram and Donna could have come up with something better at the time.
Thankfully it is now getting a wider distribution under the 'Universal Master Series'
Do not hesitate buy it now, a timeless masterpiece.

Christmas Spirit.......2007-01-11

The best Christmas CD period. A must for any Donna Summer fan and even for those who are not.

Christmas In Summer. Why Not?!.......2006-12-26

Melding together the trademark Summer soul and voice with a Classical/symphonic arrangement turns this collection into a majestic masterpiece. This album is forever a Christmas standard. Here's why:

For starters--quite the standout is Donna's rendition of Amy Grant's anthem "Breath Of Heaven." Combined with the majestic arrangement of Michael Omartian, the deeply soulful Summer vocal touch and an incredible opening narrative all of which gives "Breath Of Heaven" a life all its own that would make Amy proud. Donna's ability to infuse a wealth of feeling is what gives new dimension to an already stunning piece of musical artistry. Taking this even further, "Lamb Of God' is a masterwork. By fusing a closing narrative over "Breath Of Heaven" toward the close brings this album full circle--simply genius!

It's from this plateau vocal and emotional depth as well as the stunning orchestrations which are woven throughout these ten tracks that this becomes an absolutely amazing Christmas collage. With this foundation laid down, even Mel Tormé's classic gets the royal treatment (and rightly so!). Amid such powerful music, this "Spirit" still sparks of fun and spunk with such tracks as "Christmas Is Here" and the title track itself.

Higlights include O Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Medley and O Holy Night

Donna Summer: CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (1994).......2006-11-18

In 1994, Donna Summer released her twenty-first album entitled, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, her first-ever Holiday recording. With this album, Donna Summer really says "Seasons Greetings". This album would really make an awesome Christmas gift.

WHITE CHRISTMAS
An amazing traditional Christmas song.

THE CHRISTMAS SONG
This song is definitely the kind of song that could help us spread that Holiday cheer. Great song.

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Great.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE
AMazing.

Christmas Medley: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?/DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?/JOY TO THE WORLD
I have always enjoyed heart a medley, and this is an amazing medley.

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Although, Donna Summer did a great job with this song, but it does not come close to that Frank Sinatra's recording of this Christmas classic. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Donna Summer's, and I mean no disrespect to the Queen of Disco, and I am not a fan of Frank Sinatra's, but his version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is the best.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Very nice title track.

BREATH OF HEAVEN
Beautiful.

O HOLY NIGHT
A very nice song, but to be honest, I would have preferred if Donna Summer recorded "Silent Night" and put it here instead of "O Holy Night".

LAMB OF GOD
Beautiful.

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year: basically because there's a lot more joy and a lot more peace brought to the world. It's the only time out of the entire year where everyone treats each other with a lot more respect. This Christmas album will always gear me up for the Christmas Holiday, it will remind me of all the Christmas' I have celebrated in my past.

A Christmas Classic.......2006-11-05

This album contains an appealing mix of secular and devotional Christmas songs by the once upon a time disco diva. There's nothing to dance to here since they're all ballads, but the album is a classic of its genre. On several tracks Donna is backed by the Nashville String Quartet and by various choirs on others.

The two slow ballads White Christmas and The Christmas Song are followed by a rousing version of O Come All Ye Faithful, where Donna is assisted by a children's and men's choir. Another highlight is the Christmas Medley consisting of What Child Is This/Do You Hear What I Hear?/Joy To The World, a most impressive arrangement.

I'll Be Home For Christmas comes across as a bit melancholy, whilst Christmas Spirit is joyful and optimistic. The beautiful devotional Breath Of Heaven has a spoken intro. It is a most stirring piece of music with a magnificent melody and soaring vocals. Equally moving is O Holy Night, a slow, tender song with a gospel choir.

The album concludes with Lamb Of God. This one also has a spoken intro from the Gospel and a lovely inspirational sound with its children's and adult choirs. This wonderful album is on a par with two other great Chrismas albums by female vocalists: Noel by Noel Baez and Light Of The Stable by Emmylou Harris. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Sacred Songs & Spirituals

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0007XZUF0
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Sanctus
Ave Maria, Op.52/6
Panis Angelicus
O Divine Redeemer
The Holy City
Amazon Grace
Greensleeves (What Child Is This)
Let Us Break Bread Together
I Wonder As I Wander
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Gesu Bambino (When Blossoms Flowered)

Tracks:

I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
My Lord, What A Morning
Do Lawd, Oh Do Lawd
There's A Man Going Round - Jessye Norman
Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit - Dalton Baldwin
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Dalton Baldwin
Gospel Train - Dalton Baldwin
Great Day - Dalton Baldwin
Mary Had A Baby
Live A-Humble
Walk Together Children
Were You There - Jessye Norman
Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Give Me Jesus

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