A Very Classical Christmas

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The ultimate classical Christmas album featuring music from the Messiah, including the "Hallelujah" chorus on handbells, a suite from the Nutcracker, and some favorite classical pieces, all presented on flute and handbells for that special sound of the season.

A Very Classical Christmas, Music, Sonos Handbell Ensemble, Timothy Day, Ballet, Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra, Baroque Variations for Keyboard, Chamber, Choral, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Classical, Concerto, Holiday, Keyboard, Magnificat, Oratorio, Orchestral, Romantic Ballet, Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra, Violin Concerto, Violin with Keyboard, Vocal, Xmas Classical Vocal

The John Rutter Christmas Album
Average customer rating:

Rutter Christmas Album

Unique and Beautiful!

Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album

Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review.

John Rutter and Cambridge Singers

The John Rutter Christmas Album
Cambridge Singers , Rutter , and City of London Sinfon
Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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John Rutter Collection

Cambridge Singers Christmas Album

Christmas Star

Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers

Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B00006JJ4T
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

Wexford Carol
Jesus Child
There Is a Flower
Donkey Carol
Wild Wood Carol
Angels' Carol
Nativity Carol
Mary's Lullaby
Star Carol
Candlelight Carol
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
Christmas Lullaby
Dormi, Jesu
Love Came Down at Christmas
Sans Day Carol
I Wonder as I Wander
What Sweeter Music
Joy to the World
I Saw Three Ships
Deck the Hall
Very Best Time of Year
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Silent Night

Album Description

Top of the British Classical Charts for 10 Weeks! Billboard Top Ten Classical Recording - December 2002! This album gathers together most of the carols I have composed over the years, plus a sprinkling of my arrangements of traditional carols, grouped to form a program which narrates, reflects upon, and celebrates the Christmas story. I have always enjoyed carols ever since I first sang them as a member of my school choir, and it was not long before I began to write carols of my own-in fact my first two published compositions were the Nativity Carol and the Shepherd's Pipe Carol. For any musician involved in choral music, Christmas is an especially joyous time, and I am indeed happy that it has played a part in my musical life for so many years- JOHN RUTTER

Customer Reviews:

Rutter Christmas Album.......2007-05-14

Great selection of music, and well presented. This is however older recordings that do not match the quality of Rutter's latest recordings such as the Te Deum or the Gloria.

Unique and Beautiful!.......2007-03-09

John Rutter, and his beautiful music, is such a gift to the world. This unique Christmas CD is magnificent! Especially touching are two of Rutter's original carols, "Christmas Lullaby" and the joyful "Angels' Carol." The musical selections speak to the soul, helping the listener connect to emotions of joy, peace, faith, hope, and love. This is a worthy addition to your collection of Christmas CDs.

Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album.......2007-02-19

If I were to choose only one Christmas album to ever own, this would be the one. John Rutter is an exceptional composer of religious music, with unusual harmonies. The music is difficult to sing, and because this is his own choir and he is directing it, the performance is flawless. Gives you goosebumps.

Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review........2007-02-07

Great music by John Rutter: Great performance!

John Rutter and Cambridge Singers.......2007-01-18

This is quintessential English cathedral music; beautifully sung. Reminds one of the English Christmas -- warm and serene -- that we've only experienced in our dreams!

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Janet Baker is simply the very best!
Grace Incarnate
A Rare & Glorious Singer

The Very Best of Janet Baker

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al
Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)
Very Best of
The Very Best of Lucia Popp
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles

ASIN: B00005UUOW
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Christmas Oratorio: Bereite Dich, Zion
Messiah: He Was Despised
Elijah: O Rest In The Lord
Alto Rhapsody
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
L'Invitation Au Voyage
Pie Jesu (From The Requieum Op.9)
Sea Pictures Op.37: I. Sea Slumber-Song
Sea Pictures Op.37: II. In Haven
Sea Pictures Op.37: III. Sabbath Morning At Sea
Sea Pictures Op.37: IV. Where Corals Lie
Sea Pictures Op.37: V. The Swimmer
The Angel's Farewell - Ambrosian Singers

Tracks:

Linden Lea
A Boy Was Born, Op.3: Corpus Christi Carol
Pretty Ring Time
Prison
Soir
Clair De Lune
Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III)
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
Wiegenlied (Schlafe, Schlafe)
Die Forelle
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
An Die Musik
An Sylvia
Nacht Und Traume
Heidenroslein
Du Bist Die Ruh'
Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges
Liederkreis, Op.39: Mondnacht
Frauenliebe Und -Leben Op.42: Du Ring An Meinem Finger
Geistliches Wiegenlied
Befreit
Morgen!

Amazon.com

While it is impossible to really squeeze The Very Best of Janet Baker onto just two CDs, this two and a half hour anthology is a fine portrait of the British mezzo-soprano. Central to CD 1 is Elgar's Sea Pictures, a definitive account with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. While other British music is represented by Vaughan Williams's "Linden Lea," Britten's "Corpus Christie Carol," and Warlock's "Pretty Ring Time," CD 2 balances the program with 10 Schubert songs accompanied at the piano by either Gerald Moore or Geoffrey Parsons, which range from "Ave Maria" to Shakespeare. The set lends equal weight to orchestral and more intimate song, as well as to works in English--a very moving reading of Handel's "He was despised" from Messiah--and European landmarks, including Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song and Brahms's Alto Rhapsody, the latter with a superlative London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Adrian Boult. In an age of technically dazzling but sometimes bland singers, this release is a reminder of emotionally intense musicianship that retains vocal clarity and commitment to the composer's intentions over superstar ego. The word great is often used all too easily, but it could not be more appropriate for this outstanding collection of a great singer. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

The Very Best of Janet Baker is simply the very best!.......2005-02-09

This cd and this amazing musician are an absolute must have for any music lover or music snob alike! Her voice is amazing!

Grace Incarnate.......2002-09-02

If there is one singer who has ever truly been able to master the singer's art of interpretation, this is her. She is a gift to music, I truly believe this. A few words, or glowing adjectives could not accurately describe the singing of a woman who epitomizes art. And music. Grace and beauty.
Each track on this cd is a perfect union of poetry, melody and technicality. Dame Janet Baker fully immerses herself into each piece, and delivers highly commited, intelligent & emotional performances.

A Rare & Glorious Singer.......2002-06-10

This is a pretty good cross-section of Dame Janet's output from the prime of her career. There are few if any singers like her around today. There are many mezzos who can sing beautifully, with great articulation and finesse, but they lack the moral and musical integrity Dame Janet always brought to her singing. The voice is ardent, seeking, yearning, finding, exulting. Listen to the excerpt from "Dream of Gerontius" or the third of the "Sea Pictures" to see what I mean.
She does not sing to show off. She sings to enlighten, to illuminate, to reveal, to enter into. Her voice carries us off, near to Heaven.
Dame Janet has been neglected of late. This recording shows us why, in these perilous times, we need her more than ever.

Average customer rating:

Elly Ameling now more available
Delight in every note
While they last...
Treasures From a Treasure
More than fully earned praise for an exceptional singer.

Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)
Elly Ameling
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Elly Ameling ~ Schubert · Schumann - Songs
Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)
Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Ave Maria--Lieder
The Very Best of Lucia Popp

ASIN: B00007KMSJ
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Matthaus-Passion
Johannes-Passion
Weihnachts-Oratorium
Juditha Triumphans
Messiah
Crudel Tiranno Amor
Die Schopfung
Orlando Paladino
7 Lieder
Le Nozze Di Figaro
Exsultate, Jubilate Ch'io Mi Scordi Di Te, K505
Misera! Dove Son! K369
18 Lieder
Frauenliebe Und- Leben
11 Lieder
20 Morike-Lieder

Customer Reviews:

Elly Ameling now more available .......2007-03-07

I had a 33 rpm album of Elly Ameling singing Schubert lieder accompanied by piano and clarinet at times. It was one of my all time favorite albums so I have been disappointed that I have not been able to find it anywhere on CD.

Now I can just buy this excellent collection. So much music in one place! Since I confess that I am far from an expert on the rest of her records, I look forward to hearing her sing many other styles and composers.

I think it is silly to criticize her for not singing Wagner, for example, since her version of many songs, especially lieder, are nothing short of sublime. I would like to hear how many Wagnerians sing Schubert or Mozart.

I doubt if they could approach the skill and soul with which Elly Ameling sings lieder.

Delight in every note.......2006-03-10

To speak as briefly as possible about this superb collection from an equally superb singer, what can I say but that Ms Ameling possessed a voice that shone with radiant warmth and star-like shimmer? And unlike many another light lyric soprano, Elly Ameling was possessed of a very high standard of musicianship, considerable intelligence, and a sort of immediate charm that captivates the listener.

So many of her recordings have still to be released on CD, but this 5CD-set goes some way towards remedying the situation. The repertoire spans a wide variety - French mèlodies, Lieder, light-hearted "sentimental" songs, Bach, etc. - and in each piece, Ms Ameling shows that quality of pearl-like beauty. It is a beauty which is also extremely pretty - a beauty of voice that is never overbearing and over-ripe, but perfectly blossoming upon the tree of inspiration.

I recommend this set unequivocally. It truly is sheer delight.

While they last..........2005-05-17

Elly Ameling held the quiet stage for recitals of great artistry and dignity for several decades and sadly most of the enormously successful CDs of her long career output are now unavailable. For those who have little access to the documentation of this very special artist, this box set is a must. It is a compilation of many of her recordings with differing accompanists, conductors, orchestras and composers. And while not all of the choices for inclusion here would be considered her greatest moments, there are enough works that sustain the warm memories of the little Dutch hausfrau who quietly and simply paid homage to composers with her clear and intelligent musicianship and radiant voice.

Ameling was known to schedule recitals of Schubert cycles and songs and in the afterglow of her performance answer the demand for curtain calls with additional Schubert melodies: she gifted her audience with the dignity of honoring a composer's works by maintaining the focus on that composer rather than milk the audience with the usual encore applause-getting favorites. And special moments such as quietly and pensively strolling through the orchestra during the Mahler 4th symphony to arrive at front stage, unapplauded, just in time for the opening line of her singing - those simple homage to composers and collaborators made her selfless manner endearing to audiences.

Despite the fact that Ameling's voice was on the small side she was always able to muster the projection to carry her message solidly in context with an orchestra. Yes, other more famous singers have recorded Ravel's quintessentially French SHEHERAZADE, but few have the perfection of diction and aura of mystery that Ameling maintained. Whether singing with piano or orchestra, or interpreting Bach, Mozart, Handel, and Vivaldi with the same degree of involvement as Brahms and Schumann and Schubert, Elly Ameling spanned a career that engendered passionate commitment from her fans. And this boxed set is a pocket full of memories to be treasured. Buy it before this too becomes unavailable. Grady Harp, May 05

Treasures From a Treasure.......2004-09-25

Treasures from a Treasure.

Ameling, one of the world's most beloved recitalists is captured here in a 5 CD collection offering some of her most beautiful recordings of song. While we are used to her perfection in songs of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Faure and Hahn, an added joy is her "pop" side, tackling - without a whiff of pretension, Porter, Kern, Gershwin, Ellington, et al.

What an absolute joy it is listening to this amazing artist sing these songs with an almost uncanny natural ease. There is no resorting to a "pop" voice and yet most of these pop standards songs sound as though they could have been written for her. Clean attacks, sometimes a bit of the pop technique of hanging on to a consonant longer than a classical artist normally would shows an appreciation and understanding of the style. Still, there is never once a compromise of her vocal beauty.

I like the way the songs have been arranged for her voice in that she sort of sings them clean, unaffected in the first half and then lets loose and kinda "swings" with it adding embellishments but never really changing her voice (Price, von Stade and other favorite singers of mine seem to have always added a breathy quality to much of their crossover material.)

Ameling doesn't resort to trying to "let her hair down" or get down and dirty, but rather the honest with which she approaches every one of these songs shows how much she enjoys singing them and her style is as refreshing as stumbling onto a cool spring on a sweltering summer's afternoon. A wonderful surprise.

More than fully earned praise for an exceptional singer........2003-07-15

As I had the privilige of hearing this outstanding Lied-singer during her long career in Holland and being the proud possessor of almost all her recordings, I cannot but fully agree with the professional and joyful review of Mr. Robert Holliston from Victoria, B.C. Canada.
Yes, it is unbelievable that of about the 150 recordings Mrs. Ameling made during her long career (for the greater part of course on the 'oldfashioned' LP's, as well as the innumerable Dutch live-recorded radio-concerts), so few CD's have been released.
Speaking of tradition: it was the page-turner of the Wigmore Hall in London who told Mrs. Ameling after her first recital in this hall, that she reminded him of Elisabeth Schumann. (And he certainly didn't mean her looks only!)
For those who are eager to hear her singing Ravel's Shéhérazade (just one example of stirring imagination combined with her Art of Singing) I can tell you that Philips released a 2-box CD of this work in 1999, combined with Debussy's La Damoiselle élue and a compilation of French mélodies, i.e. Debussy, Fauré, Duparc, Satie. One of the gems is Caplet's Le Corbeau et le Renard which even make children, who know the fables of La Fontaine, revel in the singing of the quarrelsome birds....
Her brilliant accompanyist is Rudolf Jansen. Let us cherish great artists in their art!

Healy Willan: Missa brevis 4 & 11; Motets

Average customer rating:

Healy Willan: Missa brevis 4 & 11; Motets

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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ASIN: B00000DNFH
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tradition: Itzhak Perlman Plays Popular Jewish Melodies

Average customer rating:

Good music

Tradition: Itzhak Perlman Plays Popular Jewish Melodies
Itzhak Perlman , Mordechai Gebirtig , Mark Warshavsky , Abraham Goldfaden , Reb Levi Yitzhak , Oscar Strock , Dov Seltzer , Israel Zohar , and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jews With Horns

ASIN: B000002RPA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Jewish Mother (A Yiddishe Mamme)
When The Rebbe Elimelech becomes so very merry...(As der Rebbe Elimelech is gevoyrn asoi freylach)
Reyzele
At The Fireplace (Oif'n Pripetchik brennt a feier'l)
Doyna
Raisins And Almonds (Rozhinkes mit Mandelen)
By the Wayside Stands a Tree (Oif'n Weyg steyt a Boim)
A Song (A Dudele)
Where Shall I Go? (Vi ahin soll ich Geyn?)

Customer Reviews:

Good music.......2007-04-07

First of all I am not jewish, nor have I had any prior experiences with or knowledge of jewish music.
With that said, I have really enjoyed this album especially the song "As the rabbi (can't remember the name) becomes so very merry".

Average customer rating:

An Awesome Experience
Beautiful Voice
Heavenly Peace, indeed!

Heavenly Peace
Darlene Koldenhoven
Manufacturer: Time Art
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00004SZHT
Release Date: 1999-12-16

Tracks:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Gabriel to Mary, Weaping
Joseph's Question
The Star to the Stable
Angels' Pastorale
Angels We Hav Heard on High
Balulalow (O My Deir Hert)
Silent Night
Emmanuel
Pie Jesu from Requiem

Album Description

From Grammy winner, Darlene Koldenhoven, this 'anything but traditional' CD "Heavenly Peace" was selected as "Best Holiday CD" by New Age Magazine; "Album of the Month" by The New Times, Seattle; and debuted #2 on the New Age Voice Radio Charts. This glorious collection of original and traditional songs (some non-seasonal) with non-traditional arrangements will evoke that special holiday spirit all year long. As producer of this successful inde release, Darlene chose or composed and arranged most all the songs to tastefully feature her expressively soaring, angelic, five-octave vocal range, with or without lyrics. The lyrics touch upon the spiritual and emotional sides of all the characters involved in the Christmas Story, while the music and production reflect elements of classical, world, jazz, and new age. A serene and joyful celebration with mostly synthesized accompaniment and acoustic soloists on various traditional and world instruments. If you liked her featured solo, "Aria," in "Yanni, Live at the Acropolis" you'll love her vocal and keyboard work here. With plenty of musical interest for attentive listening, this album will also create a soothing background ambience. From comments by radio programmers, to listeners world wide, EVERY track on this album is musically and spiritually satisfying. Heavenly Peace . . . indeed!

Customer Reviews:

An Awesome Experience.......2005-01-08

Although parts of this recording are sung in a vocal range that the Modern Listener isn't comfortable with, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys extreme talent. Listening to this CD is an experience: I was soaring on Pie Jesu. Koldenhaven is the most exciting female singer since discovering Loreena McKennitt.

Beautiful Voice.......2002-11-19

The tonal quality of Darlene's voice is simply superb. Both rich and delicate. I would estimate at least a four octave range of superb, stylish aural splendor. Her talent goes well beyond just being a superb singer. She also arranged many of the "Heavenly Peace" songs, and produced this CD. Do I have a favorite song? Not really, they are all great for listening. But if I have to select a favorite, it would be "Emmanuel" ... a pure, ethereal song of magical beauty. I play this song over and over and over. The CD is my Christmas morning music while opening gifts. Highly recommended.

Heavenly Peace, indeed!.......2000-11-28

A few seconds into my initial listening to its first track, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," I sensed that Heavenly Peace was not going to be a typical Christmas album, and as the rest of the album unfolded, that first impression became ever more deliciously validated. The multi-layered vocals on the song, in their interplay with the violin solo, alert listeners that they are in for some groundbreaking music, period, let alone a singular contribution to the seasonal literature.

As the album continues to cast its spell, one quickly develops an appreciation for all the unique ways that Koldenhoven informs the holiday musical legacy, making new even the most familiar tunes and, simultaneously, the wonder of the Christmas story. Even more remarkable than her crystal-clear five-octave instrument (from below second alto to up, up, and away) is the fact that she manages to exploit its full range without showy, gimmick-laden histrionics.

Several original compositions, including the wordless "Angels' Pastorale," add depth to the listening experience, and the sensitive lyrics (especially on "Joseph's Question") are worthy of the delicate settings that cradle them. Even the best-known tunes are so imaginatively delivered that one may be more tempted to wonder where one has heard the song before than to (attempt to) sing along. "Silent Night," packaged a bit like The Manhattan Transfer's version, comes the closest to sounding like something I can use as a basis of comparison, although if you're a Sarah Brightman fan, this collection will surely appeal to you, as it mines similarly etheric stylistic territory. It even closes with Koldenhoven's heartfelt (and superior) take on one of Brightman's signature tunes, "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem.

Although hers isn't a household name, you may know the artist for her work with Yanni (she sang "Aria" on his Live at the Acropolis video and his In the Mirror CD), 2+2 (a jazz group with whom she earned three Grammy nominations and one award), or Inner Voices. The latter all-female quartet's 1990 Christmas Harmony is one of those very few holiday releases that have made my playlist every year since its release. I know that Heavenly Peace will join that special group of discs next year, and every year from then on.

Very Best of
Average customer rating:

Remarkable double set for a master voice

The Finest Collection of German Lieder

Very Best of
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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An die Musik [2 CD & DVD Limited Edition]

ASIN: B000083GON
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Die Schone Mullerin
Whoin?
Halt!
Danksagung An Den Bach
Ungeduld
Das Lied Im Grunen
Der Tod Und Das Madchen
Heidenroslein
Die Forelle
Standchen
Du Bist Die Ruh'
Erlkonig/Winterreise
Gute Nacht
Die Post
Von Ewiger Liebe
Die Mainacht
Wiegenlied
Auch Klein Dinge
Fussreise
Gebet
Der Gartner
Lebewohl
Morgen!
Freundiche Vision
Mit Deinen Blauen Augen
Des Antonius Von Padua Fischpredigt

Tracks:

Grosser Herr, O Starker Kong
Erleucht' Auch Meine Finstre Sinnen
Cara Sposa, Amante Cara
Die Frist Ist Um
Leb' Wohl
Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso (II Travatore, Act III)
Cortigiani, Vil Razza Dannata!
Per Me Giunto E Il Di Supremo
Alzati!...Eri Tu
Vanne...Credo In Un Dio Crudel
Era La Notte...Si, Pel Ciel

Customer Reviews:

Remarkable double set for a master voice.......2007-03-25

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is not only one of the most remarkable opera singers but probably the best performer of german lieder ever, and this double set of EMI's The Very Best series is it a vivid proof of it. His noble singing, impressive characterizations and powerful understanding of music is clearly portrayed here.
There is only one thing missing for perfection: Fischer-Dieskau's marvelous performance of Mozart music, absent in this set, but you can find high peaks: Schubert's Das Wandern, Die Forelle (always one of my favorite lieder), Brahms'Wiegenlied, Wagner's Die Frist ist um (chilling) and Verdi's Eri tu (sour mix of rage and sorrow).

The Finest Collection of German Lieder.......2005-01-15

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is the master when it comes to German song. He is the king when it comes to Lied (song) interpretation by any German composer from Gluck to Schubert to Wolf. Sure, people may prefer Fritz Wunderlich or newer greats like Thomas Quasthoff, but everybody must first hear Fischer-Dieskau's take on the song.

I received this CD as a Christmas gift, and was very excited to hear the quality of all the performances. Fischer-Dieskau's specialty is his Schubert Lieder, and his renditions are all fantastic-my favorites are Track 1, Die Schoene Mullerin, with its catchy accompaniment, Staendchen (Track 10), the serenade, and Du bist die Ruh (Track 11). Of course Erlking is a fan favorite, and FD's interpretation is fantastic.

Many people try to describe Fischer-Dieskau's style of interpretation and I find it quite difficult to explain. He has the ability to sing with a feeling of spontaneity, as if he is thinking and feeling the lyrics off the cuff, and yet technically each song is perfect, as if there is complete attention to detail.

The second CD contains excerpts from some of FD's opera/oratorio career, and some of the tracks are quite impressive. I personally prefer James Morris singing Wotan's Abschied by Wagner, but FD's version is extremely moving. FD is a bigger fish in the Lieder world than he is in the opera world, however (if the Lieder world is actually big enough to be a world--maybe just a region).

My take is that anybody who loves Fischer-Dieskau, German Lieder, or just good singing in general will be impressed and happy to own such a CD. I'm not familiar with all of FD's recordings (check it out, there are a lot) to know if these tracks really are HIS BEST, or if there are any glaring omissions, but I think everything on this CD is top-drawer.

How fortunate we are that a man like Fischer-Dieskau came along during the era of recorded sound. This CD is fantastic, and all music-lovers will approve.

Average customer rating:

A Tenors Christmas

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas Favorites from the World's Favorite Tenors
The Three Tenors Christmas
Luciano Pavarotti: O Holy Night
O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca)

ASIN: B0000029Z8
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
O Joyful Children
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Mary's Boy Child
White Christmas
A Medley of Christmas Carols : Joy To The World - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Good King Wenceslas - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - The First Nowell
Agnus Dei
Ave Maria
'Wiegenlied' D 498: Mille Cherubini in Coro
Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4
Ave Maria,
Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana: Ave Maria
Hear My Song
Las Golindrinas
L'Utima Canzone
A Very Private Christmas
Silent Night

Average customer rating:

John Rutter: Music for Christmas
"Mr. Choral Christmas's Finest"
At the Top of My Christmas Playing List!

John Rutter: Music for Christmas
Polyphony , Stephen Layton , and City of London Sinfonia
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Christmas Present From Polyphony
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Carols From Clare College
Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity
Christmas Star

ASIN: B00005QIT4
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

Shephrd's Pipe Carol
Nativity Carol
There Is a Flower
Sans Day Carol
What Sweeter Music
I Wonder as I Wander [Appalachian Carol]
Jesus Child
Wild Wood Carol
Very Best Time of Year
Away in a Manger
Angel Tidings
Christmas Lullaby
Dormi Jesu
Love Came Down at Christmas
Star Carol
Carol of the Children
Mary's Lullaby
Silent Night
Angels' Carol
Candlelight Carol
Amen
Donkey Carol

Customer Reviews:

John Rutter: Music for Christmas.......2007-01-16

Excellent Christmas CD. I especially liked the "Angles Carol" track!
Would recommend this CD to one and all.

"Mr. Choral Christmas's Finest".......2002-11-21

Anyone who truly loves the choral and carol traditions of Christmas cannot miss Mr. Rutter's work. He is truly possessed of extraordinary talent and this fine recording puts it on proper display. The collection here houses the best of Mr. Rutter's original/edited works for the Christmas season, and one can sense the composer's affinity for the spirit of the holidays of which he has written so prolifically and well.

At the Top of My Christmas Playing List!.......2001-12-07

This is just an outstanding collection of choral, Christian selections. The majority are composed by Rutter, who it turns out was led into this field for which he is so well known and loved when in school, he was motivated by a fellow student who was composing a Christimas carol to do the same. Thanks be to God for that motivation!

Rutter's work simply in this humble reviewer has no other contemporary peer. He is reverent, fresh and excellent theology to boot! This collection has his best, including my favorites: "Shepherd's Pipe Carol, What Sweeter Music, The very best time of year, Angels' Carol."

To his compositions, added is Kirkpatrick's "Away In a Manger" and of course, Gruber's "Silent Night", both skillfully arranged and performed. Bonus selections of traditional pieces such as "I Wonder as I wonder."

The City of London Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Layton provides the orchestra background marvelously for Polyphany, the outstanding choir on this work.