The Bells of Christmas

Product Description:
In this best-selling album, the Christmas spirit is captured in favorites such as "Away in a Manger," "In the Bleak Midwinter," and "March of the Kings." This festive collection will bring joy to the holidays through the unique sound of handbells. OVER 25,000 SOLD!

The Bells of Christmas,Ringers,Pugsley,Gloriae Dei Cantores,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Classical Artists

Average customer rating: Mannheim Steamroller I like it Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Extraordinaire Doesn't Really meet the test of time

Christmas Extraordinaire Mannheim Steamroller , George Frideric Handel , Irving Berlin , James R. Murray , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Noel Regney , Christmas Traditional , Ray / Livingston, Jay Evans , Catalan Traditional , Alfred S. Burt , Felix Bernard , Robert Burns , and Chip Davis Manufacturer: American Gramaphone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration Christmas Fresh Aire Christmas Christmas in the Aire The Lost Christmas Eve ASIN: B00005NNDK Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

1. Hallelujah - from 'The Messiah'
2. White Christmas
3. Away In A Manger
4. Faeries - from 'The Nutcracker'
5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
6. The First Noel
7. Silver Bells
8. Fum, Fum, Fum
9. Some Children See Him
10. Winter Wonderland
11. O Tannenbaum
12. Auld Lang Syne

Amazon.com

Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

Mannheim Steamroller.......2007-01-10

I own quite a few of Mannheim Steamroller cd's and love them all.

I like it.......2006-12-18

Although, anyone should definately buy their first two albums from the 80s first, this is much calmer and more sophisticated. The first two albums are much more upbeat and inticing. This is still some beautiful Christmas music though. It's relaxed and possibly more suitable for the parents (not that children wouldn't like it) and creates a really great chilled out loving mood.

Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller.......2006-12-06

This was a pleasure to listen to again!It makes nice background yule-tyde music for the winter solitice holiday celebration.The birth of Jesus also represents the growing length of sunlight and rebirth of life.Also smartly included are Johnny Mathis (O Tannenbaum),University of Michigan Men's Glee Club,Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum Women's Choir, Almeda Berkey directing.They should continue to stick with Christmas standard classics and stay away from the Halloween tunes.This wintertime CD from Mannheim Steamroller is extraordinaire indeed!

Christmas Extraordinaire.......2006-02-26

I am a fan of Mannheim Steamroller and had high expectations for this CD. This is not quite as good as their older Christmas Cd's. It is ok but far from what it could have been.

Doesn't Really meet the test of time.......2006-01-05

With no offense intended to Mannheim Steamroller, I just wasn't very excited about this CD. Probably the best thing on here is the Nutcracker selection, but nothing stands out as being original or a fresh look at music. The best thing I think that can be said about it came from my father, who heard it at Christmas, and said "At least it doesn't sound like all their other music." So, if you are tired of hearing the standard radio playlist of Chip Davis, this might be refreshing. On the other hand, if none of the selections from CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE are being played, then probably none are very good (or popular).

In retrospect, I wish I had gotten FRESH AIRE, which I recognize as having some of my favorite Mannheim Steamroller songs. I'm not throwing this CD away, but it won't be on the top of my Christmas music pile either.

Average customer rating: Only half the songs of the original set!! Its all Christmas A Good Basic Collection cd reviews Poor Quality

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories Ultimate Christmas A Christmas Festival Now That's What I Call Christmas! Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection ASIN: B00005NOZH Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
3. Jingle Bells - Ella Fitzgerald
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Andy Williams
5. Carol Of The Bells/Deck The Halls - The Robert Shaw Chorale
6. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte
7. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
8. My Favorite Things - Eddie Fisher
9. Joy To The World - Julie Andrews
10. Here We Come A-Caroling - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
11. March Of The Toys - The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
12. O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

1. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
2. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
3. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker
4. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
6. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley
7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
8. Sleigh Ride - Johnny Mathis
9. Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
10. Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis
11. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
12. Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

Although I love the CDs, I was disappointed that there were only about half of the songs I thought there would be. I bought the original double cassette set back in the early 90's and when I found the CDs with the same name and cover, I thought I was getting the same thing only on CD. But the Cassettes had twice as many songs, including Let it Snow,Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas,The First Noel, Jingle Bells by Jim Reeves, The Christmas song by the Carpenters and so many others!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

It reminded me of Christmas as a child. I played this all throughout the holidays.

A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music. As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.

My only complaints are that there are only 24 songs on two disks and one or two of them are not ones that I would have picked (not my style).

Overall, it's a good set that I would recommend to anyone who wants to start a collection.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.

Average customer rating: LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT! Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain? At this price, how can one complain?

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booklet) The Arts: World Themes Rise to Globalism Walden and Other Writings (Modern Library Classics) Twentieth-Century World History ASIN: B00004YYRT Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
2. Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
3. Gloria - Oxford Camerata
4. Pavane - Red Byrd
5. Canon - Capella Istropolitana
6. Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
7. Prelude - Laurence Cummings
8. Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
9. Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
10. Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
11. Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
12. Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
13. Andante - Failoni Orchestra
14. Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
15. Adagio - Jeno Jando
16. Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
17. Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
2. Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
3. Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
5. Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
6. Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
7. Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
8. Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
9. Scene - Ondrej Lenard
10. Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
11. Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
12. Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
13. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
15. Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
17. O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
18. Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
19. Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

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

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

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

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

The two sets complement each other very well. Highly recommended.

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 All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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:

1. Joy To The World
2. The First Noel
3. Deck The Hall
4. Carol Of The Bells
5. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
6. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
7. O Come, All Ye Faithful
8. O, Holy Night
9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
10. Here We Come A-Caroling
11. O Tannenbaum
12. Silent Night
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
14. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
15. 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: Traditional Christmas Music The quintessential Christmas recording A Top List Christmas CD The best How do you describe perfection?

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale Robert Shaw Chorale Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Robert Shaw Chorale | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | 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: Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra A Festival of Carols in Brass A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High ASIN: B000003EPA Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
4. Shepherd's Carol
5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
6. Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
7. I Wonder As I Wander
8. We Three Kings
9. My Dancing Day
10. Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
11. Coventry Carol
12. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
13. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
14. Carol Of The Bells
15. Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

These words are no surprise to those familiar with choral music in the United States. If you are not so familiar, but would like to enjoy Christmas music at its most beautiful, you can do no better than acquiring this CD.

Average customer rating: We Three Kings 3 Tenors Christmas Beautiful and Amazing These Three Kings Rule! Another Winner

We Three Kings Anthony Kearns , Ronan Tynan , and Finbar Wright Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Irish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Home for Christmas Sacred The Very Best of The Irish Tenors Heritage Ellis Island ASIN: B0000D9PST Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. We Three Kings
2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Fairytale Of New York
5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. Mille Cherubini In Coro
7. O Holy Night
8. Silent Night
9. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
10. Winter Wonderland Medley
11. Mary's Boy Child
12. Panis Angelicus
13. Pie Jesu
14. How Great Thou Art
15. The Lord's Prayer
16. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
17. America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

Another Winner.......2003-12-22

In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.

Average customer rating: No music gives me more christmas spirit Great Christmas CD. Hands down - best holiday cd EVER Already a favorite Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection

The Bells of Dublin The Chieftains Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Celtic | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Celtic | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Chieftains Long Black Veil Light of the Stable The Wide World Over: A 40 Year Celebration Water From the Well ASIN: B000003F53 Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. The Bells Of Dublin Christmas Eve
2. Past Three O'Clock
3. St. Stephens Day Murders
4. Il Est Ne/Ca Berger
5. Don Oiche Ud I MBeithill
6. I Saw Three Ships A Sailing
7. A Breton Carol
8. Carol Medley: O The Holly She Bears A Berry
9. Carol Medley: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. Carol Medley: The Boar's Head
11. The Wexford Carol
12. The Rebel Jesus
13. Skyline Jig
14. O Holy Night
15. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Arrival Of The Wren Boys
16. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Dingle Set--Dance
17. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Wren In The Furze
18. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': A Dance Duet--Reels
19. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': Brafferton Village/Walsh's Hornpipe
20. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Farewell: The Piper Through The Meadow Strayed.
21. Medley: Once In Royal David's City
22. Medley: Ding Dong Merrily On High
23. Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful

Amazon.com

Ireland's world-class ambassadors the Chieftains seem determined to play with anyone who is anyone, regardless of genre. On The Bells of Dublin, they do an exceptional job of teaming up with the likes of rockers Jackson Browne and Elvis Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

No music gives me more christmas spirit.......2007-01-18

This is a beautiful album. The Irishness and Chieftains-esque thread runs through it all, but the guest appearances make for a varied and unique listen. It is old and new at the same time. I love this music. Merry Christmas to all.

Great Christmas CD........2007-01-12

The Chieftains are, as usual, awesome and with the help of some good friends have crafted what I think is the best Christmas/Celtic CD out there. It came out years ago, but it has never lost it's flavor, timeliness, or sense of pure Celtic enjoyment. An absolute joy to own again and to listen to.

Hands down - best holiday cd EVER.......2006-12-12

The Chieftans are the only ones capable of making the global leap and carrying such a variety of artists to play WITH them. True it's a holiday cd and it's all you expect: inspiring, comforting, humourous and familiar. It's also breath taking beautiful. Light the candles and cozy up; I've never found a better cd for the season BUT! I don't know how some people keep this for holidays only -- I play the Macgarriles and The Wren medley frequently just for a pick me up.

I'm eternally grateful to the Chieftans for the musical education they've provided me throughout the years - amazing artists and this cd is a must if it's not in your holiday collection.

Already a favorite.......2006-12-06

I actually bought this CD because I am a huge Jackson Browne fan and he performs "Rebel Jesus" on it. Turns out that I prefer Jackson's rendition of "Rebel..." on his "Next Voice You Hear" CD MUCH better.
But as for this CD, it's wonderful. I loved it and I have played it every day since it arrived. Light the candles, and turn it up. Even my day care kids love it! I will need to buy another copy...so I have one for my car and one for my home. And a few for gifts for friends and family......a great CD!

Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection.......2006-08-17

I love Christmas music. I'm one of these annoying people who can hardly wait until the day after Thanksgiving to play it around all the other people who can't stand to hear it until then. It's not necessarily a religious thing for me, because it's been true even through my atheist years; but more of a traditional thing associated with the types of European and folk music I like. So I long ago began collecting all sorts of Christmas CD's, both to listen to as a whole, and to combine with others in mixes of music to play at parties, or simply at home while preparing for the holiday.

I've had this one about fifteen years and would never part with it. In fact, I thought it was lost once, bought it again, and ended up with two! I find the Chieftains' and childrens' choirs the most compelling performances. The lone boy's voice singing "Once in Royal David's city" so evokes a blanket of snow with tiny flakes falling down one can imagine young carollers in Ireland. "The Holly Bears the Berry" has always been a favorite in my house simply because of my niece, Holly, who still likes to pantomime her importance in the life of Christ as exemplified by that song (a lot more fun than Deck the Halls, I am told, although that is provided here too).
We are given the history of the trapping of the wren, how people went from place to place to beg money to bury the wren, and then would dance for the people who payed to bury the wren. This is the occasion for glorious dance music that is hard to sit by and just listen to if you are used to getting up to a jig or a reel!

I am not as fond of the celebrities singing on this disk, with the exception of the McGarragle sisters. Their version of the French songs "Il est ne" and "Un flambeau" prove they are as comfortable with folk as pop.

But Elvis Costello is not, and he does not make is black humor sound at all humorous in the "St Stephen's Days Murders."

And I am not sure what Rickie Lee Jones' song sounds like, but it frightens me.

Nancy Griffith's session is fine, but it sounds like a Nancy Griffith session with the Chieftains; they do not blend as well as I would have liked.

The one last jewel, however, regardless of the sound, is the lyric written by Jackson Browne called "The Rebel Jesus." If you are a Christian of any stripe----strong, doubting, seeking; if you're not a Christian wondering why those Christians are so....you know; mostly hypocritical, this may be the song you wish you had written. I often buy Chieftains CDs and Christmas CDs for how they sound, not necessarily the lyric....but this one stops me in my tracks. I'm glad it's on this lovely CD.

Average customer rating: A Timeless Tradition A nice blend of music for Christmas

Candlelight Carols The Choir of Trinity Church Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Now It is Christmas Again Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered] Christmas at Trinity The Spirit of Christmas The Christmas Song ASIN: B0000041Y7 Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

1. O Come, All Ye Faithful
2. Candlelight Carol
3. Carol Of The Bells
4. All Poor Men And Humble
5. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
6. The First Nowell
7. What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
8. King Jesus Hath A Garden
9. A Spotless Rose
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
11. Away In A Manger
12. Joseph est bien marie
13. Sleeps Judea Fair
14. Noel Sing!
15. O Holy Night
16. Suo Gan
17. What Strangers Are These?
18. I Wonder As I Wander
19. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Customer Reviews:

A Timeless Tradition.......2005-12-15

I have been listening to this choir since 1982. I wore out the original tape, in the days before CD's. I have been to the actual performance, a week before Christmas three times and am going back this year 2005.

The performance is so delicate, yet so powerful that it is emotional and moving, regardless of your orientation. Imagine this performance, in the manificent HH Richardson-designed Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston. People wait for hours to get in. The lights go out, the Choir, brass timpani and organ just work so well together. One by one, candles are lit, and the huge church comes alive. The choir processes down the asiles singing in strength and everyone joins in.

It is a spiritual experience even if you are not religious. The strength of the performance invites you to participate. I find myself singing louder than I do anywhere else.

After my first child was born, I held her in my arms, and "Candlelight Carol" became my anthem:
How do you capture
The wind on the water?
How do you count all the stars in the sky?
How can you measure
The love of a mother
Or how can you write down
A baby's first cry?

I am not a musician and to my ear, the Chorus is professional. The tunes are classic, but they bring a new life to familiar tunes.

If you've been feeling stressed out, this is the perfect time to calm the nerves, focus on meaning and purpose, and let you enjoy yourself for a few minutes.

If you can't attend, do the next best thing, get the CD, turn it up till you hear the bass of the organ rumble your rafters and sing your heart out.

Enjoy!

A nice blend of music for Christmas.......2003-12-30

This is one of my favorite discs at Christmas time. It is at once peaceful and calm, yet joyous and expectant. There are the usual brass and organ carols, but also stunning arrangements and performances of lesser-known things. Prime among these are the setting of "Away in a Manger" that makes me want to pull off the highway and listen just to that song without distractions, and the pulsing, exciting "What Strangers are These", which I have never heard anywhere else. Chorally, the disc is a little unsatisfying because of balance issues with the rest of the disc--some songs are loud, others very soft, so it makes it hard to listen to without having to adjust the volume periodically. However, I still wouldn't trade it for all the Messiahs in the world!

Average customer rating: Amazing skills, yet too busy for listening enjoyment John Bayless Christmas Rhapsody best concert pianist in the world My favorite of the season Best Piano Christmas CD ever!

Christmas Rhapsody Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless Romantica Bach Meets the Beatles: Revisited The Puccini Album: Arias for Piano Bayless Meets Bernstein: West Side Story Variations ASIN: B0002VEQ5C Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL / ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH / HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
2. I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS / "GOING HOME" NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
3. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN / DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
4. THE CHRISTMAS SONG
5. RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER / LET IT SNOW
6. AVE MARIA
7. O COME O COME EMANUEL / O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM / THE FIRST NOEL
8. WINTER WONDERLAND / JINGLE BELLS
9. SILENT NIGHT / O HOLY NIGHT
10. SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY / AWAY IN A MANGER / WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
11. JESU JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING / AMAZING GRACE
12. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
13. WHITE CHRISTMAS

Customer Reviews:

Amazing skills, yet too busy for listening enjoyment.......2006-12-13

I can't believe how well John Bayless has mastered the piano. This is very obvious from the first song that you ever hear him play. I'd really like to watch him play in concert. However, the songs on this album are too much work for me to listen to. The music is so busy that I can hardly concentrate on the melody and it hardly gives me the peace I expect from traditional Christmas music. Some of my favorites for this category are Jim Brickman, David Huntsinger, and Tim Janis.

John Bayless Christmas Rhapsody.......2006-02-13

Christmas Rhapsody has quickly become one of our all time favorite Chistmas CDs. We love it so much that it is February 10th and we are still listening to it.

best concert pianist in the world.......2005-08-18

John Bayless is the best concert pianist in the world. This album shows his genuis. Perfect music to listen to any time of the year.
This is the best Christmas album on the market.

My favorite of the season.......2004-12-31

This is the holiday music I have listened to throughout the season, and it is so beautiful I cannot bear to put it away yet. I love Bayless's work at any time, and these arrangements simply take my breath away. His blending of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with "Going Home" from the New World Symphony is particulary poignant. And his signature "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring/Amazing Grace" is seasonless and timeless. Christmas is over, but get this anyway; it's wonderful.

Best Piano Christmas CD ever!.......2004-12-15

David Lanz? Jim Brickman? John Tesh? Move over guys... John Bayless has done what no others could... Taken the xmas classics to a new level of musical enjoyment! By combining the songs together, and making them so rich and full of life, this will be my favorite Christmas CD for a looooooooooong time.

Average customer rating: excellent entertainment The Christmas I Love A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun Wonderful; marvellous ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

The Christmas I Love Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Tuscany At The Movies The Homecoming The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart Romantic Moments ASIN: B0000041OB Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

1. O Daughter Of Zion
2. White Christmas
3. Sleigh Ride
4. From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
5. Ave Maria
6. Transeamus
7. Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
8. Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
9. Jingle Bells
10. Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
11. Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
12. Christmas Rose
13. The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
14. O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
15. Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
16. Dearest Believe Me
17. Come Little Children
18. The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
19. The Holy City
20. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.

Track Listings:

1. The Chants of Easter
2. The Other Portrait
3. Verdi - Don Carlo / Sylvester, Millo, Furlanetto, Chernov, Zajick, Ramey, Plishka, Battle, MET, Levine
4. Wagner: Orchestral Music/Selections
5. Who Is at My Window: 24 Tenor Songs
6. Wolfgang Rihm: Kein Firmament, for 14 Players / Sine Nomine, Study for Five Brass Instruments - Ensemble 13
7. Young Menuhin 1
8. A Distant Mirror-Music Of The 14th Century/Shaklespeare's Music
9. Air, Fire & Water: Music By Handel
10. Annes De Pelerinage 2

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Take Me to Your Heart (Bonus Dvd) [Import]

Beethoven: Sonatas for piano No8; Sonatas for piano No21

April in Paris

Sonny Meets Hawk! [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Attacks When Provoked [Import]

Award Tour [CD-single]

Album [Import]

Beethoven: Sonatas for piano No14; Sonatas for piano No23

Abnormal [Live]

A Lo Cubano

A Fact of The Matter

Anastacia

Asuma

Classical Music classical-music-03

Nothing Is Sound