Nativity

1. The Nativity, Byzantine Christmas Oratorio
Composed by Paul Constantinescu
Performed by Philharmonic Orchestra with Helge von Bomches , Martha Kessler , Emilia Petrescu , Valentin Teodorian
Conducted by Mircea Basarab

Nativity,Constantines,Olympia,Classical,Classical Music

Average customer rating: Worth the price of the CD Beautiful! Better Than Most Soundtracks Lately, but Too Solemn in Every Song CHILLING SCORE TO ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Nativity Story: Original Motion Picture Score Manufacturer: New Line Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs The Nativity Story Apocalypto Blood Diamond Eragon (Soundtrack) ASIN: B000JMKJDW Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

1. Veni, Veni Emanuel
2. Words Of The Prophet
3. Nazareth
4. You Shall Be His Wife
5. The Annunciation
6. To Elizabeth
7. The Magi
8. Why Is It Me?
9. Corde Natus Ex Parentis
10. Return Of Mary
11. I've Broken No Vow
12. Census
13. The Journey
14. Give Me A Sign
15. The Shepherd
16. And Thou Bethlehem
17. Is There A Place For Us?
18. A Star Shall Come Forth
19. I Bring You Good Tidings
20. The Strength I Prayed For
21. The Shepherd's Gift
22. In Rosa Vernat Lilium
23. Silens Nox
24. Rosa Aeterna Floret

Amazon.com

In the beginning, soundtracks to Biblical movies adhered to a Hollywood template with more fidelity than most people attend to the Ten Commandments. The first commandment of Biblical film scores was: "Thou shalt render orchestral grandeur unto the epic as did Elmer Bernstein on The Ten Commandments and Miklos Rozsa on Ben-Hur." Peter Gabriel's score to The Last Temptation of Christ, released as Passion, changed all that like the Second Coming. His mix of world-music elements, wailing singers, and otherworldly electronics prevailed, influencing countless film scores and emulated to almost plagiaristic perfection by John Debney's soundtrack for The Passion of the Christ. Mychael Danna departs from that path on The Nativity Story, the 2006 film interpretation of Mary's journey. His sound is more medieval and classical than Middle Eastern. Rather than blowing Turkish duduks à la Gabriel and Debney, he uses recorders and wood flutes. He likes building from simple folk themes to extravagant expanses where a lone flute segues into a sweeping string arrangement that morphs into slowly cascading voices. He taps into Gregorian chant and plainsong, and even when he uses Persian vocalist Azam Ali (from Vas and Niyaz), he has her singing an Abbess Hildegard-style hymn called "Nazareth." But this is a Hollywood Biblical epic and Danna bends to another commandment of the genre: "Thou shalt wring tears and awe-inspired wonder." You don't need to see the film to know that the heavens must be opening--as they only do in Hollywood--on "And Thou Bethlehem." Danna's The Nativity Story isn't a sea change like Gabriel, but it is a new tributary. --John Diliberto

Album Description

This score follows not only Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, but the centuries of musical reverberations thereafter. It plants its humble seeds in the Middle East where the gentle tones of Persian and Turkish ney flutes articulate melodic figures, and strident Roman horns and drums bind Herod the Great's soldiers to the military terminology of the age. The score then blossoms from these seeds, extending its tendrils across centuries of European traditions. Pre-Baroque instruments such as viola da gamba, vielle, harp, and recorders guide the score westward with the elemental sounds of strings and winds. The second half of the soundtrack covers Mary's isolation and her relationship with Joseph by weaving throughout the choral writing and knitting the work together into a dramatic, reverent whole.

Customer Reviews:

Worth the price of the CD.......2007-03-05

This soundtrack has THE most beautiful version of Silent Night I've ever heard; it's worth the price of the CD just to get that track. (Since the choral portion of the track is sung in Latin, it's called Silens Nox.) When I heard it in the movie, I immediately thrilled to it--it was so gorgeous I wanted to close my eyes and just drink in that glorious music...Bravo!

Beautiful!.......2007-02-22

This CD is the actual movie score containing all the beautiful music you heard throughout! It's soothing to listen to even when it's not the Christmas season!

Better Than Most Soundtracks Lately, but Too Solemn in Every Song.......2007-01-15

THE NATIVITY STORY SOUNDTRACK is a very good CD, but the songs don't stand alone as being great tunes all by themselves, just very decent tunes. The mood of the CD is very somber and solemn throughout, which is okay, but it would have benefited more if there were a bit more variety in the mood, across the entire CD.

THE NATIVITY STORY SOUNDTRACK is better than most CD soundtracks from other films, these days, but it still doesn't have too many memorable melodies to let the listener recognize which song is which.

Sometimes the music uses a hint of a classic Christmas carol, which is always the most distinguishable element of any of the songs. To be fair, this is a movie SOUNDTRACK of background music, and even though the best movie soundtracks contain famous melodies that are instantly recognizeable, (like STAR WARS or JAWS, among others), these most famous melodies are exceptions to the rule. These days, most soundtracks are just lucky to be decent souvenirs of the movie experience, until the film itself is finally released on DVD for home viewing.

If I didn't know this was the soundtrack to this great, underrated, and little seen movie, THE NATIVITY STORY, then I wouldn't be so interested in listening to this soundtrack at all. As it is, I like this CD as a way to help support the movie itself, and to listen to it around other folks, to help remind them that they need to eventually see this film.

I like listening to the CD the best using the back of the CD's song listing, so that I know which songs go with which scene from the film, using my memory. This helps to put the songs in perspective. Otherwise, all the songs start to become one long, indistinguishable session across the entire CD.

Though this soundtrack mostly lacks any really great melodies to use as landmarks throughout the CD, the instrumentation is VERY interesting and expertly researched and arranged! They use a lot of Middle Eastern musical instruments, with a touch of modern recording equipment tricks, and the sound itself is very pleasing and reverent.

I like seeing the film more than I like just listening to the soundtrack at home, of course, but unless I am reading THE NATIVITY STORY NOVEL, or looking through THE NATIVITY STORY GIFT BOOK, then I don't get much listening time out of this CD.

If you are wanting to get THE NATIVITY STORY experience at home, while waiting for the DVD release, then I would recommend THE NATIVITY STORY NOVEL, which has the whole story, and tons of great, extra Bible times details mixed into the story. You will learn a lot about the ancient times and customs and culture from THE NATIVITY STORY NOVEL. I like THE NATIVITY STORY NOVEL even better than the soundtrack, as far as movie souvenirs at home are concerned.

THE NATIVITY STORY GIFT BOOK is not as good as the STORY NOVEL. The GIFT BOOK has one large photo on most pages, but most of the chosen photos have already been used extensively in what little movie promotion was used, so you might not feel like you're seeing anything new, that hasn't already been seen online or in movie review photos. Most of the photos that are used are not very good at showing the movie scenes and events. The STORY NOVEL will ADD to your understanding of THE NATIVITY STORY in a way that the GIFT BOOK and MOVIE SOUNDTRACK do not.

CHILLING SCORE TO ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-12

I SAW THE MOVIE AND I WAS BLOWN AWAY, BUT IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS MEMORABLE WITHOUT A GREAT SCORE TO HELP CARRY IT. TELLING THIS STORY ALONE IS POWERFUL ALL BY ITSELF, BUT THE POINT OF THIS MOVIE WAS TO CAPTURE PEOPLE IN WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE, THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT THIS AMAZING SCORE. IT HELPED CARRY THE EMOTIONS OF THE CHARACTERS AND CREATE A HAUNTING MOOD FOR EACH SCENE. I WOULD NOT HAVE CRIED THE WAY I DID AT THE END WHEN JOSEPH IS CARRING MARY LOOKING FOR A ROOM IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE MUSIC SURROUNDING THIS SCENE WHICH SLOWLY TURNED FROM A MUSICAL PIECE TO CREATE SUSPENSE INTO A RIVITING VERSION OF CAROL OF THE BELLS. IT WAS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL.
FROM THE MOMENT THE CREDITS OPENED TO THE ENDING CREDITS, THE MUSIC WAS INCREDIBLE INTENSE AND WORKED VERY WELL WITH EACH SCENE. SINCE THE MOVIE AND THE SOUNDTRACK, THIS MUSIC HAS LIVED INSIDE ME. THIS SOUNDTRACK IS ONE NOT TO BE MISSED. TRUST ME, YOUR CHRISTMAS MUSIC COLLECTION IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT THIS SCORE WHICH DOES AN IMMACULATE JOB OF REMINDING US OF THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD. BLESS ALL OF YOU OUT THERE, AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS. PLEASE GO SEE THIS MOVIE AND THEN GO BUY THE SOUNDTRACK.

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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: 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:

1. Wexford Carol
2. Jesus Child
3. There Is a Flower
4. Donkey Carol
5. Wild Wood Carol
6. Angels' Carol
7. Nativity Carol
8. Mary's Lullaby
9. Star Carol
10. Candlelight Carol
11. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
12. Christmas Lullaby
13. Dormi, Jesu
14. Love Came Down at Christmas
15. Sans Day Carol
16. I Wonder as I Wander
17. What Sweeter Music
18. Joy to the World
19. I Saw Three Ships
20. Deck the Hall
21. Very Best Time of Year
22. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
23. 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: What In the Heck The first NIB is better The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.... A mixed bag that seems to never fully engage. Disappointing, nu-metal themed Sabbath tribute

Nativity in Black, Vol. 2: A Tribute to Black Sabbath Various Artists Manufacturer: Priority Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Compilations | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nativity in Black: Tribute to Black Sabbath Heavy Metal 2000 [LIMITED] Dracula 2000 (2000 Film) [PA] Iommi Strait Up ASIN: B00004TB8P Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Sweet Leaf - Godsmack
2. Hole In The Sky - Machine Head
3. Behind The Wall Of Sleep - Static-X
4. Never Say Die - Megadeth
5. Snowblind - System Of A Down
6. Electric Funeral - Pantera
7. N.I.B. - Primus w/ Ozzy Osbourne
8. Hand Of Doom - Slayer
9. Under The Sun - Soulfly
10. Sabbra Cadabra - Hed(PE)
11. Into The Void - Monster Magnet
12. Iron Man (This Means War) - Busta Rhymes

Amazon.com

A selection of popular Black Sabbath songs interpreted by longtime metallic favorites (Megadeth, Slayer), newer rock kids (Godsmack, Static-X) and a wild card (Busta Rhymes) makes for a fun, if surprisingly middle-of-the-road, listen. NIB 2 is the first release on Ozzy Osbourne's own record label, and one of the CD's dozen tunes features Oz doing the classic "N.I.B" with pranksters Primus; however, there's not enough of Les Claypool's bass peeking through on the otherwise stellar title. Static-X's otherwise distinct techno take on "Behind the Wall of Sleep" loses the song's inherent groove. Megadeth's true-to-the original version of "Never Say Die" is rollicking. Pantera doing the dirge "Electric Funeral" is not as aggro as one might hope; on the other hand, Slayer turn in a raw and dynamic version of "Hand of Doom." Truly unique renderings come from California band hed(p.e.), who do a trippy, hip-hop/funk version of "Sabbra Cadabra," and from Busta Rhymes, with his take on "Iron Man." Ultimately, though, NIB 2 proves that Sabbath did it first and best, and there's really no improving on the original. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

What In the Heck.......2007-06-04

Why im Fu**ing mother Of Fudge is Busta Rhymes on a black sabbath tribute! Thats not right at all! I never heard this but I can't tell you Black Sabbath whould not to be respent by a rapper (Crapper)I do like the pantera song they did. Pantera is the best!!

The first NIB is better.......2006-07-28

I heard the Nativity in Black part 2 , and except for Slayer , Megadeth , Pantera & Primus which are the best covers on this edition ,the rest of the tracklist (well System of a Down & Busta Rhymes renditions are ok)didn't do much. I prefer the first edition instead.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.... .......2006-03-14

VARIOUS ARTISIS - Nativity in Black Vol. II
-
This album may be a few years old now but after listening again to this the other day I had to leave my 2 cents.
First off cover albums are very difficult to review so I will do a song by song review and average the total score.

1. "Sweet Leaf" - Godsmack - 4.5/5
-A great opener - Godsmack really nailed this track on the head... They gave it a bit of their own edge but still kept the premise of the song.

2. "Hole in the Sky" - Machine Head - 4/5
-Machine Head seems to do either really good, or really, really bad... Luckily this falls within the first.

3. "Behind the Wall of Sleep" - Static-X - 2/5
-Just not feeling the vibe - too `electric' and just too much like Static X...

4. "Never Say Die" - Megadeth - 4/5
-Mustaine does a good rendition but I feel like something is just missing on this cover that stops it from being great... Then again maybe it's just Mustaine.

5. "Snowblind" - System of a Down - 4.5/5
-My favorite song on the CD that sounds little like the original but brings an entirely new element an already classic song.

6. "Electric Funeral" - Pantera - 5/5
-Probably the best cover on the album... Phil and crew do an amazing version of this tune.

7. "N.I.B." - Primus (featuring Ozzy) - 5/5
-I feel bad for Geezer Butler.... Les Claypool schools the old school master on this version... and having Ozzy sing the Vocals only makes this track better.

8. "Hand of Doom" - Slayer - 5/5
-This actually sounds little like what you'd expect Slayer doing a cover to sound like... A very mature sound and probably tied with Pantera for the best cover on this album.

9. "Under the Sun" - Soulfly - 4/5
-Though significantly heavier than the original this is still very well done... Love the breakdown!

10. "Sabbra Cadabra" - Hed (pe) - 2/5
-Yeah it's just weird... Not in the good way like the S.O.A.D. Cover... This is just odd.

11. "Into the Void" - Monster Magnet - 3/5
-Just not feeling this track... Not bad, just not great...

12. "Iron Man" - Busta Rhymes - 1/5
-Yeah umm... ok. "I work hard to take care of everyone of my N!&&#+$..."
I like Busta for rap but please don't EVER!!! Cover Sabbath Again!

TOTAL: 44/60 = 3.66 Stars (rounded up to a generous 4 Stars)

Truth is if you are a Sabbath fan and you like some of the bands on here it is easily worth your time and money... However, if you're a 70's Purist I probably wouldn't bother....

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A mixed bag that seems to never fully engage........2005-06-27

First of all, I'd like to point out that this is a tribute album. That is, other bands interpreting Black Sabbath's music, making it their own to some degree. Seemingly banal, I feel that it is important to stress this since so many reviewers say to listen to Black Sabbath instead. The reason to listen to this disc is to see what other bands (perhaps some you like and some you dislike) do with the music. People who like System of a Down, for example, may like the cover of Snowblind whereas someone who thinks SOAD stinks may seriously dislike their cover since it has their signature all over it.

That being said, how do I think these tracks stack up?

1) Godsmack "Sweet Leaf" - One of my favorite Sabbath tunes, and I like Godsmack. I think it is a good cover, but agree that this is slightly before Godsmack really got it together.

2) Machine Head "Hole in the Sky" - Wasn't really familiar with these guys, but they seem to be in the post-industrial, techno-inspired nu-metal crowd, which I'm somewhat ambivelant toward. Not a bad cover, but they seem to fall apart at the end.

3) Static-X "Behind the Wall of Sleep" - Another favorite Sabbath tune, but I'm not particularly fond of Static-X. If I liked their music, then I'd probably think this was a great cover.

4) Megadeth "Never Say Die" - I like Megadeth. I don't like this cover. Just seems like Dave Mustaine has lost his edge over the past decade.

5) System of a Down "Snowblind" - I like the Sabbath original, though it isn't my favorite. If you like SOAD, then you will probably like this cover (I qualify on both counts). And like me, you'll probably need to look at the song listing to figure out which Sabbath tune this used to be.

6) Pantera "Electric Funeral" - Great Sabbath song, great band, good cover.

7) Primus "N.I.B." - One of my favorite Sabbath songs covered by a favorite quirky band. I like this version.

8) Slayer "Hand of Doom" - this one is really good. Really good.

9) Soulfly "Under the Sun" - not bad. The first part of this is a bit weak, but the transition is great.

10) Hed(pe) "Sabbra Cadabra" - People pick on this one, but I like it. Something different.

11) Monster Magnet "Into the Void" - I like Monster Magnet and I like the Sabbath original. This is an ok cover, but really not the strongest Monster Magnet. Some high points in the song, though.

12) Busta Rhymes "Iron Man" - If you like Busta Rhymes, you'll probably like this song. Iron Man was never my favorite Sabbath song, so this cover really didn't sway my opinion one way or the other.

Overall, there are some tracks that make this a worthwhile listen. Unfortunately, some of the bands just never fully engage with the song, at times keeping the cover from being stellar rather than good (Godsmack) and at others leaving me disappointed (Megadeth). The real deciding point for most buyers will likely be whether you enjoy the bands covering the songs.

Disappointing, nu-metal themed Sabbath tribute.......2005-05-23

The first "Nativity in Black" Black Sabbath tribute album featured a great array of artists that owed their existance to the legendary band: Megadeth, White Zombie, Corrosion of Conformity, Faith No More, Type O Negative, Biohazard, etc. This follow up to that great tribute album, features a few metal mainstays (Megadeth, Pantera, and Slayer) but mostly a lineup of metal bands that gained popularity during the nu-metal boom, and it's closed out by Busta Rhymes. Yes, you read that right. Rapper Busta Rhymes, who for no reason whatsoever, appears on the closing track as he butchers "Iron Man". Before that, rap-rockers Hed (pe) butcher "Sabbra Cadabra" with a reggae like vibe; Metallica's superb cover would have been more than welcome here. Pantera's rendition of "Electric Funeral" is sadly disappointing, while Megadeth turn in a great rendition of "Never Say Die". Ozzy is here as well, along with Primus doing "N.I.B.", which is good and all, but surprisingly not as memorable as Ugly Kid Joe's cover from the last tribute album. Slayer's rendition of "Hand of Doom" is great, while Monster Magnet disappoints on "Into the Void". Machine Head's cover of "Hole in the Sky" and Soulfly doing "Under the Sun" start off nice but go nowhere, while Static-X, System of a Down, and Godsmack hardly manage anything worthwhile at all. If you're a Sabbath fan and you dug the commendable job done with the first "Nativity in Black" album, you'll be supremely disappointed here, and you're better off leaving this on the shelf.

Average customer rating: On of the most amazing tribute albums ever Worthy Tribute, Wise Purchase Sabbath inspired them! Above average tribute album to a legendary band The finest Tribute album ever

Nativity in Black: Tribute to Black Sabbath Various Artists Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt Industrial | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Compilations | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nativity in Black, Vol. 2: A Tribute to Black Sabbath Hell Rules: A Tribute to Black Sabbath Dehumanizer Iommi NOLA ASIN: B000002AQT Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. After Forever - Biohazard
2. Children Of The Grave - White Zombie
3. Paranoid - Megadeth
4. Supernaut - 1,000 Homo Dj's
5. Iron Man - Ozzy Osbourne
6. Lord Of This World - Corrosion Of Conformity
7. Symptom Of The Universe - Sepultura
8. The Wizard - Bullring Brummies
9. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - Bruce Dickinson
10. N.I.B. - Ugly Kid Joe
11. War Pigs (Live) - Faith No More
12. Black Sabbath - Type O Negative

Customer Reviews:

On of the most amazing tribute albums ever.......2007-05-13

This album is extremely good. All songs are amazingly covered by various famous bands like Megadeth, Sepultura, Biohazard, etc.
I became a big fan of Black Sabbath after hearing this album. This is a must have album for anyone who listens to rock/metal.

Worthy Tribute, Wise Purchase.......2006-01-03

I found out about this CD roughly 10 years ago and it still gets regular play and is a necessary addition to anyone who is a fan of hard rock and/or Black Sabbath. I really enjoyed some of the spins put on some of the songs and the creativity added that enhanced some of the originals. Some of these songs actually sound better than the originals and most of them tend to hit harder. This is how I have them rated in iTunes and on my iPod based on the 5 star system:

After Forever (5) - Great opening song, excellent guitar work.

Children of the Grave (5) - Hit it dead on with the update to the original, standout vocals.

Paranoid (5) - Sped up considerably from the original, and works very well.

Supernaut (4) - Good job on the intro and music, just seems a bit long, but hardcore industrial fans will appreciate it maybe a bit more than I do. Probably a 5 if it was condensed a bit, at 6:42 it just drags by the end.

Iron Man (3) - One of Sabbath's classics, just didn't buy this remake with Ozzy. Doesn't really do anything to improve upon the original, but considering the song itself, it's not going to drop too low. Not terrible.

Lord of This World (2) - Didn't care for the original much, nor this one. CoC did a good job of not butchering it, I just think it's a weak song to begin with, would have rather seen them do some other songs, as they're a solid band that got their talent wasted with this one.

Symptom of the Universe (5) - I really enjoyed this one, it's getting criticism from people on here, the guitar part at the end is vintage and brings it back down, thought it was overall good creative spin put to the song. I generally don't dig the whole death metal voice thing, either.

The Wizard (5) - Favorite cut on the album, driving, and i'd say better than the original. The vocals are phenomenal, couldn't have been done any better.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (5) - Probably a close second to the Wizard, this one is amazing as well, and probably another upgrade to the original song.

N.I.B. (5) - Classic bassline, vocals could have been a little cleaner and maybe mixed a little better, but not bad at all.

War Pigs (Live) (5) - There's another cover of War Pigs on a Faith No More studio album that is worth catching if you enjoyed this one. I like both, it's a hard song to pull off.

Black Sabbath (4) - Very well done, a good closer to the album, does justice to the original.

Overall, the album gets a 5, and i'd recommend it to even casual Sabbath fans. You won't be disappointed, and the price is probably fairly low by now.

Sabbath inspired them!.......2005-08-16

Black Sabbath truly is the greatest metal band of all time. So it is no surprise that all of the rockers on this compliation were motivated by Sabbath to do what they do today. Whether they get in the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame or not Black Sabbath is really a legend. A HEAVY METAL LEGEND.

Above average tribute album to a legendary band.......2005-05-22

The first "Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath" tribute album is one of the best tribute albums ever to be assembled, and while not all of the versions here are great representations of the songs from the legendary band, it is still an above average tribute album that deserves to be in any Sabbath or older hard rock fan's collection. Hardcore and rap/metal pioneers Biohazard do a solid cover of "After Forever", while White Zombie superbly remakes "Children of the Grave". Megadeth's lightning speed take on "Paranoid" is worth the price of admission alone, while Ugly Kid Joe turns in a surprisingly great rendition of "N.I.B.". Faith No More's live version of "War Pigs" may grate on some people's nerves because of Mike Patton's vocal change up's, while 1000 Homo DJs' "Supernaut" cover is underrated. Sepultura turns in a cover of "Symptom of the Universe" which is lacking, while sludge masters Corrosion of Conformity turn in a solid rendition of "Lord of This World". Ozzy and Therapy?'s "Iron Man" is essentially the exact same as the classic Sabbath track, while other contributions from Type O Negative, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson & Godspeed, and Bullring Brummies (featuring Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Rob Halford) are pretty solid. All in all, "Nativity in Black" is a great tribute to a legendary and influential band, and it's certainly much better than the second NIB tribute album.

The finest Tribute album ever.......2004-09-26

Listening to this album as a kid got me into heavy metal music and established my love of Black Sabbath.

Average customer rating: Another World Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music A Monument of Early Violin Music An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare

Biber: The Mystery Sonatas Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Biber | Biber, Heinrich Ignaz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Biber: Violin Sonatas Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Biber: Harmonia Artificioso - Ariosa; Tam Aris Quam Aulis Servientes Schmelzer: Unarum Fidium /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Biber: The Rosary Sonatas ASIN: B00005UNXG Release Date: 2002-12-23

Tracks:

1. Praeludium
2. Aria And Variations
3. Adagio
4. Finale
5. Sonata
6. Presto
7. Allamanda
8. Presto
9. Sonata
10. Courente
11. Double
12. Adagio
13. Ciacona
14. Praeludium
15. Allamanda
16. Guigue
17. Sarabanda
18. Double
19. Lamento
20. Aria
21. Adagio
22. Allamanda
23. Variatio
24. Sarabanda
25. Variatio
26. Sonata
27. Presto
28. Guigue
29. Double I
30. Double II
31. Sonata
32. Courente
33. Doubles I & II
34. Finale
35. Praeludium
36. Aria
37. Variatio 1 - 2
38. Variatio 3 (Adagio)
39. Variatio 4 - 5

Tracks:

1. Sonata
2. Surrexit Christus Hodie
3. Adagio
4. Intrada
5. Aria Tubicinum
6. Allamanda
7. Courente
8. Double
9. Sonata
10. Gavotte
11. Guigue
12. Sarabanda
13. Praeludium
14. Ciacona (Aria)
15. Guigue
16. Sonata
17. Aria
18. Canzona
19. Sarabanda & Double
20. Passagalia

Customer Reviews:

Another World.......2007-03-29

Biber heartily embraced gypsy tavern violin virtuosity long before Dvorak or Brahms. This is magnificent music full of elegant and earthy contrasts. The sonatas that employ unconventional tuning open up new worlds of harmonic splendour, yet the crowning piece, the Passagalia, which does employ conventional tuning but isn't part of the Mystery Sonatas, is thankfully included as the final work of a two disc journey that soars the heights of heaven and plunges the depths of human experience. I have the original release of this music with its sumptuous and informative booklet: booklet or not, these are exceptional performances combined with an exceptional recording.

Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music.......2007-03-04

Heinrich Ignaz von Biber was a wonderful composer. The so-called "Mystery Sonatas" also known as the "Rosary Sonatas" have an aire of perfection rarely seen in classical baroque music. Biber has been all too conveniently forgotten and I am not sure why. As with Erik Satie (another of my favorite, yet unknown composers) Biber has managed to shrink in to the darkness of history while his legacy of work should be celebrated.
His work is haunting, exhilarating, enriching and somber. His music conveys a sadness and a joy that few musical works are able to convey. Biber's understanding of orchestration, the workings of instruments in compliment of each other, is astonishing to me. He had an ability, a gift, that only God himself could have given him. If you don't believe in God, then just accept that he was a prodigy of the finest degree and his work was sent from a deep place inside that immediately crawls inside of you. I, personally, call it a religious musical experience.
Absolutely stunning music.

A Monument of Early Violin Music.......2006-12-17

This version of Biber's stupendous ROSARY SONATAS (this is the more correct translation of the original German title) is marked first of all by the stunning virtuosity and graceful lyricism of violinist John Holloway. Simply to master the notes of these sonatas is an immense task in itself: playing scordatura is sort of like ventriloquism, since you are miming a certain set of notes while other notes are sounding. To have worked up these difficult pieces into an intensely expressive, dramatic experience, as Holloway has, is breathtaking. Then there is the variety of continuo instruments arrayed for each sonata. In various tracks we hear organ, harp, lute, violone, lirone (a gamba viol sounding to these ears somewhat like a harmonica) and regal (a small, portable organ with a rasping, nasal sound, used to great effect in the "Crowning with Thorns" sonata). Finally, the fact that this recording is priced far lower than any of the other major versions (Goebbel, Manze) makes it doubly attractive. I was disappointed by the scarcity of program notes, understandable given the budget price: we are not informed, for example, of the scordatura tuning of the individual sonatas, and I would have liked a more detailed discussion of the pictorial and symbolic elements used by Biber in the sonatas. However, the notes include a link to Virgin's website promising "a more detailed introduction".

Perhaps it's best not to take in this colossal work all at once. For a sampler, try tracks 14-15 of CD 2 (the "Assumption" sonata) and hear some of the most buoyant, joyous violin playing in existence. You'll be instantly mesmerized.

An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas.......2006-09-22

Much can be written about the difficulty of this music form the 17th Century by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber - and other reviewers here have given superb descriptions of those complexities - but the end result of works such as this is in the response it produces in the listener.

Biber wrote these Mystery Sonatas to represent the three sets of mysteries from the Bible: the Birth, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Christ. The recording is by Tragicomedia with Davitt Moroney and John Holloway in this impeccably performed recording of impossible music: the music is impossibly difficult to play and impossible not to draw and emotional response from the listener. Some may find this version a bit dry sounding, but for this listener that only enhances the other-worldly sense of the music.

The sixteen sonatas are named as follows: Part I: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, The Finding in the Temple Part II: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging of Jesus, The Crowing of Jesus with Thorns, Jesus carries His Cross, The Crucifixion Part III: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Ghost, The Assumption of our Lady, The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Passacaglia. With the simplest combination of instruments Biber was able to elicit the feelings of each of these mysteries.

For those who love Period Music this recording is a complete success and a treasure to own. For those who have yet to step into this ethereal world, this is a very fine beginning. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06

Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare.......2004-02-23

I own three versions of Biber's Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas, and a fourth recording (by Manze) of other Biber sonatas along with the famous passacaglia that concludes the set. All of the versions (the other two being by Rheinhard Goebel on Archiv and Suzanne Lautenbacher on VOX) are beautiful, because the music is. Perhaps the passacaglia is the most beautiful 8 to 12 minutes (depending on performer) in the entire musical library. I rate the Holloway version as the best in terms of the passacaglia. The pacing seems perfect (Goebel is fast and almost dancelike, Manze quite slow but with more flare) and is about the same as that of Lautenbacher, the latter being performed on a modern instrument with her usual good taste and limited vibrato. Certainly the Holloway version has the most delicious ending to the passacaglia, when the minor key resolves to a major that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The Goebel and Manze versions both have a decorative flourish on the final note that, while beautiful, detracts in my opinion from the simple beauty of the key resolution. How two reviewers could give this recording only a single star is beyond comprehension! Even if one grants that Moroney is not as "lively" a harpsichordist as the performers on the other versions, my response is, "So what?" Maybe if you're a harspichord fanatic you drop the ranking from five stars to four, but the work is overwhelmingly a violin piece with harpsichord ACCOMPANIMENT. To downgrade the ranking of the entire recording to one star completely ignores the fantastic beauty, technical perfection, and haunting introspection of Holloway's performance on the violin. Besides, it's not as if Moroney actually is "incompetent." The descrition I would use is "tastefully understated, recognizing that this is primarily a violin recording." In contrast to the fun Goebel version and the good but more yeoman (yeoperson?) Lautenbacher version, Mr. Holloway plays with greater sensitivity but still with plenty of guts (not referring to the strings here) when drama or a discordant double-stop are called for. Again, ALL of the versions I've heard are great, and I'm tempted to buy yet another, but I always recommend the Holloway to my friends.

Average customer rating: Choral perfectionists. Sublimely beautiful!

Christmas Present From Polyphony Polyphony , and Stephen Layton Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Grainger | Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lauridsen | Lauridsen, Morten | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Lauridsen, Morten | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rutter, John | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna John Rutter: Music for Christmas Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001 ASIN: B00030NU4A Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Choral perfectionists........2007-02-19

This is an essential Christmas choral CD. The program itself is fabulous and unique, lacking the tacky "favorites" found on most recordings of this type. Entirely a cappella except for two Rutter arrangements with orchestra. Not a single track is lacking in depth and sincerity.

Polyphony is one phenomenal choir. For its small size, it has truly unmatched sustaining power and control (demonstrated most astonishingly in Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and the end of Howells' A Spotless Rose). The only disappointment on the entire disc is Grieg's gorgeous "Ave Maris Stella" in which, for whatever reason, the men sing with a rather unblended and even wobbly sound while the women are almost entirely straight-tone. "Sing Lullaby" by Howells is a priceless gem worth several times the cost of this CD....a powerfully haunting piece performed here to utter perfection and taste. You will also find what is most assuredly the most perfect and definitive recording of "O Magnum Mysterium" to be found anywhere. The balance and length of line this incredibly gifted ensemble achieves in this too-often-performed piece will leave you breathless.

Sublimely beautiful!.......2005-02-01

Heavenly music, beautifully captured in a location with fantastic acoustics. This is music that needs to be heard on headphones or outstanding surround sound to be really appreciated. Here I am in February still listening to this CD of Xmas music... it's very calming to the soul. I can't recommend this highly enough.

Average customer rating: Christmas Songs Wonderful CD Hauntingly Beautiful Beautiful Music! SACRED SONGS INDEED, A SOUNDTRACK FOR THE WHOLE WORLD

The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: New Line Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Nativity Story: Original Motion Picture Score The Nativity Story - A Novel The Nativity Story Gift Book The Nativity Story Christmas Offerings ASIN: B000I2IROG Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. For Unto Us
3. Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)
4. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
5. Labor Of Love
6. Mary Sweet Mary
7. Silent Night
8. Mary, Did You Know?
9. Angels We Have Heard On High
10. The First Noel
11. O Holy Night
12. For The Beauty Of The Earth (Nativity Version)
13. The Virgin's Lullaby

Album Description

This compilation of sacred Christmas songs performed by popular artists is a great companion piece to the film (in theaters December 1st), and the perfect soundtrack to your holiday season. "The Nativity Story" tells the tale of two common people - Mary and Joseph - a miraculous pregnancy, an arduous journey, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. Brought to life with an unprecedented attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy, this film tells how, from humble beginnings, great things can come.

Customer Reviews:

Christmas Songs.......2007-05-30

I was under the impression this was "THE" soundtract...not just some various artists songs...not happy at all.

Wonderful CD.......2007-05-29

While the whole CD is wonderful, the song, "The Virgin's Lullaby" is worth the price of the CD. I've listened to it over and over and it's not even Christmas!

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2007-05-16

My daughter purchased this CD in December after we had seen The Nativity Story movie. We listened to it throughout the Christmas season. I was blessed by the hauntingly beautiful songs, and it greatly enhanced the season of anticipating and joyfully receiving the Christ Child. I wanted to be able to listen to it every Christmas season, so have purchased my own copy. I unreservedly recommend this CD to anyone wanting to make their Christmas season a blessed one.

Beautiful Music!.......2007-01-19

What a great addition to our Christmas CD collection! I boughht the Cd because I had heard a few of the songs played on the radio but EVERY song is just beautiful!

SACRED SONGS INDEED, A SOUNDTRACK FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.......2006-12-13

I BOUGHT THIS SOUNDTRACK BEFORE I EVEN SAW THE MOVIE, AND FROM THE OPENING TRACK IT WAS SO MOVING. JACI VELASQUEZ HAS A VOICE THAT WILL SEND CHILLS UP AND DOWN YOUR SPINE. "BREATH OF HEAVEN" BY AMY GRANT, A SONG ON ONE OF HER PREVIOUS CHRISTMAS ALBUMS, IS A PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL SONG FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MARY, ALTHOUGH ANY REAL MOTHER CAN SOME WHAT RELATE TO. ALL OF THE SONGS ARE AMAZING. POINT OF GRACE'S "FOR UNTO US" IS ANOTHER REAL HIGHLIGHT ON THE ALBUM, IN ADDITION TO "LABOR OF LOVE". JUST LISTEN FOR YOURSELF, CLOSE YOUR EYES, AND IMAGINE WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR MARY AND JOSEPH TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS. WE ARE NOT THANKFUL ENOUGH, AND WE TAKE OUR LIVES FOR GRANTED. TRUST ME, NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC COLLECTION IS COMPLETE WITHOUT THIS ALBUM, AND THE SCORE AS WELL. THESE SONGS ARE CHRISTMAS ORIENTED, BUT CAN BE ENJOYED YEAR ROUND. THESE SONGS INSPIRED BY THIS WONDERFUL STORY TRUELY ARE SACRED AND WELL CRAFTED. THE VOCALS ARE DONE RESPECTFULLY AND INSTRUMENTALY IT'S HAUNTING, MOVING, PEACEFUL, AND TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY. IT REALLY SETS A MOOD. THE MEANING THAT IS BUILT INTO THESE SONGS REALLY TRANSCENDS HIGHER THAN YOUR AVERAGE CHRISTMAS CD ABOUT RUDOLPH, SANTA, AND A BUNCH OF SNOW. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS WILL COME BACK, AND IT ALREADY IS. THE WORLD NEEDS THIS MOVIE, AND WE ALL NEED TO GET ON OUR KNEES AND THANK GOD FOR WHAT HE DID FOR US. BUY THIS SOUNDTRACK AND SUPPORT THIS MOVIE THAT DOES NOTHING BUY SPREAD A POSITIVE MESSAGE AND MEANING.

Average customer rating: GREAT EPIC FILM MUSIC Rozsa's Best Work A good start for those who are getting acquainted with Rozsa

Conducts His Epic Film Scores Manufacturer: Drg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | 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 Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hungary | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 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 Similar Items: The Epic Film Music of Miklos Rozsa Alfred Newman: Captain from Castile Ben-Hur - A Tale Of The Christ: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1959 Version) King of Kings Captain Blood and Other Swashbucklers ASIN: B0001CNR2K Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. Ben-Hur: Prelude
2. Ben-Hur: Love Theme
3. Ben-Hur: Parade Of The Charioteers
4. Ben-Hur: Mother's Love
5. El Cid: Overture
6. El Cid: Love Theme
7. El Cid: March
8. Quo Vadis: Triumphal March
9. Quo Vadis: Love Theme
10. Quo Vadis: Domine?
11. King Of Kings: Nativity
12. King Of Kings: Way Of The Cross
13. King Of Kings: Pieta
14. King Of Kings: Theme
15. Spellbound: Concerto

Customer Reviews:

GREAT EPIC FILM MUSIC.......2007-04-11

ROZSA'S MUSIC THRILLED ME AS A CHILD AND IT STILL DOES NOW. A MUST FOR ANY LOVER OF FILM SCORES.

Rozsa's Best Work.......2007-01-11

Miklos Rozsa composed some impressive scores. These are among his best. These recordings and selections are outstanding. Mother's Love from BEN-HUR is very emotional. The Spellbound: Concerto is also included.

A good start for those who are getting acquainted with Rozsa.......2004-06-15

This CD contains some of Miklos Rozsa's finest film scores, but the pieces are abbrieviated (some of them are only up to 5 minutes in length). Nevertheless, they are still good. My biggest problem with the album was there was not enough pieces from QUO VADIS (my personal favorite). Other than that, the CD is a fine start for those of us (like me) who are getting acquianted with this excellent composer.

Average customer rating: Soothing To The Soul This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say The best Russian choral CD of the season Astonishing Recording!

Russian Medieval Chant Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Russian Divine Liturgy Basso Profondo From Old Russia Orthodox Chants from Russia Russian Chant for Vespers Ancient Echoes ASIN: B00005QF3J Release Date: 2001-11-20

Customer Reviews:

Soothing To The Soul.......2007-07-17

This is one of those CDs that you want to sit back and relax too. So moving and so soothing to the soul, body and mind.

This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say.......2002-12-08

A perfect portal into the sound world of medieval Russia, this selection of liturgical material, drawn from a tradition harking back to the 11th century, includes unadorned monophonic chant as well as ceremonial pieces in polyphonic styles developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, the sonorities of the former occasionally creating enjoyably spooky, ringing overtones in the generous acoustic. The men of Deisus sing with an almost visceral depth of commitment and, as might be expected, the low basses are profoundly in a class of their own.

The best Russian choral CD of the season.......2002-02-09

This disk is a must for every lover of male Russian choirs! Don't get confused by the name of the choir (I assume it is based on Greek deisis `prayer') or the commercial design of the booklet: this is simply the very best of Russian choral chant that has been published this season. The fourteen singers of the choir perform ancient chants, that have partly been deciphered here for the first time, and so are absolutely unique. Because of the high quality of singing and the choice of repertoire, Deisus can be compared with leading choirs such as the famous Patriarchate Choir of Mr.Grindenko. The chants performed on this splendid disk, all in honour of the Virgin Mary, are either homophonic or polyphonic, in a pleasant alternation. They share the quality of monastic austerity that makes them absolutely captivating: the listener is transposed to another world, a world of quiet and piece. Warmly recommended!

Astonishing Recording!.......2002-02-05

Anyone who hasn't heard Russian chants performed by deep voices has a real delight ahead and a profound musical experience. This recording captivates from beginning to end. The voices of the Deisus Choir, singing heretofore unpublished chants, took this listener onto a soundscape he didn't know existed. The choir emerges like the breath of God and rolls on in a vibrant acoustic that's perfectly suited to the voices, which resonate as much in the solar plexus as in the ear. I've collected a good number of recordings of chants (including the best-selling disc of the Spanish monks that came out some years ago), but the present recording by the Deisus Choir is now at the top of my list.

Average customer rating: Great music, fine performance The Best of the best Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung A bleak Mid-winter If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it

Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Cambridge Singers Christmas Album Christmas Star The John Rutter Christmas Album Christmas Day in the Morning The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College ASIN: B0000031H5 Release Date: 1993-01-20

Tracks:

1. In Dulci Jubilo
2. Adam Lay Ybounden
3. Christmas Night
4. Once, as I Remember
5. A Spotless Rose
6. In the Bleak Midwinter
7. There Is a Flower
8. The Cherry Tree Carol
9. I Wonder as I Wander
10. Candlelight Carol
11. O Tannenbaum
12. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13. A Virgin Most Pure
14. I Sing of a Maiden
15. Lute-Book Lullaby
16. The Three Kings
17. Myn Lyking
18. O Little One Sweet
19. All My Heart This Night Rejoices
20. I Saw a Maiden
21. Away in a Manger
22. Nativity Carol

Amazon.com

"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries." This description might also say that the program contains some of the best and best-loved Christmas choral pieces of all time, presented in a pleasing mix of familiar carols and lesser-known original works. Among the best-known selections are Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Howells's "A spotless rose." Several original pieces by John Rutter appear here for the first time--"Christmas Night," "There is a flower," and "Nativity Carol." Other notable highlights are Peter Cornelius's "The three kings" and the lively Willcocks arrangement of "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day." Of course, the singing is among the best on the planet--in fact, there may even be a few heavenly angels in the soprano section. --David Vernier

Album Description

An incredible collection of 22 carols, old and new, including I Wonder As I Wander, Away In A Manger, O Tannenbaum, and In Dulci Jubilo. "In the field of choral Christmas CDs, Christmas Night shines brightest of all." David Vernier - Classics Today

Customer Reviews:

Great music, fine performance.......2007-01-26

Recommended for everyone to have since secularized "popular" Christmas music is repeated endlessly from mid November to 25 December with dreary lyrics and superficial performance. Carols of the Nativity is immensely better.

The Best of the best.......2006-12-22

I,ve been collecting Christmas Music for over 25 Years especially the non-pop genre. This is my desert CD. The Chanticleer and Kings College CDs are very good but this is the summit of quiet meditative music for the season. I always listen to this alone at night and still get thrilled and overwhelmed by it's beauty and sublimity. My favorite track is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" simply because of the beauty of the poetry of Rossetti. I always give this as a gift to my friends who enjoy beautiful acapella music.Do yourself a favor and purchase this most beautiful of all Christmas music. I own over 200 Christmas CD'S and this one gets played at least twice a season. The other Rutter Christmas CD's are excellent but not quite in the same class. This is a once in a lifetime album. It is the centerpiece of my own personal celebration of christmastime.

Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung.......2003-12-18

This compilation of Christmas carols both traditional and modern stands in stark contrast to much of the bubble gum, soda pop Christmas music so often heard on popular radio these days. There are no divas or over the top performances or attempts to make "a moment". What there is are beautiful songs sung by talented singers.

So many of these carols are so beautiful that it's hard to pick out which are the best. More likely than not, that's going to be a highly personal choice but if you see one of your favorites on the track list you can be sure that it's well performed.

In short, this album should be part of your Christmas collection. It's best listened to in the quiet time on Christmas Eve.

A bleak Mid-winter.......2003-10-17

This CD contains the usual Rutter mix of gorgeous traditional treatments with a few incredibly schlocky arrangements. Fortunately, I can just leave the schlock off my iPod playlist (otherwise I'd return the CD).

The real letdown is my own fault: I didn't notice that "In the Bleak Midwinter" is the Darke version, not Holst. Ugh. If only the RealAudio samples had stretched one song further down the song list.

If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it.......2002-12-24

You can't beat the polished ensemble sound of the Cambridge Singers and John Rutter has devoted his life to celebrating the joys of Anglican Christmas music. This is a coherent program of carols that you can play without skipping tracks. The selection is well-balanced and covers a broad historical range. Although there are some interesting alternatives out there for purists (such as Kings College Choir and the Tallis Singers)if you own just one CD of English Christmas music--this should be the one.

Track Listings:

1. Nikolai Petrov Plays Schubert
2. Nivers: Sacred Motets & Hymns
3. Overture
4. Pearls From Poland
5. Piano Concertos 2, 3 & 6
6. Piano Music 3
7. Piano Music From Scotland
8. Piano Quartets, Opus 61 & 8
9. Piano Sonatas 3
10. Polish Violin

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Rockin the Suburbs [Import]

Very Best of Classical: Dinner Party

The Essential

Music: Thanks for the Memory: The Songs of Leo Robin

Terminal Jive

The Invasion [Explicit Lyrics]

Swingin in the Rain (Blister)

The Very Best of Gregorian Chants and Other Sacred Music

The Judds - The Greatest Hits

Strings Latino/Latin Hits I Missed

The Sun Comes Through

Tribute to Public Image Ltd [Import]

Soul Movements

Berg: Kammerkonzert; Stravinsky: Dumbarton Oaks / Boulez, Barenboim

Famous Last Words