A Royal Philharmonic Christmas

1. Nutcracker, suite from the ballet, Op. 71a
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

2. Deck the Halls (Welsh)
Composed by Christmas Traditional

3. Cantata No. 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben," BWV 147 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

4. Angels We Have Heard on High
Composed by Christmas Traditional

5. Adoramus Te, Christe
Composed by Anonymous

6. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber

7. O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste fidelis)
Composed by John Francis Wade

8. The First Nowell
Composed by Christmas Traditional

9. Gesu Bambino
Composed by Frederick H. Martens

10. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
Composed by Christmas Traditional

11. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Composed by Christmas Traditional

12. Coventry Carol (2) Lully, Lulla Thou Little
Composed by Christmas Traditional

13. Joy to the World (theme by Handel)
Composed by George Frideric Handel

A Royal Philharmonic Christmas,Anonymous,Johann Sebastian Bach,Franz Xaver Gruber,George Frideric Handel,Frederick H. Martens,Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky,Christmas Traditional,John Francis Wade,Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,Special Music,Cantata,Chamber,Choral,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Holiday,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Orchestral,Suite for Orchestra

Average customer rating: I hate to be rude, but . . . Outstanding Sacred Songs My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | 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 General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Franck, César | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Haunted Heart The Inner Voice : The Making of a Singer Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva ASIN: B000AM6OXK Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
3. Dank sei dir, Herr
4. Ave Maria, D839
5. Laudamus te
6. Panis Angelicus
7. Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
8. Simple Song
9. Pie Jesu
10. Domine Deus
11. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
12. Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
13. Abends will ich schlafen gehn
14. L'Adieu des bergers
15. Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
16. Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating: The amazing Jessye Norman Amazing Grace Superb! As Always, superb! Uplifting and Timeless Why was I such a fool?

Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | 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 General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Yon, Pietro | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spirituals in Concert Jessye Norman - Christmastide The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Jessye Norman - Sacred Songs ~ Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, etc.. Jessye Norman Classics ASIN: B00000413L Release Date: 1991-09-12

Tracks:

1. Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace (traditional)
2. Amazing Grace: Gesu Bambino
3. Amazing Grace: Ave Maria (Op. 52 No.6)
4. Amazing Grace: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
5. Amazing Grace: Let Us Break Bread Together
6. Amazing Grace: There's a Man Going Round
7. Amazing Grace: Mary Had a Baby
8. Amazing Grace: Panis Angelicus
9. Amazing Grace: Greensleeves
10. Amazing Grace: Great Day
11. Amazing Grace: Steal Away
12. Amazing Grace: Were You There
13. Amazing Grace: Calvary
14. Amazing Grace: City Called Heaven
15. Amazing Grace: Give Me Jesus
16. Amazing Grace: O Divine Redeemer
17. Amazing Grace: He's Got the Whole World
18. Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace (traditional)

Customer Reviews:

The amazing Jessye Norman.......2007-06-18

Oh what a joy to listen to one of the richest voices of our time! A truly great singing legend. Breathtaking depth and effortless power!

Amazing Grace.......2007-05-08

Don't Know. Holder had a CD of Ludwig con Beethoven! Awaiting the real thing.

Superb! As Always, superb!.......2003-12-27

There's not enough words that can express how wonderful Miss Jessye Norman's vocal talent is. What a wonderful opera diva! I thought the George Bizet's Carmen (CD) was magnificient but then when I got this (CD), I was thrown back. The range and style in "Ave Maria" is splendid, so is "Let's Break Bread Together," "Amazing Grace," and many more songs found on this CD. Miss Jessye Norman, Ms. Leontyne Price, Miss kathleen Battle, Miss Joan Sutherland are top opera divas on my list. So you know I have a fine taste of hearing great vocals; you can't go wrong in purchasing this CD. It's a treasure to listen to.

Uplifting and Timeless.......2003-09-08

Jessye Norman is one of my favorite opera singers. I hope that she may release another CD of Gospel songs very soon. We have waited too much!!! How about to revisit Marian Andersons' Gospel recordings!!!

Why was I such a fool?.......2003-06-17

Okay, if you look at my other recommendations, you'll see that I'm a conservative. So, before my full embrace of the classical vocal artistry, and when I was just beginning to grasp politics (I'm only 21 now), I heard a beautiful voice and rejected it because it was singing at the inauguration of Bill Clinton.

I've learned a little since then. I've learned to ignore an artists political leanings, because they don't tell you much about quality (contrast the Republican South Park creators Matt Parker and Trey Stone with the Democrat Robert Redford). I've also learned to (sometimes) listen to the recommendations of friends. And well, after a friend heard me laud Reneé Fleming, Kathleen Battle, and Leontyne Price, she told me I needed to try Jessye Norman. So I did.

Jessye Norman here offers here own takes on many of the most-loved (i.e. trite) pieces in the religio-classical tradition. She renders one of my own favorites, "O Divine Redeemer", with great beauty. When other reviewers mention shivers on the spine, I can only nod. As a wonderful introduction to Ms. Norman, the great spirituals and hymns, or repudiation of foolish artistic discrimination, I highly recommend this CD.

Average customer rating: My Favourite Christmas CD! Galway Christmas Quality, Choral, Christmas Gorgeous!

Christmas Carol Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Galway, James | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rutter, John | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Galway, James | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental 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: James Galway - Dances for Flute James Galway - Greatest Hits James Galway ~ Meditations The Very Best of James Galway James Galway & The Chieftains in Ireland ASIN: B000003FAC Release Date: 1992-10-16

Tracks:

1. Silent Night
2. Shephard's Pipe Carol
3. Air from Suite #3 in D
4. Fantasia on 'I Saw Three Ships'
5. Greensleeves
6. Zither Carol
7. The Holy Boy
8. Patapan
9. Past Three O'clock
10. Sinfonia from the Christmas Oratorio
11. Ave Maria
12. Chorale from the Christmas Oratorio
13. I Wonder as I Wander
14. Sheep May Safely Graze
15. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
16. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

My Favourite Christmas CD!.......2006-11-21

This is a great collection of Christmas songs. Although you might not be familiar with several of them, once you hear them you will love them. A perfect recording to play while decorating, or just enjoying the Christmas Tree! Wonderful!

Galway Christmas.......2004-04-14

If you could own one & only one Christmas CD,this would be it!Classic music taking you back to childhood memories.No modern re-worked garbage that keeps coming out these days.Wow,I am really starting to sound old! :)

Quality, Choral, Christmas.......2001-12-08

You don't need to be a flute-lover to enjoy this disc. This is a wonderful compilation of traditional Christmas pieces. Galway plays a few solos, accompanies a few choral pieces, and the choir sings a few pieces on their own as well. Inobtrusive as background music, but still beautiful under scrutiny, this is hands-down my favorite Christmas CD.

Gorgeous!.......1999-11-25

I enjoy the combination of flute and choir, and this collection is extraordinary. Galway's sound is superb and the arrangements well done. There was a good blend of classic Christmas music, and classical favorites. I recommend it to my flute students highly.

Average customer rating: Get a "Handel" on Christmas

Great "Messiah" Choruses George Frideric Handel , Richard P. Condie , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns Make A Joyful Noise Songs of the Civil War & Stephen Foster Favorites ASIN: B00000252R Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Average customer rating: All Music Guide Says . . . Some mistakes in the track listings here, but an enjoyable collection

Joyous Christmas Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and Peter Knight (Conductor) Manufacturer: Sony Special Product ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | 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 Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B000002YDQ Release Date: 1995-10-10

Tracks:

1. Joy to the World - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Good Christian Men, Rejoice - The Ambrosian Singers
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
4. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Jean Allister, John McCarthy
5. Deck the Halls - Beecham Choral Society, Choir of the Carmelite Priory, , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tower Brass
6. We Three Kings
7. What Child Is This? - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
8. Birthday of a King - The Ambrosian Singers
9. Silent Night - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
10. Away in a Manger - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
11. Once in Royal David's City - The Ambrosian Singers
12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Beecham Choral Society, Choir of the Carmelite Priory, , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tower Brass
13. Angels We Have Heard on High - Beecham Choral Society, Choir of the Carmelite Priory, , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tower Brass

Customer Reviews:

All Music Guide Says . . ........2006-11-07

"Spend a traditional holiday with Joyous Christmas, which contains lush yet tasteful orchestral renditions of seasonal favorites including 'Joy to the World,' 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,' 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and 'Away in a Manger.' ~ Marvin Jolly, All Music Guide"

Some mistakes in the track listings here, but an enjoyable collection.......2006-09-21

Back in 1963 Readers Digest issued a Christmas album that blasted every other Christmas record out of the water. And I mean blasted. With spectacular arrangements by Charles Gerhardt, the 4 record set covered traditional carols, popular Christmas songs arranged into a sparkling orchestral suite, a selection of ten German carols as well as ten French carols, a suite of carols arranged for Brass, organ and carillon, and collection of highlights from Handel's MESSIAH. Four (4) Lp records for $7.99 ($1 more if you wanted stereo.) The album was titled JOYOUS MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS TIME, and indeed it was a joyous album from start to finish.

This album eventually sold over a million copies and can still be found for sale in used record stores and on E-bay - usually the copies are well worn from having been played so often.

Sadly RD has not seen fit to transfer the entire program to CD.

Instead collectors must track down the material scattered over several CD's released by RD and some released by Sony Music Special Products.

This CD presents a number of tracks from the album. Also heard here are seveal selection by The Amborosiian SIngers from a "bonus" record available in some U.S. editions of JMFCT.

The performers are mis-identified on the disc. The correct listings are:
"Joy to the World" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" are done by the Beecham Choral Society, The Choir of the Caremlite Priory, The Ealing Grammar School Boys' Choir with the Tower Brass band and organ and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Peter Knight.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; O Little Town of Bethlehem; and Away in a MAnger feature the Royal Philharmonic orchestra with the Beecham Choral Society and The Choir of the Carmelite Priory.

The Orchestra only is heard on "Deck the Halls", "We Three Kings" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." (There is no chorus on any of these.)

The tracks "Good Christian Men Rejoice"; "What Child Is This?"; "Silent Night"; "The Birthday of a King"; and "Once in Royal David's City" are all performed by the Ambrosian Singers with John McCarthy conducting.


Those in search of the rest of JMFCT here is how you can assemble most of it:

(Record One, Side One): Carols for Chorus (with the Royal Philharmonic conducted by Peter Knight)

"Joy to the World"; "O Little Town of Bethlehem"; "Deck The Halls"; "Away in a Manager"; "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" & "Angels We Have Heard on High" are all on this CD.

(Record Two, Side One):
Richard Benson's CHRISTMAS SUITE FOR ORCHESTRA from the RD 3-CD set JOY TO THE WORLD (released in 1994)

(Record Four Side One):
German Carols - not available on CD.

(Record Three; Side One and Two)
Highlight's from Handel's MESSIAH on the Sony Special Products CD titled REJOICE! MESSIAH HIGHLIGHTS

(Record Four Side Two):
French Carols - not available on CD.

(Record Two; Side Two): Carols for Organ and Bells featuring Leslie Pearson, organ; The Westminster Brass; The London Bell ringers; and John Paice, carillon.

The First Noel - available on O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL from Sony Special Products
Good King Wenceslas - available in the RD 3-CD set THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Ave Maria, O Come O Come Emmanuel & Christmas is Coming can be found on YULETIDE CLASSICS from Sony Special Products
Carol of the Bells is on the RD 3-CD set JOY TO THE WORLD mentioned above. It can also be found on the RC CD called REFLECTIONS: O HOLY NIGHT.

(Record One; Side Two): Carols For Chorus (with the Royal Philharmonic conducted by Peter Knight)

"O Come All Ye Faithful" - from O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL on Sony Special Products.
"We Three Kings" & "The 12 Days of Christmas " from the RD 3-CD collection CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE YEARS
"O Holy Night" on REFLECTIONS: O HOLY NIGHT (mentioned above)
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" & "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" from this the O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL Cd mentioned above.

Average customer rating: How sweet the sound! breathtaking! incredibly moving

Jessye Norman - Sacred Songs ~ Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, etc.. Jessye Norman , Charles Gounod , Franz Schubert , Cesar Franck , Stephen Adams , Anonymous , English Traditional , Christmas Traditional , Robert MacGimsey , Pietro Yon , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Alexander Gibson , Ambrosian Singers , and Christopher Bowers-Broadbent Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Jessye Norman - Christmastide Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Spirituals in Concert ASIN: B0000040VJ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Sanctus
2. Ave Maria
3. Panis Angelicus
4. O Divine Redeemer
5. The Holy City
6. Amazing Grace
7. Greensleeves
8. Let's Us Break Bread Together
9. I Wonder As I Wander
10. Sweet Little Jesus Boy
11. Gesu Bambino

Customer Reviews:

How sweet the sound!.......2003-01-23

Heaven must be missing an angel because she's here with us-singing on this disc. This is arguably one of the most beautiful recordings of sacred music ever made. Ms. Norman brings a lifetime of experience to this genre-she joined her church choir at 4! The warm acoustics make you feel like you are sitting in your favorite pew-albeit with a magnificent vocalist in the choirloft. Jessye has conquered the world's opera houses in the most demanding roles-one of which garnered her a fifty-five minute standing ovation (Salzberg). But she is most resplendent in the music of her youth. The majestic voice soars over the orchestra and chorus to deliver the full beauty of the music. Ms. Norman also performs selections with organ accompaniment-appropiate since her voice has often been compared to the king of instruments-"with all the stops pulled out"! You will hear why she is one of the most acclaimed recitalists of our time. Her expansive vocal range encompasses every nuance of the music heard here. We are taken on a journey through the entire spectrum of the category starting with a classical Mass, moving through an American spiritual and finishing with a Christmas carol that will keep you in a festive mood year 'round. Amoung the gems on this disc is an Ave Maria sung in German and arguably the most powerful solo recorded performance of "The Holy City" ever. If you want to hear what the heavenly choir sounds like before entering the pearly gates-listen to this disc. Brava Jessye!

breathtaking!.......1999-03-22

The Sanctus, and the Holy City will send chills down your spine! Absolutey Breathtaking.

incredibly moving.......1999-02-25

I was listening to the local public radio station when they played the Sanctus and I literally had to drive off the road to listen it was so powerfyl and moving. Jessye Norman is a national treasure.

Average customer rating: Best Christmas Album Ever Nice CD for the holiday season. Won't Play Among the finest I was there....

The Joy of Christmas John Francis Wade , Anonymous , James R. Murray , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , Robert de Cormier , Christmas Traditional , Lewis Redner , Bernard de la Monnoye , George Frideric Handel , Gustav Holst , Henry John Gauntlett , Franz Xaver Gruber , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Engelbert Humperdinck , Leonard Bernstein , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and New York Philharmonic Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( 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 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | 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 Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra A Christmas Festival The Glorious Sound of Christmas A Festival of Carols in Brass A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas ASIN: B0000029Z6 Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. The Twelfth Night Song
3. Away In A Manger
4. Carol Of Bells
5. The Animal Carol
6. The Twelve Day Of Christmas
7. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
8. Patapan
9. Joy To The World
10. Lullay, My Liking ( I Saw A Maiden)
11. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
12. La Virgen Lava Panales
13. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
14. Joseph Lieber, Joseph Mein ( Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine)
15. Once In Royal David's City
16. Stille Nacht ( Silent Night)
17. Overture: Allegro Giusto
18. March: Tempo di marcia viva
19. Dnace Of The Sugar Plum Fairy: Andante non troppo
20. Terpak ( Russian Dance): Tempo di trepak, molto vivace
21. Arab Dance: Allegretto
22. Chinese Dance: Allegro Moderato
23. Dance Of The Mirlitons: Moderato assai
24. Children's Prayer ( Hansel And Gretel)
25. Halleljah ( Chorus From Messiah)

Customer Reviews:

Best Christmas Album Ever.......2007-03-25

I grew up listening to The Joy of Christmas and the music means so much to me and to all of us in our family. Mother always loved the traditional, classical forms of Christmas music, which this album provides. I admit that the music brings back so many wonderful memories, as our family would play it while trimming the tree, decorating the front room, relaxing by the fire, wrapping presents, and while opening presents on Christmas Day. The music truly is beautiful and inspiring. I hope all people have such wonderful memories to hold onto, as I do of my family and of this music during Christmas time. I love you Mom and Dad; you're always in my heart.

Nice CD for the holiday season........2007-03-16

This is a quite different sounding Christmas CD to a number of others I have reviewed in recent times. The music is wonderful and the choice of Christmas songs is quite traditional with the exception of the "Animal Carol" which I must confess is unfamiliar to me.
The combination of the late Leonard Bernstein and the fabulous Mormon Tabernacle Choir is quite something.
Recorded in 1963 when LB was principal conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the album has all the hallmarks of the Bernstein "sound" with varying changes in tempo and phrasing so characteristic of LB. Recorded in Salt Lake City, possibly in the Mormon Tabernacle, the album is rich in beautiful orchestration and superb choral splendour. The unmistakable sound of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is what makes the difference to this CD.
The director of the choir was Richard Condie at the time this recording was made and had a very different sound to that the choir has today. The familiar soprani vibrato is much in evidence on these tracks which today has all but disappeared and to my ears at least, for the better.
As one would expect with any Bernstein recording this CD is full of passion and drama. Just listen to track 12, "La Virgen Lava Panales",a most beautiful traditional Mexican carol.
This album is much more in the classical style than many other Christmas CD's and unless you are into the classical genre it may prove a little on the "heavy" side but it is a lovely album.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is now arguably the greatest choir in the world and sounds quite different under the directorship of Dr Craig Jessop who has now removed the very strong vibrato sound and introduced many new and beautiful harmonies through his assistant director, the brilliant choral and orchestral arranger and composer Prof Mack Wilberg. This Christmas album to be honest, now sounds quite dated but that is only down to the immense improvement in the sound of the modern day Tabernacle choir. There is also plenty of wonderful orchestral music on the CD in the form of Tchaikovsky's lovely Nutcracker Ballet Suite which is a Christmas classic in itself.
From classical composer Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel comes the "Childrens Prayer" and last track on the CD is the rousing "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah with the Westminster Choir.
These last additional tracks are wonderful performances as one would expect from Maestro Bernstein.
My only criticism of Bernstein's conducting is that on occasions he tends toward the frenzied speeding up of some pieces, especially I notice in ballet music. This is evident in the "Overture" of the Nutcracker Suite on this CD.
This is a very good album and is well worth the asking price - there is a lot of wonderful music for the money.
Thank you for reading my review and I wish you much happy listening to your music.

Won't Play.......2006-03-06

I ordered two copies of this CD, one for me and one for my daughter. It will not play on my CD player, a Technics model. We have never had anything like this happen before. My spouse took the CD to a neighbor's home and was able to play it on his player. On the strength of that, I gave my daughter her copy. I have no idea whether she has tried to play it or not. My guess is that she won't until next Christmas. She is overworked and that won't be a high priority. In case you are wondering, our CD player continues to work well, playing all our other CDs.

Among the finest.......2005-10-22

Like many others on this page, I grew up listening to the original recording. It always started the Christmas season in our home. How wonderful to find it again on a beautifully remastered CD! Can't wait to send a copy to my parents. There are many, many great tracks here, but quite simply, you should own this recording for "Away in a Manger". It is magnificent, soaring, tender, almost heartbreakingly beautiful. This arragement has stayed with me for 40 some odd years. I can assure you that you'll never hear a finer version. Buy it!

I was there...........2005-08-07

In August or September of 1963 I received a call from my high school music teacher. They were looking for a small audience to act as acoustic padding to soak up some of the reverberation of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Get down there quick, he said, Bernstein's recording with the Choir. I went and sat through the first of two sessions for this recording. It was fascinating. Bernstein came out and greeted us remarking that he always remembered his concert in the Tabernacle because "it was the loudest applause he had ever heard" (the Tabernacle itself lending to that amplification). He launched right into "Joy to the World" making adjustments to the freshly finished arrangement. All the arrangers were present. The ink wasn't dry on their manuscripts. The NYP would sight read through them a couple of times, Bernstein would adjust, and they'd do a take or two. The Choir had been preparing for many weeks. The sessions weren't entirely smooth. Bernstein was an entirely different personality than their long experience with Ormandy had been. Bernstein demanded precision. He usually got it by the final take. The album was released in less then two months. Eventually it "went gold" -- unusual for 'classical' albums of the time. I started playing it in October, 1963. There hasn't been a Christmas since that these wonderful arrangements and the memories of that summer haven't graced our family's celebration. It's advent on CD was late but most welcome.

Average customer rating: Beecham's noisy Messiah The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself! Comfort Ye! Familiarity hasn't bred much affection Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | 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 | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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: Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis Handel: Messiah Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort Samson ASIN: B000003FB8 Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
3. Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
4. Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
6. Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
7. Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
9. Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
10. Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
11. Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
12. Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
14. Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
15. Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
16. Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
17. Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
18. Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
19. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
20. Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
21. Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
2. Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
3. Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
4. Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
6. Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
7. Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
9. Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
10. Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
11. Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
12. Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
14. Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
15. Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
16. Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
17. Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
18. Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
19. Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
20. Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
21. Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
22. Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
23. Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
24. Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
2. Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
3. Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
4. Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
6. Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
7. Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

Average customer rating:

Sacred Songs & Spirituals Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Yon, Pietro | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman Richard Strauss Lieder Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Spirituals in Concert ASIN: B0007XZUF0 Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
2. My Lord, What A Morning
3. Do Lawd, Oh Do Lawd
4. There's A Man Going Round - Jessye Norman
5. Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit - Dalton Baldwin
6. There Is A Balm In Gilead - Dalton Baldwin
7. Gospel Train - Dalton Baldwin
8. Great Day - Dalton Baldwin
9. Mary Had A Baby
10. Live A-Humble
11. Walk Together Children
12. Were You There - Jessye Norman
13. Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name
14. Soon Ah Will Be Done
15. Give Me Jesus

Average customer rating:

It's a Wonderful Life /Christmas Carol /Miracle on 34th Street /Sundance Film Music Series Vol.1 Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Classical Binding: Audio CD General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B000K3HK14

Product Description

1.sundance fanfare[0:40] 2-11.it's a wonderful life[38:33] 12.a christmas carol suite[14:08] 13-16.miracle on 34th street[11:00]

Music Review:

1. Abuduction from the Seraglio [Live]
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3. Andás Schiff Plays Bach
4. Bach: Organ Miniatures
5. Bagatelles / Allegrettos / Waltzes
6. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Op.81a & 106
7. Beethoven: Sonatas for piano No23; Sonatas for piano No27
8. Bela Bartok: Concerto For Orchestra/Miraculous Mandarin
9. Berwald: Symphonies and Overtures
10. Blood Wedding

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Lazy Dog Deep House Music [Import]

Music for Cello & Orchestra

Portrait of a Piano

Texas Rhythm Club [Enhanced]

S'more Core

Punto de Vista

Song of Solomon

Starshine EP

Reunion - Can't Get the Hell Out of Texas [Import]

Por Mi Sangre

Regaining Unconsciousness [EP]

Serie Focus [Import]

Portishead Lounge

Good Feeling

Stay Awake: Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films