Christmas Classics

1. Deck the Halls

2. First Noel

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

4. Silent Night

5. Here We Come a Wassailing

6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

7. O Tannenbaum

8. O Holy Night

9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

10. Holly and the Ivy

11. O Come All Ye Faithful

12. Away in a Manger

13. Up on a Housetop

14. We Three Kings

15. Jingle Bells

16. O Little Town of Bethlehem

17. White Christmas

18. Joy to the World

Christmas Classics,Adolphe Adam,Irving Berlin,Franz Xaver Gruber,Benjamin R. Hanby,George Frideric Handel,John Henry, Jr. Hopkins,Felix Mendelssohn,James Pierpont,Christmas Traditional,English Traditional,John Francis Wade,Special Music,Chamber,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Miscellaneous Vocal Music,Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra,Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble,Vocal

Average customer rating: No choral collection can be considered complete if this CD isn't there...!! Absolutely Pleased! It takes me away Censoring of Be Still My Soul A good choice for first time buyers of Libera

Angel Voices Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | 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 | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Visions Free Libera Luminosa Angel Voices 3 ASIN: B000IHY9QG Release Date: 2006-10-25

Tracks:

1. Far Away
2. Sanctus
3. Ave Maria
4. Going Home
5. Be Still My Soul
6. Salva Me
7. I Vow To Thee, My Country
8. Voca Me
9. Always With You
10. We Are The Lost
11. I Am The Day
12. Recordare
13. Abide With Me
14. Silent Night
15. Going Home

Amazon.com

There's very little to say about this recording of ethereally beautifully singing by the 24 young English lads who make up the group Libera. Enormously popular in Asia, the group is part of a parish choir in South London that has been around for many years, with of course, changes in personnel as voices change. There are a couple of pieces here by well-known composers--Pachelbel, Sibelius, Holst, Dvorak--but to their music have been added words and, of course, it's all been "arranged." Texts, translations from Latin, and arrangements as well as original music are by Robert Prizeman, the choir's director, and some of the numbers are accompanied by quiet synthesizers, organ, and/or drums. There is something new-age about this project and some might find the effect syrupy, while others might long for the "real" thing, that is, boys with this talent singing some Renaissance or later music that is not designed simply as balm for the ears. But for what it is--a perfectly pitched choir with some outstanding solo work as well, singing easy-to-listen to short numbers--this is just lovely. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

No choral collection can be considered complete if this CD isn't there...!!.......2007-07-20

The "marksmanship" involved in the creation of this CD is spot on target. You do not have a complete collection of choral music until you own this CD. Flawless, impeccable, perfect, precise, exacting...the best of the best. Buy it. This is music creation at the very apex of recording technology that captures these young voices in a stunningly clear and beautiful manner. The robust orchestration and organ are sensibly down played to allow these intricate harmonies to come through. This is pure genius....brilliant....EMI should be proud of this recording as one of the F1 Ferraris in their classical music catalog... BRAVO!! A 5 minute standing ovation!!!... A job well done!!!

Absolutely Pleased!.......2007-07-10

I just recently loss my brother-in-law who passed away on Memorial day of this year and this CD has been able to comfort my family and I through this terrible loss. I absolutely recommend that anyone who is needing spiritual uplifting should definitely buy this CD. I consider this the best comfort CD ever!

It takes me away .......2007-06-28

I heard this album playing as I browsed in a Barnes and Noble, it was enchanting. I had to know what it was. The sales person in the music section filled me in and we listened to it for hours while we drove. Their voices are heavenly. I am transported to a place of peace and calm.

Censoring of Be Still My Soul.......2007-05-21

On the fifth track, Be Still My Soul, the arrangers reworked the original lyrics of Katharina A. von Schlegel and taken the third verse:

Be still, my soul:
when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened
in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know
His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe
thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul:
thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness
all He takes away.

And made it a combination of the third and second verse:

Be still, my soul:
when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened
in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know
His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe
thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul,
the waves and winds
still know His voice
Who ruled them
while He dwelt below.

In other words, they have taken the name of Jesus out of the original lyrics. The verse doesn't even make sense now. I feel it is awful that the one who can soothe all our sorrow and thy fears, Jesus, was censored from this beautiful work.

A good choice for first time buyers of Libera.......2007-05-17

A lot of reviewers have complained that Angel Voices is mostly a compilation that takes a few songs from each previous Libera album and reworks it. I imagine it is somewhat like a greatest hits, or favorites album, only all the songs have been re-recorded by the current set of boys that makes up the group.
Personally, this album was our first exposure to the group. We enjoy its mellowness, and the soaring vocals and harmonies. I am not sure that we would buy many of their other albums since this one has a nice mix of songs that are included on the other CDs.
We have given this CD as a gift as well as having it ourselves and everyone we have shared it with has loved it.

Average customer rating: Have a crazy cool Christmas, but don't get knocked out. Great Stuff Best Christmas Compilation My Favorite Xmas Album Party Hearty With Louis & Friends

Hipsters' Holiday: Vocal Jazz & R&B Classics Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music East Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocalese | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Blue Yule: Christmas Blues and R&B Classics Genuine Houserockin Christmas Rhino: Swingin Christmas Cool Christmas Blues Yule Struttin' ASIN: B0000032QP Release Date: 1989-07-31

Tracks:

1. Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong And The Commanders
2. Santa Done Got Hip - The Marquees
3. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
4. Jingle Bells - Leo Watson
5. Deck Us All With Boston Charlie - Lambert, Hendricks, And Ross
6. Dig That Crazy Santa Claus - Oscar McLollie And His Honey Jumpers
7. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus - Mabel Scott
8. Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern) - Miles Davis
9. Silent Night - The Tim Fuller Experience
10. 'Zat You, Santa Claus - Louis Armstrong And The Commanders
11. Merry Christmas Baby - Lionel Hampton And His Orchestra
12. We Wanna See Santa Do The Mambo - Big John Greer
13. Five Pound Box Of Money - Pearl Bailey
14. Be-Bop Santa Claus - Be-Bop Santa Claus
15. Jingle All The Way - Jingle All The Way
16. Christmas Spirit - Julia Lee And Her Boy Friends
17. Christmas Night In Harlem - Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars
18. Hello Mr. New Year - The Coolbreezers

Amazon.com

Listen to Hipster's Holiday and you'll feel like you just spent Christmas in the coolest nightclub on Earth. "Silent Night" swings in Tim Fuller's Vegas-lounge setting while Lambert, Hendricks & Ross lay on the playful jazz vocals in "Deck Us All with Boston Charlie" and John Greer dictates that "We Wanna See Santa Claus Do the Mambo." And so it goes, 18 totally hip tracks with lots of dancing opportunities--and some comic relief from Pearl Bailey with "Five Pound Box of Money" and Eartha Kitt from 1953, making history with her now classic "Santa Baby." The showstopper, however, in a lineup that exudes cool, from Miles Davis and Lionel Hampton to the Marquees, Lena Horne, and Mabel Scott, comes from Louis Armstrong and his Commanders. Their romping versions of "Cool Yule" and "'Zat You, Santa Claus" are must-hears for any kid. Armstrong again conquers with his All Stars in a lively panoramic view of "Christmas Night in Harlem." If this dynamo set can't jump-start your holiday season, your battery might be dead for good. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Have a crazy cool Christmas, but don't get knocked out........2005-12-09

This is a collection of jazzy Christmas songs. But don't be scared, it's vocal jazz, which is more accessible than instrumental jazz (some of the tracks actually lean more towards R&B than jazz). There are a lot of cool songs here. But I have to question why Tim Fuller's "Silent Night" from 1989 is here, when the rest of the songs are from the 40s, 50s and 60s. It seems a bit out of place here (it's good, though). I also should mention that the sound quality is not that great on a few tracks, which sound like they were recorded from scratchy old 78s. Despite that, this is a fun collection which should inspire you to have a "cool" Christmas.

Great Stuff.......2001-12-22

What more can I say, this is one excellent compilation. The Louis Armstrong material is exceptional. My favorites are Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" and the Tim Fuller Experience's 'lounge lizard' rendition of "Silent Night." You gotta buy this cd. Play it year round.

Best Christmas Compilation.......2001-11-30

You don't need to be a jazz or blues fan to adore this album as I do--there are tracks here that everyone will enjoy. It's an album worth owning just for Eartha Kitt's sultry "Santa Baby" and the three tracks featuring Satchmo. And I always laugh when I hear Pearl Bailey's "Five Pound Box of Money." Full of fun (and sometimes funny), these tunes range from swing to cool. If you're planning a party, this album will be a big hit shuffled in with your other favorites.

My Favorite Xmas Album.......2001-11-19

What can I say... I love Christmas albums. This is one of my all time favorites though. So much so that I have one copy for the car and one for the house. This album will get you shaking while you do your holiday baking, not to mention liven up any party. There is not a single bad track! Great job Rhino!

Party Hearty With Louis & Friends.......2001-08-13

This album is definitely a true tinsel tunes classic! Nobody beats RHINO when it comes to releasing all kinds of wonderful Christmas collections. Hipster's Holiday is fun for everyone, young & old. The reason I gave this 4 stars is because of the one holdout song(in my opinion)which grates on my ears-Lambert, Hendricks & Ross singing Deck Us All With Boston Charlie. Oh well, what can I say-different strokes for different folks. So whether you're dipping into the egg-nog or just writing your letter to Santa, putting this cd on your turntable will make you smile & tap your feet. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Hilarious! Classic South Park Christmas Greatness Wonderfully explicit versions of classic songs. If you like South Park, you'll love this CD!!!

Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics South Park Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | 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 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: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Chef Aid: The South Park Album (Television Compilation) [Extreme Version] Timmy & The Lords of the Underworld Team America: World Police South Park - The Complete Ninth Season ASIN: B000034DII Release Date: 1999-11-23

Tracks:

1. Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo (Early 50's Recording)
2. Merry Fucking Christmas
3. O Holy Night
4. Dead, Dead, Dead
5. Carol of the Bells
6. The Lonely Jew On Christmas
7. I Saw Three Ships
8. It Happenned In Sun Valley
9. O Tannenbaum
10. Christmas Time In Hell
11. What The Hell Child Is This?
12. Santa Claus is On His Way
13. Swiss Colony Beef Log
14. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
15. Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
16. The Most Offensive Song Ever
17. We Three Kings
18. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Amazon.com

Those degenerate cousins of Beavis and Butt-head have issued a predictable hash of 18 X-rated holiday songs for fans only. Rude, crude, outrageous outhouse humor certain to offend anyone who doesn't know South Park from the North Pole, these bellicose brats lambaste Hindus, Shintoists, and those of other faiths for not celebrating Christmas and remind us all that we'll one day be "Dead Dead Dead" (so enjoy each and every Christmas!). In between scattered bits of genuine holiday snippets, there's poop fixations ("Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo"), Jewish obsessions ("The Lonely Jew at Christmas" and "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel"), "The Most Offensive Song Ever" (the Mary and Joseph story told, in part), and the sexual entendres of "What the Hell Child Is This?" Funny stuff? Maybe only if you tune in regularly and know that they frequently kill Kenny. And that's a big maybe. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious!.......2007-06-10

There is not one bad song on this hilarious CD. If you're a fan of the extremely funny SP antics, you will love this CD. Hysterical!!!!!!!

Classic South Park Christmas.......2007-05-13

Love this CD with much of the Christmas songs from many of the South Park episodes. However, the CD is missing the song featuring Jesus and Santa singing in a nite club. Still a Super CD!

Greatness.......2007-01-24

Listen to this every year and it always makes me laugh. If you're a fan, you will love it.

Wonderfully explicit versions of classic songs........2006-05-03

First, if you've seen the episode, you know what's on here. The songs are incredibly well-parodied. Really, just listen to it to find out if you like it or not.

Second, if you are disappointed by the lack of the Santa & Jesus duet, it's because this CD was originally released before the episode; listen to the commentary on the episode, and you'll notice that Matt & Trey mention that the CD hadn't been getting anywhere in sales, so they figured to just make an extra episode with it, but create the Jesus & Santa bit.

Lastly, regarding the review written by Doug Thompson, aka "laffnstock," I must say that your new-found faith has ruined your sense of humour. If you can't make jokes about your own religion, then you're no better than Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps.

If you like South Park, you'll love this CD!!!.......2006-02-01

In classic South Park style, these Christmas Carols bring a smile to your face in a way only Kenny, Kyle, Stan, and Cartman can bring......My favorite is "The Most Offensive Christmas Carol Ever" performed by Mr. Hanky and Kenny!!!!! I almost wet myself laughing.....I love this....
However...if you don't enjoy South Park, you may not like this at all!!!!!

Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Stokowski's famous romantic Bach delusions are a lot of fun great Stokowski Knockin on Heaven's Door Magnificent Heavenly Bach

Bach - Stokowski Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Passacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | 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 Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stokowski's Symphonic Bach, Vol. 2 Stokowski's Symphonic Bach The Fantastic Leopold Stokowski: Transcriptions For Orchestra Stokowski: Bach Orchestral Transcriptions Debussy: Nocturnes No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune ASIN: B000002S9M Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

1. Passacaglia & Fugue in C Minor, BWV 582
2. 'Komm, susser Tod,' BWV 478
3. English Suite No. 2, BWV 807: Bourree
4. Violin Partita In B Minor, BWV 1002: Sarabande
5. Cantata No. 80, BWV 80: 'Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott'
6. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Shepard's Song
7. Little Fugue In G Minor, BWV 578
8. Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV, 1068: Air On The G String
9. 'Mein Jesu, was fur Seelenweh befallt dich in Gethsemane,' BWV 487
10. Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Preludio
11. Toccata & Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565

Customer Reviews:

Stokowski's famous romantic Bach delusions are a lot of fun.......2007-06-02

These recordings date from the late 1950's and still sound remarkably vivid and atmospheric. I'm not a big Stokowski fan but when the man was in his element, he could pull off some magnificient results. This CD in a case in point. The stunning string sound and gorgeous results that Stokowski summons here leave quite an impression. These are of course decadently Romantic readings of great Baroque music and many purists will run from the room when you put this on, but anyone who loves music can see that these transcriptions should not be heard as sins against an immortal master composer and instead are acts of love and dedication.

Even I can get annoyed at the schmaltzy antics of these recordings but they are not nearly as perverse as the later Decca Phase 4 versions Stokowski recorded. There have recently been plenty of conductors taking up Stokowski's transciptions but it's the original master who still stands the test of time.

The Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor was one instant where I was not fully in sympathy with Stokowski. The orchestral version here is far too dominated by the strings. If you listen to Ottorino Respighi's transcription which was recorded on a Chandos CD recently, you'll hear more instrumental color and variety in Respighi's version than with Stokowski. Furthermore, Stokowski's Decca Phase 4 record of the Passacaglia is so garish, grandiose and over the top, that it makes this earlier EMI version sound quite tame by comparison.

The rest of the music here was handled well but the saccharine sweetness of the strings can get tiresome. The big conclusion of the program is the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor and rest assured, Stokowski does it proud. Unbelievably grand and imposing, it's an inspired performance without a doubt. All in all, a successful program and a good introduction to Leopold Stokowski's style of music-making.

great Stokowski.......2006-07-11

The Bach transcriptions written by Stokowski are among the most exciting presentations of Bach's music in the classical music repertoire. For one just hearing Bach for the first time this is a great introduction. For the serious listener it is pure joy. These, however, are not necessarily for the Bach purist.

Knockin on Heaven's Door.......2006-03-03

One of the greatest recordings in the cannon - even better due to the spectacular mix on this remastered issue. This soul-baring music must be heard, and heard at top, almost painful volume to realize how transcendent these transcriptions really are - earth-shaking and primal. Stokowski was one of the all-time, all-time greats - and to my ear - this recording is his best ever.

Magnificent.......2005-07-26

As a professional classical musician and deep lover of the works of J.S. Bach, I believe these transcriptions and performances of his works would have greatly pleased the master. This album is a magnificent work; especially, but not limited to, the incredible full orchestra arrangement of the most famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. It will simply take your breath away with its awesome majesty. You will not regret purchasing this!

Heavenly Bach.......2004-12-18

When I was 12 years old I was madly in love with Leopold Stokowski. Now I'm 74 and after hearing this CD I find I'm still in love with him. This is a whole new dimension of Bach. Stokowski's arrangements are lyrical and dramatic, refreshing and romantic. A totally delightful rendition of Bach's music that will soothe your heart and refresh your soul. To be listened to with an open mind. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Movie was good but... another different & newer version of a similar movie. One of Those Rare Film Soundtracks of Significance Film on DVD? Absolutely Beautiful

Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noël) Philippe Rombi Manufacturer: Virgin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Joyeux Noel (Widescreen) Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce The Miracle of the Voice Sophie Scholl - The Final Days A Very Long Engagement ASIN: B000BTDLOM Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Overture
3. Fraternizers' Hymn (piano)
4. Anna and Nikolaus
5. War
6. Soldiers' Burial
7. Bist du bei mir
8. Silent Night
9. Jonathan's Letter
10. Ponchel's Memories
11. The Football Match
12. The Bishop's Sermon
13. The Soldier's Mail
14. War Adagio
15. The Absence Theme
16. Fraternizers' Hymn: 'I'm Dreaming Of Home'
17. Adeste Fideles
18. Invitations: 'I'm Dreaming Of Home'
19. Anna and Nikolaus
20. Aria for Violin and Orchestra
21. Fraternizers' Hymn (Murmurs and vocalises)

Customer Reviews:

Movie was good but..........2007-06-04

I thought the movie was good, but I was disapointed with the rating. I think the sexual scene was downplayed in the PG13 rating, i.e. "a little bit of sexual nudity"..I would not want any children watching that scene, it was obvious sexual intercourse.I think it should have had an R rating instead.
I was very disappointed with the rating

another different & newer version of a similar movie........2007-01-06

wonderful sound track, beautiful, melancholy, nostalgic, sad but sublime music to synchronize this unnecessary human tragedy.
i remember that i've seen an older movie exactly like this, but it's american soldiers and german soldiers doing the x'mas truce, drinking and singing the x'mas carols together on x'mas eve. why and how it became possible? because both countries still have the same religion, the same belief and the same god.
anyway, the premise of that and this movie is to deliver a message to you: enemy is what your president, your chancellor, your goverment, your generals giving to you. they point across the border, telling you that a whole foreign country out there and the all the people in that specific nation are your enemy. when these people decide to declare the war on that country, then the people in that country suddenly become your enemy. before that, you never knew that you've got an enemy, you'd never thought the people in that country would be your enemy.
funny thing is once the war is over, tourism would take over, and then you'd travel to that once you thought very unfriendly country and shake the hands of that country's people. if you go there in the holiday season, you'd say 'merry x'mas' to each other with smiles on your face.
but some of the countries that would never become your friendly nations and your friendly foreign people if you invade their country and force them to reform a new government and replace all the guys your government doesn't like. and they'd never say 'merry x'mas' to you, because they have different culture, different belief, different god, different book of god, different holidays. but regretfully, when you invade their country, you've totally destroy all the things they used to have. when all the good and bad are forcefully changed in the name of liberation by a foreign nation, there's no way they'd appreciate your holidays with respect.
this is what we have to learn from this movie.
you know why this truce could be achieved between german soldiers, french soldiers or american g.i.s?
funny thing is that under same god, same belief, same bible, same....how could it possible that they'd still become enemies to each other? two boxers with the same belief into the boxing bouts, they both cross themselves before each bout and wish god would help him to beat out of his opponent. why they fight each other? because the words 'in god we trust' are printed on paper money. the green $ sign pushes them to fight each other. maybe the cause of a war between nations with the same religion is the green $ sign too?
eh, by the way, if i sit in my living room, watching this movie, how could it possible that i would become enemy even to my neighbors, if i don't have a yapping dog barking day and night, bothering their sleep?
by the same token, how could it possible that i would have a whole region's countries' people who hate me to the guts and screaming 'death to america! death to americans!'?? how could i become an enemy to a country about ten thousand miles away if i couldn't even make an enemy to my immediate neighbors?
now, you tell me, i just want you to tell me. i don't want my government and its imbecile officials to tell me.

One of Those Rare Film Soundtracks of Significance.......2006-11-17

Philippe Rombi is a composer new to this listener and being so impressed with the film 'Joyeux Noël' encouraged purchasing the Soundtrack. Not a mistake at all. For once the entire music excerpts of significance are intact, even the artists who were guests, providing professional opera singers for the voices of the two cinematic actor/singers.

Rombi opens the film about WW I with very eloquent, quiet, lovely solo piano music, and very often he is so sensitive to the message of the film that just when the action looks as though the music should be of the Carmina Burana ilk, Rombi settles for orchestral Adagios. He has elected to use the carols Stille Nacht and Adeste Fidelis for the actor Sprink to sing and uses the voice of the gifted tenor Rolando Villazon to intone the music. To establish the relationship between the two opera singers, Sprink and Anna (Villazon and Natalie Dessay), he has them perform a duet version of Bach's 'Bist du bei mer' - the words of which take on deep meaning as the film progresses. When he has a moment for Anna to sing a solo, he writes his own version of Ave Maria for Anna/Natalie Dessay to sing. It is very lovely.

There are several 'tunes' written for the score - 'Fraternizers' Hymn' ('I'm Dreaming Of Home'), the theme for Anna and Nikolaus - which very well could endure long after the score and film disappear, they are that fine.

In all the score is very strong and well played, sung, and conducted. This is a soundtrack that bears attention for lovers of beautiful music. Grady Harp, November 06

Film on DVD?.......2006-07-29

Anyone know if this spectacular film will ever be released on DVD?

Absolutely Beautiful.......2006-04-05

A wonderful soundtrack to an awesome movie.

I can't listen to it enough, Thank you Philippe Rombi

Average customer rating: A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle One of the most beautiful Christmas albums A Christmas Collection For The Ages Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas Pure Joy

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle Kathleen Battle , traditional/various , Leonard Slatkin , and Orchestra of St. Luke's with New York Choral Artists & Harlem Boys' Choir Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( 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 All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | 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 Battle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | 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: A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert Angels' Glory Jessye Norman - Christmastide Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company The Best of Kathleen Battle ASIN: B000002ROL Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. O Holy Night
3. Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabelle
4. Fum, Fum, Fum!
5. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
6. Ave Maria
7. Gesu Bambino
8. Medley: I Saw Three Ships; The First Nowell; The Holly And The Ivy
9. Away In A Manger
10. Silent Night
11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
12. Mary's Cradle Song
13. Zither Carol
14. I Wonder As I Wander
15. Mary Had A Baby
16. Rise Up, Shepherd
17. What Child Is This?
18. Ave Maria
19. Finale and Reprise: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Silent Night; O Come All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle.......2007-01-19

what can i say about the best of the best? As always, Miss Battle makes me wonder how anyone else would dare to sing this music after her rendition. A beautiful CD

One of the most beautiful Christmas albums .......2005-11-22

I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

A Christmas Collection For The Ages.......2005-11-13

If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.

Overall I believe that Ms. Battle performs better in complete opera recordings than recital albums, but most of her recital recordings are of at least good quality and this Christmas collection is outstanding. She handles all of the works with apparent similar ease, but since the recording is so varied, this is a compliment to her skill as a performer. She begins and ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" where she does a few vocal acrobatics but it's never overdone. Each time I think of what the bets part of the collection is, my mind changes. She brings her skills from the operatic stage in her renditions of "O Holy Night," "Gesu Bambino" (only Pavarotti sings this better, but it's a very close second), and "The Zither Carol" which sounds so much like something that could come from the mouths of Oscar from UN BALLO or Zurbinetta from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, two of her signature roles. The music from the African American Spirituals tradition and American background are well done and the accompaniment of the Harlem Boys Choir, used to great advantage here adds so much.

With so many Christmas collections from the world of opera available, choosing one can be difficult, but this is one collection that has proven to be a joy for almost fifteen years and will continue to give holiday pleasure for years to come.

Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas.......2004-12-28

I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it.

Pure Joy.......2003-12-07

In a world where disturbing things are all too common, Christian scripture guides us to dwell on that which is lovely. Kathleen Battle's blessed voice is most certainly one of those lovely things.

I bought this CD in the early 1990's, and I am here to buy it again because I have worn out the original with scratches, etc. I only listen to it during the Christmas season, but I enjoy it enough to hear it all year.

The 'Christmas Celebration' CD should be enough to convince you to also purchase Kathleen's 'A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert'. Ms. Battle's wonderful soprano voice is joined by that of the mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the blending is more than memorable. There are a couple of songs which are on both CD's, but you'll want to hear both. In fact, the video of the PBS special is also available, and I recommend buying all three. You won't regret it.

Some of my favorite selections from 'Christmas Celebration' include 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle' and 'Fum, Fum, Fum', both of which are from a culture different from my own. I found such glimpses into unfamiliar favorites to enhance my own enjoyment of the Christmas season, as long as all of my traditional American favorites were included. They were. "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" are there among the other favorites.

This CD's music is the kind that sets a wonderful Christmas mood. It can establish memories that say "Christmas" in the memories of children for life. Along with other classics like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'The Nutcraker' (from your favorite orchesta) and George Winston's 'December' and a few others, you will slowly be able to assemble a Christmas music library that will stay with you for life.

Average customer rating: Awesome guitar work Have been loving this for over ten years!! sonic rapture... Not just a tribute Wonderful, relaxing music

Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Segovia, Andrés | ( S ) | 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 Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening Christopher Parkening plays Bach Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi Guitar Concertos & Warlock Capriol Suite Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso Artistry of Christopher Parkening ASIN: B000002RQ8 Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

1. Castles Of Spain: Rumor de copla
2. Castles Of Spain: Siguenza
3. Castles Of Spain: Manzanares del real
4. Castles Of Spain: Romance de los pinos
5. Castles Of Spain: Turegano
6. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
7. Tonadilla
8. Suite espanola: Espanoletas
9. Suite espanola: Rujero y paradetas
10. Suite espanola: La Minona de Cataluna
11. Suite espanola: Folias
12. Suite espanola: Passacalle de la cavalleria de Napoles
13. Suite espanola: Canarios
14. Villanesca
15. Torre bermeja
16. Estudio sin luz
17. Remembranza
18. Suite In D Minor: Preludio
19. Suite In D Minor: Allegro
20. Suite In D Minor: Zarabanda
21. Suite In D Minor: Gabota
22. Suite In D Minor: Despacio
23. Suite In D Minor: Giga
24. Suite catalan: La Filadora
25. Suite catalan: La Filla del marxant
26. Suite catalan: La Nit de nadal
27. Suite catalan: El Noi de la mare

Customer Reviews:

Awesome guitar work.......2007-01-12

Parkening sets the standard for others to compare to. Enjoyable tribute to Segovia. The type of guitar mastery that one can relax to after a hard days work. Enough said.

Have been loving this for over ten years!!.......2003-09-26

I bought this cassette over ten years ago (1992) when I started taking classical guitar lessons. Would listen to it on the way home from work, then had a baby nine years ago and have used it for lullaby music (works like a charm) for afternoon naps and nighttime. Still listen to it in the car when the kids fight and they mellow out instantly.

Finally buying it on CD because I think I wore a spot out on the cassette! I have listened to this masterpiece at least a thousand times and have never, ever tired of this most excellent work of art.

If you are a classical guitar fan, you will absolutely adore every single note played on this album/CD. I promise!! :)

sonic rapture..........2003-06-03

If anyone knows of a better sonically intoxicating cd than this please let me know. Possibly only Julian Bream's unreal 1982 Granados and Albeniz cd would top this one for me. Anyway just thought I would pass this thought along to anyone who may visit here. The tone is absolutely magical on this cd. This is the cd to listen to at night to chill out and get mellow while being enchanted to the max. Peace. I must go on... the tone, the tone. My god the tone.

Not just a tribute.......2001-07-31

Parkening shows how much he learned from Segovia. I have many of these pieces played by the Master. Parkening plays with a similar timbre, simlar dynamics and with a musicality just as deep as Segovia's. IF you like classical guitar you should own this one.

Wonderful, relaxing music.......2001-01-27

This cd will spend much time on my player. It is so lively, yet comforting music to listen to.

Parkening provides wonderful tribute to Segovia with Spanish compositions especially loved by the master, even some of them performed on one his Segovia's guitars.

For the classical guitar enthusiast, or just someone looking for that refreshing guitar music we here on the FM, this is a fine selection.

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

The Very Best of Janet Baker Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | 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 | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition) Very Best of The Very Best of Lucia Popp The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles ASIN: B00005UUOW Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Linden Lea
2. A Boy Was Born, Op.3: Corpus Christi Carol
3. Pretty Ring Time
4. Prison
5. Soir
6. Clair De Lune
7. Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III)
8. Gretchen Am Spinnrade
9. Wiegenlied (Schlafe, Schlafe)
10. Die Forelle
11. Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
12. An Die Musik
13. An Sylvia
14. Nacht Und Traume
15. Heidenroslein
16. Du Bist Die Ruh'
17. Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges
18. Liederkreis, Op.39: Mondnacht
19. Frauenliebe Und -Leben Op.42: Du Ring An Meinem Finger
20. Geistliches Wiegenlied
21. Befreit
22. Morgen!

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: A Pleasant and Subtle Update on Christmas Classics THE COOLEST! holiday classis re-duced! Gang singing is a lot more fun than you'll ever know Best new holiday cd in a long time!

Christmas Remixed: Holiday Classics Re-Grooved Various Artists Manufacturer: Six Degrees ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Six Degrees Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas Remixed, Vol. 2 Merry Mixmas The Reindeer Room: A Christmas Chillout The Reindeer Room Volume II: A Christmas Chillout Home for the Holidays ASIN: B0000DC3TL Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Andy Williams - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (A Shrift Remix)
2. Bing Crosby - Happy Holidays (Beef Wellington Remix)
3. Dean Martin - Jingle Bells (Dan The Automator Remix)
4. Kay Starr - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Stuhr Remix)
5. The Cathedral Brass - Joy To The World (Mocean Worker Remix)
6. Johnny Mercer - Winter Wonderland (Rise Ashen's Brazilian Beach Mix)
7. Charles Brown - Merry Christmas Baby (MNO Remix)
8. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra - The Nutcracker Suite (Baz Kuts Breaks Mix)
9. Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton - Baby, It's Cold Outside (Mulato Beat Remix)
10. Duke Ellington - Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix)
11. Bing Crosby - The First Noel (Attaboy House Party Mix)
12. Mel Torm The Christmas Song (Michael Kessler Open Fire Mix)

Amazon.com

Dance music is all about the remix, and no genre is safe. As proof, San Francisco's Six Degrees Records have loosed a ragtag band of DJs upon that venerable institution, the Christmas classic. Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, and others all get the turntable treatment here, from the likes of Dan the Automator, Mocean Worker, and Robbie Hardkiss. As one might suspect, the kitsch/fun factor is off the charts. "Baby It's Cold Outside," for instance, lounges comfortably beside any exotic, Les Baxter-style oddity, as Louis Armstrong's crackly vocals meet a slow breakbeat snare drum. Meanwhile, Beef Wellington fashions a swinging beat around Crosby's "Happy Holidays," and successfully mixes it with the song's jaunty horn section. Other attempts are less endearing; versions of "Joy to the World," and "The First Noel" inspire only energetic rolls in the graves of their composers. Still, even if you believe some wax simply shouldn't be tampered with, this collection offers a giddy abundance of holiday cheer. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews:

A Pleasant and Subtle Update on Christmas Classics.......2007-01-11

If you're in the mood for Christmas classics and a little adventurous, you'll enjoy the manner in which the old favorites have been overlaid with some contemporary yet accessible beats and harmonies.

Light enough to be unobtrusive background music for a party, yet interesting enough to listen to while driving.

THE COOLEST!.......2005-10-03

This cd is great. Definitely adds to any Xmas collection. I especially love songs #2 and #4. So cool and fun!

holiday classis re-duced!.......2005-07-03

classics reduced to annoying pseudo-disco/house tracks. i couldn't even bring myself to listen to the entire cd, it was so bad!

Gang singing is a lot more fun than you'll ever know.......2004-12-04

Someone had the bright idea to take a bunch of old Christmas records, and letting modern DJs remix them. Amazingly, it works. All of the remixes are at least somewhat interesting, and some of them are actually quite good. I know that putting modern beats on old songs sounds like a strange idea, but somehow they pulled it off. If you want to hear some old Christmas chestnuts with a new twist, this is the CD for you.

Best new holiday cd in a long time!.......2003-12-20

I had a hard time getting this locally because apparently every time my local store played it, it would sell out the stock! Got it on the net.....Best songs "Ive got my love to keep me warm",
Kay Starr and "Merry Christmas Baby", Charles Brown. The best way to explain this music, it that it makes you feel like you're been drinking even though you haven't.....that GOOD.

Average customer rating: A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Gabriel Fauré , Antonio Vivaldi , Charles Gounod , Johannes Brahms , Edward Elgar , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , César Franck , Hector Berlioz , Franz Joseph Haydn , Felix Mendelssohn , Gregorio Allegri , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Halle Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Andre Cluytens , Riccardo Muti , David Willcocks , Philip Ledger , and Otto Klemperer Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | 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 All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( 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 Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | 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 Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gambill, Robert | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration Choral Masterpieces Ave Maria The #1 Choral Album The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics ASIN: B000000UWF Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

1. Hallelujah - Ambrosian Singers
2. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Ambrosian Singers
3. Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
4. In Excelsis Deo - Teresa Berganza
5. Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude - Choir Of King's College Cambridge
6. Ave Maria - Philip Ledger
7. Zadok The Priest - Coronation Anthem - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
8. Wie Lieblich Sing Deine Wohnungen - Phiharmonia Chorus
9. Sanctus Fortis - Richard Lewis
10. Agnus Dei - Dame Janet Baker
11. Cujus Animam Gementem - Robert Gambill
12. Lacrimosa - New Philharmonia Orchestra
13. Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
14. Ingemisco - Confutatis - Dies Irae - New Philharmonia Chorus

Tracks:

1. Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
2. Herrscher Des Himmels, Erhore Das Lallen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
3. Ouverture - L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
4. Libera Me Domine - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
5. Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - Swedish Radio Chorus
6. Die HImmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes - Jose Van Dam
7. Komm, Holder Lenz! - Chor Der Deutschen Oper Berlin
8. Lord God Of Abraham - New Philharmonia Chorus
9. And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
10. Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
11. Erbarme Dich, Sein Gott - Julia Hamari
12. O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wundern - Julia Hamari
13. Ich Folge Dir Gleichfalls - Lisa Otto
14. Ach Herr, Lass Dein Lieb' Engelein - Lisa Otto

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works.......2001-08-13

This is a 2 CD set and is one of my favorites. While this CD contains several pieces that the general public probably hears often (Handel's Messiah, Bach's Jesu Bleibet mein freund) it also contains some not well known pieces. Of particular quality is the recording of Gregorio Allegri's MISERE MEI DEUS, a piece composed at the end of the Renaissance era. This piece, lasting roughly 13 minutes, is a master stroke of pure choral music. The piece is repetitive but Allegri builds up to a fantastic ending. Also of note is the glorious recording of Mozart's AVE VERUM CORPUS, Hadyn's DIE SCHOPFUNG, and Brahm's EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM. A MUST for any choral music fan.

Music Review:

1. Das Rheingold (Bayreuther Festspiele 1953)
2. Debussy: Chamber Music [Import]
3. Delius: Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorf
4. Dvorak: Serenade In E/Two Waltzes/Suk: Serenade In E
5. Eternal Beethoven
6. Fandango & Other Works
7. Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets, Op. 50 "Prussian Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet
8. Franz Xaver Richter: 3 Flute Sonatas, Op. 2
9. Gianni Schicchi Melis
10. Giovanni Gabrieli from German Sources

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Sunshine Hotel [CD-single] [Import]

Vivaldi, Donizetti: Concertos for Violin & Cello

Wagner: Die Feen [Box set]

Anthology: You've Got to Have Freedom [Import]

White Lightning Strikes Twice 1968-1969

Union Tropical

Worthy

XTC Live [Live]

Where Time Stands Still: A Special Collection [EP] [Import] [CD-single]

Whenever Wherever [CD-single] [Import]

Wings of My Own

Voyageur Immobile [Import]

Whirl-Y-Waves Vol.2 Global Grooves [Import]

Love on My Mind

The Manhattan Transfer