Christmas Past

On this CD:

1. Ding Dong! Merrily on High
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

2. Sussex Carol ("On Christmas Night")
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Linda Russell

3. The Holly and the Ivy
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

4. The Bottom of the Punchbowl
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Edward Brewer

5. The Other Night
Composed by Christmas Traditional

6. I Saw Three Ships
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Steve Schneider

7. The Friendly Beasts
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Steve Schneider

8. Slumber My Darling for voice & piano
Composed by Stephen Foster

9. Gloucestershire Wassail (20th c., English)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton

10. Drive the cold winter away
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Edward Brewer

11. Cherry Tree Carol
Composed by Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

12. O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, veni, emmanuel), carol
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer

13. Coventry Carol (2) Lully, Lulla Thou Little
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Linda Russell

14. Gallery Carol
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Linda Russell

15. Corde Natus, hymn
Composed by Gregorian Chant
Performed by Edward Brewer

16. Seven Blessings
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

17. Come, Mad Boys (16th c., English, aka "Robin")
Composed by English Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Linda Russell

18. Christmas Cheer
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Edward Brewer

19. Good Christian Men, Rejoice
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Linda Russell

20. Winter Apples
Composed by Irish Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Steve Schneider

21. The Old Year Now Away Is Fled
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

22. Ding Dong! Merrily on High reprise)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
Performed by Edward Brewer, Ridley Enslow, Christa Patton, Linda Russell, Steve Schneider

Tracks:

Overture (Instrumental) - Paul Williams
Scrooge - Cast
Room In Your Heart - Honeydew And Beaker
Good King Wenceslas - Muppet Brass Buskers
One More Sleep 'Til Christmas - Kermit
Marley And Marley - Marley And Marley
Christmas Past (Instrumental) - Paul Williams
Chairman Of The Board - Sam Eagle
Fozziwig's Party - Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem
When Love Is Gone - Belle
It Feels Like Christmas - Ghost Of Christmas Present
Christmas Scat - Tiny Tim
Bless Us All - Tiny Tim And Family
Christmas Future (Instrumental) - Paul Williams
Christmas Morning (Instrumental) - Paul Williams
Thankful Heart - Scrooge
Finale:When Love Is Found/It Feels Like Christmas - Various Artists
When Love Is Gone - Martina McBride

Amazon.com

For right-minded buyers of the reissued Muppet Christmas Carol soundtrack, the odds of disappointment are about as remote as Miss Piggy's chances with Kermit. If you loved the movie, you will love the loopy mayhem of the Muppet Brass Buskers ("Good King Wenceslas"), the cartoonish malice of the black-hearted misanthropes Marley & Marley ("Marley & Marley"), and the hope-swollen harmonies of Tiny Tim and Family ("Bless Us All"), Muppeted here to hilariously humble effect. If, on the other hand, your interest in this disc has more to do with its inclusion in the way-narrow Christmas-record-for-kids category--if the spirit of the season doesn't extend, for you, to the magic of the Muppets--you may want to keep browsing, as it's a soundtrack first (overture, instrumentals, and all) and a Christmas CD second. That's not to suggest you're stuck with an un-fun disc should it land on your holiday stack without a prior screening, though. Miles Goodman's score sweeps and inspires, and certain tracks--"One More Sleep 'til Christmas" and "Fozziwig's Party"--are future classics. (Note to the right-minded: After a misstep on the original release, Martina McBride's version of "When Love is Gone" is back.) -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Finally released.......2007-05-23

If your Christmas isn't complete without listening to this music, this CD is a must buy. The audio quality is excellent despite the age of the film. Michael Cain and Belle come out crystal clear in their solo and ensemble work. The surprise of this album is the inclusion of two tracks (one by Beaker and Bunson and one by Scrogge's primary school teacher) that are not in the film. They are fun but unexpected. I could only ask that the CD last longer with such beautiful traditional music, but alas there is no more music to include. Maybe they could market Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island together in the future?

Good CD.......2007-02-14

My wife has been looking for this soundtrack for years. We were very happy to find it and get it so fast. This has some of the best music ever written for a movie.

the muppet christmas carol cd.......2007-01-19

Amazing the songs are so cleaver and i have bee waiting for this for a long time, it has been out of print great cd and the movie is so awesome!!

Holiday Classic with Kermit , Miss Piggy, and Michael Caine.......2007-01-12

The score from The Muppet Christmas Carol is full of the spirit of Christmas. The familiar story by Dicken's is given new life with the great score (mostly written by Paul Williams). Great energy is relayed to the listener as Scrooge (Michael Caine)is painted in words and as Bob Cratchet (Kermit the Frog) sings with his co-workers 'One More Sleep 'Til Christmas'. The love song duet between Scrooge (Michael Caine) and his fiancee during a ghostly vision brings great pathos to the character. For lovers of the Muppets and or Dickens, there is no better way to enter into the spirit of the season.

Awesome.......2007-01-08

These are some of the most heartwarming songs. I even find myself singing the ones about poor Mr. Scrooge.

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (ballet suite)/Swan Lake (excerpts)/Sleeping Beauty Waltz/ Bernstein, NY Philharmonic

Average customer rating:

Wonderful for Little Ballerinas
Supurb!
The nutcracker is brilliant.

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (ballet suite)/Swan Lake (excerpts)/Sleeping Beauty Waltz/ Bernstein, NY Philharmonic

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Bernstein Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 3 'Eroica' / Bernstein, New York PO
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Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain
Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO

ASIN: B00000FCKZ
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: I. Overture Miniature. Allegro giusto
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: A. Marche. Tempo di marcia viva
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: B. Dans de la fee dragee. Andante non troppo
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: C. Danese russe (Trepak). Tempo di Trepak, molto vivace
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: D. Dase arabe. Allegretto
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: E. Danse chinoise. Allegro moderato
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: II. Danses caracteristiques: F. Danse des mirlitoins. Moderato assai
The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a: III. Valse des fleurs. Tempo di valse
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act I - No. 5 Pas de deux: I. Tempo di valse ma non troppo, quasi moderato
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act I - No. 5 Pas de deux: II. Andante - Allegro
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act I - No. 5 Pas de deux: III. Allegro moderato
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act I - No. 5 Pas de deux: IV. Coda. Allegro molto vivace
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No. 10. Scene. Moderato - No.13. Danses des cygnes
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: I. Tempo di valse
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: II. Moderato assai - Molto piu mosso
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: IV. Allegro moderato
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: V. Pas d'action. Andante - Allegro
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: VI. Tout le monde danse. Tempo di valse
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II - No.13: VII. Coda. Allegro vivo
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act III - No.15: Allegro giusto
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act III - No.20: Danse hongroise. Csardas. Moderato assai - Allegro moderato - Vivace
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act III - No.21: Danse espangnole. Allegro non troppo (Tempo di bolero)
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act III - No.22: Danse napolitaine. Allegro moderato - Presto
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act III - No.23: Mazurka. Tempo di mazurka
The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act I: Valse. Allegro (Tempo di valse)
Eugene Onegin, Op.24: Act III, Scene I: Polonaise

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful for Little Ballerinas.......2007-01-10

I purchased this CD for my six year old grandaughter who was dancing in the local production of The Nutcracker for the second year, and she loved it. It contains the best pieces of the three ballets without being so long as to cause little listeners to lose interest, and is a good quality production as well. We enjoyed it throughout the Christmas season.

Supurb!.......2006-08-22

Crisp and lively! This CD offered all my favorites from the Nutcracker Suite, Swan Lake along with Sleeping Beauty. What more could I ask? Sound quality is supurb!

The nutcracker is brilliant........1998-12-07

This is the best composed music I've heard in my life. It is relaxing and enchanting. Everyone should listen to it, at least once in their lives.

Average customer rating:

My Favourite Christmas CD!
Galway Christmas
Quality, Choral, Christmas
Gorgeous!

Christmas Carol

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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:

Silent Night
Shephard's Pipe Carol
Air from Suite #3 in D
Fantasia on 'I Saw Three Ships'
Greensleeves
Zither Carol
The Holy Boy
Patapan
Past Three O'clock
Sinfonia from the Christmas Oratorio
Ave Maria
Chorale from the Christmas Oratorio
I Wonder as I Wander
Sheep May Safely Graze
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
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.

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

Average customer rating:

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B66PE8
Release Date: 2005-01-01

Tracks:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The First Nowell
While Shepherds Watched
I Saw Three Ships
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
King Jesus Has A Garden
In Dulci Jubilo
Unto Us Is Born A Son
O Come , All Ye Faithful
Away In A Manger
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Holly And The Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
See Amid The Winter's Snow
Past Three O' Clock
Invitatory
Adam Lay Ybounden
Gabriel's Message

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City
Sussex Carol
Rocking
Rejoice And Be Merry
The Cherry Tree Carol
The Three Kings
As With Gladness Men Of Old
A Great And Mighty Wonder
The Infant King
Balulalow
The Crown Of Roses
Christ Was Born On Christmas Day
Blessed Be That Maid Mary
Lute-Book Lullaby
Myn Lyking
Personent Hodie
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Coventry Carol
Shepherds In The Field Abiding
Torches
Fantasia On Christmas Carols

Average customer rating:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!
Great recording!
Good and Bad
This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas at Trinity

ASIN: B00002R16A
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

Tracks:

Hark! the herald angels sing
The first Nowell
While Shepherds Watched
I Saw Three Ships
Ding, Dong! Merrily On High
King Jesus Hath A Garden
In Dulci Jubilo
Unto Us Is Born A Son
O Come All Ye Faithful
Away in a manger
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Holly And The Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
See Amid The Winter's Snow
Past Three O'clock

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City
The Sussex Carol
Rocking
Rejoice And Be Merry
Joseph Was An Old Man
The Three Kings
As With Gladness Men Of Old
A Great And Mighty Wonder
The Infant King
Balulalow
The Crown Of Roses
Christ Was Born On Christmas Day
Blessed Be That Maid Mary
Lute-book lullaby
Myn Lyking
Personent Hodie
In the bleak mid-winter
Coventry Carol
Shepherd In The Field Abiding
Torches
Fantasia On Christmas Carols

Customer Reviews:

Christmas Carols at there best.......2005-10-18

It does not get any better. This 2 cd set is outstanding.
As one reviewer notes the second disk has many carols not heard by most people in the USA. I heard them growing up, but most are hard to find on an album.

Christmas is not Christmas without King's College Choir singing carols.

A great collection... :)

Nice Christmas CD.......2004-01-10

In my haste for looking for some traditional and exuberant Christmas music, and in my blinding affinity for all things "King's", I purchased this cd. It is a nice compelation, although I, and I daresay many Americans, am not very familiar at all with most of the hymns/carols on the 2nd cd. Morever, I found most of the music lacking in pomp and circumstance. Of course, now, I understand that is not what this cd set is for. If you want big sound and more familiar tunes, try something else.

The Best Christmas CD Ever.......1999-12-19

If you are seeking a CD of traditional Christmas music to help you 1) focus on the true meaning of the holiday and 2)draw near to God, this is it. The choral arrangements are alternately beautiful and powerful, delicate and majestic. There is a rich heritage of European carols which 99% of Americans know nothing of. Broaden your horizons with this disc. You won't regret it.

A masterpiece........1999-01-04

David Willcocks has produced, without question, the most elegant and dignified collection of Christmas choral music available. This CD is a masterpiece.

You need one traditional Xmas cd - this is it........1998-11-30

Yes, most of the stuff was originally recorded in the 50's and 60's and it's not going to win prizes for signal to noise ratio. However, if you, like me break out in a sweat hunting for a xmas cd which won't contain some desperate wannabe modernised rehash of carols or a "listen to me aren't I a good tenor/diva and by the way here are some carols?" tracks, then this is your album.

Tracks:

Church Bells: Past Three A Clock
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
In The Bleak Midwinter
Christmas Oratorio: Sinfonia
Once In Royal David's City
Sussex Carol
Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable?
Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant
L'enfance Du Christ: L'adieu Des Bergers A La Sainte Famille
L'enfance Du Christ: Le Repos De La Sainte Famille
Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen
Stille Nacht
Still, Still, Still
Singt Und Klingt
The Holly And The Ivy
The Three Kings
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
Away In A Manger
Christmas Song (Personent Hodie)
In Dulci Jubilo
Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing: Church Bells

Customer Reviews:

Uneven, though heavenly sound.......2005-12-22

I am enjoying this CD, however I must continually adjust the sound level. Some selections are recorded quite low and some are quite loud. I am constantly reaching for the volume.

An Outstanding Holiday Recording.......2005-11-19

In 1994 I worked at a music store where I was considered "the classical music expert." How did I earn this distinguished honor you may ask? Well, I had music lessons as a child, had a somewhat good knowledge of classical music as a hobbyist (I am a die hard opera buff and love the symphonic repertoire too), and I was the oldest sales person in the store. I was in my early thirties but most of the other employees were either in or recent graduates of high school. Since I could answer a few basic questions, I was the expert. I was also the jazz expert, movie sound track expert, easy listening expert, and vocals expert. If my life depended on my expertise of these areas, I wouldn't be writing this review right now, but that's another story.

The manager asked me to select some Christmas CD's for the store and in the catalogue, I saw that there would be a new release by The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner's direction. I had not heard the disc and we did not have a sample, but I had a hunch it would be well received and since the store catered to customers who loved good music, I figured that the recording would be well received. I remember when it arrived and we put it on the store stereo. From the church bells at the beginning to the first simple tunes of the disc, I knew this would be a great collection of holiday music. Customers agreed. It received airtime on the local classical station and we could not keep it in stock.

Since that time CHRISTMAS WITH THE ACADEMY has been a staple in my Christmas collection. It has three major strengths. First, the wonderful orchestra and beautiful chorus of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of founder Sir Neville Marriner. Second, there is a variety of carols and traditional holiday music. We hear tracks we would expect from an English ensemble, but we also hear those wonderful melodies that when performed well add so much to this season. Third would be the overall excellence of this recording. This great ensemble has produced excellent music over the years and this collection is simply another example of its quality.

I loved the recording when it was new, but now it has become a classic. For anyone who loves good holiday music that is performed well and has the spiritual quality that is so much a part of the season, this is a disc you will love.

I love it.......2004-12-15

This is excellent Christmas music. Of the choir Christmas music I have heard, I think this is great because there seems to be such a great balance between the male and female singers. Its exactly how I'd want Christmas carolers to sound. If you like how the music previews sound then you will like this cd.

Magnificent.......2003-11-29

If I could only have one Christmas CD, this would be my choice. The harmonies are exquisite. The instrumentals are beautiful. There are several a cappella sections, which I love. This Christmas concert is a masterpiece. It is one of the few CD's with enough presence to evoke the feeling of "being there". I feel as though I'm sitting in a church, listening to the most wondrous choir.

This 60 minute CD was recorded digitally [DDD], so I had no concern about the quality of remastering. I found the CD audio quality to be very acceptable. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves choral Christmas music.

few compare.......2001-11-23

Few Christmas music CD's can compare to this entry by Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. As the previous reviewer notes, there is nothing startlingly new or insightful about this program--but its sheer excellence sets it apart.

From the opening bells to the shattering conclusion of "Hark! the Herald Angel Sing," the listener encounters the kind of great music Marriner is known for. This stuff is precise though not dry, clean though not clinical. It is like seeing a beautiful painting in perfect clarity after having had it shrouded in a fog for years.

The soul of these songs are clarified by the interpretations they receive here. The joy they proclaim to the world can be palpably felt by the listener. My personal favorites here are: "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," "Il Est né, le divin enfant," and "Away in a Manger."

You need look no further if you want some great music to listen to and contemplate during this or any other holiday season. This is a great disc.

Tracks:

Go Tell It on the Mountain - The New Christy Minstrels
My Christmas Room - Jimmy Dean
Here Comes Santa Claus - Gene Autry
Silver Bells - Mike Douglas
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - John Davidson
Blue Christmas - Engelbert Humperdinck
Mele Kalikimaka
Merry Christmas Neighbor
Christmas Eve in My Home Town - Jim Nabors
Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly - The Everly Brothers
Peppermint Stick Parade - Bobby Vinton
You Make It Feel Like Christmas - Neil Diamond
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Richard Clayderman
Sleep My Child (All Through the Night) - Slim Whitman

Customer Reviews:

git yore yules here baby.......2002-01-02

i liked the older songs better (e.g. Here Comes Santa Claus by gene autry & Go Tell It On The Mountain by the new christy minstrels), because of the nostalgic feeling they gave. (i easily could have skipped You Make It Feel Like Christmas by neil diamond -- yeesh!) plus, the great variety in styles of music is fun (e.g. from the more classical Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring by richard clayderman to the hawaiin musical stylings of arthur godfrey & all his little godfreys in Mele Kalikimaka), which makes it easy to listen to this CD more than once. yeah baby, this is a good one to git for yore yuletide collection!

The Joy of Christmas Past - Jazz Classics

Average customer rating:

The Joy of Christmas Past - Jazz Classics
Les Brown , Mel Torme , Peggy Lee , Louis Armstrong , and Ahmad Jamal
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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