Gregorian Christmas [Box set]

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Introitus: Puer Natus Est Nobis

2. Kyrie: Kyrie Eleison

3. Gloria: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

4. Psalmus 112: Laudate Pueri

5. Offertorium: Tui Sunt Caeli

6. Sanctus: Sanctus

7. Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei

8. Communio: Viderunt Omnes

9. Magnificat: Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum

10. Hymnus: A Solis Ortus Cardine

See all 14 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2

1. Introitus: Rorate Coeli

2. Halleluja: Laetatus Sum

3. Communio: Jerusalem Surge

4. Introitus: Populus Sion

5. Antiphonae: O Sapientia - O Adonái - O Radix Jesse - O Clavis David - O

6. Magnificat: Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum

7. Introitus: Gaudete

8. Kyrie: Kyrie

9. Halleluja: Excita Domine

10. Offertorium: Benedixisti Domine

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Sancte Dei
Salve Sanctus Parens
In Paradisum Angeli
Sanctus & Benedictus
Conditor Alme
Organ Voluntary
Te Lucis Ante Terminum
Christus Natus Christos
Kyrie Christe Eleison
Organ Voluntary
Gloria
Puer Natus Est
Sanctus & Benedictus, II
Beata Dei
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Organ Voluntary
In Paradisum Angeli, Reprise
Dominus Exsultemus

Customer Reviews:

Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's.......2007-01-11

The CD was in perfect shape, was shipped very promptly and I have enjoyed listening to it - especially when feeling stressed.

Fantastic.......2007-01-10

The is one CD that is calming to everyone even an overactive, over excited puppy.

DOMINE LABIA MEA APERIES.......2006-05-08

"Lord Open my Lips......"

I would suggest that anyone REALLY interested in PURE, GREGORIAN CHANT to access the following Carthusian Link:

[...]

You will hear Gregorian Chants as you have never heard before.
As a former Trappist Monk, where the Choir Monks sang the Divine Office each day - a total of about 7 hours - and in the Cistercian Chant, the CARTHUSIAN CHANT is by far the most pure of the two traditional chants. The Carthusians do NOT utilize any musical instruments as is used in some Trappist Communities and Benedictine Communities.

This recording is a rather poor rendition, but seems to please some listeners. For those purists among you, access the above site.

The Carthusian Gregorian Chant has its own renditions. You will notice whenever the Nuns or Monks are chanting the 'GLORIA' that the tempo is drastically reduced, and not rushed thru.

Background noises in this recording make it difficult to really appreciate the Chant.

In the Carthusian Chants - especially those from La Grande Chartreuse, France, the diction is crisp, clear and every Latin Word is distinguishable.

It's a stinker!!.......2006-03-13

The cover art is good, but the music is horrible! This is a REALLY bad recording!

Unbiased reponse to Caesarmagnus.......2005-04-22

Agreed, the fan IS there, but I must admit they are actually singing well in the actual Solesmes style (based on these samples). I have heard superb chant and frighteningly bad chant. This is not as bad as it gets I assure you. Try to find something from a Seminary or Monastery.

Average customer rating:

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

A to Z of Classical Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004YYRT
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
Gloria - Oxford Camerata
Pavane - Red Byrd
Canon - Capella Istropolitana
Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
Prelude - Laurence Cummings
Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
Andante - Failoni Orchestra
Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
Adagio - Jeno Jando
Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

Average customer rating:

clearing up a discrepancy
One of the best I've heard
Beautiful music
Do the holidays get you stressed?
Who record this? Capella Gregoriana?

Gregorian Christmas: Chants & Motets
Gregorian Chant , Arne Mellnas , Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart , Capella Gregoriana , and Conductor Laszlo Dobszay
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants
Chant
Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant

ASIN: B000001VHK
Release Date: 1993-09-30

Tracks:

Introitus: puer natus est nobis
Kyrie: Kyrie eleison
Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo
Psalmus 112: Laudate pueri
Offertorium: Tui sunt caeli
Sanctus: Sanctus
Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei
Communio: Viderunt omnes
Magnificat: Magnificat anima mea Dominum
Hymnus: A solis ortus cardine
Introitus: Salve sancta Parens
Halleluja: Multifarie
Communio: Exulta filia Sion - Psalm 45
Magnificat: Magnificat anima mea Dominum
Track 15
Track 16
Track 17
Track 18

Customer Reviews:

clearing up a discrepancy.......2005-12-20

The play list is correct, the one with the ability to listen to clips. This CD has 14 tracks, beginning with "Puer natus est nobis" (the Introit) and ending with "Magnificat anima mea Dominum." The list that says ON THIS CD is a totally different list of chants. I do not know what it is doing on this page.
There is no Mozart. There are sparse credits in the liner notes. The recording appears to be of a group calling itself Capella Gregoriana, although nothing is said about them. Predominantly chant, there are times when the selections move to motets, the natural outgrowth of chant, being simutaneous independent plain songs as it were, combined to form a melodious and rhythmic whole much as partner songs do. Highly recommended, this is an excellent budget album. Just be sure that you understand that you are getting the 14 tracks that you can listen to, not the list that says other tracks are on the CD. As for the Christmas feel, it is certainly reverent and soothing. It is not festive. If you like chant, you will appreciate this album. I certainly do. If you are looking for festive type Christmas music, find another source.

One of the best I've heard.......2004-03-09

Not technically Gregorian, because of some polyphony. But this is one of the best selections of this kind of music that I've heard. Compare to expensive monastery or convert CDs, and others, and this is one you put on the CD changer more than the rest. Found it in a bargain bin at Fry's. Amazing CD.

Beautiful music.......2002-12-29

Beautiful musical rendition of Christmas music. Soothing and lilting, it'll help you get centered or reconnected or whatever it is you need for stress relief. A fantastic CD at a great price!

Do the holidays get you stressed?.......2000-12-05

This is a beautiful collection of soothing Christmas chants and motets...Put this in your CD player and you'll have trouble getting upset about the person who just cut you off for the last parking space at the mall! An excellent-quality recording for an amazing price...

Who record this? Capella Gregoriana?.......2000-09-01

There is an interesting descrepancy in who recorded these - the listing says: "Performed by Schola Hungarica Conducted by László Dobszay" while the cd itself simply says "Capella Gregoriana". I suspect the listing is more accurate given the overall quality of this recording. Other than a phrase in Procedentem Sponsum where I find the high notes to be less than ideal, the recording has voices clearly used to chant with careful unisons that keeps the words understandable. The first cut Dies est laetitia is my favorite. This is definately an acceptable album of traditional Christmas music - very traditional.

Average customer rating:

My idea of heaven
Wonderful, but not quite the best of I had hoped
A treasury
Chanticleer: A Portrait

Chanticleer: A Portrait
Caroll Coates , Harold / Mercer, Johnny Arlen , Spiritual Traditional , Vince Guaraldi , Joseph Jennings , Ettore Stratta , Eric Alatorre , Tim Krol , Corey McKnight , Kevin Baum , David Munderloh , and Dawn Upshaw
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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How Sweet the Sound: Spirituals & Traditional Gospel Music
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Where the Sun Will Never Go Down

ASIN: B00008J2VP
Release Date: 2003-03-18

Tracks:

Quem Terra Pontus Sidera
Ave Maria (Gregorian Chant)
Alma Redemptoris Mater
The Angel Cried Out
Angelicas Milicias
Wherewithal Shall A Young Man...
Love Is A Beautiful Dream
This Heart That Flutters Near My Heart
Wild Grass
Labbra Vermiglie E Belle
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Dulaman
Shenandoah
Spanish Carol
Love Is Letting Go
Blues In The Night
Wade In The Wate
We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace
Christmas Time Is Here

Amazon.com

With this disc, Chanticleer, the internationally renowned, all-male 12-voice chamber choir, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Presenting songs from earlier albums plus one not previously recorded, the selection displays the group's remarkable stylistic and linguistic versatility, as well as all the qualities that have made it famous: the impeccable precision and intonation; the pristine tonal purity; the deep, inner expressiveness; the infinitely variable range of colors, textures, dynamics and moods; and the incredible vocal control that allows voices to stand out as well as to blend into a seamless, sonorous whole. Not for nothing has the group been called "an orchestra of voices" with its ability to sound like a big band in chordal passages and to imitate bass pizzicati as well as patter-songs and gospel shouts. The sopranos take off into stratospheric heights with florid coloratura; it is hard to believe that these are male voices. The program ranges from Gregorian chant and liturgical music of the 16th and 17th century, through traditional and jazz-influenced folk songs and spirituals (some in deplorably bad arrangements), to works by contemporary composers. Chanticleer's mostly vibrato-less vocal style still reflects its roots in its original Renaissance repertoire, but the way the singers use their voices in the popular, jazzy songs makes one aware of the evolving kinship between the two traditions. Though primarily an a capella ensemble, Chanticleer is occasionally joined by various instrumental groups, from period instrument orchestras to a jazz trio, and Dawn Upshaw adds her radiant, smiling, unmistakably "real" soprano to a delightful, high-spirited performance of a Spanish Carol. This disc is a fine, varied sampling of Chanticleer's discography and should inspire listeners to search out all the complete albums. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

My idea of heaven.......2007-02-17

If you liked Norman Luboff's Song's of the Sea's "Shenandoah", the price of this CD is worth it alone. That's why I ordered the CD. I heard Chanticleer's version and immediately ordered it. The rest is just the icing on the cake.

Then there is the one Kiri Tekanawa (sp?) offering, which is the only female voice on the recording.

Wonderful, but not quite the best of I had hoped.......2006-07-18

Some great material truly shines on this album, but I wsih that the group had been a little less populist in their choice of repertoire. There is a little too many arrangements and folk-like material, with the exception of the wonderful "Dulaman", and I would like to have heard some more varied repertoire. That said this is an excellent starting point for this amazing group.

A treasury.......2005-11-06

As you can tell from the samples, the music here is amazing and covers a wide territory. It is less obvious that much of this is available on other CDs. I am confident, for example, that "We Shall Walk Through the Valley In Peace" is the same track that you will find on their phenomenal and highly recommended gospel collection, _Where the Sun Shall Never Go Down_, and I see a number of familiar-looking titles from other CDs. My advice is: if you're looking for a broad sample of the group's repertoire, then you can't go wrong here -- but if you've already got several Chanticleer albums, then you'll want to check your existing collection for potential duplications before buying this 'treasury.'

Chanticleer: A Portrait.......2005-10-26

This is a marvelous singing group of all males with a little addition of Dawn Upshaw on a couple of pieces. They are thourally amazing at what they can sing with Male Voices usually unaccompanied. Obviously they have good strong Contra-Tenors that can manage the high notes without any problems. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys vocal music, unaccompanied and like Male Voices

Average customer rating:

Deeply Endearing
A one of a kind Christmas Album
Simply Fantastic.
Not just for the holidays!
Superb cd - well selected, well performed

Medieval Christmas
Catalonian Anonymous , Franco-Provencal Anonymous , French Anonymous , Gregorian Chant , Italian Anonymous , Old Saxon Anonymous , Geoffrey Chaucer , Christmas Traditional , Dutch Traditional , English Anonymous , and Joel Cohen
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
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Binding: Audio CD

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A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music from the Middle Ages

ASIN: B000005IVR
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

Isaiah's Prophecy - The Sybil's Prophecy, Iudicii signum
Conductus, Adest sponsus
Gabriel's Prophecy, Oiet, virgines
Clausula, Domino
Hymn, Conditor alme siderum - Lauda, Verbum caro factum est
Reading, On frymae was Word - Organum, Iudea et Iherusalem
Conductus, Gedeonis area
Reading, O moder mayde
Hymn, Ave maris stella - Sacred Song, O maria, deu maire
Prosa, Ave Maria
Responsory, Gaude maria - Hymn, Joseph, liber nefe min
Conductus With Refrain, Congaudet hodie, In dulci iubilo - Hymn, In dulci iubilo
Reading, Hand by hand we shule us take
Conductus, Lux hodie... Orientis partibus

Customer Reviews:

Deeply Endearing.......2004-12-14

I was 7 years old and excited as all get out for Christmas when my stepfather brought this album into our family, and it immediately became a classic. This is by far my favorite music to listen to during christmas time. While carols become slightly stale as you grow older, the melodies and performance from this album are timeless, enchanting, historic and carry deep meaning. Now that I'm 33, I appreciate these performances even more, if that is even possible. A true gem. When I discovered it here on CD, I was so excited I telephoned my whole family to let them know.

A one of a kind Christmas Album.......2004-12-01

A friend gave me this album - on a 33RPM record! - over 20 years ago and it has remained one of my all time favorites. Words defy the magic contained in it. You will be transported back hundreds of years. I cannot laud enough the Boston Cantata's attention to details and professionalism in the playing of original instruments, the old English readings, and the incredible vocals, especially the countertenor on "Gabriel's Prophecy."

Simply Fantastic........2002-11-12

This has been my favorite holiday album since it first came out some nearly 25 years ago. It has *definately* stood all tests of time.

Not just for the holidays!.......2001-10-10

This one's superb. I was absolutely thrilled to see it on CD a few years back (I had the LP). "Medieval Christmas" may sound a little...sullen, or something, but ho ho, this one is different. Sure it's early music, one of the best early music CDs I've heard, and I have many, but it fits the spirit of the holiday season perfectly without being preachy, or overtly Christmas-like. I bought a few copies for friends and they say they like it so much, they play it year 'round.

That's a heck of a recommendation for a Christmas CD, eh? I really don't know what makes this one so special. All that I know is that it's a 5-star production, and the "Renaissance Christmas" I would give only 3.5 stars. It doesn't pack as much of a wallop. So grab this one, folks, and enjoy. From me to you I love this CD!

Superb cd - well selected, well performed.......2000-09-18

This collection of Medieval Christmas music has a wonderful mixture of pieces - Hebrew cantillation, Old Saxon readings, plainchant, processional music - with varying countries of origin - Spanish, Provencal, French, Italian, German, English. The net result is a varied program that will appeal even to those not particularly familiar with Medieval music.

The musical instruments are period instruments - rebec, viola da gamba, flutes, recorders, shawm, etc. They are well utilized in the service of the words. The Boston Camerata is, as usual, a well trained choir - the words are clear, the voices blend beautifully.

Tracks:

Welcome: Angels We Have Heard On High
Ode For Christmas
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The Holly And The Ivy
Carol Of The Bells
Arabian Dance
Good King Wenceslas
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Coventry Carol
Pat-A-Pan
Still, Still, Still
Little Drummer Boy
Bring A Torch Jeannette, Isabella
Ave Regina Celorum
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Silent Night
Angels We Have Heard On High
Oh! G
Joy to the World

Customer Reviews:

Empire brass not at the best.......2006-03-12

Expected more with this CD. One time listening is enough.

Quite Disappointing.......2005-12-07

The Empire Brass is one of the premier brass quintets in the world, but you will not hear this on this Christmas album. Almost every single track has some kind of electronic backbeat or guitars, which frankly, is quite annoying, and the arrangments (though many might call them "original") are very poor. If you like "ecelectic" you might like this, but if you are in any shape or form a brass aficionado you will play this once and then it will begin to collect dust on your CD rack. Very disappointing!

Unique.......2004-10-02

I always collect unique Christmas albums. Where someone gives an old familiar carol a new, fresh spin. There are quite a few to choose from on this album.

I really enjoy "O Come All Ye Faithful," with its steady crescendo and addition of instruments. "The Little Drummer Boy" is similar, starting with a soloist.

"Oh! G," a montage of several Christmas carols is manic, fun, and really enjoyable. The tuba player is practically a virtuoso!

All in all, a very nice refreshing change of style.

An Eclectic Christmas Collection.......2003-12-04

Boston's Empire Brass' Christmas Album THE WORLD SINGS is an interesting mix of Christmas music. Listeners certainly will find Empire's polished and powerful sound in many of the tracks. While the group is a classically trained brass quintet, there are tracks that include contemporary musicians as well as a vocalist Laurie Monahan. The album includes many Christmas standards such as "Joy to the World," "Angels We Have Heard On High" and the like. Less familiar carols are included such as "Pat-a-pan" and "Still, Still, Still." A personal favorite is the group's unique rendition of the "Arabian Dance" from THE NUTCRACKER. People desiring a traditional brass quintet album will probably be better off looking at the Philadelphia Brass Ensembles A FESTIVAL OF CAROLS IN BRASS (a must have for all lovers of brass music), but listeners who enjoy creative sound rooted in classical music but open to contemporary music will certainly enjoy this wonderful collection.

Strikingly original,gorgeous,only one odd track.......2002-10-25

Strikingly original, gorgeous, and someday this will likely be considered a Classic. Christmas CDs are a penny-a-dozen, and they often take a safe, predictable route, but this one is a true original. On this CD, the Empire Brass' arrangements are often haunting, as, for example one of the opening arrangements of "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen". Some tracks explore Middle Eastern territory- a VERY appropriate, usually unexplored theme, considering Jesus' birthplace. Quiet tracks like "Bring a torch" have feeling of quiet snow falling on a medieval village centuries ago in Europe somewhere. Others are wildly, ecstatically played ; "The Holly & the Ivy" for example. Some carols features very original & exciting percussion - but none of it overbearing; the percussion stays in the background & does not overtake the other players. A beautiful medieval track is a real gem-"Ave Regina Caelorum" is quietly played by the brass with the wonderful soprano soloist. This one has an appropriaterly mysterious air, filled with wonder & pathos. As does the frequently recorded "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", but here it is arranged differently than I've ever heard, as if I'd heard the words for the very first time. As usual, Telarc's recording is very realistic & with great dynamic range. There's only one track that seems a bit odd because it follows a few very touching tracks at the end. It's a Dixieland/Ragtime flavored Take on "Joy to the World"; very creative, perhaps it would be better somewhere else on the disc. Overall, this is probably my favorite of dozens of Christmas CDs.

Noel, Noel!: Noels Francais/French Christmas Music (1200-1600)

Average customer rating:

refreshingly traditional
Beautiful
This is excellent work
My favorite Christmas album.
This is an outstanding recording

Noel, Noel!: Noels Francais/French Christmas Music (1200-1600)

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | 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
Similar Items:

A French Christmas
En la Fete de Noel/O Holy Night
A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
Chansons Pour Noel: Mon Beau
Medieval Christmas

ASIN: B000000SCC
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

I - Midnight In Bethlehem: Oyez Seigneur comment parla (The Sybil's Prophecy)
I - Midnight In Bethlehem: O oriens, splendor lucis aeternae
I - Midnight In Bethlehem: Kyrie 'Le jour de Noel'
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Lux Hodie - Orientis Partibus
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Quem vidistis pastores
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Magnum nomen domini
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Lux optata claruit
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Virgo gemma virginum
II - Christmas Week In Beauvais: Quando decet honore
III - To The Virgin: Ave regina celorum
III - To The Virgin: In tua memoria
III - To The Virgin: Magnificat
IV - Noel, Noel: Noe, Noe
IV - Noel, Noel: Noe, noe, magnificus est rex pacificus
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Conditor en francais
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Chantons Noel, menons joyeuse vie
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Bransle de Bourgogne
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Or vous tremoussez, pasteurs de Judee
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Et d'ou venez-vous, Madame Lucette?
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Bransle de Bourgogne - Bransle double
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Disons nau a pleine teste
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Ronde And Saltarello
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Nouvelles, nouvelles
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Pres Bethleem dans une estable
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Sur le mont de Sion
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Dona nobis pacem (From The 'Missa sur le Point d'Avignon')
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: O l'heureuse journee
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Bransle de Champagne
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Venez ouyr la trompette
V - A Renaissance Bouquet Of Carol And Dances: Bransle de Champagne (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

refreshingly traditional.......2006-11-10

If you are as tired as I am of canned Christmas muzak, you will find this to be refreshing, beautiful, and uplifting for the season of Christ's birth.

Beautiful.......2001-12-22

I was looking for something different from all the popular American Chirstmas music that has been re-done so many times. Here is a collection that satisfied me, and will delight both Franco-phones and Anglo-phones (English speakers) Some of the pieces are very chant like, but others are lively songs with lots of energy. Especially notable are tracks # 18, Or vous trémoussez, pasteurs de Judée, # 13, Noe, Noe, and my personal favorite, # 27, O l'heureuse journée. You likely will not recognize any of the tunes, so it may take a bit for this album to sound like Christmas, but it quickly did for me. The ancient instruments employed also give the music a unique sound that is really neat. This is a CD worth purchasing

This is excellent work.......1999-11-19

I am a musician and a medieval history buff, and first heard the Beauvais segments of this recording over the car radio, as I parked intending to do some Christmas shopping. I could not leave the car until the last note was sung and immediately began a search for the recording. The music is so...right, like a little time trip, haunting, triggering the imagination.

My favorite Christmas album........1999-09-04

Beautifully clear voices mix with period instruments and voices of character to present a lively, touching, and thoroughly enjoyable mix of music of centuries past.

This is an outstanding recording.......1998-12-26

Joel Cohen and the boston Camerata have recorded an outstanding collection of French Christmas carols.

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far

The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard Von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins [Hybrid SACD]
Feather on the Breath of God
Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00070EBRG
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Average customer rating:

A warm, joyful baroque Christmas celebration
An excellent performance

A Baroque Christmas

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
Medieval Christmas
English Medieval Christmas
A Mediterranean Christmas
American Christmas

ASIN: B000005J0W
Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

A Minuit Fut Fait Un Reveil
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Noels Pour Les Instruments: Joseph est Bien Marie
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Or Nous Dites Marie
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Une Jeune Pucelle
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Vous Qui Desirez Sans Fin
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Nun Jauchzet Mit Hellem Ton
Laudate Dominum - Claudio Monteverdi
Non Recedet Laus Tuus
Salve Regina - Claudio Monteverdi
The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation - Henry Purcell
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Kyrie
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Gloria
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Credo
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Offertoire
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Snactus
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

A warm, joyful baroque Christmas celebration.......2004-12-07

The beautiful, varied, and well-chosen repertoire on this disc will keep you returning to it season after season. We start with a 17th-cantury French NOEL, lovingly and simply rendered a cappella by Richard Duguay. There follow some more French carols in instrumental arrangements by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, two traditional plainchants, some sumptuous madrigal-style pieces by Schein and Monteverdi, Purcell's florid and expressive vocal monologue for the Virgin Mary, and finally the most substantial piece on the disc: Charpentier's Christmas Midnight Mass, a very interesting work based on French carol themes. The performances by the Boston camerata are warm and vibrant. This early baroque Christmas disc is a real winner.

An excellent performance.......2000-09-18

This cd is the Baroque equivalent of the Medieval and Renaissance Christmas albums of the Boston Camerata. It has the least varied repetoire, in part because of the Charpentier Mass - Messe de Minuit sur des Airs de Noel, a work well worth having in its entirety. There are two pieces that are chant and a marvelous piece from Germany in an Italian style - Nun Jauchzet mit Hellem Ton - to which the notes say there are two sets of words, the one recorded here in praise of the Christmas festival, the other celebrating the amorous delights of nymphs. With such a delightful piece of trivia, how could the cd fail?

While the Boston Camerata gives its normal skilled performance, they are not as spectacular as they are on earlier music. They still are among the better interpreters of Baroque music, but it is not their speciality.

This is an excellent Christmas cd worthy of being in any collection.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Mezzanine de l'Alcazar, Vol. 3

Rodrigo: Elogio de la Guitarra

Ritchie,A.: Flute Concerto/Ritchie,J.: The Snow Goose/Moon: Concertino/Hamilton: Passacaglia

Music: Think Tank (Spoken Word) [Live]

Taras Bulba: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD] [Enhanced] [Soundtrack]

Star Profiles [Enhanced]

Some Girls [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Sexy

Rosicler

Music of Thomas Tallis & John Sheppard

Straight Ahead [Import]

Salsa Bolero Bachata Romantica, Embriagame - El Amor Cosa Tan Rara - Como Abeja Al Panal,

Shock That World, Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]

Paventa Insano: Pacini and Mercadante Arias and Ensembles

I Remember You

1. Introitus: Puer Natus Est Nobis
2. Kyrie: Kyrie Eleison
3. Gloria: Gloria in Excelsis Deo
4. Psalmus 112: Laudate Pueri
5. Offertorium: Tui Sunt Caeli
6. Sanctus: Sanctus
7. Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei
8. Communio: Viderunt Omnes
9. Magnificat: Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum
10. Hymnus: A Solis Ortus Cardine

1. Introitus: Rorate Coeli
2. Halleluja: Laetatus Sum
3. Communio: Jerusalem Surge
4. Introitus: Populus Sion
5. Antiphonae: O Sapientia - O Adonái - O Radix Jesse - O Clavis David - O
6. Magnificat: Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum
7. Introitus: Gaudete
8. Kyrie: Kyrie
9. Halleluja: Excita Domine
10. Offertorium: Benedixisti Domine