Customer Reviews

50 Classic Hymns

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is perhaps the best compilation of classic hymns on the market. The songs are beautifully arranged, and the artistic blend of choir and orchestra make this CD a must-have for listening on the road, at home, or at work. The lyrics come alive, and the listener is able to feel a spiritual closeness with our Savior Jesus Christ that will be relished time after time. I highly recommend this 3 CD set; and the price is a steal when considering the quality of the hymns.

I personally did not like the arrangements on this CD. You can't tell how it sounds by the clips, because they only play the parts when they are actually singing the hymns. But there are intros and embellishments on it that are very cheesy and ugly. Do not recommend.

Following a brief instrumental intro, the first track of disc 1 starts with the London Philharmonic Chorus singing Amazing Grace in unison as if sung by a single voice. The second verse is in traditional four part harmony, with the entire choir keeping the same tone color. The voices of this British premier choir trained by the legendary John Alldis, is pure heaven. Unfortunately, almost half of the performances in this collection by various artists are far below this standard, including the entire third disc. Performers of some tracks sound like an ad hoc ensemble hired for one recording session.
About half of the tracks are medleys of several songs. Most of the time, only one verse is sung. Yet, the orchestra played lengthy introductions and interludes. I rather have less instrumental and more singing. After all, we bought it for the hymns.

Artists are compelled to be creative. However, their efforts on the 3rd disc to add contemporary arrangements only turned these timeless hymns into dated tunes. I doubt we will cherish this disc a decade from now. My wife and I love to sing along. But with the harmony changed, we cannot sing the traditional parts we grew to love. With the rhythm changed, there is no joy in following along.
Why do I still rate this album 4 stars? Because for the price of a single CD, you get almost two CDs of excellent renditions of our most beloved hymns. Hence, I entitled the review of this mix bag as "30 or so Classic Hymns".

Play it all the time. So good to hear the words I used to hear as a child beautifully done, inspirational.

I just heard the CD's today and have listened to them several times already. I love the orchestra; it just makes you feel so alive and draws you closer to Jesus. It also brings back so many memories when you hear songs you haven't heard since you were a child. This set has become an instant favorite! I will be ordering several sets for Christmas gifts for family and friends. I would definitely recommend this selection to everyone.

I was very pleased with the quality and content of this CD. I am a hospice volunteer and find these hymns a wonderful background while sitting with a dying patient.

I've been on a quest to buy traditionally sung hymns where I could clearly hear the lyrics. The first part was totally satisfied. The orchestra is awesome. The music is rich, regal, and inspirational. I set my favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art" on repeat and hear it over and over again. The lyrics aren't clear sometimes, since it's sung by a choir, but over all, it's a great CD.