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Editorial Reviews
No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: BATTLE/PARKENING
Title: ANGEL'S GLORY
Street Release Date: 09/11/1997
Domestic
Genre: XMAS CLASSICAL VOCAL
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: BATTLE/PARKENING
Title: ANGEL'S GLORY
Street Release Date: 09/11/1997
Genre: XMAS CLASSICAL VOCAL
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Hal Lancer
Format:Audio CD
There can't be many people who are neutral about Kathleen Battle. Whether you love or hate her singing, you're likely to agree that this lyric coloratura soprano's interpretations are never boring or unoriginal. For those who strongly dislike Ms. Battle's vocal style, "Angels' Glory" is not likely to change their minds. But for those who greatly admire her unique approach, this album garners the highest recommendation. Christopher Parkening's classical guitar is delicately wrought lace that Ms. Battle weaves her voice through. His accompaniment was an inspired choice, far more effective than a large instrumental ensemble would have been for this recording. From my large collection of Christmas CDs in many genres, this one would be in my ball-and-holly-decked desert-island short list.
Most tracks here are rarely heard on other recordings, at least in these languages or settings, but are fully deserving, a welcome thing for those who tire of so many Christmas albums featuring the same ol', same ol' carols. It's hard for me to pick out just a few favorites, but among those in which the interplay of guitar and voice are particularly strong is the traditional Catalan carol, "El Desembre Congelat" (which a few American choirs have performed in English as "The Three Kings"), as well as the traditional Chilean lullaby, "Dormi, Jesu", and William Billings' "Methinks I See A Heavenly Host". The elegantly simple and traditional "Jesus, The Light of the World" is filled with hooks that will stay with you long after you hear it. The traditional Welsh lullaby "Suo Gan" is very moving. But I do have one clear favorite track: Pietro Yon's "Gesu Bambino".
... Read more ›12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Battle and Parkening are so synchronized in vocal and guitar. The result is a CD that is prayerful, thoughtful and so beautiful I've practically worn my cd out. I hope they collaborate again.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I felt it my duty to balance out and overrule the one unmerited negative rating and accompanying comment. I purchased this CD around 2 years ago, and several of the tracks are among my Christmas favorites. I am a Christmas carol connoisseur (have been since I was a toddler), and this recording immediately became a seasonal staple for me. First, let me mention that I once showed this CD to my choir director, who mentioned that Kathleen Battle had the egotistical "diva" reputation. Personally, I have never been one to follow the lives of celebrities and therefore generally have no feelings about them one way or another (unless they attempt to shove their left-wing politics down my throat); and so I don't care whether or not the "diva" reputation is accurate and deserved. The lone negative reviewer must be a musician who personally knows Kathleen Battle and has some axe to grind. That said ...
This CD has several tracks which alone would recommend the entire album. Specically, I could mention "El Desembre Congelat" (the specific track which led me to buy the CD in the irst place). I can't understand why this beautiful carol with its melodious tune and catchy-sounding lyrics is not better known than it is. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (with all 2,073 members) once sang it as "The Three Kings". That was my introduction to this beautiful Catalan carol, and I often try to find other good recordings of it. (The arrangement used by the Mormons is a very good one which leaves nothing to be desired, but I prefer a clearer/crisper, more intimate sound than the Mormons (whose choir could populate an entire mid-sized town). Parkening's guitar satisfies that need. Guitar accompaniment to Christmas music, once you get used to it, is clearer and more intimate than the overpowering organ.... Read more ›
This CD has several tracks which alone would recommend the entire album. Specically, I could mention "El Desembre Congelat" (the specific track which led me to buy the CD in the irst place). I can't understand why this beautiful carol with its melodious tune and catchy-sounding lyrics is not better known than it is. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (with all 2,073 members) once sang it as "The Three Kings". That was my introduction to this beautiful Catalan carol, and I often try to find other good recordings of it. (The arrangement used by the Mormons is a very good one which leaves nothing to be desired, but I prefer a clearer/crisper, more intimate sound than the Mormons (whose choir could populate an entire mid-sized town). Parkening's guitar satisfies that need. Guitar accompaniment to Christmas music, once you get used to it, is clearer and more intimate than the overpowering organ.... Read more ›
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
For anyone who loved the earlier pairing of Battle and Parkening ("Pleasures Of Their Company" -- a splendid album), this more recent CD will not disappoint. These are mostly Christmas songs, with some gospel material; the opening track ("Mary Did You Know") and several of the exquisite Catalan songs are particular highlights. Battle's voice is in fine form, and Parkening's sensitive guitar accompaniment is perfect. Needless to say, I completely disagree with the previous reviewer's opinion -- can't help wondering if that person has an axe to grind. All in all, "Angels' Glory" is a lovely offering, guaranteed to provide much listening pleasure.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is by far my favorite Christmas album. Kathleen Battle does a wonderful job; her voice is lovely and her interpretation is heartfelt. I listen to it over and over again. She includes selections that are standards, like Silent Night, as well as pieces that are more unusual, and songs that are traditional around the globe. I simply can't say enough wonderful things about this collection. It's mood is reverent but not stuffy or sad; the best way to describe it may be as contemplative but never boring. Christopher Parkening is wonderful as well. You won't be dissapointed!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By M. Deocampo
Format:Audio CD
This is a wonderful CD - should be in everyone's home.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely music
This album is a wonderful addition to our Christmas music collection. The voice and guitar complement each other . Christopher Parkening has a lovely technique.
Published 3 months ago by his450
5.0 out of 5 stars
Parkington and Battle
Wonderful artists. Selections performed on this CD are all very well done and very pleasing to listen to. Looking forward to more of their offerings. ld
Published 15 months ago by don't have one
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two Quibbles to a wonderful CD
Both are clean, clear and gorgeous performers. Now to be picky, picky, picky. Although Battle sings "Suo Gan" about as well as any non-Welshman can pronounce this unusual... Read more
Published on May 27, 2011 by David S. Baumgartner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kathleen Battle -- aaahhh!
I love Kathleen Battle and classical guitar so these two together were priceless. Made my Christmas listening special. Read more
Published on February 13, 2010 by Glory Lady
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bravo for voice and guitar
While browsing amazon for Christmas guitar music, I came accross this CD and decided to take a chance with a recording I was not at all familiar with. I am glad that I did. Read more
Published on December 11, 2009 by BGroovy2
4.0 out of 5 stars
a voice teacher and early music fan
'THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST HAS INSPIRED THE CREATION OF MORE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC THAN ANY OTHER EVENT IN HUMAN HISTORY, As you listen to these selections, I hope you will feel the joy... Read more
Published on October 20, 2008 by George Peabody
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Music
I look for Christmas music that is not main stream. I also enjoy Christmas music that is more simple in presentation also. Read more
Published on February 9, 2008 by Rebecca L. Kauffman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
I absolutely love this album! Kathleen Battle shines and is a wonderful interpreter of the music-and Christopher Parkening complements her perfectly. Read more
Published on August 27, 2001 by "puccinigirl"
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very lovely recording.
I loved this recording very much. I especia- lly loved her rendering of "Mary Did You Know?". I enjoyed it because it was a different style of singer singing it. Read more
Published on November 30, 1999 by Mary Collette List
