Customer Reviews

At Notre Dame

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

 

 

In just a few short years since I first heard Jessye Norman's Christmastide album, Jessye has become a voice that simply makes Christmas special for me. The grace and power she possesses are nearly unmatched in the vocal world, and her ability to shape pure emotion in her singing is uncommon.
She also gets the best venues, arrangers, and performing partners. How could you beat the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris? The orchestrations and orchestra are both superb. A must have for anyone's Christmas collection.

I was late to an appointment, snow was starting to slick the roads, and I was not even comforted by the usual carol music on my car radio. Suddenly, this incredible soprano, backed by a gorgeous orchestration, began to sing the most exultant, joyous hymn for Christmas I have ever heard in my life. I turned the vollume up full and pulled off the road, just closing my eyes and listening. I waited until the CD was identified -- Jessie Norman at Notre Dame. I won't mention the cut because all of them are superb, but if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this collector's item, listen for the words "Jubilate!" I do not know why this CD went out of circulation. Nothing else I've ever heard even comes close to its beauty. Do what you have to to get hold of this and hear the magnificent Jessye carol her heart out!!!! I wish there were a 10-star rating!

This is a magnificent recording with an 'atmosphere' that I can't quite describe. You can just imagine yourself in that great Cathedral at this beautiful Christmas concert. This is one of my all time favourite Christmas CDs.

Anything Jessye does is wonderful, but this CD of her Christmas concert at Notre Dame is superlative. During the concert there wasn't enough room inside the cathedral for everyone who wanted to attend her concert, so the crowd spilled out into the streets of Paris, with large screens set up for the people outside to watch the concert.

The opening Jubilate Fanfare is triumphant, as is the closing Sanctus, and everything in between is a mix between classical (the Agnus Dei), traditional (Behold that Star, Star of Wonder), and spiritual (Rockin' for the World, Go Tell it on the Mountain). A wonderful Christmas CD for listening or for background music while opening presents and visiting with friends.