Customer Reviews

The Birth of Christ: Narrated by Liam Neeson

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For those who love The Messiah, but sometimes feel a bit saturated with it around Christmastime, here is a beautiful alternative. Andrew T. Miller's 'The Birth of Christ', a new Christmas cantata, is surely one of the most moving choral compositions to come along in years. It seems destined already to take its place alongside The Messiah as a Christmas staple. The soloists are superb, the chorus and orchestras good, and Liam Neesan's narration is excellent. The DVD, too, is worth purchasing. Here, we are treated not only to the music but to the beauty of ChristChurch Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland,where it was performed this past summer, only a few yards from where Handel first performed his Messiah.

I'm proud to say that Andy Miller is a friend of mine. I was unfortunately unable to participate in any of the performances of this brand new "classic" about the birth of our Lord.
Immediately after hearing that the DVD and CD were being release on Nov. 6, I immediately ordered both. I was fortunate to receive them, Saturday, Nov. 10, and immediately started viewing the DVD.
The title of my review describes my experience in viewing and listening. The sheer magnificence of the music, with all its nuances, raised the goosebumps. Listening to the soaring, lyrical lines, especially as sung by Robert McPherson and Amy Bils, brought the fountain of tears. It was also great to see the interplay of facial expressions, between the soloists.
It was a true delight, to watch Andy in action, directing the entire ensemble. Hearing that the ensemble was truly international and ecumenical in scope, added to the beauty of the experience.

The Birth of Christ: Narrated by Liam Neeson
The music is exciting and genuinely magnificent. The very idea that all of these people of such differing backgrounds came together in a land of historic conflict to celebrate unity in song. These are real people. This is real music. Even with all of the sheer vocal talent, the glorious instrumental movement "Journey to Bethlehem" alone will transcend even the most passive listener.

I am a longtime member of church choirs and have sung many cantatas over the years. This is, in my opinion, the most exciting and beautiful cantata I have ever heard. One song is sung in Hebrew (or is it Aramaic?) and is the prayer for the coming of the Messiah -- beautiful. The most stirring is the "Birth of Christ" song in the cantata where the people are shouting "Is this the one? Is this the one?". It as much highlights the faith of the Jewish people and their relationship with God as it tells the story of the birth of Jesus as the Christ (Messiah). I would recommend watching the DVD to enjoy the production and the CD to listen to with eyes closed in meditation.

This Cantata is amazing and very moving. Mary's Canticle brought tears to
my eyes. This will surely become a Christmas Classic. Excellent preformances by all the soloist. If you like the Messiah this is a must have. I watched it daily for the first week.

This music soars to the heavens! Not only do I hear a choir of angels, but the soloists, in particular Robb McPherson and Amy Bils, have obviously put their very hearts into bringing this brilliant composition to life. Andrew T Miller has been blessed with a talent for creating beautiful, uplifting music that truly touches the heartstrings.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST is a work composed and conducted by Andrew T. Miller in celebration of the meaning of Christmas. It may not be a work that finds universal acceptance in the classical music field, but given the honesty of the writing and the mulitplicity of the languages and inspirations, it may just become popular among churches as a seasonal offering. This recording is from a live performance in Dublin, Ireland and it features narration by the eloquent actor Liam Neeson, commenting and reaing the biblical story of the birth of Christ. The music is accessible and the building of the story is much like the version in St Luke: after a prologue with voices and orchestra there is the Annunciation of John followed by the Annunciation of Christ, the Visitation, a lovely song for the Virgin Mary, the exhilaration of 'Rejoice!' followed by the Journey to Bethlehem, the Birth, the Shepherd's Song and a final reprise of the opening. The soloists include the fine mezzo Kelly O'Connor, soprano Amy Bils, tenor Robert McPherson, baritone John B. Cooper, Irish tenor Robin Tritscher, and baritone Owen Gilhooly. This is a solid performance obviously created out of love. It adds a new sparkle to the Christmas season. Grady Harp, December 10

This music by Miller is the most sublime I've heard in decades. It is from a live recording, so the CD is not as clean as one would like, but that is nothing considering the quality of the music. BTW, the music is not just for Christmas.

The story of Christmas through this wonderful music. The emotion of the singers and director carried right through to myself. The substantial inclusion of John The Baptist & family gives the real dimension of the coming of Christ which most ignore. I bought copies for many of my friends. I can't wait for the Easter cantata in 2009.

This CD is awesome; very uplifting and edifying. I cannot wait for another Andrew T. Miller project in the future. Hats off to Amy Bils--her voice is angelic and haunting. I would recommend it anyone who wishes to augment their Christmas music collection--it will be their pearl!!