Customer Reviews

A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert / Frederica von Stade, Kathleen Battle, Wynton Marsalis

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The stars must have been aligned perfectly, all must have been right with the world on that night of December 8, 1991 in NYC's Carnegie Hall when this Christmas concert was filmed, because it is an example, one of those rare instances when everything falls into place perfectly.
On this particular night Kathleen Battle, Frederica Von Stade, Wynton Marsalis and Andre Previn performed, not only with their instruments but with their hearts as well. All the performers relate and connect to this often performed material in ways others simply do not. This is secular Holiday music performed with fervor and an emotional connection that borders on the religious.
The highlight of this recording is the 17 minute "American Songs" (I Wonder as I Wander, Who Was Mary, etc) performed primarily by Battle and Von Stade that is so exquisite as to be otherworldly.
Christmas Concerts can be corny or at worst, maudlin. But on this particular night in 1991, the angels sang and the heavens opened and called forth these artists to perform not only with their voices but with their souls as well. This is an emotional experience that is not to be missed.
(12/07/07: Ok, so I had to order this on amazon.uk and it was shipped from North Carolina..so go figure.
The picture is only ok, the sound is fair but at least i can once again hear and see the glory of this wonderful performance.)

On December 8, 1991, a couple of weeks before Christmas, PBS filmed this gala evening live at Carnegie Hall as part of its "Great Performances" series. It absolutely was. I initially viewed it about a year or so later on PBS, had videotaped it, pledge drive interruptions and all, and it became a tradition in our family to watch it at least once along with all the other favorite Christmas movies and television specials during the holidays. Last year my wife surprised me with this DVD for Christmas, and I was delighted since after 17 years of use, our video was beginning to show it's age, and I just happen to love this concert.

The angels on view at Carnegie Hall were two glorious opera stars both in their prime, soprano Kathleen Battle, and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, sharing the stage with jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and conductor/composer/arranger Andre Previn. The Orchestra of St. Luke's, the American Boy Choir, the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Christmas Concert Chorus provided outstanding support. The program of music selected was a very rich, eclectic one ranging from classical selections such as Mozart's "Alleluja" to modern Christmas carols such as the Blane/Martin "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A sumptuous musical feast was presented with something to please everyone, no matter what the individual taste. The joy that the performers radiated, along with the sense of breathless wonder and anticipation of the coming Yuletide season, heightened the experience.

Besides being a treat for the ear, the concert was a visual delight as well. The stage at Carnegie Hall had as a backdrop, three huge panels of holiday winter scenes in vivid colors against a black background, resembling scenes from lacquered antique Russian music boxes. Both ladies looked their glowing best and effectively contrasted one another in their holiday attire. Ms. Battle was every inch the prima donna, her hair swept back and held in place by glittering diamond combs, her petite frame clad in a sumptuous costume of lustrous holly red satin with huge balloon sleeves and a train in back that could rival the old Super Chief! The svelte Ms. von Stade was festive in a sparkling slim column of emerald green, with shimmering oversized diamond earrings. The dapper appearance of the Messieurs Marsalis and Previn in the their formal attire suitably complemented them.

All worked so well as a whole that it's seems almost unnecessary to select individual highlights but here are a few anyway. A rollicking calypso number "Mary's Boy Child" with a snappy intro by the Wynton Marsalis Septet began the concert. An addition of a taste of opera by Misses Battle and Von Stade gave an amusing twist to "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The soaring "Alleluja" by Ms. Battle probably had it's composer Mozart applauding in heaven! Ms. Von Stade ably supported by The American Boy Choir brought a hushed tenderness to "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"; she was also delightful with "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music". There was an evergreen freshness brought to two modern Christmas classics, Ms. Battle's warm warbling of "The Christmas Song", and Ms. Von Stade finding the poignancy in "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." For jazz enthusiasts Mr. Marsalis and the Septet gave an interesting slant to the old favorites "Winter Wonderland" and "Joy to the World."

Two medleys of Christmas music were particularly memorable at the middle and finale of the evening. The first was an African-American/American Folk arrangement of songs beginning with "I Wonder as I Wander" and climaxing with the thrillingly triumphant "Go Tell It on the Mountain", including a sassy trumpet solo by Mr. Marsalis. The finale was classic European carols such as "I Saw Three Ships", "Deck the Halls" "The Holly and the Ivy" "O Holy Night" and at it's conclusion the jubilant "Angels We Have Heard on High". Misses Battle and Von Stade had several duets in which their voices blended beautifully in "Gesu Bambino" "Abendsegen", and "Maria Wiegenlied".

All in all, this was a Christmas concert to remember, and for those of us who weren't lucky enough to be in the audience, this is the next best thing, being able to witness the bliss and holiday spirit generated on that stage. The CD of this concert is a must as well. Try them both for a Christmas season that will be more merry and bright for their inclusion!

Yes after waiting years for this treasure it finally arrived everything was great but what happened to the sound..Flate muddy DEAD I'm sure the CD was better but that was produced by SONY? I hope they can remarster this superb production

Every December, I watch this production several times and it never fails to work its magic. Frederica von Stade and Kathleen Battle present a marvelous picture and produce the sound to complement it. Purchase this DVD and you are ensuring yourself an enjoyable evening of viewing that will put you in the holiday spirit and remind you how beautiful Christmas carols can be. And you will likely also find yourself inspired to add a night at the opera to your New Year's list.

I saw this concert here in Holland several years ago...I am a fan of Kathleen Batlle and Wynton Marsalis...So I was so happy when i saw that this concert is available on DVD I immediately ordered it...and folks, its great!! Everything I expected, it gives you the ultimate christmas feeling! If you dont have this DVD, and youre a fan of good music, and fabulous singers and musicians...BUY this dvd!!

"A Carnegi Hall Christmas Concert" is an excellent TV Video Concert. In my opinion, the picture was good (Sorry, no HD!)and the sound was decent to good. The overall production was excellent. While we are talking about four, roughly, equivalent musical stars, Kathleen Battle was the featured singer, with Frederica von Stade doing a wonderful job of singing as support to Battle and singing some solos of her own. Wynton Marsalis did some excellent horn work, including some solos. Andre Previn conducted and did some very nice piano work. The running time was 87 minutes of excellent music. The choice of songs was very, very, good.

I particularly enjoyed some of the duets with Battle and von Stade singing almost as one. The featured performers were backed up by excellent instrumental musicians and two choruses.

This is a highly professional production, with two of opera's best lady singers. I think it is a good deal at a good price.

I wanted this DVD ever since I first saw the program on TV at Christmas time in about 1996 or '97. I had never heard Kathleen Battle before and was so thrilled with her voice - the only singer I have ever wanted to "sound like"! The entire program is thrilling, every time I play it!

Two wonderful singers who bring Christmas music to a new high.
Terrific for all ages.
I would have liked more vocal and less instrumental music.

If Carnegie Hall has ever had a better performance than this one (Benny Goodman, perhaps, in 1938, or Harry Belafonte in 1959, or maybe, Judy Garland in 1961), I doubt that it's on film. Absolutely brilliant. Not only were Kathleen Battle and Frederica Von Stade great together (and solo), but this diamond of a concert had any number of perfect facets: Andre Previn, the orchestra, the chorus, Wynton Marsalis (for sure), the camera work, the stage direction ... you name it .... This show, when accompanied by a couple of eggnogs, hovers on the gilded edge of sublime.

World class musicians inspired and inspiring in the Christmas spirit. I've purchased three copies to share with friends. Enjoy.