Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 Towering Talents of Music Wish You a Merry Christmas,
By
This review is from: Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is such a great video. I couldn't be happier with an addition to my personal collection. It is a video document of an album of the same name that was apparently aired on PBS in '92. Whether it was re-aired or not is no longer an issue as you can now have it at your disposal on video... Everyone involved is highly talented, yet there are no clashing egos in a bid for the spotlight. The concert is divided into a two part program, both of which satisfy. Previn is a very accomplished conductor and musician respected in jazz and classical music circles. His direction is crisp and assured and his ability to play up the strengths of the solo vocalists is unerring. Wynton Marsalis is, as you probably know, an amazing trumpeter but did you know that he also has arranging talents? Talents that make themselves apparent in several instrumental interludes some of which were arranged by him especially for the occasion. He performs them with his band of crack musicians who follow his lead without hesitatin. Two arrangements that are especially swingin' are his versions of "Winter Wonderland" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are." They are remarkable and will get your feet tapping. Before buying this video I wasn't really all that familiar with Frederica von Stade. BIG MISTAKE! She is a remarkable singer and a very beautiful woman (she was 48 when this video was made, looking like she's in her 30s!). I have to single out for special recognition her version of "My Favorite Things," the song from SOUND OF MUSIC. She pours out ream after ream of clearly enunciated golden sound. She's a mezzo soprano but she possesses a very secure top that is almost soprano-ey. Her golden sound complements the silvery sound of the other soloist, none other than Kathleen Battle. (Who, as it happens, is another fabulous singer and gorgeous woman with an engaging stage presence.) The two join voices in many duets and ensembles that will thrill and move you. "Go Tell It on the Mountain" (which closes part I) is absolutely amazing, with Ms. von Stade hitting great mid-range and low notes leaving Ms. Battle free to hit stratospheric peaks. Most surprising of their collaborations is the "12 Days of Christmas" in which they interpolate some of Strauss' DER ROSENKAVALIER. I would be wrong if I didn't mention Ms. Battle's solo accomplishments. She sings "Alleluja" (the last movement of Mozart's great sacred work EXSULTATE, JUBILATE) with spot-on coloratura that manages to sound very natural in its fluidity, and then later in the program surprises with a very touching (and well-sung) version of "Silent Night" in the jazz idiom. This is a video that needs to be in EVERY home, for it never fails to bring joy and a newfound appreciation for music.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is what it sounds like in Heaven at Christmas time!,
By
This review is from: Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This program deserves SIX stars on a scale of five! (I watched it on PBS several years back, and was captivated! The next year, I scoured the program listings until it showed up, and taped it. A couple years ago, I broke down and bought the Sony factory cassette. When they release it on DVD, I will be compelled to buy a DVD player!) Watching this program on Christmas night (and typically once or twice each holiday season besides) has become one of our favorite family traditions. Frederica Von Stade is gorgeous, and has a lovely contralto voice. Wynton Marsalis and his associates are in the groove. Andre Previn is extraordinary, as conductor and playing some jazzy piano. Kathleen Battle is so good it's a little scary - can a voice that beautiful emerge from a mortal being?! And the supporting cast is top-notch. It just doesn't get any better. Highlights: "Mary's Little Boy Chile," the opening number, with a rollicking calypso beat. "We Three Kings" by Marsalis and his Merry Men. "Prayer" from "Hansel and Gretel," sung by Battle and Von Stade. "Go Tell It On The Mountain" - make sure you are sitting down when you hear this one! I laughed! I cried! Truly moving. Make "Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert" part of YOUR holiday!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A magical night for Christmas music,
By
This review is from: Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is simply the finest collection of classical and contemporary Christmas music available (as soon as it's available on DVD I'll buy it, so as not to wear out my video copy!).Ms. von Stade's version of "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" is incredible. Turn off all your lights, save the lights on your tree, sit down, close your eyes and just listen to this piece -- you'll be transported to another place. If you're a fan of fine music, buy this video -- you *won't* be disappointed.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
|
