Customer Reviews

Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

In my opinion, quite simply the best rendition of Christmas music I ever heard. I can't wait for Sony to release a DVD of this concert.

"OH SWEET FRIENDS, HARKEN UNTO ME", This is simply the most glorious Christmas Music you will ever listen to. My wife and I lucked out a few years ago and recorded this from a TV broadcast, and were almost at a loss for words to describe it. The following year I found a copy of it on the old laser disc format, and what a treasure it is! Listening to this concert each holiday season is now a special event in our home. With the fireplace glowing and a fine bottle of wine after a great meal, we now settle back and are literally taken to another place and time. Even though I've listened to this performance many times, I still get choked up when we watch it. It's just beautiful! The arrangements and combination of performers, are wonderful. Now, if Sony would just be so kind as to produce it on DVD and perform their usual magic with it.

All in this video are greatie: Battle,. W.Maersalis, F.VonStade. A must for Xmas viewing and sharing especially Xmas eve.

This is without a doubt the most wonderful Christmas program ever. I bought the video way back in 1992 or 1993 and I have literally worn it out. As a result of this program I listen more frequently to opera singers. Every year I check to see whether Sony has released this on DVD and am disappointed that they haven't done it yet.

Hey Sony--if you're listening, please release this to DVD. It deserves to be released so other can enjoy it as I do.

This is an amazing Christmas Concert, recorded live at Carnegie Hall. Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, and Wynton Marsalis put on incredible performances.

Absolutely the best christmas concert of all time.

Since accidentally stumbling upon this sublime Christmas treat several years ago it has become a compulsive viewing tradition in our house. What a glorious moment captured in time.It is the perfect combination of wonderful ,complementary soloists, top musicians and an ecstatic audience. All under the masterful direction of Andre Previn( get the Julie Andrews Christmas CD he produced- after40 years it still for me is THE Christmas CD) Get this tape and please lobby and lobby and lobby Sony to release it on DVD( it's hard to do so from way down here "down under" !)