Customer Reviews

A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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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.

What would happen if you engaged some of the finest musicians of both the classical and jazz universes and asked them to perform a Christmas program in a wide range of musical styles? And you booked it in that most distinguished and wonderful place known as Carnegie Hall? Well, you could try that formula over and over again and never surpass this marvelous program.

The masterful hand of Andre Previn, seen here both on the conductor's podium and at the piano, has produced a concert that would cause even the Grinch's heart to soar with the Christmas spirit.

Frederica Von Stade and Kathleen Battle perform solos and duets of many Christmas classics along with a few more obscure carols, accompanied by orchestra and chorus. Von Stade sings with great elegance and beauty. Battle is heavenly, although I keep thinking of her as a prima donna. But then, she of all people has the undeniable right to the mantle of prima donna!

They also join with Wynton Marsalis & Co. for contemporary renditions of several numbers, including a wonderfully weird version of "We Three Kings." Marsalis goes for a Caribbean sound on "Mary's Boy Child", one of the most memorable tracks on the CD, with Battle and Von Stade trading off as soloists.

The finale is a truly gorgeous medley of favorites, with the full choir, orchestra, and soloists all joining in.

I have only mentioned a few highlights of a program that is wonderful from beginning to end. Most of the songs are traditional religious carols, with a smattering of popular secular Christmas tunes added in.

The video of PBS' broadcast of this concert is also available and is equally highly recommended.

December 8, 1991 must have been a great night in New York City, especially at Carnegie Hall. On this evening, three outstanding performers backed by a great orchestra and two different choirs joined forces for a Christmas concert. The fruit of this effort is the recording A CARNEGIE HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT.

When Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, and Wynton Marsalis collaborate in a concert, how can it be anything but an event? This disc shows just how phenomenal event this concert must have been. Each performer had ample opportunity to demonstrate the performer's individual talents, but there are also many duets with Battle and von Stade as well as works where all three perform together. The Orchestra of St. Luke's is conducted by Andre Previn and has a sumptuous sound. The American Boychoir and the Christmas Concert Chorus add backups that enhance so many of the arrangements. Battle and Von Stade's rendition of "Gesu Bambino" is probably one of the best recordings of this beautiful carol. The "Evening Prayer" from HANSEL AND GRETEL is a highlight as well. Winton Marsalis and his septet display their talents in jazz versions of "Winter Wonderland" and "We Three Kings." There is a great Christmas medley that concludes the disc that is simply vocal and orchestral fireworks at their best.

My only critique, or pet peeve might be the better way of expressing it, would be "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This particular arrangement has the gifts in a different order than the standard version, but since this could be open to dispute, and in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, I won't consider this a strike against the album.

I'll say it again: December 8, 1991 must have been a great night in New York City, especially at Carnegie Hall.

If you had to buy one Christmas album, this would be a good one to choose. Vocal fireworks form Battle and von Stade and creative jazz arrangements from Marsalis(not to mention jazz piano from Previn), and the orchestra also dazzles. The choirs are top notch. It is a great live event, well recorded at Carnegie. As much as I dislike Battle's habit of wanting to sing louder than von Stade, you must admit some of her high notes are amazing. The duets the two sing are also lovely. A winning performance.

This is a wonderful CD. The entire performance is absolutely perfect. Its the first Christmas CD we listen to every year and now my children start asking to hear it around Thanksgiving. I can't count the number of people I've given this to as a gift. We're are on our second copy!

To put this in the category of "classical" is a misnomer, since it implies an emphasis on operatic style. On the contrary, this album combines the fantastic jazz style and unique arrangements by Marsalis on selections such as "We Three Kings", the soothing and inspirational sounds of the gospel and boys choirs, and the versatile voices of Battle and Von Stade (using both classical and contemporary styles). The ladies' voices blend effortlessly, and their harmonies will stir your soul! There is not a single track that will not elicit an emotion - jubilation, reflection, joy - you name it. The triumphant "Go Tell it On the Mountain" is so full of energy and joy it moved me to tears. Hallelujah! Get this one!

Simply the Best Classical Christmas CD I've ever heard. It also has great Jazz renditions by Wynton Marsalis. Truly a treat.

I saw the performance on TV in 1992 and was mesmerized. Bought the CD/Cassette immediately. Been looking for the video ever since. The music is beautiful, but the video adds to the total experience of the event. PBS should rebroadcast it every year. - I really wish I would have bought tickets to see this concert - what a thrill it would have been!

This is a wonderful recording: a great mix of classical, jazz, and opera by great artists. Kathleen Battle's voice is stunning. Listening to this CD is a gift that I give to myself every year.

One of my favorite albums ever. I cried the first time I heard Battle's Noel, it was so lovely. And Marsalis's trumpet is a joyful noise.