Customer Reviews

Christmas Adagios

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This set of two CDs will appeal to those who are drawn to the #1 Christmas Album and, in fact, has some of the same cuts on it. However while I felt the other album had a tendency to get overly solemn and almost dreary at times, this overall has a lighter, more listenable quality to it. In fact, this could have some appeal to those who don't generally go for classical music, because there is a relaxing quality to the selection with little which is excessively operatic. There are operatic voices here such as Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Placido Domingo and Leontyne Price, but the deliveries are low key and melodious.

If you have any taste at all for the classical sound of Christmas music, this is most highly recommended.

The spectacular pristine CD cover photo graphically portrays the richness and beauty of this Christmas collection. "Over 2 1/2 hours of peaceful seasonal music." The photo is of a shining white church in a pastoral setting with snow, lighted tree, stream and bridge. This is relaxing music!

Carol favorites (e.g. O holy night) to baroque favorites (selections from Bach's Christmas Oratorio) to offerings performed by such as Academy & Chorus of ST. Martin in the Fields, Bach Choir, Pavarotti, King's College Choir, Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne, and Vienna Boys Choir.

What a treat and bargain, so well produced and collaborated! Well worth adding to one's collection and playing as it is this holiday season by the reviewer.

A Fascinating compilation of classical Christmas favorites. With 45 selections, you certainly get your money's worth!

And boy is this calming, relaxing music! A rather odd mix, however, of different recording qualities, which makes me think that some of these recordings are quite old. I wonder if Decca simply went through their catalog of classical music and just grabbed whatever was slow and had something to do with Christmas.

However, some of my very favorites are on these CDs, so I guess it doesn't matter what Decca's method was. Some of the recordings are quite nice.

The first recording of Leontyne Price, "O Holy Night," just doesn't fit our modern tastes for sopranos as she sounds a bit out of control and with a "vibrato you could drive truck through," as we say in my choral group. Perhaps this recording was made when she was past her prime?

However, the recordings by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields are marvelous. In particular, Berlioz' "Shepherd's Farewell," is superb.

We are also treated to the Bach Choir, the Choir of King's College, Renata Tebaldi, Marilyn Horne, Vienna Boys Choir, Monteverdi Choir, and Pavarotti.

In addition to great orchestral pieces by Vivaldi and Bach (Pastoral Sinfonia from the Christmas Oratorio), we also have wonderful carols and hymns such as "Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen," Stille Nacht," "Once in David's Royal City," and "In the Bleak Midwinter."

While wonderful pieces, there are several selection that are puzzling as Christmas selections: "Laudate Dominum" by Mozart, "The Lamb" by Tavener, and "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck.

The CD ends with an inspired rendition of "White Christmas" by Irvin Berlin performed by Kiri Te Kanawa, whose warm soprano certainly does it justice, although it is the only non-classical piece on the CD.

Many, many classic recordings of favorite christmas carols and pieces. I must say that the reviewer who said that Leontyne Price's vibrato was "too wide" should have his ears examined. Leontyne Price recorded her classic Christmas album (which, by the way, any lover of Christmas music or anyone who wants to hear pristine singing, should own) in the 1960's when she was in her absolute prime. A fast spinning vibrato is indicative of a NATURAL, healthy sounding voice, which is quite the opposite of what most uninformed choral conductors ask for these days OK, I'll get off my soap box now!

If you want a gorgeous, inexpensive two-CD set of classical Christmas music (vocal and instrumental), this is a splendid compilation. It offers great performances by outstanding artists in both well-known and lesser-known works that range from the ethereal to the sumptuous, and would be a delight worth having even at a considerably higher price. If you're starting a Christmas collection or are on a tight budget, this may be all you'll need to purchase--and if you already have a large collection of seasonal music, don't miss the chance to add this beautiful set.

I bought this cd several years ago and for one reason or another, it set on the shelf untouched till now. Well, I finally pulled it down and listened to both cd's. It is a wonderful colection of classical Christmas music performed by great artists, musicians and vocalists. There is a good mix of traditional and symphonic music included. The titles I most enjoyed are those performed by the Kings Choir at Cambridge. Be asured, those beautiful treble voices will push your sound system to it's upper limits! This cd will make a terific addition to your Christmas cd collection: enjoy!

This is a unique CD programed for late night Christmas Tide. The title is true to the programing which, without exception is reflective arrangements for times of quiet contemplation during the Christmas season.

I love this cd! After listening to the sample recordings, I decided to purchase it. I liked it so well that I purchased an additional one for my best friend as a Christmas gift, and she had the same reaction. The music is, to me, ethereal--wonderfully calming/somber and contemplative. There are the standard choral selections, but new ones I'd not heard before. It really lends itself to the season. I would highly recommend it!

This is the BEST Christmas collection that I have ever heard. I would like
to purchase 15 more to give as gifts this year; however, it appears that
Decca is out of stock or no longer releasing it. HELP!!

this was one of the best assortment of classical holiday songs that i have ever heard. it contains a marvelous array of the best composers and performers that the world has to offer. if you are a fan of classical music, i think this cd will be a positive addition to your music collection