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46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All the best, October 9, 2002
This review is from: Christmas Collection (Audio CD)
If you have any interest in Christmas music at all, you really ought to get this compilation. Mannheim Steamroller writes some of the best interpretations of Christmas music ever heard, particularly on the first two albums ("Christmas" and "A Fresh Aire Christmas.") The second two albums fall a little short of those masterpieces, as composer Chip Davis opted to use more electronic sounds in place of acoustic instruments, thus making the arrangements sound a bit thinner and less heartfelt. Still, all of the albums here are way above the offerings from most other groups. Perhaps what works best about Chip's interpretations is that although he alters the songs from their original state, they somehow always remain faithful to the "feel" of the original. For example, listen to "O Holy Night" on "A Fresh Aire Christmas." Sure, Chip took a few liberties with it, but it ends up being one of the most stirring renditions I've yet to hear. Other groups have had less success doing this. Some (Destiny's Child... ughh) try to hard to popularize the carols, and only end up stripping away the emotional core of the music. All of the CDs are now in HDCD for superior quality, so if you're like me and have the older ones on cassette (or vinyl!), this is a good opportunity to upgrade your collection. If you don't own any of the albums in any shape or form, you're really missing out.
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Christmas Music Around, November 4, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Christmas Collection (Audio CD)
If you haven't heard any of Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas music, you are missing out. This set contains all four of their Christmas albums, including their newly released Christmas Extraordinaire. Their music is a unique blend of electronic sounds coupled with medieval period instruments. Truly a one of a kind music group, they are a must to bring the spirit of the holiday season into your home.
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24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"HALLELUJAH...remastered on HDCD & a new Christmas Mannheim", November 9, 2001
This review is from: Christmas Collection (Audio CD)
Just when you thought there was no Santa Claus, Chip Davis has done it again..."HALLELUJAH", the opening track on the newly released "Christmas Extraordinaire", has the old magic from his previous albums...which by the way have all been "remastered" on HDCD, very beautiful gift-pack containing four inspiriational albums telling the Christmas story. I was one of the lucky fans to suggest some of the titles for this 2001 release ("Christmas Extraordinaire") on the Mannheim Steamroller website...much to my surprise all twelve selections are special and from the heart, which is why we are drawn to their music...for instance listen to Chip's arrangement of "THE FIRST NOEL", remember the last track on his "Christmas"(1984), who can forget the touching "STILLE NACHT", this has the same effect, as "The Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum Women's Choir" blends their heavenly voices with countpoints of melody, this is when Christmas music leaves you feeling good all over...tis the season ~ MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER-CHRISTMAS COLLECTION! Total Four Pack Set ~ American Gramaphone AG-443-2 ~ (2001)
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