Customer Reviews

Christmas Collection

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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)

This is a must for the Christmas season! With the unique musical variations that have made Manheim Steamroller so popular and the classic songs of Christmas, you have a cannot miss CD collection for your holidays. These CD's are perfect for trimming the tree or opening presents or whatever special event you celebrate during the Christmas season. You can't help but tap your toes.

I just pop the 4 CD's in my changer...and the next 3+ hours go by
very quickly! Christmas is stressful, but listening to this set makes it all worth it. Thoroughly enjoyable for any time of the
year!

Well, if you know someone who is into Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas music at all, then this great collection is definitely the way to go. My fiance got this collection for me as a gift last year (I had mentioned in passing that I liked Mannheim Steamroller and had some of their songs), and I'm already thoroughly enjoying it this year. The collection is crammed full with arrangements of familiar, and some maybe not so familiar, Christmas music that will make you want to tap your feet, go to sleep, laugh or even cry. Some tracks are so soothing and light, while others are very busy and vibrant. You get it all in this 4 disc set. Outstanding variety.

Very highly recommended for anyone who does not at least a couple of their previous Christmas albus already.

Bought this for my husband for Christmas and we listen to it every year! What great arrangements for background any time of the year!

Mannheim Steamroller? Christmas music? Do you need to know more? This collection is just great. It will please the most casual listener as well as a musician with a trained ear. The arrangements are just beautiful. Enjoy!!

Simply a must for the avid Mannheim fan, superb collection all in one. Love it!

Great pricing and lots of their songs in this collection. Terrific! Also try Trans-Siberian Orchestra.