Customer Reviews

Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Hybr)

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

 

 

There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.

I've had a bootleg tape of the concert from which this CD was created and am very excited to finally have an excellent quality recording of an excellent collection of Christmas music. It is past time for the mass audience to become acquainted with the arrangements of Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford.

The album is a good combination of the well-known/expected, and lesser-known/refreshing. For example, Angels from the Realms of Glory, a somewhat lesser-known text, is set to the tune of the familiar Angels We Have Heard on High, and Wilberg's arrangement makes it all new and launches the Glory in Excelsis Deo refrain to heights not far from that star and those angels over Bethlehem.

What a step forward for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Under the hand of their relatively new conductor, Dr. Craig Jessop, their choral technique really shines on this album. Made up entirely of volunteers, earlier recordings have often showed a lack of polish and precision in the singing, but this new recording demonstrates just how world-class the current choir is. And the spirit and enthusiasm they have always conveyed is stronger than ever.

Dr. Mack Wilberg's settings (10 of the 15 tracks) clearly defend his title as one of America's greatest living choral arrangers. Especially wonderful is the lesser-known carol, "What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger." Wilberg's stunning reharmonization and sensitive orchestration give the song tremendous power and emotion.

The album is a good balance of traditional favorites and more obscure songs, of energetic show-stoppers and tenderly restrained reflections. The sound quality is state-of-the-art.

In a time when I so often sense a lack of real spirituality or humility or genuine expression from other classical recordings, this one seems to me to be a very real effort to worship through music. How I wish that I could find more albums like this.

This recent recording of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a refreshing breath of fresh air showcasing new arrangements of many Christmas classics by associate conductors Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford. It is exciting to hear the new directions this icon of American choral music is headed! The addition of the Orchestra at Temple Square contributes an additional dimension to their traditional choral sound.

With modern recording technology, a terrific orchestra, and great arrangements, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is sounding better than ever on this recording. The arrangements of Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford really bring out the warmth of these carols. Definately one to buy more copies of and give to friends and family.

What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.

If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.

"What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.

For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."

As you might expect, this is quite a grand Christmas recording, featuring the choir, orchestra, and mighty organ of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City under their new conductor, Craig Jessop, who studied under the late Robert Shaw. What is especially welcome about this recording is that although it consists of the standard traditional Christmas carols, the arrangements are fresh and original, resulting in a Christmas recording not laden with the usual clichés. Adding to the enjoyment is the sound quality, which is clean and powerful. If on the very first cut, "Joy to the World," you don't hear the powerful pedal notes of the Tabernacle organ, then the time has come for you to break down and purchase a legitimate subwoofer. (Or, maybe you can talk Santa into bringing you one, assuming you have been really nice this year...)

The Mormon Tabernacle choir is already known for their beautiful voices of praise. When you add the orchestra of temple square and the spirit of christmas, you receive even more. This CD portrays the birth of Christ. It is beautiful!

This is my 5th cd I've bought of this choir and was pleasantly surprised as it's by far the best one yet. I purchased it based on the reviews I read and it's everything I read and more. Lovely, lovely music...

I purchased this for myself and was not disappointed. I have since purchased this album as a gift for friends. If you like Christmas carols with mixed choral backed by full orchestration, this is a real treat. I have listened to this a hundred times and still really enjoy it. I bought an additional copy for my car. What I like most about this CD is that many of the carols are not so common and yet are so beautiful. Nice composition. Arrangements are fanastic. You won't be disappointed.