Customer Reviews

Christmas with The Pops

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've always been a fan of Erich Kunzel, and this recording does not disappoint me in the least. If you have grown weary of the typical Christmas musical fare, than this is the album for you. It's bright, it's bold, and it's full of energy. Although recorded in 1989, Telarc was a true pioneer in creating high quality all-digital recordings; this is no exception. And you get a full 70+ minutes too boot.

And what's the surprise? For me, it was the song "Walking In The Air" from the animated short THE SNOWMAN, sung by boy soprano Stephen Van Dyck. I have never seen this film, nor have I ever heard Van Dyck's voice before. Let me tell you about Van Dyck: his voice is beautiful and pure and overflows with innocence. I never knew a boy soprano could sound so great. My new quest in life for the next century is to track down a copy of this film as well as other recordings by him. If my CD was an LP, that song would have been worn off the recording by now! This CD is worth buying just to hear this song. I think you'll agree.

This is a wonderful recording by America's "Other" Pops orchestra. Since I am from Boston, I automatically associate the word Pops with the Boston Pops and when it was first released, purchased it at will believing it was a Boston Pops recording. Upon listening, I realized that it was a different sound than the Boston Pops sound, but this discovery was hardly a disappointment. One of the reasons why Erich Kunzel has been so successful with the Cincinnati Pops is his ability to bring forth a powerful and unique sound. This recording has all the Christmas standards, but the standards are presented in a creative manner, which is both a Telarc and Cincinnati Pops trademark.

There are two great strengths to this recording: its variety and its guests. There are full symphonic arrangements as well as arrangements for soloist, adult and children's choirs. Brass and organ ensembles, and hand bell choirs. The various arrangements are placed in an order throughout the recording that keeps the listener's attention. The gests are also outstanding. Rosemary Clooney, baritone Sherill Milnes, Doc Severinsen, and Toni Tenille add star power to the recording. There are unique tracks, particularly the chilling and somewhat ephemeral "Walking in the Air" from THE SNOWMAN performed by treble Stephen Van Dyck.

I have owned the recording since its release in 1990 and it has become a treasured part of my holiday collection. I am sure other listeners will treasure it too.

One of the best Christmas albums you will find. Perfect balance between religious favorites, non-religious classics, and children's favorites. All tastefully done and arranged to fit the theme of the song. Many of the percussion "effects" bring the songs to life and the solo and choral vocals are outstanding. Cannot recommend this album highly enough. A must have for any Christmas collection to be enjoyed for many years.

What a wonderful Christmas gift. Erich Kunzel and The Cincinnati Pops rarely fail to please on the Telarc label, and this is (IMHO of course) one of their most pleasing efforts. Rosemary Clooney (Best "White Christmas" since Der Bingle), Doc Severinsen, Stephen Van Dyck, and other guests add wonderfully to a very fun, upbeat, and enjoyable Christmas collection. This cd has become the most played in my Christmas collection...I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is my second copy of this album. I wore out my first one. This has the most beautiful versions of all my favorite Christmas songs. Its perfect!

If you need some Christmas Spirit, this is the CD for you. Every mood of Christmas music is included in this album and the song "Walking in the Air" is worth the price of the CD by itself.

Had this since it came out. One of the top two we play around the house at Christmas time. Even the kids love it. I'm sure it will help create great memories of Christmas as they grow up. I'm an amateur audiophile... this CD will make a nice system sing!

Erich Kunzel is the BEST! Your Christmas favorites rock. The arrangements, especially the medley with Rudolph, Frosty, etc. is just dynamite. Listening to this really makes my 1.5 hour commute a pleasure and gets me in the Christmas spirit!

This CD really represents the music our family likes to hear during the holiday season. The selections are beautifully arranged, performed with a variety of vocalists and are all recognizable holiday favorites that had us singing away while wrapping gifts and enjoying the season's festivities (even made cleaning the house somewhat more bearable). I would highly recommend this CD as a musical gift to yourself and someone else!

I have listened to this album for about 20 years now and it's still my favorite every year! Love, love, love it! Christmas wouldn't be the same without it.