Customer Reviews

Christmas With Robert Shaw

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In short, this CD is fabulous! If you like choral music, Robert Shaw just does it perfectly in this CD. From the hushed entry of the voices over the distant bells in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, through the exceptional Gloria in Excelsis, past the Et in Terra Pax (my personal Valium --the music takes you down and down until every muscle is limp--try it with earphones), to the Dona Nobis Pacem and Hallelujah, it's a glor-i-ous trip. (Unfortunately, the double-album version of this collection with twice as many pieces, entitled Nativity, no longer seems to be available.)

I purchased this album in the late 70's as a 2 record LP. It is the only LP I still have as I was hoping that they would release it on CD. What a delight to finally discover it on CD! I am a lover of Christmas music without end and this is my very favorite. The music and the performances are simply glorious.

If possible I can easily award 7 Stars since it's a Holy number!
Even Sir Robert would have agreed...Because I believe he spoke of this 1975 recording several times as one of his favorites!! When we recorded that 4th night of the Christmas With Robert Shaw Concerts, all of us choristers were tired. We quickly came to attention when our conductor said, "There is sizzling in some darn lights up there!" We were surprised that he did not use the other popular 4-letter word beginning with D___!

That was my last evening to rehearse or record with our creative genius of a Choral Maestro. Since early in his time of coming to Atlanta, I had wished for the privilege of singing under him for more than just a single week's workshop at Princeton...so here I came every Monday from Marietta to enjoy a choral feast!

Although Donald Neuen, along with Greg Jessup of newest Mormon Tabernacle Fame are two Examples of Choral finesse, I still hear Sir Robert's voice when his Vivaldi, "Gloria" his favorite Bach
"B-Minor Mass," or Berlioz's "Requiem" ended with..."Well-done, People!" Much like his Biography is titled Dear "People...Robert Shaw."

This reprinted CD from December, 1975 is a wonderfully lasting testimony to the fabulous choral excellence of Mr. Shaw Himself. Even after singing with him dozens of times he was always to me, MR. Shaw. So when Advent rolls around in Nov-Dec I break out "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; "Kyrie Eleison and Dona Nobis Pacem"; "Shepherds' Farewell to the Holy Family!" What superb glorious memories they conjure up in the mind and heart of this eternally older Chorister... Sincerely, Retired Chaplain Fred W. Hood

This CD has been a family favorite since it was released. I'm glad I finally have my own copy! It is incredibly moving and gorgeous. No sappy pop hits, just extremely glorious music.

In short, this CD is fabulous! If you like choral music, Robert Shaw just does it perfectly in this CD. From the hushed entry of the voices over the distant bells in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, through the exceptional Gloria in Excelsis, past the Et in Terra Pax (my personal Valium --the music takes you down and down until every muscle is limp--try it with earphones), to the Dona Nobis Pacem and Hallelujah, it's a glor-i-ous trip. (Unfortunately, the double-album version of this collection with twice as many pieces, entitled Nativity, no longer seems to be available.)

I felt tremendous emotion the first time I heard this recording. If you like sacred Christmas music it's a must have. It quickly hit the top of my personal Christmas chart.

This is an outstanding album - my favorite of the season.