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Editorial Reviews
2011 holiday album from Chip Davis and Co. containing all new renditions of yuletide favorites performed with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony features 16 holiday tracks expanded into full symphonic arrangements and performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to demand by Mannheim Steamroller's always-growing fan base, Christmas Symphony will resonate with classic music listeners.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
101 of 102 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
First, for anyone who does not already know: The arrangements on this CD are essentially the same as the ones on the previous MS CDs. The only real difference is the instrumentation. So, for example, "Deck The Halls" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" are still played in that bouncy 12/8 time as they were so many years ago, but instead of synthesized horns and keyboards, they're now played by an actual symphony. Whether or not this will be enough to make the album a worthwhile purchase for you depends on a few things.
If you're just a casual fan of MS, I really don't think the differences will be enough to make this CD too interesting. However, if you're a diehard fan who grew up listening to this stuff every year, and you know the original arrangements inside-out, like I do, then it's a lot of fun to hear how they've been reworked on this CD. Everything sounds so much bigger and richer this time around, and replacing synthesizers with acoustic instruments makes certain songs feel a lot more expressive.
If you're not much of an audiophile, or you just play MS's music on a cheap CD player in the background, I don't think you'll get too much out of this (assuming you already own the previous albums. But if you tend to listen through headphones, or on a good sound system, then the fullness of the sound makes this a very enjoyable, worthwhile CD to add to your collection.
If you've never bought a MS Christmas CD, then I would not hesitate to recommend starting with this one. It takes some of their best music throughout the years, and makes it even better. Removing the synthesizer sounds actually makes the music much more timeless than any of their other CDs. Symphonies never sound dated, but the Yamaha DX-7 keyboards that were used on the original recordings haven't aged so well. Neither have Chip's electronic drums, which, thankfully have now been replaced by a proper acoustic drum kit(FINALLY!)
My only complaint about this CD is the song selection. Don't get me wrong, all of the songs are GREAT, but some of them are wasted here. Greensleeves, for example, is a beautiful tune, but since it was originally recorded with an orchestra, it doesn't sound that much different here. And while all of the renaissance stuff is fun, there's a bit too much of it. I would have preferred to see some of that replaced with songs like "Joy To The World" and "Good King Wenceslas", which would have been really interesting to hear with a symphonic arrangement. I almost wonder if Chip is saving those for a sequel album.
The bottom line is that I'm pleasantly surprised by this album. Based on Amazon's samples, I had my doubts, but now that I've listened to the full thing, the expanded arrangements really do sound great. Now I'd love to see them do a "Fresh Aire Symphony" album, so they could take classics from the Fresh Aire series, like "Dancing Flames" and "Mere Image", and rework them for a full symphony.
If you're just a casual fan of MS, I really don't think the differences will be enough to make this CD too interesting. However, if you're a diehard fan who grew up listening to this stuff every year, and you know the original arrangements inside-out, like I do, then it's a lot of fun to hear how they've been reworked on this CD. Everything sounds so much bigger and richer this time around, and replacing synthesizers with acoustic instruments makes certain songs feel a lot more expressive.
If you're not much of an audiophile, or you just play MS's music on a cheap CD player in the background, I don't think you'll get too much out of this (assuming you already own the previous albums. But if you tend to listen through headphones, or on a good sound system, then the fullness of the sound makes this a very enjoyable, worthwhile CD to add to your collection.
If you've never bought a MS Christmas CD, then I would not hesitate to recommend starting with this one. It takes some of their best music throughout the years, and makes it even better. Removing the synthesizer sounds actually makes the music much more timeless than any of their other CDs. Symphonies never sound dated, but the Yamaha DX-7 keyboards that were used on the original recordings haven't aged so well. Neither have Chip's electronic drums, which, thankfully have now been replaced by a proper acoustic drum kit(FINALLY!)
My only complaint about this CD is the song selection. Don't get me wrong, all of the songs are GREAT, but some of them are wasted here. Greensleeves, for example, is a beautiful tune, but since it was originally recorded with an orchestra, it doesn't sound that much different here. And while all of the renaissance stuff is fun, there's a bit too much of it. I would have preferred to see some of that replaced with songs like "Joy To The World" and "Good King Wenceslas", which would have been really interesting to hear with a symphonic arrangement. I almost wonder if Chip is saving those for a sequel album.
The bottom line is that I'm pleasantly surprised by this album. Based on Amazon's samples, I had my doubts, but now that I've listened to the full thing, the expanded arrangements really do sound great. Now I'd love to see them do a "Fresh Aire Symphony" album, so they could take classics from the Fresh Aire series, like "Dancing Flames" and "Mere Image", and rework them for a full symphony.
69 of 70 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a great CD of Mannheim Steamroller favorites unplugged for full symphonic arrangement. Instead of electric bass in Little Drummer Boy you get the sound of a full Tuba section. In the trumpet runs of Hark the Herald Angels Sing you get a nice little background string and piccolo run for compliments. Suspended cymbals and gongs have been added with extra timpani throughout the album and in Silent Night, instead of choir oohs there is a beautiful performance of cello solo. Live horn players add to the push and crescendo where in the original recordings the synthesizers do not. I only wish that Carol of the Bells, Good King Wenceslas and Joy to the World would have been included. Perhaps Christmas Symphony II
I really have no idea what others mean when they say they can't hear any difference, to me it was very intriguing. I will admit though, that Greensleeves, The Holly and the Ivy, Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing and a couple of the renaissance do sound very similar to the original studio recordings. However, hearing Mannheim Steamroller in entirely acoustic setting is pretty fun and comes off nicely. I love the little changes and unexpected add-ins, even if sometimes they are minute, because in a way its like hearing your favorite song all over again for the first time. That's how Hark the Herald Angels Sing was for me. In a way, they re-steamrolled some of their classic arrangements. Its the same arrangement you love, but you hear nice surprises and always know you can expect more along the way.
It's not entirely unplugged, though. The background synth in Deck the Halls is there, but mixes nicely.)
I did edit this a little because I reread my original review and felt that it was a little rude. I did not mean to be and do apologize if it seemed so.
I really have no idea what others mean when they say they can't hear any difference, to me it was very intriguing. I will admit though, that Greensleeves, The Holly and the Ivy, Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing and a couple of the renaissance do sound very similar to the original studio recordings. However, hearing Mannheim Steamroller in entirely acoustic setting is pretty fun and comes off nicely. I love the little changes and unexpected add-ins, even if sometimes they are minute, because in a way its like hearing your favorite song all over again for the first time. That's how Hark the Herald Angels Sing was for me. In a way, they re-steamrolled some of their classic arrangements. Its the same arrangement you love, but you hear nice surprises and always know you can expect more along the way.
It's not entirely unplugged, though. The background synth in Deck the Halls is there, but mixes nicely.)
I did edit this a little because I reread my original review and felt that it was a little rude. I did not mean to be and do apologize if it seemed so.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I saw this at the store and immediately bought it, I love Mannheim Steamroller music - especially the Christmas music. I too was disapointed that it does not contain any new music. While it does have a little different sound for some of the songs, I don't think it warrants buying the album if you already have the other Christmas collections - most of the songs are now on 3 different CD's. I wish I would have looked at the reviews first.
I would highly recommend this CD for those who do not own previous Mannheim Christmas CD's.
I would highly recommend this CD for those who do not own previous Mannheim Christmas CD's.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Mannheim Steamroller does Christmas best
I have followed Mannheim Steamroller for years and they always have the best Christmas music. All of their cds are great and well done, can't miss with any of their music. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Linda
Great Music
Love all the Manheim music - moves your soul! I listen to Manheim Christmas music all year long because there are so many sounds/movements occuring that it's always fresh and draws... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Manheim Lover
Not Much New.... but Good Anyway
This CD was really just a remake of some from the past. A little different musical interpretations and backgrounds on some of the songs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Richard Jumper
Great!
I love this CD. I have every one they have put out over the years and they just keep getting better!
Published 3 months ago by Fanilow
Mannheim Steamroller, Christmas Symphony
A lot of songs from their earlier albums and not so many new songs. However, it's beautiful music and how minds hearing some of the older songs?
Published 3 months ago by Karla M. Hurlbert
CD Review
I heard some of these songs on the radio, had to have them. Searched for and found
CD, and purchased same. Excellent CD, incredibly good!
CD, and purchased same. Excellent CD, incredibly good!
Published 3 months ago by GTerr
Epicness on CD
I've been a huge fan of MS albums for many years (particularly the Fresh Aire series) but I haven't been terribly impressed by the recent MS Christmas albums. Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. Ecclefield
Poor reproduction of sound or sound quality or poor disc.
The sound quality of the disc was poor with lows very distorted and mid-range distorted. Not the usuall quality I expect from Manhime Steamroller and not the quality of the many... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Clarke
Manheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony
Fantastic music. Played it over and over and will not wait until next Christmas to play it again. Love their sound. It lifts your spirits. There is joy in this music.
Published 4 months ago by Jacquelyn L. Larson
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony
I kept hearing selections from this CD on Sirius radio and had to purchase it. Very nice beat and a little different from traditional Christmas music. I recommend it.
Published 4 months ago by D. Taylor
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