Customer Reviews

Christmas with Thomas Hampson

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

 

 

Once in a while we come across a Christmas recording that is out of the usual silly lot to which we are subjected this season. No elevator music here. Actually Thomas Hampson interpretation is probably too much to stomach for those that just want the "feel good and be merry" holiday music. The artistry of Hampson shines, and the Hugh Wolff musical direction is flawless. Their combination brings the greatness of some of our oldest Christmas music reminding us that the inspiration is in faith, in love, in the hope of new beginnings. It is to their honor that they allow us a new look on things that we just took for granted. Be it an almost heart breaking "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" when we suddenly think about those that will never be with us anymore; be it the awesome "Macht hoch die Tur" where even the agnostic in me recalls the days of faith and the meaning of Christmas; or be it the winsome rendering of "In dulci jubilo" that links us with the spirit of Christmas through ages, a tribute to the never ending freshness of this holiday. If there is one Christmas record that one can listen during the rest of the year, this is it.

Wow! This guy is terrific. All the other singers seem to have their own reinterpretations of the Christmas songs. That's OK too, but he sings them straight and with energy and style. You would not believe how many recordings of "O Holy Night" I listened to before I found this one. Joy, joy, joy.

Thomas Hampson has a wonderful lyric baritone voice and I love the music, so why only four stars? Most of the pieces are a little laid back for my taste. (Maybe the fact that I'm a Mario Lanza fan explains that.) Exceptions are Alleluia, O Holy Night, and Ding Dong Merrily On High. The orchestra plays with wit and taste, which is almost a given when they are conducted by Hugh Wolf. If you love Christmas music sung by a lower male voice, then this album is a must. Does anyone know if Erich Kunz's marvelous carols album is available yet on CD? For anyone who likes Thomas Hampson, Erich Kunz should be tried. His voice is similar to Hampson's voice and his affection for the music shines through. Hampson's vocals are clean and well-focused. This, as one reviewer said, is music for other seasons too.

The voice of Thomas Hampson is really wonderful, it is warm and light and clear. This cd is a good mixture of christmas song, but the interpretation of the german songs are not in the right tempo, especially the "O du fröhliche", it has to be the half of the tempo. "Tochter Zion" and "Macht hoch die Tür" is aswell to fast. The musical interpretation is brilliant.