Customer Reviews

Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers

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

 

 

The first 18 tracks on this CD are from an LP of the same name that was a family favorite of ours since the 60s. The vocals are very precise, with noticeable German accents (especially on "Jesus Rest Your Head"). The Trapps, directed by Fr. Wasner, perform songs from their native Austria, including the hauntingly beautiful Scheibendudler (a kind of solemn jodler). Some listeners may not much like their rendition of traditional English or American songs (Deck the Halls, Jesus Rest Your Head). The less familiar Latin and foreign songs are a real treat. Favorites are "A la Nanita" (Spanish), Nu ar de Jul Igen (Swedish), and "Zu Bethlehem Geboren" (German). Most songs are done a capella, although there is recorder accompaniment on one or two. A songbook containing the first 18 songs with music is available from Amazon. All in all, a fine recording and great change of pace from the more usual Christmas music.

This recording was my first experience with the Trapp Family Singers (other than knowing the story from The Sound of Music). I cannot state how pleasently surprised I was.

First of all, the technical quality of the recording is extraordinary. The selections were originally mastered between 1951 - 1953 by Deutsche Grammophon. Yet, despite the early dates, they sound like they were recorded yesterday.

The performances are even more extraordinary. The a capella settings of these traditional Christmas songs are rich in harmony and performed with a clarity rarely heard today. Of particular interest is the Michael Praetorius setting of Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen (Lo how a rose err blooming), Deck the hall with boughs of holly, and the Bach setting of Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich.

The family is conducted by Dr. Franz Wasner and the enclosed booklet offers a wonderful history of the family by writer Steven Ledbetter.

Overall, this recording has quickly become a new Christmas favorite of mine. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I have the original lp's from which this collection is based. Originally, this was released on two volumes on vinyl. My editions were made in England. Side Two of the second volume is completey missing on this cd. They really should have made this a double cd set or released it in the separate volumes it was originally in. What is missing: Ava Maria-Canon; I Sing of a Maiden; El Rorro (The Rocking of the Child).

The recording is still as beautiful as ever on cd, but I do hate that they butchered this release and did not give us the full monty.

The Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers has become one of my favorites. It's lovely!

This is a truly lovely CD full of Christmas Music by the original Trapp Family Singers. It is my favorite. Beautiful voices and beautiful songs - Highly recommend.

I love this CD. Didn't know they had recorded--fascinated with just the movie with Julie Andrews. I also ordered two of the books about their story. A different kind of Christmas music.

The item was exactly as discribed and arrived in good condition. I would gladly buy from this seller again...anytime!

I was surprised to find the songs were not in English! Beautiful music and singing, but had I known, I wouldn't have purchased.