Customer Reviews

Christmas Treasure

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I'm generally critical of reviews that state that one particular CD is the best of its genre, but I am not going to argue with anyone who says this is the best ever Christmas record, although there are a very few others I consider just as good, but no better.

It's fantastic to realize that this album was recorded in May and June, 1966, during typical California late Spring and early Summer weather. Both Julie Andrews and the orchestra under the direction of Andre Previn express the Christmas feeling perfectly just as if it were being recorded in the heart of Winter.

Julie Andrews unique talent was the way that she expressed exactly the meaning of the lyrics she sang. Thus, you have a heart felt joyfulness in "Joy To The World" and "Deck The Halls", sincere reverence in "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", etc.

As splendid as her voice and her performance are here, Andre Previn must be given equal credit for his arrangements which combine a modern sound with the traditional.

I'd find it impossible to be able to choose only one Christmas album, but allow me 10, and this would definitely be one.

"A Christmas Treasure" was originally released in 1968, and was Julie Andrews' first album after she did "The Song of Music." Actually, it was the first non-soundtrack she had recorded in quiet some team. Composer André Previn does the orchestrations, which includes some rather unconventional arrangements, such as "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," which are quite reminiscient of the movie soundtracks for which he was well-known. Previn also he plays harpsichord on instrumental versions of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Greensleeves (What Child Is This?)." As for the songs, some of them might be a bit unfamiliar to an American audience, but certainly this would not be the case for English listeners, especially if raised in the Church of England, such as "The Lamb of God" and "Sunny Bank (I Saw Three Ships)." Then again, you may well recognize the tune for "Angels From the Realm of Glory," but not the words.

That is not to say there are not some familiar Christmas songs here, because there certainly are: "Joy to the World," "Deck the Halls," "Away in the Manger," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Jingle Bells." Actually, ending the album with "Jingle Bells" seems a bit odd, because overall this album provides a fairly formal setting for the glorious voice of Julie Andrews. Listening to "A Christmas Treasure" is like listening to a Christmas concert in church. Final Note: Be aware that this album is also available as a 2000 release entitled "Greatest Christmas Songs," which fails to give Previn equally billing and tacks on a trio of Broadway show tunes from Andrews' 1958 "Julie Andrews Sings" album. An odd set of bonus tracks that provide a rare instance where more is less.

Excellent Christmas holiday recording (from 1968); withstands test of time by Andrew's impeccable singing and Previn's delicious musical arrangements. Particular favorite is "I Saw Three Ships" in which Previn utilizes Copland-style rhythm and dynamics throughout. I was so elated to find it on CD, my LP is long worn out !!

I have cherished this album since it was first released on vinyl in 1966, going through two well-worn copies before it was first released on CD in 1990. Julie Andrews in her prime, with her exquisite phrasing, her impeccible diction, her glorious timbre (and not a trace of that unfortunate pitch scooping which crops up elsewhere). Exhilarating orchestral arrangments by Andre Previn, with a full and spacious recorded sound. The emphasis is on the traditional, from the exuberant "Joy to the World" and "Deck the Hall" to the pensive "What Child Is This." Along the way are several traditional carols with unfamiliar (perhaps British?) but nonetheless beautiful melodies. Capped off with a delectible "Jingle Bells" as only Julie could sing it. I have more than 100 Christmas CDs in my collection, but if I had to choose just one, it would be this one.

Julie Andrews has one of the finest voices I know, and she does justice to this lovely selection of beautifully arranged carols. Some are contemplative without dragging, others are lively without being strident, and altogether this is a perfect mix for the holiday season. All of these songs wear well - no barking Jingle Bells dogs here!

Included are a few carols that are less well known but deserve wider circulation; my favorite of these is the Wexford Carol. ("Good people all, this Christmastime / Consider well and bear in mind / What our good God for us has done / In sending His beloved Son...") If you're looking for an album of serious, but very listenable, Christmas music, look no further.

I grew up with this album, and listened to it unceasingly every holiday season. The Andre Previn arrangements are wonderful, with references to Vaughn Williams for "What child Is This?" and a bit of Leroy Anderson in "Jingle Bells" with -- if you listen very carefully -- a touch of "Der Rosenkavalier" in the horn at the end! A few familiar carols are sung in their alternate (British) versions by Julie Andrews, with her comforting pristine clarity. My favorite selections are "The Irish Carol," "Away in a Manger," and, yes, "Jingle Bells," a wild orchestral sleigh ride that threatens to go out of control.
I simply cannot have Christmas without this album.

A lot of people were introduced to this album through their Firestone dealer who had a different colored album each Christmas.
This one was volume 5 and it was pink. It was by far the best in the series and was missing a cut or two from the actual 1967 RCA Victor album.
It simply is a christmas treasure due to the amazing smooth thoughtful voice of Julie Andrews and the incredible and different arragments of Andre Previn. A brilliant combination recorded in summer in LA.
A must have. This CD replaced my 3 vinyl copies. GET IT IF YOU CAN.

Julie Andrews at her best. The LP was family favorite growing up in the Sixties. Finding the CD was a pleasant and welcome discovery. A great addition to any Christmas music collection.

I have always treasured this on vinyl since it was first put out as "Firestone presents" in 1963. . . then in 1966 as pictured here. You will absolutely go crazy for the orchestral arrangements by Andre Previn (also conducting). Pick out the instrument featured at any moment and have your self a merry old time.

So glad it is available on cd because now I can make certain that my children back in the US can enjoy it too. . . and recall their childhood when their grandmother would arrive very early in the morning and be greeted with Julie Andrews singing her favorite (Joy to the World) as she came up the walk. . . and all of us waiting for her so Christmas could begin!

I bought a turntable and brought it with me when I moved to Belize five years ago - for the sole purpose of listening to this on vinyl at Christmas time!

This is a rare treat. Originally part of the Goodyear Christmas album collection of the 60's. Excellent quality, wonderful arrangements.