Classical Christmas

Lumiere String Quartet (Artist), Johann Sebastian Bach (Artist), Ludwig van Beethoven (Artist), Franz Grber, Englebert Humperdink, Felix Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Reading, Antonio Vivaldi Antonio Corelli George Frideric Handel (Artist), Victoria Paterson (Violin) (Artist), Christian Hebel (Violin) (Artist), Eileen Bedlington (Trumpet), Sato Moughalian (Flute), Kristina Musser (Violin) Junah Chung (Viola) Robert Burkhart (Cello) (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 20, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lumiere Records
• ASIN: B000FJH144
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,880 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #47 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( H ) > Humperdinck, Engelbert
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Editorial Reviews

Review
Based in the Big Apple, the Lumiere String Quartet presents a full hour of the most excellent first-class holiday fare on Classical Christmas. This is tuxedo and top hat music, grandly executed with warmth and precision. The quartet features two violins (Victoria Paterson, Christian Hebel), one viola (Junah Chung), and a cello (Robert Burkhart). The majority of tracks, however, include one other player - an additional violinist (Kristina Musser), a trumpeter (Eileen Bedlington), or a flutist (Sato Moughalian). The result retains the intimacy of a small ensemble, while providing the color and variety of additional instrumental voices. As I listened to Classical Christmas, I could literally feel myself unwind. Having spent the day herding enthusiastic party-goers at my daughter's 16th birthday party, I found myself in dire need of some "down time" with equal parts relaxation and inspiration. That is what the Lumiere String Quartet delivers here. This music is intensely lovely and always formal, though never stuffy. It is the sort of music I would expect to hear in a five-star restaurant when the December winds blow, or perhaps as you contemplate a blazing fire with a brandy snifter in hand. The execution is clean and measured, and the musicianship is uplifting. The song selection focuses on ancient carols and well-known classical pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, and Beethoven. Surprisingly, the repertoire also includes Engelbert Humperdinck's Prayer from "Hansel and Gretel", a thoughtful song that, while new to me, fit perfectly in its slot. My favorite moments included the violins' emotive passages on Wexford Carol, the cello's warm call on Dona Nobis Pacem, and the beautiful grandeur of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Want to impress your significant other with tasteful seasonal music? Invite him or her to dine with you by candlelight this evening, and slip the Lumiere String Quartet's Classical Christmas onto your sound system. Then hold hands and stare into each other's eyes; you can forget about the tux! - Carol Swanson --ChristmasReviews.com

Product Description
Whether you’re sitting by a warm fire, reading your favorite book, making dinner for guests or entertaining friends and family, this is the perfect Christmas CD for the holidays. This disc contains all of your favorite classical Christmas pieces, including Joy to the World, What Child is This, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, Angels We have Heard on High and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. Beautifully played by the Lumiere String Quartet with special guests Eileen Bedlington (Trumpet), Sato Moughalian (Flute) and Kristina Musser (Violin), this ultra-warm-sounding recording is sure to be a hit during the Holiday Season.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Honest Review, January 16, 2007

By	Darcy R. O'hanlon "Sassyscholar82" (Fort Worth, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I loved this CD!!! I used all but 5 songs from it for the prelude music for my December 23rd wedding!

The quality of musicians and recording is incredible!

I would without hesitation encourage all who are looking for an instrumental Christmas CD - to purchase THIS ONE - you will not be disappointed!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classical Christmas-Lumiere String Quartet cd, December 17, 2006

By	E. J. Venator - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This cd answers the need for top-quality, musical performance of Christmas carols and classical music - suitable for active concentrated listening as well as background music. It offers a superb and tasteful variety of selections and is perfect for a black tie party as well as music to play in the home for holiday cheer or relaxation. I'd even go so far as to say that it would benefit infants and pre-schoolers too- any age group.
This cd offers professional musicianship. The carols do not demand the proficiency of the classical selections. That's when the Lumiere String Quartet reveals is conservatory training! Stellar performance!
I highly recommend this cd.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm Cheer for Christmas!, November 24, 2008

By	Kevin Nielsen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I loved this CD. It has my favorite songs from Christmas. I found myself lingering on sweet memories and associations that these songs bring, such as attending Christmas eve services followed by a bounteous meal. The music is clear, and although the selections are well-known, they come across feeling fresh. During a time when so much is overwrought about Christmas, it is a real pleasure to take in the simple beauty of these songs. I particularly liked What Child is This and Winter From the Four Seasons. This is definitely worth getting.