Customer Reviews

A Feast of Carols

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If you like orchestral Christmas music, this album is a must. Performed masterfully by the National Symphony Orchestra of London the album includes the modern American Christmas standards as well as a sampling of less well known Christmas classics from overseas and the past. It is unusual in that it is conducted by the arranger of the pieces, so we can be sure we are hearing the arrangements exactly as intended. This album should be in everyone's collection to be played every holiday season. Highly recommended.

This is a fine recording of Randol Bass music. I have used his arrangements for several Christmas programs and have found them to be both well constructed and rewarding in performance. For those wishing to use choral-orchestral arrangements of traditional Christmas music, these carols are among the best and are very well performed on the recording.

This disc is a collection of arrangements and original compositions by Randol Alan Bass. Gloria is a work for the ages. I have listened to it over and over. (If this were an LP, I would have worn it out by now!) Glory to God comes from a cantata. It is a good work, but does not stand by itself. However, it does make me interested in the complete cantata. Twas the Night Before Christmas is a fresh look at the classic story. This work is on a par with Mr. Bass's setting of Casey at the Bat.

The remainder of the disk is filled with Christmas arrangements. Mr. Bass's approach to arranging and instrumentation is so refreshing and moving. He is the Robert Russell Bennett of our time.

The orchestra and chorus are fantastic and are led by the composer/arranger. Mr. Bass has truly outdone himself with this outstanding collection. I recommend it to everyone!

As Christmas comes around again, I have to comment on this, my favorite selection of traditional favorites. The carol and tune selections are exceedingly well arranged, with wonderful harmonies and witty transitions, but the real treats on this album are the original numbers, the Gloria and Night Before Christmas. The former provides a rare combination of rhythmic drive and luscious harmony, while the latter gives a truly cinematic rendition of a holiday classic while very cleverly avoiding cloying sentimentality. The orchestra, choir, and soloists provide an outstanding performance, exceptionally well conducted, and the narration of Night Before Christmas is incredible.