Customer Reviews

The Holly & The Ivy - Christmas Carols

5 star:		(3)
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My parents first bought this collection when it was in record form--it was one of our family's favorite albums and we played it constantly throughout the Christmas season. When the record started to wear out, we couldn't find a copy in CD form in the United States. Not to be deprived of such beautiful music, my brother finally found a small music store in Washington, DC that special-ordered it from England.

Although most of the carols on this disc are well-known, the new arrangements for orchestra and chorus produce fresh and inspiring interpretations of these deservedly well-loved songs. The Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus' performances are exquisite. Even Christmas cynics will be moved by this collection--buy it!

I concur with the reviewer from the San Francisco area. I purchased this from the Musical Heritage Society a number of years ago and have been awaiting its appearance on CD. Thank you ASV for reissuing one of the best Christmas Albums ever.

The arrangements of these carols are stunning and listeners will be pleased that they stray from the beaten path too often taken by large ensembles doing this type of material. Listeners I think will also agree that the playing and singing are excellent. The album has just the right mix of vitality and reverance befitting the spirit of the season.

This albums deserves a spot on record shelves and in listeners' hearts along with the Bernstein/Mormon Tabernacle "The Joy of Christmas" and Ormandy's "The Glorious Sound of Christmas."

I purchased this recording when it was released through the Musial Heritige Society in the old LP format. It quickly became one of my favorite Christmas recordings. When released as a CD, I did not hesitate to purchase a copy in that format as well. The orchestrations are crafted with creativity and richness that breathe new life into traditional Christmas favorites. This CD should be in every listening library of seasonal music.