King's Singers Christmas [IMPORT]

John David (Composer), Franz Xaver Gruber (Composer), Bo Holten (Composer), William James Kirkpatrick (Composer), Philip Lawson (Composer), John McCabe (Composer), Arvo Part (Composer), Michael Praetorius (Composer), Ariel Ramirez (Composer), Thomas Ravenscroft (Composer), John Rutter (Composer), John Tavener (Composer), Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Christmas Traditional (Composer), Peter Warlock (Composer), Johann Sebastian Bach (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Composer: John David, Franz Xaver Gruber, Bo Holten, William James Kirkpatrick, Philip Lawson, et al.
• Audio CD (October 21, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Signum UK
• ASIN: B0000E3315
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,697 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #10 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( R ) > Ramirez, Ariel
  #12 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( K ) > King's Singers
  #27 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( W ) > Warlock, Peter

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Five centuries, seven languages, and six singers with 35 years of remarkable experience inform this rare collection of choral music. In the world-renowned King's Singers resplendent voices, ancient and modern choral music comes to life with all the blazing immediacy and timeliness of the gospel of the nativity. With 25 pieces of music--ranging from familiar works such as "Coventry Carol" to the obscure Tchaikovsky piece "The Crown of Roses"--the King's Singers move through this hallowed and festive set with the vocal mastery that only three-and-a-half decades of accomplished work together is capable of creating. A number of contemporary carols written in the last century by composers such as John McCabe, Philip Lawson, John Rutter, and others are balanced by pieces by Bach and a host of traditional works. Lawson's "You Are the New Day," performed with a string quartet, stands out as one of the more notable performances. Like most of their music throughout Christmas, it reminds listeners that the art of music often interprets divine aspects gladly realized here on Earth. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unmatched Sonic Beauty & Depth! , December 20, 2005

By	Gary L. Cozette (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Stunningly beautiful! I deeply enjoy Christmas music - from the ancient, to jazz and pop - and main a diverse and festive holiday collection. While "Maxjazz-Holiday" is my secular holiday favorite, "King's Singers Christamas" is my hands-down, "knock-your-socks-off" favorite among traditional Christmas music. It is unparallelled in sonic beauty and musical expression of the historic Christmas story. I can become totally lost in the sublime beauty of these artists of a cappella voice. One track is more stunning than the next in sheer beauty, tonal blending, vocal textures, and musical expression of the Jesus nativity story. My deepest thanks to the artists who created this deeply moving collection of seasonal music.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The King's Singers rock!, February 2, 2006

By	Sue Ametsreiter (Harrisonburg, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What else can I say. If you are a fan of Christmas music and of the King's Singers you will like this album. I was originally trying to get CD versions of some older vinyl King's Singers Christmas albums I had purchased while living in Austria in the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, they are not available. This is a fine replacement. I would still like to be able to get the German album in CD form, though.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positively Uplifting, December 24, 2007

By	Jay Young (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Christmas (MP3 Download)

The King's Singers bring their mastery of blend and tone together for their latest Christmas album. It's difficult to comprehend how 6 men can produce such an amazing sound, but they do. They sing traditional Christmas music, such as Coventry Carol, Lullay my Liking, and Stille Nacht. This is the King's Singers at their best- exquisite acapella music that is contemplative and will lift up one's spirits. In particular, I recommend listening to their rendition of Bogoroditsye dyevo. If you still have time, I would recommend downloading the MP3s and listening to it for Christmas. If not, this can be listened to at any time of year.