Customer Reviews

Live in Concert: Most Wonderful Time of the Year

5 star:		(2)
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3 star:		(1)
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You don't have to be of the Mormon faith to enjoy the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra's annual Christmas programs. Each year they are getting more spectacular, and this, 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' is the latest collection of Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs, beautifully sung by the one and only 9-Grammy Award Winner, Natalie Cole.

The Salt Lake City venue would have to be the largest concert hall in the world, (the stage proscenium is about 140 ft wide by 72 ft high) and with a choir of some 375 voices, a 100+ symphony orchestra, 200 dancers and bell ringers and an audience of 21,000 - that's right 21,000 appreciative Christmas concert-goers, this has to be the most spectacular Christmas offering I've seen in years. This is truly a magical feast for the eyes and the ears!

Beautifully directed, you'll soar above the audience, the choir, the orchestra and dancers on extended camera cranes, and with a total of some 11 cameras they capture the true Spirit of Christmas. The quality and clarity of the Technicolorful 16x9 anamorphic picture will astound you, and the 5.1 surround sound will engulf you into the heart of this spectacular venue.

Many of the stunning arrangements are by conductor Mack Wilberg, beautifully played by the orchestra that will send chills up your spine. And just wait until you hear the vast string section - wow! Natalie Cole sings 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' - the heart rendering 'Grown Up Christmas List' by David Foster - 'Caroling, Caroling' - 'The Christmas Song' ('Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire') - 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' and 'The Holly and the Ivy.'

Noted American historian David McCullough narrates a 1941 Christmas Eve story of World War II leaders Churchill and Roosevelt, woven together with songs, 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and the bigger than 'White Christmas' hit, 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' (sung by the choir) illustrated with photos of the fighting men and women of the 1940s. If this segment doesn't bring a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye, your emotions must be in the deep freeze.

The entire program, recorded over 4 performances in front of a combined audience of 80,000 is truly a treasured Christmas gift to cherish until the next Tabernacle Choir Christmas program comes around in 2011.

I highly recommend 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' DVD - it is truly an escape from the troubled world we live in today!

ah hum-bug this concert was a watered down, lack lustered performance of two of our greatest icons, there just was'nt any pazzaz or holiday cheer

I don't have much to add to the previous review - this is a magnificent concert featuring the great Natalie Cole and "America's Choir," the great Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I also own this on CD. The Choir is always a treat to hear, but particularly at Christmas time, and when teamed with a performer like Natalie, the results are fantastic!