Customer Reviews

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

Tpaw has it right-- it's advertised as 20 year compilation. So if you're either fond of MS stuff and want a nice compilation with some new choral additions by J. Matthis and UofM men's chorus, and few new tracks or don't have all the 20 year great Christmas stuff, this is great additon.

If you're not above, this is not disc for you.

I enjoy this and play it often in and out of season. Good King Wencelas track knocks me out.

Upon hearing the news that A new CD was coming out of Mannheim Steamroller to celebrate 20 years since the first
Steamroller Christmas Album was released, I was a bit cynical about a "collection" of past hits. Thinking this was like the "Live" CD...a money maker with no new material,
I was dead wrong. The selections included on this CD are well thought out and the addition of lyrics and lovely vocals to Mr. Davis's own composition "Traditions of Christmas" added more depth and sincerity to the piece and the CD on the whole. It's a great Seasonal CD with all the favorites which means one doesn't have to hunt through all the CD's for individual favorites...especially while driving. It was no. 1 on the indie billboard charts, and it deserved to be. When expectations are not met, disappointment can occur. In this case the CD exceeds expectations of the listener, fans and new audiences as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Christmas Treasures by Mehdi...A True Gem !

Chip serves up the best of his Christmas offerings on one CD with a new track 'Celebration' included. First and foremost this is a fine selection of Chip's best holiday work. The new track 'Celebration' is mediocre and quickly forgotten and to be honest doesn't alone warrant the purchase of this CD.

If you know someone that needs a great Holiday CD than you won't find a better value. But if you (or the person you're getting the gift for) already own all 4 of Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas CD's then the new track and packaging doesn't make it worth you're $15.

In conclusion this CD has some wonderful holiday music on it, but in the end it's just another "Greatest Hits" CD from Chip and Co.

If you are a Steamroller fan, and if you are the type to skip certain pieces to get to the really energized ones, (hard to do while driving)-then this is a great CD in the order of Material.

To celebrate 20 years since the release of their first Christmas recording, American Gramaphone released this CD. There is some new material, one orchestral piece to kick off the CD. Titled "CELEBRATION", the piece is
an easy piece to analyze. It's educational for music teachers to see if students can identify the themes of Christmas Carols introduced briefly during the piece. The piece has a foundation of repitition in the bass and lower instruments, moving and syncopated. Next strings are added in intervalic leaps, almost like chiming bells. (I never would have thought to utilize strings in that way, but it works) So, with the foundation and the strings going consistently, Chip uses a method of composition called "quotation". The listener will hear the famous first lines of Christmas Carols...The first theme is reapeated, and following themes come together and overlap at the peak of the piece. One could speculate that the intro is just filling time, but upon further listening, it's challenges the listener to stay the course and be rewarded. No, it is not a medley.


The other new material is lyrics and vocals to Chip's own composition "TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS". The female vocalist has a warm tone quality, with a hint of clarity...and a lovely clear low register. I winced at a few notes which were interpreted a little too "pop/rockish", glaring and obvious as it's only done once or twice and contrasts with the rest of her performance. The lyrics can be hard to understand when the choir takes over in this piece...especially in a car, less so with headsets.

This is a great compilation for fans and a great introduction for those unfamiliar with Steamroller.

Sure, it's a "greatest hits" type CD, but the incredible talent of the preformers is obvious. Sure it's a great marketing idea...but I have been to American Gramaphone, seen the hard work that has been done, the detail and expertise. A re-release of material is surely warranted and justified, if nothing else for preservation matters alone. Trust me....I know how they work and the standards they strive to achieve, and always do.

In conclusion, go for it!!!

Christmas Celebration is a collection of songs that have appeared on prior albums, with a few execptions
If you have the other four I would not bother with this one.
It does have wonderful arrangements, and uses a universe of instruments. The only problem with this CD is that there is nothing new here..........Merry Christmas

If you have their previous Chrismas albums, you don't need this one. If you don't have them WHY NOT!? The music is GREAT! (and so is the stage production)

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Mehdi Christmas Treasures... A True Gem.. Full Samples are at SoothingMusic,Com..Just Listen !

If you already own most of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CDs, skip this one. It's mostly some of the better songs taken from previous albums. But, if you've never owned any of the M.S. albumns, then this is a good CD to get...almost a "best of" CD.

Mr. Chip Davis is a man of many talents, the main one is his ability to surpass what he has already achieved, and this my friend is where "Christmas Celebration", enters the "2004 Holiday Season", before I mention anything else..."Christmas" [1984]..."Fresh Aire Christmas" [1988]..."Christmas in the Aire" [1995]..."Christmas Live" [1997]..."Christmas Extraordinaire" [2001]...are very special to me, unforgettable and a must around my home during the Christmas Season, but this new release is outstanding, and to invite the many fans to participate in choosing the selections, was very unselfish of Chip, thank you Mr. Davis for including your many followers in this memorable Christmas album.

Just when you thought there was no Santa Claus, Chip Davis has done it again..."CELEBRATION", has the old magic from his previous albums...which by the way have all been recorded on HDCD, very beautiful gift-pack containing four inspirational albums telling the Christmas story...I was one of the lucky fans to suggest "HALLELUJAH", on the Mannheim Steamroller website...much to my surprise all 18 selections are special and from the heart, which is why we are drawn to their music...for instance listen to Chip's arrangement of "GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN", remember the last track on his "Christmas" [1984], who can forget the touching "STILLE NACHT", this has the same effect, as the first time I heard this arrangement by Chip, blends with countpoints of melody, this is when Christmas music leaves you feeling good all over...doesn't get any better than a "Mannheim Christmas", can't remember what it was like before their music touched us, another Mannheim Christmas...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 65:05 on 18 Tracks ~ Amer Gramaphone 2020 ~ (10/12/2004)

Although not quite as good as his first Christmas CD's
still better than most. I never tire of Mannheim Steamroller
whether it be his Christmas or some of his other CD's Especially
his Day Parts Series. Chip Davis is great.

My mother got me started listening to Mannheim Steamroller music. From the first time that I heard an album, I fell in love with the music. Carol of the Bells is my absolute favorite. Again, I love Christmas and this type of music tops off the season.