Customer Reviews

One Silent Night

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bestor isn't just another New Age dork, but a tremendously talented musician, as this piano-only album shows. He reworks some beloved old carols into poignant new forms that make you feel you are hearing them for the first time and yet they distill the very essence of Christmas. I always play this on Christmas Eve; it's the perect way to get the holiday spirit.

This is my favorite of Kurt's four Christmas CDs. It sounds as if he is in my front room playing for me personally. Highly recommended listening!

I recently saw Kurt Bestor perform for the first time. He and two other musicians put on a beautiful all Christmas concert in Cedarburg, Wisconsin and I was definitely impressed. I play piano myself and compose my own music and occasionally play professionally. Kurt is enormously talented. During intermission I bought 10 of his One Silent Night CD's to give as Christmas gifts to my family. I went home after the concert and played one of the CD's. When I heard the first low notes of Oh Tannenbaum it stopped me in my tracks and I cried. A piece of music hasn't hit me so deeply in a long time. I live close to the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center where Kurt had performed and went back and bought 8 more CD's. I wish I had bought more! I've listened to the CD hundreds of times now (it's post-Christmas and I'm still listening) and I continue to be moved almost to tears especially on that one track. I kept 2 of the CD's for myself so that I can have one in my home and one in the car. One Silent Night made my Christmas and is helping me through the beginning of 2010. I may be listening to it until next Christmas! It's totally therapeutic! Thank you, Kurt!

Christmas music often becomes too much of a cliche, but Mr. Bestor's album is simple, yet elegant, perhaps exactly as Christmas truly ought to be. I have collected much Christmas music over the years, but Mr. Bestor's album will always be one of my favorites. I can recommend it without hesitation. A classic.

In his only solo piano release, Bestor brings to "One Silent Night," the wonderful emotion and engaging arrangements that he has always incorporated in his more orchestrated albums. Never too intellectual, yet anything but ordinary, this CD will let you relax, and, if you wish, take a very interesting musical journey through some tried and true holiday classics. It's a refreshing change from the often over-produced holiday fair that so often adorns the musical shelves this season.

If you like all piano and want something that is very subtly Christmas-like, this is the cd for you. I got it originally because I have another of Kurt Bestor's cd's - Noel - which I love, and expected this one to be similar in mixing renaissance-type instrumentals with occasional choral singing. I play that one to death, and it really puts me in a nice, energized Christmas mood. So, based on that, I was disappointed with Silent Night, BUT, I'm a massage therapist and found it to be perfect to play as background music for my clients during their sessions. It's very peaceful and tranquil, doesn't scream Christmas, and is perfect for quiet moments of reflection and meditation. My clients didn't notice right away that it was Christmas music, but really enjoyed it once they did.