Customer Reviews

Sumi Jo - The Christmas Album

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

 

 

Sumi Jo shines as usual on this album.... when she actually sings, that is. Nearly half of the CD is devoted to orchestral and choral pieces. Don't get me wrong - these tracks are wonderful, but I payed for Sumi Jo's brilliant soprano voice.
The only songs that many will recognize that appear on this album are Adam's "O Holy Night" and Gruber's "Stille Nacht/Silent Night" -- recorded not once, but TWICE (one is Sumi solo, and the other is a duet - but still, why??????). I'm not asking for "Frosty the Snowman" here, but I would have liked to have seen more familiar works alongside the more obscure pieces of this CD - "Adeste Fideles", "Gesu Bambino", "The Holly and the Ivy" and "The First Noel" would have all been welcome.
I do laud the inclusion of some of the beautiful, lesser known pieces of this album - the a capella rendition of the traditional Appalachian hymn "I Wonder As I Wander" was a great move, as was the inclusion of "Es ist ein Ros entsprugen" ("Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"). I just wish Sumi Jo was singing with the choir on that one.... :(
In short, this really is a great CD, but if you are looking for all or nearly all of the tracks featuring Sumi Jo, singing mostly familiar Christmas songs along with a few not-so-often-encountered ones (as I was) you might be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for an album of beautiful music, balanced between vocal, instrumental, and choral, and composed of music you've probably never been exposed to before, then this is your album. I guess the standard for Christmas albums by opera superstars (at least for me) is still Kathleen Battle's spectacular one from the 80's - check that one out.
Chris

Sumi Jo has produced a stunning holiday album, filled with gorgeous singing of many styles. It isn't just an album of her singing, though; there are wonderful orchestral and choral selections too, all of which sparkle with perfection. This is a great addition to my Christmas music collection, and another winner from Sumi Jo.

It is true that this recording has some additional works that do not feature Sumi Jo's voice, but this did not bother me in the least. All of the pieces on this album are performed with great musicality and depth of expression. A real treat for those who enjoy Sumi Jo's brilliant bel canto voice and vocal masterworks that are not often performed.

it is very easy music and very relaxing.
not typical carol song album..
it is more baroque music(I loved it).
For some reason, I didn't enjoy O holy night and Exsultate, Jubilate as much as other baroque music on this CD.
Once again, though, overall very soothing music in my ear.

I personally like Sumi Jo's voice but this album is a huge disappointment. It is clear that she is just trying to put out yet another album without putting much effort into it.

Personally I like Sumi Jo but this album is a huge disappointment as it seems that she is just trying to put out yet another album. I am very disappointed.

I personally can't stand her voice! Please buy Maria Callas or Kathleen Battle instead!!! I BEGGGGG you!