Customer Reviews

A Victorian Noel: European Carols Arranged for Dulcimer, Harp, Piano and Strings

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In most cases, a follow up CD (or movie, book, whatever) is rarely as good as its predecessor. This is not to be for Robin Petrie's remarkable second collection of Victorian Christmas music. It is every bit as good as her first collection, with a wonderful selection of known and not so well known Christmas carols. You'll recognize 'O Tannenbaum,' 'I Saw Three Ships,' and 'In Dulci Jubilo.' But you may not know 'Masters In This Hall,' 'Lovely Is The Dark Blue Sky,' or 'Fum Fum Fum,' all beautiful tunes played in Robin's exquisitely crafted traditional style. Ms. Petrie is, in my opinion, the finest hammered dulcimer instrumentalist, and if you've never heard her music, this CD (as well as her first - "A Victorian Christmas") will win you over. It just SOUNDS like Christmas! Soft lights or candles flickering, perhaps you just watched your favorite version of 'A Christmas Carol,' or you're just about to decorate your (hopefully real) tree. This is the music you want. Amazon gives you an opportunity to give a listen to 'A Victorian Noel.' Take 'em up on it but, be forewarned, have your credit card ready. You're gonna want this!

Robin Petrie has brought us two glorious Victorian Christmas albums, and _A Victorian Noel_ is the better of the two. The sweet sounds of these old-fashioned, instrumental carols is so reminiscent of times of antiquity. This is what real Christmas music sounds like. Download the MP3 of _Infant Holy/I Saw Three Ships/The Builders_ off the Amazon site, and listen to it in its entirety.

Then go ahead and order both Petrie CDs.

Whether you listen to it carefully or let it play barely-noticed in the background, this CD is one of the best of Christmas Carols I've ever heard.

Robin Petrie has amazing command of the hammered dulcimer or "piano harp" as her Victorian model was called.

The arrangements are quite nice, the occasional strings fit in just right and even the piano doesn't sound bad (and I don't like the sound of that instrument)

If you like traditional music, or even just prefer Mannheim Steamroller to the latest pop artists attempt at a "Christmas Album" you will love this CD.

Robin is truly a master! I can't think of two albums I love to listen to more during the holidays than Robin's Christmas albums. Her choice of old European carols is a delight. I want more!

I own many collections of traditional Christmas music, but this is the one I play over and over, every year.

It is great for background music, during dinner, etc -- and always draws comments from visitors -- but I especially love to sit in the room all by myself, at night, no lights except my Victorian-era floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree, sparkling with fairy lights and my collection of blown-glass ornaments, a glass of something lovely in my hand ...and just chill out and dream, listening to this album.

It's beautiful. Calming. Flawless. I play every track, every time.

I would love it if Robin Petrie would make another of these, changing nothing except adding more tunes. I do want more!

I am a Christmas music lover, and have gathered a good many CD's over the years. This one that I just got is now my favorite. Some of the songs are familiar, and a few are new for me to learn. The arrangements are just PEACEFULLY SPECTACULAR. Each exquisite piece is a delight to hear; the instruments take turns running up, down, and around the melody and each other. Splendid harmonies, dynamics, and phrasing. I wish I could write music like this.

I really enjoy the selection of music. It is relaxing and perfect for background music at a party, riding the the car on a long drive, or listening to on your laptop while you work. I love the variety of instruments used as well in addition to the beautiful artistry of the dulcimer. A must not only for your holiday collection, but great to listen to all year round! Highly recommended, I am so glad I purchased it- I will enjoy it for years to come!

A beautiful holiday cd, unique old-fashioned selections. I enjoy this cd very much.

This is one of those great "change of pace" holiday albums everyone should own. The presentation of these wonderful carols is precise but very lyrical. I dare say you may have never heard some of these old familar songs presented with such authenticity.

I wanted a "classical" sounding dulcimer Christmas CD, and this was exactly what I was expecting. It is a welcome addition to my Christmas CD collection.