Christmas

Philip Aaberg

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2002)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Favored Nations
• ASIN: B00006IIXD
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,739 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Defying the trend toward cloying renditions of the traditional Christmas canon, Philip Aaberg brings a new spirit to these tired songs. Aaberg is a veteran solo pianist who came to renown during the heyday of Windham Hill Records. He opens up pristine silences and melodically inventive expanses that seem to roll across the Montana plains of Aaberg's upbringing. "I Saw Three Ships" is the first signal that this is a different Christmas album. It takes a minute and a half before Aaberg even hints at the melody, as he improvises an elegiac fugue on the chords. Among the reworkings of traditional tunes, Aaberg sprinkles several originals, including the slip-sliding harmonies of "Montana Sleighride" and the quiet, open-plains spaces of "Earth Abides." Aaberg writes that he recorded this album between midnight and 4 a.m. in December 2000 while he was awaiting the birth of his son. Even without that cue, you can hear the quiet anticipation in his playing. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas every day of the year..., December 30, 2002

By	DXR "The Eyeful" (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews

I wanted something low-keyed and beautiful for my family's Christmas gathering. I knew the usual clutch of Christmas "schmaltz" would show up -- you know, everything from "It's An N'Sync Christmas" to "Bing Crosby's White Christmas" -- and I knew I'd need some relief. Well, this Aaberg CD was it! Absolutely gentle yet provocative music. If you love the piano this will suit your sensibilities any time of the year, whenever you want to set a contemplative or relaxed mood. The Christmas theme comes through subtly in a few places, but on the whole this CD is not one to be played only in December.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So good, you'll forget that it's Christmas music, August 4, 2006

By	G. Marshall (Hyattsville, MD, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Firstly, a caveat. I hate Christmas music. I love Christmas, I am a Christian, but I hate Christmas music. I made a promise to myself to never ever purchase a holiday album; I love to sing carols and play them in church, but other than that, the commercial people can keep their schmaltz. However, I know what Phillip Aaberg is capable of, and when I saw this album, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I am so glad that I did. He re-interprets the old carols, and writes some wonderful new ones, they are so vibrant and full of life that you will see Christmas in a new light. This album can be played at any time of the year, and I know of no other holiday album that can do that. If you love good music and hate Xmas music, this CD is for you. Trust me.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, July 10, 2005

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I was surprised to learn that pianist Philip Aaberg was doing a Christmas album. He was one of the regulars on Windham Hill's "Winter Solstice" tours and albums, but his artistic integrity never allows him to do anything overtly commercial, as Christmas albums so often are. I never should have given this a thought, as "Christmas" is "Aaberg the Artist" through and through. A consummate pianist, Aaberg's signature style with lots of open spaces shines in this collection of five original pieces and six arrangements of traditional carols. On his website, Aaberg says, "This isn't a party album. Play this after your guests have gone home, all the presents have been opened, and you want to get `straight to the actual' as poet Richard Hugo says." Deeply introspective, but full of emotional warmth, this collection will appeal to the more musically experienced who aren't looking for a sing-along album of holiday tunes. Aaberg's own "Montana Sleighride" is the liveliest of the pieces, depicting the fun and excitement of a ride in the snow at night as well as the cool brilliance of snow reflecting the light of the moon and stars. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is given a decidedly untraditional treatment that is full of Aaberg's personal touches, making it his own. "What Child Is This?" is given a loving, gentle lullaby-feel, as is "Away In a Manger". Aaberg's "The Gift" has been a favorite of mine since it appeared in his book of piano solos several years ago, so it's great to have the recording now, too!

Philip Aaberg has been one of my favorite artists for many years, and this CD continues his tradition of excellence and artistry at the piano. Highly recommended!