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 Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun.
Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error!
a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!!
Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music.
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Carols from King's
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EMI Classics;
1997-11-17;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £5.44
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Noël - Christmas at King's
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Cambridge David WillcocksThe Choir of King's College;
Universal Classics;
1995-11-13;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £8.07
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Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun.
Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error!
a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!!
Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music.
Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5.
excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality.
A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it!
Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well.
The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children.
The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks.
Ideal! Magical.
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Product Description
In an introduction to this disc of Christmas music, John Rutter tellingly commends the Christmas carol as one of the few forms that permits "serious" composers to write tunes, regardless of whatever political correctness rules the avant-garde of the day. And he's been exploiting that licence with a vengeance ever since, as a Cambridge student, he composed the jaunty little number that remains his greatest hit--"The Shepherd's Pipe Carol". Needless to say it's on this disc, along with the good, bad and indifferent of his Christmas output through the past 40 years, immaculately sung by one of the most accomplished professional choirs in the business under its superlatively accomplished founder-director Stephen Layton. And I defy anyone inclined to marginalise Rutter as middlebrow not to be touched by the eloquence, charm and craft of his work when it's done like this, in ideal conditions. At its worst the music is derivative but fun. At best it's irresistibly endearing. Not for nothing does he rival Howard Blake as English music's Mr Christmas, and this seasonally timed release delivers the evidence encyclopaedically--it's a perfect stocking-filler. --Michael White
Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun. Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error! a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!! Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music. Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5. excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality. A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it! Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well. The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children. The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks. Ideal! Magical. THIS IS A STUNNINGLY GOOD CD!, 27 Aug 2008
This beautiful CD follows a similar trajectory to the treatment of 'Psalm 23' by Howard Goodall (the Vicar Of Dibley theme) and re-invents the tradition of church music. John Rutter is an English genius who can rightly follow in the hallowed footsteps of greats like Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland. These composers know how to make music that is warm, strangely familiar and above all human, without 'arty' pretensions or ideals, this kind music can speak to everyone on a basic level. Old and Young alike.
Peerless performances from the choir and immaculate orchestral arrangements make this one of the most value for money recordings you'll buy, i also guarantee you will not be able to stop playing this music.
Listen to 'What Sweeter Music' 'The Very Best Time Of The Year' 'Love Came Down At Christmas' 'Mary's Lullaby' 'Candlelight Carol' and you will be profoundly moved.
If you want something that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, forget Christmas music, this is purely timeless music that can be enjoyed whatever time of year.
Go on, treat yourself. And find that there is a treasure trove of English music waiting to be discovered.
Take a quick look at the Hyperion (the classical music CD label) website where you can listen to a preview of this gem of a recording. What a christmas feast, 26 Jan 2006
A magical recording of some of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. Polyphony perform with their usual wonderful tone and clarity under the expert hand of Stephen Layton. The selection is wide, on the one hand you have the reflective and ever popular "what sweeter music" and a beautiful piece entitled "Love came down at Christmas" mixed with the bouncy "Donkey carol" and the lovely "star carol" The recording is of a high quality and the choir and the City of London Sinfonia balance out beautifully. A real Christmas treat and a must for any collection. Glorious, Heavenly Music if you buy nothing else ever, 24 Dec 2002
I first heard John Rutter's work (Parkinson Radio 2 on a Sunday morning last Christmas). I was absolutely knocked for six by The Shepherd's Pipe Carol, however I failed to get the title.This year I managed to get the title from Desmond Carrington who also played it on Radio 2. I am a broken down old jazzer who normally only listens to Big Band and Mainstream Jazz, together with the popular classic composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Handel etc. On hearing the first track I was moved to tears by this glorious music. The rest of the disk only re-inforced my asessment. The Angel Carol is possbly the most beautiful orchestration I have ever heard. I just can't get the melody out of my head. John Rutter please continue I would also like to hear if you have ever written for a big band. Mike Hart Outstanding collection of John Rutter's Christmas music, 18 Dec 2001
Even if you are not overly keen on Rutter's Christmas settings, this disc is simply irresistible. Speaking as a keen chorister myself, the singing simply takes my breath away. Added to sensitive direction from Stephen Layton, magical orchestrations and excellent recording from Hyperion this is a must-have and will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I heard one of the tracks on BBC Radio 3's Choirworks (02/dec/01)and realised I just had to buy it. This is the conductor and choir who took this year's Choral award in the Gramophone awards - I look forward to more recordings from this combination.
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Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun. Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error! a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!! Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music. Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5. excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality. A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it! Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well. The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children. The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks. Ideal! Magical. THIS IS A STUNNINGLY GOOD CD!, 27 Aug 2008
This beautiful CD follows a similar trajectory to the treatment of 'Psalm 23' by Howard Goodall (the Vicar Of Dibley theme) and re-invents the tradition of church music. John Rutter is an English genius who can rightly follow in the hallowed footsteps of greats like Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland. These composers know how to make music that is warm, strangely familiar and above all human, without 'arty' pretensions or ideals, this kind music can speak to everyone on a basic level. Old and Young alike.
Peerless performances from the choir and immaculate orchestral arrangements make this one of the most value for money recordings you'll buy, i also guarantee you will not be able to stop playing this music.
Listen to 'What Sweeter Music' 'The Very Best Time Of The Year' 'Love Came Down At Christmas' 'Mary's Lullaby' 'Candlelight Carol' and you will be profoundly moved.
If you want something that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, forget Christmas music, this is purely timeless music that can be enjoyed whatever time of year.
Go on, treat yourself. And find that there is a treasure trove of English music waiting to be discovered.
Take a quick look at the Hyperion (the classical music CD label) website where you can listen to a preview of this gem of a recording. What a christmas feast, 26 Jan 2006
A magical recording of some of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. Polyphony perform with their usual wonderful tone and clarity under the expert hand of Stephen Layton. The selection is wide, on the one hand you have the reflective and ever popular "what sweeter music" and a beautiful piece entitled "Love came down at Christmas" mixed with the bouncy "Donkey carol" and the lovely "star carol" The recording is of a high quality and the choir and the City of London Sinfonia balance out beautifully. A real Christmas treat and a must for any collection. Glorious, Heavenly Music if you buy nothing else ever, 24 Dec 2002
I first heard John Rutter's work (Parkinson Radio 2 on a Sunday morning last Christmas). I was absolutely knocked for six by The Shepherd's Pipe Carol, however I failed to get the title.This year I managed to get the title from Desmond Carrington who also played it on Radio 2. I am a broken down old jazzer who normally only listens to Big Band and Mainstream Jazz, together with the popular classic composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Handel etc. On hearing the first track I was moved to tears by this glorious music. The rest of the disk only re-inforced my asessment. The Angel Carol is possbly the most beautiful orchestration I have ever heard. I just can't get the melody out of my head. John Rutter please continue I would also like to hear if you have ever written for a big band. Mike Hart Outstanding collection of John Rutter's Christmas music, 18 Dec 2001
Even if you are not overly keen on Rutter's Christmas settings, this disc is simply irresistible. Speaking as a keen chorister myself, the singing simply takes my breath away. Added to sensitive direction from Stephen Layton, magical orchestrations and excellent recording from Hyperion this is a must-have and will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I heard one of the tracks on BBC Radio 3's Choirworks (02/dec/01)and realised I just had to buy it. This is the conductor and choir who took this year's Choral award in the Gramophone awards - I look forward to more recordings from this combination.
Christmas Music - The Sixteen - Harry Christophers Director, 15 Dec 2005
This is now the 11th Christmas that this music has been part of the tradition of my holiday season, and although I've acquired numerous other holiday music collections over the years, this far surpasses any other collection that I own. It is difficult to do justice to this music by describing it in mere words. The collection ranges from the 14th to the 16th Century, and is unlike any other collection of Christmas music available. It evokes the true spirit of the Christmas season, is enlightening, inspirational, and transports the listener far from the trite elements of the 'modern' holiday season. No other choral group can compare to the Harry Christophers The Sixteen (named such as the group consists of four treble/mean, four alto, four tenor and four bass choralists). A truly unique auditory experience, and absolutely worth every penny.
..Not Just for Christmas........., 06 Jan 2004
If its 100% relaxation classics you are after then look no further! Harry Christophers and the Sixteen have not just captured the yuletide moment with this album, but have developed these great themes to be enjoyed at any time. A truly magnificent masterpiece delivered in the most professional manner by this extraordinarily talented group of singers, producing a CD that is more than a purchase, it's an investment in excellent vocal presentation.
An Explosion of Joy!, 01 Feb 2003
This is a wonderful collection of Christmas music by "The Sixteen", a group of sixteen glorious singers who brilliantly capture the magical melodies and harmonies of 15th & 16th Century English and European (mostly German) church music. Best tracks are the soaring "Resonet in Laudibus" by Jacob Handl, "Gaudete" from Piae Cantiones (made famous by Steeleye Span), "In Dulci Jubilo", "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "The Boar's Head Carol". A marvellous album to put you right in the mood for Christmas! Only disappointment - none of Michael Praetorius' haunting melodies are included.
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Bach: Christmas Oratorio
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Archiv Produktion;
1987-11-04;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £16.75
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Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun. Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error! a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!! Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music. Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5. excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality. A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it! Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well. The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children. The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks. Ideal! Magical. THIS IS A STUNNINGLY GOOD CD!, 27 Aug 2008
This beautiful CD follows a similar trajectory to the treatment of 'Psalm 23' by Howard Goodall (the Vicar Of Dibley theme) and re-invents the tradition of church music. John Rutter is an English genius who can rightly follow in the hallowed footsteps of greats like Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland. These composers know how to make music that is warm, strangely familiar and above all human, without 'arty' pretensions or ideals, this kind music can speak to everyone on a basic level. Old and Young alike.
Peerless performances from the choir and immaculate orchestral arrangements make this one of the most value for money recordings you'll buy, i also guarantee you will not be able to stop playing this music.
Listen to 'What Sweeter Music' 'The Very Best Time Of The Year' 'Love Came Down At Christmas' 'Mary's Lullaby' 'Candlelight Carol' and you will be profoundly moved.
If you want something that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, forget Christmas music, this is purely timeless music that can be enjoyed whatever time of year.
Go on, treat yourself. And find that there is a treasure trove of English music waiting to be discovered.
Take a quick look at the Hyperion (the classical music CD label) website where you can listen to a preview of this gem of a recording. What a christmas feast, 26 Jan 2006
A magical recording of some of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. Polyphony perform with their usual wonderful tone and clarity under the expert hand of Stephen Layton. The selection is wide, on the one hand you have the reflective and ever popular "what sweeter music" and a beautiful piece entitled "Love came down at Christmas" mixed with the bouncy "Donkey carol" and the lovely "star carol" The recording is of a high quality and the choir and the City of London Sinfonia balance out beautifully. A real Christmas treat and a must for any collection. Glorious, Heavenly Music if you buy nothing else ever, 24 Dec 2002
I first heard John Rutter's work (Parkinson Radio 2 on a Sunday morning last Christmas). I was absolutely knocked for six by The Shepherd's Pipe Carol, however I failed to get the title.This year I managed to get the title from Desmond Carrington who also played it on Radio 2. I am a broken down old jazzer who normally only listens to Big Band and Mainstream Jazz, together with the popular classic composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Handel etc. On hearing the first track I was moved to tears by this glorious music. The rest of the disk only re-inforced my asessment. The Angel Carol is possbly the most beautiful orchestration I have ever heard. I just can't get the melody out of my head. John Rutter please continue I would also like to hear if you have ever written for a big band. Mike Hart Outstanding collection of John Rutter's Christmas music, 18 Dec 2001
Even if you are not overly keen on Rutter's Christmas settings, this disc is simply irresistible. Speaking as a keen chorister myself, the singing simply takes my breath away. Added to sensitive direction from Stephen Layton, magical orchestrations and excellent recording from Hyperion this is a must-have and will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I heard one of the tracks on BBC Radio 3's Choirworks (02/dec/01)and realised I just had to buy it. This is the conductor and choir who took this year's Choral award in the Gramophone awards - I look forward to more recordings from this combination.
Christmas Music - The Sixteen - Harry Christophers Director, 15 Dec 2005
This is now the 11th Christmas that this music has been part of the tradition of my holiday season, and although I've acquired numerous other holiday music collections over the years, this far surpasses any other collection that I own. It is difficult to do justice to this music by describing it in mere words. The collection ranges from the 14th to the 16th Century, and is unlike any other collection of Christmas music available. It evokes the true spirit of the Christmas season, is enlightening, inspirational, and transports the listener far from the trite elements of the 'modern' holiday season. No other choral group can compare to the Harry Christophers The Sixteen (named such as the group consists of four treble/mean, four alto, four tenor and four bass choralists). A truly unique auditory experience, and absolutely worth every penny.
..Not Just for Christmas........., 06 Jan 2004
If its 100% relaxation classics you are after then look no further! Harry Christophers and the Sixteen have not just captured the yuletide moment with this album, but have developed these great themes to be enjoyed at any time. A truly magnificent masterpiece delivered in the most professional manner by this extraordinarily talented group of singers, producing a CD that is more than a purchase, it's an investment in excellent vocal presentation.
An Explosion of Joy!, 01 Feb 2003
This is a wonderful collection of Christmas music by "The Sixteen", a group of sixteen glorious singers who brilliantly capture the magical melodies and harmonies of 15th & 16th Century English and European (mostly German) church music. Best tracks are the soaring "Resonet in Laudibus" by Jacob Handl, "Gaudete" from Piae Cantiones (made famous by Steeleye Span), "In Dulci Jubilo", "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "The Boar's Head Carol". A marvellous album to put you right in the mood for Christmas! Only disappointment - none of Michael Praetorius' haunting melodies are included.
JOHN ELIOT'S CHRISTMAS FAVES, 05 Dec 2007
This disc is a bit of an oddity. I can give it a perfectly sincere recommendation, but I think I had better explain myself carefully, and explain exactly what I am recommending.
The spirit of the selection is much what you would expect in a disc entitled `Christmas Treats from JSB' or `Immortal Melodies from The Christmas Oratorio' or something of that sort. Bach's Christmas Oratorio is not an oratorio in the Handelian sense. In the 1730's Bach faithfully turned out a cantata for each Sunday and major feast, but in one particular year he elected to reprocess some of his older music, most of it secular originally, and string the numbers together for the entire festive season under the overall title of `Christmas Oratorio'. Borrowing, adaptation and recomposition of earlier music, sometimes one's own sometimes someone else's, was a standard practice at the time. Nobody saw anything wrong with it, and to this day neither do I. Neither Bach nor Handel can exactly be taxed with lack of original output in astonishing quantities, and it is not as if the recycling of the material was not quite a major task in its own right. The Christmas Oratorio is commonly viewed as a lesser work than the B minor Mass or the St Matthew Passion, and while I probably go along with that view to a certain extent, I don't do so for the reasons I usually see argued. The secular origin of the music is neither here nor there in my opinion - all Bach's music is explicitly written for the greater glory of God. Also, when I see this work compared to its disadvantage with the B minor Mass on grounds of recycling, I have to recall that the B minor Mass itself is made up of recycled material practically from start to finish.
To anyone who does not know the Christmas Oratorio and who may have been put off by any of this foolishness, my own advice is simply to ignore the whole fuss. What you will find in it is a set of Bach cantatas produced to the same astounding standard of inspiration, consistency and workmanship that you will find in any of the others. What makes this disc a one-off is first that everyone has taken advantage of the single series-title to pretend that the Christmas Oratorio is a single work like Messiah or the St Matthew Passion and extract a selection of goodies from it to make a single disc's-worth, leaving out the more workaday and `business' elements, notably recitatives. The engaging oddity to go along with this demotic proceeding is that the style is uncompromisingly severe, almost as if we were dealing with Bach's motets.
Nineteen numbers - solos (plus one with an echo-effect), a duet, a sinfonia and choruses both traditional and composed either wholly or over traditional material by Bach - have been selected. The four standard types of vocal soloist have been given work, and it is probably not a coincidence that there is no counter-tenor in a production like this. 20 years ago the `authentic' movement was starting to relax a little, but the instruments used here are uncompromisingly authentic, and so is the penchant for brisk speeds. By now I am so inured with this way of doing things that I adapt to it naturally, but readers of this notice should perhaps take warning from comments by other reviewers who are not so reconciled to the idiom. For me, the quickstep approach (even in 3-time as in the first two numbers) enhances the sublime sense of a march in Bach's wonderful polyphony, but I'm not you. One thing that ought to be a bonus for any listener is the quality of some of the instrumental work at this pace. I looked to see in particular who was the trumpeter - yes, you've guessed: Crispian Steele Perkins of course.
Given the slight sense of facing in two directions, I can report that the quality of the work is exemplary. All the four main vocal soloists distinguish themselves, and it was a particular pleasure to hear Anne Sophie von Otter so early in her career, especially as she is given the loveliest and tenderest number of all, Schlafe, mein Liebster, surely something to win over the doughtiest opponent of this school of interpretation. I shall also highlight the tenor Hans Peter Blochwitz for the ease with which he overcomes the formidable technical demands of his first two arias - the coloratura of his first test in particular is blatantly instrumental in inspiration, in a way that Handel's, however florid and rapid, just never is.
This issue is obviously not part of Gardiner's recent `pilgrimage' series offering all the cantatas. The 1987 recording is not as beautiful as he is given in the recent sets, but it is perfectly adequate. The liner-note gives the texts with translation, and that is all one basically needs, although some comment on the music itself would have been welcome, as not everyone is familiar with its genesis. There is nothing about the singers either, but there is a picture of Gardiner J E P as he looked 20 years ago, if not more. Also looking out at us in the familiar study is the composer himself. How often, I wonder, have I looked uncomprehendingly at that face and tried to infer from it what are specifically the features of a man possessed of an infinite musical talent. I shall never work that one out, but at least he knew not to hide the talent from us and I can be well satisfied with that.
Christmas Oratorio at its very best., 23 Dec 2004
This might very well be the ultimate recording of the Christmas Oratorio. Orchestra, choir, soloists and conductor are all fabolous. Precise, inspired and vibrant. There really aren't any flaws with this one- it goes straight to the heart.
My largest compliment to Bonney, von Otter, Rolfe-Johnson, Crook and Bär, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and not least Sir John. I will compare this to two other recordings: If you like your baroque music with a little more meat than in period performances, you should go for Richter's recording and enjoy Fritz Wunderlich as the evangelist. Richter has a more powerful, but also a little more cumbersome sound than Gardiner, but if you can't live without a large choir and traditional instruments, Richter is the one to go for. Secondly, I will mention the obvious period performance competitor, namely the one from Harmonia Mundi with Rene Jacobs conducting. While that is also a notable account, it is more "puritan" in the presentation and the artistic impression is more dry and academic than with Gardiner. And Jacobs uses the default Harmonia Mundi alto, counter tenor Andreas Scholl, to sing the part of the Virgin Mary. Although he sounds more like a woman than most counter tenors, there is just something wrong with a man singing "Schlafe, mein Liebste". There is nothing to suggest, that Bach didn't use a female contralto for the Christmas Oratorio, so please stop thinking that it is historically correct to have this part sung by a man... it's just plain "Life of Brian" to have the Holy Mother played by a man in falsetto. Take Anne-Sofie von Otter in this recording to hear what a baroque mezzo should sound like in period performance. Or do like me and get both Richter and Gardiner.
Another brilliant recording from John Eliot Gardiner, 28 Aug 2001
The Christmas Oratorio is a bright and brilliant work from the first sound of the timpani and the chorus singing "Christians Be Joyful". Even if you are an atheist, it is hard not to be moved by this thrilling sound. John Eliot Gardiner conducts his Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists with customary skill, the soloists are good, the ensemble singing electric and the orchestra great. I've beginning to think it is hard to go wrong when buying anything from this stable....
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The Christmas Album
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Cambridge Clare College Choir;
Universal Classics;
2000-11-20;
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Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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Amazon: £4.98
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Product Description
Initially released in 1979, this album built on the success of the legendary Carols for Choirs volumes in establishing John Rutter's name with the wider public--and gave a strong hint that he was more than just a talented composer/arranger. As the many subsequent releases on the Collegium label have also shown, Rutter is a deeply sensitive and musical conductor, alive to the colour of words, always allowing phrases to breathe naturally. The accomplished Clare College Choir features both male and female voices, the latter providing a more rounded alternative to those world-famous neighbours in Cambridge. Included are many of Rutter's own easy-listening carol arrangements ("King Jesus hath a Garden" and "Wexford Carol", for example) plus others by the likes of Vaughan Williams and David Willcocks, while "Donkey Carol" and "Mary's Lullaby" are quintessential Rutter originals. Only a few numbers can be classed (statistically) as all-time Christmas faves--the likes of "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High", for example--but this needn't deter anyone from snapping up what is the perfect album to accompany Christmas pud mixing (preferably by candlelight, imagining the twilight scene in Ely Cathedral's Lady Chapel, whose glorious acoustic graces the sound). --Andrew Green
Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun. Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error! a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!! Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music. Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5. excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality. A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it! Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well. The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children. The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks. Ideal! Magical. THIS IS A STUNNINGLY GOOD CD!, 27 Aug 2008
This beautiful CD follows a similar trajectory to the treatment of 'Psalm 23' by Howard Goodall (the Vicar Of Dibley theme) and re-invents the tradition of church music. John Rutter is an English genius who can rightly follow in the hallowed footsteps of greats like Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland. These composers know how to make music that is warm, strangely familiar and above all human, without 'arty' pretensions or ideals, this kind music can speak to everyone on a basic level. Old and Young alike.
Peerless performances from the choir and immaculate orchestral arrangements make this one of the most value for money recordings you'll buy, i also guarantee you will not be able to stop playing this music.
Listen to 'What Sweeter Music' 'The Very Best Time Of The Year' 'Love Came Down At Christmas' 'Mary's Lullaby' 'Candlelight Carol' and you will be profoundly moved.
If you want something that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, forget Christmas music, this is purely timeless music that can be enjoyed whatever time of year.
Go on, treat yourself. And find that there is a treasure trove of English music waiting to be discovered.
Take a quick look at the Hyperion (the classical music CD label) website where you can listen to a preview of this gem of a recording. What a christmas feast, 26 Jan 2006
A magical recording of some of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. Polyphony perform with their usual wonderful tone and clarity under the expert hand of Stephen Layton. The selection is wide, on the one hand you have the reflective and ever popular "what sweeter music" and a beautiful piece entitled "Love came down at Christmas" mixed with the bouncy "Donkey carol" and the lovely "star carol" The recording is of a high quality and the choir and the City of London Sinfonia balance out beautifully. A real Christmas treat and a must for any collection. Glorious, Heavenly Music if you buy nothing else ever, 24 Dec 2002
I first heard John Rutter's work (Parkinson Radio 2 on a Sunday morning last Christmas). I was absolutely knocked for six by The Shepherd's Pipe Carol, however I failed to get the title.This year I managed to get the title from Desmond Carrington who also played it on Radio 2. I am a broken down old jazzer who normally only listens to Big Band and Mainstream Jazz, together with the popular classic composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Handel etc. On hearing the first track I was moved to tears by this glorious music. The rest of the disk only re-inforced my asessment. The Angel Carol is possbly the most beautiful orchestration I have ever heard. I just can't get the melody out of my head. John Rutter please continue I would also like to hear if you have ever written for a big band. Mike Hart Outstanding collection of John Rutter's Christmas music, 18 Dec 2001
Even if you are not overly keen on Rutter's Christmas settings, this disc is simply irresistible. Speaking as a keen chorister myself, the singing simply takes my breath away. Added to sensitive direction from Stephen Layton, magical orchestrations and excellent recording from Hyperion this is a must-have and will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I heard one of the tracks on BBC Radio 3's Choirworks (02/dec/01)and realised I just had to buy it. This is the conductor and choir who took this year's Choral award in the Gramophone awards - I look forward to more recordings from this combination.
Christmas Music - The Sixteen - Harry Christophers Director, 15 Dec 2005
This is now the 11th Christmas that this music has been part of the tradition of my holiday season, and although I've acquired numerous other holiday music collections over the years, this far surpasses any other collection that I own. It is difficult to do justice to this music by describing it in mere words. The collection ranges from the 14th to the 16th Century, and is unlike any other collection of Christmas music available. It evokes the true spirit of the Christmas season, is enlightening, inspirational, and transports the listener far from the trite elements of the 'modern' holiday season. No other choral group can compare to the Harry Christophers The Sixteen (named such as the group consists of four treble/mean, four alto, four tenor and four bass choralists). A truly unique auditory experience, and absolutely worth every penny.
..Not Just for Christmas........., 06 Jan 2004
If its 100% relaxation classics you are after then look no further! Harry Christophers and the Sixteen have not just captured the yuletide moment with this album, but have developed these great themes to be enjoyed at any time. A truly magnificent masterpiece delivered in the most professional manner by this extraordinarily talented group of singers, producing a CD that is more than a purchase, it's an investment in excellent vocal presentation.
An Explosion of Joy!, 01 Feb 2003
This is a wonderful collection of Christmas music by "The Sixteen", a group of sixteen glorious singers who brilliantly capture the magical melodies and harmonies of 15th & 16th Century English and European (mostly German) church music. Best tracks are the soaring "Resonet in Laudibus" by Jacob Handl, "Gaudete" from Piae Cantiones (made famous by Steeleye Span), "In Dulci Jubilo", "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "The Boar's Head Carol". A marvellous album to put you right in the mood for Christmas! Only disappointment - none of Michael Praetorius' haunting melodies are included.
JOHN ELIOT'S CHRISTMAS FAVES, 05 Dec 2007
This disc is a bit of an oddity. I can give it a perfectly sincere recommendation, but I think I had better explain myself carefully, and explain exactly what I am recommending.
The spirit of the selection is much what you would expect in a disc entitled `Christmas Treats from JSB' or `Immortal Melodies from The Christmas Oratorio' or something of that sort. Bach's Christmas Oratorio is not an oratorio in the Handelian sense. In the 1730's Bach faithfully turned out a cantata for each Sunday and major feast, but in one particular year he elected to reprocess some of his older music, most of it secular originally, and string the numbers together for the entire festive season under the overall title of `Christmas Oratorio'. Borrowing, adaptation and recomposition of earlier music, sometimes one's own sometimes someone else's, was a standard practice at the time. Nobody saw anything wrong with it, and to this day neither do I. Neither Bach nor Handel can exactly be taxed with lack of original output in astonishing quantities, and it is not as if the recycling of the material was not quite a major task in its own right. The Christmas Oratorio is commonly viewed as a lesser work than the B minor Mass or the St Matthew Passion, and while I probably go along with that view to a certain extent, I don't do so for the reasons I usually see argued. The secular origin of the music is neither here nor there in my opinion - all Bach's music is explicitly written for the greater glory of God. Also, when I see this work compared to its disadvantage with the B minor Mass on grounds of recycling, I have to recall that the B minor Mass itself is made up of recycled material practically from start to finish.
To anyone who does not know the Christmas Oratorio and who may have been put off by any of this foolishness, my own advice is simply to ignore the whole fuss. What you will find in it is a set of Bach cantatas produced to the same astounding standard of inspiration, consistency and workmanship that you will find in any of the others. What makes this disc a one-off is first that everyone has taken advantage of the single series-title to pretend that the Christmas Oratorio is a single work like Messiah or the St Matthew Passion and extract a selection of goodies from it to make a single disc's-worth, leaving out the more workaday and `business' elements, notably recitatives. The engaging oddity to go along with this demotic proceeding is that the style is uncompromisingly severe, almost as if we were dealing with Bach's motets.
Nineteen numbers - solos (plus one with an echo-effect), a duet, a sinfonia and choruses both traditional and composed either wholly or over traditional material by Bach - have been selected. The four standard types of vocal soloist have been given work, and it is probably not a coincidence that there is no counter-tenor in a production like this. 20 years ago the `authentic' movement was starting to relax a little, but the instruments used here are uncompromisingly authentic, and so is the penchant for brisk speeds. By now I am so inured with this way of doing things that I adapt to it naturally, but readers of this notice should perhaps take warning from comments by other reviewers who are not so reconciled to the idiom. For me, the quickstep approach (even in 3-time as in the first two numbers) enhances the sublime sense of a march in Bach's wonderful polyphony, but I'm not you. One thing that ought to be a bonus for any listener is the quality of some of the instrumental work at this pace. I looked to see in particular who was the trumpeter - yes, you've guessed: Crispian Steele Perkins of course.
Given the slight sense of facing in two directions, I can report that the quality of the work is exemplary. All the four main vocal soloists distinguish themselves, and it was a particular pleasure to hear Anne Sophie von Otter so early in her career, especially as she is given the loveliest and tenderest number of all, Schlafe, mein Liebster, surely something to win over the doughtiest opponent of this school of interpretation. I shall also highlight the tenor Hans Peter Blochwitz for the ease with which he overcomes the formidable technical demands of his first two arias - the coloratura of his first test in particular is blatantly instrumental in inspiration, in a way that Handel's, however florid and rapid, just never is.
This issue is obviously not part of Gardiner's recent `pilgrimage' series offering all the cantatas. The 1987 recording is not as beautiful as he is given in the recent sets, but it is perfectly adequate. The liner-note gives the texts with translation, and that is all one basically needs, although some comment on the music itself would have been welcome, as not everyone is familiar with its genesis. There is nothing about the singers either, but there is a picture of Gardiner J E P as he looked 20 years ago, if not more. Also looking out at us in the familiar study is the composer himself. How often, I wonder, have I looked uncomprehendingly at that face and tried to infer from it what are specifically the features of a man possessed of an infinite musical talent. I shall never work that one out, but at least he knew not to hide the talent from us and I can be well satisfied with that.
Christmas Oratorio at its very best., 23 Dec 2004
This might very well be the ultimate recording of the Christmas Oratorio. Orchestra, choir, soloists and conductor are all fabolous. Precise, inspired and vibrant. There really aren't any flaws with this one- it goes straight to the heart.
My largest compliment to Bonney, von Otter, Rolfe-Johnson, Crook and Bär, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and not least Sir John. I will compare this to two other recordings: If you like your baroque music with a little more meat than in period performances, you should go for Richter's recording and enjoy Fritz Wunderlich as the evangelist. Richter has a more powerful, but also a little more cumbersome sound than Gardiner, but if you can't live without a large choir and traditional instruments, Richter is the one to go for. Secondly, I will mention the obvious period performance competitor, namely the one from Harmonia Mundi with Rene Jacobs conducting. While that is also a notable account, it is more "puritan" in the presentation and the artistic impression is more dry and academic than with Gardiner. And Jacobs uses the default Harmonia Mundi alto, counter tenor Andreas Scholl, to sing the part of the Virgin Mary. Although he sounds more like a woman than most counter tenors, there is just something wrong with a man singing "Schlafe, mein Liebste". There is nothing to suggest, that Bach didn't use a female contralto for the Christmas Oratorio, so please stop thinking that it is historically correct to have this part sung by a man... it's just plain "Life of Brian" to have the Holy Mother played by a man in falsetto. Take Anne-Sofie von Otter in this recording to hear what a baroque mezzo should sound like in period performance. Or do like me and get both Richter and Gardiner.
Another brilliant recording from John Eliot Gardiner, 28 Aug 2001
The Christmas Oratorio is a bright and brilliant work from the first sound of the timpani and the chorus singing "Christians Be Joyful". Even if you are an atheist, it is hard not to be moved by this thrilling sound. John Eliot Gardiner conducts his Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists with customary skill, the soloists are good, the ensemble singing electric and the orchestra great. I've beginning to think it is hard to go wrong when buying anything from this stable....
Spendid Christmas Music!, 08 Feb 2002
This CD is an oasis of calm for those who have a hectic time at Christmas. An hour listening to Rutters compositions and arrangements, which have glorious, yet subtle harmonies, which are sung simply and unfussily, allows quiet reflection on the true meaning of christmas for the individual, be that sacred or secular.
very disappointing, 23 Dec 2001
Probably due to a very poor recording so much of the CD is such low volume it is hard to hear without turning the volume up very high: this then distorts the louder pieces and some rise rapidly.
Not the most memorable compositions or versions of famous carols and a real disappointment compared his most beautiful carols.
I recommend buying another of his albums and giving this one a miss.
Enjoyable Christmas froth., 05 Feb 2001
If you are looking for a deep and meaningful Christmas album, this is not for you. On the other hand, if you want an enjoyable light choral soundtrack for the festive season, this is ideal. Many of the carols included are familiar favourites, but with harps and flutes and bells lifting them far above usual choir-and-organ fare that gets served up by the record companies this time of year. I dare you not to smile at "I saw three ships", or to fail to feel wistful towards the end of "The holly and the ivy". Quieter moments offer a touch of variety - the unusual inclusion of Poston's "Jesus Christ the apple tree" is a particular pleasure. The overwhelming brightness of it all may be too much for some listeners, but this for me is great music to dress the tree to. A pleasure from start to finish.
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Nutcracker & Christmas Eve
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £3.98
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Product Description
The actress Prunella Scales is the narrator on this Naxos release which is unashamedly aimed at the children's Christmas market. Two seasonal works fill 64 minutes--Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and Rimsky-Korsakov's Christmas Eve Suite. Scales is rather a plummy mother. Her elegant diction comes from a bygone dinner-party era. She sounds kind and warm but also somewhat distant as if she were the sort to employ a third party actually to bring the children up. One imagines her obedient junior audience demurely sitting in rows, not making a sound, restraining themselves even as the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" twinkles magically from the speakers. Children may find this lap-forbidding. Nikolai Gogol wrote the story for Rimsky-Korsakov's opera Christmas Eve. A blacksmith fools the devil, obtains a pair of the Empress' slippers and wins the initially reluctant hand of the prettiest girl in town. Rimsky-Korsakov's music is more incidental to, and dependant on, the story than Tchaikovsky's, which may be performed without. Michael Halasz conducts the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra in the Tchaikovsky, Igor Golovschin the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in the Rimsky-Korsakov. All very charming in a children-should-be-seen-and-not-heard sort of way. --Rick Jones
Customer Reviews
Best Xmas album ever, 07 Oct 2008
This CD is a delight capturing the sparkle and fun of Xmas. It is light classical music at its very best. I play Troika and I know the festive season has begun. Erratum, 19 Jul 2005
I might well write my previous review of this album anonymously - the theme-tune for the TV coverage of the London Olympics is NOT the Bacchanale from Glazunov's 'The Four Seasons', but the music which the late Ron Goodwin wrote for the film 'The Trap'. The two tunes share an exhilarating,wintry feel, but that is no excuse. Apologies to Ron, and to any readers misled by my error! a surprise buy, 27 Dec 2004
Ive had this cd for sometime. I must have bought in its first incarnation. This was also a surprise buy because I was looking hard for a good xmas cd at the time. I saw it. Heard it in the cd booth, & bought it!! Its one of the best xmas cds around. Go buy you will not be disappointed!! Simply Wonderful Listening, 21 Dec 2001
I have tried to buy this again for two years and I am thrilled it has been re-released. The CD is filled with many classical tunes that featured as THE Christmas TV tunes in my childhood and teens e.g. the Timex advert. Great tunes combined with good artists and best of all, not what you hear playing in all the supermarkets! A truely "Classey" classic that I would recommend to anyone who likes good music. Simply a Stunning set of Carols, 20 Nov 2008
There are different versions of these carols on different cds. This is one of the few collections, where you really get the best of the best. As the other reviewer said it's too good just for Christmas, such beauty in every carol, and the moment I hear them it lifts me, in a way no other music does. If you listen to any Christmas music this year, make sure it's these carols, because I assure you won't be disappointed with the quality, and the beauty of what's on offer. It is Christmas Music at its best. 10 Stars forget 5. excellent selection, poor sound quality, 16 Dec 2007
Brilliant choice of carols and great quality singing, however the recordings are very old (from the 1950s and 1960s) and in places this affects the quality. One of the carols (o little town)distorts slightly when it gets very loud and for Once in Royal the first verse is incredibly quiet.
As a soprano, I was also disappointed that Once in Royal didn't include the descant in the last verse.
I can't find a better selection of carols on one CD so get this if you don't mind the odd problem with sound quality. A work of art, 11 Oct 2006
Possibly the best recording of it's kind out there. Oh, and to the reviewer who has written below mine, I didn't know King's recordings had ladies in the choir? *smirk* Unless you were referring to the male soprano's, of course! Buy it! Carols By King's College Choir, 08 Aug 2006
This is well sung. It sounds beautiful when the men's voices make counterpoint with the ladies' voices. I love the way how they sing the last two verses of the Sussex Carol because the men sing the words to the tune of the first two verses and the ladies sing the harmony at the same time which I think sounds beautiful. They do it with many other carols as well. The real spirit of Christmas, 02 Jan 2004
A truly delightful and atmospheric 2 disc collection, some of which were new to me but are now family favourites- especially 'past three o'clock' which has become known as 'Frosty the dog' by my children. The older more Medieval ones are superb in particular, but really a collection with no weak tracks. Ideal! Magical. THIS IS A STUNNINGLY GOOD CD!, 27 Aug 2008
This beautiful CD follows a similar trajectory to the treatment of 'Psalm 23' by Howard Goodall (the Vicar Of Dibley theme) and re-invents the tradition of church music. John Rutter is an English genius who can rightly follow in the hallowed footsteps of greats like Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland. These composers know how to make music that is warm, strangely familiar and above all human, without 'arty' pretensions or ideals, this kind music can speak to everyone on a basic level. Old and Young alike.
Peerless performances from the choir and immaculate orchestral arrangements make this one of the most value for money recordings you'll buy, i also guarantee you will not be able to stop playing this music.
Listen to 'What Sweeter Music' 'The Very Best Time Of The Year' 'Love Came Down At Christmas' 'Mary's Lullaby' 'Candlelight Carol' and you will be profoundly moved.
If you want something that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, forget Christmas music, this is purely timeless music that can be enjoyed whatever time of year.
Go on, treat yourself. And find that there is a treasure trove of English music waiting to be discovered.
Take a quick look at the Hyperion (the classical music CD label) website where you can listen to a preview of this gem of a recording. What a christmas feast, 26 Jan 2006
A magical recording of some of the most beautiful Christmas music I have ever heard. Polyphony perform with their usual wonderful tone and clarity under the expert hand of Stephen Layton. The selection is wide, on the one hand you have the reflective and ever popular "what sweeter music" and a beautiful piece entitled "Love came down at Christmas" mixed with the bouncy "Donkey carol" and the lovely "star carol" The recording is of a high quality and the choir and the City of London Sinfonia balance out beautifully. A real Christmas treat and a must for any collection. Glorious, Heavenly Music if you buy nothing else ever, 24 Dec 2002
I first heard John Rutter's work (Parkinson Radio 2 on a Sunday morning last Christmas). I was absolutely knocked for six by The Shepherd's Pipe Carol, however I failed to get the title.This year I managed to get the title from Desmond Carrington who also played it on Radio 2. I am a broken down old jazzer who normally only listens to Big Band and Mainstream Jazz, together with the popular classic composers like Vivaldi, Bach, Handel etc. On hearing the first track I was moved to tears by this glorious music. The rest of the disk only re-inforced my asessment. The Angel Carol is possbly the most beautiful orchestration I have ever heard. I just can't get the melody out of my head. John Rutter please continue I would also like to hear if you have ever written for a big band. Mike Hart Outstanding collection of John Rutter's Christmas music, 18 Dec 2001
Even if you are not overly keen on Rutter's Christmas settings, this disc is simply irresistible. Speaking as a keen chorister myself, the singing simply takes my breath away. Added to sensitive direction from Stephen Layton, magical orchestrations and excellent recording from Hyperion this is a must-have and will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I heard one of the tracks on BBC Radio 3's Choirworks (02/dec/01)and realised I just had to buy it. This is the conductor and choir who took this year's Choral award in the Gramophone awards - I look forward to more recordings from this combination.
Christmas Music - The Sixteen - Harry Christophers Director, 15 Dec 2005
This is now the 11th Christmas that this music has been part of the tradition of my holiday season, and although I've acquired numerous other holiday music collections over the years, this far surpasses any other collection that I own. It is difficult to do justice to this music by describing it in mere words. The collection ranges from the 14th to the 16th Century, and is unlike any other collection of Christmas music available. It evokes the true spirit of the Christmas season, is enlightening, inspirational, and transports the listener far from the trite elements of the 'modern' holiday season. No other choral group can compare to the Harry Christophers The Sixteen (named such as the group consists of four treble/mean, four alto, four tenor and four bass choralists). A truly unique auditory experience, and absolutely worth every penny.
..Not Just for Christmas........., 06 Jan 2004
If its 100% relaxation classics you are after then look no further! Harry Christophers and the Sixteen have not just captured the yuletide moment with this album, but have developed these great themes to be enjoyed at any time. A truly magnificent masterpiece delivered in the most professional manner by this extraordinarily talented group of singers, producing a CD that is more than a purchase, it's an investment in excellent vocal presentation.
An Explosion of Joy!, 01 Feb 2003
This is a wonderful collection of Christmas music by "The Sixteen", a group of sixteen glorious singers who brilliantly capture the magical melodies and harmonies of 15th & 16th Century English and European (mostly German) church music. Best tracks are the soaring "Resonet in Laudibus" by Jacob Handl, "Gaudete" from Piae Cantiones (made famous by Steeleye Span), "In Dulci Jubilo", "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "The Boar's Head Carol". A marvellous album to put you right in the mood for Christmas! Only disappointment - none of Michael Praetorius' haunting melodies are included.
JOHN ELIOT'S CHRISTMAS FAVES, 05 Dec 2007
This disc is a bit of an oddity. I can give it a perfectly sincere recommendation, but I think I had better explain myself carefully, and explain exactly what I am recommending.
The spirit of the selection is much what you would expect in a disc entitled `Christmas Treats from JSB' or `Immortal Melodies from The Christmas Oratorio' or something of that sort. Bach's Christmas Oratorio is not an oratorio in the Handelian sense. In the 1730's Bach faithfully turned out a cantata for each Sunday and major feast, but in one particular year he elected to reprocess some of his older music, most of it secular originally, and string the numbers together for the entire festive season under the overall title of `Christmas Oratorio'. Borrowing, adaptation and recomposition of earlier music, sometimes one's own sometimes someone else's, was a standard practice at the time. Nobody saw anything wrong with it, and to this day neither do I. Neither Bach nor Handel can exactly be taxed with lack of original output in astonishing quantities, and it is not as if the recycling of the material was not quite a major task in its own right. The Christmas Oratorio is commonly viewed as a lesser work than the B minor Mass or the St Matthew Passion, and while I probably go along with that view to a certain extent, I don't do so for the reasons I usually see argued. The secular origin of the music is neither here nor there in my opinion - all Bach's music is explicitly written for the greater glory of God. Also, when I see this work compared to its disadvantage with the B minor Mass on grounds of recycling, I have to recall that the B minor Mass itself is made up of recycled material practically from start to finish.
To anyone who does not know the Christmas Oratorio and who may have been put off by any of this foolishness, my own advice is simply to ignore the whole fuss. What you will find in it is a set of Bach cantatas produced to the same astounding standard of inspiration, consistency and workmanship that you will find in any of the others. What makes this disc a one-off is first that everyone has taken advantage of the single series-title to pretend that the Christmas Oratorio is a single work like Messiah or the St Matthew Passion and extract a selection of goodies from it to make a single disc's-worth, leaving out the more workaday and `business' elements, notably recitatives. The engaging oddity to go along with this demotic proceeding is that the style is uncompromisingly severe, almost as if we were dealing with Bach's motets.
Nineteen numbers - solos (plus one with an echo-effect), a duet, a sinfonia and choruses both traditional and composed either wholly or over traditional material by Bach - have been selected. The four standard types of vocal soloist have been given work, and it is probably not a coincidence that there is no counter-tenor in a production like this. 20 years ago the `authentic' movement was starting to relax a little, but the instruments used here are uncompromisingly authentic, and so is the penchant for brisk speeds. By now I am so inured with this way of doing things that I adapt to it naturally, but readers of this notice should perhaps take warning from comments by other reviewers who are not so reconciled to the idiom. For me, the quickstep approach (even in 3-time as in the first two numbers) enhances the sublime sense of a march in Bach's wonderful polyphony, but I'm not you. One thing that ought to be a bonus for any listener is the quality of some of the instrumental work at this pace. I looked to see in particular who was the trumpeter - yes, you've guessed: Crispian Steele Perkins of course.
Given the slight sense of facing in two directions, I can report that the quality of the work is exemplary. All the four main vocal soloists distinguish themselves, and it was a particular pleasure to hear Anne Sophie von Otter so early in her career, especially as she is given the loveliest and tenderest number of all, Schlafe, mein Liebster, surely something to win over the doughtiest opponent of this school of interpretation. I shall also highlight the tenor Hans Peter Blochwitz for the ease with which he overcomes the formidable technical demands of his first two arias - the coloratura of his first test in particular is blatantly instrumental in inspiration, in a way that Handel's, however florid and rapid, just never is.
This issue is obviously not part of Gardiner's recent `pilgrimage' series offering all the cantatas. The 1987 recording is not as beautiful as he is given in the recent sets, but it is perfectly adequate. The liner-note gives the texts with translation, and that is all one basically needs, although some comment on the music itself would have been welcome, as not everyone is familiar with its genesis. There is nothing about the singers either, but there is a picture of Gardiner J E P as he looked 20 years ago, if not more. Also looking out at us in the familiar study is the composer himself. How often, I wonder, have I looked uncomprehendingly at that face and tried to infer from it what are specifically the features of a man possessed of an infinite musical talent. I shall never work that one out, but at least he knew not to hide the talent from us and I can be well satisfied with that.
Christmas Oratorio at its very best., 23 Dec 2004
This might very well be the ultimate recording of the Christmas Oratorio. Orchestra, choir, soloists and conductor are all fabolous. Precise, inspired and vibrant. There really aren't any flaws with this one- it goes straight to the heart.
My largest compliment to Bonney, von Otter, Rolfe-Johnson, Crook and Bär, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and not least Sir John. I will compare this to two other recordings: If you like your baroque music with a little more meat than in period performances, you should go for Richter's recording and enjoy Fritz Wunderlich as the evangelist. Richter has a more powerful, but also a little more cumbersome sound than Gardiner, but if you can't live without a large choir and traditional instruments, Richter is the one to go for. Secondly, I will mention the obvious period performance competitor, namely the one from Harmonia Mundi with Rene Jacobs conducting. While that is also a notable account, it is more "puritan" in the presentation and the artistic impression is more dry and academic than with Gardiner. And Jacobs uses the default Harmonia Mundi alto, counter tenor Andreas Scholl, to sing the part of the Virgin Mary. Although he sounds more like a woman than most counter tenors, there is just something wrong with a man singing "Schlafe, mein Liebste". There is nothing to suggest, that Bach didn't use a female contralto for the Christmas Oratorio, so please stop thinking that it is historically correct to have this part sung by a man... it's just plain "Life of Brian" to have the Holy Mother played by a man in falsetto. Take Anne-Sofie von Otter in this recording to hear what a baroque mezzo should sound like in period performance. Or do like me and get both Richter and Gardiner.
Another brilliant recording from John Eliot Gardiner, 28 Aug 2001
The Christmas Oratorio is a bright and brilliant work from the first sound of the timpani and the chorus singing "Christians Be Joyful". Even if you are an atheist, it is hard not to be moved by this thrilling sound. John Eliot Gardiner conducts his Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists with customary skill, the soloists are good, the ensemble singing electric and the orchestra great. I've beginning to think it is hard to go wrong when buying anything from this stable....
Spendid Christmas Music!, 08 Feb 2002
This CD is an oasis of calm for those who have a hectic time at Christmas. An hour listening to Rutters compositions and arrangements, which have glorious, yet subtle harmonies, which are sung simply and unfussily, allows quiet reflection on the true meaning of christmas for the individual, be that sacred or secular.
very disappointing, 23 Dec 2001
Probably due to a very poor recording so much of the CD is such low volume it is hard to hear without turning the volume up very high: this then distorts the louder pieces and some rise rapidly.
Not the most memorable compositions or versions of famous carols and a real disappointment compared his most beautiful carols.
I recommend buying another of his albums and giving this one a miss.
Enjoyable Christmas froth., 05 Feb 2001
If you are looking for a deep and meaningful Christmas album, this is not for you. On the other hand, if you want an enjoyable light choral soundtrack for the festive season, this is ideal. Many of the carols included are familiar favourites, but with harps and flutes and bells lifting them far above usual choir-and-organ fare that gets served up by the record companies this time of year. I dare you not to smile at "I saw three ships", or to fail to feel wistful towards the end of "The holly and the ivy". Quieter moments offer a touch of variety - the unusual inclusion of Poston's "Jesus Christ the apple tree" is a particular pleasure. The overwhelming brightness of it all may be too much for some listeners, but this for me is great music to dress the tree to. A pleasure from start to finish.
A civilising experience, 02 Aug 2002
It's true that the narration style of Prunella Scales is cool and restrained, but that is entirely in keeping with the tone of her script. The music sparkles, and The Nutcracker is full of memorable tunes that children warm to. Can it hold up against all the competition for kids' attention at Christmas? I think it probably can.
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Christmas Carols from York Minster
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Choir of York Minster;
Collect;
2000-10-19;
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*Amazon: £5.97
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Product Description
Few sounds are more evocative of a traditional Christmas than the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Here the group is heard in the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, recorded for the first time complete with both carols and lessons included. The repertoire isn't just traditional: there are a number of contributions by contemporary composers Thomas Adès, Judith Weir and John Tavener, all of which are probing, sincere, even personal examples of their art (and some are daringly liberated, harmonically speaking). As a record of this much-loved annual event, the album is entirely to be cherished, although the downside for some listeners--at least on repeated hearings--is that the entire service is heard with congregational singing included. --David Patrick Stearns
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Christmas Star
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*Amazon: £6.04
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Christmas Night
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*Amazon: £8.81
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