A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2

St. Petersburg Times, Friday, December 6, 1996
My candidate for most fun disc of the season is A Christmas Collection, Vol. I and II, featuring the Miner Museum of Vintage, Exotic and Just Plain Unusual Instruments (Miner Music). For this album, performer and curator Gregg Miner restored and restrung more than 100 rare and exotic instruments and just to make it more of a challenge, he plays each of these instruments only once on the 27 songs on these two discs. What's here? Martin and Knutsen guitars to die for, everything from balalaikas to zithers, Gibson mandolins, banjos and harp-guitars, lutes crumhorns and tambourines, octophone, oud, saz and dumbek, and much, much more. The music ranges from Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring to Sleigh Ride to classic carols to The Chipmunk Song. The liner notes are great reading, the photographs are terrific, and Miner is a first-rate musician. This is one wonderful surprise after another, a delightful treat amid so much same-old, same-old Christmas fare and a can't-miss gift idea.

Product Description:
A Christmas Collection is a 2-volume recording designed to present to the public one man's private collection of rare and unusual stringed instruments. Collector, recording artist, and "armchair musicologist" Gregg Miner has drawn on his diverse musical experience and his avid interest in stringed instruments of every description to produce this project. To accomplish it, Miner systematically restored, re-strung, and researched playing techniques of each of his 100 instruments, most rare, and some, truly one-of-a-kind. He then performed on each in a solo, duet, or ensemble setting. Encompassing two volumes of music, these 27 unique holiday arrangements are just part of the package; in addition, each instrument is pictured in full color and described with whimsical affection by Miner in each of the 52-page companion booklets (one for each volume). This unprecedented recording and book have captured the attention of a surprisingly wide audience, from musical instrument enthusiasts to people of all interests. Definitely not just another Christmas album!

A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2

A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2,Gregg Miner

Average customer rating: Excellent Christmas CD! The best X-mas CD ever Not usually a new age fan, but... GREAT CHRISTMAS MUSIC...... I like it

Narada Christmas Collection, Vol. 2 Bob Read Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: The Narada Christmas Collection Narada Christmas 3: Christmas Blessings The Best of Narada Christmas A Winter's Solstice II Narada Decade: The Anniversary Collection: Selected Works: The First Ten Years (2-CD Set) ASIN: B000005P50 Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

1. Il Est Ne - Michael Gettel
2. From Heaven Above - Ralf Illenberg
3. Gloria - Nando Lauria
4. Lo, Haow A Rose E'er Blooming - Sheldon Mirowitz
5. The Christmas Song - Doug Cameron
6. The Song Of The Evergreen - Kostia
7. Rock The Herald Angels - David Lanz and Paul Speer
8. Conventry Carol - Bob Read
9. The First Noel - Spencer Brewer
10. Joesph, Dearest Joesph Mine - Simon Wynberg
11. Christmas Eve - Ira Stein
12. Unto Us A Boy Is Born - Michael Jones
13. O Come O Come Emmanuel - Wayne Gratz
14. We Three Kings - David Arkenstone
15. O Holy Night - Peter Buffet

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Christmas CD!.......2005-11-04

Yeah I'm a big Narada fan and this, in my opinion, is their best Chrismas CD. I bought it while stationed in Germany in 1992 and the music coupled with living in that part of the world at that time of year was just magical. My favorite song is the first...no doubt. But they are all great. A must CD for your holiday collection.

The best X-mas CD ever.......2004-12-22

I love this CD. I first got it on cassette tape in the mid 1990s, wore out that tape, bought another one, and finally got the CD. The version of the First Noel is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and The Evergreen Song is touchingly done. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Christmas music, and music in general. I listen to it even in the summer!

Not usually a new age fan, but..........2004-12-14

This album is my favorite Christmas album. The classics are so well done! And the new original songs - with a little marketing, they could become classics. "Song of the Evergreen" & "Gloria" are especially wonderful.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MUSIC.............2003-08-06

AS WITH ALL THE NARADA CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS YOU GET WONDERFUL
MUSIC WITH GREAT ARTISTS. THIS IS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS CD. ONE
I FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE WHO LOVES CHRISTMAS MISIC......

I like it.......2001-12-11

Of the three Neurotic Xmas releases, I suspect that this is my favorite. It has a warm feel with all of the songs definitely having their own personality. I really liked song number 8 (rock the herald angels) until someone in my office said it sounded a little "tesh-y"! Omigod it does! But I still like it! It would be nice if the Neurotic folks could put together a volume 4. Certainly if you like Christmas music, you'll enjoy this. If you are in the mood for something a little more spiritually inclined for your Christmas listening, then this is the CD for you (along with the other two). The GRP collections are wonderful too.

Average customer rating: A jazzy soul Christmas Best of the best Open your ears to some new styling of old faves!

GRP Christmas Collection, Vol. 2 Spyro Gyra , Patti Austin , Carl Anderson , New York Voices , and Arturo Sandoval Manufacturer: Mca Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: GRP Christmas Collection, Vol. 3 A GRP Christmas Collection Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas Jazzy Wonderland Traditional Jazz Christmas ASIN: B000002Q89 Release Date: 1995-06-01

Tracks:

1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Nelson Rangell
2. Angels We Have Heard On High - Don Grusin
3. The First Noel - George Howard
4. Blue Christmas - Laima
5. O Come All Ye Faithful - Arturo Sandoval
6. O Holy Night - Carl Anderson
7. The Earl Of Salisbury's Pavane - Acoustic Alchemy
8. Christmas Time Is Here - Patti Austin
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Spyro Gyra
10. I Wonder As I Wander - New York Voices
11. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Russ Freeman
12. Let There Be Peace On Earth - Voyceboxing
13. We Three Kings Of The Orient Are - Deborah Henson-Conant

Customer Reviews:

A jazzy soul Christmas.......2006-12-27

I have plenty of Christmas music, more than I can usually play during the season but this one I never can do without. If you like jazz in the smooth jazz vein, soulful renditions of classics, improvised interpretations, than you'll be in heaven with this disc. There are several tracks that wouldn't be Christmas without hearing every year.Don Grusin leads the way with memorable tracks with his choir infused version of "Angels We Have Heard On High." The melodic yet innovative "The First Noel" by George Howard is reminiscent of John Coltrane in his phrasing at times, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Spyro Gyra is a rocking jumping good time, Arturo Sandoval sheds his latin jazz image for a brief moment on Bb trumpet and piccolo trumpet for a classical music introduction that soon transcends into blistering jazz solos than back into classical melodies on "O Come All Ye Faithful," the soulful voices of Carl Anderson and Patti Austin respectively on "O Holy Night" and "Christmas Time is Here" give the disc part of it's R&B edge. The absolute most sublime songs you can ever hear during the season are on this disc. You must hear "I Wonder as I Wander" by the New York Voices which mesh so beautifully with jazz arrangements and horns that will knock your socks off. Another soulful track is "Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Voyceboxing which features some remarkable female singing. The disc closes out with an amazing performance on harp by Deborah Henson- Conant who gives a Middle Eastern meets Western sensibilities to the otherworldly "We Three Kings of Orient Are." Great music for the holidays that you will enjoy year after year as I have since the early 90's.

Best of the best.......2003-12-25

No compilation on the market any better than this! I'd buy THIS cd for Spyro Gyra's "I'll Be Home For Christmas" alone!
All 3 GRP CDs are great. And if you can get your hands on it, try a compilation CD titled "Jazzy Wonderland"

Open your ears to some new styling of old faves!.......1999-11-20

I wrote a general review of the GRP Christmas Collections CD's on the vol. I page. My faves on this one are Blue Christmas , which is a new song to me, and Christmas Time is Here. There's also fresh, jazzy treatments of standards. I Wonder as I Wander really comes alive. Highly recommend this CD and the other two volumes.

Average customer rating: Phenominal Vanessa

Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters, Vol. 2 Vanessa Williams Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters Love Songs One Wish: The Holiday Album Star Bright Silver & Gold ASIN: B000I2IQEW Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Silver and Gold
2. Joy to the World - Brian McKnight, , Vanessa Williams
3. Mary's Little Boy Child
4. Silent Night
5. Winter Weather
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. Merry Christmas, Darling
8. Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow
9. Prelude: I Dream a World - Ossie Davis, , Vanessa Williams
10. December Lullaby
11. Holly and the Ivy
12. Christmas Is
13. Have Yourself as Merry Little Christmas

Customer Reviews:

Phenominal Vanessa.......2007-01-10

Obviously, my title tells you exactly how I feel about Ms. Williams. Though I am a professional instrumentalist and not a vocal musician I think she is ABSOLUTELY awesome. Sonja

Average customer rating: Fulfilling Overview of the Baroque Era in Music and Words An Excellent Introduction to the Music of the Baroque Era

Discover Music of the Baroque Era Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Works by Rameau | Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sweelinck | Sweelinck, JanPieterszoon | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & 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Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Couperin, François | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gabrieli, Giovanni | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Lully, Jean-Baptiste | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Scarlatti, Alessandro | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sweelinck, JanPieterszoon | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Discover Early Music Discover: Music of the Romantic Era Discover Music of the Classical Era Discover Music of the 20th Century A History of Musical Style ASIN: B0007ORDYK Release Date: 2005-03-22

Customer Reviews:

Fulfilling Overview of the Baroque Era in Music and Words.......2005-05-09

Yet another great bargain-priced package from Naxos effectively provides an overview of the rich Baroque period with two discs containing more than 2 ½ hours of music and a comprehensive, 140-page primer booklet. Compiled by music historian Clive Unger-Hamilton, the collection is well-chosen to represent the many different facets of the era without recycling the more obvious candidates like Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". The quality of the playing and singing is top-notch throughout, and the program contains quite a smorgasbord of pieces from dramatic opera arias to harpsichord pieces (sometimes played on authentic instruments, other times on modern grands) to full-blown choruses. Standout tracks include Allegri's "Miserere mei" with an ethereal boy treble soloist; two arias sung by soprano Ingrid Kertesi, in particular, Almirena's lament, "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's "Rinaldo"; and a lovely "When I am laid in earth" from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" performed by soprano Kym Amps. The choral pieces can be astounding from Bach's "St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)" performed by the large Hungarian Festival Chorus and full symphony orchestra to the eight voices that wrap themselves around "For unto us a child is born" from Handel's "Messiah".

The booklet itself provides great value as you listen to the selections. There is a well written 85-page essay by Unger-Hamilton, who manages to encapsulate an enormous amount of information about this period which leaves a novice like me with a more solid basis of understanding the music of the Baroque era. In fact, what is quite valuable is that Unger-Hamilton provides a specific historical reference for each piece on the recording in his essay. There is also a very helpful glossary and an intriguing timeline which covers musical milestones relative to similar milestones in history, arts and architecture and literature. Moreover, there is an alphabetical list of the key Baroque composers and an accompanying map of Europe with important music centers and the composers associated with these cities. The thoughtful presentation of this package really makes the $8.98 price tag one of the great bargains here.

An Excellent Introduction to the Music of the Baroque Era.......2005-04-04

This is one of a series of the 'Discover ...' 2 CD sets -- at super-budget price -- from Naxos that makes use of complete movements of music from the era in question. It is accompanied by an excellent booklet - a thick one! - with an explanatory essay that gives background on the music as well as blow-by-blow descriptions of the music being presented. All the selections (from such composers as Monteverdi, Handel, Bach, Scarlatti, Schütz, Purcell, Corelli, Pachelbel, Charpentier, et al.) are from Naxos's extensive library of recorded music and as far as I can tell all the performances are top-notch.

In addition there is a Timeline of the Baroque Era that includes material about the music, history, art, architecture and literature of the times. There is a map of Europe that shows where various composers lived and worked. There is a list of composers (more than just those whose music provides the audio examples) with their dates and locations. There is a glossary of common musical terms. There is also an extensive list of music suggested for further listening. I can easily imagine this set being the springboard for a newcomer to baroque music to begin a lifetime of enjoyment of these and similar works.

The presentation is thoughtfully done and the whole thing is in a slipcase that will preserve the CDs as well as the booklet for years to come.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating: Not Nearly As Strong As Volume One

Holiday Collection, Vol. 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Mca Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B000002QUZ Release Date: 1995-06-01

Tracks:

1. Away in a Manger - Reba McEntire
2. First Noel - Bill Medley
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Billy Davis, Jr.
4. O Holy Night - Dionne Warwick
5. O Come All Ye Faithful - Merry Clayton
6. Angels We Have Heard on High - Laurence Juber, Kenny Rankin
7. Silent Night - Melissa Manchester
8. Every Day Should Be Christmas - Connie Stevens
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Belinda Carlisle
10. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas - James Earl Jones,
11. Silver Bells - Shaun Cassidy,
12. What Child Is This? - The Moody Blues

Customer Reviews:

Not Nearly As Strong As Volume One.......2001-11-24

Unlike the first volume which was chock full of gems, this set has tracks that miss the mark more than they hit. Former Righteous Brother Bill Medley does a nice "The First Noel" and former 5th Dimension soulster Billy Davis Jr. does a pretty - if surprisingly subdued, for him - rendition of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear," but that's about it for original standouts. Also included is the stirring but oft-anthologized "What Child Is This" by The Moody Blues and Kenny Rankin's "Angels We Have Heard On High" which was ALSO included on Volume One (did they run out of money during the making of this compilation and have to repeat a track?).

Poor vocal performances by Connie Stevens (Marilyn McCoo does the same song a million times better on Volume One) and Belinda Carlisle mar their tracks, while Shirley Jones & son Shaun prove on "Silver Bells" that family members don't always automatically harmonize well together. On "Oh Holy Night," Dionne Warwick's voice sounds so deep, it appears that she has either been smoking too much or is getting a sex change (I'd bet on the former). As for "Twas The Night Before Christmas" by James Earl Jones & Magic Johnson, well, don't expect to see them performing this spoken word dud on tour together anytime soon. Magic needs elocution lessons. Stick with Volume One and skip this one.

Average customer rating: Steel Drum classic!

Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Christmas Classics, Vol. 2 The Carnival Steel Drum Band Manufacturer: Tropical Music Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Christmas Classics, Vol. 1 Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Hot Tropical Party Cruising, Vol. 7 Carnival Steel Drum Collection: St. Thomas Way & More, Vol. 5 Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Margaritaville & More, Vol. 6 Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Kokomo & More, Vol.2 ASIN: B0009WJ2TE Release Date: 2004-08-01

Tracks:

1. Sleigh Ride
2. The Christmas Song
3. Little Drummer Boy
4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
5. Frosty The Snowman
6. Silver Bells
7. Blue Christmas
8. Jingle Bell Rock
9. Happy Christmas
10. Auld Lang Syne

Product Description

Christmas Collection Vol. 2 (Volume 14 of 14) has the perfect music to get your party started! With instrumental steel drum versions of your favorite tropical songs, you can transform your home into an island paradise any time of year! On the boat… at the beach… by the pool… JUST ADD MARGARITAS!

Customer Reviews:

Steel Drum classic!.......2007-01-03

If you love steel drum music like I do, you'll love Carnival's Christmas songs, volume 1 and 2. Mellow tones, puts the tinsel right on the palm trees.

Average customer rating: Love it! My Favorite

The Sugo Holiday Collection, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Sugo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B0000005ZF Release Date: 1994-10-18

Tracks:

1. Coventry Carol
2. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
3. Greensleeves
4. O Come All Ye Faithful
5. Pachelbel's Canon
6. Overture
7. Carol Of The Bells
8. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
9. Ave Maria
10. We Three Kings
11. Away In A Manger
12. March Of The Wooden Soldiers
13. Angels We Have Heard On High
14. Ave Maria
15. The Little Drummer Boy
16. O Holy Night
17. The Swan
18. Pas de Deux

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2002-10-05

I was thrilled to find this CD on Amazon (I've already have one--very well-worn). To me, this captures everything that is magical and spiritual about the Christmas season. I only wish Amazon would carry the other volumes as well!

My Favorite.......2000-01-10

This is definately my favorite musical Christmas CD. I was so happy to find it at Amazon, as my original CD is so scratched it barely plays, and I found it in a little gift shop. The music is soothing and beautiful, and could be listened to year-round.

Average customer rating:

The Masterpiece Collection: Bach, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Unison Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: The Masterpiece Collection: Beethoven, Vol. 2 The Masterpiece Collection: Richard Wagner The Masterpiece Collection: Chopin ASIN: B000005T7O Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Richard Casinelli
2. Brandenberg Concerto in F, BWV 1047 No.2: Allegro - Phil Slavonica/Rudolf Pribil
3. Brandenberg Concerto in F, BWV 1047 No.2: Andante - Phil Slavonica/Rudolf Pribil
4. Brandenberg Concerto in F, BWV 1047 No.2: Allegro Assai - Phil Slavonica/Rudolf Pribil
5. Con in d, BWV 1043: Vivace - J.Brezina/F.Elias
6. Con in d, BWV 1043: Largo, Ma Non Tanto - J.Brezina/F.Elias
7. Con in d, BWV 1043: Allegro - J.Brezina/F.Elias
8. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Jozef Zxapka
9. Toccata & Fugue in d, BWV 538 'Dorian' - Miklos Spanyi
10. Orch Ste in b, BWV 1067 No.2: Menuet - Phil Slavonica/Henry Adolph
11. Orch Ste in b, BWV 1067 No.2: Badinerie - Phil Slavonica/Henry Adolph
12. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Aria: 'Schlafe, Mein Liebster' - Roumiana Tzatcheva

Average customer rating: A national treasure Classics in a new light Holiday Hits with a Difference Music for all seasons

A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Christmas Collection, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00002Q3JE Release Date: 1999-10-09

Tracks:

1. The Christmas Song
2. White Christmas
3. The Holly And The Ivy
4. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
5. The Chipmunk Song
6. "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" Medley
7. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!
8. Bright, Bright, The Holly Berries
9. Angels We Have Heard On High
10. I Wonder As I Wander
11. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
12. The Little Drummer Boy
13. We Three Kings of Orient Are

Album Description

A Christmas Collection is a 2-volume recording designed to present to the public one man's private collection of rare and unusual stringed instruments. Collector, recording artist, and "armchair musicologist" Gregg Miner has drawn on his diverse musical experience and his avid interest in stringed instruments of every description to produce this project. To accomplish it, Miner systematically restored, re-strung, and researched playing techniques of each of his 100 instruments, most rare, and some, truly one-of-a-kind. He then performed on each in a solo, duet, or ensemble setting. Encompassing two volumes of music, these 27 unique holiday arrangements are just part of the package; in addition, each instrument is pictured in full color and described with whimsical affection by Miner in each of the 52-page companion booklets (one for each volume). This unprecedented recording and book have captured the attention of a surprisingly wide audience, from musical instrument enthusiasts to people of all interests. Definitely not just another Christmas album!

Customer Reviews:

A national treasure.......2000-12-19

Gregg Miner is a national treasure. Most people don't even know what a ukelin is. Those of us in the know usually consider the ukelin and its ilk of American pseudo-zithers as unplayable scams devised to deprive some folk of a meal or two while providing those same meals to unscrupulous salesman. In any event, the world at large would consider such things little more than musician-only-appreciated décor for the den and even aficionados think of them as interesting bits of history to be preserved lest we repeat. Mr. Miner rescues these and ca. 100 other interesting or just plain freakish instruments from obscurity. He is not satisfied with the collection, restoration, and preservation of such things, but feels obliged to learn to play them and reintroduce us to their interesting, long-forgotten, long-silent tones! His arrangements of classic carols are professionally executed and flirt with ingenious wit. They are diverse, eclectic, and eccentric enough to never approach stuffy scholarship but are vital, breathing things. His accompanying texts with wonderful photos serve as an informative, amusing reference and are crafted with similar wit. My one complaint is that both recordings in the series are too short. But cut the guy some slack; it can't come quickly to acquire any degree of proficiency for so many musical tools. He couldn't have had much more time after this monumental achievement.

Classics in a new light.......2000-12-09

Most companies play the worst junk when they have you on hold, but last year I was hoping the rep would never pick up - I got to hear two songs on this CD and thought "Wow! Some of my favorite tunes using some kind of stringed instruments." When the rep answered, I asked him to please tell me what was playing. He was a nice guy but had no idea what it was. I thought one of the pieces used a sitar, and after a lot of fun research, I finally tracked it down. Like a previous reviewer said, this is a great CD to play for background music, especially for parties. It blends old, new and the bizarre in such a wonderful way. I love "We three kings" and would love to hear him put out an entire disc of carols with the exotic, eastern instruments. The CD comes with a neat booklet full of pictures of the things he plays and lots of background information. Makes a great gift for music lovers!

Holiday Hits with a Difference.......2000-07-26

Since there is really a finite amount of holiday music, if one already has a number of recordings, it becomes a quest for an interesting or unusual sound or arrangement. This CD certainly fills that bill. The selection is a representative cross section, the performances are first rate, and the instrumentation is definitely not ordinary.

Music for all seasons.......2000-06-24

"I Wonder as I Wander" has to be the household's favorite tune on "A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2". I do not know anyone that does not enjoy listening to Gregg's arrangements on his vintage instruments. My first exposure to the Miner music was when my daughter gave me the double set of Vol. 1 & 2 (when they were first released.) I play them whenever I want to share something special with my friends-in fact, all my friends now have the Gregg Miner "Christmas Collection". The CD is an easy to give, delightful-to-receive gift for any season. Unlike other Christmas music, the tunes never seem to get tiresome. All of the music, including the light "Chipmunk Song" and "Santa is Comin' to Town" is pleasant listening even out of the holiday season. You don't need an acquired taste to enjoy his presentations of classic songs on not very common instruments. They are just nice to listen to. The collection makes for pleasant background music when sewing, having dinner, or for no reason at all. We all look forward to listening to Gregg Miner with his wonderful and unusual music arrangements. His Christmas Collection, Vol.2, is music for any season, any time.

PS-I'm not interested in winning anything--I just want to share my joy of Gregg's music with those who have not had the good fortune to hear the Miner arrangements.

Average customer rating:

Grieg: Complete Songs, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Bis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Grieg: Songs, Vol. 2 Grieg: The Complete Songs, Vol. 5 Songs 4 Grieg: Songs, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00000DD3U Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

1. I. Die Mullerin
2. II. Eingehullt In Grauen Wolken
3. III. Ich Stand In Dunkeln Traumen
4. IV. Was Soll Ich Sagen?
5. I. Det Forste Mode
6. II. God Morgen!
7. III. Jeg Giver Mit Digt Till Varen
8. IV. Takk For Dit Rad
9. Sporven, EG 152d
10. I Slatten, EG 152f
11. Veslemoy Undrast, EG 152g
12. Domd, EG 152h
13. Veslemoy Lengtar, EG 152j
14. Ku-Lok, EG 152l
15. I. Gruss
16. II. Dereinst, Gedanke Mein
17. III. Lauf Der Welt
18. IV. Die Verschwiegene Nachtigall
19. V. Zur Rosenzeit
20. VI. Ein Traum
21. Siehst Du Mas Meer, EG 121
22. Der Jager, EG 157
23. Under Juletraeet, EG 144
24. Julens Vuggesang, EG 155

Music Album:

1. A Gathering of Guides
2. A Sideways Glance
3. Albion Sunrise: The HTD Recordings 1994-1999 [Import]
4. Are You the One? [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Back & Fourth [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Becoming The Moon
7. Big Dreams and the Bottom Line
8. Border Crossing [Import]
9. Both Sides - O'R Ddwy Ochr
10. Central Reservation Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Music Album