Home for Christmas

Amazon.com
On Home for Christmas, Dolly serves up the type of country Christmas feast that only she could deliver, complete with all her Smokey Mountain fixins. Like Dolly, this collection is sometimes traditional and other times way, way, way over the top. But that's why you love her (that, or you don't buy her records). Dolly's at her best here with her torch-and-twang rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and the yee-haw hoe-down reeling that she slaps through "Go Tell It on the Mountain." "The First Noel" begins with a standard chorus before getting a kick-start from the band, and "Joy to the World" really rocks out. (By Dolly's standards, that is.) Her spoken-word reminiscing about her childhood memories in the Smokeys is touching, but a similar reading during "Rudolph" is almost painful. Great for fans--but where oh where is "Rock Candy Christmas?" --Steve Gdula

Home for Christmas,Dolly Parton,Sony,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Country-Pop,Holiday,Pop,Traditional Country

Average customer rating: wonderful holiday album to add to your collection! My favorite Christmas album!! A Christmas Treasure Best Christmas Album Not Just For Amy Grant Fans

Home for Christmas Amy Grant Manufacturer: Word Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Christmas Album A Christmas to Remember Christmas Portrait Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection Christmas Collection ASIN: B00002MY8L Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Have Yourself A Mery Little Christmas
2. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
3. Joy To The World/For Unto Us A Child Is Born
4. Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)
5. O'Come All Ye Faithful
6. Grown Up Christmas List
7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
8. Winter Wonderland
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas
10. The Night Before Christmas
11. Emmanuel, God With Us
12. Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Customer Reviews:

wonderful holiday album to add to your collection!.......2006-12-31

I own all of Amy Grant's Christmas albums, but I think this one is my favorite. My favorite song is "Emmanuel (God With Us)" and then "Breath of Heaven." Wonderful lyrics, beautiful arrangements of the songs... an all-around FANTASTIC album. I highly recommend it! :-)

My favorite Christmas album!!.......2006-12-08

I love this CD!! I have to listen to it every Christmas. Amy Grant puts a new spin on some old favorites and brought to life some new songs that I love. "Mary's Song" is probably my most favorite song on the whole disk, but I just love it and would recommend it to anyone and everyone!!

A Christmas Treasure.......2006-11-19

This collection is a rare gift to listeners..when this album first came out, on a tape, I played it Christmas morning as my son came down to open his presents. That was many years ago. Now,as a teenager, he asks us to put on this cd, before he comes into the living room. This from a guy who is definitely not a country fan. In our home, it is simply not Christmas without this cd. It is a gentle, beautiful Christmas collection every family will treasure because Amy Grant shines and makes every song her own. Our family has gone through two tape version and about two CD copies..I am now ordering another one!!

Best Christmas Album.......2006-11-11

I have about 20 Christmas albums in my CD collection and none comes close to this one by Amy Grant. The ONE holiday album that my family requests each and every holiday season.

Not Just For Amy Grant Fans.......2006-09-16

I'm pretty finicky about Christmas albums. I hate most of them. This one is probably in my top 5, and I'm not even much of an Amy Grant fan. It's one of those extremely rare Christmas albums by a popular artist that actually sounds like Christmas. The arrangements are very traditional without being boring, and even the nontraditional songs fit in very well and aren't too "pop-y". Amy Grant's voice is perfectly suited to this kind of music and she knows how to sing a wonderful song and just let its natural beauty speak for itself. I shudder to think of this same set of songs mutilated by Christina Aguilera's relentless moans and gratuitous runs.

The bottom line: you could put this CD on in July and it would bring visions of snowy lamp-lit streets, sleigh rides, mall Santas, manger scenes, and people being inexplicably kind to one another. And that's the way it should be. I'm talking to you, Ms. Aguilera.

Average customer rating: Outstanding! Johnny's "Lost in Soundtrack" Excellent Mix of Jazz and Emotion John Williams, Film Scores and Jazz all done to Perfection. A Great "Catch"

Catch Me If You Can John Williams Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Terminal (Score) A.I. - Artificial Intelligence: Original Motion Picture Score E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary Edition War of the Worlds Hook: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00007BKUE Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

1. Catch Me If You Can
2. The Float
3. Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
4. Recollections (The Father's Theme)
5. The Airport Scene
6. The Girl From Ipanema -Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto feat. Antonio Carlos Jobim
7. Learning The Ropes
8. Father And Son
9. Embraceable You - Judy Garland
10. The Flash Comics Clue
11. Deadheading
12. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
13. A Broken Home
14. Doctor, Lawyer, Lutheran
15. The Look Of Love - Dusty Springfield
16. Catch Me If You Can (Reprise and End Credits)

Amazon.com

Steven Spielberg veered from the futuristic sci-fi flirtations of A.I. and Minority Report with this brisk, stylish period take on the career of teen con-man extraordinaire Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his dogged G-man pursuer/de facto extended family member Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). As always, the director's musical collaborator is John Williams, and the scoring legend uses the occasion of their 20th collaboration as a rewarding musical journey back to the days when he was known as Johnny Williams, ambitious young pianist for Henry Mancini on such early jazz scores as Peter Gunn. Informed by a half-century of subsequent achievement, Williams's return to the jazz idiom of his youth yields a smart, nervous score that evokes more than mere nostalgia. But with Dan Higgins's moody sax often leading the way, the veteran composer's work here seems more evocative reinvention than revisitation, yet another tribute to his uncanny ability to make any idiom his own. A handful of pop standards (including Sinatra's "Come Fly with Me," Getz and Gilberto's "Girl from Ipanema," "The Christmas Song" by Nat "King" Cole) deftly color both period and plot, but, as always, it's Williams who provides Spielberg's masterful imagery with its musical life's blood. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-04-04

John Williams does it again! This man is the best composer I have ever heard! The music fits the scenes in the movies so unblievably well that you will wonder how one man was creative enough to think of it!

Johnny's "Lost in Soundtrack".......2006-08-25

The opening theme is the coolest ever. It has that jazzy, suspenseful, space-age groove that takes you back to the early 60's era portrayed in the movie.

Once I discovered it was done by John Williams, things started to click. The arrangement and themes actually go back way before he was famous. Back to an era he may not want you to remember. Back when he was known simply as "Johnny" Williams.

First, notice the melody and pace of the creeping marimbas and bubbling flutes. Next, catch a repeat of the old Sci-Fi, TV Fairy-Tale known as "LOST IN SPACE." Listen for the incidental, suspense-scene music throughout. Did you catch the composer's name in the credits?

Bingo!(and still very cool)!

Excellent Mix of Jazz and Emotion.......2006-02-20

This is brilliant. You will have this theme ringing in your ears for a month after listening. I have collected around 25 to 30 J. Williams scores. This is wonderful like the rest...

John Williams, Film Scores and Jazz all done to Perfection........2004-10-15

I loved the movie and now the music. I think it is one of the most original soundtracks that John Williams has ever done. The Jazz in this music is so peaceful and lighthearted. This soundtrack should be on any music lovers shelf. In my book, this music is a classic film score.

A Great "Catch".......2004-10-04

Steven Spielberg's 2002 film CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was a breezy crime caper movie based on the true-life story of Frank Abagnale, a real "phony" who nevertheless embarked on a three-year spree of writing bum checks adding up to millions during the 1960s. To capture that era's swinging mores, he had his great friend John Williams design one of that composer's quirkiest scores ever--very jazzy and redolent of the scores Henry Mancini devised for the "Pink Panther" films and Stanley Donen's 1963 classic CHARADE.

But for Williams, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was very much a homecoming, as he started out in jazz and even worked quite closely with Mancini early on in Hollywood. The genuine jauntiness and mystery of the film's main musical motifs are balanced by moments of warm but not mushy sentimentality, and hit songs of that period by Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, and Dusty Springfield round out this appealing collection.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was such an offbeat project for a composer and a director known for boldness, but it served as a challenge that Spielberg aced on the screen and Williams aced in his music. It is highly recommended for its sheer audacity in going back to the past and still remaining relevant to today.

Average customer rating: Perfect starter CD!

America's Choir Mormon Tabernacle Choir Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Peace Like a River Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites Sing, Choirs of Angels! Songs from America's Heartland ASIN: B0002CX1LQ Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Fanfare Alleluia/Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
2. Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
3. This Is My Father's World
4. Hallelujah Corus
5. Fugue In C Major
6. Come, Come, Ye Saints
7. O Home Beloved
8. Come Let Us Anew
9. Bound For The Promised Land
10. Shenandoah
11. Cindy
12. Danny Boy
13. Climb Ev'ry Mountain
14. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
15. Praise TO The Lord, The Almighty (Reprise)
16. God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Customer Reviews:

Perfect starter CD!.......2005-02-12

I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this CD yet. Released in conjuction with the Nationally-released PBS documentary "America's Choir" - this album is a perfect starting place for people who wish to have a sampler of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Serving as both a latter-day "greatest hits" and a stand alone album, this CD gathers six tracks from the Choir's recently released albums "Consider The Lilies," "Spirit Of America" and "Peace Like A River" and adds TEN brand new tracks recorded specially for this project, creating a perfect sampler of both the Choir's magnificent history and it's current sound. It highlights the strengths of the Choir's repetoire, from well-known hymns ("Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing") to patriotic standards ("Battle Hymn Of The Republic") to folk songs ("Shenandoah," "Bound For The Promised Land") and even some surprises, like the traditional Welsh anthem "O Home Beloved" and the "Fugue In C Major (Jig)" for organ and orchestra. A wonderful, wonderful CD, with startling changes in mood and tempo, but with the unifying artistry of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Sqare.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Christmas Music BREATH - TAKING !!! Home for Christmas--A Masterpiece Live From Belfast Breathtaking

Home for Christmas John McDermott , Anthony Kearns , and Ronan Tynan Manufacturer: Music Matters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Irish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: We Three Kings The Very Best of The Irish Tenors The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan The Impossible Dream Ellis Island ASIN: B00001XDRK Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. Joy To The World
2. Ave Maria
3. The Wexford Carol
4. Suo Gan
5. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
6. Sweet Little Jesus Boy
7. Medley: Good King Wenceslas, Angels We Have Heard on High, Ding Dong Merrily On High
8. While Shepards Watch Their Flocks
9. Away In A Manger
10. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
11. Ave Maria (Gounod)
12. What Child Is This?
13. O Holy Night
14. The Holy City
15. The First Noel
16. Silent Night
17. Amazing Grace

Product Description

1. Joy To The World2. Ave Maria3. The Wexford Carol4. Suo Gan5. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)6. Sweet Little Jesus Boy7. Medley: (a) Good King Wenceslas (b) Angels We Have Heard On High (c) Ding Dong Merrily On High8. While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks9. Away In A Manger10. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear11. Ave Maria (Gounod)12. What Child Is This?13. O Holy Night14. The Holy City15. The First Noel16. Silent Night17. Amazing Grace

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Irish Tenors are an acquired taste that, it seems, nearly everyone has acquired. On Home for Christmas, John McDermott, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan create a stirring seasonal follow-up to their extremely popular self-titled debut of Irish standards. On this disc, we get some of the best-loved holiday songs performed by the tenors in their trademark, Emerald Isle vocal style. Though the disc boasts a 78-piece orchestra, don't expect big-band arrangements on these tunes; if anything, these are intimate performances, with the tenors front-and-center. Each vocalist gets his own solo turns, but there are plenty of tunes featuring all three: "Joy to the World," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Holy Night," The Holy City," "Silent Night," and "Amazing Grace." If you still haven't had your fill of holiday music, check out McDermott's solo Christmas album from 1998, on which the vocalist performs an eclectic mix of standards and lesser-known holiday gems. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Christmas Music.......2005-10-26

I really enjoy this music. I like the quality and style of music presented by the Irish Tenors, and I like Christmas music. This is the perfect CD for me. I like hearing it from early November through the holiday season. I have given this album as a gift, and it was much appreciated. I would recommend it for anyone who likes traditional Christmas music.

BREATH - TAKING !!!.......2001-03-07

I have the CD and the tape of this item and I have also seen the Concert twice.TWICE !! The most amazing part of it is when Anthony sings his LITTLE JESUS BOY. When I went to the concert the first time I wasn't really prepared for the effect that song would have on me. On the CD & tape he sings with a Choral Group to back him up. EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST LINES OF THAT SONG !!!!!.

IT IS ONLY HIS VOICE WE HEAR, AND WHAT A VOICE !!! But at the live shows, he does the same thing, but without the music, and the effect it has IS LIKE A PHYSICAL BLOW TO THE SENCES. I think every one in the place just held our breath until he was finished. IT'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUND THAT EVER CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF ANY SINGER I HAVE EVER HEARD. I play that one number over and over just to hear ANTHONY'S VOICE. I guess by now you know that I think all THE IRISH TENORS are great, but there is always something special about each of them on certain numbers they each sing. I especially like the trio doing AMAZING GRACE. They do it so well together. Just can't wait for the new "STUFF" FROM YOUR #1 FAN. JOAN WAY

Home for Christmas--A Masterpiece.......2000-05-28

Like millions of others I discovered the Irish Tenors through PBS. I promptly began looking for anything else by these wonderful performers and found this Cd. The music is soul-satisfying as the Christmas music is all sacred (the closest to secular is "Good King Wenceslas"). The arrangements are in turn glorious, tender, and sweet. "Suo Gan" by McDermott, ''Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "The Wexford Carol" by Kearns are highlights. Of the ensemble pieces, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" stand out. But the crowning selection is "The Holy City." We are wearing the album out and it's only May. We'll have to have another copy for Christmas!

Live From Belfast.......2000-04-15

I first videotaped the "Live from Belfast" performance on PBS.I don't know how many times I have watched it. Then I bought the CD (as well as the "Live from Dublin" CD and video), thinking it would have a song book, but it didn't. That is the only thing I could wish for. I am delighted to find the "Home for Christmas" CD, as I have been told by two different sources that it is unavailable.As someone else expressed, I am glad Finbar Wright was given a chance, even though I am sorry for the occasion that made it possible. I am of Irish descent, and their songs (and especially their interpretations) touched me deeply. I would also like to see a list of other recordings, especially of Anthony Kearns. Pavarotti and Bocelli are the only tenors I might rank as equals with Anthony for ability, pure beauty of tone, and control. I have tried repeatedly to access their web site, but it is unavailable.

Breathtaking.......2000-03-19

This collection goes straight to your heart. It's their voices, their song selections, and most of all their enthusiasm and heart that makes this albumn shine. I listen to it over and over and it still is fresh each time. The best Xmas singing ever as far as I am concerned!

Average customer rating: I don't own this CD. I love this alblum Not Just Another Boy Band as much of an nysync fan as i am... WOW.

Home for Christmas *NSYNC Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Dance General | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Dance General | Dance & DJ | 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 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop General | Pop | 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 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Winter Album No Strings Attached Celebrity N Sync Re-Joyce: The Christmas Album ASIN: B00000DALT Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

1. Home For Christmas
2. Under My Tree
3. I Never Knew The Meaning Of Christmas
4. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
6. I Guess It's Christmas Time
7. All I Want Is You This Christmas
8. The First Noel
9. In Love On Christmas
10. It's Christmas
11. O Holy Night (A Cappella)
12. Love's In Our Hearts On Christmas Day
13. The Only Gift
14. Kiss Me At Midnight

Amazon.com

Home is the last place these pop-aholics will be at Christmas: 'N Sync were on such a tight touring schedule in 1998, it's a wonder they even had time to record this disc in time for the holidays. The standard carols--"The First Noël," and "The Christmas Song"--aren't nearly as much fun as the original tracks here, but the a cappella version of "O Holy Night" is by far the masterpiece, and proof that the boys are more than just hyper-pretty faces. In fact, their superbly blended harmonies save what could have been ill-fated attempts to put a '90s R&B spin on songs like "In Love on Christmas" and the title track. "The Only Gift" and "Under My Tree" are addictive despite being overly cute, and you'll have a hard time getting "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" out of your head. Keep in mind that Christmas CDs belong in the background, let go of your anti-pop prejudices for just one day, and you'll be bopping along with the boys in no time. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

I don't own this CD........2006-12-31

I bought this through Amazon for my older daughter when it first came out. She tired of it after a year. Currently, it is one of the dog's frisbee's.

I love this alblum.......2006-12-22

Everytime when I'm working at Sears, they always put on the songs in this alblum on and it makes me so sad. Just thinking about how sad this Christmas year is and I miss these songs so much. I used to own this cd but its been a very long time and It suckd that Walmart didnt have it. I'll have to buy this after christmas. its really sad but oh well.

Not Just Another Boy Band.......2006-10-13

NSYNC sets themselves apart from the pack with this one. Their smooth harmonies and absolute talent shines in each song on the album. I love the original songs on the CD, like "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," "I Guess it's Christmastime," and others, as well as the classic Christmas favorites "The First Noel," and "The Christmas Song." But the highlight of the CD is definitely their amazing a cappella version of "O Holy Night." I would have bought the CD just for that.
I would recommend this CD not only for NSYNC fans, but for anyone looking to add to their Christmas collection. It's definitley worth your money!

as much of an nysync fan as i am..........2006-05-13

this is just an okay cd, i remember being really excited when this came out but it became lackluster after a few listens. it was still the life of the Christmas eve party, but I've heard much better Christmas cd's. I reccomend The Cheetas Girls Christmas cd!

WOW........2005-11-28

Oh. My. God. This CD is my life! My sister just came home from college and she forgot to bring it and I felt like punching her in the face.

It is absolutely amazing with classics and some new ones! It's a MUST BUY!

Average customer rating: Only half the songs of the original set!! Its all Christmas A Good Basic Collection cd reviews Poor Quality

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories Ultimate Christmas A Christmas Festival Now That's What I Call Christmas! Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection ASIN: B00005NOZH Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
3. Jingle Bells - Ella Fitzgerald
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Andy Williams
5. Carol Of The Bells/Deck The Halls - The Robert Shaw Chorale
6. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte
7. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
8. My Favorite Things - Eddie Fisher
9. Joy To The World - Julie Andrews
10. Here We Come A-Caroling - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
11. March Of The Toys - The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
12. O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

1. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
2. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
3. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker
4. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
6. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley
7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
8. Sleigh Ride - Johnny Mathis
9. Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
10. Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis
11. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
12. Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

Although I love the CDs, I was disappointed that there were only about half of the songs I thought there would be. I bought the original double cassette set back in the early 90's and when I found the CDs with the same name and cover, I thought I was getting the same thing only on CD. But the Cassettes had twice as many songs, including Let it Snow,Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas,The First Noel, Jingle Bells by Jim Reeves, The Christmas song by the Carpenters and so many others!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

It reminded me of Christmas as a child. I played this all throughout the holidays.

A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music. As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.

My only complaints are that there are only 24 songs on two disks and one or two of them are not ones that I would have picked (not my style).

Overall, it's a good set that I would recommend to anyone who wants to start a collection.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.

Average customer rating: First Christmas Album I bought for myself wonderful Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO! Wonderful and funny compilation A historical meeting...

The Three Tenors Christmas Pavarotti , Domingo , and Carreras Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Three Tenors Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994 O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca) #1 Christmas Album ASIN: B00004YB9Y Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

1. Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
2. Adeste Fideles
3. Ave Maria, Dolce Maria
4. Wiegenlied
5. Oh Tannenbaum
6. Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
7. Amazing Grace
8. White Christmas
9. Dormi O Bambino
10. Silent Night
11. Pregarla (El Can de L'Anima a La Verge)
12. Susani
13. Happy Christmas/War is Over
14. Wiegenlied
15. Carol of the Drum (The Little Drummer Boy)
16. La Virgen Lava Paqales
17. I'll Be Home for Christmas
18. Sleigh Ride
19. Winter Wonderland
20. Un Nuevo Siglo
21. Feliz Navidad

Amazon.com

Resplendent in voice and manner, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti deliver 21 songs of traditional sacred music and secular numbers in a remarkable 1999 live recording from the opulent Viennese concert hall (Konzerthaus), with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and a renowned choir. The Three Tenors are practically as famous as the faces of Mount Rushmore and inspire perhaps even more awe and adulation around the world than the four presidents. The performances--whether alone, in tandem, or simply as the threesome that has made them collectively famous--are generally impeccable for their passion, nuance, and sheer tour de force vocal artistry. Reaching often into the classical realm for such works as the traditional German carol "Susani," Strauss's and Brahms's "Wiegenlied," plus traditional Polish and Spanish pieces, the trio also visits Pavarotti's "Ave Maria, dolce Maria" (cowritten with Vittoriano Benvenuti), and "Un nuevo siglo," written by Domingo's son. Only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas/War Is Over" doesn't quite work in this grand setting. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself.......2007-01-16

Album is great. For any other holiday music, just listen to your local radio station that plays it during December.

wonderful.......2007-01-15

they are wonderful singers a delight to the ears and doing Christmas music made Christ mas even better

Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!.......2005-08-23

First, let me state I don't listen to opera singers that much; thus, don't expect a hypercritical review here. (Really, is there ANY field of music that has more hypercritics than opera?) I got this CD simply because Columbia House had it on sale for $2.99, and I wanted some new Christmas CDs.

I found the CD delightful beyond words. It has some beautiful versions of well-known Christmas songs, as well as songs I've never heard before. "Carol of the Drum" and "War Is Over" are my two favorites, with "Sleigh Ride" a close third.

Sure, there is some tripping over of words by these three great opera stars...but that makes it even more enhancing in my opinion. Pavarotti was particularly amusing when he was singing: "And all our friends are calling 'HOO-HOO'!" (Watch the DVD for Carreras' reaction to that one!) And let's not forget Pavarotti singing: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can PLAY on me."

The children's chorus is great, the Vienna Symphony is great...and, once again, buy or rent the DVD so you can get the full affect of this astounding Christmas concert...the music, the lights, the colors, and the marvelous Steven Mercurio conducting it all.

Wonderful and funny compilation.......2005-03-09

The Three Tenors are, of course, wonderful to listen to. This is also a funny CD. When they sing the more modern songs (Happy Christmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, for example) they have trouble keeping up with the pace of the song. They almost sound like they're tripping over the syllables, because as opera singers they are more accustomed to long, drawn out vowels, not fast ones. This doesn't hurt the song at all, it makes it more interesting to listen to. It's a great CD. I would recommend this as an addition to any collection of Christmas music.

A historical meeting..........2004-11-28

Although several labels already had Christmas albums of the three tenors in their catalogue, the three maestros never actually trioed on these releases. When Plácido Domingo and the "Christmas in Vienna" team started preparing the eighth concert in the series (six predecessors were captured by Sony, and one, titled "Celebration of Christmas" issued by Erato-Warner), they made a monumental decision: Re-uniting three of the greatest voices of the current music business.
For one and a half hour, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti performed the greatest Christmas songs and carols from around the world. Nearly 65 minutes of this monumental concert are captured on this disk. The opening version of "O Holy Night" (aka "Cantique De Noel", "Minuit, Chrétien") by Domingo and Pavarotti would be reason enough to get this one. But wait, there is far more on the way, than selections from the classical genre. The real enjoyment starts, when the three tenors do one of the most romantic arrangements of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" ever heard and fade from a rousing "La Virgen Lava Pa`nales" into one of the finest treatments of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ever heard. Also of great interest is the trio arrangement of "Let It Snow!", which is included on some of the import versions and on the DVD.
If you are a hopeless completist like me, you may be asking, what happened to the 25 minutes cut from the CD release. Well, first let me say, that none of the currently available releases has the order of the songs as they were performed in the concert. Although this is a live recording, handclaps and other characteristics of a live recording are hardly audible on the CD version. Two tracks, "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow", which had clearly audible handclaps at the beginning and at the end of the performance (and therefore couldn't be faded out) can be found on the mentioned import disk and on the DVD's PCM soundtrack. "Children of Christmas" (a Plácido Domingo Jr. composition originally introduced in "Christmas In Vienna IV" by Plácido Domingo and Michael Bolton) and "Ay" Para Navidad" can be found exclusively on the DVD. Currently unavailable on any official release is the "Overture" (which can be found on the DVD, but abridged with sound effects). So here's the actual running order: "Overture", 20, 2, 1, 11, 3, 4, "Children of Christmas", 16, 17, 6, 15, 8, "Let it snow", 5, "Ay! Para Navidad", 9, 19, 14, 18, 12, 13, "Jingle Bells", 7, 21, 10;
If you still doubt about the quality of this performance, let me say one for sure: As other volumes in the series will slowly disappear (as some of them have already in the US), this one is a matter of decades and when you buy this one, you will have joyful Christmas hours for many, many Christmases to come.

Average customer rating: We Three Kings 3 Tenors Christmas Beautiful and Amazing These Three Kings Rule! Another Winner

We Three Kings Anthony Kearns , Ronan Tynan , and Finbar Wright Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Irish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Home for Christmas Sacred The Very Best of The Irish Tenors Heritage Ellis Island ASIN: B0000D9PST Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. We Three Kings
2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Fairytale Of New York
5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. Mille Cherubini In Coro
7. O Holy Night
8. Silent Night
9. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
10. Winter Wonderland Medley
11. Mary's Boy Child
12. Panis Angelicus
13. Pie Jesu
14. How Great Thou Art
15. The Lord's Prayer
16. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
17. America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

Another Winner.......2003-12-22

In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.

Average customer rating: Beautiful, soulful Christmas music A New Country Classic "Home For Christmas": The Best new Christmas CD of the season The Perfect Christmas Gift..... Essential Christmas Album

Home for Christmas ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: James Taylor at Christmas The Philadelphia Years A Classic Christmas Cool Yule Our Kind Of Soul ASIN: B000K0YOZM Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. Overture / The First Noel
2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
3. No Child Shoud Ever Cry On Christmas
4. Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday
5. Home For Christmas
6. Christmas Must Be Tonight
7. Children Go Where I Send Thee
8. Mary Had A Baby
9. The Christmas Song
10. Jingle Bell Rock
11. Oh Holy Night

Album Description

2006 holiday offering from the dynamic duo. Call it a masterpiece, a labor of love or the beginning of a new tradition, Daryl Hall & John Oates release Home For Christmas, a beautifully recorded and heartfelt Holiday album. 11 new yuletide recordings including nine classics and semi-obscure treats plus two new self-penned Christmas tunes. **Please note that the U.S. pressing of this album is only available at selected retail chain stores.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, soulful Christmas music.......2007-03-22

This compilation of Christmas songs has some of the most wonderful holiday songs ever written. They range from Christmas classics as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "The Christmas Song" (the latter sung most soulfully by Mr. John Oates) to cover songs performed in the "rock & soul" manner that Hall and Oates became famous for. ("Christmas Must Be Tonight", "Children Go Where I Send Thee") My personal favorites are "The First Noel" and "O Holy Night"; they're sung with such soul and depth that I come close to crying whenever I hear them. This is one album that almost anybody can treasure during the holidays and throughout the wintertime.

A New Country Classic .......2007-01-06

The new song written by Daryl Hall "Home For Christmas" will be a favorite of anyone who has fond memories of family gatherings at Christmas. It became a favorite of mine the first time I heard it, and I had to have the CD.

"Home For Christmas": The Best new Christmas CD of the season.......2006-12-26

I heard of this new CD when I knew they reached the # 1 in the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with a Christmas song. Then I found they had released this whole Christmas album. After hearing only the brief samples, immediately I rushed to FYE (only retail store who is selling it in the U.S.), and I don't regret it. It 's awesome!!!!!!!!

This is the CD that I have been playing over and over ever since, even more than my all time favourite Mariah Carey's.

Each song has been done in a so wonderful way. The classics (Mary Had a Baby, The Christmas Song) have been brought to the beautifull blue-eye soul style of Hall and Oates. I discovered some old songs like "Children Go Where I Send Thee" with a tasty Southern gospel flavor, and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".

My favorite tune is the new song "Home for Christmas" that I am sure will become a classical over the years. I also love "Christmas Must be Tonight" and "No Child Should Ever Cry on Christmas"

The album is joyful and all the songs are pretty, catchy, and "O Holy Night" placed at the end makes you to play the whole CD all over again.

A CD that has made my Christmas season more merry than I thought.


Wonderful work of the duo!!!!

The Perfect Christmas Gift............2006-12-26

Wow, this cd is truly amazing!!! I mean, I don't think I've heard anything more wonderful from this duo. This cd is wonderful gift from the duo to share with their fans. They have a wonderful take some of the traditional Christmas songs and they've managed to throw in two new songs as well. Which are just fantastic!!! This makes a wonderful Christmas gift!!! It's just great.

Essential Christmas Album.......2006-12-25

My first reaction to Daryl Hall & John Oates' Christmas album was some surprise to how good it sounds and how true to Christmas the songs are. No "Frosty the Snowman" types here....

The string arrangements complement the album's beginning overture into "The First Noel". Daryl and John's vocals remain first-rate and it stays that way right through the best "O Holy Night" you've ever heard.

This album is must for anyone who needs some Christmas music that keeps the real meaning of Christmas right up front where it belongs. The lone exception may be "Jingle-Bell Rock" which is a newer version than the 1983 release.

Best tracks are:

Home For Christmas (Title Track)
Christmas Must Be Tonight
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Mary Had A Baby
The Christmas Song
Jingle Bell Rock
O Holy Night

Average customer rating: Eh... The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle Bravissima Diva!!!! Battle shows her true colors yet again Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective

Classic Battle: A Portrait Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ellington | Ellington, Edward Duke | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vangelis | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mahler, Gustav | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Faure, Gabriel | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Dvorak, Antonin | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Kathleen Battle Grace Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle ASIN: B0000639A4 Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

1. Puccini: O Mio babbino caro (new recording)
2. Handel: Let the Bright Seraphim
3. Traditional Chilean: Dormi, Jesu
4. Traditional: Cancion de Cuna
5. Vangelis: Mythodea-Movement IX
6. Mozart: Laudate Dominum
7. Handel: Rejoice Greatly
8. Traditional Fix Me Jesus (new recording)
9. Faure: Pie Jesu
10. Traditional Catalan: El Noi de la Mare
11. Traditional Catalan: El Desembre Congelat
12. Ellington:L Prelude to a Kiss (new recording)
13. Handel: Eternal Source of Light Divine
14. Mozart: Alleluja
15. Traditional: Angels Watching Over Me (new recording)
16. Mahler: Sehr Behaglich (from Symphony No. 4
17. J.S. Bach: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
18. Dvorak: Going Home ("Largo" from New World Symphony)

Amazon.com

This compilation of previous releases is clearly intended to include something for everybody and to offer an overview of Kathleen Battle's wide, varied repertoire. The result is a motley assortment of music sacred and profane, Baroque, classical and romantic, Spanish and American folksongs, and jazz. It is Battle's radiant, impeccably produced voice, which sheds a glow over every note she sings, and her effortless coloratura and serene expressiveness that provide the unifying, and most rewarding, element.

Four new recordings sound just as glorious as those she made years ago. One is the famous aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi performed with piano--a strange misfit among all the arias with orchestra. Wynton Marsalis plays Bach and Handel brilliantly, but sounds too loud and prominent. And despite some baroque ornamentation, he plays in a style so different from hers that the two hardly seem to be performing the same piece. The Orchestra of St. Luke's plays beautifully; an anonymous orchestra under Robert Sadin is competent but too matter-of-fact. A mournful, repetitive duet with Jessye Norman against a background of unearthly noises from Vangelis's Mythodea sounds like an angelic plea for mercy.

In the finale of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic under Lorin Maazel, Battle captures just the right blend of childlike wonder and heavenly bliss. Of the jazz numbers, one by Duke Ellington is lovely, but Dvorák would have been quite surprised by the arrangement of the Largo from his "New World" Symphony. However, the tonality is right, and Battle sings the melody so beautifully that she almost redeems it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Eh..........2006-12-10

Kathleen Battle is admirable, with her many recordings and her many performances across the country. But, I cannot say that I adore her voice. Yes, she may be a soprano, but her voice is not top of my list. Her technique is flawed, and her voice lacks any depth or richness. When I listen to her voice, it sounds so empty. Singers like Sumi Jo (my favorite of all) or Renee Fleming are a much better choice when it comes to rich tone and beautiful technique.

The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle.......2003-11-18

An excellent compilation of some of Miss Battle's greatest work. Of course, it would have been great if more of her operatic literature was included, but to have the opportunity to hear anything from Miss Battle is heaven.

Bravissima Diva!!!!.......2002-07-03

I must comment on the preceeding review which has nothing to do with the calibur of this CD nor of the artist. And just a touch on that whole Brevard "incident", there were two performances one of which came off without a fault...but I too digress. This CD is a plethera of what endures Kathleen Battle to us all...her diversity. It is true that none of her signature operatic roles appear in this mini compilation but what is given more than accomodates. In 18 selections she covers Spirituals, Oratorio, Jazz, Afro-Cuban/Brazilian influenced melodies, cantata's and a symphony all with miraculous ease. It is also true that this is in many ways a best of...and chances are you'll already have most of these pieces, but Classic Kathleen Battle is Worth Buying simply for the four new selections and accompanying art of the set. The pictorial art included in this CD is worthy of gallery display! A standing testament of her vocal beauty and artist superlatives...this is a CD that you don't want to pass up!

Battle shows her true colors yet again.......2002-06-27

I have followed Ms. Battle's career for a number of years and have always loved the clarity and purity of her voice--no doubt she is a tremendous talent. Several years ago I saw her give a stunning concert at UNC-Chapel Hill and was blown away at the thrill of finally experiencing her voice live. I always thought it unfortunate that so many negative stories about her flourished and subsequently found myself coming to her defense in conversation with others. Last summer I had tickets to see her sing at Brevard Music Center in the mountains of North Carolina. Several nights prior to this performance, my 20-year-old nephew was killed in a car accident. I decided to go ahead with my plans and attend the concert, thinking it would be a sort of balm for my soul after living through this terrible experience of losing someone I loved. Immediately after my nephew's funeral I left my family behind and drove the five hours to the concert venue. Needless to say I had incredibly high hopes for this concert and its potential to help heal my wounds. Long story short, Ms. Battle behaved in the most unprofessional manner I have ever witnessed and refused to perform the program as planned. What little she did offer to the audience was mediocre at best. A packed house of patrons was left stunned and dismayed at what they'd just witnessed. So, Ms. Battle, you proved to me in a very personal way that all the stories are true and you have serious issues. I will not be buying your recordings in the future and I currently have about 20 that are now worthless to me.

Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective.......2002-06-04

CLASSIC KATHLEEN BATTLE: A PORTRAIT is limited in its perspective in the sense that this is a compilation of only SONY Classical recordings from their catalog. There are no Deutsche Grammophon or Angel/EMI performances represented here. A "portrait" of Miss Battle would have rightly included some of these wonderful and musical interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Gounod, and Bach among others. Of course paying the license fees from the other 2 labels wouldn't be cost-efficient from a record company's standpoint. How wonderful this would've been if they'd all cooperated on a box set of her recordings, which would show Miss Battle's superlative musicality in not only Italian and French, but also her great wit and charm in the English language (her Purcell and Dowland are not to be missed!)

In any case there are several magical performances to be found here:

Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" w/piano; Dormi, Jesu; Cancion de Cuna, Fix Me Jesus, Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss"; Angels Watching Over Me; and the enchanting song (the German title is too long for me to remember--it's from the Das Knaben Wunderhorn cycle) from Mahler's 4th Symphony.

For any Kathleen Battle fan, this is a nice selection of her works, but only a 2-dimensional portrait at best. Certainly not Miss Battle's fault, as she graces the listener with no less than FOUR new recordings on this album.

Once again her silvery tones and superb musicality are a wonderful gift to us!

Thank you, and Bravo many times over....

Music Album:

1. I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal...But I'm Gonna Be A Diamond Someday
2. I Still Believe in You
3. If You See Her
4. It Won't Be Christmas Without You
5. Just the Same
6. Keepers [Live]
7. Last Chance for a Thousand Years: Dwight Yoakam's Greatest Hits from the 90's
8. Lee Ann Womack
9. Let There Be Peace on Earth
10. Like Her

Music Album