Christmas Collection

Disc: 1

1. White Christmas

2. There's a New Kid in Town

3. Winter Wonderland

4. Merry Christmas Strait to You

5. Away in a Manger

6. For Christ's Sake, It's Christmas

7. Frosty the Snowman

8. When It's Christmas Time in Texas

9. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

10. What a Merry Christmas This Could Be

Disc: 2

1. I Know What I Want for Christmas

2. Old Time Christmas

3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

4. Jingle Bell Rock

5. Merry Christmas (Wherever You Are)

6. All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)

7. Christmas Song

8. Noel Leon

9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

10. Santa's on His Way

Tracks:

O Holy Night
White Christmas
Ave Maria
When A Child Is Born
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Over The Rainbow
Panis Angelicus
Rejoice
Silent Night
The Lord's Prayer

Amazon.com

If you thrill to the soaring operatic voices of The Three Tenors (and imagine every Christmas comes with its own orchestral majesty), Il Divo has made this disc for you. The four GQ-handsome male singers were handpicked by American Idol's Simon Cowell for what seems to be their ability to sing opera and classical music with the hint of a pop sensibility. Their Christmas Collection features 10 standards (although the last time Santa looked, he wasn't quite sure "Over the Rainbow" and "The Lord's Prayer" were part of the Christmas canon). Still, it' hard not to imagine these emotionally stirring renditions as part and parcel of the reverential treatment the four finely sculpted voices bring to more exact seasonal fare such as "O Holy Night," "Ave Maria," "Panis Angelicus" and even "White Christmas." Dave Arch's predictable choral and orchestral arrangements are aimed right at the sweet spot where sophisticated church choir music and traditional classical music meet, with few surprises other than the dash of Irish folk music that colors "When A Child Is Born." In the end, for people who have never heard of Cowell and his cohosts (would Paula Abdul really have picked the tenor guy for this group?!), this collection will prove just as rewarding for them as the best-selling Idol records are for fans of the TV stars. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

ILDIVO CHRISTMAS ALBUM.......2007-05-14

Their voices blend so well, I've bought all their recordings to date, including their DVD's. We've been waiting too long for a group that all ages can enjoy.

Il Divo.......2007-05-10

I love this group, and I really enjoy christmas with them, everybody loves them, this cd is a perfect gift for you or anyone else.

Great!.......2007-05-07

These young men have the voices of angels. I rarely buy music but I have everyone of their albums!

Outstanding.......2007-04-27

This CD is so great that I listen to it all year round. Their voices are angleic and listening to their songs is the only thing that made me feel better after the death of my father. They all sounds like angels singing and that is what it felt like to me. Their version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" especially makes me cry because it's so beautiful. I was blown away. I absolutely love this CD and recommend it to everyone!

The Requisite Christmas Album.......2007-03-18

The guys have nice voices and the ladies will love their squeaky good looks. But don't take them seriously. They are a money machine.

Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection

Average customer rating:

Rennaissance music at it's finest!
a voice teacher and early music fan
A good sampler of New London Consort's work
Excellent renditions of lively 'old music'.
A Treasure of the Time Period

Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Music for a Medieval Banquet
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Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance
Codex Faenza: Instrumental Music of the Early 15th Century

ASIN: B00000428D
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Dum pater familias
La Bouree
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: Gagliarda
Quen a Virgen ben servira
Bransles de Villages
Carmina Burana: Katerine collaudemus
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: La scesa de' Pastori dal Monte
Orientis partibus
Volte
Llibre Vermell: Stella Splendens
Carmina Burana: Tempus est iocundum
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: Ballo de Cigni
Carmina Burana: Bache, bene venies
Lux optata claruit
Ballet Incerti
Non e gran causa
Passo e mezzo - Saltarello Giorgio

Customer Reviews:

Rennaissance music at it's finest!.......2007-06-29

This was my first Renaissance music album and the broad styles of several composers were very well represented, especially Michael Pretorius, probably the most well-known composer of his time. The tonal quality sparkles and the latin language comes alive (along with English translation in the included booklet); be prepared for an aural "feast" of some of the more eclectic music from the Renaissance period!

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-04

To quote from the accompanying booklet seems to be in order to start this review: "This collection attempts to wipe the dust from some old ideas and restore music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance to its roots deep in the human soul.........What you're listening to on this disc is not the domain of museums, but the music of the people,born of faith and the love of song and dance".
This is a varied group of works, some dances, some strictly instrumental and some accompanied vocal.
The role of dancing, as you might suspect, was enormously important in this era. 'Le Bouree' showcases the dance music of the composer Michael Praetorius. The 'Bransles de Villages' is of French origin and features 2 violins, 2 violas, a cello, a great bass viol, hurdy-gurdy and 2 lutes. 'La scesa de Pastori dal Monte' is an Italian dance by Andrea Ansalone. Another dance written by Michael Praetorious was the 'Volte' which actually involved 4 short dances. It was considered not respectable because of the close contact between the dancers.
The strictly instrumental songs are : 'Dum pater familias' is called a pilgrim song, and it was religious in nature. And, of course, all the dance songs are instrumental.
The vocally oriented songs are: 'Quen a Virgin ben servira' is a song taken from a collection of songs about the miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary.-Three of the songs are from the famous 'Carmina Burana' manuscript.- 'Orientis partibus' is from the 'Feast of fools'which was a feast held by the church itself in which the status of the church herarchy was reversed as inferior clergy assumed the role of their superiors.-'Stella Splendours' is another pilgrim song; this song was sung by pilgrims who went to worship as the Shrine of the Virgin at Montserrat.

I always trust the quality of a CD when Philip Pickett and the New London Consort are involved. This album is very interesting, but I would hope that this would be classified as the more "pop" type music of the period. Also, I don't think that I personally would call it early music, as is indicated in the accompanying booklet. Today that term brings to mind Monteverdi, Cavalli, Palestrina, the Scarlatti's, up to and including Handel and Bach etc.. Just a personal reaction on my part. This is a very well put together disc.

A good sampler of New London Consort's work.......2006-12-20

Although there's nothing special about this disc as a compilation, it does provide a value-priced sampling of 17 tracks from the New London Consort's excellent recorded work. Given that so many of their recordings are difficult to find on CD at a reasonable price, and that one of my personal favorites ("Bache bene venies", from their masterful 4-CD recording of the Carmina Burana) is included here, I'd recommend this CD as a great place to start while you search for the original releases.

Excellent renditions of lively 'old music'........2005-11-23

'Sinners & Saints' by Philip Pickett and the New London Consort is just a bit too ambitious with their subtitle, 'The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection' as I find it hard to believe that 70 minutes can be the ultimate anything on 500 years of history. This is especially true since they seem to focus a lot more on the sinners than the saints, as there is virtually no liturgical music here. But, since there are so many good recordings of medieval liturgies, we aren't missing much.

This is really the sort of thing you would expect to hear from a travelling troupe of minstrals, but not from a solo artist, as practically every performance involves several instruments and voices.

Some tracks will sound especially familiar, as they are very similar to Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana', inspired by medieval texts.

Compared to many recordings of music from Shakespeare's time, this collection is superior and well worth the investment.

A Treasure of the Time Period.......2005-08-11

I bought this CD with a children's history class in mind. We are studying the Dark Ages to the Rennaisance. I was delighted to hear the variety of selections which span the spectrum of genres during this period of history. My children and I have been listening to it in the car as well as at home for the simple enjoyment of the music. It will be exciting to present these pieces to my class as I feel it is a very accurate display of the cultures, instrumentation, languages, and styles of the Middle Ages. I am a proffesional musician and thoroughly enjoy most types of music so it wasn't hard to get me interested but I was surprised to hear my eight-year-old and five-year-old sons asking to hear this CD. The former child said it made him feel "important" to listen!!

Average customer rating:

Christmas Collection from The Carpenters
Beautiful
Christmas Collection - The Carpenters
I love the carpenters!
Great Christmas album

Christmas Collection
The Carpenters
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition
The Andy Williams Christmas Album
Singles 1969-1981
White Christmas
Love Songs

ASIN: B000007XUQ
Release Date: 1998-09-22

Tracks:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Overture
Christmas Waltz, The
Sleigh Ride
It's Christmas Time/ Sleep Well, Little Children
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire), The
Silent Night
Jingle Bells
First Snowfall/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Carol Of The Bells
Merry Christmas Darling
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Christ Is Born
Winter WonderLand/Silver Bells/White Christmas
Ave Maria

Tracks:

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Overture
Old-Fashioned Christmas, An
O Holy Night
Home For The Holidays, (There's No Place Like)
Here Comes Santa Claus / Frosty The Snowman / Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer / Good King Wenceslas
Little Altar Boy
Do You Hear What I Hear?
My Favorite Things
He Came Here For Me
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
Selections From "The Nutcracker"
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

Amazon.com

Rainy days and Mondays always made Karen Carpenter blue. Maybe she should have played her two Christmas records, Christmas Portrait and An Old Fashioned Christmas. Both are combined in this 31-piece collection, a great value for fans of this brother-sister duo who captured the pop airwaves during the early to mid-'70s. A number of good performances mark the collection, which includes songs from their Christmas TV special, numerous cuts backed by full orchestra that prove the duo could extend their pop sensibilities to timeless holiday fare, and singular works such as "Little Altar Boy," a song that Richard Carpenter feels was among his sister's greatest performances. --Martin Keller

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double CD Collection featuring 1978's 'christmas Portrait' Backed with 1984's 'an Old Fashioned Christmas'.

Customer Reviews:

Christmas Collection from The Carpenters.......2007-01-23

Absolutely beautiful. Listening to the Carpenters is part of our Christmat tradition!

Beautiful.......2007-01-19

Love the CD. It is wonderful to hear the Carpenter's again. Karen's beautiful voice brings tears, but also much enjoyment. I am approximately her age, so it takes me back decades. Thanks for carrying this product. I will enjoy it every Christmas.

Christmas Collection - The Carpenters.......2007-01-19

This is my favorite christmas CD. I like it so much I Bought it for everyone in my family for Christmas.

I love the carpenters!.......2007-01-16

Just as I expected, fabulous songs from the Carpenters!! My husband & I love this CD. We will bring it out every Christmas

Great Christmas album.......2007-01-15

This is the best Christmas album ever. I can listen to it over and over, I never get tired of it. Starts off with instumentals for a couple of songs, then Karen comes in. This is a great Christmas album.

Average customer rating:

Completely satisfied
Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!
Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!
Music to be enchanted by
Very Good, Different

Winter's Knight
Nox Arcana
Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Transylvania
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Blood of the Dragon

ASIN: B000ALIUR4
Release Date: 2005-07-25

Tracks:

Vigil
Ghosts of Christmas Past
Ebonshire
Solitude
Crystal Forest
First Snow
Evening Star
Reflections of Long Ago
December Winds
Phantom Toccata
Hallowed Ruins
Gregorian Hymn
Spirit of the Season
Coventry Carol
Lullaby
Winters Knight
Past Time with Good Company
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Veni, Veni, Emannuel
Redemption
Carol of the Bells

Product Description

Nox Arcana weaves a musical ghost story with this haunting collection of original melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and Gothic renditions of traditional carols. Winter's Knight contains 21 tracks and over 60 minutes of darkly enchanting music to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Customer Reviews:

Completely satisfied.......2007-04-01

I am very satisfied with this product and recommend it to anyone who likes instrumental and haunting melodies.

Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!.......2007-01-26

If you are in a holiday mood, but are heartily fed up with Irish (or even worse: Mariah Carey!) Christmas songs, then you might want to consider this album. It is not a soundeffect album, nor is it program music. A final touch is that it is not cheaply produced, as some more traditional holiday albums.
The music conveys a feeling of cold, dark, and immensly lonely winter. The Christmas is there, but there are undertows of older and more sinister rituals, and whispers call the more unwary listeners to join in...
This album could be a very good way to spice up the celebrations.

Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!.......2007-01-03

Nox Arcana's versatility has made them a tough act to follow. Whether it be a musical journey into the foreboding land of vampires (Transylvania) or a sinister carnival with a bloody history (Carnival of Lost Souls) or any of their other forays into gothic imaginings, Nox Arcana has taken each concept and breathed impressive, symphonic life into it. Their CDs truly are mini symphonies, with astounding musicianship and intricate orchestrations.

In Winter's Knight, Nox Arcana presents a moody, elegant collection of holiday-themed songs that captures the more mystical, meditative side of Christmas. The CD's strong medieval/classical flavor is refreshing, particularly since most Christmas music nowadays seems dominated by more modern songs. Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski offer great new arrangements of classic pieces like "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" as well as many of their own moving compositions, such as the memorably haunting "Crystal Forest" and the chilling piano-dominated "Evening Star." Guest vocalist Michelle Belanger also contributes a lovely interpretation of the holiday standard "Past Time With Good Company" and Jeff Endemann's vocal work on "Coventry Carol" is likewise a highlight.

While most Christmas music is, unfortunately, either infantile and annoying or overdone, Winter's Knight provides a refreshing change of piece full of musical elegance and mystical beauty.

Music to be enchanted by.......2006-12-25

As mesmerizing as falling snow, this poetic and magickal soundscape creates a wonderland of lavish treats befitting the Holiday Season. Haunting and sophisticated, there's a certain luster to these songs that reflects the gothically romantic luxury only Nox Arcana can deliver. The addition of neo-bard, Jeff Endemann's spellbinding voice on "Coventry Carol" delivers an extra gift of warmth for those chilly Yuletide evenings. The original score by Vargo and Piotrowski interspersed with classic carols and a booklet of eye-candy artwork by Joseph Vargo makes this a perfect fit for any Holiday Collection, so fill your wassail cup, pull up some moonlight and breathe in the wonder of Winter Knights.

Very Good, Different.......2006-11-04

The idea behind this CD and the music itself are a breath of fresh air in the stagnant holiday music scene. Dark and evocative, it pushes aside the sugarplums and saccharine we're all used to. However, the production leaves quite a bit to be desired. It's all done with computers - the choral parts are lacking in fullness, I can't always tell what the stringed "instruments" are supposed to be, and rather than cadences that would give finality to the piece, the tracks often come to a sudden stop. 3 1/2 stars.

Sounds of the Season: The John Legend Collection

Average customer rating:

Legend's a Legend

Sounds of the Season: The John Legend Collection
John Legend
Manufacturer: Sony Music Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000LMEK5I

Product Description

Holiday Christmas collection featuring 4 new recordings: 1. Let It Snow 2. O Holy Night 3. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child 4. Winter Wonderland 5. It Don't Have to Change 6. What a Wonderful World

Customer Reviews:

Legend's a Legend.......2007-01-01

This brief Christmas sampler is more moving and entertaining than a dozen over-produced CDs from our favorite artists. The four piano-voiced cuts are the greatest, but the inclusion of "It Don't Have to Change" from "Get Lifted", featuring the Stephens family, is an exquisite and totally appropriate choice to include on this heartfelt CD. Legend's "What a Wonderful World" pays tribute to the great Ray Charles while interpreting it as a Christmas treat. John Legend has many more treats to give us in his future. What a wonderful Christmas album.

Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection

Average customer rating:

Best Christmas Album
It's not quite modern and not quite traditional--a nice mix for someone eclectic
Devided
Could have been a little better
Great XMAS CD

Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CD5EY
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Opera of the Bells - Destiny's Child
O Come All Ye Faithful - Stacie Orrico
I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You - Nsync
Santa Baby - Kylie Minogue
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - B2K
Step into Christmas - Elton John
Jingle Bells - Jimmy Buffett
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Vince Gill
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Aaron Neville
Last Christmas - Wham!
Christmas Through Your Eyes - Gloria Estefan
Christmas Wrapping - Waitresses
A Christmas to Remember - Amy Grant
Silent Night - Charlotte Church
Please Come Home for Christmas - Luther Vandross
O Holy Night - Celine Dion
Peace - Norah Jones

Tracks:

Winter Wonderland - Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra
I'll Be Home for Christmas - Barbra Streisand
Silver Bells - Johnny Mathis
The Little Drummer Boy - Lou Rawls
Happy Holiday - Peggy Lee
The Christmas Blues - Dean Martin
Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Tom Jones
Feliz Navidad - Josi Feliciano
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Burl Ives
The First Noel - Andy Williams
I Know What I Want for Christmas - George Strait
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Yolanda Adams
Kentucky Homemade Christmas - Kenny Rogers
Go Tell It on the Mountain - Andy Griffith
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) - Kurt Herbert Adler
(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays - Barry Manilow
Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Best Christmas Album.......2007-02-15

This is a great set. The first cd has all of the wonderful traditional songs, and are nice when the fire is on or just the tree lights are on. The second cd is great when you want more upbeat modern music after getting tired of the first! We have lots of Christmas CDs, but this set gets more play because of the great combination.

It's not quite modern and not quite traditional--a nice mix for someone eclectic .......2007-01-19

If you're looking for a collection that's strictly contemporary or traditional, this is not for you. I like the variety and the mix of classics, but others may experience a disconnect with something old and new played back to back.

Devided.......2007-01-10

The new Christmas music drove most of my family crazy except for one song. Santa clause is coming to town was changed to hood in a spot and they loved that but preferred the classical Christmas music on disc 2.

Could have been a little better.......2006-12-20

Granted that depends on your tastes. Your 10 to 12 year old daughter will probably love some of these tracks. However, this compilation comes nowhere near the 1st one. It's not bad and there are some "standards" on here by Elton John, Wham, Gloria Estefan and the Waitresses (which have the best tune in this set). It's all over the map, artist wise. It just seems to me that there wasn't much thought put into this compilation.

Great XMAS CD.......2006-12-05

We have a lot of Xmas Cd's, but we find ourselves playing this one a lot.

Average customer rating:

IL Divo
The Christmas Collection/IL Divo
IL MAGNIFICO
Almost There
the christmas collection/Il Divo

The Christmas Collection/Il Divo
Il Divo
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Il Divo - Live at the Greek
Il Divo

ASIN: B000BF0E8W
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi)
Mama
Nella Fantasia
Passer
Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)
Every Time I Look At You
Ti Amero
Dentro Un Altro Si
The Man You Love
Feelings
Hoy Que Ya No Estas Aqui- Spanish Version of "As Far As Any Man Can See"
Sei Parte Ormai Di Me
My Way (A Mi Manera)

Tracks:

O Holy Night
White Christmas
Ave Maria
When a Child Is Born
Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Over the Rainbow
Panis Angelicus
Rejoice
Silent Night
Lord's Prayer

Album Description

Both of Il Divo's CDs (Il Divo & The Christmas Collection) in one package!

Customer Reviews:

IL Divo.......2007-04-03

i enjoyed all of the music on IL Divo they are my favorite singing group all their music is the best.

The Christmas Collection/IL Divo.......2007-03-09

I don't even speak another language and don't understand what they are singing, but their voices are fantastic.

This album matches all their other CDs. Simply Fantastic and very moving.

IL MAGNIFICO.......2007-02-16

Magnificient in one word. An amazing combination of classical and pop
music styles. We should be grateful to Simon for ferretting out these
talents from opera and bringing their profound skills onto the world
stage. They have a great command of the stage and exhibit a gorgeous
performance (in respect of their live performances.).
Their sounds and interpretations complement each other beautifully to
produce a thrilling experience. I hope to see them in Turkey as well
in the future.

Almost There.......2007-01-16

These young men have beautiful voices; some pieces they present are wonderfully moving. I was disappointed in the selection--I can think of many carols that would have better served their abilities on a Christmas album than Over the Rainbow and even Ave Maria. Hopefully their producers will work to find them more classical pieces for future works. Still in all, they are a joy to hear.

the christmas collection/Il Divo.......2007-01-16

ok but only a few songs that are easy to listen too. not all my idea of christmas although was on the list when i bought it so my fault for getting it.

Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

Average customer rating:

Awesome guitar work
Have been loving this for over ten years!!
sonic rapture...
Not just a tribute
Wonderful, relaxing music

Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Artistry of Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi Guitar Concertos & Warlock Capriol Suite
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

ASIN: B000002RQ8
Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

Castles Of Spain: Rumor de copla
Castles Of Spain: Siguenza
Castles Of Spain: Manzanares del real
Castles Of Spain: Romance de los pinos
Castles Of Spain: Turegano
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Tonadilla
Suite espanola: Espanoletas
Suite espanola: Rujero y paradetas
Suite espanola: La Minona de Cataluna
Suite espanola: Folias
Suite espanola: Passacalle de la cavalleria de Napoles
Suite espanola: Canarios
Villanesca
Torre bermeja
Estudio sin luz
Remembranza
Suite In D Minor: Preludio
Suite In D Minor: Allegro
Suite In D Minor: Zarabanda
Suite In D Minor: Gabota
Suite In D Minor: Despacio
Suite In D Minor: Giga
Suite catalan: La Filadora
Suite catalan: La Filla del marxant
Suite catalan: La Nit de nadal
Suite catalan: El Noi de la mare

Customer Reviews:

Awesome guitar work.......2007-01-12

Parkening sets the standard for others to compare to. Enjoyable tribute to Segovia. The type of guitar mastery that one can relax to after a hard days work. Enough said.

Have been loving this for over ten years!!.......2003-09-26

I bought this cassette over ten years ago (1992) when I started taking classical guitar lessons. Would listen to it on the way home from work, then had a baby nine years ago and have used it for lullaby music (works like a charm) for afternoon naps and nighttime. Still listen to it in the car when the kids fight and they mellow out instantly.

Finally buying it on CD because I think I wore a spot out on the cassette! I have listened to this masterpiece at least a thousand times and have never, ever tired of this most excellent work of art.

If you are a classical guitar fan, you will absolutely adore every single note played on this album/CD. I promise!! :)

sonic rapture..........2003-06-03

If anyone knows of a better sonically intoxicating cd than this please let me know. Possibly only Julian Bream's unreal 1982 Granados and Albeniz cd would top this one for me. Anyway just thought I would pass this thought along to anyone who may visit here. The tone is absolutely magical on this cd. This is the cd to listen to at night to chill out and get mellow while being enchanted to the max. Peace. I must go on... the tone, the tone. My god the tone.

Not just a tribute.......2001-07-31

Parkening shows how much he learned from Segovia. I have many of these pieces played by the Master. Parkening plays with a similar timbre, simlar dynamics and with a musicality just as deep as Segovia's. IF you like classical guitar you should own this one.

Wonderful, relaxing music.......2001-01-27

This cd will spend much time on my player. It is so lively, yet comforting music to listen to.

Parkening provides wonderful tribute to Segovia with Spanish compositions especially loved by the master, even some of them performed on one his Segovia's guitars.

Tracks:

Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Allegro
Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Largo e pianissimo
Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Allegro - Danza pastorale
Gymnopedie No. 1
Op. 55 No. 4: Solveig's Song
Op. 46 No. 3: Anitra's Dance
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Larghetto
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Andante
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Adagio
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Presto
Moonchild's Dream (Conlusion)
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Triste
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Andante
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Vivace
Conerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 - 4th Movement: Vivace - Allegro - Pastorale ad libitum
Melody And Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Op. 43, No. 4: Little Bird
Op. 43 No. 1: Butterfly
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Largo
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Vivace
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Grazioso
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Allegro
Concerto For Recorder And Orchestra, Op. 133: Lento
Concerto Op. 10 No. 3 In D: II Gardellino - III. Allegro

Tracks:

Two Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 1
Two Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 2
Air From Suite In D
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Allegro
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Andante
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Allegro assai
Variations
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Allegro moderato
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Siciliano
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Allegro
Nele's Dances: No. 15
Nele's Dances: No. 16
Nele's Dances: No. 17
Nele's Dances: No. 18
Dance Suite, Op. 29 - V -: Molto Vivace
Sonata In G Minor - Devil's Trill: II. Allegro
Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Presto 'Fantasmi'
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Presto
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo 'Il sonno'
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Allegro
Op. 54, No. 3: March Of The Trolls
Op. 71, No. 1: Once Upon A Time
Souvenir: An Encore For Michala

Customer Reviews:

More than the sum of the parts........2001-02-04

I bought this as wallpaper music - and got a very pleasant surprise!

Several of the pieces stopped me in my tracks, made me sit down and forced me to listen.

Michala Petri demonstrates a masterly control of her instrument and a high level of musicianship in a wide ranging selection of material - from reconstituted Bach to specially composed 20th Century pieces.

Outstanding for me was the Sammartini Concerto: Ms Petri shows a lightness of touch combined with serious enthusiasm and an obvious delight that literally stopped me from working and made me listen. The support given by the Moscow Virtuosi also deserves mention.

Koppel's pieces are fun, as are the arrangements from Grieg and Satie.

Overall, although this could be taken as a glorified sampler... it is much more - there are complete works played intelligently and lighter, throw away pieces you'll want to chase after and listen to again.

A Great First CD.......2000-06-22

After falling in love with the recorder, I started searching for CDs and this was the first I bought. It quickly became a favorite CD. I like the fact that it ranges over a wide period--Baroque to Modern, and showcases the instrument in different settings. The liner notes are quite comprehensive as well. In a word--enchanting.

The sublime collection.......2000-06-18

I must confess up front to being a Michala Petri fanatic. I also play the recorder, although after listening to this album, I feel like throwing my instruments into the nearest dumpster.

Michala Petri is a national hero in Denmark, and a recognized name among classical music fans in Europe, Asia, and Canada. If you listen to this album, you will ask yourself how the music business in the USA can frantically promote "The Three Tenors" while mostly ignoring the genius of this amazing young woman.

This is not your kid's recorder. Ms Petri's complete technical and musical mastery of her instrument transforms the recorder into the equal of other familiar solo instruments, but with its own peculiar sound, penetrating but sweet, that sets it apart.

This album is made up mostly of tracks from her many earlier recordings. Some are transcriptions of well-loved piano miniatures (the Grieg numbers are perhaps more charming here than on the piano, if that is possible); of baroque works for flute, recorder, or strings; of modern recorder music written for Ms Petri by contemporary masters. Some are accompanied by small orchestra and others by Ms Petri's husband, the excellent guitarist and lutist Lars Hannibal. The combination of recorder and guitar is an intimate match made in heaven, and I recommend also this duo's complete album, 'Air'.

Ultimate Collection is Gross Understatement.......2000-03-28

This is by far the best "sampler" I have ever heard. The playing is so superb and the recorder so perfect a vehicle that I found myself listing to too often played pieces like Satie's Gymopedie No.1 as if for the first time. Same for the Grieg. It is very hard to believe these renderings aren't the original intention of the composers. This is a guaranteed winner.

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection

Average customer rating:

A Breath of Heaven
Country singer Vince uses orchestra for Christmas album
Vince at his best
Great Christmas Album!
A voice as clear as the stars...

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection
Vince Gill & the Patrick Williams Orchestra
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Let There Be Peace on Earth
An Old Time Christmas
When Love Finds You
Souvenirs
Let It Be Christmas

ASIN: B000009RD3
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

Winter Wonderland
The Christmas Song
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Silver Bells
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Blue Christmas
O Holy Night
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
A Cradle In Bethlehem
Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)
O Come All Ye Faithful

Amazon.com

Following The Key, Gill's hardest country album to date, the Christmas album Breath of Heaven turns so far in the other direction it hardly seems like the same man's work. Don't expect steel guitar and fiddles here: This is pure symphonic pop and a kind of ode to the cinematic string arrangements--not of Nashville, but of Nelson Riddle, or the classic seasonal recordings of Bing Crosby. The selection is tasteful if conservative, though Gill sings every chestnut expertly and even digs a bit deeper on the religious material. The only surprise is the Amy Grant-composed title cut, the album's one undeniably soulful moment. If you're looking for lush and easy-swinging holiday mood music, brimming with the sentiments of the season, you've found it. --Roy Francis Kasten

Customer Reviews:

A Breath of Heaven.......2007-01-05

Vince IMHO is Americas's premier country baladeer in general, with this compilation of him crooning popular Christmas songs, he rightly joins others (Frank, Nat,Bing etc.) that have also added to all our Christmas's over the years; this album is a must in this category of Christmas standards.

For the most part I like the blend of combining the orchestra with Vince's voice, but because I am biased to wanting to hear more Vince, on some songs the Orchestra is a bit overshadowing. I bought six for stocking stuffers :-)

Country singer Vince uses orchestra for Christmas album.......2005-11-14

Vince, with is high tenor voice, is one of the finest singers that country music has ever poroduced - however, this album is not a country album. It is a wonderful Christmas album that should appeal to fans of easy-listening music by the likes of Andy Williams and others.

This was Vince's second Christmas album and (like the first) Vince sticks mainly to famous songs, being careful to avoid those that he included on his earlier album (Let there be peace on earth). The only unusual songs here are the title track (written by Amy Grant, who eventually married him and who has recorded three brilliant Christmas albums of her own), It's the most wonderful time of the year (which doesn't appear on Christmas albums as often as it deserves) and A cradle in Bethlehem (another excellent song that could do with greater exposure).

Vince is in superb voice throughout with the orchestra providing tasteful backing on every track. So, once you get over any initial surprise at hearing Vince supported by an orchestra instead of Nashville musicians, this album is exactly what you'd expect - brilliant.

Vince at his best.......2004-12-15

This is by far the best Christmas album I have ever heard and my wife has made me buy tons of them. I am not a great reviewer of music, I don't play or sing and I can't read music, but I know good music when I hear it. This is not your traditional country star's album. It is just one classic christmas song after another. I love the rendition of Blue Christmas.
So if you want a really good Christmas album, this is for you.

Great Christmas Album!.......2004-08-24

Nothing can match Vince Gill's voice. If you are considering buying a new Christmas CD this year, discover Vince. His style is smooth, clear and perfectly on key!! The spirit of Christmas comes through loud and clear.

Thanks Vince!

A voice as clear as the stars..........2003-12-09

A little artistic license taken with my title, but for me, a deaf person who cannot hear most tones of human speech and that includes music, Vince Gill still remains one of the few very clear artists that I can hear enough when the amps are jacked up in my car. Maybe next year, I won't be able to hear him. I don't know when those tones will go, but I am so grateful for his beautiful voice on Christmas music that I love. I especially adore his spiritual music (rather than the secular stuff) and wish he would do an album of nothing but spiritual Christmas music (hint, hint). Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven is one of the most heart-tugging songs of our generation, and was most assuredly inspired. So the combination of Grant's words and Gill's voice is spectacular.

One suggestion for the music industry. You guys keep believing the stereotype that deaf and hard-of-hearing people cannot enjoy music. You are wrong...and we are a population that will buy. But I most often choose to buy music with the words in the flyer inside the CD case. I do not have the time with my work in bioethics and education to go looking all over the Internet for the lyrics.

Again, Gill's Christmas music is a definite need for your Christmas collections.

Karen Sadler

Music Album:

Music Album