A Heavenly Christmas

Product Description
Gary plays his harp to 17 popular Christmas carols. This lightly orchestrated recording features Gary playing several different kinds of harps which are occupied by solo flute, oboes, cello and keyboard. 'A Heavenly Christmas' will be one of your holiday season favorites. Buy more than one and give it as a gift.

A Heavenly Christmas,Gary Garritan

Average customer rating: Traditional Christmas Music The quintessential Christmas recording A Top List Christmas CD The best How do you describe perfection?

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale Robert Shaw Chorale Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Robert Shaw Chorale | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 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: Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra A Festival of Carols in Brass A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High ASIN: B000003EPA Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
4. Shepherd's Carol
5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
6. Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
7. I Wonder As I Wander
8. We Three Kings
9. My Dancing Day
10. Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
11. Coventry Carol
12. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
13. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
14. Carol Of The Bells
15. Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

These words are no surprise to those familiar with choral music in the United States. If you are not so familiar, but would like to enjoy Christmas music at its most beautiful, you can do no better than acquiring this CD.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Robert Shaw Chorale a perfect Ceremony of Carols! Brilliant compilation Didn't care for it that much

A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kopïlov, Alexander | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lauridsen | Lauridsen, Morten | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thompson | Thompson, Randall | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | 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 All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra Carols from Trinity O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge ASIN: B000003D2M Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

1. O Come, Emmanuel
2. Alleluia
3. The First Nowell
4. The Carol Of The Birds
5. Allon, Gay Bergeres
6. A Hymn To The Virgin
7. O Magnum Mysterium
8. Christmas Oratorio: Rejoice And Sing
9. Ave Maria
10. What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
11. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
12. Sing Lullaby
13. While By My Sheep
14. Christmas Oratorio: Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light
15. Heavenly Light
16. Adeste Fideles
17. Ceremony Of Carols: Procession - Hodie Christus Natus Est
18. Ceremony Of Carols: Wolcum Yole!
19. Ceremony Of Carols: There Is No Rose
20. Ceremony Of Carols: That Yonge Child
21. Ceremony Of Carols: Balulalow
22. Ceremony Of Carols: As Dew In Aprille
23. Ceremony Of Carols: This Little Babe
24. Interlude (Harp Solo)
25. Ceremony Of Carols: In Freezing Winter Night
26. Ceremony Of Carols: Spring Carol
27. Ceremony Of Carols: Deo Gracias
28. Ceremony Of Carols: Recession: Hodie Christus Natus Est

Amazon.com

In this beautifully chosen program of mostly a cappella arrangements, Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers deliver the Christmas story in tones of gentle and moving splendor. The carols and sacred settings recorded here are all of an intimate sort, and the rapturous, gently expressive realizations Shaw and his singers give them prove unfailingly appealing. Particularly moving is the newest work on the disc, a setting of "O magnum mysterium" by the American composer Morten Lauridsen. Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria" is another gem, as is the arrangement by Healy Willan of the French carol "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" The offering includes a pair of chorales from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and two wonderful Christmas works by Benjamin Britten: "A Hymn to the Virgin" and A Ceremony of Carols, both well done, even if the sound of sopranos and altos (rather than boy trebles) in the latter takes some getting used to. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-02-16

The music is beautiful of course. The Robert Shaw Chorale is a high quality group of singers, and the arrangements they sing are really nice. Because of the age of the recording today's standards of equpment and tonal quality simply weren't available but the upgrade from analog vinyl was well-done. I shall look for more of these.

Robert Shaw Chorale.......2007-01-10

This is an excellent ablum. The music is lovely and quite varied. While there are many of the familiar favorites, there are also many new and different songs and the whole CD is a delight to listen to.

a perfect Ceremony of Carols!.......2005-12-22

This is the finest recording of Britten's A Ceremony of Carols I've ever come across, and there are plenty of versions to choose from. The King's College Choir rendition suffers from overstuffed acoustics, a constant with that choir, and their recording of Ceremony of Carols falls short in the requisite rhythmic clarity and intensity. The Christ Church, Oxford version is plodding, and lacks sparkle. Harry Christopher's The Sixteen come close, with marvelous sonics and ecstatic diction, but fall apart in the exacting 'This Little Babe' round with uneven cohesion, and strange stressed notes that ruin the waterfall effect so felicitously construed by Britten. I've not heard Britten's own conducted version, but he scrupulously insisted on boy trebles, and it's difficult if not impossible to conjure a more perfect rendering than the one given here by Shaw and his Chamber Singers. 'This Little Babe' is incomparable in each and all of its rapid fire contours, which is no mean feat. Mezzo-soprano Nanette Soles deserves special mention for incandescent singing on 'That Younge Child". The luminous pacing of 'There is no rose of such virtue' is notable, and to his credit Shaw employs the ecclesiastical pronunciation of the various Latin passages, unlike The Sixteen (and most other English choir recordings of this piece) who insist on an idiomatic British pronunciation of Latin, which offers nothing but distraction. Some will prefer boy treble singers, an attractive option, but for high musical values and the art they inevitably enshrine, it's impossible to be disappointed with this profoundly wrought version of Ceremony of Carols. Bach's 'Break Forth, O beauteous heavenly light' is just right, and I'd not heard 'Heavenly Light' by Aleksandr Kopylov; both are favorable additions to an excellent recording. Recommended.

Brilliant compilation.......2005-03-16

This is an absolutely outstanding collection of carols - some of them well-known, some of them obscure. As a choral singer, I've had the pleasure of singing many of these pieces, and I was delighted when I found them all in one place, and done by an ensemble so accomplished as the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers! It just isn't Christmas for me without this recording.

Didn't care for it that much.......2004-12-27

I prefer to hear the voices and the words of the carols, and this one has too much other sound (maybe even the use of massed voices); I have a hard time hearing what they are singing.

Average customer rating: Uplifting Spiritually uplifting! INSPIRING!! A Healing CD

Hymns for Healing Sally Fletcher Manufacturer: Heavenly Music for Earthly Events ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Healing from the harp Angels Awakening Serenity from the Harp The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration Harp Of The Healing Light ASIN: B0006H5M6Y Release Date: 2004-10-17

Tracks:

1. On Eagle's Wings
2. Amazing Grace
3. I Danced In The Morning
4. The Lord's Prayer
5. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
6. Jesus Loves Me
7. Kum Ba Yah
8. Surely The Presence Of The Lord Is In This Place
9. How Great Thou Art
10. Prayer of St. Francis
11. The Old Rugged Cross
12. Hymn of the Universe
13. It Is Well With My Soul
14. Ave Maria
15. Rock Of Ages
16. In The Garden
17. Let There Be Peace On Earth
18. Shalom, Chaverim!

Album Description

The shimmering vibrations of the harp strings will bring peace, healing and food for the soul. Music is one of the most powerful ways to be connected with God and the universe. It is ideal background music for a church service or spiritual gathering.

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting.......2006-07-16

The music on this CD is like a worship experience all its own. I can relax, turn on the CD and hear my favorite hymns fill the room. Of course, my favorite, "Amazing Grace," is unbelievable and so soothing played on the harp.

Spiritually uplifting!.......2005-02-04

This beautiful harp arrangement of Amazing Grace by Sally Fletcher brings to mind all the wonderful and moving experiences I've had when I heard it in the past. I get a spiritual uplift as I listen to everything on this heavenly CD.

INSPIRING!!.......2005-02-01

This is the most inspiring spiritual music I've ever heard! The artist's composition, Hymn of the Universe, is my favorite. In The Garden was my mother's favorite hymn, so it brings back special memories. Every person who received this CD as a gift from me tells me their favorite hymn was on the album.

A Healing CD.......2005-01-11

Hymns for Healing is the most beautiful music I've heard! The selection is wonderful! I highly recommend it for ANY occasion, spiritual, or otherwise. Many favorite songs of everyone are included and played from the heart.

Average customer rating: excellent entertainment The Christmas I Love A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun Wonderful; marvellous ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

The Christmas I Love Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Tuscany At The Movies The Homecoming The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart Romantic Moments ASIN: B0000041OB Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

1. O Daughter Of Zion
2. White Christmas
3. Sleigh Ride
4. From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
5. Ave Maria
6. Transeamus
7. Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
8. Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
9. Jingle Bells
10. Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
11. Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
12. Christmas Rose
13. The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
14. O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
15. Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
16. Dearest Believe Me
17. Come Little Children
18. The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
19. The Holy City
20. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.

Average customer rating:

Healy Willan: Missa brevis 4 & 11; Motets Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Willan: Tenebrae Responsaries ASIN: B00000DNFH Release Date: 1995-03-14

Average customer rating:

All Things Bright and Beautiful Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lead, Kindly Light: Hymns of Faith and Assurance English Hymn 1 English Hymn 3 Jerusalem the Golden ASIN: B00008ZZ3Z Release Date: 2003-07-08

Average customer rating: An Awesome Experience Beautiful Voice Heavenly Peace, indeed!

Heavenly Peace Darlene Koldenhoven Manufacturer: Time Art ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B00004SZHT Release Date: 1999-12-16

Tracks:

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
2. Gabriel to Mary, Weaping
3. Joseph's Question
4. The Star to the Stable
5. Angels' Pastorale
6. Angels We Hav Heard on High
7. Balulalow (O My Deir Hert)
8. Silent Night
9. Emmanuel
10. Pie Jesu from Requiem

Album Description

From Grammy winner, Darlene Koldenhoven, this 'anything but traditional' CD "Heavenly Peace" was selected as "Best Holiday CD" by New Age Magazine; "Album of the Month" by The New Times, Seattle; and debuted #2 on the New Age Voice Radio Charts. This glorious collection of original and traditional songs (some non-seasonal) with non-traditional arrangements will evoke that special holiday spirit all year long. As producer of this successful inde release, Darlene chose or composed and arranged most all the songs to tastefully feature her expressively soaring, angelic, five-octave vocal range, with or without lyrics. The lyrics touch upon the spiritual and emotional sides of all the characters involved in the Christmas Story, while the music and production reflect elements of classical, world, jazz, and new age. A serene and joyful celebration with mostly synthesized accompaniment and acoustic soloists on various traditional and world instruments. If you liked her featured solo, "Aria," in "Yanni, Live at the Acropolis" you'll love her vocal and keyboard work here. With plenty of musical interest for attentive listening, this album will also create a soothing background ambience. From comments by radio programmers, to listeners world wide, EVERY track on this album is musically and spiritually satisfying. Heavenly Peace . . . indeed!

Customer Reviews:

An Awesome Experience.......2005-01-08

Although parts of this recording are sung in a vocal range that the Modern Listener isn't comfortable with, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys extreme talent. Listening to this CD is an experience: I was soaring on Pie Jesu. Koldenhaven is the most exciting female singer since discovering Loreena McKennitt.

Beautiful Voice.......2002-11-19

The tonal quality of Darlene's voice is simply superb. Both rich and delicate. I would estimate at least a four octave range of superb, stylish aural splendor. Her talent goes well beyond just being a superb singer. She also arranged many of the "Heavenly Peace" songs, and produced this CD. Do I have a favorite song? Not really, they are all great for listening. But if I have to select a favorite, it would be "Emmanuel" ... a pure, ethereal song of magical beauty. I play this song over and over and over. The CD is my Christmas morning music while opening gifts. Highly recommended.

Heavenly Peace, indeed!.......2000-11-28

A few seconds into my initial listening to its first track, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," I sensed that Heavenly Peace was not going to be a typical Christmas album, and as the rest of the album unfolded, that first impression became ever more deliciously validated. The multi-layered vocals on the song, in their interplay with the violin solo, alert listeners that they are in for some groundbreaking music, period, let alone a singular contribution to the seasonal literature.

As the album continues to cast its spell, one quickly develops an appreciation for all the unique ways that Koldenhoven informs the holiday musical legacy, making new even the most familiar tunes and, simultaneously, the wonder of the Christmas story. Even more remarkable than her crystal-clear five-octave instrument (from below second alto to up, up, and away) is the fact that she manages to exploit its full range without showy, gimmick-laden histrionics.

Several original compositions, including the wordless "Angels' Pastorale," add depth to the listening experience, and the sensitive lyrics (especially on "Joseph's Question") are worthy of the delicate settings that cradle them. Even the best-known tunes are so imaginatively delivered that one may be more tempted to wonder where one has heard the song before than to (attempt to) sing along. "Silent Night," packaged a bit like The Manhattan Transfer's version, comes the closest to sounding like something I can use as a basis of comparison, although if you're a Sarah Brightman fan, this collection will surely appeal to you, as it mines similarly etheric stylistic territory. It even closes with Koldenhoven's heartfelt (and superior) take on one of Brightman's signature tunes, "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem.

Although hers isn't a household name, you may know the artist for her work with Yanni (she sang "Aria" on his Live at the Acropolis video and his In the Mirror CD), 2+2 (a jazz group with whom she earned three Grammy nominations and one award), or Inner Voices. The latter all-female quartet's 1990 Christmas Harmony is one of those very few holiday releases that have made my playlist every year since its release. I know that Heavenly Peace will join that special group of discs next year, and every year from then on.

Average customer rating: Best Christmas Album Ever What a nice compilation of holiday sounds! Superior Holiday Collection A SOFTER HOLIDAY SOUND This has a nice variety of Christmas music

Heavenly Christmas Various Artists Manufacturer: Warner Strat. Mkt. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Treasury of Christmas: Evergreen Merry Little Christmas Christmas Memories Cool Yule James Taylor at Christmas ASIN: B0000DI4T5 Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. Christmas Canon - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
2. Ave Maria - Sarah Brightman
3. O' Little Town Of Bethlehem - Mannheim Steamroller
4. River - Linda Ronstadt
5. Joy - George Winston
6. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Carly Simon
7. Coventry Carol - Loreena McKennitt
8. We Three Kings - John Tesh
9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - The Manhattan Transfer
10. Angels We Have Heard On High/Joy To The World - Michael Cranford
11. Mary, Did You Know - Natalie Cole
12. The Christmas Song - Eva Cassidy
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Kitaro
14. The Little Drummer Boy - Linda Eder
15. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - David Lanz
16. Silver Bells - Take 6
17. The First Nowell - Chanticleer
18. Silent Night - Liona Boyd

Customer Reviews:

Best Christmas Album Ever.......2006-12-07

This is a great compulation, with the best recording of Christmas Canon I've heard.

What a nice compilation of holiday sounds!.......2005-01-09

This is a very pleasant CD! A nice taste of various artists, and some of their best work. If you like any of these artists, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this CD.

Superior Holiday Collection.......2003-12-16

At last, a pop holiday collection for a more mature audience (though anyone enjoying quality Christmas music will like this
CD). You can't go wrong with Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt (covering Joni Mitchell's "River"), Eva Cassidy, Manhattan Transfer and the others. The only exception: Michael Crawford, with a voice that takes some getting use to. Pleasant and sophisticated, good music for nearly any holiday gathering.

A SOFTER HOLIDAY SOUND.......2003-11-28

Lionna Boyd, Linda Edder, Linda Ronstadt and several more adult artists are found on this compact product.
Each track fits perfectly with the package.
This is the perfect MOR christmas product on the market.

This has a nice variety of Christmas music.......2003-11-24

I liked this CD. There is a nice variety of music so you don't get bored. The recording quality is good too.

Average customer rating: A Perfect Introduction to Mario Lanza

Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Adam, Adolphe-Charles | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brodszky, Nicholas | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Buzzi-Peccia, Arturo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gruber, Franz Xaver | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas with Mario Lanza You'll Never Walk Alone For the First Time/Mario Lanza Sings Caruso Favorites Lanza: Greatest Hits Mario Lanza ~ Opera Arias & Duets, from Andréa Chenier · La Bohème · I Pagliacci · Madama Butterfly · Otello ASIN: B0002DRDGO Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. You Do Something to Me [From Because You're Mine] - Mario Lanza
2. Sylvia - Mario Lanza
3. Some Day [From the Vagabond King] - Mario Lanza
4. Beloved - Mario Lanza
5. Song of India - Mario Lanza
6. Lolita - Mario Lanza
7. You Are My Love - Mario Lanza
8. Lygia [From Quo Vadie] - Mario Lanza
9. Flower Song [From Carmen] - Mario Lanza
10. Che Gelida Manina (Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen) [From the Great Caruso] - Mario Lanza
11. O Tu Che in Seno Agli Angeli (Thou Heavenly One) [From LA Forza ...] - Mario Lanza
12. Joy to the World - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren His Orchestra
13. O Christmas Tree - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren
14. Lord's Prayer - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
15. First Noel - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
16. O Come All Ye Faithful - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
17. Away in a Manger (Luther's Cradle Hymn) - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren His Orchestra
19. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren His Orchestra
20. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
21. We Three Kings of Orient Are - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
22. Silent Night - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
23. Guardian Angels - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza
24. I Saw Three Ships - Jeff Alexander Choir, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren His Orchestra
25. O Holy Night - Mario Lanza, RCA Victor Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Introduction to Mario Lanza.......2004-11-28

What a pleasure to find two excellent Lanza LPs on one CD. The compilation album You Do Something To Me, first released in 1958, was arguably the best sampling of Lanza's versatility that RCA ever put together. Whether by accident or design, the album offered stunning examples of Lanza's prowess in different genres: popular ballads, operetta, opera, and Italian song. While one might quibble at the absence of Neapolitan songs, it should be noted that at the time of this album's release, Lanza had not yet recorded his finest collection of that genre - the album Mario! (now available on the CD Mario! Lanza At His Best).

The standout tracks from You Do Something To Me are the title song; the thrilling (and rarely heard) Some Day from a 1951 radio show; the song Beloved from the film version of The Student Prince; and a sublime rendition of Che Gelida Manina from La Boheme. There are also impressive renditions of the aria O Tu Che in Seno agli Angeli from The Force of Destiny; the lovely Sylvia; Song of India; and the exciting Lolita. Unlike many of RCA's other Lanza compilations, there is nothing downright bad on the album, though Lygia and the over-exuberant Flower Song should have been remade.

The other album featured here is Lanza's first (and best) album of Christmas songs and carols, originally released in 1956. (Note: the same renditions also feature on the BMG CDs Christmas With Mario Lanza and Christmas Hymns and Carols.) Recorded between 1950 and 1956, most of the numbers showcase the tenor in fine vocal fettle. Ignore the moments of sharpness on O Holy Night, The Lord's Prayer, and Joy to the World, and instead revel in the beauty and commitment that Lanza brings to his singing here.

All in all, a splendid introduction to a vocal phenomenon.

Average customer rating:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The Jigsaw Seen Manufacturer: Vibro-phonic Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00063MB2G Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (remixed version)
2. Jesus Of Hollywood (album version)
3. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (instrumental version)
4. Jesus Of Hollywood (single version)
5. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (original single mix)

Album Description

This classic yuletide recording has become a perennial favorite since it's initial release on red vinyl in 1989. Originally released by Skyclad Records as a 7-inch single, Vibro-phonic has now expanded the release to a 5 song CD EP.

The EP starts off with a brand new remix of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, showcasing heavenly harmonies and droning electric sitars. The song was remixed after the original 2 inch analog tapes were meticulously baked and transferred to digital. The next cut is a 2004 remix of Jesus Of Hollywood, a track that appeared on The Jigsaw Seen's long out-of-print debut album Shortcut Through Clown Alley. A previously unreleased instrumental version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen follows, featuring guest percussionist Joe Berardi on vibes. Next up is the acoustic single version of Jesus Of Hollywood, remixed especially for this release. The final selection is the original single mix of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.

With a mint condition copy of the original single and picture sleeve valued at over $20 (Goldmine Christmas Record Price Guide, Krause Publications, 1997), this expanded, remixed and remastered version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

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