Christmas with the Pops

If you're looking for a single classical/pops Christmas album you can play year after year, Erich Kunzel's Christmas with the Pops might just be it. At the helm of his familiar Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and accompanied by a full roster of guest stars, Kunzel steps through 70 minutes of mostly traditional favorites for orchestra with and without chorus (a children's chorus and bell choir are also on hand). The guest stars are Doc Severinsen ("The Christmas Song"), Rosemary Clooney ("White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), Toni Tenille ("The Christmas Waltz"), Sherrill Milnes ("Go Tell It on the Mountain"), and boy soprano Stephen Van Dyck ("Walking in the Air" from The Snowman television special). Count on making Christmas with the Pops an annual tradition in your home. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com

Best Christmas Album EVER

This is my second copy of this album. I wore out my first one. This has the most beautiful versions of all my favorite Christmas songs. Its perfect! November 5, 2007

The perfect Christmas Spirit CD

If you need some Christmas Spirit, this is the CD for you. Every mood of Christmas music is included in this album and the song "Walking in the Air" is worth the price of the CD by itself. January 10, 2007

Christmas with the Pops CD breaks all time listening record in our home!

This CD really represents the music our family likes to hear during the holiday season. The selections are beautifully arranged, performed with a variety of vocalists and are all recognizable holiday favorites that had us singing away while wrapping gifts and enjoying the season's festivities (even made cleaning the house somewhat more bearable). I would highly recommend this CD as a musical gift to yourself and someone else! January 9, 2007

An Enjoyable Recording from America's Other Pops Orchestra

This is a wonderful recording by America's "Other" Pops orchestra. Since I am from Boston, I automatically associate the word Pops with the Boston Pops and when it was first released, purchased it at will believing it was a Boston Pops recording. Upon listening, I realized that it was a different sound than the Boston Pops sound, but this discovery was hardly a disappointment. One of the reasons why Erich Kunzel has been so successful with the Cincinnati Pops is his ability to bring forth a powerful and unique sound. This recording has all the Christmas standards, but the standards are presented in a creative manner, which is both a Telarc and Cincinnati Pops trademark.

There are two great strengths to this recording: its variety and its guests. There are full symphonic arrangements as well as arrangements for soloist, adult and children's choirs. Brass and organ ensembles, and hand bell choirs. The various arrangements are placed in an order throughout the recording that keeps the listener's attention. The gests are also outstanding. Rosemary Clooney, baritone Sherill Milnes, Doc Severinsen, and Toni Tenille add star power to the recording. There are unique tracks, particularly the chilling and somewhat ephemeral "Walking in the Air" from THE SNOWMAN performed by treble Stephen Van Dyck.

I have owned the recording since its release in 1990 and it has become a treasured part of my holiday collection. I am sure other listeners will treasure it too.
December 16, 2004

Fireside Favorites

One of the best Christmas albums you will find. Perfect balance between religious favorites, non-religious classics, and children's favorites. All tastefully done and arranged to fit the theme of the song. Many of the percussion "effects" bring the songs to life and the solo and choral vocals are outstanding. Cannot recommend this album highly enough. A must have for any Christmas collection to be enjoyed for many years. November 19, 2003

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