 |  | Nice, old-fashioned carols |  |
Just what I was looking for: many of the old-time carols sung by a choir. No snazzy interpretations nor headliners. There were a few songs that were new to my ears but mostly it reminded me of those old LPs we pulled out at christmases back when people played LPs.
January 7, 2009Just the most delightful CD in a long time, Holiday or not , this Cd is just great! Will re order to give as gifts for the next year Holiday season. Wonderful Music!
January 6, 2009 | | All singing, no orchestration | |
I thought angels would have a heavenly orchestra to back them up. The songs are very pretty, but I guess I didn't realize there were no musical instruments, which would have made the songs even more lovely. Even a celestial harp would have helped a lot!
December 14, 2008| | | Beautiful but Doesn't Hold Your Interest | |
I think it needs to be noted here that this music is ALL entirely "sans orchestra." Generally, I have listened to Robert Shaw with the orchestra and chorus. This disc was disappointing because it was only the chorus, and while the Christmas music is very beautiful and almost saintly in its presentation, it is sparse and can get boring after a few hymns. They all tend to blend into each other, not much differentiation since it is all chorus and no orchestra.
December 7, 2008This is one of my favorite choral Christmas CDs. "Songs of Angels" pretty much sums it up, so I don't know what more I can add, but I'll try.
First, let me say that I enjoy all types of Christmas music, with the exception of stuff like "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," and songs of that ilk. I like secular and sacred, instrumental and vocal, soloists and choirs.
This collection, however, is--how can I put it?--transcendent! Besides the practically flawless blend of voices, the selection and variety of songs is amazing. There are many Christmas moods: joyous, reflective, humorous, poignant, mysterious, awestruck, loving. Every song seems to shimmer with a heart-filling brilliance that almost makes you catch your breath, it's so beautiful.
If you love to listen to great choral music all during the year, this will totally be THE Christmas CD for you. If you like more contemporary secular Christmas music, this probably won't be your cup of tea. If the commercialism of Christmas starts to make you crazy, take a little time off, make a nice cup of cocoa or tea, retire to a room by yourself and listen to this lovely music. It will bring you back to what Christmas is about.
November 18, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(25 reviews)