Canadian Brass - A Christmas Experiment

Based on a Christmas film assembled and acted in part by children of the Canadian Brass, A Christmas Experiment may well be the traditional-family-values CD you've been waiting to find. Merging the talents of the Bach Children's Christmas Chorus and the Georgian Bay Children's Choir, the internationally known brassy quintet provides bright and sweeping arrangements of secular and sacred standards as well as original pieces created for the program. The result is a refreshing panoramic showcase of the Christmas spirit, realized through and for children that neatly avoids being too cute, classical, or Christmassy. --Martin Keller Amazon.com

If you like this, it's what you like

If you're a Canadian Brass form, this is christmas music in fine form. They have two Christmas CDs, one more traditional, one more snappy modern carols, they're both pretty good. January 5, 2007

Not great for "stand-alone" listening

The music on this album works astonishingly well as part of the television special (metioned in other reviews).

However, listening to the music on its own, it doesn't really work. As a fan of experimental, challenging music, I hate to say this, but: this is just too "weird" for a Christmas album. If you do not already have the Canadian Brass' other Christmas album, that is the one to get. December 21, 2004

An Experiment That Does Not Fail

The Canadian Brass is an ensemble known for both its virtuosity and its creativity. Both attributes can be found in its Christmas recording A CHRISTMAS EXPERIMENT. The disc was recorded in conjunction with an A and E television special which is available on DVD.

This is not a traditional brass choir Christmas album, though certainly there are elements of this in many of the tracks. Most of the tracks involve the vocals of two children's choirs: The Bach Children's Chorus and The Georgian Bay Children's Choir. The voices of these two groups are almost angelic. The pleasing quality of the children's voices makes the recording worthwhile. Most of the arrangements are original, and lovers of the Canadian Brasses antics will enjoy the arrangements of "Jingle Bells" and the original "Sleigh Runners." While a carol such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" is so standard that people are hardly excited by it, the powerful version of this recording will make listeners stand up and take notice. Perhaps one of the most original pieces is the Brass's version of "Jolly Old St. Nick." It begins like the groups prior recording the Pachelbel Canon, but moves into the familiar song.

I will have to admit, when I first purchased the recording and saw the title A CHRISTMAS EXPERIMENT, I have expected it to fail. I am glad I was wrong. The experiment is definitely a success. December 1, 2003

A Very Successful Experiment!

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I purchased this CD last year on a whim. Christmas Experiment quickly became one of my favorite Christmas CDs. We know that Christmas is particularly special for children, and that really came through with the singing of the children on this CD. The first track ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) immediately caught my attention with the child's narration backed up by the full, lucious tones of the Canadian Brass. Jingle Bells is high-spirited and lots of fun to listen to. I especially love the young soloist for Drummer Boy. There are a few tracks with just the Canadian Brass--as always, they demonstrate wit and charm with their arrangements. Give yourself a treat and buy this CD. December 4, 2001

Creative and refreshing.

The Canadian Brass combine their creative talents with the voices of children's choirs to bring a refreshing new sound to traditional Christmas songs! Five stars from me for a great CD! October 18, 1998

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