Christmas with the Academy

Awe-inspiring!

There are hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of bogus Christmas CDs in the world, but there's still hope: if you love this music as I do, or know someone with good taste that does, this album is essential. The relatively small chorus rivals the Mormon Tabernacle even in their prime, and the playing from the ASMF is as close to perfection as one could possibly imagine. This is the best disc of holiday music available today and a tremendously underrated recording of superb choral music.

Marriner's expert conducting is subtle yet richly detailed; arrangements (many by Willcocks) are intelligent and full of warmth; the chorus work (led by Heltay) is vivid and dynamic; and, most impressively, texts are totally lucid: words and phrases are poetic but not heavy or forced, sincere without being sentimental. The stirring "Give my heart" that ends "In the Bleak Midwinter," for example, falls gracefully on the ear; the "O, that we were there!" in (the typically unintelligible) "In dulci jubilo" also comes to mind.

For the most part, solo performances are first-rate. The academy soloists are more than adequate, and Rosemary Joshua is just fine; the featured male soloists, however, are other-worldly: Ian Bostridge provides clear, focused, perfectly heartfelt and nuanced singing, here at least the equal of great tenors of the golden age like Simoneau, Alva, Wunderlich, Dermota, et al., while Gerald Finley's rendition of 'The Three Kings' (not the one you think) is transcendent. The chorus, on the whole, err on the side of understatement: they're appropriately reverent for this delicate music, and the effect is remarkable. Some listeners (see below) claim to dislike the song selection on this album. I can't say I agree: there's plenty to enjoy here, and more than a few surprises.

A highlight? It would have to be the quiet, pensive "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen," here sung in glorious German, which leaves me spellbound nearly every time. The perfect sentiment, especially for this unique record. If you think shopping for Christmas music is generally bleak, then give this a try. It's a miracle!
December 3, 2007

I'd like to thank the Academy...

This album features a large English chorus singing traditional Christmas songs. Songs are sung not just in English, but also in French and German. It's certainly well sung, but it's pretty boring to my ears. Most of the songs don't have that much energy, other than the bombastic "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". But fans of classical music will probably enjoy it more than me. November 25, 2007

Uneven, though heavenly sound

I am enjoying this CD, however I must continually adjust the sound level. Some selections are recorded quite low and some are quite loud. I am constantly reaching for the volume. December 22, 2005

An Outstanding Holiday Recording

In 1994 I worked at a music store where I was considered "the classical music expert." How did I earn this distinguished honor you may ask? Well, I had music lessons as a child, had a somewhat good knowledge of classical music as a hobbyist (I am a die hard opera buff and love the symphonic repertoire too), and I was the oldest sales person in the store. I was in my early thirties but most of the other employees were either in or recent graduates of high school. Since I could answer a few basic questions, I was the expert. I was also the jazz expert, movie sound track expert, easy listening expert, and vocals expert. If my life depended on my expertise of these areas, I wouldn't be writing this review right now, but that's another story.

The manager asked me to select some Christmas CD's for the store and in the catalogue, I saw that there would be a new release by The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner's direction. I had not heard the disc and we did not have a sample, but I had a hunch it would be well received and since the store catered to customers who loved good music, I figured that the recording would be well received. I remember when it arrived and we put it on the store stereo. From the church bells at the beginning to the first simple tunes of the disc, I knew this would be a great collection of holiday music. Customers agreed. It received airtime on the local classical station and we could not keep it in stock.

Since that time CHRISTMAS WITH THE ACADEMY has been a staple in my Christmas collection. It has three major strengths. First, the wonderful orchestra and beautiful chorus of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of founder Sir Neville Marriner. Second, there is a variety of carols and traditional holiday music. We hear tracks we would expect from an English ensemble, but we also hear those wonderful melodies that when performed well add so much to this season. Third would be the overall excellence of this recording. This great ensemble has produced excellent music over the years and this collection is simply another example of its quality.

I loved the recording when it was new, but now it has become a classic. For anyone who loves good holiday music that is performed well and has the spiritual quality that is so much a part of the season, this is a disc you will love.
November 19, 2005

I love it

This is excellent Christmas music. Of the choir Christmas music I have heard, I think this is great because there seems to be such a great balance between the male and female singers. Its exactly how I'd want Christmas carolers to sound. If you like how the music previews sound then you will like this cd. December 15, 2004

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