I had the lp when it first came out and I practically wore it out. I fell in love with Panis Angelicus from this album, among others. I was very happy to get the cd when it came out and sometimes I play it even if it's not Christmas. His voice sound so wonderful on this recording, at his prime. (there was a tv special on PBS with the songs from this lp, back when PBS was worth watching).
Question: Should I get the new version with a few new songs added (although I only saw one new song. (I hate when record companies do this tempting the consumer to buy the same album twice.)
This is definitely an album for the ages and one that might tempt people unfamiliar with opera singers to possibly going to an opera.
November 30, 2005 |  | The King of High C's Does Christmas! |  |
Originally recorded in 1976 and now available on a CD, this collection of sacred Christmas music by Luciano Pavarotti has to be one of the finest recordings of this sort ever made. This great tenor was at the height of his powers and his golden voice, instantly recognizable, puts chills on the listener's spine.
There is an abundance of riches here, each selection as good as the next one. I'm not sure I could pick out a favorite. "O Holy Night", Franck's "Panis Angelicus", "both the Schubert and Bach-Gounod "Ave Marias", "Sanctus" from the Berlioz REQUIEM, and the celestial "Agnus Dei" by Bizet and five others are all here. And what's better than Pavarotti singing heavenly music? Pavarotti and the Wandsworth Boys Choir singing heavenly music.
This one should go in the time capsule.
December 22, 2004| | | A beautiful and emotional classic for Christmas | |
This is a wonderful Christmas album. It is warm and full of heart, sacred in an honest way, free of so much silly sentiment that normally fills the season. You will find it touching and meaningful; the arrangements are beautiful and straightforward and the contrast of Pavarotti's grand voice with the Wandsworth Boys Choir is amazing; it actually will make you appreciate the season in a new way. I listen to this album each Christmas and always find something new to love on it. This album will bring to life the Christmas message in a way so seldom heard: simple, lovingly presented, and full of honest emotion.
December 21, 2003| | | Pavarotti is incomparable | |
I was first touched by Pavarotti's voice as a teenager in the early 80's when I saw a PBS special of this concert on television. The power of his voice and his personality are incomparable. His rendition of Ave Maria is especially touching. I would recommend this as a first buy for anyone who is new to the operatic experience, as I was so many years ago.
November 13, 2003My brother and I searched for months to find a copy of this album. My father had owned the vinyl and played it at Christmas when we were children. Now that we are adults, we can recreate that same feeling of joy by playing this CD and listening to Pavarotti's amazing voice sing out with the angelic voices of the accompanying boys' choir.
June 1, 2001More reviews at Amazon.com ...
