Search - Christmas Traditional, Jester Hairston, Pietro Yon :: A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert

Patrice M. from CHARLOTTE, NC
Reviewed on 1/14/2011...

Classic Christmas

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Voices of Angels

MICHAEL ACUNA | Southern California United States | 11/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The stars must have been aligned perfectly, all must have been right with the world on that night of December 8, 1991 in NYC's Carnegie Hall when this Christmas concert was filmed, because it is an example, one of those rare instances when everything falls into place perfectly.
On this particular night Kathleen Battle, Frederica Von Stade, Wynton Marsalis and Andre Previn performed, not only with their instruments but with their hearts as well. All the performers relate and connect to this often performed material in ways others simply do not. This is secular Holiday music performed with fervor and an emotional connection that borders on the religious.
The highlight of this recording is the 17 minute "American Songs" (I Wonder as I Wander, Who Was Mary, etc) performed primarily by Battle and Von Stade that is so exquisite as to be otherworldly.
Christmas Concerts can be corny or at worst, maudlin. But on this particular night in 1991, the angels sang and the heavens opened and called forth these artists to perform not only with their voices but with their souls as well. This is an emotional experience that is not to be missed."

December 8, 1991 Must Have Been Quite A Night In NYC

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 12/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"December 8, 1991 must have been a great night in New York City, especially at Carnegie Hall. On this evening, three outstanding performers backed by a great orchestra and two different choirs joined forces for a Christmas concert. The fruit of this effort is the recording A CARNEGIE HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT.When Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, and Wynton Marsalis collaborate in a concert, how can it be anything but an event? This disc shows just how phenomenal event this concert must have been. Each performer had ample opportunity to demonstrate the performer's individual talents, but there are also many duets with Battle and von Stade as well as works where all three perform together. The Orchestra of St. Luke's is conducted by Andre Previn and has a sumptuous sound. The American Boychoir and the Christmas Concert Chorus add backups that enhance so many of the arrangements. Battle and Von Stade's rendition of "Gesu Bambino" is probably one of the best recordings of this beautiful carol. The "Evening Prayer" from HANSEL AND GRETEL is a highlight as well. Winton Marsalis and his septet display their talents in jazz versions of "Winter Wonderland" and "We Three Kings." There is a great Christmas medley that concludes the disc that is simply vocal and orchestral fireworks at their best.My only critique, or pet peeve might be the better way of expressing it, would be "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This particular arrangement has the gifts in a different order than the standard version, but since this could be open to dispute, and in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, I won't consider this a strike against the album.I'll say it again: December 8, 1991 must have been a great night in New York City, especially at Carnegie Hall."