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Christmas Present From Polyphony
Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Christmas Present From Polyphony
Genres: Folk, Special Interest, Pop, Classical
 

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Title: Christmas Present From Polyphony
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 2
Label: Hyperion UK
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Album Type: Import
Genres: Folk, Special Interest, Pop, Classical
Styles: Holiday & Wedding, Vocal Pop, Opera & Classical Vocal, Sacred & Religious
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 034571100272

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CD Reviews

Choral perfectionists.
Benjamin L. Filippone | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 02/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an essential Christmas choral CD. The program itself is fabulous and unique, lacking the tacky "favorites" found on most recordings of this type. Entirely a cappella except for two Rutter arrangements with orchestra. Not a single track is lacking in depth and sincerity.



Polyphony is one phenomenal choir. For its small size, it has truly unmatched sustaining power and control (demonstrated most astonishingly in Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and the end of Howells' A Spotless Rose). The only disappointment on the entire disc is Grieg's gorgeous "Ave Maris Stella" in which, for whatever reason, the men sing with a rather unblended and even wobbly sound while the women are almost entirely straight-tone. "Sing Lullaby" by Howells is a priceless gem worth several times the cost of this CD....a powerfully haunting piece performed here to utter perfection and taste. You will also find what is most assuredly the most perfect and definitive recording of "O Magnum Mysterium" to be found anywhere. The balance and length of line this incredibly gifted ensemble achieves in this too-often-performed piece will leave you breathless."
Sublimely beautiful!
Jan in NC | 02/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heavenly music, beautifully captured in a location with fantastic acoustics. This is music that needs to be heard on headphones or outstanding surround sound to be really appreciated. Here I am in February still listening to this CD of Xmas music... it's very calming to the soul. I can't recommend this highly enough."