Search - Mary Beth Carlson :: The Heart of Christmas

A Christmas Treasure!!!

T. Carr | Plano, TX USA | 12/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Heart of Christmas" will open your heart to the spirit of the season. Mary Beth Carlson's piano orchestral arrangements of holiday favorites and the two new compositions are absolutely beautiful.



If I would be limited to one image or feeling of Christmas, it would be listening to "O Holy Night" being sung in church on Christmas Eve. To me, that song expresses the true meaning of Christmas better than any other song. I can't express the deep emotions I feel each year as I listen to the song on Christmas Eve.



Mary Beth Carlson's arrangement of "O Holy Night" is simply fabulous. I play that one song over and over again. And each time I listen to it, I am reminded of the simple message of Christmas.



"Sleigh Ride" brings be the external feelings of the holiday season --- snow, a sleigh ride, family and friends, etc. which make each Christmas so very special. This song always just makes me feel good inside. Once again, Mary Beth's arrangement is wonderful. When I listen to her play, I can picture myself riding in the snow in a sleigh listening to the bells ring.



While the tunes are well known, familiar Christmas songs such as "Carol of the Bells", "The First Noel", "O Come, All Ye Faithful", and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" sound fresh and new as played by Mary Beth on this CD. The arrangements are very beautiful.



The CD includes two original compositions. The title song for the CD is "The Heart of Christmas" and was composed by Mary Beth. It's a very beautiful number that really features Mary Beth's artistry on the piano. "First Snow" was composed by Ric Flauding and is also a beautiful piece. The very soft notes at the beginning remind me of watching the first few snow flakes of the season gently falling to the ground.



While it is most difficult to select a favorite from all the great numbers on the CD, the combined "Majesty" / "Amazing Grace" may be the best number on the CD. It is simply wonderful to listen to. While one doesn't usually think of "Amazing Grace" as a song of Christmas, it does after all reflect on the "heart of Christmas" through its message.



For me, Christmas is a celebration of memories. First, memories of that first Christmas and the meaning the birth of Jesus has for all of us. Second, memories of the time spent with family and friends during the Christmas season in years past. Third, the music of Christmas. Through "The Heart of Christmas" Mary Beth Carlson presents us a gift package of great reminders of all of those beautiful memories. It is a treasure to savor Christmas after Christmas!!!"