Reviews (9)

A Classic
This beautiful suite of carols is perhaps one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time, if not THE greatest. The orchestrations and choral dynamics are nearly flawless, characteristic of Bernstein's meticulous attention to every detail of a performance. My only criticism is the rather plodding tempo of the Hallelujah Chorus, which just drags along much too slowly. But all of the other tracks are gems. For many Bernstein fans like me, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without it.

One of THE classic Christmas LPs of all time...
Remember the "Andre" champagne commercial from the 70s? The one featuring a recording of "Carol of the Bells" and quick shots of people ringing in the new year? Well that recording of Carol of the Bells is the definitive version (in my book anyway). And it is featured on the 1997 Sony reissue of the "The Joy of Christmas" featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the New York Philharmonic conducted by the great Leonard Bernstein. This is one of THE classic holiday LPs, beautifully remastered for CD. In addition to "Carol of the Bells" one of the best choral versions of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (5+ minutes) is included here along with fourteen other traditional carols (no pop standards here).

These sixteen numbers from the original LP clock in at almost 50 minutes - a very generous recording time for an LP from 1963. Still Sony Classics decided to extend the reissue a bit and has added the following bonus tracks, all featuring Bernstein and the NY Philharmonic.
~ Selections from Tchaikovsky's Suite from the Nutcracker (recorded 1960): what you get is seven of the eight movements included in the suite - not sure why but the climax of the suite - the "Waltz of the Flowers" - is omitted.
~ A 1970 recording of the Children's Prayer from Humperdick's ballet "Hansel and Gretel", a quite movement of gentle lyricism.
~ To close the program a 1956 recording for the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah". Again Bernstein conducts the NY Philharmonic, but instead of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir the singing is provided by the Westminster Choir. It's a splendid performance.

The bonus material provides an additional 23+ minutes of wonderful music to bring this recording up to a total 74 minutes. In a world of 30 minute Christmas CDs this is a wonderful release and should be in the collection of every Christmas music lover.

Great performance of old Christmas favorites
In this CD re-release of an old LP, all of the performers -- Leonard Bernstein, the NY Phil and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir -- seem to be putting their best foot forward even though this was not standard fare for the NY Phil or Bernstein. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has long been known for its rich, full tone, but with Bernstein, they are more precise than usual, both musically and textually -- no mush-mouth diction on this recording. Nor is there any stodgy playing from the NY Phil; Bernstein keeps everything moving at an invigorating pace.

For the most part, this is usual Christmas fare; the most adventurous carols being Patapan and La Virgen Lava Panales, though neither of these is particularly obscure. Even so, part of the comfort of Christmas is the yearly repetition of the familiar, so this recording fits the bill perfectly, both as music to listen to carefully, and as background music during Christmas festivities (Apologies to the purists, but let's be honest, some of us like background music.)

As a bonus, this CD includes cuts from other Bernstein performances with the NY Phil: The Nutcracker Suite, an orchestral version of the Prayer from Hansel and Gretel (particularly lush in this performance) and a stirring Hallelujah Chorus with the Westminster Choir.

One of the finest Christmas albums ever
This classical album, produced over 40 years ago, is one of my all time favorites. Combining the talent of "America's Choir," the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Leonard Bernstein, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra is a stroke of genius. I've worn out an old LP, a cassette and am on my 2nd CD. Truly great, great music. A must for any collector of fine Christmas albums.

My 2nd Favorite Christmas Album
My mom and dad played this album at Christmas for as long as I can remember. Except when vinyl records went out and CDs came in, we went several years without it. I was ecstatic when I found that it was available on CD a couple of years ago and now it's back as part of my own family's tradition. Christmas just isn't Christmas without listening to these fantastic songs. (My 1st favorite Christmas album is "A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas" that came out last year - since I'm a member of the Tabernacle Choir now and that CD was my first recording session!) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Highly enjoyable
This is a very enjoyable album performed by one of the best American choral ensembles. All the selections are excellent, and well recorded. My 4-star score is because of Shaw's score of the Pilgrim's chorus from Tannhauser; one of most moving choral works ever written. Shaw has the male chorus sing the straight melody through most of it, with what I'd describe as a glee club sound. While wonderfully sung with remarkable control, it lacks (until near the end) the power I've heard in other performances using greater range of choral harmonies available from such a wonderful ensemble. The "Regina Coeli" is truly a gorgeous performance.

Don't know what they're singing, but I like it!
I'm not a big opera fan - generally I'm glad when the fat lady sings! But, I love classical music, and a lot of the MUSIC of opera. That said, I really enjoy this disc!

The Atlanta Symphony and Chorus, under the baton of the late, great Robert Shaw, enjoy a well-deserved reputation as one of the preeminent choral organizations. It's just wonderful to hear such a large choir with such command of dynamics - they can shake the room, and they can whisper. The TELARC recording is up to the usual excellent quality - they have captured those dynamics.

I purchased this disc for one reason - because it has Wagner's "Pilgrim's Chorus." And it's magnificent - what a transcendent piece of music! Other selections range from the obscure-but-lovely, to the melodies that have been whistled by everyone at one time or another. Personal favorites include Moussorgsky's "Coronation Scene" from _Boris Godunov_, Bizet's "Les voici" from _Carmen_, and the awe-inspiring "Regina Coeli" from Mascagni's _Cavalleria Rusticana_. There are definitely no "dud" tracks in this collection. It will surely be appreciated by the opera and choral buff, but also by rubes like me, who like the music but don't have a clue what all those foreigners are carrying on about! Know what I mean, Vern?

Total time - 68:35 ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An uplifting experience
This is not a muscial review. That would be beyond my talents. No, this is a "spiritual" review and here is the reason. I had experienced a personal tragedy and turned often to music to revive my spirits and maintain my hope that things would right themselves in my life. Works such as Hayden's "Creation," Beethoven's "Fidelio," many of Bach's cantatas, Vivaldi's "Glorias," etc. Then I bought this CD. Immediately, I couldn't get enough of it. I felt uplifted everytime I listened, and it wasn't the same track each time that gave me that small feeling of joy that only music can provide. All is well again in my life and I continue to adore listening to this CD. For me, it was, and continues to be, magical.

Mysterious Beauty
Classical music is one of the greatest joys in life. Opera on the other hand, is often too melodramatic to stomach. But there is nothing more enchanting than an Aria. On this 2 CD set, Emma Kirkby sings in sweet exultation. Her voice expresses power and agility yet a limpid tranquility. Clarity is the greatest achievement of any musician. With the aid of precision accompaniment on period instruments, shameless perfection is delivered. She soothes the soul longing for beauty. Her marvelous Soprano is rendered on 25 tracks in this eclectic ensemble. If you are a champion of Handel or a devotee of Mozart, you should not hesitate to purchase this CD. Emma Kirkby will have you beaming with delight and pining for more. Surely it will be one of the brightest of your collection.

The divine voice of Emma Kirkby
An outstanding collection of Italian, German and English arias, beautifully sung by my favourite soprano voice Emma Kirkby - the diva of renaissance and baroque music. All the arias are enchanting, especially "Rise, Glory, rise" an aria from Arne's opera "Rosamond". The conducting and playing of Christopher Hogwood and his team of period-performance specialist The Academy of Ancient Music are as always superb.These are all arias to have one wanting to go back to the complete operas. Strongly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent
This was well done, I'm wondering however if anyone has any luck tracking down what choir is singing the 'Randall Thompson's Alleluia'?

The real thing
I was reluctant to buy this recording because the title and the underlying concept seemed commercial, superficial, and hokey. But these are genuinely fine performances of great works. Whoever put this together did it right. I recommend it without reservation.

Are you kidding?
I bought this CD based on the three previous reviews and the fact that I like beautiful choral music. But I found Tears from Heaven dreadfully dull and uninspiring. There were perhaps three tracks that I enjoyed listening to. So here you have another opinion.

If This is What Heaven Sounds Like ...
then I can't wait to get there ! Out of my extensive music collection this is the album that gets played on a daily basis. It is not often one can say that every track is pure pleasure to listen to; but it is the case with Tears from Heaven (and the second CD in the album - Voices from Heaven). This album has to be heard to be believed. For variety, musicality and recording clarity this is is truely a divine collection. I highly recommend it !

GORGEOUS
THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHORAL MUSIC I HAVE EVER HEARD. IT BROUGHT ME TO TEARS. HOPE THERE IS A SEQUEL TO THIS. ... Read more

Album Description

Together on the same CD!The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) Pipes & Drums and The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band of The United States Marine Corps. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Canadian Bagpipes American Brass
I recently ordered and have just received the above mentioned album.
THANK YOU........
I ordered it just to have a copy of "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes, but after listening to the album, I am completely blown away. It is perhaps the greatest piece of music I now own. Depending on the song, I can get lifted up, mellowed out, or layed back, again THANK YOU, for having this album. I'm a very satisfied customer.

Not a Great CD
This CD was originally longer with more titles. It seems the Altissimo! people after they acquired it from the Canadian Scottish cut out several titles and reduced the overall quality of the CD. Because of this and various other technical factors I would not recommend this CD at this inflated price. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Timeline of God-Inspired Masterworks
Yes, Andrea Bocelli and Cecilia Bartoli, the tenor and mezzo of the moment, are used sparingly on this CD. Their popularity is rather shamelessly used to promote this music, and their voices aren't much heard.

I don't care! I like the disc's concept: A timeline of spiritually inspired masterworks moving roughly from earliest to latest. "A Hymn to the World" opens appropriately enough with Vivaldi's jubilant ornate Glorias. It passes out of the Baroque period into the Classical for Bach's famous "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Next comes the Romantic Period, represented by a pair of Liszt compositions. This is followed by the work of composers whose fame rests on opera but are capable of much more: a slice of Verdi's renowned "Requiem" (Mass for the dead) and Rossini's touching "Stabat Mater" (scene of Mary at Christ's cross).

The grandeur of a Gounod march and the tunefulness of Bizet's "Agnus Dei" come next, the latter featuring the warm buttery voice of Bocelli. And Bartoli wraps her famous mezzo around another liturgical piece, the plaintive "Panis Angelicus." Both are highlights, but the disc does not need famous voices to shine.

It closes by whisking us into the 20th century. The final portion of Faure's Requiem, called "In Paradisium," unfolds with all its warm layered lushness. This sampling lead me to the entire Faure Requiem, now one of my favorite works. I must say it's even better to build to "In Paradisium" than hear it in isolation, since it resolves the tension and brightens the darkness of the preceding sections. Its sweetness, I think, has to be earned! Faure himself called his composition a "lullaby of death." Finally, there is Messiaen's "O Sacrum Convivium" which depicts sacred experience as a nu-Gregorian gang vocal in clear simple plainsong. It concludes the journey far from the Baroque flourishes of where it began.

It's a journey worth taking, an excellent tour for the person new to classical and/or sacred music and a solid addition to the collection of the regular classical listener.

Great music for a beautiful event
Enjoy this beautiful music performed by wonderful
musicians at an extraordinary event. Per liner notes,
"the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to
Paris in August 1997, to celebrate an open-air Mass
as part of the Worldwide Days of Youth." You can put
yourself there while listening to these selections
that celebrate life. A surprise benediction touched
me.

It's music, not Hollywood
Ok everyone... Get over it, Bocelli and Bartoli only sing 4 of 16 selections. Is it just me, or has everyone lost their mind when trying to review this album!? This is absolutely beautiful music written by brilliant composers and performed extremely well by very well-accomplished musicians. Those of you who feel robbed by the lack of feature soloists obviously haven't experienced the pure joy and ecstacy a good chorale piece can bring because you've automatically closed your minds to the no-names who perform in this album. They are all wonderful musicians, and as such they deserve an enormous amount of credit. Take it from me, these people don't practice a half hour a day. If anyone has experienced life in a conservatory or music school, you'd know these people are practicing upwards of 4-5 hours a day. It makes me sick that people can no longer appreciate the purity of music as it has always been and still is today. Obviously they don't perform with absolute perfection (no one ever has... even Horowitz), but Chung did a fabulous job getting an absolutely gorgeous sound out of the choir which isn't exactly an easy task! Overall, very good album. As a final note: if you must, throw away the CD case documentation to get the picture of Bocelli, Chung, and Bartoli out of your mind. Just sit back and enjoy the clarity of tone and fabulous musicality of the entire album. Allow yourselves to fall in love with the music. Without that passion, there is no way any performer would have made it in the world, and you wouldn't be able to listen to such beautiful music.

Sorry, this is not for me.
I don't even want to get THIS! Sexy Andrea Bocelli only has ONE song on the whole CD: Georges Bizet's "Agnus Dei."

My recommendation: Get any of Andrea Bocelli's SOLO recordings, like "Romanza," "Verdi," etc. But NOT THIS, please.....

mostly instrumental and choral
Those who expect vocals by the featured singer Bocelli will be disappointed. He only sings one selection. The selections are almost completely instrumental and choral. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well trained children's choir - nice mix of music
Several of the works on this album are composed by Finns, or so I assume by their names: Sibelius, Hannikainen, Putro, Koskinen, Kuula, Panula, Pacius, Sallinen and Rautavaara. There are common European works by Bach, Handel, Praetorius and an interesting group of Japanese Songs. There are a few traditional / anonymous pieces.

By topic there are several patriotic songs - "Finlandia Hymn", "Song of Findland", "Our Country". Several are Christmas season songs - To Us a Festival is Given, "A son Is Born in Bethlehem", "Marjatta, Lowly Maiden", "Maria, the Lord's Little Maiden". Several are on folk themes - the Lappish "Jojk", "Oh Nightingale, Come!" ...

The resulting album is a wonderful mix of unfamilar music that you will soon want to make familar. I personally find Rautavaara a difficult composer - I understand his appeal, I simply don't share it - but I find all the other music very accessible.

The children's choir has very clear tone and enunciation, their voices blend splendidly. Technically this is an excellent album.

Do give these composers a try - you'll find yourself searching the catalogues for more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Blegen's Exultate Jubilate would be Wolfgang's favorite
This is the Exultate Jubilate that Mozart would buy. Judith Blegen's brilliant supple coloratura and dazzling technique in combination with her rare gift for stile galante phrasing makes this a CD you will listen to over and over and over. The disc has a wealth of artfully performed ensemble couplings with Pinchas Zukerman and also with trumpeter/conductor Girard Schwarz that will leave listeners breathless. Wait until you hear her Scarlatti. Wow!

Own it and be absolutely thrilled by Blegen's Mozart, Scarlatti and Handel. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Vintage" P.D.Q. Bach
I was first introduced to the "artistry" of P.D.Q. Bach in the late '70s via "The Wurst of P.D.Q. Bach" compilation. That album is long gone, so, now that I'm going through my mid-life "transition", I'm rediscovering good ol' P.D.Q. via the original Vanguard recordings. This is, to my knowledge, the second of the P.D.Q. Bach recordings, and it is truly a side-splitting classic. If you have "The Wurst", you may still want this recording, too, as it contains the complete "The Seasonings" as well as the full introduction and third movement of the "Unbegun" Symphony. WARNING: if you listen to this while driving, make sure you're on a road with a good, wide paved shoulder. You will likely need it so you can pull off to recover from a fit of hysterical laughter.

My intro to PDQ Bach...God have mercy on my soul.....hahaha
My college choir director, Dr. Knowles, lent me this as an intro to PDQ BACH, and I haven't stopped laughing yet. The work as a whole has to be heard to be believed. One of my favorite parts in "The Seasonings" is the "Fugue for Orchestra", now that I know what the definition of a fugue is. The more I learn about music, the funnier it gets. Everytime I listen to it, I hear something new. Pedal points indeed.

Prime PDQ
This is definitely one of the best of the many titles featuring the questionable genius of J S Bach's 13th and perpetually soused son, PDQ. As always, Peter Schickele is in fine form with rapid-fire jokes, quips and godawful puns, but it is the sheer breathtaking awfulness of the music which leaves you rolling about helplessly with laughter, begging for more. The first offering, "The Seasonings", manages to mercilessly savage Handel's "Messiah" in just under twenty minutes, and the vocal harmonies have to be heard to be believed, especially the final chord of the work. Schickele's 'Unbegun Symphony" has the Professor back to his old tricks again, mucking about with the interplay of classical standards and more modern melodies, but it is the "Pervertimento" which stands out as an instant classic. Only an inventive genius (or a complete loon) would think to incorporate bicycles into an orchestral piece, much less the distinctive wail of the bagpipes. In fact, the second movement, where the bagpipes try desperately to echo the strings, must stand as one of the high points of musical comedy to this date. The only problem with this recording is that much of the humour to be derived from the performance is visual, so it does lose a little in the translation. That aside, this is a very, very funny CD, and a great introduction for anyone wanting to dip into zany world of PDQ Bach.

Probably the funniest PDQ Bach recording ever made...
This is the ultimate CD to get for unabashed amusement! It is a live concert recording hosted by Professor Peter Schickele, the man who single-handedly unleashed J.S. Bach's "forgotten" son onto the musical world some years ago and who has kept audiences in stitches with "newly-discovered" works and performances of them using a host of "authentic instruments" - for instance, this CD is the only one I've ever come across that includes music for bicycle, bagpipes and balloons...

My former composition tutor possesses a copy of the first item in the programme, "The Seasonings," an oratorio that can best be described as a crazy fusion of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" and Handel's "Messiah." Hearing that score come to life in this recording had me laughing just as much as the live audience: particular moments including the line "Soothsayer, say unto me the sooth," and the aria "Open Sesame seeds" for solo bass (which includes a passage that is physically impossible to sing unless you happen to be a Russian octavist!). The programme closes with the "Pervertimento" (not the composer's own title, apparently) for bicycle, droneless bagpipes and balloons with kazoos attached. This too is an utter hilarity: the entrance of the wheezy bicycle siren in the second movement (over implacably graceful string music) never fails to evoke a giggle! In between these two works comes one of Peter Schickele's own works: "The Unbegun Symphony" which consists of a minuet and a finale but nothing else. This is not as arresting as the other two works, but it fills up the programme very well, complementing the PDQ Bach items and providing no less amusing moments.

If you only ever buy one PDQ Bach record, it might as well be this one. Endless fun, particularly for musicians who like to take the plunge now and then... ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This album is so dull and boring!
The title of this review says it all. Ruth Ann Swenson is such a dull singer. Her singing is very weary and uninvolved in the "Giulio Cesare" arias and in "Martern aller Arten". None of Cleopatra's emotions is conveyed by her singing. Konstanze's defiance and dignity are noticeably absent from her rendition. If you want to hear a great rendition of this Mozart aria, check out Joan Sutherland's version on her "The Art of the Prima Donna" recording. Sutherland's voice sails through that aria with so much ease that it is breathtaking. Sutherland also has more temperament. Cleopatra's seduction aria and lament aria are so underembellished that it is criminal. Swenson has a wonderful trill and she should have been able to show it off in those two arias. I suspect that Charles Mackerras had something to do with her restraint in embellishing those arias. Cleopatra's bravura aria is done well, but the embellishments are strange. The coloratura is assured, but it sounds too careful and deliberate. Only once does a trill surface. What a shame! Beverly Sills has much better renditions of Cleopatra's arias. The "Semele" arias are done well and the coloratura seems more carefree. She really seems to identify with the character of Semele.

The album, on the whole, causes one's mind to wander very often. Charles Mackerras is competent, but his tempos are way too slow. His orchestra plays well, but it sounds weak and anemic. This whole album is a shame. Swenson needs to develop dramatic involvement and she needs to execute coloratura with abandon. Her diction is great. It would be a great shame to waste such promising talent.

Beautiful voice!
I am a big fan of Ruth Ann and this CD is wonderful. Her interpretations of these arias are executed well. The arias from Semele are refreshing. However, a better Semele can be found in Kathleen Battle. Her Mozart's are my favorites on this album. The last aria, "Parto, m'afretto", is sung beautifully with some amazing fireworks. Brava Ruth Ann!

A bland misfire from a good singer and conductor
Ruth Ann Swenson is a highly accomplished and enjoyable singer, but not an all-purpose one. Her rich, full tone, accurate coloratura, easy high notes and beautiful trill work wonderfully in "Rigoletto" and in "La Sonnambula," for example; she seems dramatically committed and engaged in those roles, too. Here, she seems detached, clueless and stylistically at sea -- neither her tone nor her phrasing conveys the luscious sensuousness of Semele's arias, and her Mozart is similarly bland and uncomprehending. It's surprising that Charles Mackerras, usually a superb and enlivening conductor of both these composers' music, could not stimulate or lead her to something better.

Excellent recording
I own every recording that Swenson has ever done. (which isn't any kind of unusual feat, she is terribly under-recorded) This one shows off her ease with the challenges of Handel and Mozart. "Myself I Shall Adore" is sung with an amusing sense of playful vanity--not to mention the accuracy and sheer beauty of her fioratura and trills. Swenson moves her voice with quicksilver speed. Every note is articulated. I love the intimate way she caresses Handel's intoxicatingly lovely, "V'adoro pupille." Caesar would have been utterly charmed. My favorite item on the disc is her "Parto m'affretto." It's filled with a true heroine's pathos and seamless coloratura. Her staccatti are spectacular. A very passionate and gorgeous performance that will bring you endless pleasure.

Heavenly music from a heavenly singer
The reviewer from San Francisco is wildly inaccurate. Swenson sings VERY passionately, conveying the text. Endless Pleasure is NOT from Giulio Cesare, it is from the opera Semele, so the characterzation is differnt. The real pleasure here though, are the Handel selections, sung with such technical prowess, she will take your breath away, especially in "Myself I Shall Adore". This is Baroque opera sung at its finest and is a good introduction to the genre. The whole mood of the album is sunny and fresh and is the perfect CD for a Sunday afternoon. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

All Handel's Greatest Hits are not created equal.
Nothing else tops this unusually gorgeous rendering. Leppard's is the finest conducting of Handel to this reviewers ears. Especially the Xerxes Largo and the Watermusic
Hornpipes and Fireworks Oveurture tempi, legato and orchestration is full of warmth and energy. A true chiara scuro interpretation. Fabulous!!!!

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel
This collection of George Frideric Handel's "Greatest Hits" leans more heavily towards "The Water Music Suite" than his oratorical work, which is my only serious complaint about this CD as an introduction to the composer's work. Although is does have "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Judas Maccabaeus and ends with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir doing the "Hallelujah Chorus," it does not have "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Messiah, which I consider a glaring omission. The "new" piece for me on this CD that is a nice discovery is "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine)," performed by Wynton Marsalis and the English Chamber Orchestra.

A Great Starter Collection
Handel is my favorite classical composer. He had a wonderful knack for melody and interesting counterpoint. This was the first Handel CD I bought, and it was a great place to start. I was not sure that I would like baroque music at the time, but this CD convinced me otherwise. There are some wonderful, fast orchestral pieces (such as the "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"), which are balanced by slower selections (such as the exerpt from "Xerxes" and "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Come"). "Eternal Source of Light Divine" is an extremely beautiful vocal piece. My only problem with this CD is that it made me want to buy other CD's of Handel's work which overlapped with some of the material on this collection. For example, this CD has exerpts from Handel's famous "Music for the Royal Fireworks" and "Water Music." In order to experience these works in their whole forms, I had to buy a CD that overlapped with the material on this one. However, this is an excellent Handel primer. It is the perfect collection to introduce a listener to one of the best and most accessible of the baroque composers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A touch of the holy
This is a nice CD that serves as an overview of mostly baroque choral pieces by one of my favorite choirs. One of the advantages of this CD it that it allows you to compare Beethoven's "Hallelujah Chorus" with the more famous Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." I think that Beethoven's starts out better, but Handel's is, overall, far superior.

They do a remarkable job singing the Humming Chorus, an absolutely oddball piece of classical music, reminiscent of the Magic Flute's Papageno singing with the padlock on his mouth! No, there is nothing wrong with your hi-fi; the choir is just humming the music.

The choir does a magnificent job signing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which, along with Messiah's Hallelujah Chorus, is one of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's signature pieces.

They did an exceptional job of transferring the old analogue recordings to CD, so there is minimal hiss and fading.

This is great music for Sunday, or for Easter and Christmas. It is nice to have a touch of the holy in your life, if not for a day, at least for a few minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great CD, specially the adagio.
I love this CD in particular, because it introduced me to various greatest hits of baroque. I used it to practice my music as a teenager. I recommed this to you, specially if you have kids, because the drum sounds, make it easier to listen to the new generations. I loved the Pachelbel, and the adagio part is Super Excellent.

No So Great
Once again another pathetic attempt at recreating what Louis Clark did with the original Hooked on the Classics. He succeeded by getting many of us hooked to the classics...something this album probably can't and won't do. ... Read more