Search - Canadian Brass :: Christmas with the Canadian Brass and the Great Organ of St. Patrick's Cathedral

This album will WOW you!

Sidney A. Meyer | Florida | 12/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a class act. The first track is "Jingle Bells" like you have never heard it. This light, joyful song becomes grand and glorious when played by the Canadian Brass with the Great Organ of St. Patrick's Cathedral. On track two, you have an intricate version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and a powerful rendition of "Joy to the World." Then on "O Holy Night" you are treated to a smooth and gentle sound. It is very nice, although this song is best when song by an operatic tenor. The arrangement of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" introduces harmonizations that are not found elsewhere which segues to "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," which has a very traditional sound. Track six gives us another intricate brass arrangement of "The Holly and the Ivy." Very nice! "Silent Night" is effectively performed with a smooth traditional sound enhanced by soft chimes. On track eight there is another beautiful traditional version of "Angels We Have Heard on High." The interplay between brass, organ and what sounds like hand bells is very subtle and cohesive. A bright brass sound introduces "Good King Wenceslas." The organ is well-featured on this piece. "Coventry Carol" retains it sombre modal feel in this Canadian Brass recording, but also emphasizes a more intricate Renaissance sound as they get deeper into the piece. It finishes with solemnity. On track 11, the Brass faithfully recreate the feel of chant when they perform "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" which is, of course, the only way that ancient tune should be performed. "I Wonder as I Wander" is simple and beautiful and pairs well with "O Come, O Come..." A lengthy introduction to "What Child is This?" makes this arrangement quite interesting. On track 13 we are fortunate to hear the artists perform "The First Noel." It is fresh and original while still sounding traditional, not trite. Track 14 consists of a medley of four traditional carols played solely by the Brass still keeping with the quality of the rest of the album. Track 15 features the "King of Instruments" and the Brass on the "Hallelujah Chorus." They do it well, but again this works better as a vocal number. You are left wanting to hear the choir. Still, all in all, this track brings a nice conclusion to the rest of the CD. True artistry from start to finish, this is an album that belongs in the collection of everyone that loves Christmas music."

Exceptional

J. Facknitz | 11/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An essential part of my every Christmas since childhood. Gorgeous, eclectic (a true feat considering the instrumentation remains consistent throughout the album), provocative, and in keeping with the vast array of emotions that befall anyone who has grown to love and find meaning in these hymns and songs. A feast for the ears- perhaps the greatest Christmas album I've ever heard."