Classic Christmas Music! First time on CD!
Rnzn | 12/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally! It was worth the wait! I have been waiting for this one for YEARS!!! The CD release was delayed for a month and almost didn't make it in time for Christmas 2009, but as I type I have it in my player now!
This is the CD debut of one of the best selling Christmas music albums of all time! This disc contains the 1958 stereo recording, not the 1953 mono version. This new release from Collector's Choice has excellent stereo sound! The music is clear and detailed without background hiss. This is especially impressive considering it was recorded over 50 years ago. The CD definitely sounds like it was remastered from original master tapes!
The stereo album has a slightly different track order and different performances than the mono version. I actually prefer the revised sequence. The lush sound of the Mantovani strings should only be heard in STEREO! I really can't imagine why anyone would prefer the mono to this version!
Collector's Choice did a good job with the graphics and packaging of the new version. The used the original album art, although in a somewhat modified form. I don't like the fact that they added their ugly logo to the front cover, but at least is is smaller than the logo they used on their earlier CD's. The new release contains informative new liner notes about the history of the recording, which are a very nice addition to the package! This CD was produced under license from Universal Music Group, who are the current owners of the original Decca/London recordings.
There was a HORRIBLE quality CD of the 1953 mono recording released overseas a few years ago. STAY AWAY from that disc! Believe me, you will be glad you read my warning!!
"
Absolutely stunning!
W. Reece | Marietta, Georgia United States | 12/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"So glad this was released on CD. The music is crisp and clear and amazing! Having become quite the collector of vintage Christmas music over the past few years, this was a must have. Love it!!!"
Nice to finally have this complete album on CD...
Jamie Tate | Franklin, TN | 12/24/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Growing up in the 70s and 80s I remember my parents playing Mantovani along with Percy Faith, Andre Kostelanetz and Eugene Ormandy every Christmas. The string sounds were so sugary they'd give you a tooth ache but Christmas isn't Christmas without them. In 1987 London Records released a CD called Mantovani's Christmas Favourites. It contained six tracks from this album but having grown up with it I always missed the songs that were not included. The rest of that CD was filled with tracks from the 1963 Christmas album which were quite good too (my favorite being a re-arrangement of Adeste Fideles called Christmas Bells). Finally, in 2009, we get those missing eight tracks on CD.
This CD sounds great. Even though the old London CD was actually quite nice this new release shows it to be slightly dull. I'm very happy to add this to my Christmas music playlists. It's great nostalgia and perfect for Christmas parties and family events. It never gets in the way but brings you back to childhood. Isn't that what this season is all about?"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
