I loves me some Christmas music… all kinds… I’m listening to the Rachmaninoff’s Vespers right now as I post
and it then makes me think of this second recommendation… Robert Shaw.. R.I.P.
I like all sorts of carols of course (except “Feliz Navidad” — I HATE that song), but the radio is filled with pop carols and the classics often get short shrift (part of the commercialization of Christmas). Do yourself a favor if you’re so inclined — you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks, Floyd! I am weary of the pop versions of hymns too. If you are inclined to some good pipe organ hymns check out this site. FREE MP3s! Quality stuff.
http://www.hifihymnbook.com/
I was going to suggest Sissel Kyrkejbø’s “Glade Jul” Christmas album, one of my favorite things in the whole wide world, but I see it’s out of print and only available on Amazon for prizes around $100 and above. So never mind.
Rufus here; Thanks, Lars! And a Merry Christmas to you, too! I’m paraphrasing; “I just want everyone to know there is music more beautiful than anything you’ve ever heard, but you will never hear it. Have a good Yule! – Lars”
OK, here’s a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T8Y3RTKM0Q&feature=PlayList&p=915873786F535190&index=54
And this you can buy: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Mormon-Tabernacle-Orchestra-Featuring/dp/B000WVUNYA/ref=pd_sim_m_13
I will also recommend a CD by composer Christopher Rouse (who normally writes the most godawful atonal crap, but here makes up for it), called Karolju. Some incredibly beautiful passages here.
the CD also contains settings of Polish Christmas carols by Witold Lutoslawski
http://www.amazon.com/Karolju-Christmas-Music-Lutoslawski-Rodrigo/dp/B000W1V4AC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1260549513&sr=8-1
Is that THE Robert Shaw of Jaws, Battle of the Bulge, A Man for All Seasons and From Russia with Love fame?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Shaw_%28conductor%29
OH.
Stephanie, I wondered the same thing! Robert Shaw was a great Henry VIII. He was so talented therefore it wasn’t hard for me to imagine him conducting an orchestra.
Do any of these songs have a lyric like, “On the 3rd planet from the Sun, I’ve been trying’ to get the funky job done.”
No, I don’t think so. James Brown scoffs at all your silly, Christmas carols.
I don’t think James Brown scoffs at Christmas carols anymore.
Are you doubting the sanctity of Reverend Cleophus James, proprietor of the Triple Rock Church?
Triple Rock BAPTIST Church, mind you.
Yeah!!!! This is the funkiest Friday ever!
Do you see the light?
AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
For a jazzy Christmas that might remind you of when you were a kid try Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
My personal favorite, along with the much reviled Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Man those dudes can play and those ladies can sing a tune.