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Christmas


Christmas
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Customer Rating: Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5


List Price: $12.98
Our Price: $6.00
Your Save: $ 6.98 ( 54% )
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Manufacturer: American Gramaphone
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Product Description
Depending on your point of view, Christmas is either a quaint sonic time capsule extracted from the mid-1980s or a timeless holiday classic. The first in what has become an ongoing series of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas recordings, this CD has sold millions, which seems to indicate that it is everything its advertising claims it to be: "America's favorite Christmas music." The powerfully successful Mannheim Steamroller formula, conceived by group mastermind Chip Davis, involves a blend of Renaissance-flavored moods and instrumentation (strings, harpsichord, flute, French horn) intertwined with polite pop instrumental music. At times, the analog synthesizers used in this 1984 recording sound dated and a little cheesy, particularly on "Deck the Halls" and "Good King Wenceslas." But it is a forgivable offense since live instruments and the earnest but ersatz medieval atmosphere they evoke dominate 8 of the 11 tracks. As pleasant and soothing as a Willard Scott birthday wish, Christmas does offer one selection that truly merits "classic" status: the reverent, prayerful, slow-motion interpretation of "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") for piano and strings that closes the album--a beautiful and heart-touching work. This selection alone makes this album worth owning. --Terry Wood
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    Customer Review(s)
    Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
    Summary: Timeless music performed by perfectionists
    Comment: A lot of people dismiss Mannheim Steamroller as cheesy synth-rock-Christmas music. However, if you can get through Deck the Halls (which sounds a bit dated,) you will hear some of the most thoughtfully-arranged, expertly-produced, and perfectly-performed instrumental Christmas songs.

    There is a lot of boring Christmas music out there. And I think that would certainly include some of Mannheim's later work. But this one, I think, is just genius. Being a musician myself, I find these performances very interesting. The arrangements themselves keep your ear but add instruments that you just don't hear every day executing flawless melodies and it just works brilliantly.

    It is obvious that this album was very thoughtfully and carefully executed by folks who are extremely talented and concerned about quality. The result is a timeless Christmas classic that will continue to play in my house at least once a year.
    Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
    Summary: A superb, though too short album
    Comment: Besides the fact the first Christmas album is just a bit too short, I completely love this album. Not only does it have the "modern" Mannheim Steamroller sound, but they did a number of songs in the 16th-17th Century musical style that I really appreciate.

    Without doubt, the best song on the album is their rendition of "Stille Nacht." Amazingly soothing and beautiful, the end of that song (which concludes the album) always leave you teary-eyed.
    Customer Rating: Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5
    Summary: Blasphemous
    Comment: There are few pieces of music that stir in me the kind of anger and disdain that this does. To me, it represents everything that has gone wrong with Christmas, and the world in general-- it's trite, soulless, and disposable. Each time I hear it I lose just a tinge of faith in humanity.

    And then throw up in my mouth a little.
    Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
    Summary: Beautiful.
    Comment: Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller is a gorgeous Christmas cd, this is my second favorite cd from this instrumental band. I enjoy listening to this album every December, you gotta hear it for yourself. I highly recommend it!
    Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
    Summary: A Musical Christmas Spirit MUST
    Comment: What a wonderful, imaginative, exhilarating arrangement of traditional Christmas music!. As a musician, I've composed Christmas carols, and specially enjoy the Christmas season. This recording adds much to the festive spirit of Christmas in my home and it's the first CD I put on when it's time to play Christmas music.
    Buy it now at Amazon.com!