Search - A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert / Frederica von Stade, Kathleen Battle, Wynton Marsalis on DVD

Angel Voices

MICHAEL ACUNA | Southern California United States | 12/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The stars must have been aligned perfectly, all must have been right with the world on that night of December 8, 1991 in NYC's Carnegie Hall when this Christmas concert was filmed, because it is an example, one of those rare instances when everything falls into place perfectly.

On this particular night Kathleen Battle, Frederica Von Stade, Wynton Marsalis and Andre Previn performed, not only with their instruments but with their hearts as well. All the performers relate and connect to this often performed material in ways others simply do not. This is secular Holiday music performed with fervor and an emotional connection that borders on the religious.

The highlight of this recording is the 17 minute "American Songs" (I Wonder as I Wander, Who Was Mary, etc) performed primarily by Battle and Von Stade that is so exquisite as to be otherworldly.

Christmas Concerts can be corny or at worst, maudlin. But on this particular night in 1991, the angels sang and the heavens opened and called forth these artists to perform not only with their voices but with their souls as well. This is an emotional experience that is not to be missed.

(12/07/07: Ok, so I had to order this on amazon.uk and it was shipped from North Carolina..so go figure.

The picture is only ok, the sound is fair but at least i can once again hear and see the glory of this wonderful performance.)"

Lifeless Sound

John Whitehead | New Zealand | 09/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes after waiting years for this treasure it finally arrived everything was great but what happened to the sound..Flate muddy DEAD I'm sure the CD was better but that was produced by SONY? I hope they can remarster this superb production"

Timeless Christmas Celebration

Cloud 9 | Topanga, CA United States | 12/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every December, I watch this production several times and it never fails to work its magic. Frederica von Stade and Kathleen Battle present a marvelous picture and produce the sound to complement it. Purchase this DVD and you are ensuring yourself an enjoyable evening of viewing that will put you in the holiday spirit and remind you how beautiful Christmas carols can be. And you will likely also find yourself inspired to add a night at the opera to your New Year's list."

It's christmas everywhere....

R. F. Douglas | Arnhem, Netherlands | 12/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this concert here in Holland several years ago...I am a fan of Kathleen Batlle and Wynton Marsalis...So I was so happy when i saw that this concert is available on DVD I immediately ordered it...and folks, its great!! Everything I expected, it gives you the ultimate christmas feeling! If you dont have this DVD, and youre a fan of good music, and fabulous singers and musicians...BUY this dvd!!"