What people search:
 | Title : Christmas 1984
Author : Mannheim Steamroller
Release Date : 19901025
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $15.98
Amazon.com Price : $8.95
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Editorial Reviews :
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.
Buyer Reviews :
The first of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums, this one is a lot of fun, too. A bit more traditional than 'A Fresh Aire Christmas', this album has a lot of arrangements that could be from The Renaissance. Harp, lute, hammered dulcimer, and clavichord join more contemporary instruments in stylings that are sometimes classical and other times modern. A rollicking 'Deck the Halls' opens the album. Its fast tempo and heart-thumping bass line let you know right away that this Christmas album isn't going to take itself too seriously! This is definitely a modern arrangement, and it is gregarious to the fullest degree. 'We Three Kings', 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella', and 'Coventry Carol' sound ancient with mostly acoustic instruments. Next comes a rock and roll 'Good King Wenceslas' with plenty of voltage powering the instruments! The next four 'olde English'pieces comprise the 'Christmas Sweet' played in a style and instrumentation befitting that era. The rocking version of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is possibly my favorite Christmas recording of all time. It is totally infectious and commands me to hit 'replay' every time it gets near the end. Full of joy and fun, this is what I think Christmas should feel like at least a few times during the season! 'Stille Nacht' closes out the CD on a soothing and peaceful note. This is a great Christmas album, and I highly recommend it.
(by Kathy Parsons)
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