Here we are, a couple of days before Christmas, and judging from the traffic out there so far today, I gather a lot of people still have some Christmas shopping to do. Not to sound smug, but I started planning for a special surprise for my far better half back in August, so everything is now done other than one or two small items not critical to the day. So I am ready and at your service to help you in your hour of need!
I always get last-minute calls asking for music for holiday gift-giving, so this year I thought I would write about some in-stock items through my website, www.finemusic.ca, perfect for that musically-inclined person on your list. If any of these interest you, email me directly at music@vaxxine.com or call 905-682-9303. I even deliver in the greater St. Catharines area - what could be easier?!
DREAMS OF FIREFLIES (ON A CHRISTMAS NIGHT) - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Every year, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra tours North America prior to Christmas, and this year's tour brought them to Copps Coliseum in Hamilton back in November. They have recorded non-holiday CDs over the years, but primarily they are known for their elaborate holiday-themed live shows. Their recordings often provide the soundtrack for equally elaborate light shows for homes owned by over-enthusiastic technological wizards, too. The new disc this year is actually an EP, meaning extended play. That means it isn't a full length CD; there are only 5 tracks on this new one, but it also has a lower price. Fifteen dollars all in takes the last one home.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Who doesn't love the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas? I don't think this has ever been out of print since the first year the TV special aired back in 1965. My first-issue CD in my personal collection has the music from the show and is great. But later versions include bonus tracks, including the latest generation digipack version, which includes three bonus tracks from other Charlie Brown shows, including Thanksgiving. This disc is one you can put on almost any time of the year, really, but Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy this wonderfully inventive music all over again. Still in stock and only fifteen dollars right now!
A CHORAL CHRISTMAS - The Rodolfus Choir; Ralph Allwood, director
A more traditional choral Christmas release new this year on the Signum Classics label, this disc nonetheless proves rather interesting as it features a wide selection of Christmas music you don't often hear on disc. Composers such as Kenneth Leighton, Philip Radcliffe, William Byrd, Morton Lauridsen and Francis Poulenc are all included here. Works range from Lullay my liking by Holst to Bethlehem Down by Peter Warlock and Today the Virgin by John Tavener. If you are looking for standard Christmas choral fare, look below for The Cambridge Singers, but if you want a bit of a challenge this year or sing in a choir yourself, this might be a great disc for yourself or to give. Only twenty dollars!
CANDLELIGHT: SEASONAL REFLECTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS - The Cambridge Singers; John Rutter, cond.
A new compilation this season culled from earlier holiday releases by John Rutter and The Cambridge Singers, this disc still packs a lot of great material for very little money. And Rutter is more identified with Christmas choral music than just about any other director alive today. Rutter originals on this disc include Candlelight Carol and Of a Rose, a lovely Rose from his Magnificat, and his tasteful settings of Murray's Away in a Manger and the French traditional carol Angels We Have Heard on High are particular highlights. If you love The Cambridge Singers or have someone on your list who does, this is a great disc. Only twenty dollars.
CHRISTMAS STAR: CAROLS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON - The Cambridge Singers and Orchestra; John Rutter, cond.
I've always considered this to be the 'neglected' Christmas disc by The Cambridge Singers. It has been around for several seasons now, but somehow seems overlooked for other, more familiar titles by the choir. Too bad, since this collection of holiday favourites really is a nice collection. The disc kicks off with the German traditional carol Good Christian men, rejoice, arranged by John Rutter, and continues with Rutter settings of such classics as Ding dong! Merrily on High and Joy to the World, as well as more contemporary fare such as Rutter's arrangement of the Mel Torme classic The Christmas Song. This is a very traditional Christmas choral album, and well worth only twenty dollars.
HANDEL: MESSIAH (COMPLETE) - Karina Gauvin, Robin Blaze, Rufus Muller, Brett Polegato; Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir; Ivars Taurins, cond.
This brand-new two-disc set finally presents the period-instrument ensemble Tafelmusik's celebrated Messiah on disc. They know this music so well and have performed it live for many years at their home base in Toronto, even presenting a Sing-along Messiah where audience members are seated according to their voice, and are given a copy of the score in order to follow along with the chorus. I did that once years ago, singing baritone if I recall, and it was great fun. This new recording was made at Toronto's Koerner Hall last year, and now finally is available. Beautiful sound with a wonderful acoustic, and the playing and singing is vibrant and polished. Two-disc set available now for forty dollars.
COMPLETE RCA CHRISTMAS COLLECTION - Perry Como
For many, Perry Como simply embodies the Christmas spirit. His smooth, effortless delivery was a perfect backdrop for whatever your hectic schedule throws at you over the holidays, and his television specials every year were must-see events. This new three-disc set from Real Gone Music compiles holiday hits he performed on record, radio and his television shows over several decades. Just about everything he ever recorded for Christmas is on this set, including Silent Night, Frosty the Snowman and God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen among many others. This is a great set to give or to get. Brand new this year and available now for fifty dollars.
That should give you some gift ideas as we head into the home stretch. On Monday, I will write about my favourite time of the year, Christmas Eve, and what I will be listening to Monday evening.
Happy shopping!
December 22nd, 2012.
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