Richard Stoltzman's "Hark!" is a captivating 1992 release that beautifully blends chamber music and contemporary jazz, creating a unique and enchanting Christmas experience. This album, featuring 15 tracks, offers a delightful mix of familiar holiday classics and lesser-known gems, all masterfully arranged and performed by the renowned clarinetist Richard Stoltzman.
The album opens with the lively "Ding Dong!" and takes you on a journey through beloved carols such as "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," and "Deck the Halls," as well as more intricate pieces like "There is No Rose" from Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" and "He Shall Feed His Flock" from Handel's "Messiah." Stoltzman's virtuosic playing is complemented by the Harlem Boys Choir on several tracks, adding a touch of vocal harmony to the instrumental arrangements.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Hark!" is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday season, offering a blend of warmth, joy, and contemplation. The album's sparkling arrangements and Stoltzman's prodigious, liquid sound make it a standout in the realm of Christmas music. Whether you're a fan of chamber music, jazz, or simply looking for a fresh take on traditional holiday tunes, "Hark!" is sure to delight.
(P) 1992 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Ding Dong!Traditional, Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Gómez, Dave Samuels, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, Richard Stoltzman, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Jeremy Wall, Eddie Gómez, Dave Samuels, Emily Mitchell, Allen Pinkney, Café
What Child is ThisTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Guildhall String Ensemble, Robert Salter, Eddie Gómez, Dave Samuels, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café
We Three KingsTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Bill Douglas, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Dave Samuels, Café, Eddie Gómez
Adeste Fideles/ Gesu BambinoTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Eddie Gómez, Café, Allen Pinkney, Dave Samuels
I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Dave Samuels, Emily Mitchell, Café, Eddie Gómez
O Little Town of Bethlehem/ O TannenbaumTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Emily Mitchell, Café, Eddie Gómez, Kalman Opperman Clarinet Choir, Kalmen Opperman
Deck the HallsTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Jeremy Wall, Dave Samuels, Emily Mitchell, Café, Eddie Gómez
There is No Rose from A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28Benjamin Britten, Richard Stoltzman, Emily Mitchell, Café, Eddie Gómez, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Allen Pinkney
Away in a Manger/ Amazing GraceTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café, Eddie Gómez, Bill Douglas
He Shall Feed His Flock from MessiahGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Gómez, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café
O Come ImmanuelTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Gómez, Emily Mitchell, Café, Bill Douglas
Nativity CarolJohn Rutter, Richard Stoltzman, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Jeremy Wall, Eddie Gómez, Emily Mitchell, Allen Pinkney, Café
WinterTraditional, Richard Stoltzman, Guildhall String Ensemble, Robert Salter, Eddie Gómez, Dave Samuels, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café
O Holy NightAdolphe Adam, Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Gómez, Dave Samuels, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café, Bill Douglas
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