Kathleen Battle, the renowned soprano, invites you into the heart of Christmas with her 1992 album "A Carnegie Hall Christmas." Recorded live at the iconic Carnegie Hall, this classical gem is a delightful blend of traditional carols, sacred pieces, and operatic arias, all centered around the festive season. The album spans a generous 75 minutes, offering a rich and varied listening experience.
Battle's ethereal voice shines through in a diverse tracklist that includes beloved classics like "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," as well as lesser-known treasures such as "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" and "Maria Wiegenlied." Her interpretation of "The Sound of Music: My Favorite Things" brings a unique charm, while her operatic prowess is showcased in pieces like "Exsultate, jubilate" and "Hänsel und Gretel: Abendsegen."
The album is a testament to Battle's versatility and artistry, seamlessly transitioning from choral works to solo performances. "A Carnegie Hall Christmas" is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of the holiday season, captured in the intimate setting of one of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to add some elegance to your holiday playlist, this album is a wonderful choice.
(P) 1992 Sony Classical, a division of Sony Entertainment Holdings GmbH
Tracks
The Twelve Days of ChristmasTraditional, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Wynton Marsalis, Nancy Allen, Wynton Marsalis Septet, Orchestra of St. Luke's, The American Boychoir, The Christmas Concert Choir
Mary's Little Boy ChildJester Hairston, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, The American Boychoir, Christmas Concert Chorus, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Crusher Bennett, Victor See Yuen, Wynton Marsalis
Gesu BambinoPietro Yon, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, The American Boychoir, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 158a: AllelujaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Orchestra of St. Luke's
The Sound of Music: My Favorite ThingsRichard Rodgers, André Previn, Frederica von Stade, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Winter WonderlandFelix Bernard, Wynton Marsalis, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Wynton Marsalis Septet
We Three Kings of Orient AreJohn Henry Hopkins, Wynton Marsalis Septet
American SongsJohn Jacob Niles, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, André Previn, Wynton Marsalis, Orchestra of St. Luke's, The American Boychoir, The Christmas Concert Choir, Nancy Allen, Wynton Marsalis Septet
Medley: The Christmas Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasHugh Martin, Mel Tormé, Ralph Blane, Robert Wells, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, André Previn, James Saporito, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Falanga
Joy to the World!George Frideric Handel, Wynton Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis Septet
Hänsel und Gretel: Abendsegen "Evening Prayer"Engelbert Humperdinck, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Orchestra of St. Luke's, The American Boychoir
Es ist ein Ros entsprungenMichael Praetorius, Frederica von Stade, The American Boychoir, The Christmas Concert Choir, André Previn
Maria Wiegenlied, Op. 76, No. 52Max Reger, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Christmas SongsAdolphe Adam, Traditional, André Previn, Frederica von Stade, Kathleen Battle, The Christmas Concert Choir, Orchestra of St. Luke's, The American Boychoir, Nancy Allen, Wynton Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis Septet