Kathleen Battle, the renowned American soprano, invites you to experience the enchanting spirit of the holiday season with her captivating album, "A Christmas Celebration." Released on January 1, 1986, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd., this exquisite collection of choral and classical pieces is a testament to Battle's extraordinary vocal prowess and her ability to infuse each track with warmth, grace, and profound emotion.
Spanning a duration of one hour and two minutes, the album is a beautifully curated selection of traditional carols and sacred music, seamlessly blending the rich traditions of opera, choral, and classical genres. From the jubilant "O Come All Ye Faithful" to the serene "Silent Night," Kathleen Battle's voice shines brightly, offering a fresh and inspiring interpretation of these timeless classics.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, including the hauntingly beautiful "O Holy Night," the lively "Fum, Fum, Fum!," and the tender "Away In A Manger." Battle's rendition of "Ave Maria" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to convey deep spiritual devotion through her ethereal vocals. The album also includes a delightful medley of Three English Carols, expertly woven together to create a harmonious and uplifting listening experience.
"Three English Carols: I Saw Three Ships / The First Nowell / The Holly And The Ivy" is a standout track, highlighting Battle's versatility and her ability to transition seamlessly between different musical styles. The album culminates in a grand finale, featuring a reprise of "Veni, Veni Emmanuel" intertwined with "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," leaving the listener with a sense of peace and joy.
Kathleen Battle's "A Christmas Celebration" is not just an album; it's a celebration of the holiday season, a tribute to the enduring power of music, and a showcase of one of the most remarkable voices of our time. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or simply looking to add some holiday cheer to your collection, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
O Come All Ye FaithfulTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
O Holy NightTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle (Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabella)Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Fum, Fum, Fum!Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (Es ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen)Michael Praetorius, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Ave MariaFranz Schubert, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Gesù BambinoPietro Yon, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Three English Carols: I Saw Three Ships / The First Nowell / The Holly And The IvyTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Away In A MangerTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, Gibson, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Hark! The Herald Angels SingFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Marië Wiegenlied (Mary's Cradle Song)Max Reger, Robert Sadin, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Zither CarolRobert Sadin, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
I Wonder As I WanderTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Mary Had A BabyWilliam Dawson, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Rise Up, ShepherdRobert Sadin, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
What Child Is This?Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Ave MariaGibson, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Finale & Reprise: Veni, Veni Emmanuel / It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / O Little Town Of BethlehemTraditional, Phillips Brooks, Lewis Redner, Franz Xaver Gruber, Gibson, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists