This CD is the best of the Carpenters for Christmas music and a must to have in any collection.

First, for the “Top Critical Review”, this was indeed done by the Carpenters, their tribute to all of the Christmas classic songs we are familiar with. From the overture which takes you through all the songs to each song (yes, done by the Carpenters). The comment “its not a Carpenter song”, or the implication that Karen does not sing the songs is a off-base, to be as kind as I can be. Possibly the reviewer is not familiar with how albums were done, or the overture concept, but Karen does indeed sing every song. This is similar to what the Moody Blues did “back in the day” when musicians were true artists and created theme albums using an orchestra.I had this album when it was new back in the late 70’s as I was a huge fan of Karen and still am. Her voice will never be duplicated, along with Andy Williams and so many others that created the classics we are familiar with. I for one greatly appreciate the arrangements and orchestrations they did for this album, the overall “album” concept of a concert. I first lost the vinyl album forever ago, then the CD went away, so just did a new mp3 download. Quality is amazing. 5 stars all the way, and I would say this would be a 5+ if there was such a thing.

well structured song list and of course karen carpenter’s voice is perfect for the christmas genre

One of my all-time top 3 Christmas albums.The other two are Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas (1984) and Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Special Edition of “The Carpenters: Christmas Portrait” is unquestionably my favorite Christmas CD this Season; as well as being, I think, one of the best Christmas albums of all time. The sound is remarkably crisp and clear. Although individually indexed, the CD plays without a break between the selections. The overall album forms a beautiful Christmas Mosaic; ideal for listening while you are putting up Christmas decorations, wrapping Christmas gifts, etc. This CD will definitely get you, and keep you in, the Christmas spirit.Although 21 Tracks are listed, the CD actually features about 34 (or more?) songs. Several numbers are presented in beautifully arranged Christmas Medleys; complete with full Orchestra and Chorus. Yes, some of the arrangements do sound like they were made for a late 1970’s Christmas Special. But this gives the CD a certain nostalgic feel. And part of the holiday experience is remembering Christmas Past.Karen Carpenter’s voice is, of course, a beautiful and sad instrument. There is no getting around the fact that Karen brought a lot of her own sad life experience to her songs. It’s not that Karen doesn’t sound happy when the song calls for it– she definitely does. It is merely that Karen makes these Christmas songs especially poignant. She offers her own distinctive interpretations of “The Christmas Song” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”; as well as a surprisingly effective “Ave Maria.” I loved the Mini-Version of “The Nutcracker Suite” that is included here, as well as “Little Altar Boy.” Of, course, The Carpenters’ own undisputed Christmas classic “Merry Christmas, Darling” is the most special song on this very special Christmas Portrait.

Having one of, if not the, most beautiful singing voice really brightens up the holidays. Karen Carpenter has a voice that is effortless and truly beautiful. We lost her too soon.

Came looking just like the picture and new in its plastic. The only complaint I have is that there was a small crack the size of an inch on the jewel case in the front.

Karen Carpenter’s voice was so beautiful.

Sometimes I like to enjoy some nice contemporary music … This album sounds great … Listening to it is very relaxing yet you can feel the composers as you listen ..I highly recommend to those who enjoy these classical musicians, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and others … Great music

Excellent 180g pressing. The disk is in greenish marble design complimenting the great classics. Great sound. Highly recommended.

Greatest classic music

This was a good album. Classical music is so soothing.

Great album to add to your collection

***

Sound isn’t great

Great christmas CD

Great quality. Great music. Dolly is Dolly. Never tired to listening to her.

Best Christmas cd ever. First one to play in my house everyday after Thanksgiving up to New Years. Songs are wonderful. We sent this one to friends and over the years have sent it to quite a few friends and family. They all love it.

Absolutely love this album!

This is a older cd but the show was fun when it ran years ago and the music was good so I wanted to hear it again. It’s worth it.

Perfectly imperfect pairing of two great American/country artists. Constantly causing smiles to be rendered, and joy to be felt. This cd is a must for your holiday sound library, and a wonderful addition to your holiday cards for special people in your life.God by Kenny, we’ll miss you always.Case arrived shattered & required replacing.

I have listen to this cd during Christmas time for 30 years so I wanted to order one so my daughter can have the same memory. Well it arrived on time but the lid was cracked. Thankfully I could just pop off an empty case to replace it.

Fast delivery. Great quality classic Christmas record.

Terrific music!

UPDATE: After updating my audio system, I listened to this album again, comparing it with other Christmas compilations, and I like it better. I’m giving you a brand new review and a higher rating!Then you see what you think.CONTENTS:The Best of The Temptations Christmas is a combination of songs from the Tempt’s Christmas Card Album (1970) and their Give Love at Christmas Album (1980). You will hear 12 diverse tunes including Gene Autry’s hit, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; Bing Crosby’s hit, Silver BeIls; The Trapp Family Singer’s Little Drummer Boy; Santa Claus Is Comin to Town (1934); Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Sammy Cahn’s Let it Snow!, Mel Torme’s The Christmas Song; and Berry Gordy’s Give Love on Christmas Day. This is rounded out by Smokey Robinsons’ Christmas Everyday; Donny Hathaway’s This Christmas; and traditional songs Silent Night, and O Holy Night. All are presented in the Temptations’ sweet soul vocal styling.SOUND:This is a surprisingly well-engineered recording with plenty of dynamic range and frequency response, unpeaky treble and solid but not booming bass. Left and Right soundstage separation is good and vocal positioning is enhanced by microphone positioning. There is some soundstage depth, causing a shallow bas relief effect, that is still enough to put some air between vocals/instruments and give a feeling of a real concert.RECOMMENDATIONS:If you grew up with the Temptations or rediscovered them later, this is a prime holiday album to own. Everyone I’ve played it for has liked this album. It will do as a focal holiday theme or as background music to holiday entertaining and celebration. I like this album and I think that you will, also.When you’re done here, feel free to click my name to see my Holiday Music, Book & Game List, read more reviews, check for UPDATES, or follow me. See you there.I hope this review has been really helpful. Enjoy your holidays!

This was a great Christmas cd for the family!! The classic Christmas music and songs that we come to love as a kid!!

Loved the Christmas music on the CD

Love this! The Temptations are a founding force in the history of r&b. This set of Christmas tunes seems obviously something they just put together to cover the holiday season, but it still features fun, festive, and reverent songs plus the voices of such bygone greats as Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and Otis Williams . Songs like their version of Silent Night are touchingly evocative of a disappearing aspect of African American cultural history .Like I said before, love this!

Looking for this for a long time. Best Christmas music all time

It plays and sounds great

my mom love the Christmas Temptations the look on her face was priceless

It’s nice to find Mannheim Steamroller’s “Christmas In the Aire” at a reasonable price. The MS Christmas albums of the ‘80s are very nostalgic to me and I appreciate having this in my collection.

Have you ever worked retail? Then you know the level of madness that can be caused at this time of year from listening to the same old Christmas songs over and over and over and OVER and OVER… eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!Whoops, sorry, I’m back now. Well, anyway, if you ever have worked Christmas retail- or just got stuck in line and had to listen to some of the same old songs way WAY too many times, you’ll understand.I helped out a buddy a couple of Holiday seasons ago, and they had 3 CD’s on endless repeat. About the 5th time I had to listen to “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”, I asked the boss how much was my “employee” price on that CD. She replied “$8” and I said “Sold!”. Then there was a loud “snap!” noise, silence, then a pattering of applause from the customers and my fellow coworkers.Now, still, I like Christmas songs, but it’s just the same-old-same-old repeated too many times I am ranting about.So, here’s my cure- three Christmas-time CD’s that break the mold but don’t stray too far from the much-loved Holiday favorites.Next- another, “traditional but different” collection- Christmas Extraordinaire by Mannheim Steamroller. A collection of 12 mostly instrumental, mostly traditional tunes. My favorite here is “Faeries” a new take on Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker tune. I love the bass line here, the tuba work is edgy and interesting.Hallelujah will also knock you out of your seat.Again, we have a nice mix of ancient and modern instruments, giving the music here an interesting and different sound.

“Christmas Extraordinaire” may be Mannheim Steamroller’s most beautiful Christmas CD. I have owned it for years, but couldn’t locate it this Christmas. I was desperate to replace it. The vendor, SELLC, was offering it in “mint condition”, and they really delivered! It appeared factory sealed and still had the secure label that must be removed in order to open the CD case. The external packaging for mailing was carefully and securely done to avoid damage during shipment. The CD itself is a 5-star product and SELLC deserves a 5-star plus rating. I will look for more opportunities to purchase from this vendor.

Beautiful music, I really enjoyed it at Christmas.

wonderful music!!!

It wasn’t quite what I expected, especially the opening rendition of Handel’s Halleluiah chorus. However, there some nice renditions of X-mas carols on the disc. I liked the final Auld lange syne – very nice.

Item received as ordered

OUTSTANDING PRODUCT FOR AN OUTSTANDING PRICE

I’ve always loved George Winston’s music. I heard December at a restaurant I went to and just had to get it It’s so beautiful. I searched for it and was thrilled that I found it and was able to buy it.

George Winston’s terrific album.

Have bought multiple copies of this CD, love it so much, for work, 2 homes, gifts…. Arrived in great condition.

This embodies the spirit of wintertime.

Absolutely beautiful music! The man was a genius!

When I was 16, my dad bought this album for me for Christmas. I was an advanced piano player who had taught myself to play at 6. I also have a knack fire being able to hear something and then play it. This cd, in particular the Variations on Kannon, was my saving grace in stressful times. My mom walked in 1 day and I was sitting at my piano, legs crossed Indian style on the bench, eyes closed, and I was just sitting there playing along to the song. Due to a bad car accident that crushed my left hand and required 5 extensive surgeries and lots of reconstruction and metal pins, I was unable to play for a while and got disgruntled….I gave up piano entirely. My son recently got into playing and it made me realize how much I missed it. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember what this cd was, but one day, we were out to eat and I heard it. Soundhound became my best friend that day. Lol. I immediately came home and found it on Amazon and purchased it. I loved it so much, I even purchased his piano book that has Variations of Kannon in it. I found my passion again.

I first heard this album 30 years ago, at age 7. A friend gave me a bootleg cassette tape copy of it. I listened to it for a few Christmas seasons after that, then the tape got lost and I never did buy it on CD. A week ago, I heard it again for the first time, and was as ‘taken with it’ as I was when I first heard it. It just goes to show how great music and great performances are timeless. So, now “December” is on my Amazon cloud player and I can listen to it whenever/wherever. My favorite piece on the album is “Carol of the Bells”, but they’re all great. This disc would be a perfect one to play at a Christmas party in your home. It’s amazing how music can set the tone for a social gathering and in my very very humble opinion, I’d say “December by George Winston” is the perfect CD for such a purpose.

I enjoy George Winston in my house & in my car. For me, CD’s are the way to go. My order arrived on time with a nice note from the vendor. The sound quality is excellent.

I have purchased this album five times. First on vinyl. Then on CD. Then three more CDs as gifts.

One of my top 3 Christmas albums.The other two are Carpenters Christmas Portrait and Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christians.

OUTSTANDING PRODUCT FOR AN OUTSTANDING PRICE

Enjoyed the Christmas music.

This is a classic and I needed it for my collection, bought it used and it arrived in perfect condition with no issues. My absolute favorite song on this is “Stille Nacht” love to put this on, dim the lights and just sit on my couch and meditate while gazing at my humble but brightly lit and decorated Christmas tree.

I was not impressed with cracked cd case. The cd was new and ok. The selection of music is a 5 star.

I have purchased this album a total of three times in life. Once in college when I heard a teacher playing it in her office. Someone borrowed it and never returned it. The second time I got it as a gift for Christmas, someone borrowed it, never returned it. This is the best Christmas album for new-age traditional songs set to electronic drums and melodies. I bought it a third time because it is worth it three times over. Silent night is mesmerizing! This album has a renaissance feel to it, the instruments are capitivating, and you’ll be entranced. Just buy it for yourself, you’ll be tempted to borrow it and never return it…that’s how good it is. Try silent night on a mellow afternoon at sunset to see if this album is for you. You’ll know what I am talking about. If it hits you like it hit me, you’ll either be tearing up, or back here to buy it asap! This one is a life-long keeper.

Awesome!!!

Surprised to discover this is a hard cover song book. I’ve never seen nor heard of such a thing before. I learned how to play using this book & my Dad’s 1972 Martin D35S & am happy to have my hands on this. Looking forward to playing Hard Headed Woman again.

The record was delivered earlier than expected. The description of the album was accurate. I definitely would buy from this vendor again

Every song on the CD is a pure classic!!! I recommend “Greatest Hits” and “Tea for the Tillerman” as the essential Cat Stevens cd. This CD you can just put on and let it play straight thru. “Wild world” ” Moonshadow” “Peace Train” and “Sitting” are just a few hits featured in this set. This collection of songs still influence and inspire listeners 45 years after it’s release. However after all of the many reissues of this CD I am slightly disappointed that an expanded and extended version hasn’t been released. It would be nice to see “into white” “King of Trees” and “Bitterblue” added in a new remaster. Yes I know there is the “Gold” collection which has these songs plus many, many more, but buyer beware! The so called “Gold” collections that are large collection of greatest hits released by different artists of all genre of music. They lack superior sound quality. You might think you’re getting a value, but you pay for lackluster sound quality. This CD is your best recommendation. Enjoy!!!

great singer

I’ll admit knowing nothing about Cat Stevens. That said, Wild World is one of my all time favorite songs, and I had planned just to purchase that. When I saw I could get this whole album for $6.99, I changed my mind and went for it.What you have here is a great selection of laid back, easy listening songs. There’s something about this guy’s voice that I find very soothing and I’ve played this album a lot while working on various projects – it seems to have a calming effect when I’m in a frustrating situation. I’d heard a couple of the tracks on the radio, but most were brand new to me. There really aren’t any skippable songs here – they flow very nicely. If you’re looking for some fun yet relaxing tunes, I recommend this album

I would rather order cd’s in very good and like new condition, because I am all about reuse and recycle in many venues. Of course the case shows a bit of use, but as this cd is just that good, lol, it’s understandable. The cd it’s self is definitely in like new condition.

Beautiful

as described

It simply does not get any better than the original London Cast Recording of the Phantom of the Opera. I have been listening to this show since I was five years old, and today I love it as much as I did then. Even before I saw this show live, I felt as if I had after enjoying this CD set. Since that time I have seen and heard many musicals, and nothing has captured the excitement, the wonder, the magic, or the mystery quite like The Phantom of the Opera. It is a show beyond compare, one that draws you in and takes you on a journey into the imagination. I don’t believe that there will ever be anything like it again.To say that “Phantom” is a musical made in heaven or that it is a masterpiece of our age is never an overstatement. The stars seemed aligned perfectly (pun intended) at the time of this endeavor, with every detail, even the most minute, finessed to the highest degree of theatrical and musical excellency.Andrew Lloyd Webber truly outdid himself, both in style and composition. While many of his previous and consequent works feel dated and sound so time specific, “Phantom” is astoundingly timeless. The romantic lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe are descriptive and haunting, and coupled with Lloyd Webber’s amazing score makes for a musical that refuses to be forgotten. It seems safe to say that it appears that nothing will ever surpass it in its beauty, majesty, romanticism and piognancy, even something written by Mr. Webber himself!I am an obsessive listener of this show and barely let a day pass without listening to at least part of it–yet I never grow tired of it. The music is memorable and timeless, and the singers perfect and lovely every moment. The score is lush and thrilling, and gives me goosebumps every time.Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine are simply incomparable in their roles as the two principal characters. They both have the most angelic voices I have ever heard, voices that are like no one else on earth. To me, they are two of the most talented performers of our century, and to have them perform together on one album is just a combination made in heaven.Michael Crawford will always be THE Phantom for me. His haunting tenor is so sweet and light it’s like listening to an angel. It is impossible not to be moved every time, his voice is just so beautiful. I don’t think it is physically possible for sour notes to ever fall from his silvery throat. He sings so smoothly and evenly and with such grace that at times his voice could easily be mistaken for a woman’s, yet it still remains undeniably masculine. He can make even the fiercest passage sound beautiful. His skill in sustaining notes never fails to amaze me, and makes me wonder why this man never was given more parts in theatre that showcased this marvelous talent quite so well. Truly, he has a divine gift for music, and this uniqueness and adaptability makes him one of my all-time favorite singers, not to mention the perfect choice to play the title character. Anyone who says he isn’t emotive enough as an actor should listen to more of his work on this album. He completely becomes the Phantom; he doesn’t just play him. He makes the Phantom a real person, not just a man on a stage. His total embodiment of the disfigured genius results in a deep-set passion that is instantaneously noticable in all of the Phantom’s vocal moments, whether booming with rage or soft and romantic with ardor. He brings a real life and feeling to a character who otherwise could come off as little more than a hideous madman luring an innocent prima donna to her doom.Sarah Brightman on the other hand is equally as unique. Her soprano is so crystalline and pure it’s hard to believe she’s actually human. Her range gets into some problematically high notes with ease but is never shrieky. Her voice is one that strums the heartstrings, and her passion is equal to that of her male vocal partner.Together, their chemistry is amazing. You can feel the electricity between them as they sing, especially noticeable on “The Point of No Return”. Their unique connection is one that I have yet to hear in any current companies of the show.The other singers on the album shine, and make for a solid and complimentary cast behind the two outstanding principals.I read Gaston Leroux’s book after hearing the score, but I was happy to find how faithful the adaptation was in the story’s leap from page to stage. The feeling is creepy and mysterious, and the enigma of the Phantom still remains long after we have seen him with our own eyes and have concluded that he is flesh and blood. There is romance, jealousy, drama, and murder, but the core moral is good one: beauty is not always on the surface, and even the ugliest deserve to be loved.Although I love every single track of this show, I want to highlight some of the numbers that are especially meaningful to me.One taste of the “Overture” and you know instantly that found your way into the Phantom’s world. The unmistakable chords signal the power and majesty to come with no hint of any respite from the darkness and villany, but, despite the ominous foreshadowing, the light is to come through.”Think of Me” is begun softly but builds into a roaring crescendo. The first introduction of Christine is done gently but powerfully; The final cadenza at the finale is perfection and soars to a lovely, operatic close.”Angel of Music”, which begins as a light back-and-forth conversation between Christine and Meg grows into a stirring confrontation with the Phantom himself is undoubtedly one of my favorite moments from the show. The simple, sprightly tune is easy enough to whistle, yet is one of the most lyrical melodies Webber has ever composed.From there, the music takes a turn to the more rock-inspired. The title song has a steady, compelling beat without being too out-of-place in the world of 1880’s Paris. Crawford and Brightman’s voices are perfectly blended, and they totally embody their roles as pupil and music-master. Their voices are fresh and passionate and never demure. They hold nothing back and are yet not overbearing. The Phantom’s “sing for me…”, hissed passionately toward the closing chord of Christine’s high note, always makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.”Music of the Night” is perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and without a doubt top on my list of favorites. Although it was originally meant for for a woman to sing in another of ALW’s shows, the decision of putting it in the masterful hands of Mr. Crawford just brings it to a whole new level. He takes on each passage with an effortless grace and brings the full majesty and loveliness of the piece to the forefront. One can believe they have truly found paradise when they hear him sing those immortal words, “You alone can make my song take flight. Help me make the music of the night.” He really makes it his song and his alone–It couldn’t have sounded better if it had been written especially for him.”Prima Donna” is a humorous if brief diversion from the ever-present darkness of the Phantom. It is reminiscent of a Gilbert and Sullivan banter-song, but is brought back to reality by the Phantom’s booming warning during the final chords.”All I Ask of You” is a fittingly romantic duet between the two young lovers. The lyrics are simple and sweet, and convey the proper emotions without being sappy. In other words, it feels like a true love song. The reprise is even more affecting, and brings the first act to a literally crashing close.The “Entr’acte” is one of the best I’ve heard in any musical or opera. It showcases some well-orchestrated instrumentals of the principal themes from the show in a beautiful arrangement.”Masquerade” is a unique tune that is difficult to describe or compare, but is one of the most hummable. It is bright and colorful, but, as always, the Phantom is always looming over, and the jaunty thread soon turns ominous as he begins to descend the grand staircase, dressed in the guise of the Masque of the Red Death. You can feel every step he takes as the strings pluck darkly over his descent, finally culminating in a flaring cresendo of anger and fear.Christine’s lament in the graveyard during “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is one of sweetness and longing, and is done very well by Sarah Brightman. Though I like the revised version (where the final line of the song is repeated), there is nothing I can find that flaws her performance here.Perhaps it is the reintroduction of “Angel of Music”, but the “Wandering Child” track gets me every time. The way it builds from a gentle beckoning to a powerful, almost hopeful love-duet before Raoul intervenes to save the day is strangely moving.”The Point of No Return” is perhaps the most passionate of all the pieces. Done as an opera-within-an-opera, the romantic tension only builds with each bar, ending with the Phantom’s longing solo reprise of “All I Ask Of You”. Crawford’s stealthy seductiveness and Brightman’s eager vivaciousness couple together to create a highly charged atmosphere. You really feel as if she is really prepared to give herself up to Don Juan/The Phantom’s advances.The “Finale” is as spectacular as any in a grand opera. The weaving of leitmotifs is a nostalgic nod to every previous moment that came before it, and creates a tension between the three main characters that makes a worthy climax to the rest of the show. The final repetition of Music of the Night always brings tears to my eyes, the Phantom’s last line is so touching. “….It’s over now, the music of the night.”In conclusion, The Phantom of the Opera paints a vivid picture in your mind with its superb score, stirring lyrics, wonderful cast, and a compelling story that keeps you hanging on, breathlessly, until the very last moment. Forget any other recording; buy this one. Classics never go out of style, and I don’t see this one vanishing into oblivion any time soon. You do have to have the proper imagination to appreciate this story–Some people, I know, find that Phantom is not their cup of tea–but you can’t possibly please everybody. Speaking for myself, I am totally satisfied. It excites my imagination to no end with its thrilling story, superb cast, and soaring music. It is a timeless tale with timeless music that will never grow old, and I encourage those who have yet to discover it to take a listen.

Good quality! Very fast shipping!

The best one ever done in my opinion! Love this!

Shipped super fast, arrived in time to be a wedding gift. Fantastic price for an out of print item. Thank you!!!

We’ve seen the play at least 8 times, and obviously love it. This brings back the whole play in my mind, as I listen to it..After seeing it that often, mostly in Los Angeles, North Orange County CA, and Once in London… Listening to this, I can visualize the actors moving around the stage.This is the best of the lot, with Michael Crawford’s extraordinary voice, and also with the stunningly beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman, who we’ve also seen perform on stage.Note: Play information, If planning on seeing a performance. There is now a newer version of the play, having been re-staged to play shorter runs of 2 weeks or so. All the staging is easier to pack up, and move, allowing shorter runs. Some of the music in this newer version, is also abbreviated, as well. It is good, but I missed the parts that were cut out or, trimmed to make shorter. I missed the grand staircase in the opening of the 2nd act.If you haven’t seen it, you won’t miss anything, but I sure did. But this is the original Phantom, as his greatest, and the original Christine..NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN BRIGHTMAN AND CRAWFORD. And here it is. Get it.

At the time that I’m writing this review there are 379 reviews for the original 1986 London cast recording of “The Phantom of the Opera”. It can be safely surmised that many people have opinions about this particular hallmark of musical theater. It also seems requisite that any reviews written after 2004 must bring up the movie soundtrack and compare the two leads, with varying levels of love for one and hate for the other. I shall attempt to summarize some of the more frequently repeated comments here, attempting to adhere to bare facts while impressing as little opinion as possible into what is a very personal musical.Fact: This is a girl’s musical.Okay, you can stop throwing things at me now.Point in case is that this musical appeals to females more than males, even more than most musical theater. Yes, men, real men even, still love this musical however, they are minority. The tunes are melodic, the story is a dramatic love triangle, and the lyrics are poetic and sentimental, which are all elements generally preferred by non-males. This is in no way disparaging to musical itself, but does affect matters of personal taste.Fact: Sarah Brightman has rare high range, utilizes vibrato often, hits high notes smoothly and easily, and whose ennunciation is poor.Basically, Sarah sings the role as singer first rather than an actress. Her role rival, Emmy Rossum sings as an actress first. Emmy also has a smaller range and a warmer tone. Emmy was also the appropriate age for the part, being sixteen and seventeen during filming, while Sarah was twenty-six the year Phantom debuted. Something else to keep in mind is that Andrew Lloyd Webber really wrote this musical for Sarah, particularlly because of how impressed he was with her vocal range.Fact: Michael Crawford is a strong tenor who also has an amazing range, does not emote excessively, and whose “Music Of the Night” is legendary.Few people have ranges like Michael and Sarah. Gerard Butler is really more of a high baritone/low tenor voice, yet still he performed all the songs in the original key. Gerard is very emotive, and sings the songs in the manor befitting an actor.Fact: Stage recordings are never as good as live performances, and studio recordings, (such as the movie soundtrack) are going to be a lot more polished.Fact: Great supporting cast, particularly the in roles of Carlotta (Rosemary Ashe) and Raoul (Steve Barton).Rosemary is obviously very well trained in opera, enough to turn a strong voice into a believably weak one, which is far less easy than it sounds.Fact: The plot does not always quite make sense.The novel by Gaston Leroux was originally a lighter satire, and while enjoyable, not any exceptional piece of literature. At the time the musical was written several versions of the story had been produced to good sucess, and Andrew and his team were trying to create a more original production. Some of the story was altered in places in order to condense or to make more palatable the original script. The movie ameliorates this slightly by providing a bit more back story to the phantom. As to Raoul just standing there as the Phantom ties him up, the fact that the premier site at the time in the city of art has employed a very mediocre soprano for several seasons, whythe police don’t capture the phantom while he’s busy singing “Past the Point of No Return”, and similar questions, to this I can only say, it’s theater. It does’t have to make sense, it just has to entertain.Fact: this musical has not only lasted, but thrived, for two decades now.That says a lot for anything in pop culture, which by definition is something ephemeral. Apparently it has something to offer that is not defined by zeitgeist.In closing I would like to offer that both this version and the movie version are valuable in different ways, however I think that this version should appeal more to fans of musicals and to people who have more musical training, while the movie soundtrack should appeal to younger fans, especially those whose musical taste runs toward pop.

Nothing to dislike about this great musical. I have it on vinyl, but having it on a CD let’s me download it on my PC and then transfer it to a thumb drive to use in my car.

well wrapped & clean

having been schooled as a scientist, I regretfully have no training in Music. so I did not have a clue how to pick a classical music CD. what I did know is I needed something to soothe my mind and nervous system after a shift at my hectic job [I’m an Emergency Physician.] this CD set more than met my expectations. with selections from most of the great masters, the music is beautiful and soothing. one selection after another just calms my soul and relaxes my body. I even recognized the magnificent Ave Maria, Tchaikovsky’s Nocturne in F and a few others. but all 24 selections are wonderful to hear and so relaxing. I play this CD set almost every day now. I highly recommend it!

I kept hearing Clair de lune in my head today at work while the rain poured down and realized I was in a mood for most of these songs on here. I’m not a huge classical music fan in that I pretty much love all genres of music-especially movie soundtracks (this wasn’t on the Twilight one unfortunately but love the Bellas song)…but my classical is limited…but on those days where Led Zep or Snow Patrol or Green Day or Carrie Underwood or keith urban etc. etc. won’t cut it…this is a joy to listen to! You immeidately feel you are someplace peaceful, serene, beautiful…like a sailboat at sunset on calm waters, or a thick forrest during a rain storm or a hilltop during a full moon…just a slice of musical heaven!

I’ve purchases a number of the “most relaxing” series and generally liked them, but for my money this was the best so far. If you favor jazz tunes oriented around well known, classic songs, then you’ll like this one. As usual, the group and soloists featured are widely varied. I believe this is the first time I’ve heard someone play jazz harmonica! I’m not especially a harmonica fan, and if you’re not either, don’t turn up your nose at this until you’ve heard it. I especially enjoy jazz sax, and in this regard this album doesn’t disappoint. There are several nice, bluesy tracks along this line. The CD may not be serious or modern jazz, it may not satify the true jazz affectionado, but for a wonderfully relaxing, breezy, varied, and straight ahead jazz experience, grab a cool drink, lay back in your hammock, and enjoy.

I sometimes listen to this at bedtime and it’s very calming and relaxing ,helps to get to sleep or chill out .

May 16th, 2015: This is a beautiful compilation of music for sure but it is not the “Ultimate most relaxing music in the universe”…there are some gentle, relaxing pieces but there there is a jarring piece of rapid sounding music…it should be listed as it is…a mix of peaceful, relaxing music combined with fast, staccato pieces…I would not recommend this to anyone who just wants the ‘ultimate most relaxing music in the universe.’

I do not normally buy collection discs but this one follows an original set that has very nice selections. I usually play it during the dinner hour.

Lovely selection of classical music.

I absolutely love this CD. For variety and calmness you can’t go wrong. Generally calm music with great tempo. It is one of a kind. It gives me a break from Heavy Rap and Underground Hip Hop and really puts my nerves at ease. My driving becomes mellow and my words become soft. It helps me cope on those really rough days, or focus on very important tasks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!