Music critics have called her voice 'ethereal,' 'pristine' and 'captivating.' Throughout her career, Norwegian-born singing sensation Sissel has performed with a variety of artists whose styles range from folk to jazz and ... more »from rock to hip-hop. She has sung for royalty and shared stages with superstars such as Celine Dion and Sting. But for Sissel, singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square was 'a match made in heaven.' In her first-ever Christmas album released in the U.S., Sissel has collaborated with the world famous Choir to offer a dazzling collection of music for the holidays.« less
Music critics have called her voice 'ethereal,' 'pristine' and 'captivating.' Throughout her career, Norwegian-born singing sensation Sissel has performed with a variety of artists whose styles range from folk to jazz and from rock to hip-hop. She has sung for royalty and shared stages with superstars such as Celine Dion and Sting. But for Sissel, singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square was 'a match made in heaven.' In her first-ever Christmas album released in the U.S., Sissel has collaborated with the world famous Choir to offer a dazzling collection of music for the holidays.
"This concert was probably the single best musical Christmas concert I have ever attended. The choir is sounding better than ever. Mack Wilberg's choral arrangements continue to be first class. Sissel was outstanding with an almost surreal voice. Add to that the solid orchestra and Craig Jessop's dynamic conducting and you have one truly incredible performance."
Billboard #1... for a reason
Knobby | Utah, USA | 12/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Five weeks (so far...) and still going as #1 on the Billboard Classical Chart! Add to that a couple of Grammy nominations, Sissel's first US release Christmas album, the legendary MoTab, and Mack Wilberg's AMAZING arrangements and you have a groundbreaking album. This one will stand the test of time. The energetic pieces will have you spontaneously shouting "hallelujah" so if you are embarresed about that sort of thing, play it LOUD so no one notices... :)
(This CD deserves to be played at REFERENCE volume levels -- a concert in your home. My attention was riveted for the duration.)
Buy two and give one as a gift to an unsuspecting music lover or audiophile... seriously.
Final Note: The choir and orchestra are all volunteer -- props go to any who perform at this level for the pure JOY of creating music!"
The Finest Soprano in the world
Michael Wheeler | Las Vegas, Nevada United States | 01/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Mormon Tabernalce Choir in the past few years has invited singers and personalities from the United States and the world to perform in their Annual Christmas concerts in Salt Lake City Utah.
Some of those in the past include......Angela Lansbury, Walter Cronkite, Rene Felming, Auroa McDonald and others.
This year they have really out done themselves, by inviting Sissel to perfrom in the annual event.
I bought the CD and listened to who in my opinion is the finest soprano in the world. I had no idea who Sissel was. After some research I found out to my surprise she had done work on the soundtrack of Titanic.
I was able to catch the Christmas performance on PBS and instantly fell in love with her voice. I found myself listening to certain songs over and over. I even bought the DVD because it had more songs than the PBS version. In short I could not get enough of her.
Oddly enough one of my favorite parts is when she reads the account of Christmas from the bible. Hearing Sissel perform with the Tabernacle Choir as well as the Orchestra is an experience you have probably not had before, nor will you ever have again. This has become my favorite Christmas CD.
My favorite song from her on the DVD/CD is In the Bleak Midwinter, Mitt hjerte ailtud Vanker, which she claims is her personal favorite. In dulci jubilo is another favorite of mine,however everything she does is outstanding. You can see her love for these songs as she performs them. I can assure you, that you will listen to this several times. Her voice has a purity and beauty I have never heard before. What she has is nothing short of God Given.
This in my mind is the finest Christmas CD of the year. You will file this one with your very favorites.....Merry Christmas............................"
Sweet, pure Sissel with a full Symphony!
K. Penrod | Bountiful, UT USA | 12/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Put this CD into something with a great sound system. Go to the track entitled "Like an Angel Passing Through My Room." Sit quietly with the lights dimmed in your most comfortable chair. Take a deep breath and close your eyes . . . you will be soothed and filled with an angelic contentment and long for the song to go on forever."
Nominated for TWO GRAMMYS
Stenar | Salt Lake City | 12/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Spirit of the Season" featuring Sissel and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been nominated for 2 GRAMMY Awards: "Best Classical Crossover Album" and "Best Engineered Album, Classical." The Tabernacle Choir has issued the following statement, "Members of the Choir and Orchestra will be watching with great anticipation when winners are announced at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards which will be held on Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles! Whatever the outcome, the nomination alone attests to the enormous appeal of this latest offering in a long tradition of beloved and memorable Christmas recordings."
This is an amazing album and the Grammy nominations just validate that. I highly recommend this album, mostly because Sissel has such an amazing voice."