Search - Various Artists :: A Christmas Festival

Light Classics for Christmas

John O'Neill | Alpharetta, GA | 12/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of two holiday discs that pops conductor/arranger Richard Hayman recorded for the budget classical label Naxos (the other being entitled "Joy to the World" which is a fine, and admittedly more "up beat", companion disc). The performances are very strong and it starts off with Leroy Anderson's medley of popular Christmas carols. Other highlights include Frederick Delius' rarely heard "Sleigh Ride" which nicely depicts a moolit sleigh ride, quite a departure from Leroy Anderson's more popular composition but equally as effective. There are also some unique pieces here which you don't come across too often such as the excerpts from the scores to "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "Gift of the Magi" and the "Winter" movements from Glazunov's "The Seasons".All in all a relaxing "pops" program of holiday themed music with some nice departures from the usual fare.(I too am familiar with the Boston Pops 'A Christmas Festival' CD on RCA Gold Seal - conducted by Fiedler, which is still available, and is another excllent CD. The selections are totally different and to me both are worthy additions to any holiday music collection.)"