Carols of Christmas Past
Jerry Fry | Freeman, MO USA | 12/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're tired of Christmas songs after hearing so many of the same ones over and over and are ready for something new here is the solution.
Zola Van's beautiful melodies give the Christmas spirit a new dimension. Carols from past centuries, seemingly lost in time, are brought to the present and surely must sound more beautiful than ever before.
These selectins are calming and soothing to the nerves. Highlights here are "Huron Carol", "The Boar's Head Carol" and "The Dutch Carol". But every song is played with remarkable excellence. For those longing to hear something more familiar, the timeless carol "Silent Night" completes this magnificent set of piano solos."
From Solo Piano Publications
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 11/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I slipped "Carol: A Christmas Journey" into my CD player, I expected to hear a collection of the usual Christmas pieces and carols with Zola Van's inspired solo piano interpretation. She had told me that this album was going to be different, and different it is! What sets "Carol" apart from other collections is the darkness and moodiness of the album. At first, it seemed almost bleak, but the more I listen, the more I hear the hope and anticipation in the music. Most of the carols are extremely old, going as far back as the twelfth century, and come from various European countries and traditions (one is Indian/Canadian). Van really did her homework on this album, researching the origins of the music as she collected the songs, and writing a short history of each piece in the liner notes. With all of the Christmas music I listen to and teach, I was amazed that I was familiar with only a small number of the carols, and because the collection is so unusual, I would think it would be easy to listen to it year-round without feeling silly about playing a Christmas album in, say, April while you're preparing your taxes!The three familiar carols are "Coventry Carol," "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella," and "Silent Night," all played lovingly true to the originals, but with fresh interpretations. "A Virgin Most Pure," is a hauntingly beautiful carol that tells of the prophecy and of three journeys to Bethlehem. Van's use of heavy chords in the deep bass of the piano accentuates the mystery and darkness of many of the pieces, this one included. "Children's Song of the Nativity" is a bit lighter, full of innocence and questions about traveling to Bethlehem - how far is it? what will we do when we get there? - a very sweet vignette. My favorite track is probably the darkest one of all, "Huron Carol". The words come from Huron droning, and were set to an Indian/Canadian tune by a Jesuit missionary who taught the Huron and Wendot in a wilderness outpost in Quebec. Van does an exquisite job with this piece - to the point that you can almost feel the chilling winds blowing through it. "The Boar's Head Carol" is a bit lighter and more festive. "The Dutch Carol" comes from about 1599, and is delicate, melancholy,and very beautiful. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is probably the most upbeat piece - a dance that servants and peasants would perform for their employers' entertainment. A very unusual collection of holiday music, "Carol" is certainly an antidote for too much Santa Claus. It makes you realize how far back our holiday traditions go, and the vastly different ways in which Christ's birth has been celebrated over the centuries. Historically, this is a fascinating collection - I learned so much from the liner notes. Musically, it is a spiritual and introspective journey to hear these haunting melodies played with such care and emotion. Zola Van has done an outstanding job with this album. Just be aware that this is not a happy-go-lucky album of "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town.""
Wonderful, tasteful Christmas music.
Digital artist | Rhode Island | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD of traditional carols played by Zola Van is a refreshing respite from the blitz of tacky, cynical and commercialized Christmas music. Both familiar and rarely heard carols are played with tremendous simplicity and expression. Some listeners may find a few of the selections rather sad and solemn, but these carols convey the mystery and wonder of Christmas. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the piano sounds a bit tinny at times, as if the sound engineer was trying for a harp-like effect. In any case, this is a well-done collection of carols that will be enjoyed for years."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1