Holiday Music Thread

skrol
skrol Posts: 3,330
edited November 2012 in Music & Movies
I searched through but was not able to find ...

T'is the season where our attentions turn to holiday traditions and of course, music. Can we start a thread of favorite holiday music?

Of course I am selfish in this quest and looking to add to my music collection. Does anyone have suggestions for classical holiday music (artists, titles, renditions, formats).

Thanks
Stan

Main 2ch:
Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

HT:
Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

Other stuff:
Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
Post edited by skrol on
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Comments

  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    Johnny Mathis -Merry Christmas is at the top of my list.

    I was listening to Music Choice the other day-Songs of the Season. I heard a great song. I found it was a duet between Carrie Underwood and Elvis. Its from a new CD of Duets with various artists and the King. Pretty cool. Working on getting one.
    ____________________
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    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited December 2008
    When you say "classical" do you mean as in classical (i.e., "serious") music?

    If not, here's my #1 recommendation (and we have hours and hours of holiday music in pretty much every imaginable format except 8-track tape, so I speak with some context, if not authority):

    Bruce Cockburn, Christmas

    Superb in every respect, including sound quality.

    51dX58WAxqL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

    http://cockburnproject.net/albums/christmas.html
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    Lets include all our holiday favorites regardless of genre.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited December 2008
    OK :-)

    Here are my other four favoritest of all (FWIW).

    Stevan Pasero Christmas Classics for Guitar (much less cheezy than it sounds. Pasero is a virtuoso Bay Area guitarist)
    The Life Treasury of Christmas Music (simple and satisfying; from Gregorian chants to Victorian carols)
    Fred Waring presents... Christmas Around the World (1957 Capitol promo album)
    Gisele MacKenzie Christmas with Gisele (as cheezy as it gets; fun, though)
    Eugene Ormandy/Philadelphia Symphony Greatest Christmas Hits (a little cheezy, but well-recorded; with interesting, energetic arrangements)
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited December 2008
    I just bought Aimee Mann's One More Drifter in the Snow. Haven't had a chance to listen yet though.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    I had heard Aimee Mann's version of "Chestnuts Roasting..." on a various artist CD from Star bucks. There is such a nice quality to her voice. It was very enjoyable.

    I am presently sampling Stevan Pasero "Christmas Classics for Guitar" on Rhapsody. Very nice. I was not sure about the start to "Messiah, Allelujah" but as I listen ... it will likely join the collection.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited December 2008
    A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Gauraldi Trio

    Available on SACD and 45 rpm vinyl for the true audiophile Christmas experience.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    I have to add Bob Rivers comedic version of Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.
    Its great-Well done. Sometimes I put this on as background music and try to see how many people catch the changes lyrics.
    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004WF3V/bobriverstwis-20
    Go ahead click on the Amazon link above and give #2 a listen.

    When I get home and pull out the Holiday CDs I might post some more as I remember them.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited December 2008
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    I just bought Aimee Mann's One More Drifter in the Snow. Haven't had a chance to listen yet though.

    That has the opportunity to be quite good, I'd think.
  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited December 2008
    Seriously: TSO's DVD "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve"

    Not serious: Spinal Taps "Christmas with the Devil" or Bob Rivers "Santa Clause"- sung to the tune of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man"
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited December 2008
    Stan, one of the classical music highlights for the Christmas season is Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. I own four complete recordings and have listened to about a dozen more. You certainly should have at least one complete recording of this glorious music and I'll suggest a terrific bargain now available that includes not only The Nutcracker in one of my favorite performances by Lanchbery, but also Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake in a 6-disc set. Due to recent strength in the U.S. dollar the UK dealers have been a good source which I've used, and now Presto Classical has a sale on this set for about $19 plus $3 shipping.
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited December 2008
    Trans-Siberian-Orchestra simply the best
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    I do have Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. I used to have a CD of the Nutcracker but can't find it. I would like to replace it with a SACD recording. (Just saw one on the Must Have SACD thread)

    Also, is there a rendition of Handel's Messiah that would be recommended?
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    Another CD I listen to each year (and sometimes throughout the year), although not traditional and not at family get togethers and certainly not while the kids are around. The soundtrack to Mr. Hankeys' Christmas Classics. :D
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited December 2008
    I was last night listening to Manheim Steamroller's Christmas. Different but very nice. Excellent version of Silent Night on that LP.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited December 2008
    skrol wrote: »

    Also, is there a rendition of Handel's Messiah that would be recommended?

    Messiah is tough. For this time of year, you probably want only the "Christmas" part... the "Easter" stuff may be kind of tough sledding (But Who May Abide the day of His Coming", All We Like Sheep, Since by Man Came Death, etc.) :-)

    Do you prefer a period-correct version or big and bombastic? If the latter, the Malcom Sargeant version is an old fave. That's the version of Hallelujah that you'll usually hear.

    There was a good thread at AA on Messiahs that may be of interest.

    http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=music&n=163929&highlight=messiah

    oh, this one too:
    http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=music&n=155632&highlight=messiah&r=
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    strider wrote:
    A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Gauraldi Trio

    Available on SACD and 45 rpm vinyl for the true audiophile Christmas experience.

    I have the SACD on the way...

    Handel's Messiah...The best copy I have is a SACD from FIM (First Impression Music) but it may be out of print now. There are litereally hundreds of versions out there...and most of them are pretty good.

    It may sound corny to many but I really enjoy The Carpenters "Christmas Portrait". GREAT vocals and good traditional Christmas music.

    The early Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums "Christmas" (1984), "A Fresh Aire Christmas" (1988) and "Christmas in the Aire" (1995) are some of my favorites. Their recent stuff just doesn't seem to be as good.

    Not Christmas per-say...but I enjoy George Winston's "December" this time of year.

    Another of my favorites is Boston Pops with Arthur Fiedler "White Christmas". Just good classic Christmas tunes.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    Ahh, now if only George Winston would release on SACD-I'd buy the entire discography again.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    I liked George Winston a lot until I saw him perform live at the Meyerhoff. He went through this phase where he would strike the same note (TINK.TINK.TINK.TINK.TIMK.TINK...) superimposed with the music. I understand what he was trying to do and it works sometimes but done too often it becomes annoying (TINK.TINK.TINK...). I do still like most of his music and an SACD would be great.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    skrol wrote: »
    I liked George Winston a lot until I saw him perform live at the Meyerhoff. He went through this phase where he would strike the same note (TINK.TINK.TINK.TINK.TIMK.TINK...) superimposed with the music. I understand what he was trying to do and it works sometimes but done too often it becomes annoying (TINK.TINK.TINK...). I do still like most of his music and an SACD would be great.

    Ha, I know exactly what you're talking about- I also saw him live and have the live performance DVD (Low Vid Qual) but it kinda grew on me-its different-but I'm usually in a zone anyway.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Ahh, now if only George Winston would release on SACD-I'd buy the entire discography again.

    I actually have "December" on the origninal Hi-Rez format...Vinyl...as well the original CD and the remastered CD version.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    I've seen some of the GW vinyl on the Gon. It keeps eluding me. If I get a collection of that going-I just might make the jump into Vinyl. :cool:
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    I had forgotten that I actually have quite a few GW recordings, some vinyl and some CD. Some were my wife's, some mine and we married our fortunes together. Don't shoot me but I actually ripped my vinyl recording of December to CD for convenience.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,330
    edited December 2008
    Yo-Yo Ma & Friends Songs of Joy & Peace.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2008
    Of coarse Bing Crosby, and Jim Neighbors. Another vote for some Elvis:)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited December 2008
    Diana Krall Christmas Songs

    Here's track #10.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU_BBNeumLI
  • EmmaP
    EmmaP Posts: 1
    edited December 2008
    Hey,

    I enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas stuff because it's like classics that are a bit rockin'.

    And also I noticed that The Canadian Tenors (think Il Divo-ish) have the free single of the week on iTunes and it's a version of "Silent Night". So free is good, and I thought it was good.

    Here's the iTunes link: (It might only be the free single of the week in Canada)

    http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fax.itunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fid%253D299228081%2526s%253D143455

    Also, I'm new around here, so hello :)

    -Em-
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited December 2008
    EmmaP wrote: »
    Hey,

    And also I noticed that The Canadian Tenors (think Il Divo-ish) have the free single of the week on iTunes and it's a version of "Silent Night"...

    Also, I'm new around here, so hello :)

    -Em-

    A quick read of this post and I swear I thought that it said The Canadian Terrors... I really couldn't imagine what sort of holiday music it might be! ;-)

    BTW, Welcome.
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    A quick read of this post and I swear I thought that it said The Canadian Terrors... I really couldn't imagine what sort of holiday music it might be! ;-)

    BTW, Welcome.

    Canadian BRASS actually has a couple of good Christmas albums...I have this one and it has some GREAT pipe organ Christmas music in additon to the brass instruments...

    d10107m7773.jpg
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson