Christmas Day / Various- Christmas Day
Baritone Elem Eley describes this very personal album in this way: "Some of the most magical moments of my childhood were the eager tearing-away of the plastic wrap from the annual Christmas album, just purchased from the Firestone dealer in our little hometown! It was through these "Stereophonic LP" albums (devotedly and regularly brought home by my father) that I was introduced to much of the classic holiday repertoire, both sacred and secular. Burl Ives, Robert Goulet, Leontyne Price, The Brothers Four, Mahalia Jackson, Isaac Stern, of course, the New York Philharmonic, Mitch Miller and his chorus - these artists, plus many others, each year brought us much other-worldliness of the holiday season - often with an entertaining this-worldliness of musical style! Christmas Day is not consciously modeled after the Great Songs of Christmas serials, but the comparison is inescapable. We hope that this album may provide a measure of nostalgia, "Christmas magic," and inspiring reflection on the true meaning of the season. My own voice is complemented here by a host of outstanding artists - adult and children's choirs, orchestra, and brilliant instrumentalists. We offer you beloved carols, some composed or newly-arranged especially for this project. Join us on our journey to the cradle."
Tracklist:
- Hebrides Lullaby (Performed By Baritone & Choir)
- 3 Hymns For The English Hymnal, H. 73: No. 1, In The Bleak Midwinter (Arr. T. Shelton)
- Gesù Bambino (Arr. For Baritone, Violin & Piano)
- O Jesulein Zart (Arr. For Baritone, Soprano, Choir & Piano)
- The Birds (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- Caroling, Caroling (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- Christmas Carols, Op. 8 (Excerpts): No. 1, The Christmas Tree
- Christmas Carols, Op. 8 (Excerpts): No. 3. The Kings
- O Holy Night (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- Christmastide (Arr. For Baritone, Choir & Piano)
- Some Children See Him (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- 3 Geistliche Gesänge, Op. 66: No. 3, Ich Steh An Deiner Krippe Hier (Version For Baritone, Violin & Piano) [Sung In Eng
- The Carol Of The Birds (Arr. For Voice & Piano)
- The Birthday Of A King
- The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (Arr. H. Evans For Voice & Piano)
- Sweet Little Jesus Boy (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- I Always Cry At Christmas
- Christmas Day, H. 109 (Performed By Baritone, Choir & Orchestra)
- Silent Night (Arr. T. Shelton For Baritone, Choir & Piano)
Baritone Elem Eley describes this very personal album in this way: "Some of the most magical moments of my childhood were the eager tearing-away of the plastic wrap from the annual Christmas album, just purchased from the Firestone dealer in our little hometown! It was through these "Stereophonic LP" albums (devotedly and regularly brought home by my father) that I was introduced to much of the classic holiday repertoire, both sacred and secular. Burl Ives, Robert Goulet, Leontyne Price, The Brothers Four, Mahalia Jackson, Isaac Stern, of course, the New York Philharmonic, Mitch Miller and his chorus - these artists, plus many others, each year brought us much other-worldliness of the holiday season - often with an entertaining this-worldliness of musical style! Christmas Day is not consciously modeled after the Great Songs of Christmas serials, but the comparison is inescapable. We hope that this album may provide a measure of nostalgia, "Christmas magic," and inspiring reflection on the true meaning of the season. My own voice is complemented here by a host of outstanding artists - adult and children's choirs, orchestra, and brilliant instrumentalists. We offer you beloved carols, some composed or newly-arranged especially for this project. Join us on our journey to the cradle."
Tracklist:
- Hebrides Lullaby (Performed By Baritone & Choir)
- 3 Hymns For The English Hymnal, H. 73: No. 1, In The Bleak Midwinter (Arr. T. Shelton)
- Gesù Bambino (Arr. For Baritone, Violin & Piano)
- O Jesulein Zart (Arr. For Baritone, Soprano, Choir & Piano)
- The Birds (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- Caroling, Caroling (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- Christmas Carols, Op. 8 (Excerpts): No. 1, The Christmas Tree
- Christmas Carols, Op. 8 (Excerpts): No. 3. The Kings
- O Holy Night (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- Christmastide (Arr. For Baritone, Choir & Piano)
- Some Children See Him (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (Arr. For Voice & Organ)
- 3 Geistliche Gesänge, Op. 66: No. 3, Ich Steh An Deiner Krippe Hier (Version For Baritone, Violin & Piano) [Sung In Eng
- The Carol Of The Birds (Arr. For Voice & Piano)
- The Birthday Of A King
- The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (Arr. H. Evans For Voice & Piano)
- Sweet Little Jesus Boy (Arr. For Voice & Harp)
- I Always Cry At Christmas
- Christmas Day, H. 109 (Performed By Baritone, Choir & Orchestra)
- Silent Night (Arr. T. Shelton For Baritone, Choir & Piano)