The Music Thread

[42N2Zs75]

I listened to a lot of versions of the following Christmas songs. For “ O Holy Night,” I wanted a clean, clear voice with simple accompaniment. This is what I liked best (it’s Māori):

For “God Bless ye Merry Gentlemen,” I was looking for a jazzy, upbeat version. I was surprised and delighted by this:

 

[42N2Zs75]

I searched for “Carol of the Bells,” the lead song on my desktop iTunes Christmas playlist. (It put me in the right mood.) I thought it was a version by Manheim Steamroller, but the recordings on YouTube by them sound different—more orchestral. The version I had consisted of bells and harmonic choral singing only.

I came across this. It showcases cellos played the way I prefer. It’s also a medley, seamlessly intertwined with another Christmas favorite—a double bonus! I do miss the bells, but the cellos are more than a worthy substitute …



 

[J. A.75]

I searched for “Carol of the Bells,” the lead song on my desktop iTunes Christmas playlist. (It put me in the right mood.) I thought it was a version by Manheim Steamroller, but the recordings on YouTube by them sound different—more orchestral. The version I had consisted of bells and harmonic choral singing only.

I came across this. It showcases cellos played the way I prefer. It’s also a medley, seamlessly intertwined with another Christmas favorite—a double bonus! I do miss the bells, but the cellos are more than a worthy substitute …



I‘ve followed the Piano Guys for quite a while, and there are a few of their albums in my music library. I like the creative way they use their music instruments.
My son shared this video with me quite some time ago:

That‘s when I saw and heard them the first time.

 

[KevinJS37]

I searched for “Carol of the Bells,” the lead song on my desktop iTunes Christmas playlist. (It put me in the right mood.) I thought it was a version by Manheim Steamroller, but the recordings on YouTube by them sound different—more orchestral. The version I had consisted of bells and harmonic choral singing only.

I came across this. It showcases cellos played the way I prefer. It’s also a medley, seamlessly intertwined with another Christmas favorite—a double bonus! I do miss the bells, but the cellos are more than a worthy substitute …





Just had a look. It's on this album:

or maybe this one

Hopefully one of them is the version you are looking for..

https://www.discogs.com/master/208777-Mannheim-Steamroller-A-Fresh-Aire-Christmas

 

[KevinJS37]

Last night's playlist:

Apocalyptica plays Metallica by Four Cellos
The Flower Kings - Love
Yes - Close To The Edge
Ars Antiqua Austria/St Florianer Sängerknaben - JS Bach - Psalm 51 BWV 1083
Tölzer Knabenchor - Mozart and his time
Rafael Kubelik/Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra - Mahler 8
Peter Stangel/Die Taschenphilharmonie - Mozart 40/41
Nightwish - Wishmaster

 

[42N2Zs75]

I‘ve followed the Piano Guys for quite a while, and there are a few of their albums in my music library. I like the creative way they use their music instruments.
My son shared this video with me quite some time ago:

That‘s when I saw and heard them the first time.

A few years ago a co-worker showed me their video of a Bach cello piece so I’ve been doing searches based on “4 cello guys” and the like. Never thought of a piano.

I like their overall upbeat style . I think the main ingredient of their approach is “FUN!.” …

 

[42N2Zs75]

Just had a look. It's on this album:

View attachment 121510

or maybe this one

View attachment 121511

Hopefully one of them is the version you are looking for..

https://www.discogs.com/master/208777-Mannheim-Steamroller-A-Fresh-Aire-Christmas

Thanks, I’ll give it another look …

 

[KevinJS37]

Thanks, I’ll give it another look …

No problem. I hope you find the version you are looking for. Not much to my surprise, I found that I only have one version of the song, by the English boys choir, Libera. Christmas music is not high on my want list, I have to admit. Some has snuck into my collection over the years but not much. I don't actually know how I have this one. I certainly don't remember buying it. The files are Apple Lossless, so I know I ripped it from a CD.

 

[42N2Zs75]

No problem. I hope you find the version you are looking for. Not much to my surprise, I found that I only have one version of the song, by the English boys choir, Libera. Christmas music is not high on my want list, I have to admit. Some has snuck into my collection over the years but not much. I don't actually know how I have this one. I certainly don't remember buying it. The files are Apple Lossless, so I know I ripped it from a CD.

View attachment 121514

Listened to Libera post, thanks.

I went through both albums again, still no luck. Then I thought, “I must have the wrong group” - maybe Manhattan Transfer! Searched some more but not them either. The vocals sounded right but their overall tempo was too slow, and no bells!

Tried searching with keywords voices and bells. A lot of wonderful a cappella renditions turned up. I especially liked the one from Ukraine, where this song originated. Still, no match.

One unexpected reward for the effort - an instrumental by The Petersens. The group - what a find! I love their arrangements and sound. In this case, Bluegrass meets Flamenco. How refreshing!

Not really a Christmas guy, period! I usually don’t get into “the spirit” until the last week, at the earliest. But I must admit that looking for and listening to all this music and songs has given me joy, mainly because I’m having fun! …

 

[KevinJS37]

Listened to Libera post, thanks.

I went through both albums again, still no luck. Then I thought, “I must have the wrong group” - maybe Manhattan Transfer! Searched some more but not them either. The vocals sounded right but their overall tempo was too slow, and no bells!

Tried searching with keywords voices and bells. A lot of wonderful a cappella renditions turned up. I especially liked the one from Ukraine, where this song originated. Still, no match.

One unexpected reward for the effort - an instrumental by The Petersens. The group - what a find! I love their arrangements and sound. In this case, Bluegrass meets Flamenco. How refreshing!

Not really a Christmas guy, period! I usually don’t get into “the spirit” until the last week, at the earliest. But I must admit that looking for and listening to all this music and songs has given me joy, mainly because I’m having fun! …

I wondered whether TransSiberian Orchestra might yield what you are looking for, but no luck.

Found this a cappella version from Vilnius. No bells though.

 

[KevinJS37]

I assume this one is pretty ancient. The recording is in mono, although very good.

 

[KevinJS37]

Let's see what Vivaldi we have that isn't the 4 Seasons:

 

[KevinJS37]

Bach: Sacred Cantatas, [Disc 21 of 60] - BWV 67-69

 

[42N2Zs75]

I’ve looked for a version of “We Three Kings” with the exotic sound of the Orient and/or Middle East. Although I was seeking the sounds of an “ensemble,” my choice is a hammered dulcimer …

 

[KevinJS37]