Outline There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley
Item Specifications...
Record Label Razor & Tie
Format Extra tracks
Dimensions: Length: 5.1" Width: 5.66" Height: 0.4" Weight: 0.22 lbs.
Binding CD
Release Date Nov 1, 2005
Publisher PROVIDENT CHRISTMAS #58
ISBN 0012338036 EAN 0793018289726 UPC 793018289726
Availability 2 units. Availability accurate as of May 23, 2012 02:14.
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Music > Special Features > Holiday Music 2003 > General Christmas [175 similar products]
The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
3 Tenors Christmas Jan 11, 2007
This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.
Beautiful and Amazing Dec 18, 2004
When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on this site I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.
These Three Kings Rule! Apr 24, 2004
This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!
Another Winner Dec 21, 2003
In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.
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