Track Listing

1. Deck the Halls [Welsh Ayre]
2. We Three Kings
3. Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
4. Coventry Carol
5. Good King Wenceslas
6. Christmas Sweet: Wassail, Wassail
7. Christmas Sweet: Carol of the Birds
8. Christmas Sweet: I Saw Three Ships
9. Christmas Sweet: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
11. Stille Nacht (Silent Night)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #499 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
Depending on your point of view, Christmas is either a quaint sonic time capsule extracted from the mid-1980s or a timeless holiday classic. The first in what has become an ongoing series of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas recordings, this CD has sold millions, which seems to indicate that it is everything its advertising claims it to be: "America's favorite Christmas music." The powerfully successful Mannheim Steamroller formula, conceived by group mastermind Chip Davis, involves a blend of Renaissance-flavored moods and instrumentation (strings, harpsichord, flute, French horn) intertwined with polite pop instrumental music. At times, the analog synthesizers used in this 1984 recording sound dated and a little cheesy, particularly on "Deck the Halls" and "Good King Wenceslas." But it is a forgivable offense since live instruments and the earnest but ersatz medieval atmosphere they evoke dominate 8 of the 11 tracks. As pleasant and soothing as a Willard Scott birthday wish, Christmas does offer one selection that truly merits "classic" status: the reverent, prayerful, slow-motion interpretation of "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") for piano and strings that closes the album--a beautiful and heart-touching work. This selection alone makes this album worth owning. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

A Christmas Classic
Mannheim Steamroller is the brainchild of Chip Davis, and is a fusion of classic music with high-tech pop. Mannheim Steamroller burst on the scene in 1974, with their Fresh Aire album. This album came out in 1984, and is without a doubt the greatest of their great Christmas albums. Having such classics as Stille Nacht (Silent Night) and Good King Wenceslas, it is very pleasant to listen to, with their rendition of Stille Nacht being a new Christmas classic.

Now, some can argue as to which album of Mannheim Steamroller is better. As for me, this one is it. Indeed, it has now gotten to the point where I cannot imagine Christmas without this album. So, if you are looking for some excellent Christmas music, then you really should consider getting this album. My family and I love this album, and give it our highest recommendations.

A Christmas tradition since 1984.
This, the first of Mannheim Steamroller's holiday collections, is timeless. Songs that should sound dated now just resonate with memories of Christmases past. This version of Good King Wenceslas should have won a Grammy. It's such an outstanding arrangement and still gives me goosebumps after 15 years. And the version of Silent Night on this disc is nothing short of breathtaking. It's really an experience and you just have to hear it to understand. The perfect late night Christmas Eve track.

from Solo Piano Publications
The first of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums, this one is a lot of fun, too. A bit more traditional than "A Fresh Aire Christmas", this album has a lot of arrangements that could be from The Renaissance. Harp, lute, hammered dulcimer, and clavichord join more contemporary instruments in stylings that are sometimes classical and other times modern. A rollicking "Deck the Halls" opens the album. Its fast tempo and heart-thumping bass line let you know right away that this Christmas album isn't going to take itself too seriously! This is definitely a modern arrangement, and it is gregarious to the fullest degree. "We Three Kings", "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella", and "Coventry Carol" sound ancient with mostly acoustic instruments. Next comes a rock and roll "Good King Wenceslas" with plenty of voltage powering the instruments! The next four "olde English"pieces comprise the "Christmas Sweet" played in a style and instrumentation befitting that era. The rocking version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is possibly my favorite Christmas recording of all time. It is totally infectious and commands me to hit "replay" every time it gets near the end. Full of joy and fun, this is what I think Christmas should feel like at least a few times during the season! "Stille Nacht" closes out the CD on a soothing and peaceful note. This is a great Christmas album, and I highly recommend it.