Track Listing

1. First Noel
2. Deck the Halls - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel,
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Christmas Song - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Doc Severinsen
5. Holiday Favorites: Santa Claus Is Coming to Town/Here Comes Santa ... - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel,
6. White Christmas - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, , Erich Kunzel
7. Carol of the Bells - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, , , Erich Kunzel
8. O Tannenbaum - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, , Erich Kunzel
9. Do You Hear What I Hear?
10. Christmas Waltz
11. Hark! The Harald Angels Sing
12. Angels We Have Heard on High
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
14. Go Tell It on the Mountain
15. O Come All Ye Faithful
16. Walking in the Air
17. Sleigh Ride
18. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
19. O Holy Night
20. Silent Night

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #125934 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-08
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
If you're looking for a single classical/pops Christmas album you can play year after year, Erich Kunzel's Christmas with the Pops might just be it. At the helm of his familiar Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and accompanied by a full roster of guest stars, Kunzel steps through 70 minutes of mostly traditional favorites for orchestra with and without chorus (a children's chorus and bell choir are also on hand). The guest stars are Doc Severinsen ("The Christmas Song"), Rosemary Clooney ("White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), Toni Tenille ("The Christmas Waltz"), Sherrill Milnes ("Go Tell It on the Mountain"), and boy soprano Stephen Van Dyck ("Walking in the Air" from The Snowman television special). Count on making Christmas with the Pops an annual tradition in your home. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Grand, exciting Christmas music with a wonderful surprise!
I've always been a fan of Erich Kunzel, and this recording does not disappoint me in the least. If you have grown weary of the typical Christmas musical fare, than this is the album for you. It's bright, it's bold, and it's full of energy. Although recorded in 1989, Telarc was a true pioneer in creating high quality all-digital recordings; this is no exception. And you get a full 70+ minutes too boot.

And what's the surprise? For me, it was the song "Walking In The Air" from the animated short THE SNOWMAN, sung by boy soprano Stephen Van Dyck. I have never seen this film, nor have I ever heard Van Dyck's voice before. Let me tell you about Van Dyck: his voice is beautiful and pure and overflows with innocence. I never knew a boy soprano could sound so great. My new quest in life for the next century is to track down a copy of this film as well as other recordings by him. If my CD was an LP, that song would have been worn off the recording by now! This CD is worth buying just to hear this song. I think you'll agree.

An Enjoyable Recording from America's Other Pops Orchestra
This is a wonderful recording by America's "Other" Pops orchestra. Since I am from Boston, I automatically associate the word Pops with the Boston Pops and when it was first released, purchased it at will believing it was a Boston Pops recording. Upon listening, I realized that it was a different sound than the Boston Pops sound, but this discovery was hardly a disappointment. One of the reasons why Erich Kunzel has been so successful with the Cincinnati Pops is his ability to bring forth a powerful and unique sound. This recording has all the Christmas standards, but the standards are presented in a creative manner, which is both a Telarc and Cincinnati Pops trademark.

There are two great strengths to this recording: its variety and its guests. There are full symphonic arrangements as well as arrangements for soloist, adult and children's choirs. Brass and organ ensembles, and hand bell choirs. The various arrangements are placed in an order throughout the recording that keeps the listener's attention. The gests are also outstanding. Rosemary Clooney, baritone Sherill Milnes, Doc Severinsen, and Toni Tenille add star power to the recording. There are unique tracks, particularly the chilling and somewhat ephemeral "Walking in the Air" from THE SNOWMAN performed by treble Stephen Van Dyck.

I have owned the recording since its release in 1990 and it has become a treasured part of my holiday collection. I am sure other listeners will treasure it too.

Fireside Favorites
One of the best Christmas albums you will find. Perfect balance between religious favorites, non-religious classics, and children's favorites. All tastefully done and arranged to fit the theme of the song. Many of the percussion "effects" bring the songs to life and the solo and choral vocals are outstanding. Cannot recommend this album highly enough. A must have for any Christmas collection to be enjoyed for many years.