Leontyne Price’s Christmas album

Written by Charles McKay

In category: Song of the Day

Published December 19, 2016

I’m back for a week of holiday music.  First up, Leontyne Price with the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan from 1960 (it was released Jan 1, 1961).  The CD is titled Christmas.

It is Price at her prime and her best and in the hands of Karajan with the Vienna Philharmonic it is a magical collaboration rarely heard.  The recording captures that gorgeous shimmering lush sound that she was famous for and here, performing these beautiful carols and hymns, it is simply one of the loveliest Christmas recordings (or recordings period) ever produced.

The two selections I offer are Mozart’s “Alleluia” and Adams’ “O Holy Night.”  I expect you will not want to listen to any other recording of “O Holy Night” after listening to this.

Leontyne Price

“Alleluia” from Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUO8S16VOQo

“O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adams
author: Charles McKay

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Now leading our administrative team, Charles McKay has a longstanding devotion to vocal music. Prior to his time with NYFOS, he enjoyed a long career at Carnegie Hall, including programming the Great Singers concert series and developing professional training residencies, including the legendary Robert Shaw Choral Workshop.

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