I’m a fan of many types of music -- as long as real talent is involved in its making. However, when it comes to Christmas music, it’s rare that I find appealing anything other than traditional carols and classical. Of course, there are exceptions … for example the work of Vince Guaraldi, Cole Porter or even Manhattan Transfer … but typically -- from my point of view -- I just find most forms other than the more traditional to be ... well ... downright tacky. Or ... to put it in a way that relates to Style Forum … the sartorial equivalent of bad designer clothing, cheap mass-market garments, souped-up regional and country outfits, or some other equally horid fashion.
But to note some of my actual favorites … The two CDs playing right now are as follows:
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna / The Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra / Paul Salamunovich conducting
Music for Advent / The Choir of Men and Boys, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco /
Choirmasters John Fenstermaker & Christopher Putnam directingAnd as Christmas gets closer … I might pop in …Nine Lessons & Carols / The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford / Bill Ives directingBeginning 24 December and for the 12 days of Christmas … I’m likely to play music as follows:
Christmas on Fifth Avenue / The Choir of St. Thomas Church / Organist & Choirmaster John Scott directing
Chantons Noël / Maitrise Saint-Pierre Aux Liens de Bulle / André Corboz directing
