A Carnegie Hall Christmas

With a wonderful blend of Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary renditions of Christmas carols, this concert has become a family tradition for us. When it first aired on PBS, we recorded it onto VHS tape, and we have played that tape near Christmastime every year since, and we dearly wish it were available on DVD.

Quite simply, this concert features opera singers Kathleen Battle and Frederica Von Stade along with the only two people ever to win Grammy Awards for both Classical AND Jazz: Andre Previn and Wynton Marsalis. The result is absolutely unforgettable.

Unlike many opera singers (e.g. Pavarotti), Battle and Von Stade are able to sing non-opera material without sounding stuffed into it. In fact, they accomplish it quite beautifully.

Previn and Marsalis are both equally at home with Jazz and Classical, and perform marvelously.

In addition, some pieces include a full choir AND a full boys' choir, especially a one-of-a-kind version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" in which something that can be a tired, old Christmas cliché is transformed into something sublime.

A Carnegie Hall Christmas with Fredericka and Kathleen was amazingly good. My father and I would watch this performance over and over on PBS. I wish I could find a DVD version to purchase. The divas have the requisite costume changes and duet and solo to their hearts delight. The songs range from traditional to traditional, so don't expect any wacky versions of Grandma got run over by a reindeer. All the arrangements are tasteful and gorgeous. Fredericka's tone is amazing and as personally difficult as Kathleen Battle is reputed to be, she sings like a star. This Christmas special reminds me of Diana Ross and Vanesa Williams mixed to the hilt when singing with Luciano, who is stand three feet away from his mic. These ladies could have kept up with his trademarked sound. GO Fredericka!... and kathleen. If you ever happened to see this program replayed or on amazon.com BUY IT!