Rating : - Beautiful voice. Beautiful renditions...
Thomas Hampson has a wonderful lyric baritone voice and I love the music, so why only four stars? Most of the pieces are a little laid back for my taste. (Maybe the fact that I'm a Mario Lanza fan explains that.) Exceptions are Alleluia, O Holy Night, and Ding Dong Merrily On High. The orchestra plays with wit and taste, which is almost a given when they are conducted by Hugh Wolf. If you love Christmas music sung by a lower male voice, then this album is a must. Does anyone know if Erich Kunz's marvelous carols album is available yet on CD? For anyone who likes Thomas Hampson, Erich Kunz should be tried. His voice is similar to Hampson's voice and his affection for the music shines through. Hampson's vocals are clean and well-focused. This, as one reviewer said, is music for other seasons too.