Melissa Manchester with the GMCLA
What a voice. This is Melissa Manchester singing Cradle in Bethlehem with the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles. Worth the few minutes…trust me.
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This sub-category of Culture would be used to discuss items related to music. It might be songs I’ve downloaded, CD’s I’ve purchased, or musical performances I’ve attended.
Joy To The World-Cello
I’ve become a huge fan the cello, and someday I’d love to take lessons. This is performed as a multi-track recording by Sharon Gerber. It really showcases what a dynamic instrument the cello can be in the right hands. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Day and that the New Year is your best ever.
Read moreO Holy Night-Piano
I stumbled across Chris Commisso’s YouTube channel some time back. He doesn’t his own arrangements of carols and hymns, and does a great job with arrangements and the performance. This is his arrangement of the old standby, “O Holy Night.” I love this carol and especially this arrangement. It’s totally true to the original tune, but with just enough embellishment to really showcase this pianist’s talents.
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Still, Still, Still
Maybe my favorite Carol. This version is performed by Aled. I first heard this song performed by the Tampa Gay Men’s Chorus when I lived down here the first time in the Tampa Theater. Things weren’t great in my life at the time, but I remember looking up at that blue lighted ceiling with the tiny lights in it as stars, and I finally felt like things would be OK. This one is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to hear.
Read moreJoy to World-Piano
This is a piano arrangment of Joy To World I found on Youtube which is pretty good. It’s one of the great classics and had been performed in nearly every combination of voice and instruments imaginable, so it’s never been hard to find one more really good one. I hope you enjoy this few minutes.
Read moreGo Tell It On The Mountain – Amazing Organ Version
This is an amazing organ version of the old classic, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” played on the organ in the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. The pedal work is beyond outstanding. You have to see it to believe it.
Read moreGood King Wenceslas-Unbelievable Organ Arrangement
This is a really cute and amazing organ arrangement played on the Mormon Tabernacle organ. I believe the arrangement is by the organist. It’s really fun to try to see how many other Christmas songs he managed to slip into it. In addition, it an amazing showcase of his skills and the capabilities of that organ. I hope you enjoy.
Read moreCarol of the Bells-The Muppets
I confess, I love the Muppets. I have since I was a kid, and I’d still watch their show if it was on. Here’s a version of Hark How The Bells with a few of their more interesting characters. Yes, it’s cheesy, but that’s what makes it fun, and isn’t that a whole lot of what the season is supposed to be about? Take a minute, and put a smile on your face. You won’t be able to help yourself.
Read moreCharlie Brown Christmas Music
Who can forget the Vince Geraldi score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas?” I stumbled across this guys videos of his interpretations of all sorts of songs. He seems to do requests from followers. Anyway, enjoy his version of medley from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Hope you helps you get in the mood.
Read moreThe Canon As You’ve Never Heard It Before
I suppose of all the classical music out there, perhaps my favorite is the Pachelbel Canon in D. It’s beautiful melody has soothed me many times, and it seems there’s almost no treatment of music that doesn’t turn out beautiful. Guitar, organ, symphony orchestra, hammered dulcimer…it doesn’t seem to matter, it almost always sounds amazing.
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Marriage of Figaro
Here’s a cute video of one guy did playing a four-hand transcription of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. He says in the comments it took a lot of takes to get it together, but I think he did a pretty cool job.
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