For the Holidays gathers a star-studded roster of classical artists, including
Luciano Pavarotti,
Renata Tebaldi,
the Canadian Brass, and the Vienna Boys' Choir, for a polished, soothing album of holiday standards. The album offers a nice mix of instrumental and choral pieces, with the John Alldis Choir and
the London Symphony Orchestra performing such favorites as "Deck the Halls," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Coventry Carol," and Anthony Way and the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir contributing delicate renditions of "What Child Is This?" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Pavarotti's "Gesu Bambino" and
Tebaldi's "Adeste Fideles," along with "The First Nowell" by the Vienna Boys' Choir, are among the highlights of this traditional collection. While it doesn't offer any surprises, it certainly does provide refined and occasionally reverent Christmas music with a classical bent. ~ Heather Phares