Experience the enchanting vocals of renowned soprano Kathleen Battle in "A Christmas Celebration," a timeless collection of beloved holiday classics. Released on January 1, 1986, this album features Battle's exquisite voice accompanied by the Boys Choir of Harlem, the New York Choral Artists, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, all under the skilled direction of conductor Leonard Slatkin. The album spans a rich hour and two minutes, offering a diverse array of international Christmas favorites that will delight and inspire.
From the stirring "O Come All Ye Faithful" to the serene "Silent Night," and the joyful "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Kathleen Battle's performance is nothing short of breathtaking. The album includes a mix of traditional carols and lesser-known gems, such as "Fum, Fum, Fum!" and "Zither Carol," providing a fresh and captivating listening experience. Battle's ability to maintain vocal excellence throughout the nineteen tracks showcases her artistry and versatility.
"A Christmas Celebration" is a perfect blend of opera, choral, and classical genres, making it an ideal addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're looking to set the mood for a festive gathering or simply enjoy a peaceful evening at home, this album promises to be a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
O Come All Ye FaithfulTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
O Holy NightTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle (Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabella)Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Fum, Fum, Fum!Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (Es ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen)Michael Praetorius, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Ave MariaFranz Schubert, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Gesù BambinoPietro Yon, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Three English Carols: I Saw Three Ships / The First Nowell / The Holly And The IvyTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Away In A MangerTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, Gibson, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Hark! The Herald Angels SingFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Marië Wiegenlied (Mary's Cradle Song)Max Reger, Robert Sadin, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Zither CarolRobert Sadin, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
I Wonder As I WanderTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Mary Had A BabyWilliam Dawson, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Rise Up, ShepherdRobert Sadin, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
What Child Is This?Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Ave MariaGibson, Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Finale & Reprise: Veni, Veni Emmanuel / It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / O Little Town Of BethlehemTraditional, Phillips Brooks, Lewis Redner, Franz Xaver Gruber, Gibson, Kathleen Battle, Leonard Slatkin, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Choral Artists
Kathleen Battle, the acclaimed American operatic soprano, is renowned for her distinctive vocal range and tone, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique artistry. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Battle's journey began with concert performances in the 1970s, leading to her opera debut in 1975. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, she expanded her repertoire to include both lyric and coloratura soprano roles, earning five Grammy Awards and becoming one of the finest coloratura sopranos of her time. Known for her enchanting performances of sweet, serene, and ecstatic music, Battle's voice is often described as light, high, and airy, with a childlike readiness that mesmerizes audiences. Despite her dismissal from the Metropolitan Opera in 1994, Battle has continued to inspire and mentor young singers, returning to the Met stage in 2016 and 2024 for memorable performances. Her discography spans opera, choral, and classical genres, showcasing her remarkable talent and enduring legacy.
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Kathleen Battle
