Experience the enchanting magic of the holiday season with Kiri Te Kanawa's timeless album, "Christmas with Kiri Te Kanawa: Carols from Coventry Cathedral." Recorded live in 1995, this captivating collection features the renowned soprano's exquisite vocals accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Robin Stapleton. The album is a beautiful blend of traditional carols and classical arrangements, showcasing Te Kanawa's exceptional range and emotive power.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Coventry Carol" to the joyous "Joy to the World," each track is a testament to Te Kanawa's artistry. The album includes beloved classics such as "Silent Night," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," as well as lesser-known gems like "Of the Father's Heart Begotten" and "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy." The diverse repertoire highlights Te Kanawa's versatility and deep connection to the festive spirit.
The album's duration of one hour and two minutes ensures a comprehensive and immersive holiday experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kiri Te Kanawa or new to her enchanting voice, this album is a perfect addition to your holiday playlist. The live recording captures the essence of a live performance, making it a cherished keepsake for any classical music enthusiast.
Anonymous / Arr. Cullen: Coventry CarolAnonymous, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: In dulci jubiloTraditional, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: O Come, O Come EmmanuelTraditional, Michael George, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Anonymous / Arr. Cullen: There Is No Rose of Such VirtueAnonymous, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: The Holly and the IvyTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Anonymous / Arr. Cullen : Of the Father's Heart Begotten (After "Divinum mysterium" from the Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Cornelius & Nicolai / Arr. Atkins: The Three KingsPeter Cornelius, Philipp Nicolai, Kiri Te Kanawa, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: I Saw Three ShipsTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Trad / Arr Cullen : Ding, Dong, Merrily on HighTraditional, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Traditional: We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Arr. Cullen)Traditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Jouko Harjanne, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, Michael George, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: O TannenbaumTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Scheidt / Arr. Cullen: O Little One Sweet (After "Jesulein süss" from Tabulatur-Buch)Samuel Scheidt, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Handel / Arr. Cullen: Joy to the WorldLowell Mason, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Jouko Harjanne, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Anonymous / Arr. Cullen: Good King Wenceslas (After "Tempus adest floridum" from Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Michael George, Jouko Harjanne, Robin Stapleton, BBC Philharmonic
Cummings & Mendelssohn / Arr. Cullen: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (After Mendelssohn's Gutenberg Cantata, WoO 9, MWV D4)Felix Mendelssohn, William Hayman Cummings, Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Berlioz: L'enfance du Christ, Op. 25, H 130: The Shepherds' FarewellHector Berlioz, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Holst / Arr. Cullen: 3 Hymns for the English Hymnal: No. 1, In the Bleak Mid-WinterGustav Holst, Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Traditional: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Cullen)Traditional, Robin Stapleton, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Jouko Harjanne, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic
Joubert / Arr. Cullen: Torches, Op. 7aJohn Joubert, Michael George, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Traditional / Arr. Cullen: The Virgin Mary Had a Baby BoyTraditional, Kiri Te Kanawa, Michael George, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Gruber: Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, Kiri Te Kanawa, Coventry Cathedral Choir, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic, Robin Stapleton
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the celebrated New Zealand soprano, captivated global audiences with her rich, mellow yet vibrant soprano voice, making her one of the most renowned opera stars of the modern era. Born in New Zealand, Te Kanawa's international breakthrough came in 1971 when she mesmerized audiences as the Countess in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" at the Royal Opera House in London. Her repertoire, particularly her interpretations of Mozart and Richard Strauss, showcased her exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. Beyond her operatic achievements, Te Kanawa's fame extended to singing at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and her diverse repertoire, which included everything from Gershwin to Maori folk songs. Her legacy continues through the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, which supports and mentors young New Zealand classical singers, ensuring her artistic spirit endures for future generations.
Vinylscout
Kiri Te Kanawa
