This CD is a compilation of (mainly) devotional music sung by Pavarotti when he was in or near his prime, most going back, gloriously, to 1976. Precisely what Orfeo's lament (from the Gluck opera) is doing in a recital called "O Holy Night" is beyond me, but the rest of the selections are well chosen. The title song is gorgeously enough performed to be worth the album's asking price, the tenor's voice ringing out with great clarity and beauty, and the selection from Rossini's Stabat Mater is even more thrilling, with its ascent to high D flat near its close. Verdi's "Ingemisco," from his Requiem, is handsomely and sensitively delivered, and the others elections, with or without choir, are simply stunning. A CD for Christmas and the rest of the year as well. --Robert Levine

Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the best sacred song albums
Comment: Amongst the plethora of hokum that the recording companies pass on to us in the name of sacred/Xmas music using big name artists who barely seem to know why they are recording this music, Pavarotti's album shines out as a good example of the genre. Using various recordings throughout his career, the album features big Lucy working with various orchestras and conductors and the arrangements are well done.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: An awesome musical experience
Comment: I believe that Luciano far exceeded Caruso. His voice reached out to everyone, except for that unfortunate foray into the "Georgio" film.
He presented his music with a marvelous flair for detail. We shall miss him, so much.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The most beautiful of all
Comment: I have many Christmas albums, but I have to say, this is the cream of the crop. How could you expect anything less from the greatest tenor of a lifetime? The entire CD is absolutely breathtaking. "Pieta, Signore" (Have mercy on me, Lord) - is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written, and there is NO ONE that can deliver it like the Great Man. There is a passion, sincerity, reverence, urgency and depth to his singing here that is just unsurpassed. You will come away KNOWING that he believed every word that passed his lips. This album does exactly what all holiday albums should do, which is make us feel, realize and honor the true meaning of Christmas.

If you're looking for a Christmas album to convey the spirit and meaning of the season, this is the one. I was completely blown away, yet humbled by this supreme compilation. Bravo, Maestro, bravo! And thank you...

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Pavarotti's Christmas Gift
Comment: Pavarotti is in his prime for this one and the selections are both touching and grand. Mille Cherubini, a tender lullaby, is my favorite but his Agnus Dei is rich and grand. The choral backgrounds are also very good. I bought the cassette when it came out in the 70's and I am thrilled that they reissued it as CD to grace my 2007 Christmas .

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Pavarotti's Christmas CD
Comment: Since Pavarotti's death, there will be no more wonderful Christmas music from such a perfect voice. The "O Holy Night" CD was glorious to listen to during the holidays. His "Ave Maria's" were outstanding!

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