An Orchestral Christmas

 

It is rare to hear a Christmas recording of yore without chorus.

But, that is what we have here, shared across the New Philharmonia Orchestra, Chicago SO, RCA Victor SO, and Morton Gould's self-named orchestra.

The reason to come to this recording would be for the traditional Christmas songs arranged by Morton Gould himself. He certainly had his own way arranging for orchestra, so it remains a treasure to visit this recording again, including the 14-minute Serenade of Carols and Jingle Bells, which reminds me of Gould's wonderful American Salute. Only Good King Wenceslas and Little Drummer Boy sound a little trippy given the 60s era.

In addition, there are a few original items from Morton Gould, providing a nice break from the treacly holiday fare, with an ever-so-slight tilt towards modern Americana.

Aside from these, we are also treated to some ubiquitous Nutcracker excerpts, as well as Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Greensleeves, neither of which would be first stops for collecting those pieces. From these classics and original Gould pieces, five tracks were added to the tree cover recording at the top, but are missing from the purple cover recording, accounting for about 25 minutes of music.

The RCA sound here is variable and certainly shows its age. The orchestral playing exhibits a wide range of abilities too, all depending on which ensemble is performing. Information provided with the physical media contains a tracklist and their timings with little else. This Musical Christmas Tree is a little bare...

If you are a Christmas nut or like orchestras of yesteryear playing yuletide fare, this recording could have some appeal, but it wouldn't be my first choice to put in someone's stocking. It isn't coal, but it isn't aged booze either!

 

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Performers
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra

Label: RCA
Year: 1969; 1988
Total Timing: 67.21

 

 

 

Not the best of Christmas albums from yesteryear, but it should be good enough for folks who enjoy holiday orchestral programs.

For me, the interest is in Morton Gould and his way with an orchestra. Most of the familiar tunes on offer are his arrangements.