And of course, Eugene Ormandy.
The Glorious Sound of Christmas from Ormandy and Philadelphia in 1962 is a favorite Christmas recording of mine, so it was an easy choice to try this recording from a decade later.
Aside from those 10 years passing, the other difference is replacing the Temple University Choir with the Philadelphia Chorus, who appear in eleven tracks (of 19) alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra.
These are very familiar musical Christmas baubles, and I daresay the holiday songs chosen are rather straightforward. There is the slightest hint of holiday razzle-dazzle, without ever going down the pops avenue, yet including a mix of the sacred and secular. I do, however, sense the arrangements don't take as many chances as Arthur Harris did in the 60s in Glorious Sound, but those looking for a traditional orchestra and symphonic chorus performing familiar yuletide hits should have much to enjoy.
Plus, this is Philadelphia and Ormandy!
Listen on YouTube
Performers
Philadelphia Chorus
Philadelphia Orchestra
Eugene Ormandy, conductor
Label: RCA
Year: 1971; 1987
Total Timing: 66.05
Not quite as special as Philadelphia's Glorious Sound of Christmas, also with Eugene Ormandy.
On the other hand, most should still be happy with these straightforward carols in orchestral and choral garb.
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