Christmas Music Review: The Mormon tabernacle Choir: This Is Christmas (1994)

I love the way the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sounds.  This is a 1994 production.  They leave the traditional version of some of their songs.  My thought is that for "O Come All Ye Faithful" doesn't work, while "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with its different versions from Nutcracker to big band to Sousaesque, etc seems to work somehow and entertains, even though it is almost 12 minutes long.  Other highlight are a medley of Lullaby Carols and a medley of Bell Carols.  Other songs of note include "Tambourine Noel."  This song is mostly singing Noel with the tambourines.  "Away in a Manger" is very well done, with a counter melody in the orchestra which is very effective.  Mack Willberg is the arranger of this William J. Kirkpatrick tune.

Music Review: Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Called to Serve

Called to Serve: Craig Jessop and Mack Willberg conductors, 2008.  Miranda bought this as part of a four-pack from the distribution center of music for missionaries.  This set has some very exciting music.  I love "Redeemer of Israel" with its brass fanfare.  it is just so exciting.  The Mack Wallberg arrangement of "I Believe in Christ" is also fantastic the way the cords change and the choir gets broader in the last couple verses.  It creates a real emotional reaction to the music.  The men sing, "Ye Elders of Israel."  "High on a Mountain Top" also has the brass fanfare.  "Come, Come Ye Saints" has always been one of my favorite, and this version has lots of energy.  "The Spirit of God Like  Fire Is Burning" is the final number of this set.  This song is also very well done.  This C.D. is very moving and uplifting.  A god C.D. for any missionary.   

Music Review: Mormon Tabernacle Sea: Praise to the Man

Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Praise to the Man: Songs Honoring the Prophet Joseph conducted by Mack Willberg 2008.
This set of twelve songs is a very nice collection of songs about the life of Joseph Smith.  Of particular note are "Joseph Smith's First Vision" and "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."  "Praise to the Man" builds nicely,but it starts too quietly and is hard to hear at the first.  You miss half the verse first as a result.  However they don't make the same mistake with "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice."  This is very well done.  Their is a primary song which fits in nicely,"On a Golden Springtime".  Miranda has gotten this from the distribution center for her mission.