Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square featuring Frederica von Stade & Bryn Terfel

I did not want this! Actually was looking for #4 with Sissel, did not realize that there were several Mormon Tabernacle at Temple Square releases. Good mistake. This is a good Christmas show, obviously with choir and orchestra in an extravanza reminiscent of the old fashioned Cristmas shows.

Please permit me to draw your attention to a section on this DVD titled, “Christmas Carols From Around the World”, and a remarkable piece titled Betelehemu, (Composed by a Nigerian drummer named Babatunde Olatunji and sung in the original Yoruba language).The piece starts slowly and with a hypnotic rhythm kept in turn by 6 Congo Drums. then in the middle of the song the rhythm section erupts and the drummers go crazy! I nearly fell off my chair when I saw synchronized side steps and hand movements by the entire Tabernacle Choir, (a first in their 169 year history I’m sure!)This fantastic number inspires me every time I watch it. It expresses such exuberance and joy which I have never heard in any other piece of music.Betelehemu alone is well worth the price of admission!P.S. The entire 90 minute DVD is full of Christmas Glory and Frederica von Stade & Bryn Terfel are Phenomenal!

You might think "Mormon Propaganda" or "Religious Churchie-type Music". You couldn't be more wrong! Each Christmas, the Choir invites other 'world class' performers, such as Bryn Terfel (in this case) to perform with the choir. In recent years the Choir has added "The Orchestra at Temple Square", so it's not 'just' organ accompaniment. Also present are ballet dancers, folk dancers, a bell-ringing choir and one of the world's best choirs. No proselyting! Just fantastic talents performing great Christmas music! Miss these annual broadcasts (or DVDs) and you are missing the best Christmas music available.

I first bought this DVD a few years ago. My mother and I enjoyed it so much that I got this one for my brother's family.

I really enjoy Christmas music, both sacred and secular music. Both have there place at Christmas time.

Great music to get you in the Christmas spirit. This DVD was so enjoyable and uplifting. Who doesn't need an upper in a TV schedule full of downers.

This is the full concert, not the short one shown on PBS. As such, you get a better feel for the guest artists, as well as see interviews with them. It's great!

Superbe D V D. Un ensemble magnifique entre LE CHOEUR les musiciens et les deux grands solistes que sont Frederica Von Stade etBryn Terfel sans oublier les ravissants decors de sapins enneigés !Un régal!