Dear O Sung Wu,

I love listening to the all-female Irish musical ensemble -
from Dublin - "Celtic Woman". They've been described as
the "Riverdance for the voice." Their CD "A Christmas
Celebration," will give you goose-bumps - especially
their version of "You Raise Me Up". Their "Carol of
The Bells," and "O Holy Night," is also beautiful.

Then there's the Dutch Superstar violinist - Andre Rieu.
Always a lavish celebration with him. I bought his DVD -
"Home For Christmas," to play for my mum and the residents
at her Nursing Home on Christmas Day. It's a magical two
hour spectacular performed at Rieu's fabled castle in
Maastricht, The Netherlands. It has all the traditional Carols
on it, performed beautifully.

Of Course talking about DVDs there's always the original
"White Christmas," with Bing Crosby that still resonates
today.

cont'd ...

At Christmas we have not only the wonderful music but
also the films and stories that drive home this
magical time of the year. I remembe as a kid,r watching on TV
in Sydney (where I grew up) "Miracle on 34th Street,"
and getting so emotional. Ah, those were the days.
Today, "Love Actually," is a favourite.

Good day to you PAUL1405...

What an amazing but appropriate setting to perform this classic Polynesian Christmas music; 'Mele Kalikimaka', but Maui and Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. With your close connections through marriage, with that entire demographic, I can really appreciate your obvious fondness for their music, as I am too. All Polynesians have natural rhythm, most with superb voices to go with that rhythm.

Merry Christmas to you and your entire family as well Paul. I completely understand, both your frustration and anger over your missing shipment. I'm sure your cache of donated goods will arrive safely and intact, for it's intended recipients before Christmas Day.

I can only imagine how much work you'd done to meticulously gather-up and then Ship the goods to these very needy people who've again been struck by disaster. You're a good man PAUL1405 !

G'day there TONI LAVIS...

Thank you for your interesting selection of Christmas Music. I watched and listened to all three, the first two I've not heard before, but recognised the stark scenes of 'Fairytale of New York'. 'The Night Santa went Crazy' is an entirely different perspective on the traditional Christmas Carol altogether, probably not especially suitable for children either I would've thought ? Your last selection Toni, music performed by the 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra' was great in my opinion, with this well known score, and very well performed too I reckon.

Like everything I guess, we all have differing proclivities and tastes in many varied things from food, music or clothing. Thank you very much Toni for your contribution, I really appreciate it. And I too would like to wish you and yours a very happy, joyous Christmas and a brilliant 2017.

Hi there HASBEEN...

I was lucky enough to see Roberta FLACK (I think it was her - dementia?) 'live' years ago when she visited and performed here, I was on duty at one of her concerts. She didn't sing Christmas Carols, but what she did sing was utterly magnificent, what a fantastic voice eh?

You're right 'ol mate, I imagine our predilection in Christmas Carols would be very much along the same lines, with Bing CROSBY in his movie; 'White Christmas' and his easy singing style, being very soothing and easy to listen too. And I do agree with you, concerning Carols rendered in a rock 'n roll style, is not my thing either.

Still I suppose young teens like to hear their favourite Carols jazzed up a bit? I suppose our choices in music is very much a generational thing I think ? Though some of it is nothing more than a cacophony of harsh sounds, or a mixture of discordant noise !

I hope that you and your entire family, have a very joyous, and happy Christmas together with a healthy 2017.

Hello there FOXY...

Who from our generation hasn't seen the original B&W version of 'Miracle on 34th Street' with Maureen O'HARA, John PAYNE and Edmond GWENN, made in 1947. I understand there's been a remake, perhaps two of this highly evocative movie?

Indeed the Irish have always had terrific voices as do the Welsh, and the group 'Celtic Women' would not be the exception neither I wouldn't expect. Andre RIEU has a tremendous following around the world with his beautiful music, and the marvellous artists he accompanies from time to time. I'm not aware of the other movie 'Love Actually' that you've cited herein?

As I mentioned to someone earlier, music is very much a generational thing I suppose, my introduction to early rock 'n roll' was Johnny RAY the 'crying singer' of the fifties, followed by Bill HARLEY, Elvis PRESLEY and so on. Even so as teenager, I still liked the more traditional Christmas Carols rather then those that've been 'tricked up' as it were ?

Concerning Andre RIEU's obvious musical genius, some Carols are very much the domain of a vocal rendition, rather than purely orchestral? 'O Holy Night' being one of them I believe. I suppose it's a case of whatever it is 'that floats one's boat'?

Thanks again FOXY for your thoughtful contribution, I appreciate it very much indeed.

Dear O Sung Wu,

Well you've really started something with this
discussion. I've been singing Christmas Carols
all day and driving my family nuts. You see I love
to sing but I'm tone deaf. I got kicked out of
the school choir because I've got a strong voice,
but flat as a pancake - and I influenced everyone
in the choir much to the annoyance of the music
mistress. "Joy to the World..."

Did you ever see the film, "Joyeux Noel?"
It's about French, Scottish and German soldiers
during World War I who put down their guns for 1
night. Beautiful film.