Churlish reservations relate only to the overall choice of repertoire--perhaps at the expense of a little less Mozart and Handel, still more space devoted to an uninterrupted sequence of songs with piano would be welcomed, an area where many find von Otter's gifts at their most compelling. The magical 1996 Swedish song album isn't represented at all, but then again a quick flip through the von Otter discography leaves one wishing so much else was included here. That would be totally impractical, of course, after all, who could buy this and not want then to explore her discography in detail?...
Splendid introduction, 2002-10-31
As Amazon's own reviwer says in praise (or warning?), this is an excellent introduction to Otter's work, and likely to cause your credit card to burn a hole in your wallet as you order more and more of her discs. An incredible vocal genius is at work here. For those who are wary of classical music for voice (operaphobia, perhaps) this is proof that there is much intoxicating music to be discovered. And for those who already love Ms Otter's work, her intriguing album with twisted pop philosopher Elvis Costello might begin them on a new road into intelligent pop music.

Rutter's first two published compositions, written while he was still a teenager, were Christmas pieces for choir, namely the glorious "Nativity Carol" and the infectious "Shepherd's Pipe Carol". Although very different in character, these two carols (for which Rutter also wrote the test) display the composer's sense of joy and wonder at the Christmas story. More than 30 years later, those sentiments are still there in pieces such as the melting "Dormi, Jesu", commissioned by King's College, Cambridge for the 1999 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Under the direction of the composer, the youthful voices of the Cambridge Singers are on sparkling form, as are the City of London Sinfonia and vocal soloists Gerald Finley and Stephen Varcoe. This album deserves to be pla...
Rutters Christmas Album, 2010-01-30
We heard this Album at a friends house over the Christmas period and having found a copy available on Amazon deceided to go for it and have not been disappointed. Beautiful to listen to,