The comparison of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Mannheim Steamroller is probably quite clear to many of you, but not so clear to me. Just because I’m leaving a few thoughts about some Christmas albums doesn’t mean I can delineate the difference. My daughter points out that TSO is more “metal.” I would say more “electric.” MS has an entirely different kind of creativity. Both are willing to tell a story. TSO’s Christmas Eve and Other Stories does it well. While the MS album may not be the narrative that the TSO album is, the group carries you away on this live album.
The insert explains that this live show was a multimedia concert. About halfway through the concert, a Renaissance Christmas feast is presented, which at the live concert would be featured as a multimedia recreation. Starting with “Gagliarda,” the songs are styled appropriately for the Renaissance theme, and all are enjoyable to me. “In Dulci Jublio,” which is “Good Christian Men, Rejoice!” is right on target with the theme. “Wassail, Wassail,” “Carol of the Birds,” and “I Saw Three Ships” sound the part with harpsichord, stringed instruments, violins, oboe, and flutes or recorders, as well as other instruments that help you picture a Renaissance scene. Nicely done!
The melodies for “Match in a gas tank, boom boom!” and a musical phrase from the “William Tell Overture” are tucked into the first of two presentations of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”
My favorite songs are the lovely “Christmas Lullaby,” “Pat A Pan,” and my very favorite, “Los Peces en el Río.” Okay, so I just listened to all three of these in a row. They are all so pretty. But what of “Los Peces en el Río”? So I went Googling to find out.
Among the most popular Spanish carols is Los Peces en el Río, which draws a contrast between between the fishes in the river, who are excited about the birth of the baby Jesus, and the Virgin Mary, who goes about doing the chores of daily life. You‘ll find the song in most written and recorded collections of Spanish-language Christmas tunes.
I played some versions with voice and it makes me want to learn the song. Well, after all I’ve just finished a semester of Spanish, and . . . I could pull out my guitar and learn this song. Go ahead and visit YouTube to see how it sounds by MS and then with voice.
I’ll rate it at 7 out of 10 and add it to my list.
In the order reviewed:
9 Bryan Duncan—Christmas Is Jesus
6 Michael W. Smith—Christmas
1 Michael W. Smith—It’s a Wonderful Christmas
4 Trans-Siberian Orchestra—Christmas Eve and Other Stories
7 Mannheim Steamroller—Christmas Live
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