THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995 TAG: 9512210064
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL SAYEGH, SPECIAL TO THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Barbara Hendricks, ``Barbara Hendricks Sings Christmas'' (EMI). American soprano Barbara Hendricks contributes one of the loveliest ``operatic'' Christmas discs in many years, distinguished by inclusion of songs from both the Old and New Worlds. Hendricks' voice retains its purity and character. She remains a very direct, sincere singer. There is admirable support by the Stockholm Chamber Orchestra and various choirs.
``Christmas From Covent Garden'' (Royal Opera House/BMG). Christmas wallpaper, featuring generally lackluster performances from London's Royal Opera House. There is really nothing on this disc, apart from some brief snippets of Tchaikovsky to reward attentive listening.
Offenbach: Arias and Overtures (RCA). If you're looking for a change from Viennese waltzes, Frederica von Stade's new Offenbach recital fits the bill. The mezzo's voice remains a beautiful instrument. Offenbach's music is charming, elegant, witty and well-suited to von Stade's personality. Antonio de Almeida conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. by CNB