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A Christmas Cornucopia is a collection of new, inspired interpretations of 11 traditional festive songs, rounded out by a new Lennox composition, Universal Child. The music on the album was mostly played by Lennox, in collaboration with co producer Mike Stevens, and recorded in his southwest London studio - at the bottom of his garden. But to achieve the resonance and vibrancy that were integral to Lennox's ideas for these re-energized reboots, the pair also worked with a 30-piece orchestra at Pinewood Studios. And they travelled further afield too: to South Africa, to record with the African Children's Choir, a remarkable organization with which impassioned campaigner and activist Lennox has long had a relationship. A Christmas Cornucopia is no sweetly packaged selection box. As befits its title, it offers an abundance of songs - drawn from British, French and German traditions - and a host of ideas. On Lullay Lullay, "a lullaby I've known for years and the darkest carol I think," Lennox draws direct links between the Nativity and the plight of Africa's child soldiers. "Lullay Lullay alludes to the killing of first-born boy children by King Herod... and going back more deeply into the story of the song, I kept getting images of child soldiers in my head...The violation of children is endemic in many so places. Even though this carol is ancient, the brutality of the subject matter is just as relevant today.
A Christmas Cornucopia Reviews
A Christmas Cornucopia Reviews
| 77 of 90 people found the following review helpful  God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen...OR ELSE!, Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: A Christmas Cornucopia (Audio CD) I'm a lifelong Annie Lennox fan and was excited about the release of this album. However, upon listening to it the first time through I couldn't help but think, "This is the ANGRIEST Christmas album I've ever listened to!" Another reviewer said Annie seems to be at "full throttle" throughout the album and that's a spot-on description. And yet I have already listened to the album several times over because the arrangements are interesting and different and INTENSE. Annie Lennox never ceases to fascinate the listener even if she is scaring the pants off you in a few songs. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" sounds like she's storming the ramparts and if you don't lift a glass to holiday cheer she's going to kick your ass. "Coventry Carol" also has that intensity, but it works. The way "Il est né" is repeated in an atonal fashion shows Annie can be scary and intense in French, too. It's only on the last three songs that the throttle is pulled back a bit. "Universal Child" is... Read more 86 of 102 people found the following review helpful  Quite Possibly The Best Vocal Instrument On This Planet, By Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: A Christmas Cornucopia (MP3 Download) Annie Lennox is an extremely talented individual who gives of herself more than many other artists out there. This Christmas collection is no exception. It is NOT for everybody however. Many of the selections are madrigal and obscure to the average individual. People who have taken voice, performance classes such as choral, and music educators would be the most likely to be ABLE to appreciate her efforts. Alas, the teeming masses yearning for Christmas make out music will need to look elsewhere. I found the unique twists on the songs to be very enjoyable and relaxing to listen to. I will be keeping this playing throughout the holidays. 49 of 57 people found the following review helpful An excellent new album for the holiday season, By Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: A Christmas Cornucopia (MP3 Download) True to her unique style of singing, Annie has come out with a new album that breaths life back into what has become a rather monotonous genre in the music category - the ever less varrying string of boring Christmas albums that are pumped out each year by artists whose time has long since past. Annie, on the otherhand, has put her all into this new album and released a wonderful array of beautifully rendered holiday classics. Her voice is still as vibrant as it ever was, and her unique style shines through on every song. I've listened to this album from start to finish, and I can honestly state that it is a masterpiece of music, with each song as unique as Annie herself, and with each song as satisfying to listen to as the last. Along with Enya's, and Sarah McLachlan's latest Christmas albums, Annie Lennox's newest album will definitely become an annual favorite of mine every holiday season going forward. |
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