A Very Vocal Christmas
Great Performances That Celebrate the Spirit of the Season

Listen to Tom Manoff's report, including his criteria for what makes a good vocal performance.

Dec. 18, 2001 -- NPR music critic Tom Manoff has chosen four CDs that he's listening to over the Christmas holidays -- all vocal performances. He says the rich and compelling sound of a great singer feels especially appropriate for this time of year.

	Once As I Remember John Elliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir Uni/Philips - #462050 "This is easily my favorite Christmas recording of recent years." Listen to "El Rorro" from the CD.
	The Voice of Emotion Montserrat Figueras Fontalis - #9901 "Great singers have more than wonderful voices... they convey emotion." Listen to "Chanson Sefardite" from the CD.
	Airs Francais Ben Heppner 2001 Deutsche Grammophon 4713722 "I seem to have a soft spot for French music this year." Listen to "Nature immense" from the CD.
	The Voice of the Sparrow The Very Best of Edith Piaf EMD/Capitol 96632 "Labels like 'classical' and 'popular' are irrelevant with Piaf -- she's a voice for the ages." Listen to "C'est L'amour" from the CD.