Christmas Portrait

My favorite Christmas music!! Love The Carpenters!!

I lost my copy a few years ago and found a new one this year! It's a great addition to your Christmas Favorites.

CD was purchased used but it works great. The case was in good condition as well

First, for the "Top Critical Review", this was indeed done by the Carpenters, their tribute to all of the Christmas classic songs we are familiar with. From the overture which takes you through all the songs to each song (yes, done by the Carpenters). The comment "its not a Carpenter song", or the implication that Karen does not sing the songs is a off-base, to be as kind as I can be. Possibly the reviewer is not familiar with how albums were done, or the overture concept, but Karen does indeed sing every song. This is similar to what the Moody Blues did "back in the day" when musicians were true artists and created theme albums using an orchestra.I had this album when it was new back in the late 70's as I was a huge fan of Karen and still am. Her voice will never be duplicated, along with Andy Williams and so many others that created the classics we are familiar with. I for one greatly appreciate the arrangements and orchestrations they did for this album, the overall "album" concept of a concert. I first lost the vinyl album forever ago, then the CD went away, so just did a new mp3 download. Quality is amazing. 5 stars all the way, and I would say this would be a 5+ if there was such a thing.

Please know what you are buying! This is full of department store Xmas music. Karen's voice isn't even heard until the fourth track. Lots of soaring orchestra strings and choir. Was sooo planning on the clean, pure sound of Karen's interpretation, not this..... Apparently a remix after her demise. With Way too much filler. I will not return it, but I will do a lot of track skipping.

The Special Edition of "The Carpenters: Christmas Portrait" is unquestionably my favorite Christmas CD this Season; as well as being, I think, one of the best Christmas albums of all time. The sound is remarkably crisp and clear. Although individually indexed, the CD plays without a break between the selections. The overall album forms a beautiful Christmas Mosaic; ideal for listening while you are putting up Christmas decorations, wrapping Christmas gifts, etc. This CD will definitely get you, and keep you in, the Christmas spirit. Although 21 Tracks are listed, the CD actually features about 34 (or more?) songs. Several numbers are presented in beautifully arranged Christmas Medleys; complete with full Orchestra and Chorus. Yes, some of the arrangements do sound like they were made for a late 1970's Christmas Special. But this gives the CD a certain nostalgic feel. And part of the holiday experience is remembering Christmas Past. Karen Carpenter's voice is, of course, a beautiful and sad instrument. There is no getting around the fact that Karen brought a lot of her own sad life experience to her songs. It's not that Karen doesn't sound happy when the song calls for it-- she definitely does. It is merely that Karen makes these Christmas songs especially poignant. She offers her own distinctive interpretations of "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"; as well as a surprisingly effective "Ave Maria." I loved the Mini-Version of "The Nutcracker Suite" that is included here, as well as "Little Altar Boy." Of, course, The Carpenters' own undisputed Christmas classic "Merry Christmas, Darling" is the most special song on this very special Christmas Portrait.

I have an old cassette tape and the music included a lot of Bacall. This one is mostly instrumental.

This CD brought back so many wonderful memories. Karen Carpenter’s lovely voice. Richard Carpenter’s clever arrangements. The sounds brought memories rushing back of family gatherings over the years with this as a part of the background music. This is a bonus CD, so the sequence of songs is different than I remembered, but the joy of hearing Karen Carpenter’s soothing voice again, singing more songs, is a win. All in all, this paints a portrait of Christmases past and the anticipation of Christmases future with the background music I love so dearly.

very good

I brought this as, to be honest, it was being sold really cheaply. I love the Carpenters and was missing this from my collection, and what with Christmas fast approaching, thought it was the perfect time to buy it. I had a sneaky listen to it, and it instantly put me in the mood for the festive season. The selection of songs are great, a mixture of traditional carol's, Christmas songs and musical pieces. Karen's voice is supreme, and has done justice to the festive songs and hymns just as I thought she would. What makes me wonder though, is why the Carpenters songs are often left on the Christmas albums that come out every year. I haven't listened to it enough yet to decide a favourite song, but honestly, it's a really beautiful album and makes me miss Karen's velvet voice all the more. A must have if you like Christmas music.

What can one say - It's The Carpenters !!! Have they ever made a 'bad' album ? This one for the festive season is excellent,a variety of xmas music plus the FANTASTIC KAREN. Their version of Silent Night (the final track on this album) is breathtaking with that great voice of Karen's. Won't wait another year to play it - it's too good for that,don't care what the neighbours think !!!!

What a voice Karen had! A lovely seasonal experience with the richness in the production of this album.

I bought the vinyl album when first released and was captivated by the brilliance of all the songs.As ever, Karen's voice is lovely.This CD has much more. And it enhances the experience.I can listen to this any time of the year!