Hallmark - 1988 and 1989

For tonight, here are two more of the albums released by Hallmark.  First is "Joy to the World", from 1988.   This record features 11 songs by Placido Domingo, Placido Domingo Jr, and Leona Mitchell.

This is another outstanding release from Hallmark.

"Joy to the World" download link

Second is "Carols of Christmas" from 1989.  This may be the last vinyl release from Hallmark.  Vinyl was fading out about this time as CDs had taken hold.  This is the oldest one I have found.  "Carols of Christmas" features 11 songs by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Sarah Vaughan, and Samuel Ramey.  Sarah Vaughan!  Does it get any better than that?

"Carols of Christmas" download link

I may be back tonight with another share - quite a few left, and not many days until Christmas.  We'll see how the evening goes...

Hallmark - 1986

Der Bingle is back from the Big Apple!  It was a spectacular trip, with the Radio City Rockette's Show, the Nutcracker Ballet, roasted chestnuts, Rockefeller Center, Christmas trees galore, and a special opportunity to meet one of my absolute favorite musicians (more on that later).  I'll post a few pictures here soon, but tonight I want to get back to sharing.  This season is zooming by, and I have quite a few shares to go, so on with the show...

Last season I shared out two records put out by Hallmark in the late 80's.  This year, I have three more.  All of these records are exceptional collections of Christmas music, as is to be expected from a company like Hallmark.  I hope you enjoy them.

Tonight's share is their 1986 contribution to the sounds of the season, titled "Listen to the Joy".  It features 12 songs, performed by Placido Domingo, The London Symphony Orchestra, The Vienna Boys Choir, and Placido Domingo Jr.  One of the songs, "The Gift of Love", was written by Placido Jr.

And so, without further ado, here is "Listen to the Joy"

download link

Two from Hallmark

It's been another busy weekend for Der Bingle.  Christmas shopping, candy making (the English Toffee gods were of joyful spirit and allowed two batches of perfect toffee), youth basketball games, and repairing a dog fence in 10 degree weather.  So, here it is Sunday night, and I'm just getting to sharing some music.

I have two albums from Hallmark Cards, "The Best Loved Christmas Carols", from 1985, and "Songs for the Holidays", from 1987.  According to the album cover, the 1985 release was Hallmark's first Christmas music album.  It features the London Symphony Orchestra performing twelve traditional Christmas Carols.

"Songs for the Holidays", the 1987 release, again features the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as soloists Peter Hofmann (tenor) and Deborah Sasson (soprano).

These are exceptional recordings, meeting the high standards one expects from Hallmark.  Hallmark is a major presence here in Kansas City, privately owned by the Hall family.  Christmas is a very special season for Hallmark.  Hall's department store here in the heart of the city features many elaborately decorated Christmas trees throughout their store - well worth a visit.

How about a 1986 album?  I have it as well, but found it very recently and have not had a chance to rip it yet.  I hope to share it out this year.  If not, it'll be here next season.

For your listening enjoyment, Hallmark's "Best Loved Christmas Carols" and "Songs for the Holidays".


Carols download link

Songs download link