Recorded in 1971, when Tebaldi was just past her prime, this carefully selected group of Christmas and merely-gentle music is very low-key (in many ways) and well sung. Tebaldi’s womanly, warm tone is well placed in both of the Ave Marias; she manages a fine high B-flat at the close of “O holy night”; and “Adeste fidelis” is so good that the producers opted to both open and close the recital with exactly the same performance, wherein the Ambrosian Singers back up Mme Tebaldi handsomely. Her legato is lovely and smooth. This is a warm, toasty, peaceful collection of Christmas music that also acknowledges that it’s a celebration for children–hence Brahms’ “Lullaby”. The relaxed quality of it all makes for some somnolence, but fans of the soprano won’t be disappointed. [11/8/2004]
