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Our Review

Just when the antic and frantic holiday season is crashing in all around you, you may long for that tranquil spot where you can carefully reassemble your sanity. If this is your problem, then the Adagio Trio's Winter Gift is definitely the solution. Together for nearly 20 years, this talented trio (Kathryn Daniels, Michael Daniels, and Linda Grieser) delivers exquisite instrumental tapestries woven of harp, flute, and cello, creating the perfect ambiance for any holiday event.

One of Winter Gift's great strengths is its song selection. The album presents 17 tracks, all elegantly played, yet supremely unpretentious. The emphasis is on classical, with quite a few traditional folk carols thrown into the mix. Most tunes are readily recognizable; only Schram's "By Candlelight" was unfamiliar to me, and it is a delightful discovery.

The Adagio Trio's blend of instruments creates an intensely beautiful balance of sounds: the harp's lilting strains establish an ethereal setting so perfect for this time of year; the flute sings its sweet, high tones with startling clarity; and the cello provides wonderful color and warmth. All together, the three voices stir the soul as you kick back and listen. To be honest, picking the "best" tracks is a virtually impossible task; the album reflects consistently top-notch professionalism and musicianship throughout. So many moments here stand out; for example, Rutter's "Angel's Carol" displays a mesmerizing "conversation" between the flute and cello, with the harp laying down a gentle foundation. And although I have heard "Ave Maria" countless times, the cello's tender call almost brought tears to my eyes. Every cut has a wonderful story to tell and leaves a winning impression. The ample liner notes provide the full lyrics, which is somewhat unusual for an instrumental release.

Winter Gift is a most desirable present for this season and any other. Anyone who loves tastefully crafted holiday numbers performed to perfection by an intimate chamber group will adore this album. Thank you, Adagio Trio, for brightening my December night with the warm glow of your marvelous music!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

Our Review

The Adagio Trio's Winter Gift is the sweetest and most inspiring classical recording I have listened to this season! Of course, I was supposed to listen to it last season, but things got crazy here. For now, I am glad to have left it in the queue, because it is an uplifting way to begin a Sunday morning in October.

The Adagio Trio are Kathryn Daniels, flute, Michael Daniels, cello, and Linda Grieser, harp. The trio line-up allows everyone a chance to shine. Throughout this ample CD (17 selections, 55 minutes) are several instances of solos featuring each voice. I am partial to strings, so I was most taken by Michael Daniels' cello work, particularly on the opening number What Child Is This?, and later on the rare and heartrendingly beautiful Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence/A Virgin Most Pure medley.

This is not to say I didn't enjoy Kathryn Daniels' flute or Linda Grieser's harp. Their particular combination of instruments and styles produced a wonderfully pleasant melange of chamber music and Renaissance festival. For although their music is described elsewhere as "meditative", I found its exuberance to move it almost into the category of "uplifting". In any event, Winter Gift is a treat that can be enjoyed as well by classical mavens and regular garden variety holiday listeners.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Kathryn Daniels, flute
Michael Daniels, cello
Linda Greiser, harp

Recorded and engineered by John Burgess at the Corbett Studio at WGUC, Cincinnati, Ohio

Producer: John Burgess

From the promotional materials:

The Adagio Trio was founded in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kathryn Daniels, Michael Daniels, and Linda Greiser, the founding members, perform regularly for recitals, religious services, weddings, and receptions. In 1990 Michael took the position of Co-Principal Cellist with the Virginia Symphony, and the Daniels moved to Norfolk, Virginia. The trio continues to work together, and released its first CD Stillpoint in 1997.... The overwhelming response to this CD led the trio to create their second recording Sanctuary in 1999. In October 2002, the trio released their third CD, Winter Gift, a Christmas CD....

The Adagio Trio, consisting of harp, flute, and cello, performs a mixture of classical, religious and folk music. The unique combination of instruments provides a fitting compliment for meditation or relaxation. The trio provides the listener with an opportunity to experience a sense of tranquility and spiritual renewal through reflective selections....

Adagio Trio

Winter Gift

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Track List