Review and More

Our Review

Jennifer Graf is a coloratura soprano, which is a fancy way of saying that you should run out and buy Echoes of Christmas Past right now--if you have a lick of sense. No, that's not quite right. Graf is a coloratura soprano, and the title is a testament to her agile, flexible vocal control through fast and high passages. She uses her talents to great effect here. In fact, Graf possesses one of finest instruments I have heard--she is that good. Although some sopranos can sound overly fragile or harsh, Graf expresses herself with easy brightness and warmth--her delivery is oh-so-exquisite, converting even a jaded old soul like mine.

Graf loves the past, and I do not mean the 1950s. She loves early music and Christmas music, and she has married those two passions in the creation of Echoes of Christmas Past, a delightful classical offering that focuses on gorgeous vocals with minimal accompaniment. Although the focus is on the amazing Graf, she gets plenty of excellent support from additional singers, and the resulting harmonies are memorable.

The album contains 18 tracks, which means that each piece averages just over two minutes in length. This gives the listener exposure to a wide array of the very best early music for the holiday season. Although it is virtually impossible to pin down a particular "favorite" among these excellent choices, I will say that the opening Wexford Carol is mesmerizing, O Magnum Mysterium is exquisite, and Noel Nouvelet is equally outstanding. And Graf's a cappella delivery of the first verse of Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen is downright remarkable (the subsequent harmonies are wonderful, too).

Beautiful woman, beautiful song selections, beautiful execution! If you favor early music during the holiday season, then you must run out and purchase Echoes of Christmas Past, if you have a lick of sense. If you are curious, but are unfamiliar with early music, give this album a try. Although the music is classical, the numbers are accessible; this is the kind of beauty that translates well in almost any setting.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

More

From the liner notes:

Jennifer Graf: lead vocals and soprano in all ensembles, tambourine

Terry Musselman: keyboards
Kerry Ziegler: guitar
Karen El-Chaar: recorder
Dan McKinney: drum

Additional Singers:

Amy Graf Kozel
Ryan Goulden
Elizabeth Francisco
Matthew Kriecht
Matt Francisco
Kristen Conrad
Meghan Williams
Matthew Valent
Darlene Kelsey
Matthew Knecht
Jeffrey Carr

From the artist's Website:

Jennifer Graf, professional soprano, is a performer of opera, operetta, oratorio, early music, and musical theatre. She is the founder and director of Olde Towne Performances, an organization providing Christmas caroling and other musical services in Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Graf

Echoes of Christmas Past

Artist link

Track List