Dallas Wind Symphony & Jerry Junkin - Horns for the Holidays (2012) [Hi-Res]

This upbeat album of 12 wind-orchestra arrangements of secular and sacred is nothing short of spectacular. The arrangements themselves are clever and rich. The musicianship is impeccable. I don’t think it’s possible to imagine more highly polished brass-instrument playing, all led with absolute confidence by wind band master-conductor Jerry Junkin.

'There must be countless albums full of Christmas music out there, with more coming every year. Unfortunately, much of it is poor in both musical quality and content. Not so with the latest from the Dallas Wind Symphony, courtesy of the aptly-named Reference Recordings. This brilliant album is full of Christmas music that you'll actually enjoy listening to--and it will sound great on your system, too.' (John Grandberg)

'If you are a lover of Christmas music—carols, popular songs, and all manner of medleys and clever arrangements of such—and you miss this extraordinary recording by the first-rate Dallas Wind Symphony, then your holiday listening stands to be just a bit more dull, less festive, and more ordinary than it could have been. This is a terrific program, in exemplary sound, that not only celebrates the Christmas music tradition but exemplifies the best of the wind ensemble genre... It’s tempting to use that well-worn line, 'if you buy only one Christmas CD this season, this one should be it' —but I won’t; I’ll just say that if by chance it is the only one, you won’t be disappointed.' (David Vernier, ClassicsToday)

Dallas Wind Symphony
Jerry Junkin, conductor