When it originally appeared in 1959, this LP was regarded as one of the sonic gems in the RCA Victor "Living Stereo" library, a demonstration-quality stereo record that was also chock-full of supremely enjoyable music, from
Leroy Anderson to
Tchaikovsky. And original "Shaded Dog" label copies (referring to the early masterings/pressings, and the image of "Nipper" the dog on the label) in mint condition are still highly prized by audiophiles 50 years later. The repertory here, a mix of light orchestral holiday standards, arrangements of popular Christmas songs, and some excerpts from more ambitious classical works (especially The Nutcracker), was ideal for
Arthur Fiedler and the
Boston Pops, and they ran with it --
Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" is the most famous recording here, a classic that is almost as ubiquitous during the Christmas season as
Bing Crosby's recording of "White Christmas." But there's a lot else to love on this album, including "A Christmas Festival,"
Anderson's arrangement of familiar songs and carols ("Joy to the World" etc.) as an orchestral fantasia, plus "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." Some of the material may seem to go far afield, but it's all winter-themed and holds together exceptionally well. The 1994 CD reissue was expanded to just over 72 minutes, and offers exceptionally bright, crisp sound.