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Christmas With Julie Andrews on CD

Julie Andrews's clear and highly articulated vocal manner is both a blessing and a bit of a distraction on this 14-song reissue of her 1982 holiday album. Set against orchestral refinements and a genuinely inspired choice of less popular material, including "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The Holy Boy," "See Amid the Winter Snow," and others, Andrews creates a dazzling Christmas mood full of somewhat concocted sentiment. Christmas with Julie Andrews boasts big production numbers that are long on satisfaction and arch theatricality. Her pitch is remarkable, but one wonders if she's ever sung with any grit. For fans-and they number millions of children and adults who have grown up with her singing in films and soundtracks such as the Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and Victor Victoria-this timely collection will indeed be a cherished gift.