Providing over two hours of classical holiday favorites, the double-disc set Simply the Best Christmas Album may indeed live up to its name for classical music fans. The London Brass' "Festive Cheer" medley -- which includes "Sleigh Ride," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" -- is one of the instrumental highlights of the collection, along with Progetto Avanti's "Winter" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Nikolaus Harnoncourt & Concertus Musicus Wien's "Glory to God" from Handel's Messiah. Standout vocal performances include Kiri Te Kanawa's "Silent Night," Placido Domingo's "Agnus Dei," Thomas Hampson's "Adeste Fideles," and Chanticleer's "A Christmas Carol." And while it may not be the best Christmas album for everyone, Simply the Best Christmas Album does provide plenty of holiday music for traditional tastes. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide