Sun.Sea & Piracy

sun.sea & piracy

Track Listings

1. C30, C60, C90, Go!

2. Louis Quatorze

3. W.O.R.K. (N.O. Nah, No No My Daddy Don't)

4. Gold He Said

5. Mile High Club

6. Fools Rush In

7. Radio G String

8. Uomo Sex Al Apache

9. Theme "A"

10. Sexy Eiffel Towers

11. Sun, Sea and Piracy

12. Giant Sized Baby Thang

13. Bow Bow Bow

Sun Sea & Piracy,Bow Wow Wow,Musicrama, Inc,New Wave,Rock/Pop

Sun.Sea & Piracy

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price
Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
Where's the chicks?!?!
Not quite the ultimate....
Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Topsy-Turvy
The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Average customer rating:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks
An outstanding compilation
The really good ones are missing.
"many were winners by the Academy for best scores"

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Battle of Britain
The Longest Day: Music From The Classic War Films (Soundtrack Anthology)
Patton (1970 Film): Also Featuring Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 Film) (1997 Studio Recording)
Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood
The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection

ASIN: B00020R02O
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

The Longest Day
Attack On The Iron Coast
Band Of Brothers-Prelude
Band Of Brothers-Theme
Battle Of Britain
The Battle Of The Bulge
The Blue Max
Das Boot
The Bridge At Remagen
The Bridge On The River Kwai
A Bridge Too Far
The Caine Mutiny
The Captive Heart
Casablanca

Tracks:

Coastal Command
The Cruel Sea
The Dambusters
The Diary Of Anne Frank
The Eagle Has Landed
Empire Of The Sun
The English Patient
Fear And Desire
Force Ten From Navarone
Gallipoli
The Great Escape
The Guns Of Navarone

Tracks:

Hanover Street
The Hindenburg
In Harm's Way
Is Paris Burning?
King Rat
Lawrence Of Arabia
Lifeboat
Macarthur / Patton
Malta G.C.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
Midway
The Mountain Road
1941

Tracks:

The Naked And The Dead
The Night Of The Generals
Paradise Road
Paths Of Glory
Pearl Harbor
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler'S List
Sergeant York
The Sharkfighters
Sink The Bismarck!
633 Squadron
Where Eagles Dare
The World At War
The Longest Day

Customer Reviews:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks.......2007-01-21

I was disappointed that these are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks. For example, in Colonel Bogey, the countermarch from the movie soundtrack is not included in the arrangement on this CD. Don't get me wrong, the songs are good, but I would have preferred the same arrangements as the original movies.

An outstanding compilation.......2006-08-25

This compilation is superb and a real must-buy. From Band of Brothers to A Bridge Too Far: every war movie theme is represented here. An all time classic.

The really good ones are missing........2005-07-18

While this compilation has some masterpieces such as the theme from The Great Escape and Is Paris Burning, it's missing some of the finest tracts ever written. Where is the theme from Victory and Ernest Gold's stirring epic from Cross of Iron? The closing theme from Inchon was also a feast for the ears, but it's not here. It was written by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the foremost soundtrack composers of our time. Instead we're subjected to the likes of Hanover Street and The English Patient. I'll admit Inchon and Victory weren't Academy Award winning movies, but their soundtracks were second to none. As John Stossel would say," Give me a break"!!!

"many were winners by the Academy for best scores".......2004-05-26

Silva America presents the essential in film music during the period of World Wars ~ "Longest Day:Ultimate World War Movie Theme", featuring some long forgotten cues, 53 to be exact that sent chills and thrills into the pulses of world events ~ selections from a limited collectors edition that would make any "film-score-buff" green with envy.

Released to commemorate the sixth Anniversary of D-Day, never has there ever been such a tribute compilation package from any other label and Silva comes to the forefront ~ featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Paul Bateman, Nic Raine Tony Bremner and Carl Davis as conductors), The Philharmonia (Kenneth Alwyn, Jerry Goldsmith, Mario Klemens and Paul Bateman as conductors) and also the world renown Crouch End Festival Chorus (David Temple as choir master) ~ what a gathering of talented musicians and singers fill this collection supreme.

The lineup of composers is a Who's Who in the world of film music ~ John Addison, Tomaso Albinoni, Kenneth J. Alford, Paul Anka, John Barry, Arnold Bax, Elmer Bernstein, Eric Coates, Carl Davis, Klaus Doldinger, Antonin Dvorak, Benjamin Frankel, Gerald Fried, Hugo Friedhofer, Jerry Goldsmith, Ron Goodwin, Bernard Herrmann, Maurice Jarre, Michael Kamen, Jerome Moross, Alfred Newman, Clifton Parker, Alan Rawsthorne, Ryvichi Sakamoto, Lalo Schifrin, Gerard Schurmann, David Shire, Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Williams, Gabriel Yared and Hans Zimmer ~ set the stage for compositional human drama while exploring the deepest troves of musical emotion ~ one masterpiece after another, each cue manages to display both a convincing authenticity of the times and places ~ experience every tracks passion and skill for striking the exotic orchestral colors, explosive power and spectacular works of full large scale orchestral arrangements previal at every turn.

We are grateful to James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reybnold da Silva (executive producer), Rick Clark (associate producer/album sequence), Marion Garden (associate producer) and the whole gang at Silva America who have resurrected many of the soundtracks for the "film-score-buffs" in all of us.

Tracks:

(You Got Me In Between) The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
I've Got The World On A String
I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
Public Melody No. 1
When The Sun Comes Out
Hittin' The Bottle
Let's Fall In Love
Let's Put Our Heads Together
Now I Know
As Long As I Live
Rasin' The Rent
Blues In The Night
Down With Love
Over The Rainbow
It's Only A Paper Moon
Bud's Won't Bud
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
Stormy Weather
Kickin' The Gong Around
Two Blind Loves
That Old Black Magic
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Ill Wind
Get Happy

Customer Reviews:

One of America's great songwriters.......2001-03-09

Amid the Cole Porters, Irving Berlins and George Gershwins of the world, Harold Arlen tends to be forgotten. And yet, when the greatest song of the 20th century was recently voted on by a distinguished panel of critics, whose song came out on top? Mr. Arlen's (Over the Rainbow). Here is a superb cross section of Harold Arlen songs by a cast ranging from Judy Garland to Bing Crosby to Ethel Waters, spanning decades and spanning a wide range of styles, from jazz to ballads, poignant to funny. Although the sound is not ideal, as many of the recordings date from the 30's and Pearl's objective in remastering has always been to achieve the fullest musical sound rather than to reduce surface noise, this is a minor complaint given the rich and mind-opening selection of great music found here.

Average customer rating:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them

English Song

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

A Treasury of English Song
Favorite English Songs
The Complete Songs, Vol. 4
Songs by Roger Quilter
The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 3

ASIN: B0002JEG6I
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

A Soft Day - Bernadette Greevy
Irish Skies - Bernadette Greevy
Cherry Ripe - Janice Watson
Mustard And Cress - Neal Davies
The Lily Of A Day - Janice Watson
Henry King - Neal Davies
Fain Would I Change That Note - Graham Johnson
In Summer-Time On Bredon - Christopher Maltman
The Lads In Their Hundreds - Christopher Maltman
Among The Rocks - Graham Johnson
It Was A Lover And His Lass - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
The Water Mill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
On Wenlock Edge - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
The Call - Graham Johnson
Silent Noon - Graham Johnson
Now In These Fairylands - Philip Langridge
The Dream-City - Philip Langridge
Margrete's Cradle Song - Susan Gritton
The Heart Worships - Christopher Maltman
Take, O Those Lips Away - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal - Graham Johnson
Love Calls Through The Summer Night - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing - Graham Johnson
The Rio Grande (Capstan Shanty) - Ian Partridge
Theodore, Or The Pirate King - Ian Partridge
A Long Time Ago (Hilliard's Shanty) - Ian Partridge
Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be? - Bernadette Greevy

Tracks:

The Grenadier - Richard Edgar-Wilson
The Young Lover - Richard Edgar-Wilson
Betty And Johnny - Richard Edgar-Wilson
Rise Up And Reach The Stars - Richard Edgar-Wilson
The Bells - Nik Hancock-Child
Ann's Cradle Song - Nik Hancock-Child
As I Lay In The Early Sun - Nik Hancock-Child
The Cherry Tree - Nik Hancock-Child
Dusk - Nik Hancock-Child
Peter Warlock's Fancy - John Constable
The Frostbound Wood - John Constable
Chopcherry - John Constable
A Sad Song - John Constable
Rutterkin - John Constable
Bethlehem Down - John Constable
Wapping Old Stairs - Felicity Lott
Long Steel Grass - Martyn Hill
Tango-Pasodoble - Martyn Hill
Popular Song - Martyn Hill
Beatriz's Song - Felicity Lott
Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love - Philip Langridge
Early One Morning - Felicity Lott
The Foggy, Foggy View - Philip Langridge
Now The Leaves Are Falling Fast - Philip Langridge
Tell Me The Truth About Love - Della Jones
The Choirmaster's Burial - Philip Langridge

Customer Reviews:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them.......2006-06-26

These 53 songs have been collected by Naxos from their extensive acquisitions from Collins Classics, and perhaps other British sources now out of business. There's a steady cottage industry, year after year, producing the typical English art song, which is usually based on folk songs, but even in more modern idioms is profuondly conservative and nostaligic. Half these songs, not to mention half the composers, are totally unknown to American audiences, but the familiar names of Vaughan Williams and Britten represent high quality, and the lesser lights, such as Warlock and Quilter, are mainstays in this repertoire.

I'd challenge all but the most addicted listener to make it through more than ten songs at a sitting, and many of these pieces are tepid, offering comfort rather than inspiration. The singers are among the best, but Graham Johnson and Steuart Beford, who do most of the accompaniments, are lackluster. I know that won't be a popular comment, yet if you compare any of these songs with rendiitons done by Janet Baker, John Shirley-quirk, and most recently Bryn Terfel and Ian Bostridge, you immediately notice how much more intensity and drama is pesent than htis colleciton reveals.

Average customer rating:

Forerunner to Sky

The Essential Collection

Manufacturer: Metro Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Essential John Williams
The Ultimate Guitar Collection
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B0009S2GNM
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

Romanza
Theme From Z
El Tuno
Dance Of The Living
Portrait
Lisa Larne
Wave
Feelings
Duet For Guitar And Koto
Dance Of The Emperor's Clouds
The River God
All At Sea Minor
Lorelei
JSB
Travelling
Horizon
Vacatina
A Derrin Dhu

Tracks:

Air On A G String
Because
Sarabande
Bach Changes
The Height Below
Raga Vilasakhani Todi
Nuages
Woodstock
If
Sans Souci
Cavatina
Dance Of The Dead
New Sun Rising
Pomegranite
Spanish Trip
Sambalaya
Good Morning Freedom
From The Top

Customer Reviews:

Forerunner to Sky.......2006-02-23

This CD is really a compilation of the 3 "experimental" albums John Williams did before his venture with the Prog Rock group Sky. So if you are a classical purist then you might not like this CD. Otherwise, it's a rare combination of songs from "Changes", "The Height Below", and "Travelling" - the 3 albums that eventually led to Sky. Also, a few songs from his work with Cleo Laine are thrown in.

The overall style of this CD is like a soundtrack (such as the music from "The Deer Hunter"). But it still features great guitar work as well (several from Bach). Williams' playing is clean and crisp - whether he is playing a straight classical piece or doing an accompanyment. You will see he is accomplished in both roles with this CD. Classical purists might consider this "light weight" but the rest of us call it accessable and interesting.

Average customer rating:

Transcendent Vocalism
Beautifully delivered as always, but not my material.
Lives up to their reputation
One of the best I've picked up in ages
Fantastic recording of contemporary choral works

Colors of Love
Steven Stucky , John Tavener , Bernard Rands , Long Zhou , Chen Yi , Augusta Read Thomas , Steven Sametz , Marianne Kach , and Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Our American Journey
Tavener: Lamentations & Praises
Lost in the Stars
Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others)
Wondrous Love: A World Folk Song Collection

ASIN: B00000IWR3
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Cradle Songs: Rouxinol do pico preto (Brazil)
Cradle Songs: Lilajze, Jezuniu (Poland)
Cradle Songs: Buy Baby Ribbon (Tobago)
Village Wedding
Canti d'Amor: 'Winds of May, that dance on the sea'
Canti d'Amor: 'O cool is the valley'
Canti d'Amor: 'This heart that flutters near my heart'
Canti d'Amor: 'Silently she's combing her long hair'
Canti d'Amor: 'Gentle lady, do not sing sad songs'
Canti d'Amor: 'Sleep now, O you unquiet heart'
Canti d'Amor: 'All day I hear the noise of waters'
Words of the Sun
Tang Poems: Written on a Rainy Night
Tang Poems: Wild Grass
The Rub of Love
in time of
Love Songs: 'Look out upon the stars, my love'
Love Songs: 'Love is a beautiful dream'
Love Songs: 'Alas, the love of women!'
Love Songs: 'For stony limits cannot hold love out'
Love Songs: 'All mankind love a lover'

Amazon.com

This compilation of modern-day madrigals, the latest in a fascinating series of discs from the San Francisco-based all-male vocal group Chanticleer, won the Grammy for Best Small Ensemble Performance of 1999. The selections range over a variety of styles and aesthetics, from the haunting, hypnotic sounds of Steven Stucky's Cradle Songs to the archaic, ethereal beauty and Eastern inflections of John Tavener's "Village Wedding." There are the soft (and somewhat affected) asperities of Bernard Rands' Canti d'Amor as well as the gentle, almost English pastoralism of Zhou Long's "Words of the Sun" (beautiful!) and the colorfully exotic Orientalism of Chen Yi's Tang Poems. Other examples of the wide range here are the self-conscious busywork of Augusta Read Thomas's Love Songs to the darkly lush, 12-part weave of Steven Sametz's "In Time Of," with its radiant climax and pulsating chordal sonorites like the tolling of bells. All of this Chanticleer sings with striking freshness and commitment, virtuosic to a fare-thee-well, always sensitive to the emotional cues of the texts. The recording, made at Skywalker Ranch in January of 1999, is vivid and warm, and so is much of the music. Truly a winning disc. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Transcendent Vocalism.......2005-01-31

This compilation is essential listening, especially (but not exclusively) for those already introduced to the marvels of Chanticleer. It features a wide variety of contemporary madrigals all dedicated to the theme of love. Gorgeous polyphony, entrancing dissonance; the music is very difficult, but Chanticleer's vocalism is exemplary, as always. The whole feel of the album takes some getting used to for the uninitiated. After a few listenings, though, one can fully perceive its unique and sublime beauty.

Highlights abound. The first three tracks, all lullabies by Steven Stucky, are brilliantly executed, but it is track four, Village Wedding by John Taverner, that first knocked my socks off. It seems to represent the absolutely ideal match between composer and performer, between written and sung text. It consists of a wonderful poem by Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos, with a recurring excerpt from the Eastern Orthodox wedding ceremony interspersed throughout. Taverner is himself a member of the Eastern Orthodox church, and the song is as much a spiritual experience as a musical one.

Another fantastic piece is Words of the Sun, by Chinese composer Zhou Long. It is probably the most accessible song on the CD, with numerous lovely subtleties and nuances that can be fully appreciated after multiple exposures.

Lastly, I'd like to express my sincere conviction that In Time Of (by Steven Sametz, set to a poem by E.E. Cummings) is the single most gorgeous piece of music I have ever had the great fortune to hear. The sonority is perfectly balanced, each arching phrase better than the one before. Please, for the sake of pure unadulterated beauty, purchase this CD. You will not regret it.

Beautifully delivered as always, but not my material........2002-07-30

I came to this album as a fan of Chanticleer more than of contemporary art music, though I like to think I do have a certain ear for the stuff. I haven't been educated in it, but I've sung some in my time in choruses, and I learned to appreciate those pieces the way that I learned to appreciate the more classical stuff as a child--by feeling it and hearing it come out of my own body, the ways that it worked, what was exciting, ect. That said, there is a point where I don't get it, and I reached that point all over this album. I thought I'd pass it on because it is hard for most of us to pick this kind of music off the shelf--there will be pieces that skewer us and some that make us fidget. For my part, I am grateful to have the album for the sake of three (long) songs. The Tavner Wedding song itself is probably worth it. But the album will never be put on leisurely.

Lives up to their reputation.......2001-03-07

Just recently had the opportunity to hear Chanticleer in concert...this CD certainly gives a cross section of their range...especially liked the "Tang Poems" and "Words of the Sun", which they performed live...very esoteric mix of musical styles...well worth the purchase for Chanticleer lovers!

One of the best I've picked up in ages.......2000-11-25

First of all let me state that the 4 stars isn't for the performance...which is truly outstanding...it is for a few pieces that are a tad sub-par. I also want to mention that its not that the pieces are modern either, I happen to be extremely sympathetic to modern music.

I usually don't like to do reviews this way, but I'm going to make a few comments piece by piece:

1) CRADLE SONGS - The first two of this trio of lullabies are great...the ones from Brazil & Poland are hauntingly beautiful...I'm not so crazy about the one from Tobago. A fairly strong piece, its certainly interesting.

2) VILLAGE WEDDING - This is one of the best three pieces on the album, and probably the best. Hearing John Tavener's work next to his contemporaries is an easy indicator of why he is considered one of this century's greatest and certainly one of the greatest living composers. Simultaneously it is joyous, austere, reverent & spiritual. Simply beautiful & amazing.

3) CANTI D'AMOUR - This is an up & down work. I'm not sure what the composer had in mind, but I find the first part to be amusing. It reminds me of barbershop quartet. It has more somber moments too that are quite moving. Overall though, its okay.

4) WORDS OF THE SUN - After the Tavener piece, this is my favorite one. I would like to hear some of Zhou Long's other works. It is a very subtle piece. Very Chinese too, yet simultaneously western. This is one of my favorite pieces by eastern composers of western music. Lyrically, it is amazing. Its borrowed from a 20th century Chinese poem that is gorgeous in English, I'm sure its even more so in Chinese. Musically, it is very stirring.

5) TANG POEMS - This piece too is written by a Chinese composer (Chen Yi) and it is distinctly Chinese. I am intrigued at some of the techniques used by the composer. I am really pleased with the piece, although I'm sure some find it a little "too eastern." It is extremely pretty if one is accustomed to eastern melodies. The 2nd part is a bit sharper and probably less accessible than the first part.

6) THE RUB OF LOVE - One of the duller pieces on the album.

7) IN TIME OF - Sublime. The opening few bars are unearthly. Definately one of the three best pieces. They definately need to keep this one in their concert repetoire (along with the Tavener and the two pieces by Chinese composers.) This is one of those works you have to hear to believe.

8) LOVE SONGS - This is a quirky collection of tunes by Augusta Read Thomas. It runs the gamut of serious to extremely silly. There are some strong points here, but some of it is too silly to stand the test of time ("Alas, The Love of Women"). Eventhough it is extremely unconventional, the part entitled "For Stony Limits Cannot Hold Love Out" is powerful. It is piercing & strange, but it really works with the text.

There are times when I love everything on this CD, and times when some of it gets on my nerves. It is, however, never boring and the performances are superb. I highly congratulate Chanticleer for not sitting on their laurels. This is adventursome stuff and it works 90% of the time, which is more than I can say for 99% of the ensembles out there.

I highly recommend this disc for "Village Wedding," "Words of the Sun," "In Time of," and "Tang Poems."

Pick it up, be adventuresome. Enjoy.

Fantastic recording of contemporary choral works.......2000-09-21

Chanticleer is one of the USA's finest choral ensembles, and they have picked a marvelous and diverse program for this recording -- with something that would appeal to absolutely everybody. The inclusion of two "husband-wife" pairs in the choice of music also makes for a special connection to the theme of the disc. Of special note to this reviewer are the "delicious" sonorities of Bernard Rands's "Canti d'Amor" and Augusta Read Thomas's "Love Songs" -- Chanticleer is a group who is able to pull off this difficult music beautifully. This recording was absolutely deserving of the Grammy that is received -- one of the finest discs of modern choral music in the past few years.

Average customer rating:

Incredible Guitar!
This has a "New Age" feel, but it's good in spite of that...
An excellent combination of new and reinterpreted works

Persona

Manufacturer: Moston Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

A Guitar for Christmas
The Best of Liona Boyd
Camino Latino (Latin Journey)

ASIN: B00004SA47
Release Date: 2000-05-31

Tracks:

L'Enfant
Sun Child
Memories Of A Thousand Moons
Sorceress
Mother And Sister
Labyrinth
Phoenix Reborn
Sea Of Tranquility
Destiny
Flight Of Phoenix
Persona

Album Description

Repackaged version of 1988 album one of the best guitarists in the world. Winner of 5 Juno Awards as well as being name Top Classical Guitarist' by 'Guitar Magazine' 5 times. 'Persona' was produced in England by Michael Kamen anf features guest appearances by Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Yo Yo Ma, Andy Newmark and Dean Garcia.

Album Details

Reissue of 1988 Pop Release Considered One of her Finest Efforts. Guests Include Eric Clapton, Dave Gilmore, Yo Yo Ma and Andy Newmark.

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Guitar!.......2007-01-09

I think this CD is an incredible example of how different types of guitarists can get together and create something that is very special to listen to. Liona Boyd is a fantastic classical guitarist, and Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Yo Yo Ma aren't bad on their instruments either! Put them altogether with some great arrangements of songs, and you have a very interesting, highly enjoyable, and remarkable CD. I highly recommend it.

This has a "New Age" feel, but it's good in spite of that..........2002-10-24

I used to own a few Liona Boyd records back in the 70's and 80's, but they were limited to the classical guitar literature. I have always loved her playing...smooth and sensual. This disc originally came out in 1986, and Ms. Boyd presents herself accompanied by percussion, keyboards, strings and other guitarists. Eric Clapton joins her on one number, and Yo-Yo Ma on another. A little bit of rain and a few bird calls pop up here and there as well. The final result is closer to an Andreas Vollenweider production than to the exotica of Martin Denny or Arthur Lyman, but the core is still Liona's guitar work. If you only know her, as I did, from her classical albums, you may have to listen to this two or three times to really like it (as I did.) For hard-core fans, the disc is a must-own, and for "New Age" adherents it will be a gem. I like Liona more casually, and find "New Age" music is best in small doses. I found this at a bargain price, which makes me happier with it than I might be if I spent the usual amount a new CD costs. Still, it seems a four-star CD to me.

An excellent combination of new and reinterpreted works.......2001-04-24

In this album, Ms. Boyd demonstrates the unique ability to take another person's work and present it in an entirely different light. The best example is the piece, "L'Enfant": Vangelis (the original composer and performer) created a light airy melody that was a tribute to the New Age concept, using only a few simulated instrumental sounds. In Ms. Boyd's interpretation, however, the piece takes on a more dynamic, even primal, feel by adding in a very strong percussion background and acoustic guitar for the main melody, evoking strong imagery of the primal forces of nature at work. Regarding the few original pieces in the album, "Sun Child" is an absolute delight, bringing to mind images of parents and children playing at Ye Olde English Faire (or your local Renaissance Festival ;) ). The only major disappointments were the two "Phoenix" pieces written by Michael Kamen for Ms. Boyd, and I must also admit that the title composition, "Persona," was not as strong as I would have thought given Ms. Boyd's beautiful interpretations of other composers' works. Still, this is a good album and I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

great, great!!!
ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!

Sacred Music Complete
Purcell , King , and Kings Consort
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs of Henry Purcell / King's Consort
Complete Secular Songs (3cd)

ASIN: B00006RHQJ
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Customer Reviews:

great, great!!!.......2006-12-05

This is the way ,I think, Purcell should sound. No pomp and surcomstance but only great music.

ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!.......2003-05-23

This boxed set is by far one of the best purchases I have ever made. As a Purcell freak, this hits every button I have. The cast of characters include the inequitable Robert King, New College Choir, Bowman, and a host of other venerable persons. Likewise the attention to period performance of these works makes it an essential addition to the library of any serious anglophile/Musicologist etc. Now if only the Britten Realizations of all Purcell's songs could be recorded alongside the originals! You will Love this set!

Average customer rating:

Favorites: Sun Sea and Sand
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Manufacturer: Wrasse Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Unknown
Live at Minas

ASIN: B000ERU5B8
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

uas de Mar(March Rain) - Elis Regina
Amor Em Paz (Once I Loved) - Astrud Gilberto,
ua de Beber (Drinking Water) - Astrud Gilberto, , Tom Jobim
Ela arioca (She's a Carioca-An Area of Rio)
O Morro NTem Vez (Those from the Hill Have No Chance) - Astrud Gilberto,
Corcovado (Corcovado Hill) - Elis Regina
Meditation - Astrud Gilberto,
Insensatez (How Insensitive) - Astrud Gilberto,
Triste (Sadness) - Elis Regina
Por Toda Minha Vida (For All My Life) - Tom Jobim, Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra
Luiza - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Soneto de Separa (Separation Song) - Elis Regina
Felicidade (Happiness)
Saudade de Bahia (Longing for Bahia) - Dorival Caymmi, , Tom Jobim
Garde Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema)
Wave
Passarim (Little Bird)
Samba Do Avi(Song of the Jet Plane) - Tom Jobim, Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra
Snha der Ser Com VocIt Could Only Be for You) - Tom Jobim
Looks Like December
Chega de Suadade (No More Longing/Blues) [Live]
Desafinado (Off Key)
So DanSamba (I Only Dance Samba)

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan

William Byrd: Consort Songs

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The William Byrd Edition, Vol. 5: The Masses
Byrd: Consort and Keyboard Music; Songs and Anthems
Handel - Theodora / Peter Sellars · William Christie · Upshaw, Hunt, Daniels, Croft · Glyndebourne Opera

ASIN: B0001ZXMNG
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Rejoice Unto The Lord
Ah Silly Soul
An Aged Dame
O Dear Life, When May It Be
Come To Me, Grief, For Ever
Who Likes To Love
O That Most Rare Breast
All As A Sea
Ye Sacred Muses
Constant Penelope
O God That Guides The Cheerful Sun
Lullaby: My Sweet Little Baby
How Vain The Toils

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-19

The consort songs of William Byrd reveal both sides of his creative personality; that is 'the romantic Catholic figure' and the 'abstract expressionism'. He was a connoisseur of the vocal sound and was therefore more concerned in framing his music to the 'life of the words' by using the expressive power of the voice itself. Byrd's emphasis on sheer beautiful sound as it applies to the professional voice is very evident on this album. Two songs to take note of because of their significance in England when Byrd wrote them are "Come to me Grief Forever" which was about the death of Sir Philip Sidney, the artist-hero whose tragic demise at the battle of Zutphen inspired national mourning; and "ye sacred muses" written as a special tribute to his musical mentor Sir Thomas Tallis who died in 1585.Robin Blaze interprets these songs very skillfully. There is much of the sacred going on here as well as the romantic, but it all sounds good and is very enjoyable to hear. The album opens up with "Rejoice unto the Lord" sung exceptionally well by Blaze to the expert accompaniment of viols and lute. One of my personal favorites "Lullaby: My Sweet little baby" is also included and is well-done. All in all and excellent disc!

Music:

Music

music