Helios [Import]

helios [import]

Track Listings

1. And Then She Kissed Her

2. Wonderless

3. Pretty Baby

4. Men On A Dead Man's Grave

5. Puppets On A Strang

6. Pfirsicheisen

7. Life After Being A Zombie

8. Laughing Moon

9. Sirens From Hell

10. Galerie Der Falschungen

11. Undersea-World Of Jacques

12. Tristane

13. Laura Deathly

Helios,Phillip Boa & Voodoo Club,Universal/Polydor,Rock

Helios [Import]

Average customer rating:

soul stirring-true gift of music
wonderful
this here is some good music
Something Old, Something New
heavenly music

The Prayer Cycle

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Collection

ASIN: B00000ICMK
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Movement 1: Mercy
Movement 2: Strength
Movement 3: Hope
Movement 4: Compassion
Movement 5: Grace
Movement 6: Innocence
Movement 7: Forgiveness
Movement 8: Benediction
Movement 9: Faith

Amazon.com

It is with primitive urgency and lustrous clarity rising like flickering embers from a fire that Jonathan Elias's ambitious Prayer Cycle is given voice. Woven together like knotty wool, silk, and fine strands of silvery water, the disparate yet complementary voices of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Alanis Morissette, Yungchen Lhamo, Ofra Haza, the American Boychoir, Salif Keita, and others intertwine in multiple languages with the superb English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus. Prayers of supplication, gratitude, and longing build in layers, one on top of and 'twixt and 'tween the other, as movements titled "Mercy," "Grace," "Innocence," "Compassion," and the like. Remarkably, Elias's Prayer Cycle eloquently captures the ecstasy, pain, grief, and sublime beauty of humanity--as he simply and poignantly writes in his liner notes, "The world we live in is both joyous and cruel." --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

soul stirring-true gift of music.......2007-02-24

...a very few meaningful words are added to enhance the sound and voice on this eloquent and moving gift of music. It has become my favorite disc to share as a gift of love with friends and colleagues.

wonderful.......2007-02-15

Lovely CD, only problem is the artists all thought they had to do their own prayer cycle, so each piece rises in volumne and crescendo. Not the best for sleep time, but nice for yoga and cooking time.

this here is some good music.......2007-02-01

music is beautiful, the lyrics are gloomy and depressing. luckily most are sung in another language so you don't have to worry about that part.

Something Old, Something New.......2007-01-17

Every now and then, along comes a piece of music that truly moves me. Even more seldom, along comes a piece of music that makes the musician in me sit up and take notice. Jonathan Elias' "The Prayer Cycle" has done both.

"Prayer Cycle" is a choral symphony in nine movements, but it is also a piece of world music. The English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus is joined by a stellar array of vocal solo talents. Distinctive western voices such as Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt are joined by equally distinctive eastern vocalists like Israeli Ofra Haza, Tibetan Yungchen Lhamo, Pakistani Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Salif Keita of Mali. Sadly, Ali Khan and Haza (one of my favorite vocal talents) passed away shortly after the production of this recording, leaving this performance as one of their last collaborations. It is a fitting memorial to two great voices.

Elias' music itself is a wonder. It is both ethereal and earthly, filled with slow ostinato and vibrant treble tones, and it fulfills its title by quietly guiding the ear and mind to a place of introspection, meditation, and revelation. The mix of languages lets us concentrate on the timbre of each voice, from Ronstadt's lyrical soprano to Morisette's anguished and near-tribal clarity, from Ali Khan's woody tenor to Yungchen's flute-like descant. The music is not thematic, but atmospheric, providing no melodies to hum after hearing the piece. Rather, each movement provides a distinct sphere of serenity in which we can slow down, listen, and enjoy the tug and play of the music.

heavenly music.......2007-01-11

I've been listening to this CD for a few years now, and I never tire of it.
The music is ethereal at times, and really does present God as being in all the world. It has a seamless flow, uniting all the songs into one offering. Truly amazing music with a deeply spiritual base.

Average customer rating:

Sensuous smooth jazz
Life was meant to hear something like this
Awesome
So Nice!
Very enjoyable

Dreamer
Eliane Elias
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Around the City
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Kissed by Nature
Eliane Elias Plays Jobim

ASIN: B0001LYF22
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

Call Me
Baubles, Bangles And Beads
Photograph (Fotografia)
Movin' Me On
So Nice (Samba De Verao)
That's All
Tangerine
Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando)
Time Alone
Doralice
A House Is Not A Home

Amazon.com

On Dreamer, São Paulo-born, Manhattan-based pianist Eliane Elias performs bossa novas and brush-stroked ballads by North and South American composers from Johnny Mercer to Antonio Carlos Jobim. This project is a sort of musical homecoming for Elias, who once worked with bossa nova pioneer Vinicius de Moraes. Elias's pretty pianisms complement her breathy Portuguese/English contralto, especially on the '60s hit "Call Me," "Photograph (Fotografia)," and "So Nice (Samba de Verão)." Elias's two compositions, "Movin' Me On" and "Time Alone," can be considered smooth-jazz-friendly, but the Bahia bounce of "Doralice"--where Elias quotes Stan Getz's well-known tenor solo--and her instrumental rendering of Burt Bacharach's "A House Is Not a Home" are highlights of this masterpiece of soft syncopation. Rob Mathes's elegant, Claus Ogerman-style string arrangements enhance the mood. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Sensuous smooth jazz.......2007-03-03

Buzz Magazine

"Dreamer presents a sensuous blend of strings, singing and deft piano playing....her singing drifts above the melody in a sexy cloud. .... With its many moods and lovely turns, this record is the aural equivalent of a beautiful and graceful woman dancing in the dark."

[...]

Life was meant to hear something like this.......2006-10-09

lazy sunday afternoons, or in the rush hour after work, there is something that will be soaked by your body and soul, life afterall, is it not to be enjoyed by something beautiful?

What a voice, what a piano, what arrengements... and it all there for the taking, this is for your special collection.

Awesome.......2006-08-27

One of the best CD's I've purchased. Eliane has a soft magical voice. The perfect choice for escapism, relaxation, romance or just day dreaming. There's not a bad song here.

So Nice!.......2006-06-28

I took a break from the SmartMarriages conference I was attending in Atlanta and slipped over to the Peachtree Mall looking for a quick snack. While I was there I happened upon a little shop called International Records. Since my wife was born and raised in Brasil I'm always looking for new music with a Brasilian flavor that we can share.

As I flipped through the row of Brasilian/Portuguese cds the shop owner recommended the new release by Elaine Elias. Within moments of Dreamer beginning I know that this was for me.

The music in Dreamer by Elaine Elias is smooth, sensual, and luscious. Elaine sings beautifully and her piano playing is magical. My favorite song is "So Nice."

So nice, life would be so nice
If one day I'd find
Someone who would take my hand
And samba through life with me

I can foresee many romantic evenings spent with my wife Joy, the Joy of my life, enjoying candlelight, wine, and the music of Elaine Elias. Maybe we'll even samba too.

Someone to take my heart
And give his heart to me
Someone who's ready to
Give love a start with me

I highly recommend you get a copy of Dreamer and create a romantic evening for you and your sweetie! Maybe you'll be inspired to try a little samba too!

Kevin Decker

Very enjoyable.......2006-05-16

This CD was a nice surprise. I had heard of Ms. Elias in the past, but never listened to her music. I found this CD to be very smooth and refreshing, yet it is not just fluffy stuff by someone with a pretty face. I found the music to be very well done (and I wish I could put it in better words). I will definitely look into other CDs by this artist.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but not my first choice
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
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Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating:

Sophisticated smooth jazz
Not As Bad As the Purists Would Have You Believe
Keep jazz alive, give this album a listen!
Incredible Genius
Thank you again, Eliane

Around the City
Eliane Elias
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FQJP1O
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

Running
Oye Como Va
Around The City
Jammin'
Segredos (Secrets)
We're So Good
Tropicalia
Slide Show
A Vizinha Do Lado (The Next Dor Neighor)
Save Your Love For Me
Chiclete Com Bamama
Another Day
Segredos (Secrets) Part 2

Amazon.com

Pianist Eliane Elias goes from bop and Bach to bossa nova just as easily as she sings in English and Portuguese. This CD is the sequel to her 2004 recording, Dreamer, and it features bassist Marc Johnson, guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, flutist Dave Valentin, and trumpeter Randy Brecker. The 13 selections are iPod-ready, techno-textured tunes, including the hip and hypnotic "Running"--which was recently featured on the television show Brothers and Sisters--the upbeat, Top 40-type number, "We're So Good," and the flamenco-flavored "Slide Show." But Elias's engaging renditions of several pop classics steal the show. The Santana/Tito Puente Latin masterpiece, "Oye Como Va," features her sly, new lyrics and her zesty, Fender Rhodes solo. Bob Marley's "Jammin'" is a resyncopated, electro-samba, and Beck's "Tropicalia" swings with Rio-born, soft syncopations. So it's no wonder that this Calle 54-featured, soulful South American can cross over into smooth jazz with ease and integrity. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Sophisticated smooth jazz.......2007-03-03

Billboard Spotlight Review
August 14, 2006

Eliane Elias - Around The City
Producers: Eliane Elias, Andres Levin, Lester Mendez
RCA Victor
Release date: Aug 22

On "Around The City", pianist Elias assigns the keys a back seat in support of her alluring, sensuous vocals sung in English and Portuguese. The Brazil-born, New York-based Elias has played the singer card before in her 18-album career, but nothing like this outing, where she delivers a spellbinding meld of pop, Brazillian and Latin music with a jazz sensibility. Her pianistic excursions arrive sporadically and deeper into the 13-song collection, including a fine run in "A Vizinha Do Lado". But upfront is where "Around The City" enraptures, beginning with the spirited original "Running", and continuing with a bossa-steeped take on Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va" and later a sultry swing through Beck's "Tropicalia". Standout track: Elias' jazzy spin on Bob Marley's "Jammin'" with loops, trumpet ornamentation and a piano sprint, all girded to earth with speedy grooves by two drummers.

[...]

Not As Bad As the Purists Would Have You Believe.......2007-02-10

Having own Elias' 2004 LP "Dreamer", I too was surprised at the musical shift on this LP.

However, the question here is not rather or not it fits the narrow-minded view of jazz purists, but is a good LP? Here the answer is yes.

While the title track & "Oye Como Va" may have to grow on me, the rest of the CD is great. Try listening to "Running" or her version of Bob Marley's "Jamming" without moving your head or getting up to dance.
Elaine is also writing more, as she wrote or co-wrote many of the songs on this disc. She's still showing off her chows as a jazz pianist & there's still lots of brazilian jazz/bossa nova present (& even flamenco-favors with "Slide Show").

Bottom line, the purists should go elsewhere if they want nothing but standards, but the rest of us will enjoy this disc.

Keep jazz alive, give this album a listen!.......2007-02-07

While Elias is an established musician/ pianist / keyboardist / vocalist / songwriter of a high order, one would be well-advised to casually ignore all the jazz snobs who bleat for Elias to return to playing "real jazz." A pedestrian listener such as myself can even vouch that without experimentation, fusing of different music traditions, and the need to break the bounds of what is considered "real jazz," Louis Armstrong, Bird, Miles, Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor would never have happened. The drive in modern day to petrify jazz into a respectable art form has backfired and made jazz stagnant and frighteningly outdated today.

Ironically, what stodgy jazz connoisseurs regale as their iconic figure, Miles Davis, repeatedly broke the rules and courted many different music forms to make the continuum that is the heart of jazz pulse and breathe. Elaine Elias does just this. Those of us who love and listen to the so-called "hip" clubby/lounge music will truly appreciate the sonic adventure within "Around The City." Club music often samples other people's music passages into loops that- though stylish sounding- tends to entropy into banality. One has always wondered how the form could jettison in capable hands of great dexterity. Elias's reading of Bob Marley's "Jammin'" realizes this, with a momentum that sounds like a fluid updated sequel to Mile Davis's Milestone. It's fast, infectious, and reminiscent of the gyroscopic tension that Bebop was remembered for.

The track that is the pearl of the album however, is the stately "Slideshow." How wonderfully it captures what I call that Brazilian "Certain Sadness" that Astrud Gilberto's voice has come to embody. The lyrics are beautiful and the flamenco guitars and handclaps are gorgeous. Just one listen puts me on the cliffside roads leading into that stretch of beach front in Ipanema.

Songs like the Latin tinged rhythm of "Running," "Segredos," and "Oye Como Va," (suddenly sexy-sounding in the absence of Carlos Santana's whiny electric guitar) to a traditional jazz ballad of Buddy Johnson's "Save Your Love For Me" and a pop AOR easy-listening "We're So Good" showcases Elias's range. I hope Elias continues to explore. It's a sheer joy to see and hear that bossa nova can continue to evolve and stay with the times.

Incredible Genius .......2006-11-14

I almost understand why some jazz fans might have been disappointed by the direction of this CD by Eliane Elias. I too was surprised - 'Dreamer' seemed on its own to be a enough of a step into more commercial territory. I've listened to Eliane Elias for a while (think 'Nostalgia In Times Square'), so I am already in awe of her genius as a jazz pianist.

But to perceive Eliane Elias from a merely "purist jazz" point of view is awfully limiting to someone of her vast talent and grossly unfair. Good music is good music and no one musical genre has the patent on quality. Should someone with her smooth, versatile vocal style sing only mainstream jazz standards? Come on !!

Many of these songs are originals by Eliane as well (most are co-written) and they reveal her genius as someone who literally can do it all: sing, play, write, produce and arrange. To do all that and to do so with such amazing results and consistency shows an incredible genius on her part.

My favorite is 'We're So Good' which to me is one of the freshest originals I've heard in years. 'Running' is a great song as well. And she still puts out some incredible piano solos. In that respect, this CD almost reminds me of the recent Herbie Hancock CD 'Possibilities' in which jazz and pop were somewhat brought together.

Thank you again, Eliane.......2006-11-09

I heard her perform these numbers recently at a new jazz club in New York called Dizzy's. The setting and the music were sublime. She started off with Tropicalia and I was hooked immediately. If you haven't seen her live, you don't know what you're missing. Her brilliance on the piano is just incredible. Marc Johnson and the rest of her quartet complement her so well. My brother and I gave her a standing "O" after nearly every number.

Sure, Dreamer was great and I saw her live when that one came out too.
This is also a winner. All I know is what my head, my heart, my tapping feet and my two ears tell me and they are saying Yesssssssssssssssss!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
The heavens are telling
Uncle Abe rattles the house with this thing
Sir Robert with ASO and Chorus at their Best!
Celestial melodies

Choral Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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ASIN: B000003CTR
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Hallelujah
Ave Verum Corpus K.618
Kyrie Eleison
Passion Chorale
The Shepherds' Farewell
Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
He Watching Over Israel
Dona Nobis Pacem
Hallelujah
Worthy Is The Lamb
Sanctus
Bogoroditse Devo
Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
The Heavens Are Telling
Rex Tremendae

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-01-12

-gave this as a Christmas gift to my brother-in-law, a church musician. He has listened over & over & thinks it is really outstanding. Thank you!

The heavens are telling.......2005-10-21

This is a very great chorus, and one of Haydn's best as far as i am concerned. The pace, grandness and spirit of the piece all conjure in one's imagination the majesty of heaven, and God's throne. I cannot help but be moved to praise the God of the heavens and the earth.

kanmi ogundipe

Uncle Abe rattles the house with this thing.......2004-11-22

I came home from work one day when my uncle was visiting my wife and myself. He was recently retired from the ministry. He had heard a lot of choral music in his life. My aunt said he had the stereo ( power end of my stereo at the time was an Adcomm 555 amp. conservatively rated at 200 watts RMS per channel) up so loud it was rattling the whole house. I too have come to love this music. I mostly listen to rock and roll; but the way my uncle, and now I, play this thing, it is rock and roll from another era!!!

Sir Robert with ASO and Chorus at their Best!.......2003-11-16

After Mr Shaw spent many years in NYC and Cleveland with RCA Red Label,he came into Atlanta for a big change! Soon he switched to TELARC DIGITAL! I still Joyfully remember our Recording of the Christmas Nativity in Dec of 1975! Sir Robert, conducting with earphones encasing his head shouted: "Stop the taping, there is some Darn Sizzling noise in those Lights!" We may have not heard the word "Damn" lights, that he employed at times!

On both this newer release of TELARC and the older Recording of The Christmas Nativity, there are Bach's Chorale, Break Forth, Dona Nobis Pacem from the B-Minor Mass, Handel's Hallelujah! Plus the exquisite, Shepherds's Farewell to the Holy Family of Berlioz's The Infant Christ!

Those who may not be familiar with Berlioz from both recordings, will be richly rewarded by hearing them plus the Rex Tremendae from Berlioz''s Requiem and the other Kyrie from the Bach B-Minor! Absolutely, no other Christmas Music can ever approach these two splendid recordings, which are the basis of the ASO celebrating every Christmas with "Robert Shaw in the Spirit!"

Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Celestial melodies.......2001-05-27

No matter what mood you are in, the gorgeous chorals will draft you through the paths of holiness, and you will find yourself situated in the Elysium, land of eternal joy, yet you are far from dead. The past grief, weariness, and worries will fade and torture your soul no more. You are set free.

Tracks:

Kommt, ihr Toechter, helft mir klagen
Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen
Da versammleten sich die Hohenpriester / Ja nicht auf das fest / Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien / Wozu dienet dieser Unrat / Da das Jesus merkete
Du lieber Heiland du
Buss und Reu
Da ging hin der Zwoelfen einer
Blute nur, du liebes Herz
Aber am ersten Tage der suessen Brot / Wo willst du, dass wir dir bereiten / Er sprach: Gebet ihn in die Stadt / Un sie wurden sehr betrubt / Herr, bin ich's
Ich bin's, ich sollte buessen
Er antwortete und sprach:
Wiewohl mein Herz in Traenen schwimmt
Ich willdir mein Herze schenken
Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten
Erkenne mich, mein Hueter
Petrus aber antwortete
Ich will hier bei dir stehen
Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe
O Schmerz! hier zittert das gequaelte Herz
Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen
Und ging hin ein wenig
Der Heiland faellt vor seinem Vater nieder
Gerne will ich mich bequemen
Und er kam zu seinen Juengern
Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh' allzeit
Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend
So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen / Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden
Und siehe, einer aus denen
O Mensch, bewein' dein Suende gross

Tracks:

Ach! nun ist mein Jesus hin
Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten
Mir hat die Welt trueglich gericht't
Und wiewold viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten
Mein Jesus schweigt zu falschen Luegen stille
Geduld, Geduld!
Und der Hohepriester antwortete / Er ist des Todes schuldig / Da speieten sie aus in sein Angesicht / Weissage uns, Christe
Wer hat dich so geschlagen
Petrus aber sass draussen im Palast / Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen
Erbarme dich
Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen
Das Morgens aber heilten alle Hohenpriester / Was gehet uns das an / Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel
Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder
Sie heilten aber einen Rat
Befiehl du deine Wege
Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger / Lass in kreuzigen!
Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe
Der Landpfleger sagte
Er hat uns allen wohlgetan
Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben
Sie schrieen aber noch mehr / Lass in kreuzigen! / Da aber Pilatus sahe / Sein Blut komme uber uns / Da gab er ihnen Barrabam los
Erbarm es Gott
Koennen Traenen meiner Wangen

Tracks:

Da nahmen Kriegsknechte / Gegruesset seist du, Judenkoenig / Und speieten ihn an
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden
Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten
Ja! freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut
Komm, suesses Kreuz
Und da sie an die Staette kamen / Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbrichst / Desgleichen auch die Hohenpreister / Andern hat er geholfen / Desgleichen schmaeheten ihn
Ach, Golgatha, unsel'ges Golgatha
Sehet Jesus hat die hand
Und von der sechsten Stunde / Der rufet dem Elias / Und bald lief einer unter ihnen / Halt, lass sehen / Aber Jesus schriee abermals laut
Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden
Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss / Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen / Und es waren viel Weiber da
Am Abend da es kuehle war
Mache dich, mein Herze, rein
Und Joseph nahm den Leib / Herr, wir haben gedacht / Pilatus sprach zu ihnen
Nun ist der Herr zu Ruh gebracht
Wir setzen uns mit Traenen nieder

Amazon.com essential recording

The St. Matthew Passion, Bach's monumental retelling of the story of the Last Supper and the arrest and execution of Jesus, typically runs from two-and-a-half to three hours. Yet this performance makes the time... well, not exactly fly past (consider the subject matter), but it's not tedious for even a second. Much of the credit for this goes to the marvelous Evangelist, Ian Bostridge. He's an outstanding narrator: the clear tone and diction, skillful timing, and intense involvement with words that made him a famous lieder singer are all in evidence; his part consists of nothing but recitative, yet he holds your interest unfailingly. Franz-Josef Selig gives a more dramatic reading of Jesus than you usually hear these days--he may be a bit too "operatic" for some listeners, but he really communicates his character's very human anguish and sorrow. Similarly, soprano Sibylla Rubens, tenor Werner Güra, and bass Dietrich Henschel sometimes unleash a bit too much vibrato for some tastes, but their singing is full-throated and attractive and they're very sensitive to the nuances in the text and music. Superstar countertenor Andreas Scholl is the standout--he combines unearthly purity with very earthly feeling and blends beautifully with the baroque instruments. The real stars of the record, however, are Philippe Herreweghe and his remarkable choir and orchestra. This conductor and his musicians (especially his radiant choir, Collegium Vocale) have always been superb at conveying warmth, devotion, and contemplation, but intense joy, anguish, or anger have sometimes seemed beyond them. Not here: they cover the full emotional range of this work--from reverent reflection to anguished remorse to churning fury--without ever crossing the line into melodrama or sacrificing clarity.

On top of all this, you get a CD-ROM chock full of interesting and well-organized information (in English, German, and French): texts as well as an overview with a timeline of Bach's life, a discussion of how the work is put together, marvelous graphics, sound clips, and an extensive interview with Herreweghe himself. A superb accompaniment to a superb release. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-02-03

Do not hesitate for a moment to purchase this CD/CD ROM package. I researched thoroughly the many recordings of this work, and I am very pleased to have decided on this one. It is a gorgeous, moving recording.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

Bach (1685-1750), a Lutheran, was specifically asked by St. Thomas' Church, Leipzig, to supply a non-theatrical Passion. In this context passion stands for the act of passive suffering, of watching and occasonally empathising in the suffering of Christ, a development which began in the Middle Ages when the church took steps to popularise the Bible. When sung, the role of the Evangelist would be taken by a tenor and that of Jesus by a bass. As various instruments were added they began to be associated with certain roles and as with opera any dramatic action in the text occurred during the recitative. The chorus has two functions: to participate in the action and then to reflect upon it, such reflections provided by the chorales which were familiar Lutheran hymns.
The St. Matthew Passion was composed for the Good Friday service at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1727. As time went on Bach revised and added other pieces and subsequently this Passion became the grandest and the largest of his works. He used a Double Chorus, included a third soprano group for the opening and close of Part One, two orchestras split so that they either accompanied the first or the second chorus, four soloists who carry specific parts and a number of other singers who have other roles. The Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 26 and 27 plus traditional Lutheran chorales and meditative poems (by Henrici also known as Picander) provide the text.The Evangelist narrates the action scene by scene.
Although the work as a whole is somewhat heavy and sombre there are some lighter moments to treasure, and none more delightful than the soprano aria in Part One "Ich will dir mein Herze schenken" (I will give my heart to Thee). Part two contains the best known and loved aria from the work "Erbarme dich,mein Gott" (Have mercy, my God) for alto and violin obligato and pizzicato bass. The death is terse but dramatic as is the earthquake following with the heartrending crying "Walrlich dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen" (Truly this was the Son of (God). It all ends with a Sarabande-like chorale bidding Jesus to rest in peace.
The packageing of this edition is outstanding; the booklet includes absolutely all the documentation that one may need to fully comprehend this monumental work of Bach's. In addition, the the 3 CD's, there is a CD-Rom that explains the entire procedure for the production of this recording (in 3 languages:French,English and German).
The performance itself is excellent and beyond reproach. Ian Bostridge is all that one would desire in a tenor Evangelist; a joy just to hear his voice. Andreas Scholl gives one of the most emotional performances I have ever heard from him; he tends to be somewhat 'laid-back' in some renditons, but not in this one. Just my opinion; all you Scholl fans, don't get excited!!!!!I suggest you allow yourself an entire day to explore this wonderful musical experience.

The True Drama of the St. Matthew Passion.......2006-04-11

There are gratefully many recordings of Bach's great St. Matthew Passion from which to choose, and the approaches to this long and mighty work of inspiration are varied. While this listener cut his teeth of the old Klemperer recording now re-mastered from the LP days to CD, this recording under the sensitive and commanding control of Philippe Herreweghe has become the recording most favored for return listenings, especially during the Holy Week. Herreweghe obviously knows the work from intense study, a fact that gives him all the stamina to make the overall Passion work both musically and dramatically.

Herreweghe draws sumptuous playing from his Collegium Vocale Orchestra and Chorus, keeping the period sound intact while adding the contemporary trend for finding the operatic aspects of the work in the lead of all the other recordings. Of course he has an extraordinary group of soloists who give definitive performances. The leading actor is the Evangelist who guides us through the arrest and assassination the Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew: Ian Bostridge not only has a beautiful tenor voice, rich and warm, but he also offers perfect enunciation of the text and delivers his comments with the exact amount of propelling drama. The role of Jesus is strongly delivered by Franz-Josef Selig and matches his competition (Fischer-Dieskau, Quasthoff and Goerne included!) in conveying both the agony and the transcendence of Bach's lines.

Add to this strong matrix the exquisite singing of Andreas Scholl and the solo work by Sibylla Rubens, Werner G?ra, Dietrich Henschel, Dominik Worner, Elisabeth Hermans, Susan Hamilton and Frits Vanhulle and the beauty of the drama is perfect. This is truly the most dramatic performance of Bach's most dramatic Passion and one to cherish for years. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

My favorite too!.......2005-09-17

I own six different St. Matthew Passion recordings, and this is my favorite. Herrweghe gets it right. I am not a stickler for HIP, but prefer it. In my opinion this is the most balanced high quality HIP treatment of the St. Matthew available. Get it!

Excellent work - but problems with sound level.......2005-05-29

I have no complaints about the performance, with the exception of two points: (1) the bass can at times sound too sharp and loud; (2) there is a bit of showing off, desire to impress the listener. Otherwise the work is awesome, but I am irritated by the recording quality. I thought that I would get used to it, but as I continue to listen to it, it irritates me more and more. The sound level is unequal. It is either too low, or annoyingly too high. I simply cannot just turn on the CD and listen through without adjusting volume levels all the time. Music becomes too quiet, then it bursts into sudden loudness, sharp, unpleasant sounds, which is extremely vexing. This is the main reason for my not listening to this recording more often. To add insult to injury, the bonus CD does not work on my computer, but freezes and muddles up. If I knew about this, I wouldn't have bought these CDs. Fortunately, I have also Herreweghe I, which I prefer to this one. But my all time favourite is - HARNONCOURT.

Mendelssohn: Elijah / Shaw, Bonney, Quivar, Hadley, Hampson, Atlanta Symphony (Sung in English)

Average customer rating:

Great music
Why mess with the words?
Very excellent, especially the choral work
Good choral technique, weak on prophetic message
Simply an excellent and enjoyable performance

Mendelssohn: Elijah / Shaw, Bonney, Quivar, Hadley, Hampson, Atlanta Symphony (Sung in English)

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
Elijah in Full Score
Elijah: An Oratorio for Piano & Vocal Score

ASIN: B000003D0S
Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

Introduction (Elijah) - 'As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth'
Overture
1. Chorus - 'Help Lord'
Quartet: Recitative - 'The Deep Affords No Water'
Duet With Chorus - 'Zion Spreadeth Her Hands For Aid'
3. Recitative (Obadiah) - 'Ye People, Rend Your Hearts'
4. Air (Obadiah) - 'If With All Your Hearts'
5. Chorus - 'Yet Doth The Lord See It Not'
6. Recitative (Angel) - 'Elijah! Get Thee Hence'
7. Double Quartet - 'For He Shall Give His Angels'
Recitative (Angel) - 'Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up'
8. Air (Widow) - 'What Have I To Do With Thee' - And Recitative (Elijah, Widow) - 'Give Me Thy Son!'
9. Chorus - 'Blessed Are All They That Fear Him'
10 Recitative (Elijah, Ahab) With Chorus - 'As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth'
11. Chorus - 'Baal, Answer Us'
12. Recitative (Elijah) And Chorus - 'Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!'
13. Recitative (Elijah) And Chorus - 'Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not'
14. Air (Elijah) - 'Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel'
15. Quartet (Angels) - 'Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord'
16. Recitative (Elijah) And Chorus - 'O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits'
17. Air (Elijah) - 'Is Not His Word Like A Fire?'
18. Air - 'Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!'
19. Recitative (Obadiah, Elijah, Youth) And Chorus - 'O Man Of God, Help Thy People!'
20. Chorus - 'Thanks Be To God!'

Tracks:

21. Air - 'Hear Ye, Israel!'
22. Chorus - 'Be Not Afraid'
23. Recitative (Elijah, Queen) And Chorus - 'The Lord Hath Exalted Thee'
24. Chorus - 'Woe To Him!'
25. Recitative (Obadiah, Elijah) - 'Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious'
26. Air (Elijah) - 'It Is Enough, O Lord'
27. Recitative - 'See, Now He Sleepeth'
28. Trio of Angels - 'Lift Thine Eyes'
29. Chorus - 'He, Watching Over Israel'
30. Recitative (Angel, Elijah)- 'Arise, Elijah'
31. Air (Angel)- 'O Rest In The Lord' (Florence Quivar)
32. Chorus - 'He That Shall Endure To The End'
33. Recitative (Elijah, Angel) - 'Night Falleth 'Round Me'
34. Chorus - 'Behold, God The Lord Passed By!'
35. Recitative, Quartet and Chorus - 'Above Him Stood The Seraphim'
36. Chorus - 'Go, Return Upon Thy Way' - And Recitative (Elijah) - 'I Go On My Way'
37. Arioso (Elijah) - 'For The Mountains Shall Depart'
38. Chorus - 'Thus Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth'
39. Air - 'Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth'
40. Recitative - 'For God Sent His People The Prophet Elijah'
41. Chorus - 'Thus Saith The Lord'
Quartet - 'O Come, Everyone That Thirsteth'
42. Chorus - 'And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth'

Customer Reviews:

Great music.......2007-01-12

I love "Elijah" -- I sang it in college. The music is fine, but when I downloaded it into Windows Media Player the music was split up and stored in a random order, rather than in chronological order. I don't know why, and I couldn't fix it, so I deleted it. When I loaded it into iTUnes for my iPod, however, it was fine.

Why mess with the words?.......2004-01-05

Robert Shaw certainly is the choral master and this powerful story is well "acted" by soloists and chorus. That said, I don't understand why Shaw changed the words in so many places. He wasn't updating King James English (i.e., the verbs still end in "eth"); there's a bit of generic "they" instead of "men" but that isn't consistent. "Baal, we cry to thee" becomes "Ba-al, answer us." "Draw near" becomes "O come." In some places it just loses the poetry and becomes flat prose - for no obvious reason. Or he substitutes another verse of Scripture! The cd notes include nothing from Shaw himself so it's a mystery. I sang along with my old score and, frankly, some of his changes don't flow nearly as well as the older versions -- or maybe I'm just being picky!

But that isn't a reason to pass up this recording and I'm glad I bought it. Elijah is a star of the choral repertoire and this performance is very well done. Put away your old score and enjoy.

Very excellent, especially the choral work.......2003-12-17

Having sung in this oratorio many times (both the contralto, and the soprano solo parts) I was very familiar with the work. What hit me first in this recording was the WORDS were not the same as those I had sung so many times. It was sort of a jolt. Instantly, that made me wonder what was going on, after all, didn't Mendelssohn write this oratorio in English. Well, he did, but it was an English translation of the German libretto which came from the German translation of the Bible. We were all used to those words, and they have taken on special meaning. There have even been recordings of the past that gave the scriptural cross references to those lines. Well, what has happened here is the conductor and others have actually gone back to those scriptural references and made sure the words sung are those found in our King James Version of the Bible.

The changes in this text are not that great, but they are noticeable. Do I like them? Well, yes, but I have to admit while listening to the recording my mind always trails back to the familiar words.

There are a few things different about this recording than most. Firstly, there are not only four soloists, but nine of them. To some, with our tradition of having only four soloist, that may seem odd. It is not at odds with the original performance. In this oratorio, like many by Bach, there are soloists who are simple commentators, and some who are characters. We never had that distinction in other recordings. It is refreshing to hear it. Thus, we hear very different voices intone the "mother" and those who are just singing commentary (the first duet in the oratoria). It wasn't necessary to do this, and the oratorio works quite well if it is not done, but there is an added sense of drama, like we are witnessing a real story not just talking about it when we hear certain voices associated with certain people and events.

I found it delightful to listen to the good diction in English of some of the singers, though not all the women have good diction in English. I wonder why we tolerate bad diction in English but simply won't tolerate it in Italian or German? That is a very eternal question for me. I remember one of my own teachers saying that if a singer can't sing in their own language and make sense how can they really sing in a foreign one? Whether her conclusion was correct or not, I do know that with all the "Native English speaking singers" out there why so few of them have mastered diction in their own language. It would be wonderful if they had teachers wise enough to help they understand the pure Italian vowels they sing don't fit English where there is no such thing as a pure vowel. One singer who bad diction cannot be leveled at is Thomas Hampson. It is a real pleasure to hear him sing the Part of Elijah. I have an old recording of this oratorio with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Nicolai Gedda, Gwyneth Jones, and Janet Baker. Each of them sing English masterfully and clearly, no distortion, yet, only two of them are native English speakers. Gedda and Fischer-Dieskau have the most wonderful English, and one would think they really spoke the language from birth as it has no "foreign" sound to it at all. Thomas Hampson comes super close to having the same affect with his diction as Fischer-Dieskau, and filling the text with special meaning (as this fine German artist did). Sadly, the rest of the cast, though understood, simply doesn't have his mastery of "Their own language." I say that because everyone in this recording IS A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER.

The quality of the singing is superb and it cannot be faulted. The orchestral presentation is masterful. The choral work is breathtaking, and with an oratorio like this, the chorus is what makes or breaks it far more than the soloists.

The quality of the recording is superb, though I wish the sound were more "full-bodied." I have this complaint about most digitally created CD's. The old Annalog recording method captured the brilliance and the depth of the music more completely. In digital music it seems the upper overtones are lost, but the "shrillness" of the high notes is not, and the depth and sonorous sound of the lower harmonics is not full or complete enough (and adding the "enhanced bass" setting does not give the reality of the depth to the sound). Having heard all the lead singers in life, I can tell you there is that special depth of tone, that richness that is part of their sound that simply is not there. One person who is really losing out in representation of her sound is Florence Quivar. Whatever her flaws in diction, her sound is rich and plummy, but you wouldn't know that listening to this recording. Even Thomas Hampson, though his voice is not a huge one, doesn't quite reflect his ability to resonate. His sound is very resonnant, very full, and it has a depth of emotion that is spine tingling. His voice caresses and invites the listener in. In some ways, it sounds like we are invited to listen in, but to stay out of the room in which he is singing. This is all the balance of the technicians. Wonderful as digital technology is, it still can't capture the human voice with all the nuances and overtones it has. I doubt any form of recording ever has, but it is missing some of the most important parts of it. The result of all this is a performance, wonderful as it is, that is lacking the amount of life it should have. One knows this is NOT the result of anything the performers or conductor are doing, for one can get that life if you play the recording quite loudly. The problem is, one shouldn't have to play it loudly to feel that.

Whether this is the best of the best, I couldn't say. It is a good recording and well worth adding to your library. The approach is different from the common way of doing things, and that adds a special refreshing touch to a work that is well known, and well performed.

Good choral technique, weak on prophetic message.......2003-12-07

If you like choral technique, then buy this one. Robert Shaw is the unquestioned master in that regard. If you want something to capture the essence of the biblical story, you would do well to find another. Shaw himself once said that Mendelssohn had maybe become "too Christian" with the obvious messianic implications at the end.

Simply an excellent and enjoyable performance.......2000-05-01

Growing up, my family played an LP of Elijah almost every week. As I grew up, I discovered what an excellent recording it was. When I went searching for my own copy a few years ago on CD, I bet on the conducting of Robert Shaw. I have never regretted the purchase, and have never grown tired of the recording. The singing is excellent, and the conducting superb. This is my favorite classical cd in my collection, and I've even bought a copy for my Mother!

Average customer rating:

That annoying little buzz . . .
Exellent music to make love by...
Elegant, Classy, A great Album
Really Great CD!!!!!!!!
Already Well Reviewed; Excellent and Classy, little to add!!

Sings Jobim
Eliane Elias
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dreamer
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Eliane Elias Plays Jobim
Kissed by Nature
Around the City

ASIN: B000007TFH
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

Girl From Ipanema
One Note Special
Jazz 'N' Samba
She's Carioca
Looks Like December
Desafinado
Falando De Amor
Song Of The Jet
A Felicidade
For All My Life
How Insensitive
Forgetting You
Pois E
Once I Loved
Modinha
Caminhos Cruzados

Customer Reviews:

That annoying little buzz . . ........2007-03-16

Elias' strength here--as in all her albums--is her keyboard work; very few match her command of the instrument, her intensity, fluency and arranging of the Jobim songbook. Notwithstanding the superb blending with her accompanists, her vocals are the most disappointing. Were this a purely instrumental CD, this would be an easy A+. Sounding more tentative than confident, the vocals are barely audible, and at times, incoherent, making this a frustrating listen for me--like the gnats that ruin an otherwise marvelous summer picnic, I keep swatting at the vocals! The two exceptions being the guitar/vocal interplay with Castro-Neves on "Falando de Amor" and "One Note Samba." Otherwise, musicianship is what carries the album: fine accompaniment, great arrangements, forgettable vocals!

Exellent music to make love by..........2006-01-03

This is a romantic album! Elias' vocals are smooth, and her piano playign skills are second to none on a jazz level. These are fine verisons of bossa novas classics. Her piano and vocals both swing, yet so gently. Great music!

Elegant, Classy, A great Album.......2002-07-11

Eliane Elias put together a terrific band, including Michael Brecker, Oscar Castro-Neves (producer as well) and Marc Johnson to make this outstanding recording.

It's an elegant, classy, swinging album of Johim favorites that just doesn't have any weaknesses. Elias' singing and piano playing are especially beautiful on the ballads, but she and her band also really swing and groove on the uptempo tunes.

If you're a fan of the Brasilian genre you must own this side. If you want a great album to help set a romantic mood, this is one to have. Or, if you're a jazz fan, interested in all idioms of the music, it's a contemporary essential.

Really Great CD!!!!!!!!.......2001-12-29

First off I wanna say that I love Eliane Elias for her singing, her LOOKS, her voice, and her piano playing. She is a great talent and this Cd really shows it off. When I First saw this cd i was in a mall and i was looking for the great jobim song "LOOKS LIKE DECEMBER" and this and another disc by Jobim came up so it showed you could hear some samples so I clicked the track and i said i have to have this CD cause this chick is great! when I orderd the CD it came to pretty quickly and when i opend the box and listen to hole CD I was in love with every thing about her...

Already Well Reviewed; Excellent and Classy, little to add!!.......2001-06-15

Very little to be added...! I must accept that almost everything (I was going to say) about this CD, has already been said by almost all of the customer reviewers. This album IS a very good interpretation of some of Jobim's best. I find the comments by customer reviewer Clifford T. Dibble "...never overbearing, small combo feel", etc. perfectly reflecting my own discoveries. I'm also in complete agreement with S. Kelvin Yew from Singapore in-depth analysis, specially the comparisons with Elis Regina and a young Astrud Gilberto. Reviews by Gillian from Canada, "bossa lover" and "london rio newyork" are truly meaningful: please read them all-I can't agree more with all of their notes-. The sense of intimacy and warmth is well conveyed. The group backing is outstanding, and her playing never interferes with the original intentions of Jobim's minimalistic approach. Specially welcome is the use of string bass, against the ubiquitous "Fender-type" of electrical instrument that frequently spoils the true Bossa Nova sound. Brazilian drummer Paulo Braga also fits much more naturally than previous DeJohnette playing in 1990 release "Eliane plays Jobim" CD, at least much more naturally. Also appreciated is the precisely recorded sound of Eliane's perfectly tuned Steinway piano, less energetic than Tania Maria's but never overwhelming and perfectly blended with the sound of the rest of the group. Slightly dissapointing is the recorded sound of Oscar Castro-Neve's guitar, since his presence seems just a little laid back, lacking some luster and detail that this excellent guitarrist deserves. Breker's Sax sound appears just a little bit hollow, lacking the body and sensuousness that the late Stan Getz used to project, but classy enought to accompany Eliane's playing. Very few times so many customer reviews describe so well an album, therefore I cannot disagree more with the customer reviewer that rated this CD with only two stars; I guess he is just missing the point: it is Elia's voice lack of technical ability or range what allows her sheer, almost whispering beauty, really transmit the very essence of Bossa Nova, like Gilberto and Jobim (also subdued) voices firstly expressed it during the early 60's. Overall, very enjoyable and smooth, while being fresh and evolving at the same time, Elia's playing and arrangements introduce slightly different and new textures to the well known but not always well executed Jobim's masterpieces. Definitely recommended.

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Average customer rating:

Robeson on wax
The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation
A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving
Robeson at his best
some of the greatest songs of the last century

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029YJ
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

Balm in Gilead
Chassidic Chant
Quiet Flows The Don: From Border To Border
Quiet Flows The Don: Oh, How Proud Our Quiet Don
Elijah, Op. 70: The Lord God Of Abraham
The Purest Kind Of Guy
Joe Hill
The Peat-Bog Soldiers
The Four Insurgent Generals
Native Land
Song Of The Plains
Cradle Song
Within Four Walls
By An' By
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
John Henry
Water Boy
My Curly Headed Baby
Mah Lindy Lou
Wagon Wheels
The House I Live In
Showboat: I Still Suits Me
Sylvia
Showboat: Ol' Man River
Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So

Amazon.com

There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Robeson on wax.......2007-06-19

I found this album in a thrift store last week, for a couple of dollars. It's the original pressing on four 78 RPM records, in a gatefold format. It's in pristine condition. I really bought it for the incredible cover art, although I hope to be able to listen to it in this format at some point.

The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation.......2004-09-24

Put this on your stereo and if it is good enough the depth and richness of Robeson's voice will make your fillings rattle and your chest rumble. The power of his voice is awesome. This CD is superbly recorded with no audible noise at normal listening levels.

A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving.......2002-09-01

"Red diaper babies" have greeted this disc with nostalgic joy, and it captures a time and an aesthetic and a political belief with precision. Anyone interested in the emotional life of the pro-Soviet left of the 1940s should buy this disc. It's something like Henry Wallace set to music. There is much more to Robeson than that, however, and Sony has given us Robeson whole: there are songs by American masters of the musical, there are labor songs, religious songs, as well as the kind of faux-folk songs which the butcher supreme Josef Stalin encouraged and which were not taken seriously inside the USSR (except at gunpoint!!) but which were taken up by dupes around the world. This is Robeson at his least savory - willing propagandist for a vile mass murderer. Songs such as "Native Land" (fittingly, Robeson is referring to the Soviet Union) and the Red Army song are the equivalent of the "Horst Wessel Song", anthems of murder, and it is difficult to listen to the worst of them without retching. On the other hand, Robeson's commitment to American folk culture was real. "Balm in Gilead" is deeply beautiful; "John Henry" is heroic; "By an' By" is both resigned yet hopeful. "Joe Hill" captures an era in labor history. Anyone interested in American popular song should hear these. Turning to Broadway, his "Old Man River" is very fine, though Robeson changed the lyrics for political reasons and Leonard Warren has done the song better. I disagree with the editorial reviewer: "I Still Suits Me" is wonderfully playful and shows Robeson using his gorgeously rich voice to tease and poke fun. However, Marc Blitzstein's "Purest Kind of a Guy" is beyond saving - another example of Robeson recording an unworthy song by a political fellow-traveller. Ugh. But for every miss there are two hits. Robeson performs Mendelssohn's Elijah with nobility, and sings his favorite song, "Water Boy", with joyous pride: "There ain't no hammer that's on these mountains that rings like mine, boys, that rings like mine."
No one need have any fears about the mono sound quality. The orchestra in the second half of the program is at times a little dwarfed by Robeson's voice, but it generally sounds clean and colorful, and the great artist's voice rings like no other.

Robeson at his best.......2000-05-12

It's hard to believe that most of these recordings pre-date the advent of magnetic tape: the CD transfer is superlative. The songs and performance are beyond reproach. Notable is the imaginative packaging in miniature 'record album' format, complete with the original cover art, and a replica of the original Columbia record label applied to the CD.

In response to a previous question: Robeson's performance of Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) can be found on the Vanguard LP entitled "Robeson" (VRS-9037).

some of the greatest songs of the last century.......2000-05-05

In the 1940s, before rabid McCarthyism and racism had taken its toll on him, Robeson made these wonderful recordings of spirituals, classics and pop tunes. Accompanied by the solo piano of the incomparable Lawrence Brown, or by an orchestra, the songs ring out with pride, dignity, skill and unmatched integrity. The shameful treatment that Robeson was subject to from American authorities certainly seem grotesquely absurd to a modern listener. The wonderful version of "The House I Live In" included on this cd should forever kill off any suspicion that Robeson did not love his country deeply. This album ought to be heard by millions of people, world wide. Robeson's voice is nothing less than a glorious high point in 20th century music, and it's hard to think of any recording capturing it to greater advantage.

The Most Relaxing Harp Album in the World... Ever!

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Harp Alblum in the World...Ever!

The Most Relaxing Harp Album in the World... Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Music for Solo Harp

ASIN: B000AXWGXG
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

Rrie - Claude Debussy
Gymnope No. 3 - Erik Satie
Sonata in A, K.208 (Andante e cantabile) - Domenico Scarlatti
Siciliana - Ottorino Respighi
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat, Op. 73 Emperor - II Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonatine, Op. 30 - II Calme et expressif - Marcel Tournier
Allemande & Courante (from French Suite No. 6 in E, BWV 817) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Arabesque No. 1 in E - Claude Debussy
Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty (from Ma M lOye) - Maurice Ravel
Lute Concerto in D, RV 93 - II. Largo - Antonio Vivaldi
Sarabanda - Nino Rota
Siciliano (BWV 1031) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Concerto for Harp & Orchestra in G Minor, Op. 81 - II Romanza (Andante) - Elias Parish-Alvars
Andante (from Violin Sonata in A, BWV 1015) - Johann Sebastian Bach
In a Landscape - John Cage

Tracks:

Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I) - Claude Debussy
Sonata for Harp - III Lied - Paul Hindemith
Pavane - Antoine Francisque
Concerto for Flute & Harp in C, K.299 - II Andantino - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Clair de lune (from Suite bergamasque) - Claude Debussy
The Sunken Cathedral (from Preludes, Book I) - Claude Debussy
Andantino (from Sonata in C Minor) - Giovanni Pescetti
La Source, Op. 44 (ude) - Alphonse Hasselmans
Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring (from Cantata, BWV 147) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Gymnope No. 1 - Erik Satie
Danses sacret profane - Claude Debussy

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Harp Alblum in the World...Ever!.......2007-01-08

Very soothing. Allows you peace of mind

Music:

Music

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