Book One

book one

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
A sorrowful tale of a burdened life expressed through dark ambiences perturbed with unforgiving aggressions of death. The soundscapes of Book One are an emotional blend of classical subtlety and metallic force engendered by haunting strings, aroused by churning guitars, and awoken by chaotic vocals.

Book One,Antique,Trostlos,A sorrowful tale of a burdened life expressed through dark ambiences perturbed with unforgiving aggressions of death.,Heavy Metal

Book One

Average customer rating:

Just for kids?? No way!!
The best classical album for kids!
Great for Preschool Children

Classics for Kids

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Children's Favorites
Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics
Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf; Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op34

ASIN: B000003FE3
Release Date: 1993-06-08

Tracks:

The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
Parade of The Wooden Soldiers (Jessel-MacDonald)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
THe Girl With The Flaxen Hair (Debussy)
Hoedown from Rodeo (Copland)
Little Waltz from The Toy Box (Debussy)
Viennese Musical Clock from Hary Janos (Kodaly)
Mother Goose Suite Excerpts (Ravel)
Mother Goose Suite Excerpts (Ravel)
March of the Siamese Children from The King and I (Rogers)
Dreams frin Scenes From Childhood ( Schumann)
March of The Toys from Babes In Toyland (Herbert)
Childhood Games Excerpts (Bizet)
Childhood Games Excerpts (Bizet)
The Toy Trumpet Al Hirt, trumpet (Scott)
The Little Train of Caipira (Villa-Lobos)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Dukas)
Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)
Lullaby (Brahms)

Customer Reviews:

Just for kids?? No way!!.......2005-04-08

This is wonderful classical music. If the kids like it, great! But, make no mistake about it, this is good for anyone. This is wonderful study music, reading music, or just plain relaxing music. Highlights include "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"; "March of the Toys" (from BABES IN TOYLAND -- the reason I bought this CD); "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"; "The Little Train of Caipira" (no longer little when the music is over); and the audience favorite "Hoedown" (i.e. "Beef, it's what's for dinner!").

If you're into that whole thing of classical music sharpening a youngster's intellect, then this won't disappoint. If you're just into good old fashioned classical music in general, it won't disappoint you either. Also, I highly recommend to both groups the classical CD BUILD YOUR BABY'S BRAIN.

The best classical album for kids!.......2002-12-12

This is a wonderful album. Very high quality, and every selection is beautiful. My daughter (who usually asks me to turn my classical music off) loves to pretend to gallop like a horse during "Rodeo" and march like a soldier during "Parade of the wooden soldiers". This is a pleasure for the whole family!

Great for Preschool Children.......2000-10-12

I use this CD with my preschool music group. The kids love it! This CD enables children learn about classical music without over extending their attention spans.

Average customer rating:

I disagree with the consensus here
Don't hesitate to get this set
Superb interpretations by Katchen
A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful
Radiant and inspired recordings

Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Liszt: Piano Works
Chopin: The Piano Works
Works for Solo Piano
Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116

ASIN: B0000042GM
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 1 - Heft 1
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 2 - Heft 2
Variations And Fugue On A Theme By G.F. Handel, Op.24: B Flat Major
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Intermezzo. Allegro
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante con moto

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Ziemlich langsam
Works For Solo Piano: Poco larghetto
Works For Solo Piano: Allegro
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 1 - 8
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 9 - 16
Works For Solo Piano: Scherzo es-moll

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro molto e con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro non troppo ma energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con espressione
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Introduzione (sostenuto) - Allegro non troppo e rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Agitato
Works For Piano Solo: Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro maestoso
Works For Piano Solo: Andante espressivo - Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro energico
Works For Piano Solo: Intermezzo. Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Presto energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro passionato
Works For Piano Solo: Adagio
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento
Works For Piano Solo: Andante teneramente
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro agitato

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op.76 - I Capriccio in F sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - II Capriccio in B minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - III Intermezzo in A flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - IV Intermezzo in B flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - V Capriccio in C sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VI Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VII Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VIII Capriccio in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - I Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - II Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - III Ballade in G minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - IV Intermezzo in F minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - V Romanze in F major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - VI Intermezzo in E flat minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - I Intermezzo in B minorn B
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - II Intermezzo in E minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - III Intermezzo in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - IV Rhapsody in E flat major

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Andante moderato
Works For Solo Piano: Andante non troppo e con molto espressione
Works For Solo Piano: Andante con moto
Works For Solo Piano: g-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: Des-dur
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: a-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: E-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: B-dur
Works For Solo Piano: f-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: h-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll

Customer Reviews:

I disagree with the consensus here.......2007-07-11

I was disappointed by this set and would not recommend it. It's great that all of Brahms' piano works are included here and the boxed set includes some difficult to find works (like those Op. 21 variation sets) as well as the better known and wonderful later piano pieces and the Op. 39 Waltzes.

The problem is that Katchen's performances are flawed and often unpleasant. The worst problem is that he bangs the keys a lot. Fortissimo passages are ideally not supposed to be noisy; they are intended to be loud and forceful without being unpleasant. It's a key distinction that Katchen fails to realize. I also think that Katchen's technique is a bit patchy. He blurs the passagework and there is a lack of both accuracy and delicacy in the fast passages. To take an example, the Op. 76 set is marred by both of these problems: a lack of accuracy and a tendency to bang on the keyboard. I also found many of the passages that didn't suffer from these problems to be interpretationally uninteresting (the slow parts of the Paganini Variations, Bk II are undistinguished, to take an example). Big thumbs down.

I did some direct comparison of sets to the Katchen performances and in every case Katchen was far inferior.

Take the Op. 39 Waltzes: Leon Fleisher's old recording is wonderful and much more sensitive and interesting than Katchen.

I also listened to Radu Lupu's recording of the Opp. 117-119 pieces (THAT is a wonderful recording - if you are looking for a superb recording of Brahms piano music, get that one and save yourself the aggravation of the Katchen set) and it's simply no contest.

I also sampled the terrific Op. 79 Rhapsodies and the Paganini Variations as played by a favorite pianist of mine, the lesser-known French pianist Nicholas Angelich, and Katchen's sloppy and undirected interpretations pales before the versions by a "non-superstar" pianist.

So while I admit I haven't listened to every portion of the Katchen set, I found every reason to avoid it when compared to some alternatives available.

Don't hesitate to get this set.......2007-07-04

It's a good thing I waited to write this until I'd heard these CDs a few times. I would have been guilty of understatement. Katchen's work grows on me in much the same way Brahms' music itself does. It is rich in nuance and insight, and never fails to please.

I'll confess, I bought this set to fill the gaps in my piecemeal collection. What a delightful surprise to find my "stopgap" set more than holds its own against recordings by the likes of Richter, Rubinstein and Gilels. To help the reader overcome any reluctance I offer a few comments on the few "downsides" mentioned by others:

Yes, Katchen does play fast, but not always, and certainly not out of inability to hold the listener's attention through more artful means. Katchen's track times are often slower than Rubinstein's or even Gilels'; but where the spirit moves him, he can go like a rocket. He's generally fastest in the earlier works, where a case can be made for playing them with youthful ardor; Katchen does this to a T. This applies to the first 2 sonatas, the Paganini variations (why would anything associated with Paganini lack splash and dazzle?) and to a much lesser extent, parts of the Handel variations. The main thing is, it works. The very few places where I felt Katchen was rushing the music are heavily outnumbered by places where the added energy seems to "fit" like a glove.

Yes, in an exhaustive set you inevitably endure the "bottom of the barrel." I'm surprised how little of this 6-CD set strikes me as anything less than indispensible. Every track is worth hearing. Katchen has been surpassed here and there, but he doesn't put in a bad performance in the whole batch.

Yes, the recordings are more than 40 years old. They will not satisfy the most jaded audiophile (there's not quite the "presence" of a good recording today). But they are amazingly clean and lifelike for their age (even the 3 tracks that are mono). They sound noticeably better than the popular Rubinstein recordings of equal vintage. At first I thought I heard a touch of bass-heaviness, but now I just think Katchen gives us a strong, clear bass line. Once again, it works. The sound is simply not a problem for a normal listener.

Finally, there's the small stuff. Getting the CDs out of their tight-fitting sleeves without putting your fingerprints on the playing surface is well-nigh impossible, unless you give in and apply a letter opener to solve the problem once and for all. Is that any reason not to get this much wonderful music at such a low price? London has even revived the old practice of offering different program notes in different languages, so that multilingual readers can benefit from more than one set of comments. All around it's a winner!

Superb interpretations by Katchen.......2006-11-16

Katchen's performace throughout this collection are excellent.Brahms integrates many of Schumann's,Bach's and Beethovens compositional ideas into his own works.He is a master of the appoggiatura(suspension of the dominant chord).And the ghosts of Bach,Schumann,and Beethoven appear at intervals throughout this collection of his piano works.The VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME is an ethereal experience,and the Op.09 VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY SCHUMANN, composed after his death,Brahms's pathos,especialy in the slower variations, make you aware of his sadness of Schumann passing, as there is vivid sense of despair and remorse you can hear throughout.It is well documented the profound influence Shumann had on Brahms's compositional process.OP.76 is a passionate performance by Katchen.You also have short piano works culminated in Op116,Op 117,Op.118,which includes the great masterpiece in Ebminor,and Op.119.The Pagganini Variations,Variations on a theme by Haydn,the Ballads Op. 10.And both volumes of the HUNGARIAN DANCES,the 2 Rhapsody's,and VARATIONS ON A THEME BY HANDEL.It quite remarkable that such music could be created by such a young man in the astonishing Sonatas,OP.1,OP.2,and OP.5.The slow movements in all three sonates are very inspiring,and heart fealt.It makes you glad to be alive in order to hear such remarkable music.A well balanced performance throughout.If your a Brahms lover,this is a must for your collection.Enjoy

A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful.......2005-02-03

To be honest, I can't really figure out how much I like Katchen's performance. It's hard to gauge because Brahms's piano music is inherently exceptional played by just about any performer.

I feel that the ballades, op. 10 are played way too fast (although I'm not exactly sure how close Katchen is to Brahms's tempi indications). I've heard them by several other performers and, being a Gould fan, would have to say that his slower interpretation really captures how beautiful the pieces are more than anyone else. I also enjoy Kempff's performances of many later works. Katchen really seems so rushed for some reason. To me, that really takes attention away from the fine details, which I think are so essential to Brahms's piano music. He's not quite delicate enough with some of the pieces.

This faster speed is only very slight for the rest of the set, but pretty consistently. I think he does a better job with more intense pieces like many of his larger-scale variations and the sonatas. Those I would give 5 stars, but only 4 stars for the op. 116-119, for they're a little too fast.

My only other qualm is the arrangement of the set. It would be nice to have all the sonatas together on a disc, 116-119 on a disc, etc., going along with the whole chronological thing..

However, all these things are personal preference. I would definitely recommend this set. It's made up about 1/2 of my music listening for the past couple months. It's not expensive at all for what you're getting, and if you get just one Brahms piano cd, you're going to want to get more, so you should just get it over with and have this whole set, it's fabulous music. Just keep in mind that this is not the only interpretation that should be considered.

Radiant and inspired recordings.......2004-09-19

If there is a more effervescent , idiomatic , innovative and resplendently performance of the Handel Variations , I have not heard it . Katchen emphasizes with colossal scrupulosity the wide doe and the diversity spectre of the orchestral instruments . You must marvel at the technical equipment of Katchen playing .
The other outstanding version of these Variations is of Michael Ponti (live preformance)
gifted with a major emphasis in the striking and color tone ; but the point to remark is that in both performings the approach is similar ; every one of the Variations must be played as a microcosmos in itself ; with nuance , grace , majesty, powerful imagination, sense of the span and above al ; savoir vivre . If you intend to play with authoritative precision without Mediterranean dewy and radiant mood ; you are destined to fail with these Variations and becoming unbearable for the audience and the listener . Lamentably , there are many of them in the actual market but I think you can guess them .
The two Rhapsodies are performed with the highest commitment . Melodic flight and arresting lyricism .
The Sonatas are superbly performed . The Sonata No. 3 may find serious matchers with Clifford Curzon and Paul Badura Skoda .
The intermezzos are depicted with the adequate illuminating . These intimate pages must be played with the perfect balance of light and shadows ; think in Chopin Nocturnes for instance . Only Glenn Gould gets close to him in the Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 2 .
The Ballades may be the weakest works of this fundamental set . Benedetti Michelangeli and Emil Gilels recorded brilliant and eloquent versions.
Finally The Paganini Variations find in Benedetti Michelangeli a serious and unbeatable adversary .
To be honest , this set is widely recommendable for you , to know the whole and intimate world of Johannes Brahms , the beloved son of Hamburg.
Katchen also recorded a powerful Islamey and an unforgettable Rachmaninoff No. 2 .

Hello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Soundtrack
DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY
The excitement is there, but.....
Goodbye, Dolly!
Toxically Corny!!!!

Hello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition)
Jerry Herman , and Carol Channing
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast)
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ASIN: B000099SZ0
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Prologue
I Put My Hand In
It Takes a Woman
Put on Your Sunday Clothes
Ribbons Down My Back
Motherhood
Dancing
Before the Parade Passes By
Elegance
Hello, Dolly!
It Only Takes a Moment
So Long Dearie
Finale
I Put My Hand In [*] - Mary Martin
Before the Parade Passes By [*] - Pearl Bailey
Hello, Dolly! [*] - Pearl Bailey
So Long Dearie [*] - Mary Martin
Love, Look in My Window [*] - Ethel Merman
World, Take Me Back [*] - Ethel Merman
On Recording Hello, Dolly! [*] - Carol Channing
When Did You Sense That Hello, Dolly! Would Be a Hit? [*] - Carol Channing
On the Title Number [*] - Carol Channing
"Dolly Changed Me..."; the Book [*] - Carol Channing
Plot [*] - Carol Channing
Optimism, And Finding One's Character [*] - Carol Channing
Prime of Life [*] - Carol Channing

Amazon.com

Sitting in the balcony at the final preview of this 1964 Jerry Herman show, still very much in school and long before my career as a critic began, I knew somehow that I was witnessing theatrical history. Even as that callow youth, I was certain that Carol Channing had been born to play the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, the meddling turn-of-the century New York widow who had been adapted from Thornton Wilder's straight play The Matchmaker. Channing has proved me right by playing the role ever since, of course, miraculously only improving with age. Beyond Dolly herself, however, the musical emitted a synergistic exuberance (at least five years before we used the word "synergy"). The supporting cast, including David Burns, Eileen Brennan, and Charles Nelson Reilly, were terrific. Herman's tunes and lyrics were sublimely crafted both to create their characters and stand alone. (The title song took on a life of its own.) The show's designers, librettist Michael Stewart and director Gower Champion, combined to transport the audience to 60 years earlier in little old New York. This wasn't all just my opinion: Hello, Dolly! won a record 10 Tonys. The original cast recording can still take you to that other time and place, even if you didn't see the original show. But, at the risk of offending my inner adolescent, the 1994 revival, naturally starring Channing, was even better--both on stage and on disc. --Robert Windeler

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Soundtrack.......2007-06-27

This is the original recording, with all of the best names included. Wonderful, wonderful music.

DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY.......2007-05-17

Great re-mastering of original BWay cast album with wonderful other Dollys, particularly Pearl Baily who makesHello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition) the title tune her own. It is still a great score and a delight to own.

The excitement is there, but............2007-01-24

Hello Dolly is one of my favorite shows. When you listen to the cast album, you really do--as others have said--feel the excitement of being there on opening night when Broadway history was being made. The wonderful RCA cast album has been a best seller for 43 years. But while I do feel it is necessary for any musical fan to have this cast recording in their collection, this is not personally my "Dolly" album of choice. I have three of the 5 major DOLLY recordings in my collection; this Original Cast, the Barbra Streisand movie soundtrack, and the Mary Martin London cast on LP (the others I do not have are the Pearl Bailey cast album and the Carol Channing revival). My preferred recording is a tie between the movie soundtrack and the Mary Martin album, with this one trailing (not far) behind. As far as the supporting cast are concerned, the original cast wins hand down. But HELLO DOLLY is really about the star, and in my opinion, Carol Channing can't sing...err, croak...her way out of a cardboard box. I realize that that is Channing's trademark, but it just doesn't work for me. As I said, this album is required equipment in any serious musical lover's collection, but I think that I too will "stick with Streisand." And for God's sake, I wish RCA would get off their rump and get the Mary Martin cast album out on CD, and reissue the Pearl Bailey cast album too while they're at it!

Goodbye, Dolly!.......2005-10-30

This Deluxe Edition of the orginal "Hello, Dolly!" has three distinct problems.

For starters, this is not the classic musical that afficianados would have you believe, nor is it Jerry Herman at his best (that honor goes to "Mame"). Rather, this is a fair to middling score with three socko numbers (title tune not included), three rather fine songs (title song included) and the rest either average or inadequate. "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Before the Parade Passes By" are two of the most galvanizing songs ever written for the Broadway stage and no singer can detract from their euphoric energy (though Carol Channing tries -- more on that later). "So Long, Dearie", though slower in tempo than Barbra Streisand's definitve rendition, is a showstopping character song that's both clever and compelling. These three numbers are what gives "Dolly" it's class and they are three of the best things Herman ever wrote. Then we have "Dancing", "Elegance" and (gulp!) the by now overly familiar title song, each an accomplished tune that propels the plot with, well, elegance. The song "Hello, Dolly!" may now annoy as a Broadway warhorse, but it was as fresh as daffodils when it first premiered. The rest of the score, sadly, isn't up to these standards. "It Takes a Woman" and "It Only Takes a Moment" are indistinguished at best, and "Ribbons Down My Back" is downright annoying. Worse still, "I Put My Hand In" is a lackluster opener that pales in comparison to "Just Leave Everything to Me", its replacement in the movie and a bonifide Jerry Herman rouser. And "Motherhood" sounds like exactly what it was, a stage wait for the scenery to move in. Totally expendable.

The second problem here is that this may be the worst sung original cast recording in Broadway history. Charles Neslon Reilly's wobbly tenor struggles to maintain pitch, Eileen Brennan's stilted soprano sounds more like light operetta than musical comedy, and David Burns makes his movie counterpart, Walter Matthau, sound like Mario Lanza in comparision. Then there is Dolly, the incomprehensibly overrated Carol Channing. From her first froggy notes in "I Put My Hand In" you know it's going to be rough sledding and, sure enough, she croaks and screeches her way through one song after another, rendering most of what she sings unlistenable. Channing's voice is thin, harsh and completely unequalized throughout its range and she effectively saps all of the charm out of "...Sunday Clothes" and "Parade". By the time the recording has ended, you want to banish this CD to a deserted island. But wait, there's more! An almost unrecognizable Mary Martin starts the "extras" on this disc with a shock. Some of her last recordings, these "Dolly" numbers unfortunately display how Martin's once lovely instrument had deepened and thickened over the years. A full throttle but somewhat tremulous Ethel Merman fairs little better on some poorly recorded songs added to the show when she took over. These two giants actually make the songs Pearl Bailey does on this disc seem all the more astonishing. While arguably not as talented as Martin or Merman (although, in reconsidering this recording and her career, I think I'm entirely wrong in that observation), Bailey hits a home run on each of her renditions and her recording of the title song is absolutely definitive. Someone should quickly get the cast recording of her "Dolly" back in circulation. "She" and "we" deserve it.

The final problen here is a lengthy recent interview with Ms. Channing that has to be heard to be believed. Does she actually think we're buying the idea that she was doing high kicks in the studio while recording her songs? Please! She barely catches her breath between phrases. And her comparing her premonition that the show would be a hit to a passage in the bible is as laughable as it is sacriligious. Yes, she may have done the show over 5000 times, but she lucked into a classic without earning her own classic status. No wonder all she could do was repeat herself for the rest of her career. Stick with Streisand.

And I guess from the reviews of THIS review, disliking Channing is sacriligous. I better watch my back.

Toxically Corny!!!!.......2005-01-22

A lot of my friends wonder why I violently detest Broadway Musicals so much. Well, this particular recording is at least one reason why. Exposed to this piece of Toxic Schlock at a very young age (about 4 I reckon), and ever since, for me it has epitomized EVERYTHING I detest about musicals, the thin corny plots, even cornier songs, people breaking out into song at the most ridiculous times and so much glitz that my system nearly went into toxic shock. The worst part of it all, CAROL CHANNING!!!! This woman CANNOT SING TO SAVE HER LIFE, PERIOD!!!

I've even asked people who DO like B'way what is the deal with her? I hear it's that she has charisma. OK, since when does charisma equal talent (I honestly believe they are NOT the same thing).

And I have even tried to listen to other musicals over the years, and I just CANNOT get the appeal of it on ANY level! I guess this is well-done as these things go (there is work involved), but I just CANNOT understand what the fuss is all about.

Signed,

One perplexed Owl.

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers

Average customer rating:

Very pleased
Sumptuous and mellow
One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals
A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal
A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals
The King"s Singers: English Renaissance
Olde English Madrigals & Folk Songs at Ely Cathedral
Madrigal History Tour
Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers

ASIN: B000002RPZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
English Madrigals: Were I A King
English Madrigals: Come Again
English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording
Highly Recommended!
Amazing
A gentleman musical agreement!
Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique
Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
Estudio brillante
Etude No. 1 In E Minor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Leyenda
Romance
Rumores de la Caleta
Capricho Arabe
Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Les Barricades mysterieuses
Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
Passacaglia
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Gymnopedie No. 1
Empress Of The Pagodas
Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
Fairest Lord Jesus
Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
Simple Gifts
Hymn Of Christian Joy
Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
Cantata 156: Arioso
Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
Canon
Dolly Suite: Berceuse
La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Terezinha De Jesus
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
Evening Dance
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Canarlos
La Maja de Goya
El Noi de la Mare
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Wedding Album
The Best!
A beautiful CD - wedding or not
The best of my Wedding CD's
When they say Ultimate, they mean it!

The Ultimate Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
The Complete Wedding Album
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II

ASIN: B00000427S
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Xerxes: Largo
The Water Music: Air
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Because
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
Be My Love
The Water Music: Hornpipe In D
Fifth Symphony: Toccata
Trumpet Tune And Air
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Wedding Album.......2007-06-01

The perfect album for anyone planning a wedding. Both traditional and contemporary wedding favorites. Sound quality is excellent.

The Best!.......2007-05-24

Send this to every future bride and groom - yes. But even better, send a copy to the PARENT(S) of the future bride and groom!!! It gets everyone in the mood and filled with excitement! Also, it allows them to hear some choices other than "Here Comes the Bride." This CD can also be a lasting pre-wedding shower gift.

A beautiful CD - wedding or not.......2007-01-11

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding or just want some sweet music to listen to - this album is it. A terrific collection of some of the most beautiful music ever written.

The best of my Wedding CD's.......2007-01-10

I purchased quite a few Wedding CD's but for me, this Album has the most elegant and classic pieces. Ultra modern, trendy girls...don't you dare go here. Classic, beautiful, refined women...this is your CD.

Pamela

When they say Ultimate, they mean it!.......2006-03-14

This album really is great. As of writing the review I haven't gotten married yet, but I am definetly using it in my June wedding. It has all of the classics that we always associate with weddings and only weddings ("Bridal Chorus" for the bridal processional, "Wedding March" for a recessional, etc.) PLUS plenty of other music for the wedding party processional, unity candle lighting, prelude music, etc. I purchased another CD, but only because that music was used in EVERY ceremony at my high school and it has sentimental value to me. I didn't need to, as the album cover even sorts the tracks by Prelude, Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

The songs are so peaceful, well performed, and just plain pretty. Those with organ truly remind me of being in church as a child. I plan to keep the CD in my IPod and listen to it when I need some "chill out" time. Those which are not AS specific to weddings ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Air on the G String," etc.) sort of make you feel like you're in a classy coffee shop or in a bakery in an Italian villa.

Overall, a very well-rounded album. You could get by with this CD alone for all of your ceremony music and save hundreds of dollars on hiring an organist and soloist. With a decent sound system at your ceremony site, guests who didn't know any better would wonder where the orchestra is.

San Francisco and Other Jeanette MacDonald Favorites

Average customer rating:

Jeanette MacDonald Favorites
A MUST for any Jeanette fan!
Jeanette MacDonald Was Unique
An excellent demonstration of Jeanette MacDonald's artistry

San Francisco and Other Jeanette MacDonald Favorites

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

When I'm Calling You
Love's Old Songs
Ah Sweet Mystery of Life: Anthology (1931-1938)
San Francisco
Through the Years

ASIN: B000003F6P
Release Date: 1991-11-09

Tracks:

Ciribiribin
The Firefly: Giannina mia
The Firefly: The Donkey Serenade
Naughty Marietta: Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
Naughty Marietta: Italian Street Song
New Moon: Lover Come Back To Me
New Moon: One Kiss
Smilin' Through: Land Of Hope And Glory
Rose Marie: Indian Love Call
San Francisco
The Holy City
Love Parade: March Of The Grenadiers
Monte Carlo: Beyond The Blue Horizon
The Fortune Teller: Romany Life
The Vagabond King: Only A Rose
Les filles de Cadiz
Ave Maria
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Romeo et Juliette: Je veux vivre dans ce reve
Faust: Il etait un roi de Thule
Faust: Air des bijoux
Louise: Depuis le jour

Customer Reviews:

Jeanette MacDonald Favorites.......2007-05-13

This CD is an incredible testimony and celebration of an American Master Singer.
A must have for all. An introduction to quality and good taste for a new generation of music lovers.

A MUST for any Jeanette fan!.......2006-04-25

This CD is a gem! The songs included on it are beautiful and show off MacDonald's incredible voice. The best part of this CD, however, is the sound quality. Unlike many of her other recordings, and those featuring her with frequent costar Nelson Eddy, the sound on this CD is pristine, and you can barely tell the recordings are 50+ years old!

Jeanette MacDonald Was Unique.......2001-03-12

It really doesn't matter whether or not she could sing; Jeanette MacDonald was unique. On these old recordings, her voice sounds thin and watery, and contemporary tastes do not respond so readily to the sentimentality and predictability of her movies. But she was a gracious lady and glittering presence on the silver screen. These film songs do suggest the excitement she generated when her movies first appeared. And how many truly major singers she inspired! Joan Sutherland recalled meeting MacDonald a few years before her death. Said Sutherland: "I still had stars in my eyes."

An excellent demonstration of Jeanette MacDonald's artistry.......1998-12-18

The highlights of this Jeanette MacDonald CD include her excellent singing of Delibes' "Les Filles de Cadiz," the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria," and the "Jewel Song" from "Faust." A much-underrated artist, MacDonald proves here that she can handle a wide range of music, from concert songs and opera arias to familiar tunes from her operetta films. Particularly fine are her renditions of "Only a Rose," and Herbert's "Romany Life" (in spite of an amateurish male chorus). Highly recommended not only as a tribute to filmdom's first lady of song, but also to listeners who enjoy both opera and musical comedy.

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan
Spirituals in Concert
Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman
Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

Understand this album for what it is, and what it is not.
Opera Geeks, get a life
Distasteful....
Not really opera, but fun anyway
Ummmm....

Filippa Giordano
Georges Bizet , Camille Saint-Saëns , Giacomo Puccini , Charles Gounod , Giuseppe Verdi , Ennio Morricone , Francesco Sartori , and Filippa Giordano
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Primadonna
Il Rosso Amore
Etterna
Sarah Brightman Classics

ASIN: B00002DDXF
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Norma: Casta Diva (Short Version)
Samson & Dalila: S'apre Per Te Il Mio Cuor
Tosca: Vissi D'arte
Carmen: Habanera
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
Ave Maria
La Traviata: Addio Del Passato
Lost Boys Calling
You Are The One (Sotto Le Stelle)
Dissonanze (Mondo Trash)
Maria (By The Sea)
Casta Diva (Extended Version)

Amazon.com

This eponymous album from the Italian singer Filippa Giordano confounds expectations. Released on the classical label Erato, Giordano mixes arias with contemporary songs such as the Ennio Morricone-Roger Waters "Lost Boys Calling" from the 1999 Golden Globe-winning movie The Legend of 1900. Using a conventional orchestra sometimes supplemented by electronic keyboards and occasional drums, the production achieves a slick and glossy chart-friendly sound that will find favor with fans of Whitney Houston and Céline Dion. Key to the album are two versions of "Casta Diva" from Bellini's Norma, between which arias from Samson and Dalila, Tosca, Carmen, and La Traviata sit rather uncomfortably alongside several pop anthems. With the vocal flavor of Broadway and a hint of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the intention seems to be to add contemporary crossover appeal to opera in much the same way that Andrea Bocelli has done with such conspicuous success. It's doubtful that serious opera aficionados will care much for Filippa Giordano, though music lovers in general may well find the album an attractive entry into the sometimes-forbidding world of the classical diva. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

Understand this album for what it is, and what it is not........2007-02-02

Opera aficianados take note - she is not an opera singer. It is pointless to consider her as one. You might as well snipe at a nasturtium for not being a rose. She is a pop singer. If you are looking for nuanced interpretations of classic bel canto opera, why the heck did you pick this album up in the first place? You know where to look already.

I completely disagree with the opera buffs who say that it is a travesty that she recorded these albums and besmirched the great masters. She did not record this for *you*. She recorded this for listeners of pop music. Have you heard what passes for pop music? Evidently not, or you would realize her albums far surpass everything currently in play... and if that is damning to pop music, well, so it is.

If one person... a single soul... listens to this album and is inspired enough to go out and listen to "the real thing" then Filippa Giordano has done them a great service and made the world a richer place. Opera aficionados are not born knowing and appreciating opera. One must be exposed to the music in the first place. Many people grow up having NEVER heard opera. This sort of album has a chance at being played in venues where Callas and Fleming couldn't get feet in the door. To the uninitiated, opera can seem bewildering and unintelligible, full of unfamiliar conventions. Filippa Giordano uses pop conventions to put these arias in musical terms that pop music lovers can grasp. Melodic familiarity goes miles toward connecting people to the emotional core of an operatic performance. Before you spew venom, consider that you are potentially thwarting a pathway that may lead to genuine appreciation of "real" opera down the pike. Bite your tongue. Go listen to your own recordings of the masters. You are right. They are infinitely more sophisticated. But this album has considerable value despite its flaws, and it wasn't created for you.

Opera Geeks, get a life.......2006-05-05

This is an album by a gifted pop singer singing some beautiful classical arias. Now, opera geeks are going apoplectic that this woman has the temerity to do so. I listen to opera, and I am occasionally relieved to hear CDs like this. It's nice not to hear a singer sounding like several people are tightening her Wagnerian corset so hard that she is expelling air through every orifice in her body. It is not the music that keeps opera unaccessible to everyone except pretentious pseudo-intellectuals (you don't need a Ph.D. to appreciate it). No, what has kept opera out of the mainstream is the constipated sounds too many opera singers make. If you like beautiful music sung well, if not brilliantly, you will like this CD. And for the record, I loathe C?line Dion's and Whitney Houston's music passionately, so don't let the first reviewer's comments dissuade you from this CD.

Distasteful...........2006-03-07

Do Banshees really exist ?. Yes they do.....and this abomination of musical history is proof of this....I cannot believe that a record company actually thought that they would even remotely break even on the sales of this grievous, flavorless, repellent and not to mention nauseous anathema of a recording. Shame on you young lady for destroying what were once, beautiful arias. A sad and unpassionate insult to great musical workmanship....

Not really opera, but fun anyway.......2006-02-03

As previous reviewers have said, "purist" opera fans would probably not consider this album to be opera, but it's still very enjoyable. Filippa Giordano will not likely be cast in a Wagnerian role anytime soon; she has a beautiful voice, but it does sound rather thin at times (she's no Maria Callas or Renee Fleming, in other words). It would be very easy to compare her to those other "(p)opera" divas, Sarah Brightman and Charlotte Church, but Filippa's sound is considerably more playful than Sarah's, and more sophisticated than Charlotte's. The highlights of this album are her renditions of "Casta Diva" and "Habanera," and I would recommend it for those two songs alone, but the rest of the album is also very good. This would be a great way to introduce a young person to the genre, as many of the songs could pass for pop songs.

Ummmm...........2005-11-29

Thousand pardons and all, but what on earth is she doing? If she wants to sing like this, fine and well, but why take perfectly fine operatic pieces that are special to some people and absolutely desecrate them by singing them like they are pop?
People who want to sing pop music should not go about advertising themselves as operatic singers, Giordano has the capacity to sing contemp. if she wants, but she obviously has not an operatic voice. If you like people being wormy and stealing from other genres, you will love this cd. If you like opera, you will not.

Average customer rating:

One of my best soundtracks...ever
Rating
Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack)
A beautiful achievement
Absolutely brilliant.

Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack)

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ragtime
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ASIN: B000065DV8
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Main Title
Newsreel
I Could Love a Million Girls
Train Ride
Tateh's Picture Book
Lower East Side
Delmonico Polka
Coalhouse and Sarah
Waltz for Evelyn
One More Hour
Sarah's Responsibility
Change Your Way
Clef Club No. 1
Atlantic City
Clef Club No. 2
Sarah's Funeral
Denouement / Morgan Library Takeover / Rhinelander Waldo / Coalhouse's Prayer
Ragtime
Ragtime Theme (Demo)

Album Description

Available for the first time on CD! From 2002 Academy Award Winner Randy Newman-the complete 1981 soundtrack restored in digital sound and featuring the bonus track 'Ragtime Theme' (Demo).

Customer Reviews:

One of my best soundtracks...ever.......2007-03-30

Newman's music is both rousing and plaintive. "One More Day" is worth the price of admission alone. Quite simply, beautiful.

Rating.......2007-03-08

Since this stuff is sold out in Europe, it was good to find it at your place. Shipment etc. was all OK and meanwhile we enjoy the music.
Thanks a lot.

Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack).......2007-02-20

Beautiful music. It sets a mood throughout that is rather sad no matter what the words say.

A beautiful achievement .......2006-02-25

The excelent Milos Forman timepiece on the 20's based on the Doctorow novel has a marvelous musical translation in this soundtrack close to perfection. It gets the time and mood of the movie, and reflects its main dramatic moments. I would dare to say that this soundtrack is one of the finest coming out from a movie of the 80's. Besides, it sounds great in this digitally remastered version. Do not hesitate to get it. It's a real beauty.

Absolutely brilliant........2005-12-28

I first came across this soundtrack when looking for Donald O'Connor songs - I'm a big fan of his, and I'm trying to track down all the songs he's ever recorded. It just so happens he has one of the most delightful songs on this soundtrack, "I could love a Million Girls". Apparently it's from a Disney film called Summer Magic, but I don't think Disney would approve of how dirty this song is if you think about it! Donald O'Connor was around 55 or so when he recorded this song, so his voice isn't as great as it was once, but he still does a fantastic job.

Now, onto the other songs. "Ragtime" (the song listed on the soundtrack) is hauntingly beautiful - it really captures the feeling and mood of the time, and puts you right back there. Same with most of the other "score" tracks. This is definately one of the best scores out there, and it's a pity it didn't do better. I guess it's almost ahead of it's time a little, considering this was the time period that gave us films like The Blues Brothers and other such early SNL comedies which didn't require scores like Ragtime needed. It really should've done better, but for now enjoy the soundtrack because I doubt you'll get another release of it!

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