More Than Words

more than words

Track Listings

1. Aberration

2. Voyager

3. Dreaming

4. Wire Fire

5. Mushroom Of Hope

6. Clock Work

7. All the Love

Editorial Reviews
Gabor Kleinbloesem Editor of Strutter'zine
Here's another talented guitarist from the USA, his name is TONY MARSH and he comes out of Texas.

Product Description
A Rocking Instrumental CD From Tony Marsh Thrashing Out Sounds Of Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Neal Schon, Steve Vai, Greg Howe, Etc....... A Must Hear!

More Than Words

More Than Words,Tony Marsh

More Than Words

Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score
Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies
Love the Music
Larson Lives
Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live

Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Jonathan Larson , Amy Spanger , and Raul Esparza
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast)
tick, tick ... BOOM!
The Wild Party (Lippa) (2000 Off-Broadway Cast)
Songs for a New World (1996 Original New York Cast)
Rent

ASIN: B00005NQK5
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

30/90
Green Green Dress
Johnny Can't Decide
Sunday
No More
Therapy
Real Life
Sugar
See Her Smile
Come To Your Senses
Why
Louder Than Words
Boho Days
30/90 Playout

Amazon.com

Rent is usually treated as Jonathan Larson's one and only show, but the truth is that he had a career--albeit a hitless one--before that blockbuster. There was a musical titled JP Morgan Saves the Nation with lyrics by Jeffrey M. Jones and music by Larson. And there was Tick, Tick... Boom!, an autobiographical piece that Larson workshopped for a while before setting it aside and finishing Rent.

In 2001, Tick, Tick is getting a full off-Broadway production, and it's a rather endearing one. Lyrics have never been Larson's strong point, but he was a hell of a melodic composer--and the score here is even poppier than that of Rent (think Top 40 rather than Sondheim). It's hard to pick favorite songs: "Green Green Dress" is built on a rollicking piano boogie, for instance, and "Real Life" and "See Her Smile" are the kind of elegiac ballad that Larson would later perfect with "Seasons of Love." Luckily, this show has a lot more to offer than mere youthful musings. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score.......2007-06-16

Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.

However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".

With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.

Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies.......2006-11-04

If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.

I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.

John we miss you.

Love the Music.......2006-08-22

I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

Larson Lives.......2006-05-06

I love Tick, Tick... Boom! The show is quite refreshing. The show works so well with three actors. I LOVE "30/90" and "Louder Than Words." Both speak really strongly to the audience because they both are really relatable to anyone's life. Admittedly the middle of the show drags a little, and Spangler's voice can be chipmunkish at times. However those are minor detractions when it comes to this show. It is especially moving if you know Jonathan's story. It is no Rent, but the short piece is really moving

Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live.......2006-04-30

I was soo soo very pleased with the music from "Tick...Tick..BOOM!". Rock Operas are my favorite type of musical theatre, and i must say this is one of the best. The storyline, however, although dealing with bohemian problems like AIDS, rehersals, love, didnt meet the power of the music. It was taken from Johnathans original one-man show and made into a three-man show. This was the only way possible to make this conversion, but still it was a dull storyline only going over the time period of one day in the day in the life of Johnathan Larson. Yes, it was an important day, his thirtieth birthday and his friend annoucing that he is HIV positive, but none of this happens until the end. The show lacks obsession, and in order to make a good musical storyline there has to be an obsession. Luckily, the weak storyline is backed with fantastic music, perhaps even better than Rent. 30/90 is my all time favorite song EVER i have listened to it over and over and still am not sick of it. other favorite tracks include:
30/90
Green Green Dress
No More
Sugar
Come To Your Senses (originally from Superbia)
Louder Than Words
and i also enjoy the rest of the songs as well.

Average customer rating:

perfect for me
I wish I had the words
What about the words?
The song that killed rock....
This song is so much more than words

More Than Words
Extreme
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Extreme
The One
Best of Me
Richard Marx - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000006OAG
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

More Than Words
Hole Hearted

Customer Reviews:

perfect for me.......2007-03-24

this single must have been released especially for me since it contains the only two songs that i like from this otherwise untalented, noisy band.

I wish I had the words.......2006-02-17

The first time this song filtered into my consciousness, I was in a Taxi in London. Because of the situation - the taxi driver was a bit impatient, conversation was rather stilted and he decided to switch the radio on - I am not likely to forget the time and place when I took notice of this song.

If I could term a song as being perfect - this would be the one. How does one describe it...haunting, sublime, and breathtaking?

Even so I do not have the words or vocabulary to describe it in a way that would do it justice. The song has to be felt and then it makes a connection to the soul.

The simplicity of just one accompanying guitar leaves the song uncluttered and so the listener is able to focus on the lyrics and the voices.

When I listened to it on the radio, I had thought that the music consisted of the guitar accompanied by hand drums. Having recently watched the video - and again quite by accident - I realise that the only instrument was a guitar. The style is an unusual - the guitarist taps on the guitar with perfect timing almost as if it is a drum and does this whilst strumming on the guitar.

It could have something to do with his Portuguese heritage or possibly because he is a drummer that he uses this style. Nevertheless, it is faultless and fits the lyrics and the singing to perfection.

The voices are beautifully harmonious and able to deliver all the emotion and the longing that the lyrics should convey.

It is difficult to describe the genre - it is not pop music, it stands on its own as being the central point at which soul joins country music. I know it sounds a bit odd to even suggest that these two styles could ever marry. The only other artist who has a song close to this in terms of the delivery and sound is Tony Rich with `Nobody Knows' - it is only an opinion, it does not mean that I am right.

My idea of hell would be for someone to do a remake of this song. Some songs are made to be left alone; a remake of songs by certain artists is a sacrilege and that would be the case if an artist tried a remake of this song.

Some hellish remakes include `Tragedy' by Steps and `Lady Marmalade' by All Saints (both British Bands). Somebody should have said `No, no, no...!. To these groups it should have been said - 'You have neither the capacity for delivery, the voice to hold the audience captive, or that certain something make that song!!!!'

Horror of horrors: can anyone imagine Mariah Carey doing a remake of 'More than Words'?

She would probably have a dress cut so low and leave her bosom unfettered such that the M11 could pass through the middle of her chest. And since Mariah has not got the ability to sing a song in a simple fashion, she is likely to pepper it with so many vocal gymnastics. The one that still tickles me pink is that she artfully points her finger upwards just to let her audience know that she wants to take the falsetto even higher. It would be an awful experience to hear her remake this song.

These songs are not common; they come along like little gems every few years or so, please buy the single, press the repeat button, sit down and savour the music.

What about the words?.......2004-10-18

Dave Matthews was asked once about his distinctive singing style, and he said that the sad fact was that people didn't listen to the lyrics of a song. They just didn't he said, so it behooved artists to make the presentation of the lyrics as interesting as possible, because no one was going to listen to it. I am sad to admit that, as cynicle as that sounds, I think Dave was right.

Take this song. This is a song that I only heard in fragments. Friends of mine would play it. Rock compilation comercials would play a snippet. Great Love Songs. Heavy Metal Ballads. Stuff like that. And it always sounded great, the singing, the harmony, the simple guitar, pretty much what people here have been raving about it. And judging from the little bit I heard, I imagined the gist of the lyrics to be something like, "I love you more than words can say." Nice sentiment, huh?

Finally, I decided to learn how to play the song on the guitar, which forced me to learn the music AND the words. Boy! Was I in for a surprise. Here's the first verse into the refrain.

Saying, "I love you."
Is not the words I want to hear from you.
It's not that I want you
Not to say. But if you only knew
How easy, it would be to should me how you feel!

More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real.
Then you wouldn't have to say
That you love me
'Cause I'd already know.

It's a booty song! It's "A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action." It's "Let's Get It On." The whole point of the song is, "Don't tell me you love me ... show me!" And yes, it's pretty. Yes, it's haunting. Yes, it's produced well and goes down so easy. But in essence, the song is some guy trying to sweet talk you out of your pants.

So when I hear people talk about this song as their favorite love song, I'm led to think about Sting talking about "Every Breath You Take". Sting wrote that song thinking about _1984_ and the type or totalitarian oppresive surveilance that Orwell. At the same time, he gets people saying this is their favorite love song. Sad, in a way.

The song that killed rock...........2004-06-14

At the moment Extreme sat on stools and strummed the opening bars to this drivel for all the sentimental fools that were gullable enough to but this, they put the final nail into the rock scene coffin. Sure, other bands played ballads, but MTW was the final straw. How could good time, long haired, fun rock n' roll ever be able to show it's face in public after this drivel? We were having a tough enough time with Seattle Grunge making us all miserable and wanting to shoot ourselves, but once this went mainstream we had had it. If you had long hair and tatoos people equated you with Extreme and More Than Words. Extreme had such promise and their first two albums showed that there was life after Van Halen, but then they got greedy and ruined it. If Gary Cherone claimed to have meant even one of those words, he is a liar. He was a great performer and one of the best front men of the era, but he sold us all out and for that reason I will never forgive him

This song is so much more than words.......2003-01-20

This has to be one of the most romantic songs ever written. The voices are beyond beautiful. The lyrics are touching. A must own cd.

The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948

Average customer rating:

Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor
Tribute to Lincoln
A great way to get your dose of Copland....
Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!

The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Copland Collection: Orchestral Works, 1948-1971
A Copland Celebration Vol. 3
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Samuel Barber / Thomas Schippers

ASIN: B0000027BJ
Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

El Salon Mexico
An Outdoor Overture
Billy The Kid: Introduction: The Open Prairie
Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
Quiet City
John Henry
Our Town
Las Agachadas
Fanfare For The Common Man

Tracks:

Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): I. Buckaroo Holiday
Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): II. Corral Nocturne
Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): III. Saturday Night Waltz
Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): IV. Hoedown
The City: New England Countryside
Of Mice And Men: Barley Wagons
The City: Sunday Traffic
Our Town: Grovers Corners
Of Mice And Men: Threshing Machines
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Very Slow
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Still Faster
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): As At First (Slowly)
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Calm And flowing
Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato; Coda
Letter From Home
Danzon Cubano

Tracks:

Lincoln Portrait: Lento
Lincoln Portrait: Subito Allegro
Lincoln Portrait: 'Fellow Citizens, We Cannot Escape History...'
Symphony No. 3: I. Molto Moderato-With Simple Expression
Symphony No. 3: II. Allegro Molto
Symphony No. 3: III. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
Symphony No. 3: IV. Molto Deliberato
Concerto For Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano

Amazon.com

Aaron Copland made numerous recordings of his own music, including an extensive series for CBS during the 1960s and '70s, mostly with London orchestras. He was not an especially proficient conductor--consequently, the performances he conducted often lacked pace and rhythmic punch. His last recordings of his most popular scores have been reissued by Sony on an exceptionally well-remastered 3-CD set. These accounts do a good job of conveying the overall shape of the pieces, and they deliver telling characterizations of many episodes. Details emerge that are lost in some other accounts, and there is an appealing gentleness and sweetness to the approach. But the readings do not have as much grip as those of Bernstein and Slatkin, among others, and in spite of the authority they automatically possess, they are not necessarily preferable. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor.......2005-03-29

If you want a prime collection of Copland's more accessible works, this is it. Yes, it's true that Bernstein's recordings of individual pieces are often bolder and livelier; but this set offers the composer's own authoritative view of his work, and for that reason alone it is priceless. In addition, it includes virtually all the orchestral pieces he composed during his "populist phase," from El Salon Mexico (1936) to the Clarinet Concerto (1948). You won't find some of these lesser-known gems, such as An Outdoor Overture (1938) or Letter from Home (1944, written--like Rhapsody in Blue--for Paul Whiteman), on typical single-disc Copland compilations. I'd even go so far as to claim this as one of the four indispensable compilations of American instrumental music from the first half of the twentieth century (the others on my list--in case anyone cares--are Joshua Rifkin playing Scott Joplin, Oscar Levant playing Gershwin, and the Blanton-Webster band recordings of Duke Ellington).

What amazing riches flowed from Copland's pen during the period covered by these three discs! Billy the Kid (1939), Quiet City (1940), Our Town (1940), Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), Rodeo (1942), Lincoln Portrait (1942), Appalachian Spring (1944), and the Third Symphony (1946)--all are here. Some of this music is so familiar, so deeply ingrained in America's cultural consciousness, that we might be tempted to take it for granted. But imagine how much poorer the American concert repertoire would be without it. It's almost impossible, at this point, to conceive of a time when this wonderful music--which is to America roughly what Mussorgsky's music is to Russia, Grieg's to Norway, and Falla's to Spain--didn't exist. It was during the dozen years covered by this collection that Copland pulled away from the pack of his talented contemporaries (Hanson, Thomson, Harris, etc.) and, in a way, but with greater technical sophistication, filled the void left by the tragically early death of Gershwin, whose heyday, 1924-1935, immediately preceded the composition of the works on this collection.

The ballet music is all presented here in the familiar orchestral suites Copland arranged. Most of the selections are played by the London Symphony Orchestra, although the New Philharmonia and the just-plain Philharmonia get cracks at a few key works. The last-named orchestra, for instance, takes on the biggest piece on the program, Copland's Third, the closest thing American music has to a Beethoven's Ninth (although the work's sublime rhetoric has never completely convinced me--it's neither my personal favorite by Copland nor my favorite American symphony . . . but it sure has its moments). In addition to the fine orchestral playing, another treat is that Henry Fonda narrates the Lincoln Portrait--an almost inevitable pick, given the virtually mythic way his acting style embodied the American spirit and the fact that he had portrayed the sixteenth president in John Ford's classic film Young Mr. Lincoln (1939).

The set concludes with what, over the years, has become my favorite work by Copland, the Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano, written for and performed here by surely the last century's greatest clarinetist, Benny Goodman. This work effects a concise synthesis between Copland's mature style and his earlier jazz stylings from the 1920s; in addition, the searing eloquence of the opening slow movement seems to me the most profound lyrical writing Copland ever achieved. Stoltzman's recording, ironically enough, swings harder than the king of swing's, but this collaboration between the composer and the man who commissioned it is for the ages.

The only major "populist" scores written after the period this collection covers are the film scores to The Red Pony (1948) and The Heiress (1949). Both can be acquired on an essential Leonard Slatkin CD for RCA. And since this collection doesn't include chamber music, the great Violin Sonata (1943), a kind of more intimate counterpart to Appalachian Spring, will have to be sought elsewhere. (One good option is Gil Shaham/Andre Previn on DG.) A serious Copland collector will also want to grab the other two volumes of the Copland Collection itself. The early set features important works such as the Organ Symphony (1924), Music for the Theater (1925), and the Short Symphony (1932)--but both of the other collections also include long, thorny pieces like the early Symphonic Ode and the late Connotations that can be rather difficult for the average enthusiast to enjoy.

Most of the essential, universal Copland is to be found on this second installment of the Copland Collection, and I would definitely recommend it as the place to start exploring Copland's magnificent contribution to American music. It has been a wonderful and treasured companion of mine for many years, and it also serves to conjure up a timely and inspiring vision of open prairies, nocturnal cityscapes, and the populist, humane values that America should, ideally, epitomize.

Tribute to Lincoln.......2001-10-28

I purchased this set of Copeland CD's because I wanted the Tribute to Lincoln narrated by Henry Fonda. This is a masterful recording especially for Americans in this time. The Tribute sends chills down my spine whenever I her it. My greatest joy however, was how much I have enjoyed all of the CD's in the set. I tend to be much more of a classical listener. I have heard Copeland but not in any organized fashion. This set has brought a new and delightful experience to my listening options.

A great way to get your dose of Copland...........2000-06-30

The 2nd of this three CD collection is wonderful. My favorite though is the third one. Doesn't mean this isn't good. This Sony Copland Collection set is worth the money for. Copland is sooo much more then Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, etc... But you get a lot of typical Copland on these CDs. Songs we all know and love. But there are some unfamiliar good ones too. Concerto for Clarinet took me by storm. So did Letters from Home. Good quality, good booklet, good recording, good playing (how Copland got the London Symphony to play something right I will never know), good everything. It's not perfect because it doesn't compete with THE best Copland like the third CD set of this collection, or the The Tendeer Land. Oh, these three CD sets don't cover all Copland, but it does for the most part. It doesn't have many chamber works, two choral works, and his two operas. You can cover some of those with the full version of Tender Land and of Second Hurricane (which also comes with the choral work, In the Beginning). But this is a good series. I highly recommend it!

Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!.......1999-08-11

Mr. Copland's works, as always, are exceptional This album, which consists of his work both as a composer and as a conductor, brings his music to life in a way no other conductor can. This is a well mastered and well produced work and worth the listen. To hear Arron Copland's music as he intended is wonderfull.

Average customer rating:

More Than Anything
Describing "More Than Words"
Words Not Needed
If I'd Only Known!
the very best of Kevin Kern....just beautiful.

More Than Words: The Best of Kevin Kern
Kevin Kern
Manufacturer: Real Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Imagination's Light
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ASIN: B00006HIBD
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

Above the Clouds
Sundial Dreams
Out of the Darkness
In My Life
Through the Arbor
From This Day Forward
Threads of Light
Pastel Reflections
We All Fall in Love Sometimes

Album Description

From five highly successful and internationally acclaimed albums comes a wondrous collection of favorite Kevin Kern's classics. Fourteen songs, including new compositions for this collection, to heal, uplift or simply bring a smile of tranquility to the listener.

Customer Reviews:

More Than Anything.......2007-02-03

Kevin Kern's Best Of... is one of the most beautiful CDs I have in my collection. A wonderful 14-track compilation of some of the enchanting, soothing piano solos he has become famous for, this CD is soothing, melodious and enchanting, exactly what anyone needs after a hard day in school or at work.

Kern's music does not deviate from his New Age roots - there is still the fair amount of humming and the genteel of the tunes are much different from what is on other piano CDs out there.

It is wonderfully crafted, from a true master, and it brings a smile to anyone's face. This music is a reprieve from busy business worlds and brings to life a whole other world of magic and enchanting song.

Describing "More Than Words".......2006-11-13

Kevin Kern's "More Than Words" album is dreamy bliss. It is very calming music, every note is played perfectly, and each piece is worth savoring. If you are looking for relaxing contemporary piano music, you have found a worthy title. Give "More Than Words" a chance. You'll be glad you did.

Words Not Needed.......2002-10-06

This album is a compilatiion of some of the best pieces from Kevin Kern's previous albums, with the addition of two outstanding new pieces written especialy for this album. This is an excellent album; however, if you are a Kevin Kern fan, as I am, and have all his albums you might not wish to own this. If you are new to him, I would strongly advise getting this album, as it will introduce you to this wonderful artist. After listening to this you will probably buy all of his fantastic albums.

If I'd Only Known!.......2002-09-19

When I ordered Kevin Kern's latest album, I saw only "More than Words" and not "The Best Of" . Therefore I was extremely disappointed to find that ten of the 14 selections are ones that I have been listening to and enjoying over and over as they are excellent for relaxation and stress reduction. I'd previously bought all his albums except "Beyond the Sundial". I was anticipating more selections similar to those he included in "Embracing the Wind", my favorite. I consider this album a waste of money for so much repetition if you own his other albums, but an excellent buy if this is your first and only one. I, myself, will not be playing it. I've been 'had'.

the very best of Kevin Kern....just beautiful........2002-09-12

Last week, I went to my local music store to buy this cd. Unfortuately, I didn't buy it then, because I saw 2 other artists that I was familiar with and bought them instead. After hearing several other songs from this cd on the radio this week, I went back and got it. I am so glad that I did. Kevin has composed and put together some very beautiful music on this CD. If I had to compare this cd to an artist, I would compare it to Yanni's "In My Time" CD, because of the romantic piano playing surrounded by some soft dreamy like keyboards in the background that leave you soul searching and ultimately leaves you in a very relaxed state of mind and forgetting about the stresses of the day that you may have encountered. I love every song on this cd. Some of my personal favorites are "Above The Clouds", Through The Arbor", "Sundial Dreams", "From This Day Forward", "After The Rain" and "Blossom on the Wind". But really they are all very good.

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Arnold Schoenberg: Chamber Music for Strings

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Essential recording

Arnold Schoenberg: Chamber Music for Strings
Taco Kooistra , Viola de Hoog , Arnold Schoenberg , Sepp Grothenhuis , Susan Narucki , Henk Guittart , Jan Erik van Regteren , Janneke van der Meer , and Schoenberg Quartet
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Complete Webern
Alban Berg Collection / Various (Coll)
Schoenberg: Piano Works
Schoenberg: Piano Concerto
Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht, Pelleas und Melisande / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

ASIN: B00005NVG9
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: Nicht zu rasch
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: Kraftig (nicht zu rasch)
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: MaBig, langsame Viertel
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: Mabig, heiter
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 30: Moderato
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 30: Adagio
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 30: Intermezzo. Allegro moderato
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 30: Rondo. Molto moderato

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10: MaBig
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10: Sehr rasch
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10: Litanei
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 10: Entrucking
String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37: Allegro molto; energico
String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37: Comodo
String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37: Largo
String Quartet No. 4, Op. 37: Allegro

Tracks:

Verklarte Nacht, Op. 4: Sehr langsam
Verklarte Nacht, Op. 4: (C)
Verklarte Nacht, Op. 4: Schwer betont
Verklarte Nacht, Op. 4: Sehr breit und langsam
Verklarte Nacht, Op. 4: Sehr ruhig
Phantasy For Violin With Piano Accompaniment, Op. 47
Ode To Napoleon Buonaparte, Op. 41

Tracks:

String Trio, Op. 45: Part 1
String Trio, Op. 45: First Episode
String Trio, Op. 45: Part 2
String Trio, Op. 45: Second Episode
String Trio, Op. 45: Part 3
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Leicht, zart
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Langsam
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Sehr langsame Viertel
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Rasch, aber leicht
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Etwas rasch
Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19: Sehr langsam
Quintet For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Op. 26: Schwungvoli
Quintet For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Op. 26: Anmutig und
Quintet For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Op. 26: Etwas langsam.
Quintet For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Op. 26: Rondo

Tracks:

String Quartet in D Major: Allegro molto
String Quartet in D Major: Intermezzo. Andantino grazioso
String Quartet in D Major: Andante con moto
String Quartet in D Major: Allegro-Presto
Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: Langsam-Sehr rasch
Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: Sehr rasch
Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: Viel langsamer, aber doch flieBend
Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: Viel langsamer
Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: Schwungvoli
Concerto For String Quartet and Orchestra: Largo-Allegro
Concerto For String Quartet and Orchestra: Largo
Concerto For String Quartet and Orchestra: Allegretto grazioso
Concerto For String Quartet and Orchestra: Hornpipe. Moderato

Customer Reviews:

Essential recording.......2001-11-06

This is a monumental recording. It ended my search for a good performance of Schoenberg's complete string quartets. Compared for instance to the Arditti's version, which makes for a pretty "difficult" listen, hard on the ear and the brain, this one is pretty "easy". Let's not argue about the "romantic" or "modernist" points of vue which have plagued the Schoenberg issue for much too long. This boxed set is a mature rendition of some of the most essential works of the XXth century. The Schoenberg quartet provides excellent performance throughout (although their version of "Verklärte Nacht" might seem rather dark and lacking in contrast as compared to, say, the Boulez reading). This is Schoenberg beyond theory, this is, to put it simply, Schoenberg's music as Schoenberg himself might have wished to hear it. Thanks to the Schoenberg Quartet, the 21st century should see at last a vast audience starting to appreciate a body of work on a par with that of the greats which Schoenberg revered so much : Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms. Treat yourself to this one and relish in an adventure (while it still tastes like adventure).

Lutoslawski: Orchestral Works; Songs; String Quartet

Average customer rating:

two discs of fine, lesser-known Lutoslawski

Lutoslawski: Orchestral Works; Songs; String Quartet

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Essential Lutoslawski
Lutoslawski: Double Concerto; Dances Preludes; Chain I
Piano Concerto (Dig)
György Ligeti Edition 1: String Quartets and Duets - Arditti String Quartet
Lutoslawski: Symphony No. 2; Chantefleurs et Chantefables; Piano Concerto

ASIN: B0001RVQKU
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Preludes 1-7 - Polish Chamber Orchestra
Fugue - Polish Chamber Orchestra
No.1 Pensees - Krakow Radio Chorus
No.2 Le Grand Combat - Krakow Radio Chorus
No.3 Repos Dans Le Malheur - Krakow Radio Chorus
Paroles Tissees - Louis Devos
Postlude No.1 - Witold Lutoslawski

Tracks:

No.1 The Sea - Halina Lukomska
No.2 Wind - Halina Lukomska
No.3 Winter - Halina Lukomska
No.4 Knights - Halina Lukomska
No.5 Church Bells - Halina Lukomska
Introduction - - Ramon Jablonski
Four Episodes - - Ramon Jablonski
Cantilena - - Ramon Jablonski
Finale - Ramon Jablonski
I: Introductory Movement - Alban Berg Quartett
II: Main Movement - Alban Berg Quartett

Customer Reviews:

two discs of fine, lesser-known Lutoslawski.......2005-06-22

This is a great 2-disc set, part of EMI's Gemini series. Everything here was recorded in Poland in 1976 and 1977, and all feature Lutoslawski himself conducting the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra (or Polish Chamber Orchestra), except the "String Quartet," which was recorded in 1997. I strongly recommend it (especially at the price!) to anyone who has heard THE ESSENTIAL LUTOSLAWSKI (see my review) and wants to hear more.

The first disc opens with "Preludes and Fugue for 13 solo strings" (1972 -- 33'32). A complex work that will sound forbidding to many, it is constructed from six lines (cantabile, grazioso, lamentoso, misterioso, estatico and furioso) bundled into seven interlocked preludes and an extended fugue. Then follow two vocal works, which are quite accessible and appealing -- "Trois poemes d'Henri Michaux" (1963 -- 20'11) for twenty-part all female choir and orchestra, and "Paroles tissees" (1965 -- 13'51) featuring the tenor Louis Devos. "Trois poems" includes some of the wildest, funniest passages I've heard from Lutoslawski, while the tenor piece, which evokes medieval love poetry, is one of the warmest and most moving. The first disc ends with "Postlude No. 1" (1958 -- 4'03), a very impressive orchestral work. It makes you wish for more, but apparently Lutoslawski was dissatisfied with No.s 2 and 3.

The second disc opens with another vocal work, "5 Songs for soprano and orchestra" (1957 -- 9'59), with the topics 1) The Sea, 2) Wind, 3) Winter, 4) Knights and 5) Church Bells. My one criticism of this fine set is that there is no text provided for the songs. All three vocal works are highly evocative, and are effective on a musical level regardless, and I suppose I shouldn't complain given that this is the Gemini budget series. The last two works are not Lutoslawski's best, but these are the best performances of them that I've heard. The "Cello Concerto" (1970 -- 22'20) was written for Msistislav Rostropovich, who recorded it for EMI. Roman Jablonski is the cellist here, and he and the Polish orchestra are far more convincing than the version recorded a few years later with Andras Schiff on cello, and Lutoslawski conducting a German orchestra (that recording is found on THE ESSENTIAL LUTOSLAWSKI, on Philips). The form, pitting the soloist against the orchestra, is standard, and I find the cumulative effect underwhelming, though again, the performance is committed.

Finally, the "String Quartet" (1964 -- 23'16) is here performed by the Alban Berg Quartet. This is a much better interpretation than the Arditti Quartet's (on KURTAG LUTOSLAWSKI GUBAIDULINA on Montaigne -- see my review), and I'm convinced that it's because of the ABQ's immersion in the classical repertoire. (I haven't heard the Kronos recording.) There are four sections, a long, slow opening movement which includes an element of improvisation and sounds gently chaotic, then a second movement that begins fast and agitated, culminating in an outburst which is followed by a sad, mournful, elegiac passage, and then a calm coda which returns to the sound of the first movement. Comparing the two versions, the ABQ's is warmer, and conveys the contrast between sections much more strongly than the Arditti Quartet, which plays the first movement with an edgier tone that undercuts the dramatic shift to the second movement.

That contrast is further evidence for my view that Lutoslawski was not at his best when he strayed the furthest into avant forms (ie, Symphonies 2 and 3, the String Quartet). I would place Lutoslawski alongside Dutilleux as one of the loveliest, not the most radical, of late 20th century composers. When he stayed closer to the classical tradition, extending Bartok and Debussy rather than competing with the Darmstadt Circle, Lutoslawski found his uniquely beautiful voice, as the best works on this disc demonstrate fantastically.

Windham Hill: Romantics - Romantic Music of the 19th Century

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Windham Hill: Romantics - Romantic Music of the 19th Century

Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

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The Impressionists: A Windham Hill Sampler
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ASIN: B000000NKX
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14: Vocalise - Eugene Friesen
Carmen: Intermezzo - Tracy Silverman
Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1: Nocturne in E Minor - Steve Erquiaga
Songs Without Words, Op. 19, No. 2: Songs Without Words - Paul McCandless
Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4: Prelude in E Minor - Philip Aaberg
Nocturne From String Quartet No. 2 - Turtle Island String Quartet
Mazurka No. 4, Op. 17, No.4: Mazurka No. 4 - Liz Story
Madchenlied, Op. 85. No. 3: Madchenlied - Wayne Horvitz
Gott Im Fruhling - Nightnoise
Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20: Prelude in C Minor - Richard Schonherz
Songs Without Words: Duet - Philip Aaberg
Intermezzo in A, Op. 118, No. 2: Intermezzo in A - Modern Mandolin Quartet
Peer Gynt Suite: The Death of Ase - Tim Story

Average customer rating:

5 Stars for the Singer
More Than Words Can Say
"Now The Song Is Different And The Words Don't Even Rhyme. . . Cause You Forgot The Melody Our Hearts Would Always Croon"
Smoothjazz.com Review
A Whole Lot More Stevie Holland This Time!

More Than Words Can Say
Stevie Holland , and Stevie Holland
Manufacturer: 150 Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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Restless Willow
Easy To Love
Almost Like Being In Love
There's Something About You I Don't Know
The Book of Love

ASIN: B000FDEDIM
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Only You
Yesterdays
If Ever I Would Leave You
This Is It
Lovingly
By Myself
Firefly
Day By Day
"Murder", He Says
Evening Song
Desafinado
More Than Words Can Say

Product Description

MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY is Stevie Hollands most soulful, swinging and bold CD to date. Arranged and orchestrated by award winning composer Gary William Friedman, MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY explores classic jazz standards, songs from the 50s and 70s and some original songs with exciting, innovative and haunting approaches. Stevie is backed by a string orchestra on several selections and by some of todays hottest jazz musicians led by pianists Martin Bejerano and Kris Davis.

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars for the Singer.......2007-07-07

If memory serves, Christopher Loudon of "Jazz Times" said very nice things about Stevie Holland and this c.d. last year. I can't get to them all on time; but a friend recently advised that I really needed to get to this one.

What can I say, but thank you, compadre!

Stevie Holland is a terrific singer. She reminds me a lot of Ann Hampton Callaway and Jackie Ryan, both for the richness of her singing voice and for her range of styles. Whether a growling, shouting blues ("Only You"), standards jazz ("Day By Day" and "Desafinado"), cabaret ("If Ever I Would Leave You") or some killer originals ("Firefly" and "Evening Song"--both my favorites on this disc), Ms. Holland shines impressively.

The backup musicians are equally great. I'm not familiar with any of them, but everything sounds appropriate and accomplished. And Danny Lawrence, Tae Gyun Kim and Sarah Register have all done terrific jobs in recording, mixing, engineering and mastering this c.d. This is one that sounds great on a killer sound system!

My only critique of this c.d. is that it's another "here's 12 songs that I like" disc. I.e., what's it really all about? I've downgraded other discs for this reason. Not this time, though. Stevie Holland is too good, and this disc sounds too good, to downgrade for that reason.

Nonetheless, I suspect that Stevie Holland--even though she's been around for awhile--has only scratched the surface. And this is a surface worth exploring. Highly recommended. RC

More Than Words Can Say.......2006-11-17

Stevie Holland is a superb artist with a gift for a moving interpretation of each song she renders. Her voice is without a doubt one of finest out there. The songs she writes along with the arrangements by Gary Friedman are perfection. Each number is sung with deep feeling and with perfect pitch. This woman's recordings should be at the top of the charts.

"Now The Song Is Different And The Words Don't Even Rhyme. . . Cause You Forgot The Melody Our Hearts Would Always Croon" .......2006-10-16

"Stevie Holland just tears through with her crystalline voice, which impressively has the precision of a diamond cutter." ~ George Harris, All About Jazz - West Coast Edition ~

"Love is like a never ending melody
Poets have compared it to a symphony
A symphony conducted by the lighting of the moon
But our song of love is slightly out of tune

Once your kisses raised me to a fever pitch
Now the orchestration doesn't seem so rich
It seems to me you've changed the tune we used to sing
Like the Bossa Nova, love should swing

We used to harmonize two souls in perfect time
Now the song is different and the words don't even rhyme
Cause you forgot the melody our hearts would always croon
So what good's a heart that's slightly out of tune?

Tune your heart to mine the way it used to be
Join with me in harmony and sing a song of loving
We're bound to get in tune again before too long

There'll be no Desafinado
When your heart belongs to me completely
Then you won't be slightly out of tune
You'll sing along with me."

Yes, it's Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune) - music by Antonio Carlos Jobim and English lyrics by Jon Hendricks & Jessie Cavanaugh. I just love this song. Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald recorded it and now a new enchanting version is here in this CD.

Not knowing what to expect how she delivers since this is my very first Stevie Holland CD, I was so eager to listen to this collection, which offers an impressive combination of classic standards, Bossa Nova, some songs from the fifties and seventies and some of her original songs. For an opener, Ms. Holland takes us back in time when "Only You" was the number one hit and she gives this song a whole new charm with that notable sax solo by Ole Mathisen. After listening to it and a swingy yet samba-ish version of Jerome Kern/Otto Harbach's chestnut "Yesterdays," I was hooked and couldn't wait to savor the rest of the tracks. Lerner & Loewe's "If Ever I Would Leave You" simply blew me away from the very first bar to the last! It's so breathtakingly beautiful. Her voice glows all throughout the song. Its arrangement is flawless and Martin Bejerano shines on the piano solo.

My ears perked up listening to her dazzling take on "Day By Day," the jazziest track with mambo-ish cadence. She's so at-ease interpreting songs with Latin-flavored-arrangements like my number one choice, "Desafinado." She gave this charming Bossa Nova gem the retire-the-trophy treatment and made it her own. Sean Harkness' stellar guitar solo reminds me of guitar virtuoso Wes Montgomery.

Adding to the sheer beauty of these recordings are the talents and efforts of a bevy of fine musicians: award winning and a brilliant composer/arranger/conductor Gary William Friedman, Martin Bejerano and Kris Davis (piano), Hans Glawischnig and Rob Jost (bass), Einar Scheving and Jeff Davis (drums), Sean Harkness (guitar), Ole Mathisen (saxophone) and Lauren Riley (cello) and the Strings Orchestra.

I can say that Ms. Holland's musicality is deeply rooted, which is an important factor in attaining stardom in the music world. And she doesn't only have that exquisite voice but also an incredible talent in songwriting. Some of her original songs are highlighted in this CD, "Firefly" and a sweet song with intelligent lyrics that she co-wrote with Gary William Friedman, "Evening Song."

"Warm summers in the garden
Music would fill the air
There was a time of beauty and rhyme
When magic was ours to share
Life moves along too quickly
When will we ever learn
Soon comes goodbye, with no reason why
And yesterdays can't return."

The title track and also one that she co-wrote with Mr. Friedman, "More Than Words Can Say," is a song with a strong melody that caught my ears and I've been singing it in my heart and one of my favorites now. Her rich tonal quality and unflawed phrasing can't go unnoticed.

"You know just where my heart is
You carry it from day to day
You know what I feel is
More than words can say . . .

I'll tell you every morning
Tell you every evening
Tell you that I love you more than words can say
I love you more than words can ever say
I love you more than words can say."

To sum it up, this CD is a keeper and I've enjoyed every minute of my listening session. Who wouldn't be enthralled by her voice? She sings with finesse and a style that caresses the melodies and gives the lyrics justice with her perfect phrasing and colorful renditions. Hers is the kind of voice that has the power to move the listeners to mixed emotions - that of pure joy or certain sadness.

I'll certainly check her other CDs out - "Restless Willow," "Almost Like Being In Love" and "Do You Ever Dream?"

With my heartfelt recommendation for your listening pleasure forever and a day.

Smoothjazz.com Review.......2006-06-16

A colorful career of cabaret and theater leads Stevie to jazz... MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY is a solid, swinging, soulful collection of songs offering a diverse variety. Ms. Holland's latest release was arranged and orchestrated by award winning composer Gary William Friedman. This 12-song collection delves into classic jazz standards from the 1950's and 1970's, sprinkled with original compositions all handled with innovation and confidence. Strings enhance the artist's effortless vocals... A stylish, expressive singer; you might hear essences of Diana Krall and Marilyn Scott... We're buying what she's selling here with her creative and powerful attack on hits like "Only You," the iconic 50's smash and the opening track on MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. Stevie lays it down in a big way capturing the "Wow Factor." I enjoy this project... It commandingly meanders through the floral memories of the past including the show stopping, "If Ever I Would Leave You," never would I have imagined a jazz-fringed arrangement of this one, but it's stunning. The Smoothjazz.com Hot Pick is Stevie's stellar version of Kenny Loggin's "This Is It." The minute I heard it I thought to myself that it was curious that no one else considered covering this one... 'Til now. Stevie does it great justice and owns it. Contemporary, cool and classic. Truly, more than words can say, but I did my best to describe this unique and jazzy collection of songs and I hope enough to inspire you to listen for yourself. ~SANDY SHORE

A Whole Lot More Stevie Holland This Time!.......2006-05-24

Stevie Holland is such a rewarding artist, a singer with smarts who believes in her lyrics, the owner of a voice capable both of the softest caress of sadness or reverie and the joyous brassiness of sass! She is simply wonderful - by anyone's standards.

For those fortunate enough to own her other fine CDs this new release will not come as a shock: we have all been well prepared for Stevie's intuitive approach to songs both new and old and have a firm hold on her 'style'...or do we? On this collection of both known and not so well known selections she is again abetted by the fine work of Gary William Friedman who has arranged, orchestrated (yes, folks, full orchestra this time around!) and conducted the ensemble. Not that all of the tracks are luxuriously big orchestra: she still respects her jazz musicians who back her - no, collaborate with her - with polished élan.

Everyone will have particular favorites (if you can actually separate them into an order...), but for this listener it's hard to better her rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's 'Desafinado', sung in English with a flair that will make you forget the original. But then there is also Jerome Kern's haunting 'Yesterdays', and a really fine take on Lerner and Lowe's 'If ever I would leave you', a song written for a man, but Stevie now owns it.

This is a first class CD with a terrific body of music sung by one sophisticated lady! The title of the album really tells the truth about what awaits you inside. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 06

Average customer rating:

Hesperion XX and others
This is the best classical music
Great collection

España: Anthology of Spanish Music

Manufacturer: Astree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000026DG2
Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

Cant De La Sibil.La: Sybil.La Latine (Excs) - Montserrat Figueras
Villancicos & Ensaladas: Mundus Et Musica Et Totus Concentus (Canon Perpetum) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya/Jordi Savall
Cantigas De Santa Maria: Cantiga 384: A Que Por Muy Gran Fremosura - Esther Lamandier
El Cancionero De La Colombina: Propinan De Melyor - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
El Cancionero De Palacio: Tres Morillas - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
I Musica De Vihuela: Pavane IV - Hopkinson Smith
Romances & Villancicos: Si Habra En Este Baldres? - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
Recercadas Del Trattado De Glosas: Recercada Segunda Sobre El Passamezzo Moderno - Jordi Savall/Tom Koopman/Rolf Lislevand
Il Sonetos, Villancicos Y Romances: Quien Amores Ten (Villancicos En Portugues) - Montserrat Figueras/Hopkinson Smith
El Organo Historico Espanol I: Fabordon Y Glosas Del Sexto Tono - Kimberly Marshall
Missa Pro Defunctis, A 5: Pie Jesu Domine - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
Tres Libros De Musica En Cifras Para Vihuela: Fant Que Contrahaze La Harpa - Hopkinson Smith
Ensaladas: Mateu Fleccha L'Ancien La Bomba, Ensalada Studium Musicae Valencia - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
El Cancionero De Medinaceli: La Perra Mora - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall
Poema Harmonico: Canario, Treze Diferencias De Canario - Hopkinson Smith
Missa De Batalla: Gloria - La Capella Reial De Catalunya/Jordi Savall
L'Oeuvre Pour Clavecin 1: Son in a No.118-Allegro - Bob Van Asperen
Lope De Vega: Intermedios Del Barroco Hispanico: No Hay Que Decirle El Primor - Montserrat Figueras
El Organo Historico Espanol 9: Toccata Del Sexto Tono - Francis Chapelet
Cancons De La Catalunya Mil.Lenaria: Els Segadors (Excs) - Montserrat Figueras
Ariette Italiane, Seguidillas & Vars: Las Mujeres Y Cuerdas - Monterrat Figueras/Jose Miguel Moreno
Les Sept Dernieries Paroles, Cadix: Il Terremoto. Presto Con Tutta La Forza - Le Conc Des Nations/Jordi Savall
Una Cosa Rara: Allegretto 'Viva Viva La Regina' - La Capella Reial De Catalunya/Le Conc Des Nations/Jordi Savall
Iberia (Version Orch): El Puerto - Orquesta De Valencia/Manuel Galduf
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Danse Finale (Jota) - Joven Orquesta Nacional De Espana/Edmon Colomer
Don Quijote, Albada,...: Danza - Orquesta Sinfonica De Tenerife/Victor Pablo Perez

Customer Reviews:

Hesperion XX and others.......2007-03-28

This is a truly inspirational disc that features several different artists. I came across this disc years ago because of my interest in time period music performed by Jordi Savall and the lovely voice of Monteserrat Figueras in the group Hesperion XX. Both are featured on this disc extensively. Listening to this music is almost like a religious experience, it elevates your senses beyond the mundane for a richly rewarding experience; it is an auditory time warp. Essentially this is a compilation of time period music with compositions mostly from the 1500's. Besides the fabulous work by Hesperion XX the disc also includes some interesting work by Hopkinson Smith on Vihuela while Figueras sings in her lovely soprano voice. There are also some nice orchestra pieces most notably by Issac Ibeniz on "Iberia, El Puerto" which is a lush theme that would sit well in a movie about Spain's Golden Age, Manuel de Falla's beautiful compostion of "El Sombrero De Tres Picos" as performed by Joven Orchestra Nacional de Espana and Roberto Gerhard's "Don Quijote Albada Danza" as performed by the Orchestra Sinfonica de Tenerife. Also of note is the work of Francisco Guerau and the magical baroque guitar of Hopkinson Smith as performed on "Treze diferencias de Canario." Listening to this music reminds one of the grandeur of Spains's past in the Age of Discovery. This is classical album for people like me, who really don't know that much about classical music but realizes good music when he hears it. Recommended for people who like to listen to time period music and the interpretations of Hesperion XX.

This is the best classical music.......2001-02-05

I did'nt really like classical music till i bought España - Anthology of Spanish Music CD. I really, really love this CD. If your an artist and sometimes lack inspiration, I recommend this CD! It will get you in the mood to paint!

Great collection.......2000-11-04

Two complaints: no liner notes so any potential educational value is lost (I have a number of reference books around the house and some of these composers don't show up anywhere in them) and there is at least one extremely jarring organ work that blasts out of nowhere. A more listener friendly compilation would've sequenced the disc differently or left it out alltogether. That said, this is a wonderful collection of music that I have (mostly) never heard before. I'm glad Naive Astree saw fit to put a lot of obscure and out-of-print recordings together to form this audio introduction to an underappreciated canon.

Highlights include:

Track 8 - Jordi Savall (gamba), Ton Koopman (harpsichord), and Rolf Lislevand (lute) turn in a brief but jaunty chamber performance of Ortiz. Left me wanting more.

Track 11 - Hesperion XX give a haunting vocal performance of Morales' Pie Jesu Domine. I'm not one to ususally appreciate this sort of music (so consider me uninformed) but I found this truly beautiful.

Track 15 - features Hopkinson Smith on the baroque guitar performing a fascinating Guerau work. Descending arpeggios like gentle, trickling waterfalls. Smith is a stunning performer. I wish he was better known in the U.S.

Track 22 - from Haydn's original orchestral version of "The Seven Last Words Of Christ On The Cross," this is the one tempestuous movement from a work of mostly subdued music. Deep, powerful string sound from Savall's Le Concert Des Nations. Very well recorded.

While I'd like to know more about the works and the composers behind them there is so much here to be enjoyed on a purely aesthetic level that I can't whine too much. If you have any interest, by all means pick up this bargain. You will be introduced to a number of great performers and works.

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