Light Source

Light Source

Track Listings

1. Falling Over

2. Matchsticks

3. Circuside

4. Luxury Nine

5. Overanova

6. Cool Cats

7. Ya-dabba

8. The Shivers

9. Andromenous

10. Galavanter

11. Going Places

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Vunkturi is a coast-to-coast Electronica collaboration of eight musicians, singers, and producers. Their debut CD, Light Source, was written and produced in Chicagoland by Scot Cortese, AKA Television Robbers, whose recent track placements include the recent Shanghai Lounge 2 compilation, Malcolm in the Middle, and Sex and the City. The recording features vocal divas Jane Zabeth and Elizabeth Breen, and analog synth talent Andy Brown (Fontanelle, Southerning, Jessamine).

Product Description
Funk-footed lounge groove with sultry vocals, plump bass and fresh beats!

About the dics: Light Source's stylistic variety will challenge what you've come to expect from most Downtempo Electronica. The disc breaks the familiar mold by offering a diverse spread of moods and grooves. From the sultry lounge opener "Falling Over" to the disco-influenced "Matchsticks," from the atmospheric "Galavanter" to the playful, upbeat "Ya-dabba" and funky spy track "Cool Cats," Light Source will have you asking all the way, "what comes next?"

Light Source,Vunkturi,Goovallegiance,A stylish blend of moody electronica grooves that span from dark to light. Only 8 bucks. [This CD is listed in the $5 SPECIALS section.]

Star Wars Trilogy
Average customer rating:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work.

A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek

This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . .

You can feel the Force around you.

Quality could be better

Star Wars Trilogy
John Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The Ultimate Star Wars Recording)(1999 Film)

The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Soundtrack (3CD & 18 Trading Cards)

ASIN: B0002YCVLU
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Imperial Attack
Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler
Moisture Farm
Hologram/Binary Sunset
Landspeeder Searck/Attack of the Sand People
Tales of a Jedi Knight/Learn About the Force
Burning Homestead
Mos Eisley Spaceport
Cantina Band
Cantina Band #2
Binary Sunset [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Princess Leia's Theme
Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit
Destruction of Alderaan
Death Star/The Stormtroopers
Wookiee Prisoner/Detention Block Ambush
Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga
Trash Compactor
Tractor Beam/Chasm Crossfire
Ben Kenobi's Death/Tie Fighter Attack
Batte of Yavin: Launch from the Fourth Moon/X-Wings Draw Fire/Use ...
Throne Roon/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth
Wampa's Lair/Vision of Obi-Wan/Snowspeeders Take Flight
Imperial Probe/Aboard the Executor
Battle of Hoth: Ion Cannon/Imperial Walkers/Beneath the ...
Asteroid Field
Arrival on Dagobah
Luke's Nocturnal Visitor
Han Solo and the Princess
Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave
Training of a Jedi Knight/The Magic Tree

Tracks:

Yoda's Theme
Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)
Yoda's Theme
Attacking a Star Destroyer
Yoda and the Force
Imperial Starfleet Deployed/City in the Clouds
Lando's Palace
Betrayal at Bespin
Deal With the Dark Lord
Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett
Clash of Lightsabers
Rescue from Cloud City/Hyperspace
Rebel Fleet/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title: Approaching the Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous
Droids Are Captured
Bounty for a Wookiee
Han Solo Returns
Luke Confronts Jabba/Den of the Rancor/Sarlocc Sentence
Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation
Alliance Assembly
Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor
Speeder Bike Chase/Land of the Ewoks
Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story
Jabba's Baroque Recital
Jedi Rocks
Sail Barge Assault [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Parade of the Ewoks
Luke and Leia
Brother and Sister/Father and Son/Fleet Enters Hyperspace/Heroic Ewok
Emperor's Throne Room
Battle of Endor: Into the Trap/Forest Ambush/Scout Walker Scramble
Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle
Battle of Endor 2: Leia Is Wounded - The Duel Begins/Overtaking ...
Endor 3: Superstructure Chase/Darth Vader's Death/The Main Reactor
Leia's News/Light of the Force
Victory Celebration/End Title
Ewok Feast/Part of the Tribe
Forest Battle (Concert Suite) [*]

Amazon.com

Given that it's largely credited with reinventing Hollywood--or at least fostering its overweening box office expectations--it's hard to imagine that the genesis of George Lucas' sprawling, multi-billion dollar Star Wars franchise was once considered a risky studio proposition at best. But Lucas himself has wisely singled out the robust, retro-romantic music of composer John Williams as the unlikely artistic linchpin that holds all of the saga's disparate dramatic, thematic and technical elements firmly together. Boxed together here then are three of the most successful and influential film scores of modern Hollywood, work that draws as much on Williams' masterful sense of classical music history as it does his own well-studied melodic and arranging instincts. Each of the three double-disc collections here contains all of the music written for Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (and even Alfred Newman's intyroductory "Fox Fanfare"), newly upgraded via Direct Stream Digital remastering that adds stunning new presence and clarity to Williams' rousing, epochal scores. Each chapter also features a lenticular 3-D cover and newly designed fold-out film poster, as well as encoded disc features allowing online access to elaborate new Star Wars screen savers; the ultimate musical compendium of the original Star Wars triptych. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work........2007-06-21

This is without any doubt the best musical presentation for STAR WARS trilogy with excellent remastering. Also, wonderfull music to listen.

It was arranged in same order as the movie and i think it has all the music from the films and more. Also it contain the original 20th Century Fox Fanfare recording for each movie which is rare to listen. In this way you can listen and enjoy the way was the music is recorded for each movie at that time without any enhancement, and that for Star Wars truly music lovers.

The only drawback i found that is lacking the orignal art work for each movie which are the finest and best ever. There are wonderful posters from different type, style A, B, C, and advanced, which i was expecting to see them again here or somewere els.

I was hoping and wishing from ( A Long Time Ago ... ) that they release again same original recording for Star Wars and Empire strikes back when they released first time in 1977 and 1980. I don't know why it has been decline ever since. At that time each movie released its sound track in two album with different and excellent arrangement. I believe this is a perfect arrangement and better in term of music listening. Im just hoping releasing them again with finest remastering.

A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek.......2007-02-13

It has been a long time since I last dared to take out my old Star Wars LP, with its well remembered skips and pops. Now, thanks to the Boxed set of the Star Wars Trilogy, I can listen to it again as it was intended to sound, and as often as I like. It is like revisiting an old friend, but there are differences: for one, there is more music, and it has been restored to its actual running order, unlike the LP which cut and spliced a bit to create rounder, perhaps more balanced listening. But for a true fan of the films, it is deeply satisfying to hear the score in its proper order and entirety, even if at times it can ramble on or shift more suddenly than a typical symphonic work. That being said, John Williams is a master at composing for film, so that even taken out of context it is beautifully listenable.
The major drawback to the boxed set is the complete lack of liner notes or any kind of commentary--one of my favorite features of the old LP were the inserted notes. So much thought went into the score that it demands commentary. Admittedly, I haven't yet been able to access the "unlock and go" feature on the internet, so perhaps the lack of liner notes on the box is rectified there. Another surprise, given the fact that there is room on the CD's to include more music, alternate takes (and even an extended secret "inner groove" on the first disc), is that in the case of episode 6, music that was added for the new edition of the film is included but not the music it replaced. Admittedly this was the least interesting music in the soundtracks, namely the "pop" music in Jabba's palace and the Ewok's chant at the end, but for the sake of completion, it should also have been included. A minor quibble, and more than made up for by the inclusion of the 20th century fanfare and the second Cantina track.
All-in-all, this boxed set is a must for anyone for whom the original trilogy was a special part of their youth. It will instantly bring you back to that state of wonder when you first saw the films, and on repeated listens it will continue to reveal the genius of John Williams.

This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . ........2006-12-30

A New Hope:

What to say about Star Wars? It's all too known to say very much. But let me just point out a few things, instead. The Main Title track, after the fanfare calms, is quoting 'Mars' from Holst's 'The Planets'. "The Dune Sea of Tatooine" is a tribute to Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. The bonus track contains several different takes on the Main Title if you sit around and wait--there is a LOT of silence 'til it starts, but it's fascinating to hear the subtle differences from take to take. With "May the Force Be With You" and "Princess Leia's Theme", we have the beginning of the lovely, melodic leitmotifs we have come to associate with Star Wars music.

The Empire Strikes Back:

Both the best movie and the best soundtrack of the original trilogy, in my opinion. Whether or not you agree about the movie, the music here really is the best, from a professional standpoint and not just an "it's pretty!' one. Three huge things happen in this movie, musically: "Han Solo and the Princess", the love theme which is based on "Princess Leia's Theme"; "Yoda's Theme"; and, last but certainly not least, "The Imperial March". I believe the two biggest, most recognisable themes of the saga are the Main Title theme and "The Imperial March", which was constructed from half-developed "evil" cues from 'A New Hope', and also Chopin's "March funèbre, Lento" from 'Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat minor' (trust me, you know it).

The Return of the Jedi:

The only new themes (there are plentiful delectable motifs) to come out of this movie are "Parade of the Ewoks", which nearly succeeds in making the Ewoks themselves cute, and the extremely luscious "Luke and Leia". "The Emperor's Theme", introduced in 'Empire Strikes Back', is emphasised, and voices lace over the epic duel between father and son (not nearly as stimulating as the music or the fight scenes of the prequel trilogy). It is true, there are some slightly embarrassing tracks ("Threepio's Bedtime Story", "Jedi Rocks"), but somehow all is set right by the power of "Victory Celebration" (which evokes much the same in its feeling of somewhat tragic triumph that "Now We Are Free" does in 'Gladiator'). It closes the saga perfectly (and we won't be mentioning the Yub Nub song, thank you very much).

I might also mention that Star Wars themes do wonders for hearing intervals. And that knowing the intervals make relationships between themes throughout the saga that much more interesting.

You can feel the Force around you........2006-08-31

I have never owned these before and I bought them for a SW Themed Party but constantly play them, if you are a fan these are a must own, especially since they include both end tracks for EP.6 the Ewok OE and the new Calypso one from the SE. Finally all of these Disc's are CD Text Capabile.

Quality could be better.......2006-02-14

This is the best way to get the soundtrack collection of the three original films. With some minor exceptions, the tracks are in the same sequence of the films so you can follow the story unfold the same as watching the movies.
The sound quality does leave a bit to be desired overall. Granted there is only so much that can be done from the original recordings, but it seems as though they tried to over-remaster most of the tracks and did not do enough with others. This has left many of the scores sounding thin, bright and shallow. For the price of this boxed set, I would have expected a little bit more time put into making this collection sound better. Ideally, having the entire saga re-performed would have likely offered the best solution for audio purists, though likely not capatured exactly the same feel as the original performance.
Essentially, this boxed set is a trade off between having the original scores of Episodes 4 through 6 and sacrificing the overall sound quality that a John Williams performance deserves.
For a point of reference, my sound system is a B&W and McIntosh combination with the speakers being the same model as what was used in nearly all recording studios at the time of the later half of these films.

Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet

Average customer rating:

A blast of brass
Old school Wynton
fabulous
Amazing talent

Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B0000025XP
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 2. Largo
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 3. Allegro (moderato)
'Let the Bright Seraphim' From Samson
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 3
'Sound the Trumpet' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Chaconne' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Entrada' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Air' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Tune' from King Arthur
'Trumpet Overture' from The Indian Queen
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 7
'Eternal Source Of Light Divine'
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 1. Allegro
2. Adagio
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A blast of brass.......2005-08-18

I first encountered this on cassette, quite by accident. It later became the background for my work at morning at the easel painting watercolours. But this is no wallpaper music. The technical genius of matching separate recordings of different trumpet parts is surpassed only by Marsalis's bright and lively technique. The masters would be pleased. As for the watercolours, I can now stand before them and see the music's influence on paper. Well worth the listening...

Old school Wynton.......2005-08-12

This cd features a lot of Wynton's earlier piccolo playing, which, while perhaps not as brilliant as you'd hear on his Gabriel's Garden album, is slightly more refined and appropriate to the repertoire. That isn't to say he doesn't embellish; The Fasch concerto has some tastefully inserted ornaments. "Let the Bright Seraphim" is as well played with soprano Edita Gruberova as it is in Wynton's later recording with Kathleen Battle. The Purcell selections on the album are probably the best examples of good piccolo playing I've found, particularly the trills. One only need listen to the "Entrada" to see how delicate and refined the playing on the whole album is.

fabulous.......2003-09-28

Marsalis' prodigious talent coupled with the greatest of Baroque brass composers is a combination that cannot be beat! Of course, Anthony Newman takes everything (less the slow stuff, of course) at his characteristic "lively" pace, but Marsalis keeps up. His execution of the ornamentation is awesome! Gotta have this one!

Amazing talent.......2001-04-22

Without doubt, the birthday ode to Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine) is one of the loveliest pieces ever. Couple that with two of the most accomplished talents in the world, you have a near spiritual moment. Even those with even a passing interest in the classics will find this a stirring expierence. this is true candy for the ear and food for the soul.

Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson

Average customer rating:

Brilliant!
My Birthday Present to me
Amazing voice
One of the Best
Battle and Marsalis scintillating and stunning

Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
George Frideric Handel , Alessandro Scarlatti , Luca Antonio Predieri , Alessandro Stradella , Johann Sebastian Bach , John Nelson , Kathleen Battle , Wynton Marsalis , Orchestra of St. Lukes , Anthony Newman , John T. Kulowitsch , Krista Bennion Feeney , Eriko Sato , and Marc Goldberg
Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027C1
Release Date: 1992-04-21

Tracks:

Let The Bright Seraphim
No 1: Si Suoni La Tromba
No. 3: Con Voce Festiva
No. 4: Rompe Sprezza
No. 6: Mio Tesoro Per Te Moro (Aria In Forma Di Menuet Alla Francese)
I. Sinfonia. Grave
II. Recitativo
III. Sinfonia-Aria
IV. Recitativo
V. Aria. Largo
VI. Aria. Poco Mosso, Sempre Dolce E Leggiero-Ritornello
VII. Recitativo
VIII. Aria-Sinfonia. Grave (Da Capo)
Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Pace Una Volta
I. Spiritosa, E Staccata
II. (Allegretto-Corrente)
III. Canzone
IV. (Allegro)
Seufzer, Tranen, Kummer, Not
Alle Voci Del Bronzo Guerriero
I. Aria: Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
IV. Chorale: Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren; Alleluja

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant! .......2007-05-31

Spectacular display of brilliance and harmony. Truly, two masters of their respective disciplines melding together to display flawless virtuosity. Wynton Marsalis not only tames the piccolo beast, but somehow expertly mimics the human voice. And not just any voice, but the bright edgeless tone of Kathleen Battle. If you love Baroque, at any level, this is a must buy!

My Birthday Present to me.......2007-05-29

Actually, I was driving and I heard it on the radio. Luckily, the radio station has a website to see what played at what time. After getting goose bumps listening to the little I did on my birthday, I knew I had to have it. Its since been downloaded on my ipod. If you want to feel uplifted, and joyous listen to this wonderful CD . Kathleen Battles voice and Wynton Marsalis trumpet playing is phenominal. My favorites are the last 7 or 8 cuts of the CD especially.

Amazing voice.......2007-05-13

What an amazing voice this woman has. Pairing her with Wynton Marsalis was a match made in musical heaven.

One of the Best.......2007-01-05

I heard cuts from this CD on the radio one early Sunday morning last year. Mesmerized, I ordered it and continue to be zoned out on this incredibly beautiful music masterfully executed by Marsalis and Battle.

Battle and Marsalis scintillating and stunning.......2006-12-28

The making of this album was filmed in a wonderful documentary that brings to the fore the vulnerability and humanity of both artists. Marsalis and Battle are close friends, and the album itself is clearly a labor of love; Marsalis, who stopped performing classical trumpet in the late 80's, returned to the form when Battle was ready to make this recording.

The album is packed with regal music and royal performances. Bach's 51st cantata is particularly captivating, what with its technical demands and relentless pace. But Battle and Marsalis are able to derive strength and energy from one another in the film - through the difficult preparation process of confronting its daunting technical minefield - to realize a stunning result.

Bravo! Their contribution to the recorded corpus here is sublime.

Average customer rating:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice
Awesome Collection!
A Wonderful Collection
Wonderful edition to your trumpet collection.
Quite the CD

Greatest Hits: Trumpet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002AVK
Release Date: 1994-12-06

Tracks:

Brandenburg Concerto No.2, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
Birthday Ode For Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Concerto For 2 Trumpets In C Major, RV 537: 1. Allegro
The Prince Of Denmark March
Canzon V
First Symphonic Suite: Rondeau
Trumpet Tune 'Martial Air': Martial Air
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: III. Finale. Allegro
Sonata a 9 zu der Kayserlichen Serenade
Voluntary In C Major
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: II. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: III. Rondo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Petrushka: Dance Of The Ballerina & Waltz
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Introduction
Lieutenant Kije: Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Kije's Wedding
Hary Janos Suite: Entrance Of The Emperor & His Court
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Naepolitan Dance (Act III) - Tchaikovsky
Rondo For Lifey
Concerto No. 1 For Piano, Trumpet & String Orchestra, Op. 35: IV. Allegro con brio
Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
The Three Aces - Clarke
A Bugler's Holiday
Variations On The Carnival Of Venice

Customer Reviews:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice.......2007-06-01

I returned this to New Castle. Box 15550. I have heard nothing. The date of the return was 15/05/07 from my Throop postoffice in Dorset. I sent it recorded delivery. Over to you. There was nothing on the return screen to explain the fault. ie faulty track. So after many attempts to get intouch I sent it to the address on the paper inside the parcel. Please help.
I am a Grandmother so I am over 13 ???

Awesome Collection!.......2006-07-04

As a young boy I would play my trumpet from my father's old Arban's method book. My private trumpet teacher (Mr. Bonfield) would love to play duets with me from the Merchant of Venice. One day I heard Wynoton Marsailas play a a flawless rendition of The Merchant of Venice on my local clasical radio station. It was flawless and brought back many fond memories of studiying the trumpet as a youngster with my beloved teacher. This collection contains that rendition and a wide selecton of clasical trumpet pieces. You may not recognize every song, but you will enjoy the high quality of the music and artists on this CD. Anyone looking for an introduction to quality, classical, trumpet music should buy this CD. The price also makes this an affordable must for any true trumpet fan.

A Wonderful Collection.......2004-01-26

This is a splendid anthology of music. Traditional Baroque and orchestral pieces up front, and a few surprises nearer the end. A splendid work. The price makes it a steal. Add it to your cart. You will not be sorry. There is technical excellence - peace in some of the songs and real energy in others.

Wonderful edition to your trumpet collection........2003-10-21

Trumpet fans should all own this album, that is if they don't already own all of the pieces on here on separate recordings (it would take a while to obtain them all). This recording features a bunch of great classical trumpeters and innovators such as Armando Ghitalla, Phil Smith, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Gould, H.L. Clarke, Ron Romm, Charles Schleuter, William Vacchiano, and more. Great performances of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2", the Haydn and Hummel Concertos, Wynton's excellent performance of J.B. Arban's "The Carnival Of Venice", the New England Brass Ensemble performing "Trumpet Voluntary", a very good job done by a Baroque Orchestra of the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, "The Three Aces" played by H.L. Clarke, and Leroy Anderson's classic "A Bugler's Holiday".

Overall this is a great listen to some of the best trumpet players of all-time in this idiom. All of the pieces are impeccably played by some of the best. I didn't discover this tape in my collection until recently, and boy I'm glad I did.

Quite the CD.......2001-04-17

If I were you, I would buy this CD. It is a diverse collection of amazing performances of quintessential pieces - an important addition to any classical music fan's collection. Heck, even if you're not big on classical music (or trumpet music or brass music or music at all) you should purchase this compact disc.

And comrades, let me say that you can't call yourself a member of the human race until you've heard Wynton Marsalis' performance of JB Arban's "Variations of Carnival of Venice." It's literally perfect. Buy this today.

Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury
Average customer rating:

INDITING OF A GOOD MATTER

Stellar

Crowning Achievement

Professionalism

Simply Amazing!

Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury
George Frideric Handel , Stephen Cleobury , The Academy of Ancient Music , Susan Gritton , and Robin Blaze
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Handel: 4 Coronation Anthems

Haydn: Missa in Angustiis "Nelson Mass" - Te Deum / Lott, Watkinson, M. Davies, Wilson-Johnson; Pinnock

Handel - Giulio Cesare / Jacobs

Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers

Mozart: Great Mass in C minor /McNair * Montague * Rolfe Johnson * Hauptmann * English Baroque Soloists * Gardiner

ASIN: B00005N6UE
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Zadok The Priest: Zadok The Priest
Zadok The Priest: And All The People Rejoic'd
Zadok The Priest: God Save The King
Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened: Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened: Let Justice And Judgment
Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened: Alleluia!
The King Shall Rejoice: The King Shall Rejoice
The King Shall Rejoice: Exceeding Glad Shall He Be
The King Shall Rejoice: Glory And Worship
The King Shall Rejoice: Thou Hast Prevented Him
The King Shall Rejoice: Alleluia!
My Heart Is Inditing: My Heart Is Inditing
My Heart Is Inditing: Kings' Daughters
My Heart Is Inditing: Upon Thy Right Hand
My Heart Is Inditing: Kings Shall Be Thy Nursing Fathers
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: The Day That Gave Great Anna Birth
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Let All The Winged Race With Joy
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Let Flocks And Herds Their Fear Forget
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: The Day That Gave
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Let Rolling Streams Their Gladness Show
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Kind Health Descends On Downy Wings
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: The Day That Gave Great Anna Birth
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Let Envy Then Coneal Her Head
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: United Nations Shall Combine
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: the Day That Gave

Customer Reviews:

INDITING OF A GOOD MATTER.......2006-07-08

For many years I've been looking for my ideal version of Handel's great Zadok the Priest, and I'm somewhere near it at last. So far as this performance goes, I may actually have got there, all I miss in this account is a little more vividness in the recorded sound. As far as the rest of the disc goes, I have no complaints or reservations at all. The four coronation anthems are given this time in the sequence Zadok, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing. Opinions vary as to the appropriate order for them, but obviously if you take a different view of the matter it is very simple to sequence them however you think best. The balance of the disc is taken up with an earlier work, a birthday ode for Queen Anne, probably composed for that monarch's 48th birthday in 1713.

Back to Zadok. Please forgive a possible appearance of dogmatism if I say that the tempo is absolutely right. Cleobury's speed here is much as I remember it from the recording of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It may be faster than one is used to, but there is a very good reason for it. Even at this speed, that spine-tingling orchestral introduction takes a full minute and 20 seconds to reach the great choral chords, and it measures out the tread of the monarch and consort, one stately pace to every four notes, as they advance towards the altar steps in Westminster Abbey, the choral outburst coming as they arrive at them. The choral tone here is very full and grand. I would have been interested to know whether Cleobury has used a larger chorus at this point than later - on one occasion Handel is known to have had 500 performers in Zadok. There are certainly not 500 here, and Handel's choral writing can convey an impression of multitudes even with a smallish choir. From this point on the chorus is appropriately small, clear in its diction and even, to my delight, producing a trill on `ever'. The other three anthems are beautifully done and beautifully recorded. There are various Alleluias in the first three including Zadok, and here, as in the great chorus in Messiah, Handel scans the word sometimes as All-e-LU-ia and sometimes as All-eh-EH-lu-IA. He learned the latter way of doing it from Purcell, and 150 years after Handel's anthems Brahms uses it again in his great Triumphlied celebrating the battle of Sedan.

The words to the birthday ode are by Ambrose Phillips. They are the usual sycophantic rubbish, but `twas ever thus. In days of old such toweringly great poets as Horace and Pindar had turned out equally wince-making sentiments, they just expressed them a lot better. The music is another matter, being simply exquisite. I have been familiar with these three soloists in Handel for a couple of years now, and what a pleasure it is to listen to such perfect singing and perfect sense for the composer's style. The opening number is a heavenly duet for counter-tenor and trumpet. I was very let down at not seeing the trumpeter credited in the liner. It may be Crispian Steel-Perkins (it's good enough to be him) but we are not told. The choir of King's, the Academy of Ancient Music and the director need no introduction by now, and are at their superlative best throughout.

The liner-note, by Anthony Hicks, is helpful, informative and readable, and is given in German and French as well as in English, as are the texts to the music. The recording is really very good too, except that I was eager for just that last ounce of `presence' at the start of Zadok that would have made this disc absolutely perfect for me. The set dates from 2001 I see, so perhaps it will be reissued sometime with a little remastering, fulfilling one of my remaining aspirations in this life.

Stellar.......2006-03-09

As a Handel enthusiast, I can't think of any way this recording could be less than perfect. As another reviewer has noted, this disc features a brilliantly-executed Ode for Queen Anne's Birthday in addition to the four Coronation anthems. The tempo for "Zadoc the Priest" is the fastest I've heard, and that speed heightens the drama of Handel's score. That Cleobury and company can perform it thus without losing any richness of tone or color -- indeed, excelling in those very areas -- testifies to the quality of this recording.

Crowning Achievement.......2005-09-30

If you only have room for one recording of the Coronation Anthems in your collection, this CD will do splendidly. It's pure, lively and 100% fresh Baroque and the chorus really gets into the act. The heavenly harmonies of "My heart is igniting..." and "Upon Thy Right Hand..." are royal pleasure. But as if this wasn't enough, this disc also contains the Ode for Queen Anne, and with it, the most perfect version of Eternal Source of Light Divine I have heard to date. This is one of Handel's most beautiful pieces, but it is not an easy one to nail; it was written for a countertenor, plus you need a great trumpet player- it is a trumpet-voice duet after all. While I enjoyed James Bowman's spirited rendition, I cringed while listening to many versions recorded by high, warbling sopranos- in particular, Kathleen Battle and Edita Gruberova have transposed this one up and out beyond recognition. But here we have Robin Blaze, a countertenor previously unknown to me, giving us an Eternal Source that is truly ethereal, sunlit and sung by a voice that is outstanding by itself and perfectly blended with that trumpet. And, after a beginning like that, the rest of the Ode actually lives up to the high standard.
King shall rejoice and so shall anybody who listens to this CD.

Professionalism.......2005-07-20

This CD of Handel's Coronation Anthems shows the Choir of King's College Cambridge at its true professional height. The music is lively and tuned to perfection. This recording allows both serious and amateur listeners the chance to experience Handel's music as it should be heard.

Simply Amazing!.......2004-03-16

While I am no monarchist, I am entranced by the heavenly beauty of this version of Handel's Coronation themes.

As a music piece the selections from this compilation should be deservidly included with other masterpieces such as Mahler's Resurection, and Bach's Brandenburg Concertos.

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Allegro - Andante - Allegro Da Capo
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Air
Water Music Suite No.1 (Excerpts): Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Bourree
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Hornpipe
Largo From Xerxes
Music For The Royal Fireworks (Excerpts): Overture
La Rejouissance, Allegro
The Harmonious Blacksmith: (Air And Variations In E Major From Suite No. 5)
Let The Bright Seraphim From Samson
Suite No. 11 For Harpsichord: Sarabande
Water Music Suite No. 2: Without Tempo Indication
Water Music Suite No. 2: Alla Hornpipe
Water Music Suite No. 2: Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 2: Lentement
Water Music Suite No. 2: Bourree
Minuet From Berenice
Organ Concerto No. 13 In F Major, 'The Cuckoo And The Nightingale': II. Allegro
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Come
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Handel's Greatest Hits.......2007-02-26

I found this recording disappointing in many respects. The sound quality was much lower than expected, especially on track 7 "Largo" which on the origional, Ormandy had created such a quiet grandeur. In trach 11 "Let the Bright Seraphim" Wynton Marsalis overpowered the singing of Edita Gruberova, whereas the music should always be the backup of the singer, and not vice versa. I don't know what happened to the "Hallelujah Chorus," but it didn't come off very well at all.

CD

Music for feel joy and peace..........2006-11-03

...the music is one of the most authentic feelings from human soul...it says without words the real feeling of the composer and listener...enjoy this beautifyl music to serenate your spirit....thanks God for music..

All Handel's Greatest Hits are not created equal........2004-02-25

Nothing else tops this unusually gorgeous rendering. Leppard's is the finest conducting of Handel to this reviewers ears. Especially the Xerxes Largo and the Watermusic
Hornpipes and Fireworks Oveurture tempi, legato and orchestration is full of warmth and energy. A true chiara scuro interpretation. Fabulous!!!!

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

This collection of George Frideric Handel's "Greatest Hits" leans more heavily towards "The Water Music Suite" than his oratorical work, which is my only serious complaint about this CD as an introduction to the composer's work. Although is does have "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Judas Maccabaeus and ends with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir doing the "Hallelujah Chorus," it does not have "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Messiah, which I consider a glaring omission. The "new" piece for me on this CD that is a nice discovery is "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine)," performed by Wynton Marsalis and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Average customer rating:

The best Star Wars soundtrack
Not 100% Complete!
A Final and Astounding Work of Art from John Williams
John Williams knows music
Is it the best?

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B0002YCVK6
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Approaching The Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous
The Droids Are Captured
Bounty for A Wookiee
Han Solo Returns
Luke Confronts Jabba/Den Of The Rancor/Sarlacc Sentence
The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
The Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation
Alliance Assembly
Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor
Speeder Bike Chase/Land Of The Ewoks
The Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story
Sourc Music: Jabba's Baroque Recital
Jedi Rocks
Archival Bonus Track: Sail Barge Assault (Alternate)

Tracks:

Parade Of The Ewoks
Luke and Leia
Brother and Sister/Father and Son/The Fleet Enters Hyperspace
Emperor's Throne Room
The Battle Of Endor
The Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle
THE BATTLE OF ENDOR II
THE BATTLE OF ENDOR III
Leia's News/Light of the Force
Victory Celebration/End Title
Source Music: Ewok Feast/Part Of The Tribe
Archival Bonus Track: The Forest Battle (Concert Suite)

Customer Reviews:

The best Star Wars soundtrack.......2007-03-02

While all the Star Wars films have extraordinary soundtracks, Return of the Jedi stands slightly above it's peers in terms of music. John Williams really went all out for the finale! The attack on the Death Star, Luke's final duel with Darth Vader, the battle on the Endor moon, Vader's funeral and celebration make this one incredible CD.

Not 100% Complete!.......2006-12-24

I love this soundtrack but - This release does not contain the "jam" that the Max Reebo Band plays while Chewbacca is being led to his jail cell......I wonder why?

A Final and Astounding Work of Art from John Williams.......2005-09-23

As always, John williams brings masterful composing to the Star Wars movie screen. The sweeping and spine-tingling score will leave you breathless and stick with you for years.

It starts out a little slow, but of course all the classic themes are present. The action picks up at track 7 (Dsic 1) The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault. The moving track 8 will announce the arrival of the infamous emperor with deep male voices and dark themes, then we are swept back to Degobah for Luke's final meeting with Yoda in slow trumpets proclaiming Yoda's news and final announcement to Luke, finally we meet Obi Wan once again, whose conversation with Luke reveals stunning news with the trumpet theme of Skywalker and the warm, comforting violins. Comical additions such as Jabba's baroque recital and Jedi Rocks close the first disc with a slower pace, almost as if it were intermission.

Disc 2 opens with the playful Parade of Ewoks, a new theme created to portray the cute but deadly inhabitants of Endor, played on flutes, trumpets, and a variety of other instruments. Next we are introduced to the change in Luke and Leia's relationship with a slow flute and violin piece showing how strong their bond has become.

Track 3, Brother and Sister, Father and Son, finds the Skywalker theme as Luke tells Leia a wonderful secret, which transitions into their new theme. The Emperor's throne room conveys the serious danger of our heros in deep male voices and sweeping music. The three battle pieces are, of course, wonderful, but by far the best part is the piece matching when the rebels prepare to charge the Death Star in a great instrumental piece.

Last is the calm after the storm, the two tracks that are by far my favorite from this soundtrack. First is track 9, Leia's News/Light of the Force, in which we begin with a sweet, grand piece with Leia's theme and Luke & Leia's theme mingling in.
Next comes possibly the most moving piece of music created by John Williams as a lone trumpet breaks from the silence, playing the Skywalker theme, and it culminates in a tremendous and shattering climax, which settles back into the trumpet skywalker theme, as if in final send of, as Luke watches the man he had feared, redeemed, finally at peace.

Lastly, except for the extra tracks, we finish with the Ewoke celebration on endor, an amazing and wonderful piece of pure joy and revelation as we close upon our heros, all having found what they were looking for in the end, and see the final gathering of old friends.

Without a doubt, this is a must-have for soundtrack afficionados!

John Williams knows music.......2005-09-09

Okay, so this isn't my favorite star wars CD but it's good. I'm still hooked on Ep III soundtrack so that's why I haven't broken this one with repeated use. Still, ROTJ was an awesome movie and the soundtrack is responsible for much of the moodsetting. Happy or sad, the tune tells all.

Is it the best?.......2005-06-25

This soundtrack CD is probably one of the best John Williams has ever had and the best among all the star wars CD soundtracks of the classic ones. The songs are much more fun and lively. John Williams knows how to translate the music so well that it can blend in perfectly with the movie.

The compositions are really magnificent and the dynamics are really great. These are really among the unique ones. Very special indeed.

Some of the great songs are Jedi rocks (The part in the movie where Jabba The Hut is entertained by the new cantina band. The song is very lively and can really make your mood a lot better. Another one is the Victory Celebration (The last part where the death star was destroyed and they went to Endor to Celebrate.) The song really captured the mood of celebration. I loved it.

Kirstie Mabitad

Average customer rating:

Eh...
The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle
Bravissima Diva!!!!
Battle shows her true colors yet again
Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective

Classic Battle: A Portrait

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Kathleen Battle
Grace
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
So Many Stars

ASIN: B0000639A4
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Puccini: O Mio babbino caro (new recording)
Handel: Let the Bright Seraphim
Traditional Chilean: Dormi, Jesu
Traditional: Cancion de Cuna
Vangelis: Mythodea-Movement IX
Mozart: Laudate Dominum
Handel: Rejoice Greatly
Traditional Fix Me Jesus (new recording)
Faure: Pie Jesu
Traditional Catalan: El Noi de la Mare
Traditional Catalan: El Desembre Congelat
Ellington:L Prelude to a Kiss (new recording)
Handel: Eternal Source of Light Divine
Mozart: Alleluja
Traditional: Angels Watching Over Me (new recording)
Mahler: Sehr Behaglich (from Symphony No. 4
J.S. Bach: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
Dvorak: Going Home ("Largo" from New World Symphony)

Amazon.com

This compilation of previous releases is clearly intended to include something for everybody and to offer an overview of Kathleen Battle's wide, varied repertoire. The result is a motley assortment of music sacred and profane, Baroque, classical and romantic, Spanish and American folksongs, and jazz. It is Battle's radiant, impeccably produced voice, which sheds a glow over every note she sings, and her effortless coloratura and serene expressiveness that provide the unifying, and most rewarding, element.

Four new recordings sound just as glorious as those she made years ago. One is the famous aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi performed with piano--a strange misfit among all the arias with orchestra. Wynton Marsalis plays Bach and Handel brilliantly, but sounds too loud and prominent. And despite some baroque ornamentation, he plays in a style so different from hers that the two hardly seem to be performing the same piece. The Orchestra of St. Luke's plays beautifully; an anonymous orchestra under Robert Sadin is competent but too matter-of-fact. A mournful, repetitive duet with Jessye Norman against a background of unearthly noises from Vangelis's Mythodea sounds like an angelic plea for mercy.

In the finale of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic under Lorin Maazel, Battle captures just the right blend of childlike wonder and heavenly bliss. Of the jazz numbers, one by Duke Ellington is lovely, but Dvorák would have been quite surprised by the arrangement of the Largo from his "New World" Symphony. However, the tonality is right, and Battle sings the melody so beautifully that she almost redeems it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Eh..........2006-12-10

Kathleen Battle is admirable, with her many recordings and her many performances across the country. But, I cannot say that I adore her voice. Yes, she may be a soprano, but her voice is not top of my list. Her technique is flawed, and her voice lacks any depth or richness. When I listen to her voice, it sounds so empty. Singers like Sumi Jo (my favorite of all) or Renee Fleming are a much better choice when it comes to rich tone and beautiful technique.

The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle.......2003-11-18

An excellent compilation of some of Miss Battle's greatest work. Of course, it would have been great if more of her operatic literature was included, but to have the opportunity to hear anything from Miss Battle is heaven.

Bravissima Diva!!!!.......2002-07-03

I must comment on the preceeding review which has nothing to do with the calibur of this CD nor of the artist. And just a touch on that whole Brevard "incident", there were two performances one of which came off without a fault...but I too digress. This CD is a plethera of what endures Kathleen Battle to us all...her diversity. It is true that none of her signature operatic roles appear in this mini compilation but what is given more than accomodates. In 18 selections she covers Spirituals, Oratorio, Jazz, Afro-Cuban/Brazilian influenced melodies, cantata's and a symphony all with miraculous ease. It is also true that this is in many ways a best of...and chances are you'll already have most of these pieces, but Classic Kathleen Battle is Worth Buying simply for the four new selections and accompanying art of the set. The pictorial art included in this CD is worthy of gallery display! A standing testament of her vocal beauty and artist superlatives...this is a CD that you don't want to pass up!

Battle shows her true colors yet again.......2002-06-27

I have followed Ms. Battle's career for a number of years and have always loved the clarity and purity of her voice--no doubt she is a tremendous talent. Several years ago I saw her give a stunning concert at UNC-Chapel Hill and was blown away at the thrill of finally experiencing her voice live. I always thought it unfortunate that so many negative stories about her flourished and subsequently found myself coming to her defense in conversation with others. Last summer I had tickets to see her sing at Brevard Music Center in the mountains of North Carolina. Several nights prior to this performance, my 20-year-old nephew was killed in a car accident. I decided to go ahead with my plans and attend the concert, thinking it would be a sort of balm for my soul after living through this terrible experience of losing someone I loved. Immediately after my nephew's funeral I left my family behind and drove the five hours to the concert venue. Needless to say I had incredibly high hopes for this concert and its potential to help heal my wounds. Long story short, Ms. Battle behaved in the most unprofessional manner I have ever witnessed and refused to perform the program as planned. What little she did offer to the audience was mediocre at best. A packed house of patrons was left stunned and dismayed at what they'd just witnessed. So, Ms. Battle, you proved to me in a very personal way that all the stories are true and you have serious issues. I will not be buying your recordings in the future and I currently have about 20 that are now worthless to me.

Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective.......2002-06-04

CLASSIC KATHLEEN BATTLE: A PORTRAIT is limited in its perspective in the sense that this is a compilation of only SONY Classical recordings from their catalog. There are no Deutsche Grammophon or Angel/EMI performances represented here. A "portrait" of Miss Battle would have rightly included some of these wonderful and musical interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Gounod, and Bach among others. Of course paying the license fees from the other 2 labels wouldn't be cost-efficient from a record company's standpoint. How wonderful this would've been if they'd all cooperated on a box set of her recordings, which would show Miss Battle's superlative musicality in not only Italian and French, but also her great wit and charm in the English language (her Purcell and Dowland are not to be missed!)

In any case there are several magical performances to be found here:

Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" w/piano; Dormi, Jesu; Cancion de Cuna, Fix Me Jesus, Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss"; Angels Watching Over Me; and the enchanting song (the German title is too long for me to remember--it's from the Das Knaben Wunderhorn cycle) from Mahler's 4th Symphony.

For any Kathleen Battle fan, this is a nice selection of her works, but only a 2-dimensional portrait at best. Certainly not Miss Battle's fault, as she graces the listener with no less than FOUR new recordings on this album.

Once again her silvery tones and superb musicality are a wonderful gift to us!

Customer Reviews:

Robert King deserves to be famous in America, too.......2006-07-23

Robert King and his King's Consort have made dozens of recordings, establishing themselves in London as a pre-eminent Baroque group. They benefit greatly from King's unflagging energy and musical insight. Twenty years ago you couldn't say that the period movement had attracted the best musicians and conductors. That situation has changed radically, and this sampler CD from King's complete recordings exhibits first-class playing throughout. Baroque singing is at a high level, too, but you couldn't say that his singers are of Met or Royal Opera House quality--even so, they are very good.

As an indicator of the strides that period performance has made, this is an eye-opening CD, but it's also engaging for the general listener, like me, who only dips into Handel's many, many operas and oratorios occasionally.

Bargain-priced first-class overview.......2006-05-01

This is a great CD for beginners, but also for those who already have a few Handel CDs. So often samplers have all the favourites which you already have on other CDs. But this set has a few well-known tracks, such as Zadok the Priest, See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes and La Rejouissance from The Fireworks, but mostly wonderful music, superbly played which is not extremely well known.

Highly recommended.