The Isle

The Isle

Track Listings

1. Dande Lion Wine

2. Long Walk

3. Found Chart

4. Where It All Starts

5. Harbour

6. Two Different Visitors

7. Solitude Sea

8. Atoll

9. Octant

10. Canopy of Heaven

11. Whale

12. Something in Light

13. Isle

14. Fire Under the Stars

15. After All

Tracks:

I Love Lucy Theme - Wilbur Hatch
Dragnet - Ray Anthony
The Twilight Zone - Rod Open
Bonanza - Al Caiola & His Orchestra
The Andy Griffith Theme - Earle Hagen
The Ballad Of Jed Clampett - Earl Scruggs
The Addams Family (Main Theme) - Vic Mizzy
Munsters Theme - Jack Marshall
The Ballad Of Gilligan's Isle - Morton Stevens
Green Acres - Eddie Albert
Jeannie - Hugo Montenegro
Batman Theme - Neal Hefti
(Theme From) The Monkees - The Monkees
Star Trek (Main Title & Closing Theme) - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mannix - Lalo Schifrin
Hawaii Five-O - Mort Stevens & His Orchestra
Theme From The Brady Bunch - The Brady Bunch
Come On Get Happy - The Partridge Family
Those Were The Days - Carroll O'Connor
And Then There's Maude - Donny Hathaway
Good Times - Jim Gilstrap
Movin' On Up - Oren Waters
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Them From S.W.A.T. - Rhythm Heritage
Happy Days - Pratt & McClain
Making Our Dreams Come True - Cyndi Grecco
Chico And The Man - Jose Feliciano
Welcome Back - John Sebastian
What's Happening!! - Henry Mancini
Barney Miller - Jack Elliott
Charlie's Angels - Jack Elliott
Love Boat Theme - Jack Jones
Angela (Theme From 'Taxi') - Bob James
It Takes Diff'rent Strokes - Gloria Loring
Theme From Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys) - Waylon
Theme From Magnum, P.I. - Mike Post
The Theme From Hill Street Blues - Mike Post
Theme From Dynasty - Bill Conti
Theme From 'Greatest American Hero' (Believe It Or Not) - Joey Scarbury
Thank You For Being A Friend - Cynthia Fee

Album Description

TV Land brings you 40 of your favorite evening show theme songs. Highlights include 'Happy Days', 'The Greatest American Hero', 'Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)', 'Laverne & Shirley', 'I Dream Of Jeanie', 'I Love Lucy', 'Welcome Back, Kotter', 'The Love Boat', 'Hawaii Five-O', 'The Golden Girls' and many, many more. 2002. Rhino.

Customer Reviews:

good memories for me and fun "new" songs for my children.......2007-06-27

We had ordered this for "The Dukes of Hazzard" theme song for our 4yr old and our whole family has fallen in love with the cd. It makes me want to share some of the old fun and simple shows with my children. I forgot about some of those shows. It brings back good memories for my husband and me and the songs are new and exciting for our children. It's a nice change from children's cd's, but our children still think it's fun. The sound quality is good and the songs included on the cd are a great mix. I would definately recommend this one.

memories.......2007-02-22

This cd is excellent it has a lot of very good music and true to the original sound, Am getting a lot of enjoyment,highly recomended

TV Theme Songs.......2007-01-13

This is a great CD for people who watch a lot of TV -especially TV LAND and reruns of old shows when shows had actual theme songs. I took the CD to work and everyone loved trying to figure out what show the songs were from.

TV themes.......2006-07-05

Not all what I expected, not all of the tunes are the original recordings you remember as the TV themes.

Deja Vu.......2006-02-17

Listening to these familiar themes as performed by the original artists certainly brings back wonderful memories! I was particularly pleased, not only with the quality of the pieces, but with the actual performances themselves, just as we remembered them!

Average customer rating:

Irish at it's best.
Irish Magic
Just got your Kleenex
Wonderful!
The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!

The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
The Irish Tenors
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ellis Island
The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan
Home for Christmas
Sacred
We Three Kings

ASIN: B000069JJ6
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Toora Loora Looral
Will Ye Go Lassie Go
Spanish Lady
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Reailway, Are Ye Right There Michael?
Amazing Grace
Nearer My God To Thee
Danny Boy
Fields of Athenry
Only The River Runs Free
Molly Malone
Last Rose of Summer
She Moved Through the Fair
Maggie
New Medley (combination of the 2 medleys

Product Description

1. Toora Loora Looral
2. Will Ye Go Lassie Go
3. Spanish Lady
4. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
5. Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Railway - Are Ye Right There Michael?
6. Amazing Grace
7. Nearer My God To Thee
8. Danny Boy
9. Fields Of Athenry
10. Only The River Runs Free
11. Molly Malone
12. Last Rose Of Summer
13. She Moved Through The Fair
14. Maggie
15. New Medley (Combination of the 2 medleys)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

In the short time since they grouped together a few years ago to form their sensationally successful trio, the Irish Tenors have already put out an impressive array of recordings and DVDs, including some bona fide gooseflesh-inducing live concert performances. So, if you still have the enviable pleasure of discovering these amazing vocalists--or want to turn a friend on to their musical charms--this compilation CD will do the trick nicely. It brings together such classics as "Danny Boy," "Toora Loora Looral," "Last Rose of Summer," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (featuring John McDermott)--all rendered with the kind of passionate, heartfelt, and harmonious crooning that is their signature style, whether they're singing as an ensemble or as highlighted soloists. And even if you have the complete Irish Tenors, this anthology includes several numbers not found on their previously released CDs. Hard to think of a sweeter treat for a fan of singing too good to ever go out of fashion. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Irish at it's best........2007-05-07

This album is really the number two album from this trio. It is very good and well worth the investment. The five star album by The Irish Tenors would have to be Heritage. Both albums rate high in my book.

Irish Magic.......2006-08-21

This is my first CD of the Irish Tenors. And what a joy! I played it as soon as it arrived. I like the blend of their voices,the passion and enthusiasm they bring to this CD. What I find is a real treat is the words to all the songs are in the booklet.I love this CD.

Just got your Kleenex.......2005-12-25

I suggest a box of Kleenex for each person in the room when you play this CD or VHS recording. Mom won't let me play it anymore because she...well, you know what I mean.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-12

When it's cold and frightful here, I play The BOYZ!

So wonderful. So much fun.

Up here in backwash Maine, there ain't much, believe me. But these guys are great. Sincere, care about what they're doing, true artists.

Ah, to go to Ireland again. Well, not unless the price of natural gas recedes!

The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!.......2005-01-22

This recording is wonderful. Ronan's "last Rose of summer" is unique, the Percy French medley shows all three in great voice, Finbar's Maggie is wonderful and the laurels have to go to Anthony for his magnificent rendition of "She moved through the fair", wow!!!!

Well worth buying.

Isaac Chute

Average customer rating:

Mad about Baroque
The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes
Brilliant
Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames).
Brilliant Purcell Disc

Essential Purcell
Henry Purcell , New College Choir Oxford , King's Consort , Robert King , Roy Goodman , Charles Daniels , John Mark Ainsley , James Bowman , Peter Buckoke , Jane Coe , Rogers Covey-Crump , Gillian Fisher , Michael George , Miles Golding , Jane Norman , Barbara Bonney , Mark Caudle , William Carter , King's Consort Choir , Helen Gough , Paul Nicholson , Angela East , Barry Guy , Tessa Bonner , Jerome Finnis , Rupert Bawden , Lucy Howard , Richard Campbell , Susan Addison , James O'Donnell , and Stephen Saunders
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort
Purcell: The Fairy Queen
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Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx
Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music

ASIN: B000002ZDU
Release Date: 1995-04-10

Tracks:

Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 5: Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn. Symphony And Opening Chorus
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 3: Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: Oh, Fair Cedaria
The Choir Of The King's Consort: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Great Baroque Arias: When I Am Laid In Earth ('Dido's Lament')
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.1: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears (Part 1)
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.4: The Sparrow And The Gentle Dove
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: If Music Be The Food Of Love (First Setting)
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.5: Rejoice In The Lord Always ('The Bell Anthem')
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Hosanna To The Highest
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.7: Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets Of Our Hearts
Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures: Fairest Isle, All Isles Excelling
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.6: Mark, How Readily Each Pliant String
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: Sound The Trumpet
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.3: She Loves And She Confesses Too
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: O How Blest Is The Isle
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Complete Anthems And Services Vol. 11: An Evening Hymn
Complete Church Music Vol.2: Vouchsafe, O Lord, To Keep Us This Day
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.2: With Rapture Of Delight... Hail Bright Cecilia

Amazon.com essential recording

The "Essential" Purcell? Well, you could get a bunch of critics to argue about that for a few days, but in the meantime, here is a sampler of highlights from the King's Consort's three admirable Purcell series: the Complete Odes and Welcome Songs, Complete Anthems and Services, and Complete Secular Solo Songs. There are, of course, some of Purcell's most-performed pieces (which probably are "essential"): Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, "Sound the trumpet" from Come, ye sons of Art, Rejoice in the Lord alway (the "Bell Anthem," named for the string figure at the opening that sounds like pealing bells), the gently patriotic "Fairest isle, all isles excelling" (sung by a miscast James Bowman), and a selection from the funeral music for Queen Mary. There are also some delightful surprises--particularly among the little-known secular songs and church music. The plaintive "O fair Cedaria" gets a lovely performance by Barbara Bonney (a singer not usually associated with Purcell); tenor Rogers Covey-Crump (possibly the ideal high tenor for Purcell) sings the enchanting "If music be the food of love"; the church anthems "Let mine eyes run down with tears" and "Remember not, O Lord, our offences" have some startling harmonies as daring as any Monteverdi ever wrote. If you're unfamiliar with Purcell, this reasonably priced disc is a good place to start exploring without a big initial investment. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Mad about Baroque.......2007-02-12

This is a terrific CD. The music is breathtaking. Just buy IT !!!!!

The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes.......2002-08-21

Absolutely beautiful baroque music! The arrangament, singing and instrumentation is superb. It is too bad that Henry Purcell is not as widely known as Bach, because he should be recognized equally well."The Sparrow and the Gentle dove" is alone worth the price of the album! I can not stop playing it!

Brilliant.......2001-10-31

Like in his renditions of Handel's oratorios, Robert King manages to bring a freshness and strenght to Purcell's music that I had seldom heard before. This CD also features some of the best performers of early music in the world. My favourite tracks are Oh, Fair Cedaria, sung by the multi-talented Barbara Bonney; Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher; She Loves and she Confesses too, sung by the wonderful Susan Gritton; and Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn, sung by Rogers Covey-Crump. The only track I didn't find absolutely wonderful is Fairest Isle, sung here by James Bowman. Don't get me wrong, I generally love Mr Bowman, I think that his performance in Mr Purcell's Most Admirable Composures (also conducted by Robert King) makes it another essential Purcell recording; but I find that Fairest Isle was much better done elsewhere, particularly by Christopher Hogwood and Barbara Bonney.

These songs aren't only beautiful, they're also poignant, sweet and unpretentious. I think that it will be very clear to anyone who listens to this recording that Mr Purcell was one of the finest composers that ever lived.

Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames)........2001-10-20

If anyone has benefitted from the reversion in the last three or so decades to period instruments and historical reconstruction, it is Henry Purcell. Before, he was merely great, the peerless word-setter in the English language, a virtuoso of boundless range, a professional composer whose offical commissions were always imbued with personality and invention. But period instrumentation has added to this a greater depth, an other-worldly texture of sound. With his intricate, multi-part vocal writing, his preference for low, rumbling instruments such as the bass viol and the strange and remarkable theorbo, as well as his often sombre and low-key subject matter and treatment, Purcell creates a round, glowing, humming sound as pregnantly full as dub reggae.

This has an extraordinary effect on the listener. Whereas Bach, with his mathematical abstractions, sounds universal and timeless, Purcell's music takes the listener back 300 years, back to different ways of thinking about, feeling about and addressing things we still think etc. about today - death, love, friendship. The emotion is timeless, but the music's beauty is alien, THEIRS, hence its preciousness.

A lot of intelligence has gone into the unity of this compilation, beginning with two Welcomes (to the dawn and to the listener, in this case a King), and ending with thoughts of evening, death and a Baroque 'Thank you for the music'. These are bright, fanfare-like works, but the predominant mood is slow, ruminative, quiet. The selection covers the wide range of Purcell's oeuvre, from opera and funeral marches to secular songs and odes, and includes his most famous vocal works - Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher, and never more evocative of pagan loss and death; the massive 'Bell Anthem', with its ingenious opening symphony and joyful antiphon; and a miraculously serene 'Evening Hymn', Dido's opposite, death indicating hope, the treble voice swirling over the heavy ground bass like the soul released from the inert body.

it might seem quixotic to choose highlights from an exemplary collection of highlights, but the entry of the strings washing over the serene repetition of 'Be Welcome then, great Sir' always makes my heart stop still, while the musical picture of 'Bold Honour', the 'noisy Nothing, stalking shade', blocking the poet's amorous intentions in 'She loves and confesses too', adds a chilling hint of life's transience to a bouyantly bawdy song.

Brilliant Purcell Disc .......2000-11-30

With this album director and Purcell expert Robert King provides the listener with an excellent introduction to the composer's vocal works. The pieces presented here were taken from Mr. King's recordings of 'The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs', 'The Complete Anthems and Services', 'The Complete Secular Solo Songs' and diverse anthology discs. King, his wonderful soloists and musicians do the brilliance of Purcell's music fully justice. Whether he was commissioned by royalty, the church or theatre, Purcell shone in all areas. This disc certainly demonstrates the variety and originality of his craft, not to speak of his uncanny ability of setting words to music.

An outstanding Purcell offering. With a beautiful perfomance by Barbara Bonney of 'Oh, fair Cedaria'. Susan Gritton is equally captivating in 'She loves and she confesses too'. Gillian Fisher's rendition of the famous 'Dido's Lament' is haunting and poignant. Further an intelligent and brilliant 'Hosanna to the highest' by Michael George. James Bowman and Michael Chance sparkle in the countertenor duet 'Sound the trumpet' (from 'Come Ye sons of Art away'). And I should not forget to mention the joyous, luminous performance of the beautiful 'Bell Anthem'. To name but a few favourites, only James Bowman's 'Fairest Isle' was a disappointment.

Those who are familiar with Purcell's music will get an excellent disc with some of his most beloved works. If you are new to Purcell, this is, as already said a great introduction. Which might be the incentive to further explorations of Purcell.

by stardustraven

Average customer rating:

A true musical artist!
Overproduced
Eric Johnson-Venus Isle
good from start to finish
Bought as a gift.

Venus Isle
Eric Johnson
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002V0F
Release Date: 1996-09-03

Tracks:

Venus Isle
Battle We Have Won
All About You
S. R. V.
Lonely in the Night
Manhattan
Camel's Night Out
Song for Lynette
When the Sun Meets the Sky
Pavilion
Venus Reprise

Customer Reviews:

A true musical artist!.......2007-04-08

First things first,I enjoy Eric's guitar playing,I do not like his singing,I do skip over his songs and play just the instrumentals.I don't think he can sing and should play the guitar only!I do enjoy listening Venus Isle almost as much as Ah,Via Musicom!

Overproduced.......2007-03-17

Mr. Johnson is one of the great guitar technicians today with the best ("100 lb violin") tone combining blues, jazz, rock, and an ocassional ballad.

I am sorry to disagree with many of the well thought-out positive reviews but this thing was in the oven way too long and simply overproduced.

Everything else he has recorded is 5 stars+. If you get a chance to see him play live, get there whatever you do!

Eric Johnson-Venus Isle.......2006-11-10

This is a great Eric Johnson album. I enjoy every track on it and highly recommend it. I personally prefer it when he isn't doing vocals, but I also like the tracks where he does sing. "Manhattan" and "SRV" were reason enough for me to buy this album, and I was happy to find some more great music by this man. 5 stars. Give it a try.

good from start to finish.......2006-07-10

I picked this up in a remainder bin (!) - to me, always the ultimate insult to an artist - and it has become my favourite Eric Johnson cd. It seems to be a continuing tale, spun musically throughout the disc, and other than my perennial quibble with Eric (I can't understand you!), vocally and instrumentally it is a virtual gem. I am presently labouring under the delusion that, someday, I will be able to play a recognizable cover of "Manhattan" (I've said in the past that I'm not a fan of covers, but this is only for my own consumption), a smooth, jazzy piece halfway into the cd. Eric exercises his pipes on three memorable, melodic songs; "Battles We Have Won", "All About You", and "Lonely In The Night", the last in which he exhibits nice range. In "Song For Lynette", he breaks away from his lightning-fast guitar and spins a soft-as-a-flowing-creek piano turn, a nice surprise. "S.R.V.", "Camel's Night Out", and "Venus Isle" - "Venus Reprise" take care of the fast licks. All in all, really my best choice of Eric Johnson's work.

Bought as a gift........2006-07-09

This was a bought as a gift to someone else so I really can't say much about it.

Average customer rating:

of the 6 or 7 recordings
One of the best Debussy performances I've heard.
Luminescent performances of Debussy's piano music!
one of my favorites
A great performance by a great pianist

Debussy: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Ravel: Piano Works
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Liszt: Favourite Piano Works
Debussy's Greatest Hits
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

ASIN: B00000423A
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

Suite Bergamasque: Prelude
Suite Bergamasque: Menuet
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de lune
Suite Bergamasque: Passepied
Children's Corner: Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: Jimbo's Lullaby
Children's Corner: Serenade For The Doll
Children's Corner: The Snow Is Dancing
Children's Corner: The Little Shepherd
Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cakewalk
Images - Premier Livre: Reflets dans l'eau
Images - Premier Livre: Hommage a Rameau
Images - Premier Livre: Mouvement
Images - Deuxieme Livre: Cloches ravers les feuiles
Images - Deuxieme Livre: Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut
Images - Deuxieme Livre: Poissons d'or
Deux Arabesques: Andantino con moto
Deux Arabesques: Allegretto scherzando

Tracks:

Prdes - Premier Livre: Danseuses de Delphe
Prdes - Premier Livre: Voiles
Prdes - Premier Livre: Le Vent dans la plaine
Prdes - Premier Livre: Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l'air du soir
Prdes - Premier Livre: Les Collines d'Anacapri
Prdes - Premier Livre: Des pas sur la neige
Prdes - Premier Livre: Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest
Prdes - Premier Livre: La Fille aux cheveux de lin
Prdes - Premier Livre: La Snade interrompue
Prdes - Premier Livre: La Cathale engloutie
Prdes - Premier Livre: La Danse de Puck
Prdes - Premier Livre: Minstrels
Pour le piano: Prde
Pour le piano: Sarabande
Pour le piano: Toccata
Estampes: Pagodes
Estampes: La Soirdans Grenade
Estampes: Jardins sous la pluie
L'isle joyeuse
Rrie

Customer Reviews:

of the 6 or 7 recordings .......2007-05-10

I've heard of Debussy's wonderful solo piano music, Pascal roge is the finest. the only one you need actually.

One of the best Debussy performances I've heard........2006-10-12

There's obviously hundreds of options if you're just "looking for some Debussy", but keep in mind that the $3 CDs at Best Buy are $3 for a reason: They don't put any money into the production. It's near impossible to enjoy such amazing works as this if it's being recorded on a cheap microphone across the room from an amateur clanking away on an upright piano!

Great recording, great performances. I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about with the "volume problems", this CD is actually mastered a little bit louder than most of the genre.

Luminescent performances of Debussy's piano music! .......2005-03-30

I bought this CD on the suggestion of a former piano professor with whom I studied. I'm really glad I followed his suggestion.

It's a rare performer who can take pieces that we've heard over and over and OVER again, and bring something fresh to them. Pascal Rogé has pulled this off -- and then some!

Of the two CD set, I really can't tell which is my favorite: I'll play one CD, and listen to it over and over again and decide that one is my favorite; then I listen to the other one and the same thing happens!

Which piece is the best? It's really difficult to tell, simply because the playing throughout is of such high caliber! L'isle joyeuse is ecstatic -- the timing of the phrases, the colors achieved are almost miraculous! (This is my favorite performance of L'isle joyeuse, hands down!) Le vent dans la plaine actually conveys the idea of wind moving over a plain; Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest (What the West Wind Has Seen) is just downright creepy in a musical description of an extratropical storm (what was a hurricane, until it lost its tropical characteristics -- but not its wind and the potential for damage).

And then, by contrast, Rogé's performance of Debussy's Toccata has the necessary dryness to pull off the feeling of a clavecin and yet conveys a vivid sense of tonal color!

I've had the CD a week, and I can already tell this is going to be one of my very favorite CDs. I've heard Horowitz and Gieseking playing these pieces, as well -- the Rogé is definitely my favorite. If you're going to buy a comprehensive CD of Debussy's piano music -- this one is the one to get!

one of my favorites.......2004-10-27

I am a young, yet avid, piano fan, and when I began playing Debussy last year I knew I had to get a cd. This cd is really amazing, the whole Children's Corner Suite is so much fun to listen to and each song is true to it's title. I would highly recommend this, both cds have earned themselves in my nightly rotation of classical music, and will continue to fill the boring hours of homework with amazing background music.

A great performance by a great pianist.......2002-01-31

If you ask me - they ought to put Pascal Roge in the series of "Great Pianists of the 20th century". His recordings of Debussy, Ravel and Satie's piano music are among the best I know for these composers, if not the very best. Roge's tender touch is especially good for their dreamy, hovering style. Indeed, in pieces like "l'Isle Joyeuse" I prefer Horowitz's powerful dynamism, and Roge sounds a little pale - but these are the exceptions, not the rule. His performance of the "Reverie" - in my view Debussy's best work and one of the masterpieces of piano music in all times - is touching, exciting, lovely; and so is the "Clair de lune" and many other pieces. Most recommended.

Average customer rating:

Not all that impressed
Fifty Very Talented Fingers...
The Browns are Great
Outstanding Young Pianists
Disappointed

The 5 Browns
The 5 Browns
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumble Bee
Bernstein: Scenes from West Side Story
Dukas: The Sorcerers Apprentice
Ravel: La Valse (po choraphique)
Friedman: Tabati usique, Op. 33 No. 3
Rachmaninoff: Moments musicaux, Op. 16 No. 4
Rachmaninoff: Ele from Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3
Debussy: LIsle joyeuse
Prokofiev: Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 28
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Grieg: In the Hall of the Mountain King, from Peer Gynt, Op. 23

Amazon.com

Their story is truly one of the more unusual tales of classical music today. Pop music has produced world-famous examples of all-in-the-family groups (which typically gave way to one or two solo stars as the years passed). And of course there's the Trapp Family singers of The Sound of Music fame. But the sibling pianists known as the 5 Browns are in a category all their own. They've gotten mega-exposure from profiles on 60 Minutes, Oprah, and the like as the first example in the history of the esteemed Juilliard School of Music in which five members of the same family have won admission (scholarships at that!) and studied concurrently. But if this sounds like a P.T. Barnum publicity stunt, make no mistake: Desirae, Deondra, Gregory, Melody, and Ryan are the real thing--musicians of intense dedication and talent. Their debut CD offers different perspectives on this pianistic quintet. It's not surprising that the literature isn't exactly overflowing with arrangements for five pianos--so only 4 tracks here actually have all ten hands busy tickling the ivories (arrangements of "Flight of the Bumblebee," West Side Story scenes, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and music from Grieg's Peer Gynt). The flip DVD side includes videos of their amazing in-sync dexterity for "Flight" and the Bernstein excerpts, plus a charming interview introducing the very down-to-earth Browns. They talk about how they took to the piano, one by one, at a very early age and also point out that they remain each other's best friends, which helps them weather the stresses of the competitive classical performing arts world. Other tracks involve several four-hands settings and some solos (my own favorite is Melody's beautiful rendition of Debussy's gorgeous "L'Isle joyeuese"). We're sure to hear more from this amazingly talented family--whether as a group or as soloists. --Sarah Chin

Album Description

CD AUDIO SIDE: Entire Album

DVD SIDE: * Entire Album in 5.1 Surround Sound and enhanced LPCM Stereo * Video Performances: - Rimsky-Korsakov: The Flight of the Bumble Bee (arr. Jeffrey Shumway) - Bernstein: Scenes from "West Side Story" (arr. Kendall Briggs) * Exclusive interview footage with The 5 Browns This disc is intended to play on standard DVD and CD players. May not play on a limited number of models.

Customer Reviews:

Not all that impressed.......2007-06-01

I can't help but thinking that this is just another group of virtuoso kids that is being used for the fame of another. The music lacks fullness and invention, and tends to be a doubling of a lot of standard voicing. There is some ornamentation, and there's no doubt that each of these kids is a giften pianist, but as a group, I was not all that impressed. Cute group, though.

Fifty Very Talented Fingers..........2006-12-05

I got this CD for Christmas, and I was a little reluctant to listen to it, thinking "Oh what a yawn. Probably Mozart and Bach and--horror of horrors!--Rachmaninoff!" Well needless to say, boy was I wrong! I caught the name 'Bernstein' in the track listing, and although I had never really listened to Lenny's works, I always thought he sounded like an interesting guy, so in went the disc into the player, and on went 'Scenes from West Side Story.' I listened to it once. I listened to it twice. The third time I was hooked. I didn't recognize anything they were playing, but man it was good! It was awesome! The Browns' masterful piano version of Bernstein led me to explore deeper the marvellous music of West Side Story. To this day, after listening to recording after recording of Bernstein's West Side Story suites, the 5 Browns have a timeless rendition. It's positively brilliant. That's the only word for it--for them. They're glorious. Let classical music bore you no more, for the piano has found fifty VERY talented fingers to capture its beauty. Personally I think the very best track is West Side Story, but don't forget about The Flight of the Bumble Bee and the very fun In the Hall of the Mountain King. This is music at the height of its glory. And of course don't miss No Boundaries (note my review: I was the one who raved about The Firebird.) Enjoy, bambini!

The Browns are Great.......2006-08-04

I had vaguely heard of the Browns before I popped their CDs in my player. WOW!! What playing & what great enthusiasm. They obviously have fun making music together and they have the chops to make it exciting for the listener. Especially fun are the excerpts from Bernstein's West Side Story & Grieg's Peer Gynt. The DVD video bits are a nice bonus.

Outstanding Young Pianists.......2006-07-14

I was fortunate to see the 5 Browns in person therefore, it has been enjoyable to listen to the music that they performed in the concert. These 5 siblings are so refreshing and so talented. I recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a CD that has outstanding piano music performed by 5 very talented young people.

Disappointed.......2006-06-07

BUYER BEWARE! When the CD Cover warns you that the "...audio side of this disc does not conform to CD specifications and therefore not all DVD and CD players will play the audio side of this disc." THEY ARE DEAD SERIOUS. I bought the album, tried it in FIVE different CD and CD/DVD players - NONE of them would play the CD. Fortunately, the retailer who I bought the CD/DVD from was willing to allow me to return it (sounds like they have had similar problems!) The 5 Browns are great artists, however, it is VERY disconcerting that their CD producers/manufacturers are putting these kind of limitations on their product.

Average customer rating:

Three Cheers for the Irish!!!
Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes
How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
The Best Historical CD Ever!

Ellis Island
The Irish Tenors , Brendan Graham , Chauncey Olcott , Irish Traditional , Johnny Cash , John Francis Patterson , Dermot MacMurrough , C. Kirkham , Eric Bogle , Burton Lane , Thomas Osbourne Davis , Irving Berlin , and Frank McNamara
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan
Live in Belfast
Home for Christmas
Heritage

ASIN: B000059TBG
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
My Wild Irish Rose
Love Thee Dearest
Forty Shades of Green
Courtin' in the Kitchen
The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door
I'll Tell My Ma
Macushla
Slievenamon
The Green Fields of France
Trasna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life to You on Your Homecoming)
An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
The Rose of Tralee
The Old Bog Road
How Are Things In Glocca Morra
The Croppy Boy
A Nation Once Again
Let There Be Peace
Danny Boy
God Bless America

Product Description

1. Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears
2. My Wild Irish Rose
3. Love Thee Dearest
4. Forty Shades Of Green
5. The Courtin Medley
A. Courtin, In The Kitchen
B. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy s Door
C. I ll Tell My Ma
6. Macushla
7. Slievenamon
8. The Green Fields Of France
9. The Irish Medley
A. Transna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
B. Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life To You On Your Homecoming)
C. An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
10. The Rose Of Tralee
11. The Old Bog Road
12. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
13. The Croppy Boy
14. A Nation Once Again
15. Let There Be Peace
16. Danny Boy
17. God Bless America

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Three Cheers for the Irish!!!.......2007-05-30

A glorious concert in a historic setting, with all involved in top notch form. Finbar finds a great old Johnny Cash number, Ronan sings a Glocka
Mora to end all, and Anthony Kearns sings murderously difficult versions
of Macushla and The Croppy Boy like an angel. And their Courtin' and Irish
Medleys, and their "Nation Once Again" trios are simply glorious glees.

With the benefit of a grand theme, this is perhaps the best, and best balanced, of all their programs.

Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes.......2006-03-17

This magical album crosses oceans and centuries and puts me in touch with my Irish ancestry. The title song tells a story similar to my greatgrandmother's and even though I've heard it many times now, I still weep for her.

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

This CD has a bit more of an Irish American theme as "Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears" and "God Bless America" illustrate. Interspersed among these tunes are traditional Irish tunes such as "Macushla" and "Croppy Boy", along with newer songs, such as "The Green Fields Of France" and "How are Things In Glocca Morra?"

The singing is excellent, the words understandable. I appreciate the inclusion the lyrics of the songs contained on the insert of the cover. These are songs you will want to learn, whose stories you will want to research. I have. Listen again and again!

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

The Best Historical CD Ever!.......2003-11-21

I think this is best CD since Live in Belfast! it also has 2 songs not included on the video! it's a unique album of how the immigration to Ellis Island and New York turned out. It also has songs of the war such as The Green Fields Of France (The Best One) or, the croppy boy. I would recommend this to anyone!

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces
superb
Great Piano Fireworks
Rhapsody is best
No. of concerto is wrong

The Best Of Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff
Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3

ASIN: B00000416Q
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 3. Allegro scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43
Vocalise, Op. 34 No.14
Liebesleid
Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2
Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No.5

Tracks:

Symphony No.2, Op.27: 1. Largo - Allegro moderato
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 2. Allegro molto
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 3. Adagio
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 4. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces.......2005-11-13

Sergei Rachmaninoff remains the most celebrated of the modern Russian composers who retained the spirit of Romantics like Tchaikovsky. In this fabulous recording from the Phillips Label, we are treated to his most cherished piano/orchestral masterpieces. They include the incomparable Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, as performed by the Royal Philharmonic with Spanish pianist Rafael Orozco and conducted by Edo De Waart. This piano concerto is grand in scale and at times borders on Beethovenesque melody. It's dark and brooding and supremely romantic. It was prominently featured in the David Lean 1940'ish film "Brief Encounter" about a romance that is forged on a train ride. The most famous piece associated with the great Rachmaninoff is his Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra. Lush, sweeping romantic melodies sigh and stir on the piano and escalate into voluminous beauty in the orchestra. Upon hearing it, you will recognize it for sure. The Vocalise was originally a piano piece, at times resembling a sort of modern Moonlight Sonata, with a long haunting melodic line, but has become famous as a concert aria and sopranos like Renee Fleming still sing the aria today. As most piano composers tend to do, Rachmaninov transcribed works from other composers for piano and here we hear his lovely piano version of Kreisler's violin work "Liebeslied" or "Love Song". Beautiful! The Preludes are works of tonal beauty and nocturnal moods. Orozco is truly gifted on the piano. Years of training sharpened his musical talents so that he mastered the piano and Rachmaninoff especially. He knows Rachmaninoff's music intimately. He uses flowing rubato and handles the music with a sacred spirit. He breathes life into the works and never succumbs to mechanical playing. Instead, we get colorful musical portraits, complete with evocative imagery, such as in the Isle of the Dead, a symphonic poem that is also terrific in orchestral form. The Symphony No. 2 is another brilliant piece on here. Overall, a fine album and the quality of sound is excellent. At an affordable price, this is a treasure.

superb.......2005-09-17

Out of my huge collection of classical music, I find these disks being played more often than almost all the rest!

Great Piano Fireworks.......2004-02-05

This is my favorite recording of Rachmaninov's 2nd! Orozco and de Waart are thrilling right from the very first note. I keep flipping back to Track 1 just to hear the passionate opening movement! I have Ashkenzy, Vasary, and Entremont's recordings of this piece. The spacious engineering and Orozco's riveting performance keep me coming back to this one! The reading of the Rhapsody is also one of my favorites. I have a special attachment to this work, and these performances do not disappoint my picky taste. I hate to say it, but Orozco's technique and interpretation of the Rhapsody rival the performance with Rachmaninov as soloist with the Phila. Orch.
The other pieces in this "two-fer" are exceptional performances as well. I especially love Orozco's brilliance and technique in the G minor prelude--why couldn't I play it like that in piano lessons??? The Vocalise and Liebeslied are lovely arrangments.
For this price, this set is absolutely essential to anyone interested in Classical music! This is THE recording to have!

Rhapsody is best.......2004-01-19

This performance of the Rhapsody is absolutely amazing! The Concerto 2 is pretty intense as well, but get it for the Rhapsody -- it is worth it!

No. of concerto is wrong.......2004-01-04

I thing you made a mistake on your homepage.
The correct title is "Piano Concerto No.2" on "Listen to Sample" as below.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: I. Grave - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: II. Allegro animato
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: III. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: IV. Allegro con fuoco
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: I. Non allegro
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: I. Largo - Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: II. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: III. Adagio
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: IV. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op.29

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: I. Lento - Allegro Moderato
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: II. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro vivace
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: III. Allegro
The Bells, Op.35: I. Allegro ma non tanto
The Bells, Op.35: II. Lento
The Bells, Op.35: III. Presto
The Bells, Op.35: IV. Lento Lugubre

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recordings, all worth getting at any price!!!.......2005-04-01

Different people have different tastes. Without wishing to malign those who don't care as much (or at all) for this set, I'll dare say that this set is an absolute classic. [Why go only for the 2-disc set of just the symphonies instead of getting also Ostróva Mjórtvïkh (The Isle of the Dead), the Symphonic Dances and Kolokóla (The Bells) that come automatically as part of this 3-disc set?]

It was the Ashkenazy recording of Ostróva Mjórtvïkh that introduced me to what has since become my favourite symphonic poem ever (roll over Richard Strauss - this one together with Schönberg's "Pelléas et Mélisande" take the cake!) as well as the Symphonic Dances - and also Kolokóla as well as the 1st & 3rd Symphonies. [Prévin did as much for the 2nd Symphony in my case and his recording is a more than worthy competitor - his and this one are as good as tied for top spot in my honest opinion - get them BOTH if possible!!!!] At all times, these interpretations proved Sjergjéy Vassíljevich Rakhmáñinov as one of the greatest composers of the 1850-1950 period, even if he wasn't the most prolific (my biggest regret is that death stopped him from benefitting us organists with an Organ Concerto meant for Charles Courboin). [He was the type that could only concentrate on one thing at a time - be it composition, piano concertising, or conducting, at all of which he was outstanding; however, when he went into exile after the Russian Revolutions, he found himself mainly working as one of the greatest pianists of all time in order to secure his future and feed his family.] Obviously his mentor Pjótr Iljích Chaykóvskiy was a powerful influence on him; however, Rakhmáñinov never loses his individuality at any point!

Certainly his symphonic output is uniformly high: his 1st Symphony, while not always the most cohesive at times, still deserved a heck of a lot better fate than it received at the hands of Glazunóv - it's extremely inspired and there's no question that it deserves a high place in the repertoire. The 3rd Symphony - and the Symphonic Dances - not only proved that Rakhmáñinov had lost none of his mastery or inspiration in exile; they're both absolute masterpieces in their own right! [As to the 2nd, it would be my 2nd-favourite symphony, period, right behind Chaykóvskiy's 6th (Pathétique). The 3rd movement, if a question of falling in love for some, is for me a point of grieving for a lost love (which is very much still in my life after many years - I still cry bitterly on hearing this and the 1st movement!) and letting gradually go, though with greatest pain...] Finally, Kolokóla: another great masterpiece (the 2nd movement is especially moving and wonderful!).

Most definitely, Ashkenazy does full justice to all of these works. Of course, one can disagree with this or that aspect or instant in this or that work (e.g., I could have wished a slower accelerando in the 2nd movement of the Symphonic Dances from the waltz tempo - that way one misses the otherwise obvious allusion to Chaykóvskiy's "Flowers' Waltz" from Shchjeljkúnchik {Nutcracker}); however, the overall merits of these recordings truly deserve the fullest 5 stars possible - I'd myself go for 6! Go get it in all events!!!!

Outstanding Set, But Get Temirkanov for The Symphonic Dances.......2004-08-07

This is an outstanding set, with the exception of the Symphonic Dances, where Ashkenazy conveys some of the passion in this work but doesn't attain nearly the same level of emotional intensity as Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's versions.

A fantastically passionate performance of The Symphonic Dances is the 1963 recording by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, with Kiril Kondrashin as conductor (RCA; Catalog # 32046; ASIN: B000003ETI). With Kondrashin, the power and passion of The Symphonic Dances sweeps the listener away and takes him to an inspirational level. The performance is so burning hot that it throws off sparks. However, this CD may be out-of-print.

Another excellent and passionate interpretation of The Symphonic Dances is the 1992 recording by Yuri Temirkanov and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (RCA; Catalog Number 62710; ASIN: B000003FRT). The Temirkanov CD also has a beautiful performance of the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with the pianist Dmitri Alexeev.

The rest of this 3-CD set, consisting of the three symphonies and the Isle of the Dead, is outstanding. In the symphonies, the balance and the dynamic interplay between the strings, horns, and winds are brought out beautifully and the sound quality is crystal clear. The Isle of the Dead is very movingly performed, from the opening passage, where Ashkenazy establishes a somber ominous mood, to the sweeping majesty of the most powerful moments.

The CD booklet has a well-written, detailed, and informative essay on all of the compositions. The full text of The Bells, based on a reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's verses by the Russian symbolist poet Konstantin Balmont (1867 - 1943), is also included in Russian, English, French, and German.

Highly recommended, with the additional recommendation of supplementing this set with Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's recording of The Symphonic Dances.

A noteworthy Rachmaninov set.......2004-07-30

These were outstanding recordings when they were released individually in the 1980's, and as a complete set they make quite a bargain. Ashkenazy finds just the right tempi in most cases, particularly in the spectacular Symphonic Dances, one of the best versions of this piece ever recorded. Somehow he manages to combine his no-nonsense approach while still letting Rachmaninov's long melodic lines glow.

The dark Concertgebouw tone suits this program perfectly. If the First and Third Symphonies aren't exactly the composer at his most inspired (don't get me wrong -- not bad, just not his best), you are not likely to hear either one performed as dazzlingly as they are here. Many listeners will already have a recording of the Second Symphony, probably the composer's most popular work, and I'm not convinced that Ashkenazy's is the one and only, but you may want it just for the quality of the playing from the orchestra. And there is no shortage of good recordings of the Isle of the Dead, either, but again, the mood conjured up here is considerable.

In short, this is an excellent set -- gorgeously played, and spectacularly recorded. And now it's at a price that makes it hard to beat.

BRILLIANT!!!.......2003-09-22

I cannot believe what great quality this package is for such a great price!

The music itself is divine. The mixing is spot on (A very rare compliment to hear from my mouth). What more could I want? More works by Rachmaninov like this please!

Oh, Rachy, what beautiful music!.......2003-04-24

This is a lovely set of Rachmaninoff's three symphonies. As with his other works, these pieces are melodic and full of passion. Rachmaninoff may get a little moody at times, but he will never leave you in the doldrums. These are exciting works, and Ashkenazy brings them to life. The orchestra responds well. As a real bonus, this set includes other orchestral works. Of these, the Symphonic Dances have been performed more frequently lately. Ashkenazy handles these Dances admirably.

The sound quality of these digital Decca releases is excellent. The upper range of the brass has a little bite to it, but it does not detract from the deep, rich sound of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The dynamic range is extensive. Don't be afraid to turn up the volume and give your speakers a workout.

Tracks:

Cu Chullain
The Eternal Knot
Palace Of The Crystal Bridge
The Wooing Of Etain
King Of The Sacred Grove
Saint Declan's Drone
Salm O 'Dewi Sant'
Connla's Well
The Dagda
Children Of Dannu
Ceridwen's Curse
Hermit Of The Sea Rock
Isle Of The Mystic Lake
Math Was A Wizard

Amazon.com

When British composer Karl Jenkins launched Adiemus with the Songs of Sanctuary album in 1995, it was a fresh and exhilarating take on global music. Jenkins used choral vocals similar to Enya's, but spiked with a language of the imagination (merging African and Latin phonemes) and stoked by Jenkins's pastoral arrangements. Never wholly original--Lisa Gerrard and Elizabeth Fraser had already worked out fantasy vocal designs and the 1960s African mass "Missa Luba" effected a similar choral/African/Latin sound--Adiemus nevertheless found a new take on English composers' penchant for choirs. However, after six years and four albums mining this vein, Jenkins's sound rings more hollow with each recording.

The Eternal Knot is drawn from Jenkins's soundtrack to a BBC documentary called The Celts. You might recall that Enya also evolved her sound in the late 1980s doing a soundtrack for another documentary called The Celts. Taking his titles from the Celtic legends that populate the documentary, Jenkins orchestrates cinematic landscapes full of swelling crescendos and dynamic cadences. Less oppressive than the heavily orchestrated Adiemus II, The Eternal Knot still wears thin. He casts Miriam Stockley's voice into a boys-choir register, turning her staccato phonemes into incessant prattle. But when she's in her warmer middle range, her layered voice is enveloping. Despite the theme of the album, Celtic music is only used as an occasional touchstone, with uilleann piper Davy Spillane, a few bodhran-style percussion grooves, and harpist Catrin Finch providing some relief from Jenkins's string-laden classical pretensions. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Adiemus IV.......2007-05-07

This is another celtic cd which stirs the blood to your core. It has great melodies and wonderful arrangements to compliment the vocals. I will look forward to purchasing more of Adiemus in the future.

whaaaaaat?????.......2007-01-06

that was the first thing that popped into my head when i heard this album. i loved `songs of sanctuary' and was heartily disappointed not to also love this album. while it is obvious that the music is celtic-inspired, it is *only* the music that is so. the vocals seem to float along on their own with no relevance to the instrumentals beneath them. the language, which is the same play-language as `sanctuary', is blatantly out of place here. while with `sanctuary', despite the make-believe quality of the words, the quality of the vocal sound was instantly recognizable as south african. but those nasal tones and front-of-the-mask, brassy notes don't translate well to a celtic sound. (in fact, the whole album sounds like a clash of two cultures. as if a south african choir accidentally got routed to the shannon airport and collided with the chieftans.) on the whole, a disappointing album. if you want celtic music, buy a putumayo collection or *anything* by narada, clannad, celtic woman, etc. don't buy this album.

Good...Although two of the Songs are on my Ipod..........2006-01-24

My favorite songs are "Cu Chullain" and "Math was a Wizard". Cu Chullain is a good song for a ballet performance.

By the way, I own these two songs on my Ipod!

Meghan :)

New Age with an eclectic blend of styles from across the musical map!.......2005-11-23

Some earlier reviewers would suggest that this isn't up to the standards that Karl Jenkins achieved in some of his earlier output. I couldn't respond to that because this is the first Adiemus recording I've ever heard and, frankly, I loved every second of it. I'm thrilled that other listeners think the earlier recordings are better because I've now got something to really look forward to.

For me this recording evinced a blend of emotional responses - quiet contemplation, relaxation, toe-tapping, a satisfied smile, that whole body moving response to a driving rhythm and a joyful sense of participation in an all-encompassing musical experience. The recording is an eclectic blend of styles that cover an enormous range - Celtic rhythms and fiddling tunes in the style of River Dance; hard rock and steady beats that took a page out of Enigma's play book; a beautifully blended chorus of female voices that might well have included Enya, Diane Arkenstone and Loreena McKennitt; orchestral backgrounds that ranged from lush full orchestral accompaniment to pizzicato violin arpeggios that would have done Tchaikovsky proud in The Nutcracker; simple but effective, pleasing blues style acoustic guitar; full-bodied high speed choral sections that might have been penned by Karl Orff as part of the unforgettable Carmina Burana; and, a very effective seven beat piece that reminded me of the rhythms of Dave Brubeck's Unsquare Square Dance or Moe Kaufman's Swingin' Shepherd Blues!

Well, to each their own I suppose. It's certainly possible that this CD suffered by comparison to the quality of his other works but as a first time listener, I've got nothing but praise for it!

Paul Weiss

Unimaginative.......2004-06-14

Unlike 'Songs of Sanctuary', this album lacks imagination and invention. It comes across as somewhat monotonous and overly 'camp'.

Cu Chulain is a reasonable start but even there the urgent contribution by the violins comes too early, and by the end of the 'song', the concept becomes tiresome. The title track seems to be depicting something monumental in its climatic outbursts but if so, the effect is more visual (the documentary itself) than aural. It's odd how there is apparently no language used here yet 'Palace of the Crystal Bridge' manages to sound like some clueless surfer-girl taking herself way too seriously.

'The Wooing of Etain' is a beautiful instrumental and one of the very few pieces on the album that is thought-provoking, as is 'King of the Sacred Grove' (which is mellow and sounds suitably regal)....this is more of what I've come to expect/appreciate in Jenkins. Even so, he could have done more to build a climax towards the end of this, the third longest piece on the album.

'Songs' such as 'The Dagda' would be interesting diversions/fillers for the album if it wasn't for the synthesized, mass-product result of the album overall. Less 'ethnic-sounding' and more towards 'tacky' (e.g., the duo separated by 1 octave sung in unison at the end of 'Hermit of the Sea Rock'), this isn't as moving an experience as some would laud it to be.

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