El Niņo

el niņo

Track Listings
1. Still the Same
2. Fly
3. Same House
4. Dog, Laika
5. Lipstick
6. Codie Clear
7. Friends
8. Kou-Coo
9. Warm Hands
10. Wrong
11. Dilute Me
12. Lucky Day

El Niņo,El Niņo,Flat Earth,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

El Niņo
Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Gabriela Montero CDs
  • Non-professional Review
  • Absolutely Magnificent!
  • Improvisations Unbelievable!
  • A beautiful breath of fresh air!
 Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero
  2. Gabriela Montero en Concert à Montréal
  3. Montero Plays Chopin
  4. Bach & Beyond [United Kingdom]
  5. The Carnegie Hall Concert

ASIN: B0009VK0LO
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
  2. Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
  3. Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
  4. Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
  5. Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
  6. Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
  7. Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
  8. La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
  9. Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
  10. Danza Del Viejo Boyero
  11. Danza De La Moza Donosa
  12. Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
  13. Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
  14. Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
  15. Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

  1. On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
  2. On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
  3. On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
  4. On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
  5. Inspired By Scriabin
  6. On Duermete Mi Nino
  7. In The Style Of Tango
  8. On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
  9. In The Style Of Bach
  10. On Chopin: Prelude In A
  11. 'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
  12. 'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

5 out of 5 stars Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

5 out of 5 stars A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.
Paz
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Pure Magic !
Paz
El Nino Josele
Manufacturer: Sony International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000HD1OI2
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

  1. Peace Piece
  2. Waltz for Debby
  3. Peacocks
  4. I Do It for Your Love
  5. My Foolish Heart
  6. Dolphin
  7. Hullo Bolinas
  8. Minha
  9. Never Let Me Go
  10. Turn out the Stars
  11. When I Fall in Love

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pure Magic ! .......2007-05-08

Maybe the best cd of 2007 ! Nino Josele is a master in interpreting the music of Bill Evans . Flamenco lover or not , Bill Evans lover or not , everyone will love this cd . What a touch , what a sound , it feel like Bill is so close to you on that cd !

just get it !










Diáspora Sefardí
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • One of Savall's finest
  • Nearly every night for 6 months!
  • Diáspora sefardí / Hespèrion XXI
 Diáspora Sefardí

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
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  1. Orient - Occident
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  5. Elizabethan Consort Music

ASIN: B00004RBWV
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

  1. El Moro De Antequera
  2. Levantose El Conde Nino
  3. El Rey De Francia
  4. Por Alli Paso Un Cavallero
  5. Por Que Llorax Blanca Nina
  6. La Guirnalda De Rosas
  7. Nani Nani
  8. El Rey Que Tanto Madruga

Tracks:

  1. Las Estrellas De Los Cielos
  2. En La Santa Helena
  3. A La Una Yo Naci
  4. Improvisacion
  5. Paxarico Tu Te Llamas
  6. Yo Era Nina De Casa Alta
  7. Longe De Mi Tu Estaras
  8. Hermoza Muchachica
  9. Axerico De Quinze Anos
  10. Improvisacion Sobre 'Axerico'

Amazon.com essential recording

The Sephardic Jews, scattered through the world after their expulsion from Spain in 1492, kept alive for centuries not only their language, Ladino, but an extraordinary repertory of "folk" songs, many of them quite sophisticated. As Ladino culture began to slowly fade away over the course of the 20th century, musicologists collected and transcribed these melodies from Ladino-speaking communities in Sarajevo, Sofia, Salonika, Smyrna, Jerusalem, and other cities. Beginning in the 1970s, these extraordinary songs were revived (to considerable excitement) for concert audiences--a revival sparked in large part by a 1976 recording by Hesperion XX. This now-legendary early music ensemble, renamed Hesperion XXI for the new century, has returned to the music of the Sephardic Diaspora with this beautifully produced and packaged release. Disc 1 contains eight songs performed lovingly by the magnetic Montserrat Figueras (who sings with an appropriately unstudied tone). The second disc includes eight more melodies performed instrumentally; the choice of instruments reflects the influence of the Muslim-ruled areas where the Sephardim settled with the oud, rebab, and qanun (Middle Eastern equivalents of the lute, fiddle, and dulcimer) performing alongside harps, lutes, flutes, and frame drums. (Inexplicably, however, the final track of this second CD--an improvisation for the sarod and tabla--sounds nice but feels completely foreign to the theme of this release.) It may have been more effective programming to mingle the vocal and instrumental tracks across the two CDs rather than segregating them. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of Savall's finest.......2004-05-19

Hespérion XXI (formerly Hespérion XX, but renamed to honour the new century) is one of the most accomplished ensembles specialising in the early music of the Iberian peninsula. It is one of the ongoing collectives led by the formidable Jordi Savall, renowned for his interpretations on the viol da gamba. The members are always changing, which makes the ensemble simply a name for a grouping of artists and interpreters of this immensely rich musical heritage, yet always under Savall's masterful direction. Diaspora Sefardi is a double-CD of music of the Sephardic Jews, a diverse culture originating in Spain and later settling in countries around the Mediterranean after their expulsion from most of Spain in 1492. Never losing sight of their basic identity as Jews or their awareness of their Spanish origins, the Sephardic culture gradually incorporated numerous influences from the peoples among whom it evolved: from the Arab culture of north Africa, from the Turks, Greeks, Bulgarians, Rumanians, Serbocroats, etc. In short, Sephardic music is an amazing blend of all these influences, immediately recognisable for its unique manifestation of this diversity.

Led by the impeccable soprano Montserrat Figueras, a generous collection of sephardic romances resides on disc one, and ten instrumental pieces are found on disc two. Savall (performing on lira, viola and rebab) is joined by some virtuoso players here: Pedro Estevan on percussions, Yair Dalal on oud, Andrew Lawrence-King on arpa doppia, Pedro Memelsdorff on flutes, and a handful of others on psaltry, qanun, laud, sarod and medieval harp. This recording differs in kind from other interpretations (by Savall or by countless other interpreters of this music) in that it employs a more diverse instrumentation that lies beyond the standard western European grouping of percussion, viol, flutes and harps, and rather embraces the instrumentations of eastern influences of this music (oud, qanun, sarod, etc.).

Disc one, subtitled "Por que llorax blanca nina" (Why do you weep fair child?) is a selection of beautiful songs, mostly from 16th and 17th century documents, though all of them look back much earlier to a very old tradition of songs. Montserrat Figueras is full of vitality, her breathtaking voice and accomplished techniques show her complete mastery of this challenging material.

Disc two, "Las estrellas de los cielos" (The stars in the sky), is a diverse collection of instrumental pieces, interpreted and performed to perfection by this ensemble. This second disc is the real jewel here. Even in the complexity of rhythms, fostered by Pedro Estevan's challenging techniques, the rhythms are extremely accessible, allowing the listener to move around within the multifaceted and subtle instrumentations. Some are traditional dance pieces, while others more meditative reflections and variations on the music of the popular romances.

Listening to this music is always a rewarding enterprise. Full of surprises, it never provokes the same response twice. This release comes highly recommended for the curious listener. It comes beautifully packaged with lyrics and an informative essay by Paloma Diaz-Mas.

5 out of 5 stars Nearly every night for 6 months!.......2003-05-01

After owning this CD for about 4 years, when my newborn daughter needed bedtime soothing I grabbed this (the 2nd CD). We listen to it nearly every night and I am never bored with it. It only bothers me a little when I find it getting stuck in my head during the day. I still enjoy sitting in the dark listening to it after 6 months. Beautiful moving music.

5 out of 5 stars Diáspora sefardí / Hespèrion XXI.......2000-11-13

En este disco Jordi Savall y su grupo retoman el trabajo que emprendieron en discos anteriores sobre la música de origen judío ("Secular music from christian and jewish Spain" y los dedicados a la Sibila). El primer disco está compuesto por obras vocales que pertenecen a distintas expresiones de la diáspora judía a través de Europa, pero todas en ladino (lengua de los sefarditas o judíos españoles), interpretadas con una gran variedad de instrumentos (percusiones, flauta dulce, salterio, arpa, laúdes, etc.) sobre las que se alza la voz de Monserrat Figueras, que maneja bastante bien el estilo y el dramatismo requeridos, a pesar de que a mi juicio su interpretación es poco variada, y no se distingue tanto de sus versiones de música barroca italiana, por ej. El segundo disco trae sólo obras instrumentales, en las que se da un mayor espacio a la improvisación y la ornamentación, lo que considero bastante pertinente pare este tipo de música, y que realmente está muy bien lograda en este caso, permitiendo trabajar toda suerte de matices (el uso del aire por parte del flautista Pedro Memmelsdorff, por ejemplo). En todo caso, es necesario señalar que éste es un disco muy fresco, donde realmente se percibe un compromiso emotivo de los músicos con las obras, que pertenecen a un repertorio bastante poco trabajado en el campo de la música antigua, y sobre el cual todavía debe quedar mucho por investigar.
Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes for Guitar
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • great composer
  • what a beautiful melodies Lauro is!
  • Holzman plays Lauro beautifully
  • The finest CD in my collection
  • Guitar Collection - Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes / Adam Holzman
 Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes for Guitar

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004NK2H
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Seis Por Derecho: Joropo
  2. Maria Carolina
  3. El Marabino
  4. Maria Luisa
  5. Angostura
  6. Adios A Ocumare
  7. Papelon
  8. Nelly
  9. Suite Venezolana: I. Registro (Preludio)
  10. Suite Venezolana: II. Danza Negra
  11. Suite Venezolana: III. Cancion
  12. Suite Venezolana: IV. Vals
  13. Suite Venezolana: El Nino
  14. 4 Valses Venezolanos: Vals No.1
  15. 4 Valses Venezolanos: Vals No.2
  16. 4 Valses Venezolanos: Vals No.3 (Vals Criollo)
  17. 4 Valses Venezolanos: Vals No.4 (Yacambu)
  18. 4 Valses Venezolanos: El Negrito
  19. 4 Valses Venezolanos: La Gatica
  20. Triptico: 1. Armida
  21. Triptico: 2. Madrugada
  22. Triptico: 3. La Negra
  23. Variations Sobre Una Cancion Infantil Venezolana
  24. Zulay
  25. Carora

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great composer.......2006-07-31

Antonio Lauro pieces are very melodic, not long, repetitive but beautiful, his music speaks directly to me and nobody really introduced me to it, i am familiar with many tunes through midi songs and some recordings. i will buy this cd because he comes up time and again as influential instrumentalist to me with interesting structures

i am going to pay cd and nylon string guitar soon too i feel.

5 out of 5 stars what a beautiful melodies Lauro is!.......2004-05-25

I am a guitarist and listen to guitar sounds CD everyday. Especaily I listen to modern time guitar songs, A.York or R.Dyense etc, on the other hand, I listen to south and mid american songs. This Lauro's CD have my both wish, the unique sentimental and beautiful sounds of modern and south american.

Their songs is not long scale songs, though they are small songs, include many unique melodies with alpegio picking style.

It is very difficult to select his best songs because there are a lot of wondeful songs. I love Nataria and Angostuna especially. I think that he is genious in the point that make the songs with minor chords. In addition to that, his songs do not exist bad songs, all the songs is more that good.

Thank you for reading my poor English.

4 out of 5 stars Holzman plays Lauro beautifully.......2003-03-07

A very nice collection of pieces from an important guitar composer. There are other fine performances of Antonio Lauro's works by John Williams and David Burgess, for instance, but this CD certainly does honor to Lauro's musical contributions.

5 out of 5 stars The finest CD in my collection.......2002-11-10

This is currently my favorite guitar recording. The sound is powerful and the playing is unbelievable. I immediately bought every Adam Holtzman CD I could find and they are wonderful too.

4 out of 5 stars Guitar Collection - Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes / Adam Holzman.......2000-06-12

Despues de comprar este CD me di cuenta de la gran compra que realize. El sonido es realmente espectacular y el interprete fantastico. No puedo olvidar al compositor que muestra su maestria una vez mas. Excelente!
El Niño
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • slightly boring...
  • OK
  • DEF SQUAD BABY
  • Classic, amazing album. Don't agree? Then y'all ain't ready
  • Collaboration
 El Niño
Def Squad
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000007QCA
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

  1. Shower (Intro)
  2. Check N' Me Out
  3. Countdown
  4. Full Cooperation
  5. Ride Wit' Us
  6. Lay 'Em Down (Skit)
  7. Rhymin' Wit' Biz
  8. The Game (Freestyle)
  9. World Announcement (Skit)
  10. Can U Dig It?
  11. You Do, I Do
  12. Ya'll Niggas Ain't Ready
  13. Say Word!
  14. No Guest List
  15. Babies Father Committee (Skit)
  16. Def Squad Delite

Amazon.com

In the late 1990s so many rappers are appearing on each other's records that it becomes easy to forget just whose album it is. On El Niño, Keith Murray, Erick Sermon, and Redman--all lethal MCs--took the next logical step and joined forces. The result? Chemistry class is in session. What cannot be understated is how reenergized the trio sound together. They appear invigorated with a sense of focus and duty: "Full Cooperation" is pure park-after-dark rhyming; "The Game" is the trio at its freshest, freely trading four bars each over classic cuts, breaks, and beats; and then there's "Ride wit Us," with one of the most surreal exchanges on the album, when guest rapper Too Short passes the mic to Murray over a Sermon beat. Juice Crew veteran Biz Markie also adds some old-school spice to a cover of "Rhymin' with Biz" that pairs the original hook with James Brown's "Payback" guitar. --Todd Inoue

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars slightly boring..........2006-02-26

It seems like after Keith Murray's second album, all of Eric Sermon's beats just became 2 bass notes and a medium drumbeat. check Meth and Redman's BlackOut, and Redman's Doc's Da Name 2000 for more evidence. Eric Sermon is one of the best and most influential producers ever, but this isn't an example of why. All the emceeing is on point, but without the beats that's like saying you have a top of the range set of speakers, but a 4 watt system to use them on. Everything needs to be good for an album like this to be a classic.

3 out of 5 stars OK.......2005-11-26

I like Countdown , Full Cooperation and Yall N**gazz aint ready but thats it I thought this would be 5 stars but it is just like about any other posse album just not as good as the solos

5 out of 5 stars DEF SQUAD BABY.......2004-08-02

I HAVE TO HONESTLY SAY THESE GUYS ROCK FOR A RAP TRIO I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY ARENT THEY RELEASING ANOTHER ALBUM BECAUSE THIS ONE DEFINATELY KNOWS HOW TO MAKE A GOOD LISTENER LISTEN. IM A HUGE REDMAN FAN I THINK THESE GUYS DESERVE A GOLD TROPHY FOR THIS ALBUM MY FAVORITE JOINT IS TRACK 5 THE SONG FEAT TOO SHORT,RIDE WITH US, I AGAIN WISH TO SEE ICARUS AND SOC JOIN DEF SQUAD THE COMBINATION WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE.FUNK DOC HIT SQUAD IS SERIOUSLY IN THE HOUSE

5 out of 5 stars Classic, amazing album. Don't agree? Then y'all ain't ready.......2004-03-06

This album is not one of my favorites...but I truly love it to death, for a number of reasons:

I have been following the careers of "The Funk-Lord / MC Grand Royal / Green-Eyed Bandit" Erick Sermon, "The Philles Blunt King" Keith Murray & "Funk Doctor Spot" Redman under a microscope from day one. Each brings a unique style & attitude to the mic, but there is and will never be, another trio as great as this one. With E-Double producing the entire album (execpt "You Do, I Do" by Red), the entire LP is bursting at the seams with funky-ass beats.

Erick Sermon, as we all know (or at least all should know), started his hip-hop tenure paired w/ Parrish Smith (PMD) in the classic & hugely influential duo, EPMD. Everyone knows that Sermon had all the talent, as it was evident in his production and superior rhymes w/ his classic lisp. As soon as the duo temporarily broke apart in 1992, Sermon simply blew up but didn't go pop. He took understudies, Redman & Keith Murray and turned them each into Hip-Hop icons, via practically producing and guiding both of their entire careers. He also released two solo albums, "No Pressure" in 1993 & "Double or Nothing" in 1995, both are amazing.

The first time the world heard Redman on the mic was on EPMD's 1992 LP, "Business as Usual" on the tracks, "Headbanger" & "Brothers on my Jock." Soon after, Redman released his debut album "Whut? Thee Album," later that year (entirely produced by E-Dub) and it went gold. Ever since then, Redman has become a huge staple in east-coast hip-hop. Sermon and Redman were good buddies and Sermon (I'm guessing) just figured that Red could rap over his beats, and it'd be ill. I have a feeling (not officialy confirmed) that Sermon's growing friendship with Redman & Murray played a part in EPMD's break-up.

Keith Murray is a completely different story, sort of. He was brought to Sermon's legendary basement one night by fellow "Hit Squad" member, K-Solo. Murray was homeless and broke, but he could rap like nobody had ever heard, (it's true I read this in an interview w/ Murray). The hip-hop world was first introduced to Keith Murray on Sermon's first solo album, "No Pressure" in 1993 on the tracks "Hostile" & "Swing it Over Here." The latter is to my expert knowledge, the first track the trio ever collaborated on, and it's dope. The next year in 1994, Murray released his debut LP "The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World," produced entirely by Sermon, and everybody loved it.

Dating from 1993, up to "El Nino" in 1998, each member of Def Squad had released at least 2 albums apiece. The beauty of it is, each solo album had at least one track that featured all three members. This is why I love this album so much...for years I had been getting tastes of what Sermon, Redman & Murray sound like when they all surround a mic, and I could never get enough. This album is a full 16 tracks (minus interludes and intros) of all three members. It's truly a beautiful thing that serious hip-hop heads had been waiting for, for years.

Now, don't expect much from this album by means of insight, emotion or even tracks that make you think. That's not their style. What these three heavyweights represent is pure funky, sh*t-talking hip-hop. It's all in good fun. They rhyme to entertain - not change lives. What's funny about Def Squad, is that not one of the tracks on the album have anything that seperates one from another. They all just rhyme about how dope they are, but the beats change from track to track and it couldn't sound better. My friends and I always joke that this album is like one big track. It's perfect, if that's what you're in the mood for.

Bottom Line: Those of us who know, know that this album was a long time coming. In an odd way, it's history in the making. The beats are incredible and the rhymes suit them perfectly. This is the perfect definition of a fun album. Any fan of Erick Sermon, EPMD, Redman, or Keith Murray will love this. 5 funky stars. Peace.

5 out of 5 stars Collaboration.......2003-12-10

All that is needed to be said about this album is the collaboration that took place in the late 1990's. Keith Murray, Eric Sermon (a common and great duo) along with a more commercial rapper in redman. The collaboration was smart and needed.
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano
  • The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles
  • In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria
  • the genius of de los angeles
  • A n angelic voice
 The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
Victoria De Los Angeles
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000083GOE
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

  1. O Mio Babbino Caro
  2. Un Bel Di Vedremo
  3. Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Jussi Bjorling
  4. Senza Mamma
  5. Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
  6. Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo!... Hui! Stridono Lassu
  7. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
  8. Nacqui All'Affano...Non Piu Mesta
  9. Una Voce Poco Fa
  10. E Strano!... Ah, Fors' E Lui...Sempre Libera
  11. Porgi, Amor
  12. Dich, Teure Halle
  13. Einsam In Truben Tagen
  14. Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table
  15. Les Grands Seigneurs...Ah! Je Ris
  16. Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle

Tracks:

  1. Auf Flugein Des Gesanges
  2. Ich Liebe Dich
  3. Wiegenlied
  4. Les Filles De Cadiz
  5. Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
  6. Chevre
  7. Punto De Habanera
  8. Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
  9. Canto Negro
  10. De Espana Vengo
  11. Cancion Del Amor Dolido
  12. Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo
  13. La Pastoura Als Camps
  14. Bailero
  15. Chut, Chut
  16. Uno Jionto Postouro
  17. Oh! Had I Jubal's Lyre
  18. An Die Musik
  19. Dein Blaues Auge
  20. Vergebliches Standchen - Gerald Moore
  21. L'Invitation Au Voyage
  22. La Flute Enchantee
  23. Chanson Espagnole
  24. Chanson Francaise
  25. Chanson Italienne
  26. Clavelitos!
  27. Malaguena - Gerald Moore
  28. Granadina - Gerald Moore
  29. Adios, Granada
  30. Zapateado (La Tarantula E Un Bicho Mu Malo) - Alicia De Larrocha

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano.......2007-07-13

This 2 CD set is a terrific introduction to the body of work of Victoria de los Angeles. As the "liner notes" point out: "She was an artist who brought individuality and a sense of joy to everything she performed. . . ." And this is not hyperbole. She was a top soprano in the middle part of the twentieth century.

Some cuts exemplify her art:

"Un bel di" is a ravishing version of this well known aria. She demonstrates a ri8ch voice with fine musicality. This is a ravishing version of this aria. The singer displays good vocal control. There are nice transitions across the registers.

"Si, mi chiamano Mimi" is another well known work for sopranos. Again, nicely done. She appears (to me anyhow) to catch the spirit of Mimi very nicely indeed.

From "La Traviata," she essays "E strano. . .Sempre Libera." This is an affecting version. She does not have the coloratura armamentarium that some have brought to bear on this aria, but she does a fine job nonetheless. She seems to capture the desperate spirit of Violetta in "Sempre Libera."

Rossini's "Una voce poco fa" is a nice tour de force for sopranos. De los Angeles does a nice job here. This is a work from the Bel canto repertoire, but she does well. She shows vocal agility and captures the spirit of the work. This is an affecting, charming version. There is some occasional vocal harshness, but not a serious issue.

From "Carmen," "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle." Richly and nicely sung.

Her range on this CD is worth noting: from Puccini and Verdi to Wagner to Rossini to Gounod.

And then another of her specialties--songs. She does a nice turn with the Spanish song "Malaguena." Then, in a nice twist, she accompanies herself on guitar in "Adios Granada." I'm not normally so excited about songs, but in this case I found her work enchanting.

So, if you want to get a sense of the artistry of Victoria de los Angeles, this is an excellent starting point. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles.......2006-09-13

Is the recording on Allegro records of her performance of Madame Butterfly in New Orleans in 1954, not the Rome recording. She is simply radiant, perfect, a voice truly that is a victory for the angels. Unbelievably marvelous.

5 out of 5 stars In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria.......2005-02-01

Victoria De Los Angeles died Saturday of heart failure at the age of 83 in Barcelona, Spain. The world of opera mourns her loss. She was a gifted soprano and a wonderful human being. On stage, she was able to directly speak to her audience and communicate with them in a very special and rare way that is not always seen today. She never hid herself behind a facade nor distanced herself from fans and audiences. She was born to sing opera. It was in her blood. This album showcases De Los Angeles in her most memorable and successful roles. Victoria De Los Angeles was one of the first singers from Spain to win worldwide acclaim. Others would follow- Placido Domingo and Montserrat Caballe. De Los Angeles is showcased in this album which may also serve as a tribute to the now late soprano.

Her voice was essentially full lyric with some spinto. Hearing her renditions of "O Mio Babbini Caro"- a signature soprano role, as well as "Ebben Ne Andro Lontana" from La Wally and her performances as Mimi, one is clearly treated to the truest form of a pure lyric soprano. Her voice is spunned gold, with sweet, warm, feminine textures. Her reperotire remained in the Italian and French. Of course, being Spanish, she was a leading singer in Spanish Lieder and romantic ballads. Her Art Songs in Spanish are full of elegance and grace. A champion of obscure composers, she sang and recorded recitals that featured the works of lesser known composers, though strictly Lieder and Folk/Art Song.

Victoria De Los Angeles is fortunately a well-documented artist. Some film footage exist of her performances. I seem to recall that there exists a taped performance of her Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata. She excelled in the lyric roles of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme, Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. Her Madame Butterfly is a pure lyric rendition, with less of the dramatic intensity other singers have given the role- i.e. Leontine Price, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, etc. But her Butterfly is actually the way the role ought to be sung. It's a voice of grace, naivete and above all romance that must colorize Butterfly. The dramatic intensity only makes her sound older and madly passionate. She is only a fifteen year old girl who has been deceived and betrayed. She must remain youthful sounding. De Los Angeles does justice to the truest form of Butterfly. She was thrilling in French and Italian operas and her Spanish songs were briliant and beautiful.

Victoria will always be remembered. She was a unique and talented artist of the lyric repertoire. Her pure, lovely voice was like an angel's. There will never be another Victoria De Los Angeles. With her death, the end of an era also passes. In particular, I will always remember one reported incident. She was about to make her first recital in America but she had no accompanist- pianist/guitarist etc. When asked how she would handle this, she remarked: "Well I brought my guitar with me". And she proceeded to accompany herself with the guitar.

5 out of 5 stars the genius of de los angeles.......2004-02-14

the incomparable de los angeles combines exquisite sound and nuance to the world of superb singing. her mastery of a variety of styles is astounding and yet it always sounds natural.her magic will live forever.

5 out of 5 stars A n angelic voice.......2004-02-06

De los Angeles' ability to sing with elegance and style has rarely been equalled and never been surpassed. She's the greatest Charlotte in "Werther", the most tender Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the most sumptuos Nedda in "I Pagliacci". Her Lieder-Recordings are legendary, my favourites are the Spanish ones of course. What a piano-culture and what a velvet sound! Get this set, it's cheap and it has GREAT singing!
The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful, sensitive playing....
  • John Bayless is awesome
  • The One CD in My Collection I Never Tire of Listening To
  • Gorgeous arrangements. Very dramatic and melodic.
 The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless
John Bayless , Luis Enrique Bacalov , Giacomo Puccini , Michel Legrand , Joaquin Rodrigo , Nino Rota , John Williams , James Horner , Sergey Rachmaninov , and Harold Arlen
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SLY
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

  1. Il Postino, From The Postman - Visi d'Arte, From Tosca
  2. El Canto de Ensarria - The Summer Knows, From Summer Of '42 - Concierto de Aranjuez, 2nd Movement
  3. A Time For Us, Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet- Adagio In G Minor
  4. Theme From Schindler's List - Prelude In C-Sharp Minor - Hatikva (Interlude)
  5. Somewhere Out There, From An American Tail - Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini Variations No.18
  6. When I fall In Love, From Sleepless In Seattle - Liebestraume
  7. Moon River, From Breakfast At Tiffany's - Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement
  8. Beauty And The Beast, From Beauty And The Beast - Prayer From Hansel And Gretel
  9. Over The Rainbow, From The Wizard Of Oz - Legends

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful, sensitive playing...........2003-11-02

Ah, reader, consider this album. I have been listening to Bayless music for years, from Bach Meets the Beatles to his crazy happy birthday album in a dozen styles (Stravinsky's Rite of Birthday, a favorite), but this one has something special going on. The playing is so beautifully, and sensitively played that one is really swept away by the original movie tune, interwound with a classical piece, so seamless and amazing. One of my all-time favorite albums.

5 out of 5 stars John Bayless is awesome.......2003-10-13

He's such a great talent, I was lucky enough to meet him almost 2 years ago. I got this CD autographed! :) He was such a nice person and performed so well on the stage. Buy this album, it's really awesome!

5 out of 5 stars The One CD in My Collection I Never Tire of Listening To.......2001-03-24

John Bayless had a vision for this album---to combine the most beautiful classical pieces along with the most romantic and engaging movie themes of all time. The arrangements and the way in which he weaves the varous pieces together, sometimes playing both themes simultaneously, are incredible. They lift you up and carry you away. The various instrumental additions (such as the guitar in track 2, drums in track 6, strings in track 5, the sound of the wind in track 4) add just the right touch---lightly sprinkled in when needed. As a professional pianist myself, I also appreciate his considerable technique and the emotion with which he infuses his music. Anyone who likes classical music and movies should own this CD. Anyone who has friends who like classical music and movies should purchase this CD for them. They will love you for it. It is my favorite CD. I never tire of listening to it.

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous arrangements. Very dramatic and melodic........1999-11-16

Don't be scared off by the "clown-like" picture on the cover. This album, by a true piano virtuoso/arranger, blends familiar movie and light classical melodies together into unique arrangements. Every time it's been on while I have guests, someone always asks "What's that beautiful music?"
A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • like all but one track
  • Heaven is here!
  • A Very Mixed Bag
  • Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings
 A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers
various/traditional , Dame Kiri Te Kanawa , The King's Singers , London Sinfonia , and Richard Hickox
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RRF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Here We Come A-Wassailing
  2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
  3. The Little Drummer Boy
  4. I Wonder As I Wander
  5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
  6. Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
  7. Ding Dong! Merrily On High
  8. Stille Nacht
  9. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
  10. A Little Christmas Music (Medley A La Mozart)
  11. The Coventry Carol (Lully, Lulla)
  12. The Boar's Head Carol
  13. Gaudete
  14. Joy To The World
  15. Three Spanish Carols: Riu, Riu, Chiu
  16. Three Spanish Carols: El Nino Querido
  17. Three Spanish Carols: Villancico Catalan
  18. Deck The Hall
  19. The Wexford Carol
  20. The Gift (Simple Gifts)
  21. Patapan And Farandole

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-11-29

The King's Singers come to us steeped in the 500 year old English tradition of choral singing; and that's fine with me.!!!There are 6 singers in this group (the personnel change from time to time)namely: Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume (countertenors)- Robert Chilcott (tenor)- Bruce Russell and Simon Carrington (baritones) and Stephen Connolly (bass). They are very capably accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia and Brass Quintet conducted by Richard Hickox. An added PLUS is the great Kiri Te Kanawa who sings an arrangement by Daryl Runswick entitled "A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)". It's a hodge-podge of Mozart melodies sewn together in a rather haphazard manner, and meant to be humorous. I guess this type of composition does not appeal to me personally, and I'm sorry that Kiri's glorious voice was wasted. However, that's only MY opinion; I am certain others may disagree.
This album is really a mixture of Christmas tunes and that's partly what makes it interesting. And, of course it is masterfully sung by the King's singers;I enjoy all their discs; especially the recording of Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. Some of the arrangements on this disc are somewhat esoteric, and I'm not too fond of the very STRANGE arrangement (again by Daryl Runswick) of the Coventry Carol, but 'to each his own'. Their opening selection:"Here We Come a-wassailing" (arr. Robert Chilcott) is a great opening number and I must say that it's the best arrangement I have ever heard of this selection.
Let's face it:the KING'S SINGERS are perfection. But don't forget our American group:Chanticleer.

4 out of 5 stars like all but one track.......2006-02-02

With the exception of track 11 (The Coventry Carol, Lully lulla) I really like this CD. I personally prefer the traditional renditions of The Coventry Carol. I do not like the "modern" harmonics and arrangement of it on this CD. Otherwise, it is very fine, indeed.

5 out of 5 stars Heaven is here!.......2005-10-26

Xmas carols are always touching, but this cd is beyond all you have already heard. The King's Singers plus Kiri Te Kanawa is a combination of angelical adult voices, yes, adults can also have angelical voices. Buy this cd and check yourself if it is not true!

2 out of 5 stars A Very Mixed Bag.......2003-08-15

I've often admired the King's Singers' performances, and of course they are a famous and accomplished ensemble, noted for the precision of their close-harmony singing, so I was looking forward to this CD. I regret to say that I find it a very mixed bag, on the whole disappointing. Unfortunately the reliable executant skills of the King's Singers are not matched here by their judgment and taste in choosing arrangements--perhaps there was too great a push for mixing it up, adding variety, "something different." The resulting arrangements are wildly uneven, some of them unattractive and tasteless in varying degrees from mild to dreadful. They range from the very good (bands 7 and 18: straightforward a cappella close-harmony, which is what these singers do best), to exotic (band 16), to schmaltzy (band 5), to busy (band 8), to campy (bands 11 and 19), to cutesy (bands 3 and 6), to terminally cutesy-poo (bands 4, 11, and 19). "Deck the halls," for example, is done in by its arch, cutesy-poo arrangement, as is "White Christmas," which even includes a bizarre, wholly gratuitous interpolation of a bit from Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije, God knows why!

Band 12, "The Coventry Carol," the longest cut on the CD, demands special mention: it is downright awful. The annotator of this CD writes cosily, "And of course there are the old traditional English Christmas songs, all mulled wine and mince pies." Nothing could be less descriptive of what we get here, where the misguided, pretentious, weird, grotesquely ugly, far-out dissonant-modern arrangement does its utmost to pervert and spoil this lovely old English carol, twisting and distorting it into something almost unrecognizable; this cut is a real horror. (Sir David Willcocks, the famed King's College choirmaster under whom the King's Singers trained and sang as youths, would be appalled. The man responsible for this travesty, one Daryl Runswick, also arranged two other selections; his consistently tasteless arrangements comprise three of the four worst on the CD.)

The performing forces vary from the a cappella singers to accompaniments with brass ensemble or orchestra. The variable but undistinguished engineering (EMI's Abbey Road studios, 1989)--over-processed, over-bright, hard-edged, and occasionally canned-sounding--is an additional drawback. If you like traditional Christmas music (as I do) you might want to think twice before buying this CD. At least try to listen to it first. Caveat emptor.

5 out of 5 stars Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings.......2002-12-26

King's Singers maintains the highest standard for all those who aspire to create spine-tingling a cappella harmony. Somewhat akin to the small number of their peers worldwide, no style seems off limits to their abilities. But certain aspects set the King's Singers apart. Perhaps it is their early and consistent training in the English choral discipline, or the many, years of touring together in one combination or other. Their most remarkable quality is their quintessentially English sound -- the pipe-like tone produced especially in the mid- to upper registers -- that is at once remarkably free of vibrato, but still alive with overtones. If one listens closely to the solo parts, it becomes evident: the sound isn't produced merely by excellent group intervallic intonation, but by individual voices capable of producing overtones. Thus, it's the sound you can't hear that takes your breath away.

Because the recording is so excellent on the whole, one disappointment stands out: I wish that Coventry Carol had been saved for another recording. The dissonances conjure up distressing images at odds with the overall effect they seem to have been trying to accomplish with the recording, and I can certainly imagine that in another context, I might have been interested and emotionally moved, rather than unsettled and annoyed.

In any case, this has remained for years one of my favorite Christmas recordings, and I have to give it 5 stars.
Sing We Christmas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Pure Christmas
  • Christmas magic
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • Simply beautiful
  • It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!
 Sing We Christmas
Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000SNL
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

  1. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
  2. O magnum mysterium
  3. In dulci iubilo
  4. O virgo virginum
  5. O Jesulein s Jesulein mild
  6. Hodie Christus natus est
  7. Marabile mysterium
  8. Verbum caro factum est: Y la Virgen le dezia
  9. A un nilorando
  10. Here Is The Little Door
  11. Noel canon
  12. Quelle est cette odeur agrle
  13. El Noi de la Mare
  14. A Christmas Carol
  15. A virgin unspotted
  16. In the bleak mid-winter
  17. Glory to the newborn King
  18. Stille nacht - Douce nuit - Silent night

Amazon.com

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pure Christmas.......2007-01-16

If you are looking for traditional madrigal sounding holiday music, this CD is for you. I have purchased this CD several times because I just keep giving them away. Everyone I've ever introduced it to has loved it. This finely polished group has a pure sound matched by no other. If you weren't looking at the CD notes you would never know this is only a group of 12 men.

5 out of 5 stars Christmas magic.......2007-01-10

A CD evocative of Christmas past and present. Beautiful harmonies both wistful and ringing with joy. Buy it for next Christmas!

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-12-02

Chanticleer, the U.S. equivalent of the British King's Singers, is a full-time classical vocal ensemble named for the rooster in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'. It was founded in 1978 by Louis Botto, a tenor, and for a while was its artistic director. They have achieved critical acclaim all over the world and their repertoire is very extensive and varied. Just commenting on a few of the selections on this disc:
'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' is a hymn that originated in western Germany around 1500, and is best known in the harmonization by Michael Praetorious published around 1609. The poem used biblical imagery that pictures the newborn Christ growing forth from the "stem of Jesse'(the father of King David), as foretold in Isiah 11. The metaphorical writings of the Middle Ages depict the patriarchal figure of Jesse as a rose bush.
'O Magnum mysterium',Victoria's most famous motet, uses a subline text from the Christmas Vespers. This is incredibly beautiful with its interweaving polyphony which leads to a hushed choral declamation at the words "O beata Virgo"(O Blessed Virgin) ending with a Alleulia Section.
'Here is the Little Door' is from a set of three "carol anthems", dating from 1918-1920. Herbert Howells was revered as one of the 20th century's most distinguished Choral composers, and I recently discovered him thru the album " by the Corydon Singers conducted by Matthew Best. It includes Howells Requiem in addition to the Vaughan Williams Mass in G Minor. It is the most heavenly somewhat exotic choral music I think I have heard in many years of listening; I highly recommend it.
'Glory to the newborn King'. Joseph Jennings, Georgia native and present musical director of Chanticleer, has often drawn upon his roots to create special gospel and spiritual arrangements of familiar songs. 'Glory to the newborn King' features four traditional songs combined to showcase Chanticleer's unique choral virtuosity!
This is an excellent group of carols,and it is always refreshing to hear 'new' melodies, arrangements; a joy for the ear!!!!

4 out of 5 stars Simply beautiful.......2006-02-20

The title and artist' name says it all - Christmas with clear (pure) singing. Glorious in all respects.

5 out of 5 stars It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!.......2005-12-20

Walking the busy malls to the multichannel Muzak of every old Christmas song interpreted in hiphop, jazz, idiosyncratic 'rethinkings' by famous soloists as well as replays of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby etc., it is a relief to return home (or if fortunate, to the concert hall) and hear the more uplifting music of the season through the ages. And despite reliance on some old favorite Messiah recordings, and carols by Kings College Choir, the one CD that seems to reign supreme is this Chanticleer release SING WE CHRISTMAS from 1995!

These twelve male voices create an ambience that can only be labeled 'spiritual', so resonant and exquisitely performed are each of the generous works on this recording. The moods pass through Praetorius, Victoria, Bach and traditional carols of unknown authorship to works by Ives, Billings, Holst, Guerrero, Howells and Sametz. The repertoire is both familiar and rarely heard and the result of combining all these forms is the truest form of Christmas spirit on record: this is music to cleanse the Muzak blitz! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05
Martinez: Soprano Songs and Arias
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A great singer for a great price!!!
  • Martinez sounds beautiful on disc too!
  • Reminds me of Leontyne Price
  • Brava!!!
  • Martinez: Soprano Arias
 Martinez: Soprano Songs and Arias

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BK53G0
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

  1. Les Filles De Cadix
  2. Je Veux Vivre
  3. O Mio Babbino Caro
  4. Vilja-Lied
  5. De Espana Vengo
  6. Violetas Imperiales
  7. Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
  8. Bailero
  9. Un Bel Di Vedremo
  10. Aria (Cantilena)
  11. Danca (Martelo)

Amazon.com

Ana Maria Martinez is a young Puerto Rican soprano with a natural Mediterranean warmth to her tone and an easy upper extension that is suitably bright but does not lose the color and texture of the rest of her voice. Hers is a true lyric which will probably grow darker soon; at the moment, vocally, there's little she has trouble with. Her high pianissimi are lovely, her agility is tested and true in Juliette's Waltz, her sense of rhythm impeccable, as exhibited in both "Les filled de Cadix" and an aria from the Zarzuela "El Nino Judio." Her version of Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras no. 5 is lovely, including the difficult hummed part at the end of the Aria. She lacks both the heft and interpretive subtlety--or interest--for "Un bel di" and Doretta's Dream and lacks charm in "O mio babbino caro," but her "Vilja-Lied" is ravishingly sung. As soon as she begins to delve a bit into the characters she's portraying, she'll be quite something; now, however, Martinez is already a fine singer, with a beautiful voice, and should be heard. Stephen Mercurio is the sympathetic conductor. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A great singer for a great price!!!.......2007-07-01

In this quality CD, Ana María Martínez demonstrates a palettes of colors that clearly shows her mastery over the voice. Her ability to sing such diverse repertoire and keep an artistic consistency throughout the recording is to be expected of her.
Been myself a double bassist, I didn't quite appreciate the repertoire selections for this recording, although I loved the standards. Otherwise, I have played in the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra while accompanying Ana María, and I have always been astonished by her exquisite musical taste and how it shows through her voice. A great buy!!!

4 out of 5 stars Martinez sounds beautiful on disc too!.......2007-04-10

In 2000, I became a fan of Anna Maria Martinez's voice when I appeared with her in a production of L'elisir d'Amor at Houston Grand Opera. Her beautiful tone , passionate acting and amazingly consistant technique made a memorable impression on me.
It is a pleasure to be able to hear her on my stereo and to play for my singing students, a lovely example of a gifted young soprano.
The next year (2001) she returned to sing a role in Catan's "Florencia en el Amazones" and her voice was even richer and more resonant.
I am not aware of any more recent solo recordings so get this one, and I hope that Naxos will bring her back to make another CD, more reflective of how she sings today.

5 out of 5 stars Reminds me of Leontyne Price.......2006-08-04

A beautiful instrument. The voice has such clarity! The Aria choices superb! I cannot bestow enough accolades!

5 out of 5 stars Brava!!!.......2006-02-21

This CD shows to the world what I have known for years.
Ana Maria Martinez in indeed one of the best sopranos alive today. I bought 25 copies of this CD for friends and family and they are all gone. Everyone loves it.
I have the priviledge of knowing Ana Maria for years and through her I met Steve Mercurio on one of Andre Bocelli's concerts( Ana was singing with Bocelli and Steve was conducting). What wonderful people they are. To both of them....Well done!!! Bravi!!!
Athos Colon, MD
Lubbock, Texas

5 out of 5 stars Martinez: Soprano Arias.......2006-01-30

The quality of de cd is superb and so is Ana María Marinez.

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