Swansongs [Import]

swansongs [import]

Track Listings
1. Last Thing
2. Tracer
3. Nobody's Cowboy Song
4. Gutter Song
5. Storm Coming
6. Impossible
7. Love In Reverse
8. Shipwrecked
9. Hang Up

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Debut full length from UK indie act feat. Pete Fijalowski (ex-Adorable). 10 songs of love & loss called 'Brittle but brilliant' by NME. The Guardian called 'Swansongs' 'The sort of record REM used to make when they were the biggest a nd best band in the world'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Swansongs,Polak,One Little Indian,Britpop,Indie Pop,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Swansongs [Import]
Brahms: Serenade No. 1; Dawson; Negro Folk Symphony
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Some very nice things from this odd couple
 Brahms: Serenade No. 1; Dawson; Negro Folk Symphony

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000M05VMA
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Molto - Leopold Stokowski
  2. II. Scherzo: Allegro Non Troppo - Leopold Stokowski
  3. III. Adagio Non Troppo - Leopold Stokowski
  4. IV. Menuetto I-Menuetto II - Leopold Stokowski
  5. V. Scherzo: Allegro - Leopold Stokowski
  6. VI. Rondo: Allegro - Leopold Stokowski
  7. I. Tema: Moderato-Var. 1-Var. 2-Tema - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  8. II. Andante Energico - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  9. III. Allegro Sostenuto, Ma Con Brio - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  10. IV. Adagio Pesante - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  11. V. Allegro Precipitato, Ma Non Troppo Presto - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  12. VI. Andantino - Dimitri Mitropoulos
  13. Un Poco Allegro - Dimitri Mitropoulos

Tracks:

  1. I. Adagio-Allegro Con Brio (The Bond Of Africa) - Leopold Stokowski
  2. II. Andante-Allegretto Alla Scherzando-Andante (Hope In The Night) - Leopold Stokowski
  3. Allegro Con Brio (O, Le' Me Shine, Shine Like A Morning Star!) - Leopold Stokowski
  4. Lento Ma Non Troppo - Dimitri Mitropoulos

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Some very nice things from this odd couple.......2007-06-07

I've never seen Stokowski and Mitropoulos paired before, but both conductors were associated with the NY Phil. in the late Forties and early Fifties. This twofer from DG brings together material originally released elsewehre. Anyone who assumes that Stokowski can't touch a score without tricking it out in plush strings and soupy phrasing should hear this lovely Brahms Serenade #1, incongruously paired with a dated American semi-classical work, the folksy but pretty basic Dawson Symphony based on Negro spirituals. In the original CD issue from MCA I threw the Dawson away to keep the Brahms. The "Symphony of the Air" is a moniker briefly taken on by the NBC Sym. after Toscanini died in 1956 and the musicians were thrown back on their own devices.

The Mitropoulos material features two Prokofiev chamber pieces; both are sparkling and vibrant, and the transferred sound is quite good for its age. The Over. on Hebrew Themes, here played in its chamber version, is the best recording I've ever come across. Since the musical groups involved form quite a divrese bunch, here's a run-down:

Symphony Of The Air / Leopold Stokowski - Serenade No.1 in D op.11 (Brahms). New York Ensemble of the Philharmonic Scholarship Winners / Dimitri Mitropoulos - Quintet in G minor op.39. Overture on Hebrew Themes op.34 (Prokofiev). American Symphony Orchestra / Leopold Stokowski - Negro Folk Symphony (William Levi Dawson). New York Ensemble of the Philharmonic Scholarship Winners / Dimitri Mitropoulos - Night Music - Weintraubenmusik (Howard Swanson).
Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • Expensive & Amateur "Princess Ida"
  • Missed opportunities with the "String of Pearls"
  • Fresh recording of a rarely recorded opera
  • If it's worth the price to you . . .
  • Disappointing!
 Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida

Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Gilbert & Sullivan: Utopia Limited
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ASIN: B00004D3BR
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Act One: Ov - Ohio Light Opr Orch/J. Lynn Thompson
  2. Act One, Chor: Search Thoughtout - Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine Marie Heath...
  3. Act One, Dialogue: See You No Sign - Daniel Neer/Bradley Wilson/Christopher Swanson/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  4. Act One, Chor: How Hearken - Daniel Neer/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine Marie..
  5. Act One, Recitative/Air: Today We Meet - John Bernard
  6. Act One, Dialogue: Well, Father - John Bernard/Daniel Neer
  7. Act One, Chor/Trio: From The Distant - Peter Castaldi/John-Arthur Miller/Lucas Meachum/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  8. Act One, Song: If You Give Me Your Attention - Ted Christopher/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane...
  9. Act One, Dialogue: So This Is Castle Hildebrand - Ted Christopher/Daniel Neer/bradley Wilson/Christopher Swanson
  10. Act One, Finale: P'raps If You Address The Lady - Ted Christoper/John Bernard/Christopher Swanson/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  11. Act Two, Chor: Towards The Empyrean - Sandra Piques Eddy/Melanie Melcher/Jessie Wright Martin/Gerald Aben/David Babinet...
  12. Act Two, Dialogue: Attention, Ladies - Elaine Fox/Jessie Wright Martin/Hege Marie Korshavn/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  13. Act Two, Chor: Mighty Maiden - Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine Marie Heath...
  14. Act Two, Recitative/Song: Minerva...O Goddess - Julie Wright
  15. Act Two, Dialogue: Women OF Adamant - Julie Wright/Elaine Fox
  16. Act Two, Chor/Dialogue: And Thus...I Should - Elaine Fox
  17. Act Two, Song: Come Mighty Must - Elaine Fox
  18. Act Two, Trio: Gently, Gently - John Bernard/Christopher Swanson/Bradley Wilson/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  19. Act Two, Dialogue: So That's The Princess - John Bernard/Christopher Swanson/Bradley Wilson/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  20. Act Two, Trio: I Am A Maiden - John Bernard/Christopher Swanson/Bradley Wilson
  21. Act Two, Dialogue: But Who Comes Here - Bradley Wilson/John Bernard/Julie Wright/Christopher Swanson

Tracks:

  1. Act Two, Qt: The World - Julie Wright/John Bernard/Bradley Wilson/Christopher Swanson
  2. Act Two, Dialogue: In Faith The Plunge - John Bernard/Melanie Melcher/Bradley Wilson/Christopher Swanson
  3. Act Two, Song: A Lady Fair - John Bernard/Melanie Melcher/Bradley Wilson/Christopher Swanson
  4. Act Two, Oh, Lady Psyche - Sandra Piques Eddy/Melanie Melcher/Bradley Wilson
  5. Act Two, Qnt: The Women Of Wisest - Melanie Melcher/Christopher SwansonJohn Bernard/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  6. Act Two, Dialogue: Melissa! - Elaine Fox/Sandra Piques Eddy
  7. Act Two, Duet: Now Wouldn't You Like - Sandra Piques Eddy/Elaine Fox
  8. Act Two, Dialogue: Saved For A Time - Sandra Piques Eddy/Bradley Wilson
  9. Act Two, Merrily Ring - Elaine Fox/Christopher Swanson/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius
  10. Act Two, Dialogue: You Say You Know - Julie Wright/John Bernard/Christopher Swanson/Bradley Wilson
  11. Act Two, Song/Finale: Would You Know - Christopher Swanson/Julie Wright/Melanie Melcher/Elaine Fox/Gerald Aben/David Babinet...
  12. Act Three, Chor: Death! - Sandra Piques Eddy/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine
  13. Act Three, Dialogue: I Like Your Spirit - Julie Wright/Elaine Fox/Jessie Wright Martin/Hege Marie Korshavn/Lauren Pastorek/Melanie Melcher
  14. Act Three, Song: I Built Upon A Rock - Julie Wright
  15. Act Three, Dialogue: Madam, Your Father - Hege Marie Korshavn/Julie Wright/Elaine Fox/Ted Christopher
  16. Act Three, Song: Whene're I Poke - Ted Christopher/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine Mar
  17. Act Three, Dialogue/Coro//Song: My Poor Father...When Anger Spreads...This Helmet, I Suppose - Julie Wright/Ted Christopher/Peter CastaldiGerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach...
  18. Act Three, Dialogue: Hilarion, Cyril - Ted Christopher/John Bernard/Christopher SwansonPeter Castaldi
  19. Act Three, Fight Chor: This Is Our Duty - Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane/Christine Marie Heath...
  20. Act Three, Dialogue: Hold, Stay Your Hands - Julie Wright/Elaine Fox/Daniel Neer/Christopher Swanson/Melanie Melcher/Ted Christopher
  21. Act Three, Finale: With Joy Abiding - Julie Wright/John Bernard/Gerald Aben/David Babinet/Nancy Maria Balach/Jan Cornelius/April Crane...

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Expensive & Amateur "Princess Ida".......2004-12-30

When I was a lad it was the custom of high schools and junior high schools to record their annual musicals and produce privately pressed records for the principals and their families. The results were always amateur beyond belief, but nobody expected professional results. After all, these recordings were made primarily as keepsakes for everyone involved with the show.

Well, this recording of "Princess Ida" by Ohio Light Opera is kind of like those old homemade school recordings. Granted the orchestral playing is professional, and many of the voices passable - but more often than not the principals seldom rise to the occasion; the King Gama here being as miscast as when Sir Malcolm Sargent thought it would be a good idea to put Sir Geraint Evans into the patter roles for his first three EMI G&S recordings.

All of this might be forgivable if a die-hard Savoyard would be willing to take this recording of "Ida" as a curio, but at a premium price such as this the investment is hardly worth it - even as a lark. Buyers are advised to check out any of the D'Oyly Carte recordings available or the charming DVD production if they really want to hear the score.

1 out of 5 stars Missed opportunities with the "String of Pearls".......2004-02-23

This is the first ever recording of PRINCESS IDA to include the complete dialogue and the first modern recording to include Lady Blanche's song "Come mighty must".

Sad to say this is a missed opportunity. Firstly the strong american accent displayed by several of the performers grates badly on the British ear. This is strange as the same company's brilliant recording of UTOPIA LTD does not suffer in this way.

Secondly the overall direction, both musical and stage, is somewhat laid back - there is a lack of excitement in most of the musical numbers and the dialogue (although admittedly written in blank verse) is delivered in an unusually stilted style.

Worst is the totally missed opportunity to give a 'performance' of Lady Blanche's "Come Mighty Must". The only previous recording of this number was by the legendary Bertha Lewis on the first complete D'Oyly Carte recording made way back in the early twenties and proving, despite all the surface noise, just what an impressive number this can be. Sadly Elaine Fox does not have the depth of voice or the full G & S contralto tone to give this number the power it deserves and she is further hindered by the incredibly slow pace at which the piece is taken.

So sad that one of Sullivan's most beautiful scores, the second act of which is often referred to as the "string of pearls" does not receive the performance it deserves here.

4 out of 5 stars Fresh recording of a rarely recorded opera.......2003-01-18

This was my first IDA recording and I wasn't disappointed. The music is adequate, if a little less crisp than most professional modern G&S recordings. I don't find the singing in this performance to be significantly below the level of most of that of the Reed-era 1960's D'Oyly Carte, at least as preserved on CD.

What makes this Ida stand out particuarly for me is the dialogue; usually I prefer my G&S CD's music-only; CD's are good for music, and I'm inclined to want to skip dialogue tracks. But this Ida is almost enough to make me change my position; the dialogue is delivered in an actual lively way; it's not the Reverand-Lovejoy-style glacial incantation that we so often find in Gilbert & Sullivan. These are people with decent acting skills, reading G&S dialogue as if it's a modern theatrical production. Amazing idea.

3 out of 5 stars If it's worth the price to you . . ........2001-11-15

"Princess Ida" is rarely performed or recorded. The reason it's rarely performed is because of Gilbert's foolishness of blank verse in the libretto. It also offends some tender sensibilities of p.c. minds.

Yet "Princess Ida" also has some of Sullivan's best music (my very favorite G&S song comes from this operetta). The music has been recorded before, and better, by the D'Oyly Carte, and if all you want is the music, the John Reed version has thoroughly good music, although many people scoff at Reed's Gama.

Overall, this is basically for people who have to own every G&S recording. Others, beware. It merits three stars in this review on the bravery of even attempting the recording.

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing!.......2000-12-14

The main claim this recording has to fame is its presentation of the dialogue; therefore, it probably can claim to be the first complete recording. However, as in past CD issues, Ohio Light Opera have done it again with a truly dreadful rendition of the spoken words. When will they ever engage a dialogue coach, let alone a dialect coach? Musically, things are only marginally better - the women fairing better than the men, the Hildebrand and the Gama being particularly ghastly. I must say that I quite enjoyed Julie Wright as the Princess even though she really is not in the same league as Elizabeth Harwood on Decca, but nevertheless a very commendable performance of a very difficult role. J. Lynn Thompson as the maestro conducts acceptably but certainly considers an allegretto to be a long way removed from an allegro (the ends of Acts 1 and 3 are notoriously slow). Ohio do splendid work in their choice of repertoire in this genre, but it's time to raise the standard a bit more for even as a document of a live performance, they don't exactly inspire you to get on a plane to see one of their productions. Any one of the D'Oyly Carte recordings is to be preferred to this one, even without dialogue.
Black Piano
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Impressive (mostly) European-style piano music
  • Wonderful!
 Black Piano

Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006KFE
Release Date: 1993-09-28

Tracks:

  1. Three Visions: I. Dark Horsemen
  2. Three Visions: II. Summerland
  3. Three Visions: III. Radiant Pinnacle
  4. The Cuckoo
  5. In The Bottoms: Prelude: Night
  6. In The Bottoms: His Song
  7. In The Bottoms: Honey
  8. In The Bottoms: Morning
  9. In The Bottoms: Juba Dance
  10. Invention In G Minor
  11. Invention In A Minor
  12. Invention In C Major
  13. Big Bunch Of Roses
  14. Seven Traceries: I. Cloud Cradles
  15. Seven Traceries: II. Mystic Pool
  16. Seven Traceries: III. Muted Laughter
  17. Seven Traceries: IV. Out Of The Silence
  18. Seven Traceries: V. Woven Silver
  19. Seven Traceries: VI. Wailing Dawn
  20. Seven Traceries: VII. A Bit Of Wit
  21. The Gentle Waltz
  22. Come Sunday
  23. Valse-Suite, Opus 71: I. Allegro Molto
  24. Valse-Suite, Opus 71: II. Andante
  25. Valse-Suite, Opus 71: III. Allegro Assai

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Impressive (mostly) European-style piano music .......2006-04-21

What a treat this collection is. I've been listening to it for the past two days straight and am thoroughly hooked. As the previous reviewer writes, there are a lot of styles represented here: W.G. Still's rather Debussy-like Three Visitors, Swanson's playful "The Cuckoo," Dett's serene "Prelude: The Night," Peterson's and Ellington's jazzy pieces, and the Chopinesque romanticism of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Valse Suite. I have long been a fan of jazz pianists from Jelly Roll Morton to McCoy Tyner, but, to be clear, these are much more so European-style *classical* pieces than jazz or anything else, though there are jazz influences in many of the pieces (Peterson and Ellington, obviously). I don't think anyone would place any of these compositions on the level of Beethoven or Chopin, but they are delightful in their own right and well worth hearing (repeatedly in my case). I am especially fond of all the Still pieces; they have persuaded me to seek out more of his compositions. The performances by Monica Gaylord are first rate, and the total playing time of 77 minutes makes for a great bargain.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!.......2001-02-18

Wonderful! There is something on this CD for every taste, and it provides an excellent introduction to a broad cross-section of musical styles: nineteenth-century romanticism, impressionism, jazz, Negro folk tunes, and contemporary clissicism. Pianist Gaylord is equally at ease in any of these musical languages.
Gilbert & Sullivan: Utopia Limited
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Utopia Limited is an Unlimited Success
  • A political lesson for our own day
  • Utopia Un-Limited!!
 Gilbert & Sullivan: Utopia Limited

Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Grand Duke
  2. Gilbert & Sullivan: The Sorcerer
  3. Gilbert & Sullivan: The Gondoliers
  4. Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida
  5. Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne

ASIN: B00005A8HP
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

  1. Act One: Overture - Ohio Light Opera Orchestra/J. Lynn Thompson
  2. Act One: In Lazy Languor' - Lauren Pastorek/Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson
  3. Act One: 'Good News!' - Richard Stevenson/Tara Bowers Savarino/Karla Hughes/Amthony Maida/Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson
  4. Act One: 'O Make Way' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  5. Act One: 'Phantis, You Are Not' - Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  6. Act One: 'Let All Your Doubts' - Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  7. Act One: 'Quaff The Nectar' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Ted Christopher/Amy Van Loy/Jan Cornelius
  8. Act One: 'Bold-Faced Ranger' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Traci Pickerell
  9. Act One: 'I Requested Scaphio' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Ted Christopher/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  10. Act One: 'First You're Born' - Ted Christopher/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  11. Act One: 'It's All Very Well' - Ted Christopher/Traci Pickerell
  12. Act One: 'Subjected To Your' - Ted Christopher/Traci Pickerell
  13. Act One: 'Oh, Maiden' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Nancy Maria Balach/Tim Oliver
  14. Act One: 'Zara!' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Ted Christopher/Nancy Maria Balach/Amy Van Loy/Tim Oliver
  15. Act One: 'Ah, Gallant Soldier' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Nancy Maria Balach/Tim Oliver
  16. Act One: 'There, Tell Me!' - Nancy Maria Balach/Tim Oliver /Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  17. Act One: 'It's Understood' - Tim Oliver/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem/Nancy Maria Balach
  18. Act One: 'My Daughter!' - Ted Christopher/Nancy Maria Balach
  19. Act One: Finale - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Ted Christopher/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem/Amthony Maida...

Tracks:

  1. Act One, Pt.2: 'Ulahlica!' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Boyd Mackus/Nancy Maria Balach/David Wannen/Ted Christopher...
  2. Act Two: 'Oh Zara' - Tim Oliver
  3. Act Two: 'Why, Arthur!' - Tim Oliver/Nancy Maria Balach
  4. Act Two: 'Words Of Love' - Tim Oliver/Nancy Maria Balach
  5. Act Two: 'To A Monarch' - Tim Oliver/Ted Christopher/Damian Savarino
  6. Act Two: 'Society Has Quite' - Ted Christopher/Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson
  7. Act Two: 'Now Then!' - Ted Christopher/Damian Savarino
  8. Act Two: 'My Daughters' - Ted Christopher/Damian Savarino/Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  9. Act Two: 'Gentlemen!' - Ted Christopher/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  10. Act Two: 'If You Think' - Ted Christopher/Tony Thomann/Lucas Meachem
  11. Act Two: 'He's Right, You Know' - Lucas Meachem/Tony Thomann/Amthony Maida
  12. Act Two: 'With Wily Brain' - Lucas Meachem/Tony Thomann/Amthony Maida
  13. Act Two: 'Well, What Do You Think?' - Damian Savarino/Boyd Mackus/Amy Van Loy/Jan Cornelius
  14. Act Two: 'A Wonderful Joy' - Boyd Mackus
  15. Act Two: 'Then May I Sing' - Amy Van Loy/Jan Cornelius/Damian Savarino/Boyd Mackus
  16. Act Two: 'Oh Would' - Traci Pickerell/Ted Christopher
  17. Act Two: 'Upon Our Sea-Girt Land' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson
  18. Act Two: 'What Means This?' - Ted Christopher/Lucas Meachem/Nancy Maria Balach/Tony Thomann
  19. Act Two: 'There's A Little Group' - Ohio Light Opera/J. Lynn Thompson/Ted Christopher/Nancy Maria Balach

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Utopia Limited is an Unlimited Success.......2002-01-16

Congratulations to the wonderful Ohio Light Opera troupe, which scores again with this live recorded performance of perhaps the
least-known of the G&S canon.
The young-but-enthusiastic and sharp conductor make the creaky
book as intelligible and fun as possible to a 21st Century, non-British audience and deliver the music beautifully. I also enjoyed their Princess Ida, and with the dearth of new recording of complete opera (much less new operetta), this company is just great. Thanks. long may you wave. A hoot.

5 out of 5 stars A political lesson for our own day.......2001-05-14

There is little question that the penultimate Gilbert & Sullivan opus, is something of a disappointment, especially after the masterpiece "The Gondoliers." But we Savoyards know that "Utopia" followed the shameful "carpet quarrel" in which Gilbert sued Sullivan and D'Oyly Carte in open court; and that things never could be the same afterwards. And so when one hears "Utopia," one gets the feeling that what is good is a repetition of the older works and what is new is suffers by comparison.

Several tunes do linger in the memory after a single hearing, most of them refrains: those to "First you're born" (Gilbert's version of the Ages of Man), " "Let all your doubts take wing," "Words of love," and the marvelous parody of the Christy Minstrels. And of course, we have the reprise of Capt. Corcoran's "What never?" refrain from "Pinafore." But even Sullivan was hard pressed to provide memorable music when Gilbert insisted on having Princess Zara introduce each of the Flowers of Progress in turn; and the silly words to "Eagle high" did not inspire him to another "Hail Poetry" (from "Pirates").

(For trivia experts, the last number in the work was composed by Sullivan first and then the words were supplied by Gilbert--a unique occurrence in their collaborations.)

The plot, in brief, is how a group of English "experts" are called onto a South Sea island to remodel the land according to (what they claim) English standards, even to the extent of turning each citizen into a Limited Liability Company (or in our lingo, a corporation). This Utopian scheme works only too well--and the Gilbertian twist at the end is truly hilarious.

In deciding to put down the rapier and take up the shotgun, Gilbert let his dramatic sense go astray, for once. For example, the love interest between tenor and soprano have no effect on the plot whatsoever, nor the two daughters of the King. Et cetera. But his remarks on Government by Party are as true today as they were then; and in general, the satire of this work manages to hit most of the many targets the author set up.

Still this is Gilbert & Sullivan, and "Utopia" still emerges better than most other musicals composed around that time. It is also the best effort to date by the Ohio Light Opera, whose "Princess Ida," "The Chocolate Soldier," "Veronique," "One Night in Venice," "The Arcadians," and "Eileen" have already appeared on Newport Classic label. In the past, I have never been completely satisfied with this group's delivery of the dialogue. However, I find little to fault here, except for two of the men who still have that annoying "comic opera" tone of voice that is supposed to be funny and is only mannered. For the most part, the dialogue (and in G&S, this is important) is as well delivered as the songs are sung. Among the many leads, we have Ted Christopher (King Paramount), Nancy Maria Balach (Zara), Tim Oliver (Fitzbattleaxe), and Traci Pickerell (Lady Sophie). Conductor J. Lynn Thompson leads his forces with a good feeling for the work, although I do miss the tambourine crashes heard on the D'Oyly Carte version.

You can program out the dialogue, but it follows very hard upon and often with the last note of music, which was, I think, to discourage applause from a present but very quiet audience.

The only competitive sets on Pearl and London do not contain the dialogue and are respectively out of print and hard to find. Even without comparisons, this Newport Classic set stands very well on its own merits.

5 out of 5 stars Utopia Un-Limited!!.......2001-03-21

As a life-long performer/stage director of Gilbert and Sullivan, I have to admit that UTOPIA has always ranked very low on my list of favourites - this recording has, however, gone a long way to change that view.

For a native Englishman, the Ohio Light Opera recordings are occasionally marred by strong American accents, mainly in the dialogue scenes. This was not so apparent in BAYADERE, or CHOCOLATE SOLDIER, or indeed in EILEEN where many of the cast were attempting an Irish accent, but in THE ARCADIANS and (most particularly) PRINCESS IDA, this does become a problem that detracts from otherwise excellent performances.

All credit to Ohio Light Opera then in this superb release for having addressed this problem so well. With the exception of the word "monarch" which seems to defeat everyone (the R is invariably too harsh), and the word "yatch", there is nothing to betray this as being an "American" company.

The opera is beautifully sung, the dialogue intelligently spoken (something one was unable to report in reference to IDA), and the orchestra under J Lynn Thompson a pure delight.

The pace of the opera is maintained throughout - something that is often found to be very difficult with this work and despite the opening of several traditional cuts, the performance lasts for just 2 hours and 20 minuetes.

This is a Gilbert and Sullivan recording that can be recommended unreservedly.
Built Myself a Greenhouse
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Built Myself a Greenhouse
    Robert Morgan Fisher
    Manufacturer: Imperative Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000BU7SMC
    Release Date: 2005-07-05
    Sign Of The Times
    Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
    • don't bother
    • Awesome Powerhouse of Blues Energy
    		 Sign Of The Times

    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pacific IslandsPacific Islands | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00002Q3IE
    Release Date: 1999-01-05

    Tracks:

    1. When I'm Alone
    2. You're Making It Rain
    3. Sign of the Times
    4. Good Thing
    5. Thru the Door

    Album Description

    Gail Swanson's smokey vocals and rock electric flute define her style and give her a unique edge in today's mainstream rock market. Her sound fits any rock radio format and captures the attention of new listeners immediately. This five song CD is Gail's ticket into today's tough pop/rock market. Her co-writer, Kristy Jackson, hit songwriter from Nashville (Reba's smash country hit "Take It Back") also co-produced the album in the exclusive, Melody Line, recording studio on Maui.
    Band Members: Gail Swanson: Guitar/flute/vocals
    Jerry Byers: Bass
    Rick Bodinus: Drums/vocals
    Michael Bolin: Lead guitar/vocals
    Margaret Rainsford: Keyboards, vocals

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars don't bother.......2001-05-01

    If you liked her CD "Warm Heart in a Cold World", (which was pretty cool acoustic music, with great songs that were interesting and worth hearing) don't bother with this one. There's nothing here but a wanna-be Lisa Loeb/Alanis M.

    4 out of 5 stars Awesome Powerhouse of Blues Energy.......1999-12-02

    This past summer I was fortunate enough to visit the beautiful island of Maui where I saw gail perform at the Famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise" restaurant. Her voice is smoky yet energetic. she truly sings her mind and makes you want to listen if not actually agree! Her lyrics rock and I find myself listening to her three CDs all of the time, any type of mood I'm in. Her style is most like Fiona Apple mixed with Bonnie Raitt and well worth listening to. Buy the CD--guaranteed enjoyment=)
    Liberty Tree: Early American Music 1776-1861
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Very Enjoyable
    • Wow.
    • A Great Album For Historic Music Fans
    		 Liberty Tree: Early American Music 1776-1861

    Manufacturer: Erato
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    HolidayHoliday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal
    Similar Items:
    1. Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty
    2. American Christmas
    3. The World Turned Upside Down
    4. The Civil War: Its Music and Its Sounds

    ASIN: B00000AGN3
    Release Date: 1998-08-18

    Tracks:

    1. Yankee Doodle
    2. Chester
    3. Liberty Tree
    4. The Boston March
    5. David's Lamentation
    6. Jefferson and Liberty
    7. Rights of Woman
    8. The Appletree
    9. Dormant
    10. Hero and Leander
    11. Mary's dream
    12. On the Road to Boston
    13. Jolly Soldier
    14. Jefferson and Liberty
    15. Abraham's Daughter
    16. Brave Wolfe
    17. Irish air
    18. The Blue Bells of Scotland
    19. The Working boy
    20. Poor old Maids
    21. Bob in the Bed
    22. Old Tare River
    23. The Rose Tree (The Knoxville Harmony)
    24. Clovergreen
    25. Parting Friends
    26. Ode to Science

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable.......2006-03-20

    A really nice selection of American patriotic music from the Revolution to the onset of the Civil War. The performances are excellent. It includes some of the best work, including his patriotic anthem Chester, by the outstanding New England choral composer William Billings.

    5 out of 5 stars Wow........2001-12-19

    I just got this CD in the mail -- bought for a friend who is a new citizen. Thought I'd give it a listen first. Wow. I own a fair amount of 18th century popular and choral music, and a few Boston Camerata discs. This beauty is going straight to the top of my list of favorites. Lovely, very musical. I agree with the previous review that this disc captures the history, but I want to recommend the recordings as music, too.

    5 out of 5 stars A Great Album For Historic Music Fans.......2000-08-09

    This is by far the best recordings of historic American music that I have come across. The arrangements are beautiful for all the songs. Chester and Dormant are my two favorites. In addition, the information and background for all the songs is given in the booklet. I found this to be very helpful and interesting. If you are sick of hearing historic songs being butchered by banjos, dulcimers and mandolines, and want to hear the real thing, than this is the album for you. I love this record!
    Cowell: Music for Strings
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Cowell: Music for Strings
    		 Cowell: Music for Strings

    Manufacturer: Cpo Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    OboeOboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000001RX0
    Release Date: 1994-06-28

    Tracks:

    1. Ens: Larghetto - Northwest CO Seattle
    2. Ens: Prestissimo - Northwest CO Seattle
    3. Ens: Adagio Sostenuto - Northwest CO Seattle
    4. Ens: Allegro - Northwest CO Seattle
    5. Fiddler's Jig - Marjorie Krasberg Talvi
    6. Air - Marjorie Krasberg Talvi
    7. Vars On Thirds: Maestoso Sostenuto - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    8. Vars On Thirds: Allegro Non Troppo - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    9. Vars On Thirds: Andante - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    10. Vars On Thirds: Presto - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    11. Vars On Thirds: Moderato Con Moto - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    12. Vars On Thirds: Allegro - Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque
    13. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.2: Hymn - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    14. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.2: Fugue - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    15. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.5: Hymn - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    16. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.5: Fugue - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    17. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.8: Hymn - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    18. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.8: Chorale - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    19. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.8: Fugue - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    20. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.10: Hymn - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril
    21. Hymn And Fuguing Tune No.10: Fugue - Marjorie Kransburg Talvi/Eileen Swansson/Ruth Sereque/Frank Avril

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Cowell: Music for Strings.......2000-10-23

    Those whose interest in American music extends beyond Copland, Bernstein and Gershwin will welcome this attractive disk of music by Henry Cowell. The two longest works on this disk, 'Ensemble' and 'Variations on Thirds' are serious, well crafted works, but the general listener will probably respond most readily to the other pieces featured here. Cowell's 'Hymn & Fuguing Tune' series, written between 1942 and 1965, are inspired by old, rural hymn-tunes by 18th century composers like William Billings and Justin Morgan. Three of these pieces are showcased here, numbers 2, 5 and 8. They are stately, plangent works, intensely felt and nobly melodic. Those who respond to Vaughan Williams's 'Tallis Fantasia' will enjoy these works, which share - in miniature, perhaps - some of that great work's noble utterance. Everything on this disk is given committed, eloquent performances, beautifully recorded.
    Piper at the Gates of Dawn
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Piper at the Gates of Dawn
      Phil Woods and Chris Swanson
      Manufacturer: Rykodisc
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000008CMG
      Release Date: 1990-10-25

      Tracks:

      1. Night in Tunisia
      2. 'Round Midnight
      3. Privave
      4. Goodbye Mr. Evans
      5. Piper at the Gates of Dawn
      6. Confirmation
      7. Piper's Mood
      8. Chasin' the Piper
      9. Once You Know She's Gone
      10. Moose the Mooche
      Songs of Illumination
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Songs of Illumination

        Manufacturer: Centaur
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00000AFFZ
        Release Date: 1998-11-01

        Tracks:

        1. Jesus Lay Your Head In The Window - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        2. Gue, Gue Solangae - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        3. Git On Board - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        4. Song Of Ruth - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        5. His Eye Is On The Sparrow - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        6. Goodnight - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        7. A New Song - Louise Toppin/Howard Watkins
        8. Lord I Don't Feel Noways Tired - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        9. Songs Of Illumination: LIving Below Van Gogh - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        10. Songs Of Illumination: Cody And The Chicken - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        11. Songs Of Illumination: Income - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        12. Songs Of Illumination: Moon - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        13. Songs Of Illumination: Myself When I Am Real - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        14. Songs Of Illumination: Confession - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        15. Songs Of Illumination: River To Cross - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        16. Songs Of Illumination: Corner Court - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        17. Songs Of Illumination: Frankie, Dead - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        18. Songs Of Illumination: Nina - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        19. Songs Of Illumination: Message Of Fire - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor
        20. Songs Of Illumination: Song Of Illumination - Louise Toppin/Bill Brown/Vivian Taylor

        Rock Music:

        1. Sweatbees Ep [CD-single] [Import]
        2. Swedish Radio Sessions [Import]
        3. Sweep the Desert
        4. Sweet Forgiveness
        5. Sweetheart of the Silver Screen
        6. Sweet Luck of Amaryllis
        7. Sweet Misdemeanor [Import]
        8. Sweet Ona Rose
        9. Sweets for Sweden: Very Best Of [Import]
        10. Sweet Sinsations [Enhanced]

        Rock Music

        rock music