Stand in the Light

Track Listings

 
1. Stand in the Light
2. It's the Way
3. Don't Be Long
4. Let's Go Now
5. Pretty Face
6. Pirate
7. Yesterday Girl
8. Firelove
9. Goodbye My Love

Stand in the Light,Kapono,Mountain Apple,Hawaii,Hawaiian,Hawaiian Music,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music
100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The picture
100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration

Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by ArneAll Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Monk, William HenryMonk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrucknerAll Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music | Contemporary Christian | Gospel
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Praise & WorshipPraise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration
  2. Abide with Me and other favourite hymns
  3. Best Loved Hymns
  4. 101 Classic Piano Hymns
  5. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00008GEKT
Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

  1. Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  2. Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  3. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  4. This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  5. Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  6. God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  7. Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  8. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  9. Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  11. Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  12. Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  13. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  14. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  15. There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  16. Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  17. Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  18. New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  19. Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  20. O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

  1. Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  2. Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  3. In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  4. Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  5. Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  6. Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  7. At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  8. To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  9. Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  10. Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  11. Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
  12. He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
  13. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
  14. Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
  15. This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
  16. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
  17. Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
  18. Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
  19. O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
  20. Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

  1. Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  2. Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  3. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  4. Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  5. O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  6. O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  7. Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  8. We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  9. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  10. Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  11. Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  12. O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  13. O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  14. O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  15. Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  16. O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  17. Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  18. God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  19. O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  20. Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

  1. Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  2. All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  3. Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  4. God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  5. Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  6. Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  7. Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  8. Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  9. Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
  10. God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
  11. O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
  12. Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  13. Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  14. For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  15. Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  16. Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  17. I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  18. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  19. Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  20. Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

  1. Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  2. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  3. O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  4. O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
  5. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
  6. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
  7. First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
  8. Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
  9. Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
  10. Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
  11. On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
  12. Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  13. O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  14. Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  15. O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  16. Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  17. Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  18. Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  19. Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  20. Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.
Wagner: The Rhinegold
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Rose By Any Other Name...
  • "Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay!
  • Free at last!
  • I Love This Recording
  • The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered
Wagner: The Rhinegold
English National Opera
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
  2. Wagner: The Valkyrie
  3. The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

ASIN: B00005B550
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Rose By Any Other Name..........2007-07-02

The figure of speach may not be completely correct in this instance, but, well, I hope you get the point. In any case, for a Dutch speaking person, like I, to hear 'The Ring' in a language other than the original German feels - almost shockingly(?) - natural. Certainly, this modern English translation, to me, is as least immediate, and probably even more immediate, than the original (archaic) German text. And in music drama, immediacy is essential. Maybe it is also the wonderfully natural translation, I don't know, but it works for me, the Ring in English.
But most of the credit has to go to the music, the singers, and the recording as such. I believe that this (originally analogue) remastered recording has one of the best recorded sounds and acoustics of any Ring, studio or 'live'. It is wonderfully clear but warm, kind of velvety (very unlike Solti), with beautifully natural balaces between voices and orchestra. Audience noises can be heard (including a delightful little ripple of laughter) but never really obtrusively so, thankfully. And I love the thunderclap-sound effect when Donner strikes his hammer against the rocks - very tastefully done, and lending extra power to the scene.
All the time one reads in reviews everywhere of the very slow speads at which the music is conducted by Sir Reginald Goodall. Well, that may be so, but I, for one, am certainly endeared to Sir Reginald Goodalls 'caressing' of the music, as a result of which wich the Leitmotifs come out more clearly than ever. The slow - but nonetheless very concentrated, and always involved - playing has, to me, an almost mesmerizing effect. Certainly, compared to many other recordings, the music may sound stretched almost beyond breaking point. But in the end, I think it is really just that: a matter of speed, no more. The concentration never falters and the dramatic arc never saggs. There is live 'music magic' going on here, I feel, even if the English National Opera Orchestra may not be (as precise or as diciplined as) a Wiener Philharmoniker or a Bayreuther Festspielorchester. Certainly, Sir Reginald Goodall must have loved this music and these opera's: one feels a slowly beating but constant loving pulse that energizes the drama and the music.
But we also have the singers. And what a great singers! While the best may be yet to come (with Alberto Remedios as Siegmund and Siegfried, and Rita Hunter as Brunnhilde), we here, in The Rhinegold, already have one of the most commanding of Wotans (Norman Bailey, with wonderful burnished timbre). Also, Emile Belcourt stands out as a wonderfully sleek but full-voiced Loge. Derek Hammond-Stroud's Alberich may not be as black as Gunther von Kannen's (for Barenboim), for example, but there is enough anguish, frustration and anger to lend his character a convincing reality and depth. And the giants too, are a winning pair. Especially Fafner (Clifford Grant) is as imposing and powerful as one may ever wish.
With all the rave reviews, here and elsewhere I can't wait to hear The Valkyrie, (especially) Siegfried and Twilight of the Gods. This certainly is a winning 'Ring', to be kept alongside any other 'great' recorded 'Ring' out there, IMHO. To me, it can hold its own alongside any other favorite recordings.
Please, sample this Ring (try for example the Chandos website for fragments of all of the music) and decide for yourself. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars "Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay!.......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Levine, Janowski, Goodall, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.


Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti

Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Valkyrie (Part 2): Wagner: The Valkyrie
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

-Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper

5 out of 5 stars Free at last!.......2004-09-18

I've enjoyed listening to the Ring cycles by Solti, Bohm, and Furtwangler, but my pleasure has always been dampened by the necessity to follow the dramas with a German/English libretto. This performance freed me from that burden and allowed me to listen to the Ring with my ears alone for the first time. And what a delightful experience it was! I found I could understand about half the words the first time through. but that was enough for me to understand what the characters were saying and concentrate on Wagner's great music. Some of the characters (Loge and Alberich, for example) are almost perfectly comprehensible, while others (Fricka in particular) might as well be singing in German. The sound itself is superb, with perfect balances between orchestra and voices. Goodall's conducting is famously slow (about half an hour longer than usual), but he is never slack and he reveals a wealth of detail in the orchestration. The singers are a mixed lot, with Loge, Alberich, and Mime particularly effective. Bailey is hardly the grandest of Wotans, but he is solid and convincing. In any event, for us non-German listeners, this recording is a real treat. I would not recommend it as a first Ring (Bohm is a good choice, though some of his tempi are rather hectic), but as a supplement to a recoding in the original language, it is hard to beat. Give it a try! As for me, I'm ready to go on to "Die Walkure" (pardon me, "The Valkyrie").

5 out of 5 stars I Love This Recording.......2002-04-05

I was a little suspicious when approaching this English-language version of Das Rhinegold. I was considering assembling this as my third RING set (behind Solti and Levine) and had listened to THE VALKYRIE (Die Walkure) with a little initial disappointment. Although the live sound quality was very interesting, the tempo was much slower than I was used to and thus a little disconcerting, and the English words were harder to understand than I had hoped. Nevertheless, I persevered and listended to THE RHINEGOLD (probably my favorite of the four RING operas, although I know this puts me in a minority) and was amazed. Best of all, after listening to this album I revisited the Goodall VALKYRIE and discovered a new appreciation! Now the Goodall set ranks as one of the best I've heard. It just needed to get under my skin a bit.

What's so good about it? Three things stand out for me: First, the slow tempi that were a litle rough at first actually allow, upon repeated listenings, a new discovery and understanding of Wagner's unfathomable genius. Every nuance is slowed down just enough to be fully accessible. Second, the modern English translation really does make this a different experience...my initial mistake was thinking that English lyrics could allow me to listen to this as background music, and that's not the case. However, if one devotes the same attention to this as a German recording, the time wil be richly rewarded. Finally, the smaller orchestra creates an almost chamber music-esque setting, which compliments the music in an undefinable way. Despite being in English, this is almost more Germanic than original-language recordings.

I still probably wouldn't get this as the first foray into Wagner's RING (I still think Solti or Levine are the choices for that). But for someone who already has some familiarity with the work, this will provide a lifetime's enjoyment. Cudos to Chandos for resurrecting these recordings!

4 out of 5 stars The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered.......2001-06-08

I have been curious about this for years. When I saw the packaging, I wondered whether this was the same Ring that has been kicking around for a couple of decades from the Sadler's Wells performances of the mid-70s. News flash: It's the same. However, the box says that it's been re-mastered with something called 24-bit digital mastering. Since I never heard the old records, I have no idea if this is better. Judged on its own, the sound is terrific. This live recording really places the listener in the theater with clarity and authentic spaciousness. So often, a live recording will capture the audience up close, then the orchestra, then the singers, cataloguing every throat being cleared and every bow being tapped. Somewhere in the distance, the singers voices follow their heavy tread over the stage. Not here. There is an intimacy to the sound here that approximates sitting in about the tenth row back in a large hall. It doesn't sound like the opera's being played in your room; it sounds as though your room has been transformed into a medium sized theater. I found it uncanny.

As to the experience of the drama in English, that too is remarkable, at least for someone like me whose home-tongue is English. The drama takes on an immediacy that I have never experienced before. This factor alone is why you should explore this Ring. I can't overemphasize the impact on me that this recording had on me because it was in English and because it was well-acted. Surely this is what Wagner meant, at least dramaturgically (obviously allowing that you can't actually see the action).

Overall, the singing is competent, and in some places, it's excellent. None of the cast really stands out musically. Norman Bailey's wobbly Wotan could have certainly benefitted from a deeper, richer tone. Still, and perhaps more importantly, he creates a god who is clearly unsure of where the moral highground is, even when he's standing on "an open space on a mountain summit." Everyone, for that matter, is dramatically convincing, especially Emile Belcourt (Loge) and Derek Hammond-Stroud (Alberich) and Robert Lloyd (Fasolt), all of whom, by the way, have excellent diction. And speaking of diction, I almost could have done without the libretto when the men were singing. Not so with the women, whose diction was uniformly wanting.

Goodall's pace is notoriously glacial. Still, it's interesting to hear it parsed in this way, and I never had the feeling that I was going to fall off the world. Which is to say that the tempos were deliberate, not affected. This was definitely a labor of love for RG and the English National Opera. The orchestra is a little thin sounding, and perhaps, not entirely up to the score. Occasionally a horn mis-blew and a cello creaked. This is unavoidable in live performances, I suppose. Still, there is a surprising sense of smallness to the ensemble, even though there's never a moment when the balance between singers and players is lost. As a result, the overall effect is a balance of clarity and urgency that is clearly the upside of Goodall's idiosyncratic "vision" of the score. Not a huge or "erotic" sound, but always committed, intelligent, and sometimes impassioned.

For all of its flaws, this is an astonishing and, for me, an indispensible recording because it made me listen to this opera with new ears. While it's not the most lyrically pleasing recording (Karajan) or musically authoritative (that would be Solti, IMHO), dramatically, this Rhinegold excells any recording I know of. I will definitely buy the rest of the set.
Stand in the Light
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Incredible!
Stand in the Light
Kapono
Manufacturer: Mountain Apple
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
HawaiiHawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Pacific IslandsPacific Islands | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Elua

ASIN: B000008NS6
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Stand in the Light
  2. It's the Way
  3. Don't Be Long
  4. Let's Go Now
  5. Pretty Face
  6. Pirate
  7. Yesterday Girl
  8. Firelove
  9. Goodbye My Love

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Incredible!.......2006-09-29

The first time I heard this, it captured my attention in the first song. Each song after, moved through me one by one, touching a special part of my heart. Before hearing this album, I was captivated with the remarkable talent of this man, but this is my favorite side of him. I give it 5 Stars.
English Anthems: King's College Choir, Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • one of the Glories of Fine Church Music
  • The perfect performance
  • Glorious!!
  • A fascinating anthology
English Anthems: King's College Choir, Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury
Charles Wood , John Ireland , William H. Harris , Ken Naylor , Herbert Howells , William Walton , Sir Lennox Berkeley , Kenneth Leighton , Jonathan Harvey , Judith Weir , Nicolas Maw , and Stephen Cleobury
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Howells, HerbertHowells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WaltonAll Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
  2. Music of the Westminster Cathedral Choir
  3. Treasures of English Church Music
  4. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
  5. Choral Evensong: King's College Choir, Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury

ASIN: B000002RSP
Release Date: 1993-06-08

Tracks:

  1. Hail, Gladdening Light
  2. And I Saw A New Heaven
  3. Greater Love Hath No Man - John Ireland
  4. Faire Is The Heaven
  5. Vox dicentis: Clama
  6. Like As The Hart Desireth The Waterbrooks - Herbert Howells
  7. Set Me As A Seal Upon Thine Heart - William Walton
  8. The Lord Is My Shepherd
  9. A Hymn Of St. Columba - Benjamin Britten
  10. Let All The World In Every Corner Sing
  11. I Love The Lord
  12. Ascending Into Heaven
  13. One Foot In Eden Still, I Stand

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars one of the Glories of Fine Church Music .......2007-03-21

This collection of English Anthems is a real treasure for anyone who wants to here good Church Music in a glorious Setting. The two Anthems that would simply bring tears to your eyes and send shivers down your spine for me are the Edgar Bainton And I saw new Heaven and the Kenneth Leighton Let all the world with the final chords dying out on that sonorous Double 32 Trombone of the magnificent Harrison Organ.

5 out of 5 stars The perfect performance.......2007-03-06

This recording is remarkable in the consistency of its superb sound.
The anthems selected are all excellent - most are well known, but there are a few "hidden treasures". The choir's tone is beyond criticism, as is the organ.
The performance of Harris's "Faire is the Heaven" is spine-tingling.
I can think of few recordings more fitted to begin a collection of English choral music, and if you already have recordings of most anthems on this CD, these performances are heartily recommended to hear nonetheless.
I certainly consider this CD a wonderful purchase!

5 out of 5 stars Glorious!!.......2000-09-26

An earlier LP from King's in the 70's under the then Conductor Sir David Willcocks touched upon some of these choral'gems'. The present conductor Stephen Cleobury continues this tradition with some of the same and several 20th century anthems. Glorious singing of the highest standard!! The choir is in fine form here. Particular highlight's are 'Faire is the heaven' and 'And I saw a new heaven'. Recommended wholeheartedly!!

4 out of 5 stars A fascinating anthology.......1999-01-14

This album is well-appreciated in being a well-performed anthology of choral gems by English composers. Much of the fine music here is by composers whose names may not be as familiar as Britten, et al. What is revealed, however, is the mastery of those individuals, as well as their lack of deserved recognition.
Simply the Best Christmas Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Joyous surprises!
  • Simply the Best...
Simply the Best Christmas Album

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by CorelliAll Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Holdridge, LeeHoldridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Howells, HerbertHowells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Ives, CharlesIves, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Holiday MusicHoliday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Solo InstrumentalSolo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Album 2
  2. The Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Album
  3. Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time
  4. A Christmas Festival
  5. James Taylor at Christmas

ASIN: B00005MJ0G
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

  1. Adeste Fideles - Thomas Hampson
  2. Ehre Sei Gott In Der Hohe (From Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio) - Tom Koopman
  3. A Spotless Rose - Edward Higginbottom
  4. Silent Night - Kiri Te Kanawa
  5. O Joyful Children - Vienna Symphony
  6. Festive Cheer: (Sleigh Ride/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas/Jingle Bells/We Wish You A Merry Christmas) - London Brass
  7. Glory To God (From Handel's Messiah) - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
  8. Il Riposo - ...Per Il Natale (From Vivaldi's Christmas Concerto) - Il Giardino Armonico
  9. O Holy Night - Sumi Jo
  10. Noel Sur Les Jeux D'anches - Marie-Claire Alain
  11. Panis Angelicus - Vienna Symphony
  12. Jesus The Light Of The World - The Boston Camerata
  13. In Dulci Lubilo - Chanticleer
  14. Fallt Mit Danken, Fallte Mit Loben (From J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio) - Ton Koopman
  15. Glory To Christmas - Moscow Liturgic Choir

Tracks:

  1. The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a: Miniature Overture) - Alexander Lazarev
  2. The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a: March) - Alexander Lazarev
  3. The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy) - Alexander Lazarev
  4. The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a: Trepak, Russian Dance) - Alexander Lazarev
  5. The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a: Dance Of The Reeds) - Alexander Lazarev
  6. Away In A Manger - London Brass
  7. Christmas Stays The Same - Linda Eder
  8. O Tannenbaum - Thomas Hampson
  9. Pour La Nuit De Noel (Concerto Grosso Op.8 - Third Movement) - I Solisti Veneti
  10. A Christmas Carol - Chanticleer
  11. Agnus Dei - Vienna Symphony
  12. O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Jouko Harjanne
  13. We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Kiri Te Kanawa
  14. Entre Le Boeuf Et L'ane Gris - Maitrise Saint-Pierre Aux Liens De Bulle
  15. Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag (From Bach's Christmas Cantata, BWV 63 First Movement: Coro) - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
  16. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Jung
  17. The Holly And The Ivy - Vienna Symphony
  18. The Little Road To Bethlehem - Edward Higginbottom
  19. Schliesse, Mein Herze (From Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Third Cantata: Alto Aria) - Ton Koopman
  20. The Four Seasons, Winter (From Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Second Movement) - Progretto Avanti
  21. Hallelujah (From Handel's Messiah: Part II/Chorus) - Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Amazon.com

A rather presumptive holiday title, Simply the Best Christmas Album is an unqualified best--if you like classical, choral, and symphonic music. Marquee talent such as Placido Domingo, Natalie Cole, and Jose Carreras anchor the mix, abetted by the redoubtable London Brass, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Edward Higgenbottom & The Choir of New College, Oxford, and the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra. This two-disc, 36-piece set presents a broad spectrum of holiday pageantry that embraces familiar traditional works like The Nutcracker and more contemporary pieces from Sumi Jo and Linda Eder. From triumphant brass and angelic choirs to stirring string pieces and rich, lovely orchestral movements, Simply the Best sets an exquisitely festive mood. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Joyous surprises!.......2006-06-01

Every once in awhile I run across an album that excells, not because of the shining brilliance of one artist, but because of the collective impact of several. Here, in this album, are some little-known gems from Christmas music literature. I was captivated by the lilting and primitive joy in "Jesus, the Light of the World," which I had never heard before. Then there is Chanticleer and its rendition of Charles Ives' "Christmas Carol," a classic too little known. There are others. If you look for unique renditions of familiar and unfamiliar Christmas music to enhance the joy of the season, this album is a must-buy.

5 out of 5 stars Simply the Best..........2002-11-19

The minute I heard Thomas Hampson sing the first few notes of Adeste Fideles, I knew I had to have this album. It is a marvelous compilation of Classical Christmas favorites (excerpts from the Bach, Vivaldi and Corelli Christmas Concertos and The Nutcracker) and standard Christmas favorites, as well as some of the lesser heard Christmas gems.

The vocal power on this 2 CD set is amazing as well--Broadway star Linda Eder, Thomas Hampson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jose Carreras, Chanticleer, and numerous others. I usually purchase one Christmas CD a year. This was it for me this year--make it part of your holiday collection.
Stand in the Light
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Stand in the Light
    Jeanne Jennay
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000FTKT7U
    Release Date: 2006-03-14

    Tracks:

    1. Stand in the Light- (Played 13 Times)
    2. Stand in the Light
    3. Stand in the Light
    4. Stand in the Light
    5. Stand in the Light
    6. Stand in the Light
    7. Stand in the Light
    8. Stand in the Light
    9. Stand in the Light
    10. Stand in the Light
    11. Stand in the Light
    12. Stand in the Light
    13. Stand in the Light
    Stand in the Light: Especially for Youth
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Amazing Mood Booster!
    • She loves it!!!
    • Brilliant!
    • The best
    Stand in the Light: Especially for Youth
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Deseret Book
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. More Excellent Way: Especially for Youth 2005
    2. The Best Of Especially For Youth, Vol. 3
    3. The Sum of All Grace
    4. Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B00066ZULC
    Release Date: 2004-10-01

    Tracks:

    1. Stand in the Light - Michael Webb
    2. Child of Light - Mindy Gledhill
    3. His Love - Jack Rau
    4. The Light - April Meservy
    5. I Was Made - Michale Webb
    6. Here to Be - Rachel Thibodeau
    7. Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide - Katherine Nelson
    8. See the Light - Jericho Road
    9. Follow the Light - Hilary Weeks
    10. Call You - Dave Kimball
    11. One Voice - Dustin Gledhill
    12. These Are the Days - Jenny Frogley

    Album Description

    The official "soundtrack" for the 2004 Especially for Youth program of the Church Education System includes twelve brand-new songs with timely messages. Topics include missionary work, self-worth, example, repentance, and self-discovery. The album features a brand-new arrangement of "Abide With Me, `Tis Eventide" performed by Katherine Nelson, as well as the poignant and moving new missionary anthem "One Voice," sure to become a favorite among missionaries everywhere. The piano/vocal songbook includes arrangements of all the songs on the EFY album for youth to enjoy in their own homes and in church settings.

    Tracks include: Stand in the Light; I Was Made; Here to Be; Follow the Light; Calling You; These Are the Days…and six more!

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Amazing Mood Booster!.......2007-03-09

    If you want to feel wonderful, anytime, anywhere this CD will make it happen. It's an unusual collection in that it has the same positive effect, over and over again. Enjoy!

    5 out of 5 stars She loves it!!!.......2007-01-15

    I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my 14 year old daughter and she loves it! The songs are so uplifting and varied. I am trying to track down the other years for her birthday.

    5 out of 5 stars Brilliant!.......2005-12-02

    In 2004, I attended EFY in Provo, UT and received this CD. I absolutley loved it! The CD always put me in a good mood whenever I was feeling down; you will never be the same person again once you listen to this. This CD is a great way to listen to chruch music on Sundays - instead of pounding out hymns on a piano, listen to this CD. Your spirits will soar. I have yet to get tired of this CD.

    5 out of 5 stars The best.......2004-10-26

    I attended EFY in the Anchorage, AK Express Session 2 and recieved this CD when I walked in the door to UAA. It's been several months, and I still love this CD so much that I play at least one song every day, and have yet to get tired of it. Great CD!
    Stand In The Light
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Stand In The Light
      John Angotti
      Manufacturer: Wlp
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000P5FHWG
      Release Date: 2007-03-01

      Tracks:

      1. Stand in the Light
      2. Let it Rise
      3. Light of the World
      4. Jesus is Just Alright
      5. One Love
      6. The Love of Jesus
      7. All Things are Possible
      8. Building the Kingdom of Heaven
      9. Show Me the Way
      10. Winds of Change
      11. God Is
      12. Water from the Rock

      Product Description

      With the style of today and the truth of the ancient, this new CD expresses hope and love for those longing for God, but distracted by much of the mass media's direction that offers empty promises. "Stand In The Light" features a collection of songs that include popular covers that will certainly be recognized by the fans of the 70's Classic Rock generation, such as Styx's "Show Me the Way," and "Jesus is Just Alright" by the Doobie Brothers; all delivered powerfully, and in true Angotti form. These songs are intermixed with later covers like "One Love," popularized by Hootie & The Blowfish, and brand new original songs by Angotti including the adult contemporary-styled "Light of the World," and the country rock-styled, "All things are Possible."
      Maranda Law
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Maranda Law

        Manufacturer: lab city inc.
        ProductGroup: Classical
        Binding: Audio CD

        Southern RapSouthern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000M6UBSS

        Product Description

        WARNING EXPLICIT LYRICS INTRO 1:42 ,HITman, homicide, caper land featuring the bangin hits they gonna hate but they still gonna play & hot this is the only one listed on amazon buy it fast. 2005 south carolina lab city inc.

        International Music:

        1. Stellina [Import]
        2. Testa Di Basso [Import]
        3. Tu Devrais Chanter [Import]
        4. Turkish Dervishes Ceremonial Music
        5. Un Nuevo Horizonte
        6. Vacances Prolongees [Import]
        7. Viaggio Senza Vento [Import]
        8. Viola Velha [Import]
        9. Zio Tom [Import]
        10. 107 Elementi [Import]

        International Music

        International Music