Sur

1. Odhu-Jo-Tari-Chuno-Di

2. Olo-Kano

3. Have-Gokudma-Shyam

Sur,Various Artists,The Orchard,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Beat,World Music

Average customer rating: WHAT CAN I SAY? Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007) two beautiful discs! Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills" Claws

Art of Beverly Beverly Sills Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Beverly Sills The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Beverly Sills Massenet: Manon ASIN: B000075A7K Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. Mignon: Oui, Pour Ce Soir Je Suis Reine Des Fees...Je Suis Titania La Blonde
2. Manon: Allons! Il Le Faut-Adieu, Notre Petite Table
3. Manon: Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins-Obeissons Quand Leur Voix Appelle
4. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
5. Linda Di Chamounix: Ah! Tardai Troppo...O Luce Di Quest'Anima
6. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapito In Estasi
7. I Puritani: Fini...Me Lassa!
8. I Puritani: Vieni, Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
9. Roberto Devereux: L'amor Suo Mi Fe' Beata
10. Maria Stuarda: O Nube
11. Anna Bolena: Cielo A' Miei Lunghi Spasimi-Coppia Iniqua

Tracks:

1. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Les Oiseau Dans La Charmille
2. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Elle A Fui, La Tourterelle
3. Zaide: Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben
4. Der Opernball: Im Chambre Separee
5. Die Lustige Witwe: Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
6. The Ballad Of Baby Doe: Gold Is A Fine Thing
7. Die Tote Stadt: Cluck, Das Mir Verblieb
8. Daphen: Was Blendet So...Ich Komme...Ich Komme
9. Sechs Lieder Op.19 No.2: Breit' uber Mein haupt Dein Schwarzes Haar

Customer Reviews:

WHAT CAN I SAY?.......2007-07-05

FOR THOSE WHO WANT A SAMPLER, IT IS THE BEST. YET, IT LEAVES YOU PINING FOR THE ITEMS SILLS NEVER RECORDED IN THEIR ENTIRETY. MORE STRAUSS, MORE OF EVERYTHING. A DEFINITIVE VOICE. HER LUCIA IS UNSURPASSED.

Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007).......2007-07-03

I have always loved the flowing, plaintive music of bel canto, and no other singer perhaps captured the synthesis of fioritura and expression so perfectly as Beverly Sills. Callas may have been a supreme dramatist, but Beverly Sills had a better command of the fioritura that skyrocketed her career during the 60s and 70s. It is indeed sad that America has lost one of its national treasures yesterday when Beverly Sills passed away in Manhattan. She truly was one of the greatest. Just listen to her singing any one of Donizetti's three queens and you will know what I mean. She is exemplary not only in Donizetti though. Her Manon is still the best, her Violetta in par with Callas, her Louise the most idiomatic ever recorded, her Fille du Regiment a joy, Linda di Chamounix ecstatic, and Gilda a lesson in the art of light Verdi. She was a supreme painter of characters. Has there ever been a more brilliant Zerbinetta? And how many singers have been able to truly convey the youth of Elvira in Puritani? In Rossini, she was also unparalleled in L'Assedio di Corinto, the role that she made her La Scala debut in. Beverly Sills was one of a great many singers who belonged to a great golden age of singing, and I am thankful that I was born into the right time to hear her glorious work. This CD is a wonderful compilation of the brand of singing that she brought into the lives of many an opera fan for years and years to come.

I met this singer last fall in New York. A few months later, I saw her again hosting the opera quiz at the Met. Little did I know that about five months later, she would forever rest in the peace that she deserved for so long. Rest in peace Beverly. And brava...brava for the many years of wonderful singing that you gave us.

two beautiful discs!.......2007-02-18

Beverly Sills not only survived being a child prodigy - a rare enough thing among singing musicians - she triumphed in a big way. Her fertile and beautiful art is wonderfully represented on this double disc set from Deutsche Grammophon. I sense today a resurgence of appreciation for her art, and to call it well deserved is saying the least. The singing's jam packed with pure musicianship, attention to nuance, fidelity to composer and character - in a word, everything requisite to making the operatic art thrive, qualities in short enough supply today among many opera stars, and it makes this package even more attractive. Sills not only understood bel canto art, she accomplished it memorably. Highlights include 'Ah! Tardai troppo...' (Linda di Chamounix), &an unearthly 'Regnava nel silenzio...' (Lucia), which I might prefer to Sutherland's for its committment and munificence. The gone too soon Thomas Schippers conducts a great performance - how that man could possess whatever orchestra and score he worked with. Two arias from I Puritani - especially 'Vieni, vieni fra queste braccia' with the singing of the genius Nicolai Gedda as Arturo, and an opening to Anna Bolena's aria 'Cielo, a' miei lunghi spasimi' that wipes clean every memory of other versions. All that on disc 1! I had forgotten Sills' beautiful pianissimos, singing so musicianly and free of ego - her interpretation is always only her adherence to score and composer, and greater praise cant be given a classical singer. Disc 2 offers a definitive version of Korngold's 'Gluck, das mir verblieb' (Die Tote Stadt) among a number of fine versions out there. The slowest version available and I feel I'm hearing it for the first time, and with a true Viennese (Rudel) conducting! You can put this track alone on repeat and live out the day in freedom! If you dont know Sills' art, or dont remember it well and truly, this set is a fine place to begin what will become transfixion with a musical art that proves itself urgent and inextinguishable! Highest recommendation.

Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills".......2007-01-27

Beverly Sills is one of the most well reputed coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. This CD illustrates why she has attained such renown. First, it shows the range of her singing. While much of her work focused on Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, she sang about fifty roles in her career, before retiring in her late 40s. This 2 CD set provides a sense of the range of her work.

The first CD focuses on her operatic singing. The CD begins with a selection from Thomas' "Mignon," culminating in "Je suis Titania la blonde." Her voice is light and clear. She displays great agility. In the middle of this piece, she shows a decent but not great trill; she closes the "cut" with a series of terrific trills. Her ornamentation is nicely done.

Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix" was another of Sills' characters. "Ah! Tardai troppo. . .O luce di quest'anima" features more clean vocalization. The florid singing is nicely done, with well sung high notes and additional sound trills. A very agile voice on display! From Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," Sills sings "Regnava nel silenzio. . .Quando rapito in estasi." Her voice is smooth. In the aria, she produces a set of trill after trill, each one well done, but in their totality almost overdone (I love trills, but there were almost too many!). "Quando rapito in estasi" is well sung, with much well done florid singing, with appoggiaturas, trills, and other ornamentation.

The remainder of the CD features selections from Bellini's "I Puritani," and Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux," "Maria Stuarda," and "Anna Bolena." I can say pretty much the same about these pieces as already stated before. Excellent technique, wonderful ornamentation.

The second CD begins with the redoubtable piece, sung by "Olympia," from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann." Well done, with good vocal effects, catching the mechanical aspects of the music. Other pieces on this side come from Mozart, Heuberger, Moore, Korngold, and so on.

One piece worth mentioning, because it captures her approach to a lighter work, from Lehar's "The Merry Widow." She sings the song for what it is, and does not overwhelm it with her voice. Compare with what Richard Tucker did to the enjoyable but rather light song, "What Now My Love?", when he essayed singing pop tunes. Enjoyable for the thrill of his voice; pretty grisly in terms of his overwhelming the music itself. That does not happen here; there is a certain pathos in Sills' singing, as warranted by the song. It suggests the range of her singing.

All in all, a good sampling of "The Art of Beverly Sills." Hearing her voice again after many years reinforces my preexisting view that she ranks as one of the best coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. There are terrific contemporary singers who sing the same repertoire and do it well. But Beverly Sills certainly compares very well with them. If interested in an introduction to Sillsiana, this is a good place to start.

Claws.......2003-11-16

I already wrote a great review of this collection. It is supreme artistry, and I find her high notes rather large and not shrill. My only question is about the cover photo. Those fingers look like something out of Edward Scissorhands or Nightmare on Elm Street! Does anyone else agree with me? Almost seems like someone must have done some false touch-ups to make them look like claws!

Average customer rating: Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever! This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy. THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE! Debussy is the best. Ever. i am dumb

Debussy's Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ravel: Greatest Hits Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Grieg: Greatest Hits Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A23 Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
2. Preludes, Book One: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
3. Two Nocturnes: Fetes
4. Preludes, Book One: The Sunken Cathedral
5. Suite Bergamasque: Claire de lune
6. Children's Corner Suite: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
7. Reverie
8. Iberia: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
9. Deux Arabesques: Arabesque No. 1: Andante Con Motto
10. Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Prelude To The Council Of The False gods
11. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: Scherzo. Assex Vif Et Bien Rythme
12. La Mer: I. De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer
13. La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues
14. La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer

Customer Reviews:

Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever!.......2007-05-06

Claude Debussy is perhaps the most understated composer in the history of man. His ability to compose both on the piano and for orchestra is unmatched, in my humble opinion. The fact that Debussy was able to also arrange many contemporary and previous composers' works just adds to his resume. He had a gift, pure and simple.

Although this album doesn't (well, honestly it couldn't) contain all of Debussy's catalog, it does certainly contain some of his best work. There is actually only one track on this CD that I don't care for; that would be Golligwogg's Cake-Walk; it is just a bit annoying to me.

Beyond my dislike for that one track, the entire CD is a beautifully aranged, beautifully played, well recorded compilation with good sound mixing and it is a respectful tribute to a truly great composer.

"Claire de Lune" (Moonlighting) is perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever composed; this is the orchestrated version, which I prefer, but the piano version is nice. "Arabesque No. 1" is superb. "Fetes" is both haunting and airy. "Reverie" is the best piano piece I have ever heard. "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is also a wonderful piano piece. "The Sunken Cathedral" is dark and mysterious, a true wonder.

The rest of the album is fantastic. Listed above are just my personal favorites from the disc. I listen to this CD at least once a week, but often more. It is perfect for relaxation, for listening while reading, or for my personal favorite use, to block out noise while I am writing.

I would recommend this to any classical lover.

If you have not heard Debussy's music, you must get this CD; it will have you ordering more of his compositions almost immediately.

The man was a genius.

This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy. .......2006-07-08

After listening to his "Greatest Hits," I know why he is considered one of the best.

THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE!.......2005-09-12

I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I WAS TRYING EXPAND MY HORIZONS, YOU KNOW? CULTURALLY AND MENTALLY, YOU KNOW? SERIOUSLY THOUGH I WAS IN THE SHOP AND I WAS HAVING A GAZE AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN THIS PICTURE JUST JUMPS OUT AT ME, AND I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS THIS DEBUSSY CHAP AND ID HEARD ABOUT HIM ON THE BBC LEARNING ZONE SO I THOUGHT ;why not?; SERIOUSLY THOUGH I DRAGGED IT HOME AND I POPPED IT IN THE OLD CD PLAYER AND IT FLOORED ME.......I MEAN SERIOUSLY THIS THING...AMAAZING STUFF..I MEAN TODAYS MUSIC HAS NOTHING, NOTHING NOTHING ON THIS STUFF RIGHT HERE.

SOME GOOD TRACKS ARE:
TRACK 1 IS THE BEST. THE OPENING FLUTE ON THE TRACK IS TOTALLY CHILLED AND COOL, REMINDS ME A BIT OF TRACK 13 ON ILL COMMUNICATION BY THE BEASTIE BOYS...A COINCIDENCE???

THE ONLY WEAK TRACK ON THE ALBUM IS TRACK 6, THE UNFORTUNATELY TITLED "CHILDRENS CORNER SUITE: GOLLIWOGGS CAKE WALK" THE MUSIC IS JUST DATED MAN, JUST AS DATED AS THE TITLE.

OVERALL THOUGH THIS IS A QUALITY ALBUM, WITH CHILLS, SPILLS AND THRILLS. SERIOUSLY THOUGH A FINE EFFORT.

Debussy is the best. Ever........2004-07-23

I love Debussy and all of his brilliant work. I barely listen to any other classical music, so I am not an authority, just an honest lover of music. I play piano and love piano music, so I was not disappointed at a piano Flaxen-Haired Girl. I've never heard an orchestrated version and don't need to. This is a good introductory CD to Debussy's work, I love it! The only thing I don't care for is the Arabesque #1 (Track 9). The horn is kind of grating and clunky to hear in such an otherwise beautiful piece. Still, its interesting and different. Everything Debussy made is purest gold.

i am dumb.......2004-07-01

And I'm a doomass because I didn't proof-read my other review and I wrote that Clair de Lune was performed by piano on this disc, which it isn't. Anyway, the piano version is better.

Average customer rating: SILLS and a Perfect MANON..... For Sills fans, mainly. A Great Recording of an Opera That Should Be Performed More Often Beverly Sills Signature Role SILLS MANON RULES! AND DG CD REISSUE SUPERB!

Massenet: Manon Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel The Ballad of Baby Doe The Great Recordings ASIN: B0001Y4JGG Release Date: 2004-05-11

Amazon.com

This recording has been unavailable for too long. Recorded in 1970, a solid year-or-so before Beverly Sills' voice began to show the damage caused by singing Elisabetta I in Donizetti's Roberto Devereux, this is the finest all-around recording of Manon on the market. Sills, in addition to being fresh-voiced, is so thoroughly in the part that we can chart Manon's downfall step by step; her girlish singing is as right on as her sassy, showy coloratura in the thirds act, and her St Sulpice scene is truly seductive. She's the perfect Manon. And Nicolai Gedda's Des Grieux, sung, as is Sills' Manon and the rest of the cast, in impeccable French, is passionate, madly in love, and ultimately tragic. Gabriel Bacquier's Count is imperious and authoritative and Gerard Souzay's Lescaut is smooth. Julius Rudel's leadership sparkles when it should and his sense of French suavity is unfailing. The score is given more than complete - as an appendix, there's an aria for Manon that Massenet added later. This is a desert island disc. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

SILLS and a Perfect MANON............2007-07-07

Enough has been written about Beverly Sills and the role of Manon that you already know that she OWNED the role for a long time.

This recording was originally issued on EMI, and I find it unusual that it should have disappeared from that label and it now appears on DG. Although it is strange, we need not worry about that; the main thing here is that the recording is again available to us.

You only really need two copies of Manon...the Victoria De Los Angeles one under Pierre Monteaux, and this one with Sills, Gedda, Bacquier, and Souzay under Julius Rudel. All participants here are simply wonderful, and all in very good voice as it happens! Usually we get a weak link, but somehow, the god's smiled on this effort, and everything came together wonderfully.

This is one of Gedda's efforts that I heartily commend! Simply a great des Griux! Souzay's Lescaut is really a wonderfully smooth, and mellow, performance that you need to hear. Gabriel Bacquier, AS ALWAYS turns in a magnificently commanding performance as Count des Griux. This of course brings us to the role of Manon. Simply stunning would be a great way to say it! Sills is just so real-life-bubbly girlish, and so lovely, that we are swept up in the swirl of mad love, right up to tragedy that comes to her, and the heart-wrenchingly sad finale.

This recording belongs in everyone's collection, right beside the Victoria De Los Angeles one! Enjoy! ~operabruin

For Sills fans, mainly........2006-01-16

As good an ensemble as could be assembled in the more recent past, well conducted by the seasoned Rudel, this 1970 performance stands or falls by one's perception of the two principals.

Nicolaï Gedda (né Ustinov,) b. 1925, half-Swedish, half-Russian, was a fine musician with a highly developped vocal technique. His manner was rather cold, however, and at 45 his lyric voice had lost some of its original bloom. I find his des Grieux rather grim and emphatic, lacking in romantic élan. I much prefer the poetic Henri Legay in the definitive Monteux recording (TESTAMENT.)

Beverly Sills (née Silvermann,) b. 1929, American, studied with Estelle Liebling, a pupil of the legendary Mathilde Marchesi, teacher of Melba, Eames, Kurtz, Alda and many an other French stylist.

Sills new exactly how to sing this music and had the perfect voice and technique for it. Many years of repertory singing in the provinces, often in inappropriately heavy parts (Tosca!) however, had made Sills' voice thin and unsteady by the time she made this recording at age 41. Her interpretation is intense, heartfelt and full of telling dramatic detail, but often heavy-handed and unpleasant on the ear. She is also rather short on the elegance and chimeric charm that characterises the best interpreters of this part (Vallin, Heldy, Féraldy, de los Ángeles.)

The airplane hangar ambience of the recording studio (talk about overresonant!) does not help, either.

Incidentally, the rôle of Lescaut is sung (well) by Gerard SOUZAY.

Gabriel Bacquier sings comte des Grieux--very well indeed.

A Great Recording of an Opera That Should Be Performed More Often.......2005-10-08

Massanet's MANON is a work that is no stranger to the stage in New York City where it has had a glorious history at both the Met and the New York City Opera though this is not the case around the world. Its frequent New York performances may make it Massanet's most staged opera. For those familiar with the work, it is a favorite. It has all the elements that make French opera great, but it is not a work that has familiar excerpts. As a matter of fact, Massanet's bets known melodies are from lesser known works, such as the "Meditation" from THAIS and Porquoi me Revelier" from WERTHER. Yet when MANON is broadcast from the Met or if one takes out a recording, it's easy to understand why this work has been a favorite of so many for over a century and begs the question `Why isn't this work performed more often?'

Like great French opera, MANON is a work that is a bit larger than life, requires exquisite orchestral playing, and of course great singing. This set, originally released by Westminster in the 1970's and re-released by Duetsche Grammophon has it all. The vocal abilities of the three leading performers: Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda and Gabriel Bacquier as Manon, des Grieux, and Lescaut respectively are each in top vocal form. Sills herself states that Manon was a role she loved and one that she believed her voice was well suited for, and there can be no disputation when listening to this set. As a conductor, Julius Rudel is at his best. He has great control over the New Philharmonia Orchestra, creating lush sounds that make the recording spectacular and an added, but essential plus would be the outstanding choral performances by the Ambrosian Opera Chorus and the great performances of the smaller roles.

Just about every reviewer, from Amazon reviewers to the critics who write for OPERA NEWS have heralded the new availability of this recording. Listen to it, and you will understand why and echo the many praises of this set.

Enjoy!

Beverly Sills Signature Role.......2004-12-17

Beverly Sills once said that if she was to be remembered for anything, it should be for "Manon". This is the role that catapulted her to opera superstardom. And she made this recording in 1970, when her voice still had all its youthful freshness and vigor, and shows just why Beverly Sills had such a great reputation. It has been said that Massenet wrote for his soprano, and nowhere is that more true than in the title role of this opera. And Sills does the role complete justice, vocally demonstrating in her singing the downfall of Manon from young innocent girl to demimondaine to despair and death. Her rendition of the great aria "Adieu, notre petite table", is incredibly moving. And the rest of the cast is excellent as well. Nicolai Gedda is supremely stylish as Des Grieux, Gabriel Bacquier strong and forthright as his father, and one gets to hear the late Gerard Souzay, famous primarily as a concert artist, singing a rare opera role as Lescaut, Manon's cousin. Julius Rudel conducts cleanly, making the most of Massenet's lush orchestrations. This recording belongs on the shelf of every opera lover.

SILLS MANON RULES! AND DG CD REISSUE SUPERB!.......2004-05-31

(I wrote these words in a review of the Angel/EMI CD reissue that is now out of print) On my select list of favorite complete opera recordings sits Beverly Sills' Manon. I wore out three copies of the vinyl version and the EMI CD reissue was more than welcome in my collection! Bubbles once said this recording came closest to what she did in the theatre, and there simply hasn't been a more vivid and complete a performance, musically, dramatically or otherwise. Vocally everything is top-notch, the supporting cast is superior to anything else on recording and Rudel's pacing is without peer. Brava Manon, Brava Beverly Sills!

I am also happy to report that the DGG reissue surpasses the EMI/Angel of a few years back in terms of overall sound quality. Collectors, your search has ended!

Average customer rating: Excellently performed, Not much Variety A Classy CD Great Music BUT - Stupid Sony CD Very good but not what I heard live in Cerritos Fantastic Marriage of Two Worlds

Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Obrigado Brazil Tango: Zero Hour Astor Piazzolla - The Soul Of Tango: Greatest Hits Silk Road Journeys: When Strangers Meet Classic Yo-Yo ASIN: B0000029XQ Release Date: 1997-10-02

Tracks:

1. Libertango
2. Tango Suite: Andante
3. Tango Suite: Allegro
4. Tango Suite: Sur: Regreso Al Amor
5. Tango Suite: Le Grand Tango
6. Tango Suite: Fugata
7. Tango Remembrances
8. Mumuki
9. Tres Minutos Con La Realidad
10. Milonga Del Angel
11. Cafe 1930

Amazon.com essential recording

Yo-Yo Ma might seem like an unlikely protagonist for the tango, but this intrepid musical explorer has taken his task seriously, collaborating with experienced tango musicians. Ma even participates in a posthumous collaboration with one 1987 Piazzolla recording. Furthermore, while he's obviously the headliner here, he doesn't dominate the arrangements nearly as much as he does the billing and photography of the disc. While the result isn't your essential Piazzolla album (that would have to include more of the composer's own playing), it's an atmospheric and convincing collection, perhaps a good introduction for those who don't know the music. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Excellently performed, Not much Variety.......2007-01-12

Yo-Yo Ma leads an all-star cast in his "Sould of the Tango" project. He offers fresh new arrangements of Piazzolla's masterpieces including "Libertango," "Tango Suite," "Fugatta," and more. The arrangements are expertly performed and the playing is exciting and energetic. There is a lush palatte of sound colors coming from guitars, cellos, pianos and the bandoneon. The music is beautiful and flashy. Pieces are reorchestrated such as the "Tango Suite" pieces which are originally guitar duos now with a cello in the mix and the last track on the album, "Cafe 1930" was originally flute and guitar but Ma performs it on cello and bandoneon. The result is freshly interpreted Piazzolla masterpieces that feature new sound color and new perspective. The music is really quite enchanting.

The only problem with this particular recording is that I think Piazzolla is better heard in moderation. Piazzolla wrote in such a constrianed genre, (classical tango), and thus a whole hour of Piazzolla is a little much to take. This great album doesn't make for much of a great straight through listen, but is much better as a plesant surprise when the computer library or iPod is on shuffle.

A Classy CD.......2004-06-23

Great intro to tango, great to relax and read to.

Great Music BUT - Stupid Sony CD.......2003-07-16

I love this music - plays great on my CD player, but when I tried to play it on my computer at work, I wouldn't work. Sony wanted me to install something that didn't work on my machine (my computer is farely new), so I ended up having a friend copy the music over to a new CD without all that SONY stuff they use to stop pirating probably. Now I can listen at work and it is wonderful. BUT BEWARE ON BUYING CDs like this!

Very good but not what I heard live in Cerritos.......2003-03-05

When I first heard Yo-Yo Ma live in Cerritos several years ago, his closing piece was from the yet released Soul of the Tango.
With that music, the subdued audience was enlightened. With only a Cello and a Piano, the music that was created was unbelievable. It was several months before the CD came out and I was a little disappointed that the energy that was present in the live concert did not translate to the CD. I hope that a Live recording or DVD will eventually be released which does capture the real Soul of the Tango.

Fantastic Marriage of Two Worlds.......2003-03-05

I have always thought that Tango deserved a more elevated standing with both professional and amateur music lovers and what better way to attain that wish than having Yo Yo Ma join in for a session.(Is that a question or statement?) This is a remarkable CD that ranges a wide spectrum of Tango music, most of it exciting, sensual and daring.

Piazzolla, a transcendent artist, was determined to broaden Tango's appeal and he did so admirably. Lovers of jazz and classical now appreciate this fusion and nowhere is it expressed better than this offering. Ma admits he was delighted with the chance to work with the other artists and though he is the star it is never totally given over to the cello. As much as I like the cello, it cannot hold a candle to the bandoneon, perhaps the closest thing to a human voice outside of humanity.

Some of these works are magnificent interpretations and in the case of Tango, what is important is staying true to the spirit and not the letter of the note. I love the subtle, whining melodies, the rising and falling of the "voice"...the continual yearning.

An added bonus is that this CD contains an introduction for the PC. One can watch an interview with the performer, view photos or watch a video that intersperces the playing of Yo Yo Ma with cutouts from the movie. But this is something I discovered two full years after listenting to the CD. Get this recording and enjoy.

Average customer rating: One of the greatest masterpieces of guitar recordings of all time A Must Have! Nice for Relaxation Blew me away... Sweet Sensations of Sound

Baroque Guitar Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bream, Julian | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Spanish Guitar Music Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B000003F1J Release Date: 1991-06-21

Tracks:

1. Pavanas
2. Canarios
3. Prelude In D Minor
4. Fugue In A Minor
5. Fantasy & Minuet
6. Passacaille
7. Fantasie
8. Suite In D Minor: Prelude
9. Suite In D Minor: Allemande
10. Suite In D Minor: Courante
11. Suite In D Minor: Sarabande
12. Suite In D Minor: Gavotte
13. Suite In D Minor: Menuet I & II
14. Suite In D Minor: Bourree
15. Suite In D Minor: Gigue
16. Tombeau sur la mort de M. Comte de Logy
17. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Prelude
18. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Allemande
19. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Courante
20. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Sarabande
21. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Bourree
22. Suite in E Minor, S. 996: Gigue

Customer Reviews:

One of the greatest masterpieces of guitar recordings of all time.......2007-05-24

When Julian Bream came to the San Francisco conservatory in the early 1980's he began by addressing the masterclass of eager guitarists by saying "I am not a guitarist. Rather, I am a musician who plays the guitar."

This album demonstrates the high standard of truth of his statement.

Originally released in 1965 by RCA, this recording is one of the finest ever made. Bream was at one of the several heights of his musical mastery.

Of the opening tracks by Gaspar Sanz, both the stately Pavanas and the famous Canarios are models of exquisite phrasing, dynamic rhythmic energy and dramatic character.

J.S. Bach's Prelude in D minor is much superior to Andres Segovia's earlier recording. It is a bit slower in tempo, yet has a fabulous pulse that underlies the arpeggio figurations. The following fugue in A minor is a still miraculous model of contrapuntal clarity, drama, rhythmic drive and sheer exuberance. All the many guitarists of my generation measured their own efforts in relation to this rendition.

Fernando Sor's Fantasie and Minuet are completely captivating in the 19th century style. Bream had an affinity for Sor's music and also the taste to record only the small handful of Sor's opus which stood above the mundane.

Bream's recordings of the lutenist S. L. Weiss works take us back to the baroque. Weiss was a friend of Bach and the Passacaille, Fantasie and Tombeau chosen here remain among the greatest recordings ever made. The transcription is especially tricky since the baroque lute used a very different tuning and had 13 courses. Bream was the first to really make a definitive case for playing Weiss on the guitar, and these renditions demonstrate why.

The Suite in D minor of Robert de Visee is by far the best for the transcription he used. Later Bream revisited the original sources and made better editions for his recordings. (See his re-recording of Sanz's Canarios in his album Guitarra)

Finally, the recording of the Lute Suite in E minor of J.S. Bach was a landmark in 1965. Today there are many recordings to choose from, but for my taste, nothing surpasses the total beauty, passion and realization of this recording.

I thank Mr. Bream everyday for this recording.

Buy this recording ASAP. Many of Breams great recordings are no longer available, so get it while you can.

A Must Have!.......2007-01-25

This CD turned out to be more than expected. After searching long and hard for the perfect guitar CD, this is the one! All the songs are played beautifully, and the artist brings out the texture and color in each piece.

Nice for Relaxation.......2006-08-04

This CD provides an air of calm and relaxation for those seeking a break from the rush and calamity of the quotidian. I recommend it highly because of it's cheap price, too!

Blew me away..........2004-05-01

I cannot agree more with all the positive reviews of this disc. I am a baroque nut and a huge admirer of classical guitar music, and this disc combines the two in splendid fashion. Julian Bream's playing is astounding, especially on the Sor minuet and also the lesser known pieces (to me) by Weiss. Overall, the selection of music on this compilation is great.

There is a fair amount of background hiss, as can be expected in an analog recording from the 60's, but the musical quality and interpretation Mr Bream lends to the music here would make any amount of background noise worthwhile.

Sweet Sensations of Sound.......2004-04-13

To me the guitar is one of the most beautiful instruments ever created. This CD compliments the guitar by providing the most beautiful baroque guitar music I ever heard. Everytime I listen to this CD it reminds me of The Prado Museum in Spain or an opulent Italian villa. I also love the fact that there are many songs on the CD. There's 22. So sit back realx and enjoy the music. It's money well spent.

Average customer rating: Simply wonderful! quiet time reorganization of the mind Sumptuous You never have enough Ravel - just never. The Best of Ravel By Master Conductor And Orchestra

Ravel: Boléro Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Dutoit, Laurence | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Debussy: La Mer Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol Ravel: Piano Works ASIN: B00002MXMX Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Bolero
2. Alborada del gracioso
3. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): Prelude
4. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 1 Tableau: Andse du rouet et Scene
5. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 2 Tableau: Pavane de la Belle du bois dormant
6. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 3 Tableau: Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bete
7. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 4 Tableau: Petit Poucet
8. Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 5 Tableau: Laideronette, Imperatrice des pagodes
9. Une Barque sur l'ocean
10. Rapsodie espagnole: Prelude a la nuit - Malaguena - Habanera - Feria

Tracks:

1. La Valse
2. Pavane pour une infante defunte
3. Le tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
4. Le tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
5. Le tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
6. Le tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere - Assez lent
8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere - Assez anime
9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent - Azzez vif
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif - Epilogue
11. Menuet antique
12. Fanfare pour 'L'Eventail de Jeanne
13. Daphnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Lever du jour
14. Daphnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Pantomime
15. Dapnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Danse generale

Customer Reviews:

Simply wonderful!.......2007-01-09

If you are a music buff like myself ( and I do like all kinds of music ), than what's not to like about The Boléro, by Ravel? And I don't buy into that hog-wash of a story that Ravel wrote this piece in the beginning of dementia...gimmie a break and give that man credit where credit is due.....The Boléro is a master piece! Ok...my review: It was a pleasure to shop for this Cd on Amazon ( after a disappointing search in a main music store )I found what I was looking for, ordered it and anxiously waited it's delivery, which was only about 5 days. The Cd was delivered in tip-top shape and I have enjoyed repeated plays of The Boléro! ( if it were an LP, the grooves would have been worn down by now! ) Today...it's back to classic rock for me. I would surely order from Amazon again!

quiet time reorganization of the mind.......2007-01-05

Have listened to this over the years from a teen who couldn't understand why anyone would write something so slow and repetitive, to a young married who now understood a vehicle for passion in a world filled with disraction, to a person who hears the joy and passion and struggles of a composer and appreciates the pain as a growth process for humans. Tenderly,hot,good stuff.More please.

Sumptuous.......2007-01-04

To heck with arguments about Elvis, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, etc. Ravel's Bolero was the first ever piece of rock music, so there. This version by Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony totally nails it, always been my favorite version. The trick is to not let things get over the top as the intensity heightens. Flawless readings of the Rapsodie Espagnole and La Valse to boot makes this an essential disc. This is all the evidence you need that Charles Dutoit is the greatest living Ravel interpreter.

You never have enough Ravel - just never........2006-01-15

This two disk set is one of those that you should add to your collection because it is wonderful music, sounds great, and is extremely affordable. Everyone knows and loves "Boléro". Commissioned by Ida Rubinstein as a ballet and premiered in 1928 was not a musical success. At another performance, led by Toscanini, Ravel complained that the tempo was too fast. Toscanini replied that it was the only way to save the work. But it soon became a mass success to Ravel's surprise and consternation. He felt they loved it for all the wrong reasons. The violinist Hélène Jourdan-Morhange relates this interesting story of one incident involving the work:

"Ravel was extremely surprised at the mass success of "Boléro" `They're going to turn it into another "Madelon", he said, rather crossly; and deep down he felt that the obsessive, musico-sexual element in the piece was probably behind its enormous popularity. But one old lady was proof against the contagion. Ravel's brother Edouard saw her, at the first performance, wedged tightly in her seat shouting above the applause `Rubbish! Rubbish!' Maurice, when informed by his brother, replied mysteriously: `That Old Lady got the message!'" from Ravel et nous 1945 page 166.

The other works on this disk are more substantive than the 15-minute crescendo and its constantly changing orchestral colors. The entire "Mother Goose" ballet - who doesn't love this? Although you usually here it performed as the suite. The "Rhapsodie Espagnol" is a favorite and delivers that wonderful Spanish flavor with a French sauce.

"Le tombeau de Couperin" and "Valses nobles et sentimentale" are orchestrations of major piano works (with some alterations in the tombeau) (there are other pieces on these disks that also began as piano works) that are probably more well known to the general public as orchestral works. However, they are very essential works in the pianist's repertoire, and I encourage you to get to know them in that form as well.

"La Valse" is really two things. There is a tribute to Johann Strauss. Ravel admitted that every composer wanted to write a very good waltz, but that it was very difficult. So, he wrote this symphonic waltz as a tribute. However, the second half is something else, is it not? There is decadence and a madness to it that seems like a nightmare to me. As if we are all trapped in this thing until everything falls apart with pain and loss into nothing. A fascinating piece.

There are other small and popular pieces on this disk that are all done well.

Recommended!

The Best of Ravel By Master Conductor And Orchestra.......2005-11-10

French-Canadian conductor Charles Dutoit and the Motneral Symphony Orchestra deliver what is the most musically satisfying collection of Ravel Bolero's French music. At a fine price, this is a fine jewel, with moments that sparkle and burn with a beautiful fire. The first track is of course the famous Bolero, with its hypnotic, singular theme that is expanded into a climatic crescendo which is overtly sexual, primal and sensuous. It was originally a ballet about a Spanish dancer (dancing the bolero of course) in a bawdy cafe. She is spurred on to dance even more erotically by the lusty men until we can assume the men can take no more. The Rhapsody Espagnole is an evocative portrait of Spain, with lyrical passages and tonal beauty. The Valse is another classic of French music of the early 20th century. Ravel's mother had died prior to the premiere. It is a slow, romantic waltz that escalates into a frenzied dance of death. In musical terms, there is nothing too different from La Valse and Bolero. They are both basically one motif that is repeated but changes in volume and pacing. The Pavane For A Dead Princess is my favorite work of his. It is possibly the most gorgeous funeral music one will ever hear. Far from being a melancholy piece, it is a stately, Renaissance-like work that pays homage to exoticism of the East and Romanticism of the West. The Dead Princess we assume is either Moorish or Spanish and the music is lilting and spiritual without ever reaching the heights of frustration or despair that Bolero or Valse take on. The Tomb of Couperin is also a funereal piece but its beauty lies in its imitation of Baroque music. Couperin was a Baroque composer of keyboard works. The music is aptly called neo-baroque or neoclassical since it was composed in the 20th century. This same style is embedded in Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales and Minuet Antique- all works that reflect the music of the Baroque and classical eras, an homage to Handel and Gluck. Daphne Et Cloe is perhaps his most ambitious work, as it expands on the Baroque classic and makes it more operatic and orchestrally grander. All fans of Ravel will want to own this recording. Dutoit knows this music down to a T and the orchestra captures nuance and subtlety in a variety of both light and dark textures. The music is brimming with life and the sound is crisp and beautifully remastered.

Average customer rating: Bright Star Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias First DGG album--very promising Remarkable! Beautiful voice, beautiful girl

Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias Anna Netrebko , Elina Garanca , Gianandrea Noseda , Wiener Philharmoniker , and Hector Berlioz Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sempre Libera Russian Album Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] Anna Netrebko - The Woman, The Voice Verdi - La Traviata ASIN: B00008MLSH Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Idomeneo: Recitativo ed Aria "Quando avran fine omai" - Mozart
2. Don Giovanni: Recitativo accompagnato e Rondo "Crudele!" - Mozart
3. Benvenuto Cellini: Cavatine "Entre l'amour et le devoir" - Berlioz
4. La Sonnambula: Recitativo e Cavatina "Care compagne, et voi, ternei amici" - Bellini
5. Manon: Air du Cours-la-Reine "Suis-je gentille ainsi?" - Massenet
6. Lucia di Lammermoor: Scena e Cavatina "Ancor non giunse!" - Donizet
7. Faust: Ricitatif "Les grands seigneurs ont seuls des airs..." - Gounod
8. Rusalka: "Mesicku na nebli hlubokem" - Dvorak
9. La Boheme: "Quando me'n vo' (Musette's Waltz)" - Puccini

Amazon.com

Here, a year after her sensational Metropolitan debut as Prokofiev's Natasha from War and Peace, comes the debut solo recital album of 30-something soprano Anna Netrebko. She hails from southern Russia, and her emergence from the life of a conservatory student has a touch of the Cinderella tale—the bit, that is, about being discovered by Gergiev mopping floors for the Kirov as a part-time job and making her way into the Kirov's ranks. Later she became a favorite at San Francisco Opera, trying on for size a swath of comic and dramatic roles. Opera Arias parades Netrebko's way through a spectrum of vocal styles and characters. This mesmerizing lyric soprano engages--at times thrillingly grips--the listener with an imagination far greater than the disc's title (couldn't someone have dreamt up a less ridiculously bland handle?), but most significantly leaves an impression that the enterprise here isn't merely about singing. Netrebko's Ilia and Donna Anna are flesh-and-blood characters in real situations, as Mozart wanted them to be. The results are a bit more uneven with her bel canto heroines, where the required balance between Netrebko's emotional identification, so obviously a forte, and the musical phrasing thereof is a delicate one. Her shading of Lucia's mood swings, vocal and emotional, isn't consistently compelling. On the other hand, Netrebko uncovers gemlike facets not just in Gounod's "Jewel Song" but particularly in her stunning, passionately realized and beautifully phrased Manon (even if her trills disappoint). A shame that samples of her Russian repertory are missing here, though Netrebko's "Song to the Moon" from Dvorak's Rusalka concentrates and sets a mood with enviable mastery. Netrebko's musical intelligence and theatrical savvy seem destined to ensure her a magnificent career, so it's no surprise that many fans are already clamoring for more than the tease of an aria collection. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Bright Star.......2007-07-13

If you like opera, if you like the lyric soprano, if the vocal range of the colortura causes goose bumps to rise, Anna Netrebko is a must. Roberta Peters, Beverly Sills, Anna Moffo, Joan Southerland, Maria Callas, she takes a back seat to none of them,she sits he front seat with the best of them and guess what? She is beautiful too.

Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias.......2007-03-29

Her voice takes my breath away, I fell in love with her.
I highly reccomend it.

First DGG album--very promising.......2007-02-01

Anna Netrebko has rapidly become a first tier star in opera. This album, her first at DGG, illustrates why some rate her so highly; it also illustrates some of the questions that some have raised about her. All in all, though, a very nice CD.

A few selections illustrate:

Mozart, Idomeneo, "Quando avran fine omai." She displays a rich and clean voice. There is a very attractive quality to her voice manifest in this work.

Mozart, Don Giovanni, "Crudele? Ah no, mio bene!...Non mi dir." This is Donna Anna's poignant aria, given her circumstances. Netrebko displays rich tones. This is a well sung cut. "Non mi dir" shows off some agility in her voice.

Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor. "Ancor non giunse!. . .Regnava nel silenzio. . .Quando rapito in estasi" Something of a disappointment. Coloratura is not her forte (and see her "Sempre Libera" CD for further confirmation). She clearly shows off a rich and lush voice. I think that she displays some characterization here that is compelling. She hits high notes cleanly. But her ornamentation is indifferent, and she appears unable to trill. I know, some say that that is irrelevant. But compare Beverly Sills' version of this work, with almost too many trills extraordinarily well sung and her florid technique, and this version simply pales.

Bellini, La Sonnambula. "Care compagna. . .Come per me sereno." Again, Netrebko displays a rich voice. She displays an agile voice and the ability to hit the high notes. Her rendition of "come per sereno" is spirited.

Gounod, Faust. "The Jewel Song." Very smooth singing; animated singing. But the technique does not measure up to Anna Moffo's version--let alone Joan Sutherland's.

Puccini, La Boheme. "Musetta's Waltz." Yikes! What a version. Brava Netrebko. Her darker voice is very well suited to this. The characterization of Musetta seems on the mark. A wonderful cut.

All in all, this shows the promise of Netrebko. It also indicates where her strengths are and where she does not do so well (coloratura work). However, this is a very nice introduction to her work and her art.

Remarkable!.......2006-11-02

Perhaps her voice is not as candid as some other sopranos, but her rendition of the score and interpretative expression make her and exquisite hearing pleasure. This recording shows a more matured artist capable of capturing the role dynamics and emotions.

Yes, her voice is not as lyric as you might expect, and some roles may sound a little big heavy (sometimes maybe bordering verismo), but definitively at stated before hearing her is a gloriuos pleasure, almost as good as looking at her.

Beautiful voice, beautiful girl.......2005-11-22

When I heard Anna Netrebko singing Quando Men Vo I was stunned by a voice of stunning purity, great power and sheer beauty. The best Musetta I've heard! Her Song to the moon is stunning and I love her Bel Canto! Anna Netrebko has a very bright future ahead of her. Her Mozart is top class!

Average customer rating: A mixed bag beautiful Breakfast cereal vs. real accomplishment Fantastic Adams gets his groove back...

John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs Philip Glass : The Voyage: An Opera in Three Acts Osvaldo Golijov: Ainadamar Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto Steve Reich: Phases ASIN: B000HRMDT2 Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. The Dharma At Big Sur: II. Sri Moonshine

Tracks:

1. My Father Knew Charles Ives: I. Concord
2. My Father Knew Charles Ives: II. The Lake
3. My Father Knew Charles Ives: III. The Mountain

Amazon.com

This is a splendid addition to the Adams discography, one that follows him from New England to California. Dharma at Big Sur is a concerto for electric violin. It begins by evoking the West's sun and easy living, but this is more than a musical piece of nature-painting. It rambles ambiently for a while before landing in an Indian raga, jazzy mode and ends with a type of heavenly good-naturedness. The electric violin is played by Tracy Silverman; a sixth string allows for the sonorous tones of the cello. The other work, presented on a second CD (so as to avoid culture shock?) is My Father knew Charles Ives, which, while apparently untrue, lets us know that Ives's New England sound and his wacky one-on-top-of-the-other methods will be found here, and, indeed, they are. It pays homage to some of Ives's music (the trumpet from his "The Unanswered Question" is clear here), but more than that, in its various sections ("The Lake;" "The Mountain") it evokes the nature of New England as picturesquely as Ives does, and parallels Adams's California in Dharma A pair of fascinating works, at times a bit thorny, but well worth it. --Robert Levine

Album Description

Featuring two highly-acclaimed commissioned orchestral works, The Dharma At Big Sur and My Father Knew Charles Ives, performed by the BBC Sumphony with Adams himself conducting. While panoramic in scope, these multi-part pieces are also deeply personal in nature. Described as "autobiographical sound memories" by the BBC, they evoke the well-traveled American composer's east coast/west coast life and wide-ranging musical education.

Customer Reviews:

A mixed bag.......2007-07-02

I found this set a mixed bag. The first work - "The Dharma at Big Sur" - is a bit disappointing save for the massive ending, which is admittedly mind-blowing. The opening movement is a wash, a verrrrry long recitative-like statement for the soloist over some interesting harmonies, but all seeming almost like a too-long introduction to the second movement.

"My Father Knew Charles Ives", on the other hand, is quite a great piece. Attempts in American music have been made to be "like Ives" - incorporating twisted quotes of popular song, hymns, etc. at varying tempos and in varying keys - with extremely varying success. Most fail - Adams here reigns supreme. I like the fact that the piece brings back some of the insanity of the "Chamber Symphony", includes overwhelming climactic moments like "Naive and Sentimental Music" or the Violin Concerto, but also breaks new ground. This is clearly post-post-minimalist music from Adams and is exciting to hear.

The performances and recorded sound are universally excellent, with wide dynamic range and excellent clarity throughout the orchestra in both works. The soloist in Dharma is tastefully spotlit.

One drawback is that 2 CDs for these two pieces without some other filler material is a waste. We could certainly have used new recordings of some older (or even recent) Adams work to set these two in relief.

beautiful.......2007-03-09

I'm a pianist and i find The Dharma at Big Sur to be one of the most beautiful pieces i've ever heard. The Ives piece is good, but i'm not too crazy about it.

Breakfast cereal vs. real accomplishment.......2007-01-08

I don't think John Adams should be canonized so early. The idiom he's chosen to write in, tonal minimalism, has now survived long enough to show up early critics who accused it of repetitiveness, sterility, and kitsch. But the shadows of banality linger far too often over Adams and Glass, the most popular minimalists commercially speaking. I have no allegiance to atonality or the advanced modernism of, say, Ligeti and Lutoslawski, but on the other hand, I don't want chewable breakfast cereal that goes down easy and leaves a few minutes of sugqary aftertaste.

To my ears, the two works here are quite different in quality. Adams's concerto for electric violin, Dharma at Big Sur, sounds like musical wallpaper, its easy-to-swallow mellowness bordering on junk. My Father Knew Charles Ives, however, is an honest attempt to assimilate Ives, himself an expert in collage, into an updated collage. What's the point of a collage of a collage? On the surface it's a silly enterprise, a bit like cutting a Cubist painting up into small squares. But Adams displays great ingenuity throughout, and I'd say that he's hitting a note somewhat higher than John Corigliano, for example, with some prospects that this coloful, varied work will not date as badly as Corigliano's has. The full resources of a large orchestra are used, and the patchwork includes many Ivesian elements--marches, patriotic songs, mysterious faraway atmospherics--that still work in this reworking. Certainly there's no doubt that Adams has matured into a master of what he wants to accomplish, and if my ears tell me that one piece is piffle while the other is memorable, future audiences and critics will be the judge.

Fantastic.......2007-01-03

John Adams never ceases to amaze and this latest release is as good as they come. "Dharma," a concerto for electric violin and orchestra, is extraordinary: full of colorful, brilliantly inventive orchestrations, soaring melodies, and rich harmonic contours, it is a grand and glorious bear-hug of a score. Tracy Silverman is the dazzling soloist. "My Father Knew Charles Ives" is equally magnificent and rather more personal. References to Ives abound, but you don't necessarily need to be familiar with his output to appreciate Adams's; of special note should be the haunting second movement and the beautiful (surprising) coda of the third.

Adams gets his groove back..........2006-12-21

My Father Knew... is little more than a skillful if somewhat bland symphonic Ives pastiche, but John Adams sort of gets his groove back in The Dharma At Big Sur -- a rhapsodic, rambling, and rather trippy fantasia for electric violin and orchestra. It's not very polished and it's actually a little tacky... and that's exactly what's great about it. (Hey, why on Earth did Nonesuch release less than an hour of music as a two CD set? tsk-tsk...)

Average customer rating: The best of the best. Beautiful and creamy voice Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard Wow!!!

Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Gustave Charpentier , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Antonin Dvorak , Friedrich von Flotow , Giacomo Puccini , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Carl Orff , Richard Strauss , Sergey Rachmaninov , Johann II Strauss , Franz Lehar , Jose Maria Cano , Marie-Joseph Canteloube , Jeffrey Tate , Sir Charles Mackerras , Renée Fleming , English Chamber Orchestra , Osian Ellis , London Voices , and Clive Greensmith Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Canteloube, Joseph | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renée Fleming Renee Fleming: By Request Renée Fleming - Signatures ~ Great Opera Scenes / Sir Georg Solti Sacred Songs Handel ASIN: B0000042I6 Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

1. Louise (Acte 3): Depuis le jour ou je me suis donnee
2. Faust (Acte 3 - Air des bijoux): O Dieu! que de bijous!... Ah! Je ris de me voir si belle (Air des bijoux - Jewel Song)
3. Manon (Acte 3): Je marche sur tous les chemins... Obeissons... Profitons bien de la jeunesse (Gavotte)
4. Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55 B104 No. 4: Songs My Mother Taught Me
5. Martha (Act 2 - No. 8 The Last Rose): 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer
6. La rondine (Act 1): Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
7. Die tote Stadt (Act 1 - Mariettas Lied): Gluck, das mir verblieb
8. Carmina Burana (No. 21): In trutina
9. Vier Lieder, Op. 27 No. 4: Morgen!
10. Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14: Vocalise
11. Die Fiedermaus (Act 2 - Csardas): Klange der Heimat (Csardas)
12. Die lustige Witwe (Act 2 - Vilja-Lied): Es lebt' eine Vilja (Vilja-Lied)
13. LUNA: Epilogo
14. Chants d'Auvergne, Series 1: Bailero

Amazon.com essential recording

This vocal recital certainly lives up to its title, perhaps too well. It's a collection of arias and songs Fleming has sung for years that for some may be too much frosting and not enough cake. Surely, her performances are rich with interpretive nuances, wonder-filled portamentos and word colorings that reflect a long history with this repertoire, which ranges from Charpentier's "Depuis le jour" to Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Some may find Fleming a bit much, but agree with her or not, she's far more interesting than singers who keep a safe, discreet distance from the music. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best........2007-04-11

I've given away at least a dozen copies of this CD. I'm running low, so I just refilled the stash. For people who haven't discovered Renee Fleming or who think they don't care for opera, this CD is the best possible way to blow down the walls. If you think there's nothing new to be heard in these old arias, you owe it to yourself to find out how wrong you can be.

Beautiful and creamy voice.......2006-02-28

I like so much Ren?e Fleming and this is special cd !

Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE.......2006-01-30

IT'S A FINE RECORDING THAT OFFERS A VARIETY OF SELECTIONS FROM OPERA, OPERETTAS AND FOLK SONGS, ALL WITH FLEMING AT HER BEST.

The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard.......2006-01-02

I am a 19-year-old voice student at the University of Central Arkansas and I came across Renee by way of a soprano in my voice studio. She said it was her favorite soprano and that I should give her a listen. I was a little hesistant because I'm a baritone and my voice teacher told me that I should listen to men, but I just want to hear it all. So this past summer I first bought Renee's self-titled album with all of the lolipop arias on it and I was just amazed, not just because of how good she is but how easy she is to listen to. I loved her voice immediately. From the the moment the first tone passed through her throat on Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro." So I had to hear more. The Beautiful Voice is even better. It wasn't as easy to listen to at first because some of the songs on this album are not as famous as those on the other one, but these songs are all gems. The Korngold with the pianissimi B flats is my personal favorite. Even my mother who screams at me to turn down that "noise" when I listen to opera cds has grown to be quite fond of Renee Fleming. Sometimes her interpretations can be over the top, but the voice is beyond spectacular. It pours out like melted butter. It's vibrant, rich, expressive, free and always perfectly in tune. There is no hint of strain from any sound emitted from her body. She will undoubtedly be remembered like Callas & Sutherland and all the other great soprano voices before her. Not for the dramatic intensity of Callas or the coloratura & technical ease of Sutherland, but for the sheer unspeakable beauty of her voice. This is a must have for any vocalist seriously dedicated to classical training.

Wow!!!.......2005-09-28

This album is the album that introduced me to Renee Fleming. Every selection on this recording is a gem. Her voice is so gorgeous and her technique is so solid. I love her voice so much, her interpretations of J. Strauss, Jr.'s Csardas is incredible and Puccini's Chi il bel sogno di Doretta makes me cry everytime I listen to it. She is a true American treasure. Brava Renee!!!

Average customer rating: Not All Bad It WAS the 80's after all Another CD-title that was used for the first Baywatch season (NBC-1989/1990) Buy it just for the first cut Theme to "The Time Traveler's Wife"

Sur La Mer The Moody Blues Manufacturer: Mca Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Present Keys of the Kingdom Strange Times Long Distance Voyager The Other Side of Life ASIN: B000001FOX Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. I Know You're Out There Somewhere
2. Want To Be With You
3. River Of Endless Love
4. No More Lies
5. Here Comes The Weekend
6. Vintage Wine
7. Breaking Point
8. Miracle
9. Love Is On The Run
10. Deep

Customer Reviews:

Not All Bad.......2007-06-28

I bought this album on CD as soon as it came out in 1988 and listened to it on headphones. I thought the songs were incredibly layered and certainly well produced. True, there is no Ray Thomas on here and it's doubtful Greame Edge or even Patrick Moraz had much to do with this. In fact, it's really another Blue Jays album. I'm certain the Moody Blues name sold a lot more copies than Hayward/Lodge Blue Jays II would have.

I'm amazed how loathed this album is by some. For me, Keys of the Kingdom is the "worst" album by the Moodies; however, I still enjoy at least half the tracks on that one. But after reading several reveiws of how horrible the album is, I decided to put it on again and listen. Perhaps my view is a little biased because of the memories it holds for me at that time in my life, but it's still an album I play quite often.

There are some stinkers on this album-- the beer commercialism of "Here Comes the Weekend," just another weaker version of the weak "Rock N Roll Over You" from the previous album. "Breaking Point" and "Miracle" are not the Moodies best for certain, but I still enjoy "Miracle." The opening track is by far the most accessable track on the album, but "Vintage Wine" is the best track. A little trip down nostalgia lane from Justin. I just love the acoustic guitars on this one. The most unuasual track is "Deep." We don't need to wonder what that's about, but I think it's an amazing track and it's too bad they never performed it in concert. I heard an interview back when the album came out that they were trying to come up with an arrangent for stage, but it just never happened. "Want to Be With You" is a great love song and "River of Endless Love" rolls along with a great beat and great vocals. Sometimes coming out with straight up love song lyrics is not such a bad thing. Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs. What's wrong with that? Then you get "No More Lies." Yeah, the lyrics certainly aren't poetry, but what a great melody and it's sung so well by one the best voices in rock and roll.

Yeah, the average population is not going to embrace this album, which is why I gave it three stars and it's certainly not a five star album. But I think Moody Blues fans secret LOVE this album though some may be hard-pressed to admit it-- it's kind of like admitting you like Neil Diamond in a crowd of heavy metal fans. But give this album a shot. It certainly won't make any critics top one hundred albums of the last 25 years, but it's certainly a lot better than the flavorless, manufactured pop music fare out there.

It WAS the 80's after all.......2007-06-08

'Sur la Mer' honestly isn't all that bad, folks. Granted it WAS the late 1980's but you have to remember this band IS the fabulous Moody Blues after all. These men are just incapable of making a completely bad record-they are just too darned talented, quite frankly. Lets face it, they could sing the ingredients on a cereal box and make it sound good. The only really negative thing I can say about this album is that the lack of the great Ray Thomas' voice fronting a song left a huge void. At times is there just way too much synth and techno on SLM? Absolutely. Did I miss the basics of guitar, bass, drums and keyboard? Of course I did- especially John's bass. But what I do get on this album are the unmistakable words and voices of "most" of my beloved Moodies. When listening to this album, I have to gently remind myself of the era. Then I can relax and just enjoy the ride that The Moody Blues are about to take me on. I never regret the time spent with them. On to a few of the songs.......

'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' is Justin Hayward at his writing and singing best. This song doesn't sound that dated to me at all, if I can just get visions of the video out of my head. The way the MB's play it in concert today certainly doesn't make me think of the 80's. IKYOTS is classic and timeless in its theme of yearning for a lost love. Hayward can sometimes walk that fine line between sentimental and sappy like no one else, but more often than not he gets it just right. With his incredible voice and way with lyrics, he pulls it off here admirably.
'Want To Be With You' is simply a stunning number and one of my fave JH Moodies songs. Justin's voice has never been sweeter to my ears, and the way he and John harmonize, this song would have been perfect on their Blue Jays album. There is NOTHING at all dated about WTBWY- it would be right at home anywhere between 1970 and today.
'Vintage Wine' has certainly aged well also. Here again Hayward just blows my mind with his lovely words and how well he sings them. "I remember the taste of the vintage wine, from 63 through to 69. And I'm proud of the things we believed in then, if I had the chance I'd go around again". Perfection, folks.

John Lodge's rocker 'Here Comes the Weekend' makes me wish I was 22 again and in some trendy European dance club, showing them what this white country girl from Georgia can do. I'm not used to Lodgie rocking me w/o his trusty Fender bass but hey I adapt when its his voice and funky rhythm in my ears. The techno stuff was a bit much but not enough to take away from my joy of dancing to Johnny boy.
I can't say the same for 'The River of Endless Love', co-written by John and Justin and fronted by John on vocals. The sheer loud volume of the music takes away from what are great lyrics and at times overwhelms John's airy voice. A little less "noise" and I know I could have enjoyed this one. (See, I am capable of being critical of Lodge.)
'Breaking Point' is loud but not overly so- the volume suits the subject and tempo well. Co-written/sung by Hayward & Lodge, this one also makes me long to be on a dance floor somewhere about 20 years back. John's voice is well-suited for his parts, the first several verses of the song. John asks "Have you reached your breaking point tonight?" and "Are you sure you're alone?" in a way that only a woman could appreciate. Nice.....
'Miracle' is yet again another J&J collaboration and after several listens I am warming up to this very danceable tune just fine. The harmonies are just superb on this one.
'Love is on the Run' is the last one I'm commenting on and it is by far John's best effort here. It's a beautiful song on every level- music(great guitar work)tempo, lyrics and that way that only John Lodge can sing a song. "When your dream has lost its cause, don't waste your time in closing doors, you'll be the last to know, when love has gone." Aaahhh.... sounds so good to me. (John really needs to add this one to his concert repetoire- it's a great song.)

To sum up: remember that this album is circa 1988 but the unequaled talents of The Moody Blues sound good in any era.

Another CD-title that was used for the first Baywatch season (NBC-1989/1990).......2006-10-12

Also for Baywatch-fans this CD from the Moody Blues is a worth recommendation to their collection.

The CD contains the song "Breaking point", that were used for the Baywatch-episode "Eclipse" (1990 / season 1). While hearing this song, you'll remember Eddie Kramer dreaming of his sister... she drowns in a swimming pool. In the same dream also appears a white young ladie (light house) that haunts the Californian beaches.

If you are interested in songs that featured on Baywatch, you can buy here on Amazon.com the Book: "Baywatch - Rescued from Prime Time". This book contains all credits from songs/artists (like the Moody Blues), that you can buy here on Amazon.com. You can also read the rest of my reviews for more CD-credits that were used for Baywatch.

The soundquality of this CD is very good.

Buy it just for the first cut.......2006-04-07

If you listen to nothing else on this album, hear "I Know You're Out There Somewhere". Intense vocals backed by fabulous, soaring synthepop--classic Moody Blues, even without the much-missed Ray Thomas flute. With or without the classic lineup, however, the Moody Blues show once again how the masters do it.

Theme to "The Time Traveler's Wife".......2006-03-13

Hollywood movie-makers often look for classic rock songs to include on the soundtrack for a film they are releasing. I think I have found a wonderful connection between The Moody Blues and a possible future movie release.

After reading the book "The Time Traveler's Wife," I happened upon the song "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" from "Sur la mer" by the Moody Blues. The lyrics, the music, and the production (by Tony Visconti) all brought me back to the book and its themes.

If you have read the book -- check out this disc and the song. If you know the song -- then read the book!

If "The Time Traveler's Wife" is ever made into a movie, I would strongly suggest that this song be a part of the production.

Are you listening Hollywood?

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