Chansons De Toujours V.1 [Import]

1. J'veux Du Soleil

2. Tete En L'air

3. Y A D'la Joie

4. Et Moi Et Moi

5. Egoman

6. Tout Seul

7. Au Pays Des Merveilles

8. A Paris En Velo

9. Prospere

10. Comme De Bien Entendu

11. Salade De Fruits

12. Quand On Se Promene

13. Ce Petit Chemin

14. J'ai Deux Amours

15. La Java Bleue

16. Pourquoi Tu Vis

17. Je Suis Sous

Chansons De Toujours V.1,Various Artists,EMI,World Music

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: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

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

Diáspora Sefardí Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Orient - Occident Villancicos y Danzas Criollas El Cant de la Sibil-la, Mallorca & València, 1400-1560 Isabel I: Reina de Castilla Elizabethan Consort Music ASIN: B00004RBWV Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

One of Savall's finest.......2004-05-19

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

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

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

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

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

Nearly every night for 6 months!.......2003-05-01

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

Diáspora sefardí / Hespèrion XXI.......2000-11-13

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

Average customer rating: Great choral music CD a voice teacher and early music fan Lovely!!! Beautiful, but a little cold The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble

The Essential Tallis Scholars Manufacturer: Gimell UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Cornysh | Cornysh, William | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lassus | Lassus, Orlando di(Lasso) | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | 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 Tallis Scholars | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chansons | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina Tallis: Spem in Alium Christmas With the Tallis Scholars Allegri: Miserere The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis ASIN: B00009NJ20 Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Miserere
2. Ave Maria For Double Choir
3. Sicut Lilium I
4. Praeter Rerum Seriem
5. Pater Peccavi
6. Ego Flos Campi
7. Tota Pulchra Es
8. Descendi In Hortum Meum
9. Alma Redemptoris Mater
10. Salve Regina
11. Ave Regina Caelorum
12. Gloria

Tracks:

1. Media Vita
2. In Manus Tuas
3. O Nata Lux
4. Audivi Vocem
5. Exaudiat Te Dominus
6. Ah, Robin
7. Salve Regina
8. Kyrie
9. Gloria
10. Credo
11. Sanctus
12. Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

Average customer rating: Bursting with Visceral Life and Earthy Joy! Unexpected delight Would be Worth Buying at Three Times the Price Here's my two cents a window on another world

The Black Madonna Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Codex Faenza: Instrumental Music of the Early 15th Century On the Way to Bethlehem (Music of the Medieval Pilgrim) Alfonso X "El Sabio": Cantigas de Santa Maria Music Of The Crusades Early Venetian Lute Music ASIN: B000007N63 Release Date: 1998-05-26

Tracks:

1. Cuncti simus concanentes
2. Quant voi la flor novele
3. A Madre do que a bestia
4. Amours, ou trop tart me sui pris
5. Quant ay lomon consirat
6. Mariam, matrem Virginem
7. O Virgo splendens
8. Tanto son da groriosa
9. Comencerai a fere un lai
10. Cantiga de Santa Maria No.77-119
11. O Maria, maris stella
12. Los set gotxs

Customer Reviews:

Bursting with Visceral Life and Earthy Joy!.......2007-02-16

Hard to believe we can buy this precious gem for under $10 -- and what a gem it is! Easily my favourite medieval music CD. This isn't museum music, or a cerebral esoteric dip into European medieval cultures. This music leaps out and grabs you -- recalling images of everything from the still smile of a 13th-century Madonna to the chaos of Breugel and Bosch. Belinda Sykes' voice is alive with earth, grit, heat, and a transcendent beauty that needs to be experienced to be believed. The musicians are magicians: they'll have you dancing, singing, praying -- getting your bare feet soiled in the hot holy dust of a pilgrim's trail: enjoy!

Unexpected delight.......2006-08-29

Not sure what I was expecting, but this is a very refreshing collection. Hypnotic and robust at the same time. Two thumbs up -- 'at's all I got.

Would be Worth Buying at Three Times the Price.......2006-02-19

One of the hidden gems of the Naxos catalog are the series of recordings of Medieval music by the Ensemble Unicorn with Michael Posch. The music they choose to record here comes from the 14th century Llivre Vermell de Monstserrat preserved there in an codex of five parts. The book resulted from an attempt to set contemporary popular music to spiritual texts to help to reach out to a wider audience.

This CD is exemplary in every possible way. The liner notes written by Michael Posch himself are superb. Furthermore, the recorded sound quality is pretty much audiophile grade and runs rings around those produced by major record labels for the fraction of the price. The music making is beautiful, evocative and fascinating with all performances having the intensity and brilliance you can always count on from this superb ensemble.

Very highly recommended.

Here's my two cents.......2006-02-10

Let me add my two cents to the laudatory reviews already given. I bought this CD some time ago when I was developing an interest in early music. The title and the theme fascinated me. Also it was inexpensive, and I know from my experience that NAXOS, even though inexpensive, delivers quality goods. I was not the least disappointed. This is the music of an important era in history brilliantly performed by Unicorn Ensemble and Belinda Sykes. Belinda Sykes deserves to be better known than she is. She has a marvelous voice, and her delivery is without peer. When she sings, I am transported back to the days of those pilgrims whose songs she is singing. This music is not like other music. at times it may seem raucous. Just keep in mind the epoch from which these songs come. Open your mind. I assure you that you will be transformed.

a window on another world.......2005-12-05

I picked up this cd because of a family connection with the Black Madonna of Monserrat. She's an integral part of the religious life of my dad's hometown. I thought the cd would make a good present for my dad but I didn't really expect the music to be anything special. However, I was simply blown away upon listening to it. This is an incredible blend of voice, rhythm and percussion that conveys the earthiness and transcendence of peasant pilgrim experience. I'm not a fan of early music -- I don't dislike it, I just don't know that much about it. Most of the early music I have listened to, however, is nowhere near as textured and intricate as these songs. What's amazing to my ears is that arrangements manage to sound both ancient and startlingly contemporary at the same time. I'm betting that sooner or later, someone will be giving these songs a trance-music treatment -- if that hasn't already happened.

Average customer rating: A full-length Coppelia at an appealing price Inspired ballet music at a bargain price. Superb Performance

Delibes: Coppélia (complete in three acts) / La Source (suites) Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Coppelia The Australian Ballet - Coppelia Adolphe Adam: Music from 'Giselle' Prokofiev: Cinderella, Op. 87; Glazunov: Seasons Op67 Delibes - Coppelia / Kirov, Vinogradov, Tarasova ASIN: B00000147M Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Prde
2. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Valse
3. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Sc
4. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Mazurka
5. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Sc
6. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Ballade
7. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Th slave varl
8. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Czarda-Danse hongroise
9. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Sortie
10. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act I: Final
11. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Entr'acte
12. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
13. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
14. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Musique des automates
15. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
16. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
17. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Chanson oire et Sc
18. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
19. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Valse de la poup
20. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc
21. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Bol
22. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Gigue
23. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act II: Sc

Tracks:

1. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Marche de la cloche - F del la cloche - Divertissement
2. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Valse des heures
3. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: L'aurore
4. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Coppa, Act 3: 4: La pri
5. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Le travail
6. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: L'Hymen (Noce villageoise)
7. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: La discorde et la guerre
8. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: La paix (Pas de deux)
9. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Variation
10. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Danse de f
11. Coppa, Ballet In 3 Acts: Act III: Galop final
12. La Source, Suite No. 2: Sc dans
13. La Source, Suite No. 2: Scherzo Polka
14. La Source, Suite No. 2: Pas de la Guzla
15. La Source, Suite No. 2: Marche danset Final
16. La Source: Intermezzo (Pas des Fleurs, Grande Valse)
17. La Source, Suite No. 3: Incantation
18. La Source, Suite No. 3: Romance
19. La Source, Suite No. 3: Introduction et Mazurka
20. La Source, Suite No. 3: Finale

Customer Reviews:

A full-length Coppelia at an appealing price.......2003-06-26

Andrew Mogrelia has conducted a number of full-length ballets for Naxos: Giselle, Sylvia, Sleeping Beauty, and this Coppelia. I own all of them, because I find Mogrelia is one of those rare conductors who make a ballet sound like a ballet.
In concert hall versions, conductors often make ballet music impossibly fast, or simply too unpredictable. (Gergiev's Nutcracker is in this category: fun to listen to, definitely NOT a dancer's Nutcracker.) But when dancers are on stage, they need a regular, dependable beat to dance to. Mogrelia's Coppelia never sounds sing-song, because he uses dynamics so skillfully - but he does conduct at an authentic dance tempo.
Another Coppelia I like and own is Mark Ermler's (ASIN: B0000024CL), but while it's much more than highlights it is not the full ballet. The first act mazurka is missing, and that's a definite loss.
La Source is a bit of an oddity because it was originally commissioned as a sort of competition: half composed by Minkus, half by Delibes. Delibes was generally considered the winner, so he stayed in Paris while Minkus went off to Russia. This album is strictly Delibes, so it's only highlights from La Source. But it does include my favorite, the utterly charming Pas des Fleurs, Grande Valse.

Inspired ballet music at a bargain price........2002-07-13

Although I'm not particularly fond of watching ballets I have a special love for ballet music, and Coppelia is one of my favorites. It is the masterpiece of Leo Delibes who was one of the greatest of ballet composers. Even Tchaikovsky -- probably the greatest ballet composer of all -- greatly admired Delibes' work. This recording presents not only the complete music for Coppelia but also the lovely, but seldom-heard, music Delibes wrote for La Source -- both conducted by the excellent ballet conductor Andrew Mogrelia. And at a bargain price to boot. Please don't pass up this special treasure.

Superb Performance.......2000-08-27

I search for the recording for the complete Coppelia when my daughter's dance school was practicing for it. I found this item. Performance was meticulous. It was recorded in the Orchestra's concert hall over a period of almost two weeks. All digital recording. Well balanced orchestra. Fine details. A good item to collect.

Average customer rating: Long lost friend Crespin rules still! CRESPIN Berlioz Truly, some of the finest singing one will ever hear!

Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été; et al / Crespin, Ansermet Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Régine Crespin Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al Anne Sofie von Otter - Grieg Songs Grieg: Peer Gynt Op23; Symphonic Dances Op64 ASIN: B00000JXZ4 Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

1. Les Nuits D'ete: Villanelle
2. Les Nuits D'ete: Le Spectre De La Rose
3. Les Nuits D'ete: Absence
4. Les Nuits D'ete: Sur les lagunes
5. Les Nuits D'ete: Au Cimetiere
6. Les Nuits D'ete: L'Ile Inconnue
7. Sheherazade: Asie
8. Sheherazade: La Flute enchantee
9. Sheherazade: L'Indiffirent
10. Trois Chansons De Bilitis: La Flute De Pan
11. Trois Chansons De Bilitis: La Chevelure
12. Trois Chansons De Bilitis: Le Tombeau Des Naiades
13. From Banalites FP: Chanson D'Orkenise
14. From Banalites FP: Hotel
15. From La Courte Paille FP: Le Carafon
16. From La Courte Paille FP: La Reine De Coeur
17. From Chansons Villageoises FP: Les Gars qQui Vont A La Fete
18. Deux Poemes de Louis Aragon: 'C'
19. Fetes Galantes

Amazon.com

Here is a great French artist singing the songs of her native country in her native language, with the natural inflection and empathy of one to the manner born. Her voice is beautiful, pure throughout a huge range, focused, intense, infinitely nuanced; she can make it float ethereally or glow with a shimmering radiance, brighten and darken it and carry on two-way conversations. Identifying complete with each song, she communicates its mood, atmosphere, character, expression. She captures the pensive dreaminess, plaintive yearning, outpouring of grief and lamentation, as well as the gaiety and lighthearted teasing of Berlioz' many-faceted Les Nuits d'Été. In Ravel's Shéhérazade, her voice becomes part of the exotic, languidly oriental atmosphere created by the lush, sensuous, glittering orchestration, surging up with the sweeping buildups to thrilling climactic high Gs and B-flats, matching the tremulous flute solo in the second song. The orchestra plays wonderfully, exploiting Ravel's infinitely imaginative, vivid coloration to the utmost. Crespin evokes the secretive intimacy, dream-drugged passion and ice-bound rigidity of Debussy's Songs of Bilitis. In the Poulenc songs, the contrast between the almost tear-choked mournfulness and the frolicking humor is riveting. John Wustman's splendid partnering adds greatly to the enchantment of this delightful recording. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Long lost friend.......2007-01-27

I bought the vinyl LP of this way back in the 1960s, and since then it has been loved almost to death -- scratches, pops, jumps...

What a delight to find it rejuvenated on CD. Regine Crespin's is surely the definitive performance.

Crespin rules still!.......2007-01-11

Régine Crespin's recording of Berlioz's Les Nuits d'été is quite simply still - after forty-plus years - the finest I've ever heard, and that includes some fifteen different recordings. Add her immaculately clear enunciation of the verbal text to the gorgeous vocal qualities of those long-held vowels, and her fantastically acute articulation and phrasing of Berlioz's musical re-imagining of Gautier poems, coupled with deeply sensitive accompaniment by Ernest Ansermet and his Suisse Romande orchestra, and we really have no need for other recordings (not that I don't welcome them, as long as they don't make Mme Crespin's go out of print). This, as Gramophone magazine recognized upon original release, is one of the really great triumphs of musical recordings, an immediate and lasting classic. You owe it to yourself to get to know this recording. The Ravel Shérézade, while a lesser composition, is of comparable performance and recording quality.

CRESPIN.......2006-11-20

I am fortunate, indeed, to have seen and heard Regine Crespin perform two of her most famous roles at the Metropolitan Opera. One was the title role in "Carmen" and, although perhaps too mature for the role, her acting was as strong as her singing...and her singing was magnificent. This was a Carmen to be reckoned with. The other role was even more impressive: The Mother Superior in Poulenc's "Dialogues of the Carmelites." First I saw her perform it in English and then at another performance in French. Her death scene was one of the most harrowing I've ever experienced on any stage. This recording will introduce everyone to the beauty, subtlety, charm and fine interpretations of Madame Crespin. And the Berlioz' "Les Nuits D'ete" is arguably the best available.

Berlioz.......2004-04-30

Regine Crespin is so clear, so subtle, you are drawn into the music and listen from within.

I recommend everything she has ever done.... many a titles but most especially "La Spectre de la Rose", which is the absolute killer.

Truly, some of the finest singing one will ever hear!.......2004-03-04

Many might argue with my view of Berlioz' "Les Nuit d'Ete." I've never warmed to the piece in the past and even Crespin's voice cannot change my mind on the matter. I can only revel in her stunningly perfect singing which is truly a pleasure. Immediately following, however, is Ravel's "Scheherazade" and it is for this striking cycle that this CD is invaluable. Crespin presents each of these three songs with effortless legato, lovely piannissimi, dramatic dynamics and endless colors. I now listen to this performance wherever I can: at home, in my car and with anyone who will take the time to enjoy it with me. At the same time, I would not want to give up my recording by another great soprano Victoria de los Angeles. The latter, while not as vocally perfect, provides an even greater degree of verbal expressiveness and variety. Even so, Crespin's performance provides different and equal rewards. Fortunately, I can have both discs in my collection. I warmly recommend them to yours.

Average customer rating: Beautiful, beautiful music! A very powerful performance Shock treatment Doesn't quite make it An exuberant blazing Gottchalk interpretation

Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gottschalk | Gottschalk, Louis Moreau | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gottschalk, Louis Moreau | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gottschalk: A Night in the Tropics A Gottschalk Festival Gottschalk: Piano Music for 2 and 4 hands Piano Music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk: 26 Complete Pieces from Original Editions Gottschalk: American Piano Music ASIN: B00008OP1W Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Le Banjo, Fantaisie Grotesque, Op. 15
2. Bamboula, Danse De Negres, Op. 2
3. Le Bananier, Chanson Negre, Op. 5
4. La Savane, Ballade Creole, Op. 3
5. Tremolo, Grande Etude De Concert, Op. 58
6. La Jota Aragonesa, Caprice Espagnol, Op. 14
7. Manchega, Etude De Concert, Op. 38
8. Souvenirs D'Andalousie, Caprice De Concert Sur La Cana, Op. 22
9. Souvenir De Porto Rico, Marche Des Gibaros, Op. 31
10. L'etincelle, La Scintilla, Op. 20
11. La Gallina, Op. 53
12. Suis-moi!, Caprice, Op. 45
13. Pasquinade, Caprice, Op. 59
14. Tournament Galop
15. The Dying Poet, Meditation
16. The Union, Paraphrase De Concert On The National Airs Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle, And Hail Columbia, Op. 48

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, beautiful music!.......2007-07-07

Listening to this Gottschalk CD hs been a truly rewarding experience. We listen to it everyday, so I'm sure we will be purchasing more of his music.

A very powerful performance.......2006-12-15

June 7, 2003
This is a very powerful performance by Licad, the first in a long
while. I had a chance to compare her recording with an earlier
recording of Gottschalk's piano works by another (relatively unknown)
pianist, and I must say that the latter recording pales miserably
in comparison to Licad's. Listening to Licad play in this recording,
I can't help but be reminded of Vladimir Horowitz's piano performances
during his heyday. Licad and Horowitz have very similar touch, intensity,
technical prowess and dynamic range. There are 16 piano works works in
this recording, and I must say that all are top caliber performances,
with the possible exception of track #9, Souvenirs de Porto Rico,
Marche de Gibaros, Op.31, where Licad seems to have missed a few
notes and desynchronized the rhythm in a few places. My favorites
are tracks #5 (Tremolo, Grande Etude de Concert), #7 (Manchega,
Etude de Concert), and track #14 (Tournament Galop); in the last
one, you can almost see and hear the horses galloping around the
race track. With the price ... this recording is a genuine steal.
However, I am still waiting to hear Licad play a Liszt, Brahms,
Prokofoiev or Bartok, where I believe we can really hear Horowitz
come alive.

Shock treatment.......2005-04-11

There are plenty of other pianists who have played Gottschalk's music. These include Eugene List, Alan Mandel, John Arpin, Alan Marks, Philip Martin, and my favorite, Michael Lewin.

This disc has a very good selection of Gottschalk's music. Still, I do not always like Licad's interpretations of his works. Nor is her playing especially clean.

Le banjo, an excellent piece, is played too fast. Give this lady a speeding ticket! Bamboula is played unusually slowly, and there are even a couple of presumably intentional minor errors in rhythm in it. I think it is okay to play parts of it slowly, as Licad did, for dramatic effect, but I am not overly impressed by her performance of it.

When we reach another fine piece, La Savane, the intentional errors in rhythm get worse. I have never heard La Savane played like this before, and I don't like it.

Next is Tremolo. I think Licad does a fine job on this one, both technically and interpretively. And I also like her interpretations of Manchega and The Dying Poet.

Souvenir de Porto Rico is perhaps Gottschalk's best work, and it is technically very difficult. This would have been a great opportunity for Licad to show that she can handle the task. But she chose to do otherwise. It is disappointing.

Most of this disc is simply not Gottschalk as it ought to be played. If someone unfamiliar with Gottschalk wanted to listen to a CD with some of Gottschalk's best works on it, I'd normally recommend one with this set of pieces. But I certainly wouldn't recommend this. I'll give it two stars just for Tremolo, and one more for shock value.

Doesn't quite make it.......2003-11-11

Cecile Licad is a fine pianist, but she's not right for this. Maybe she's trying to put too much "Artistry" into these instead of virtuosic fire, although perversely she plays some pieces too fast. This is still quite nice, considering the low price, but don't throw away your old Leonard Pennario LP's.

An exuberant blazing Gottchalk interpretation.......2003-09-19

Ms. Licad's Gottchalk interpretations on her latest CD is a pioneering effort in presenting the essential Gottchalk. She could have opted for the "safe and traditional " molded from other previous interpretations. But on this CD, she has opened a whole new world about the possibilities of Gottchalk's music who typifies the wondrous cultural influences here in the United States. Her performance is riveting, exuberant, blazing,virtuosic and always with a keen individual musicality that manages to always pay homage to what is essentially Gottchalk's. That is a feat in itself. I highly recommend this CD which should be CD of the Year.
Noel

Average customer rating: A good reference disc Beautiful music. Beneath the objective criticism often lies a subjective grandeur The Orlando Consort sings Desprez much better... Splendid

Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons Josquin Desprez , Paul Hillier , and The Hilliard Ensemble Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chansons | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna Perotin / The Hilliard Ensemble Machaut: Messe de Notre Dame / The Hilliard Ensemble Guillaume de Machaut: Motets Josquin des Prés: Missa Pange Lingua; Missa La Sol Fa Re Mi ASIN: B000002SSH Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria... Virgo serena (Motet a quatre voix)
2. Absalon fili mi (Motet a quatre voix)
3. Veni Sancte Spiritus (Motet a six voix)
4. De profundis clamavi (Motet a quatre voix)
5. Scaramella va alla guerra And Scaramella fa la galla
6. In te Domine speravi
7. El grillo
8. Milles regretz (chanson a quatre voix)
9. Petite camusette (chanson a six voix)
10. Je me complains (chanson a cinq voix)
11. En l'ombre d'ung buissonet (chanson a trois voix)
12. Je ne me puis tenir d'aimer (chanson a cinq voix)
13. La deploration de Jehan Ockeghem

Amazon.com essential recording

The Hilliard Ensemble bathes these vital vocal works by Josquin in a Mediterranean light: clear, warm, and brilliant. Josquin was a northerner who, like so many other composers of the Renaissance, descended to Italy to pursue his career. The singers bring to life the composer's marriage of the Flemish preoccupation with technique and the southern instinct toward lyricism. This is an extraordinary disc. --Joshua Cody

Customer Reviews:

A good reference disc.......2007-03-20

These performance are crystal claer, but seem to lack emotional investment.

Beautiful music........2007-01-05

I just wish there was more recorded Desprez out there. Enjoy this lovely CD.

Beneath the objective criticism often lies a subjective grandeur.......2006-07-14

3 1/2


Sacred choral works sung with the subtle graces of stained glass refracting light, still at times synonymous sentiment in tonality looses value in between a few more upbeat numbers. While focusing and authenticating to the vibration of what was undoubtedly a symbolic pillar of faith many centuries ago, one benefits more from a detached awareness from composition in favor of utter immersion into the sublime transitions throughout these hallowed vocals. Although hardly a definitive collection, this disc serves as a good introduction (& painful reminder) to the ancient, purist reception this stilling music once knew.

The Orlando Consort sings Desprez much better..........2005-03-28

This unexpensive and rather short cd offers a selection of Desprez's works, both sacred and profane in a 50/50 ratio.

While some people may find the contrast between the (extremely)slow, stately religious pieces and the quick, playful songs in French and Italian stimulating, I found it slightly disturbing. I definitely would have preferred a selection of pieces with a greater unity of mood and style.

While the performance is certainly first-rate, the recording seems to me to be below average: when you turn up the volume, an annoying hum is heard in the background. Is this problem due to the inferior quality of my hi-fi? It might be, but the fact is that this maddening defect has appeared only on very few of my cds (it is also very evident on recordings of the King's College Choir).

I recommend in addition to this cd Ockeghem's Mass "De plus en plus" by the Orlando Consort. Ockeghem's Great Lament for the death of Jean Binchois is in my opinion much more beautiful and moving than Desprez's own lament for Ockeghem on this cd.

I also warmly recommend "Desprez: Motets", also by the Orlando Consort, an imported October 2000 Deutsche Grammophon CD, for me one of the best, if not the best Renaissance sacred music recording. IMHO, The Orlando Consort sings and interprets Desprez infinitely better than the Hilliard Ensemble and even beats the Tallis Scholars.

The total duration of this recording is 50 minutes.

Splendid.......2005-02-23

Other reviewers have pretty much said it all-- all I can add is-- if you don't like James's voice, then don't listen to Hilliard. David James is to the Hilliard Ensemble what The Edge is to U2. ;)

Average customer rating: It's OK... definitely NOT Louie Louie Incredible. absolute craziness! impeccable chaos

Varese: Arcana; Ameriques; Ionization; Offrandes; Density 21.5; Octandre; Integrales Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | 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 General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | 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 Opera & Vocal | 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 Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra Varèse - The Complete Works / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra · Asko Ensemble · Chailly Penderecki: Anaklasis; Threnody; etc. Pierre Boulez Edition - Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Petrouchka / New York PO, Cleveland Orchestra Xénakis: Pléïdes ASIN: B000009IME Release Date: 1991-01-14

Tracks:

1. Ionisation
2. Ameriques
3. Density 21.5 For Solo Flute
4. Offrandes For Soprano: A) Chanson de La-haut
5. Offrandes For Soprano: B) La Croix du Sud
6. Arcana For Full Orchestra
7. Octandre For Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Double-bass: I. Assez lent
8. Octandre For Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Double-bass: II. Tres vif et nerveux
9. Octandre For Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Double-bass: III. Grave
10. Integrales For Small Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

It's OK..........2006-02-09

I can see that Frank Zappa would have been inspired by this music. As a longtime Zappa fan, I can hear plenty in Zappa's music that was modeled after Varese. Still, Varese's pieces on this CD are hardly monumental or awe-inspiring, and this seems to be the kind of music that very much depends on how it's played and interpreted. You don't get much better than Pierre Boulez; if it was, for example, me conducting an ensemble in performing Varese's work, nobody would listen. So it seems that it's not as much the music as the performance. And that Varese cannot be credited with.

definitely NOT Louie Louie.......2005-09-11

This album (CD) made it into my collection the same way as a few others who've commented here. One day after listening to Lumpy Gravy I was at the record store holding this CD in my mitts wondering if I really wanted to subject myself to one of Zappa's major musical influences.

This is music either for someone who knows a lot about the structure of sound and can appreciate it for that reason or someone who gets bored listening to the same sort of thing all the time and enjoys variety. This is not what most people would consider the easiest "stuff" to listen to. It has an overall disonance to it that many would consider an assault on their senses. At the same time it also has a mathamatical structure to it that makes it obvious to even the most musically uneducated dullard that this is unique, well thought out sound. To be honest I'd have to admit to not understanding much of this CD but it certainly is interesting and different. Arcana, for instance, reminds me a little of something Gustov Holst might have written if he had been spending time with Carlos Castenada. The entire CD takes the listener through a range of emotions that might go from sombre and desolate to momentarily uplifted likely ending up somewhere between confused and perhaps violated... maybe even satisfied.

This is NOT the sort of thing I could listen to all the time but when the mood strikes there isn't a rendition of Louie Louie that is going to hit the spot that this will. Recommended for someone with a musically adventurous disposition.

Incredible........2004-05-26

This is one of the finest set of recording of the Varese repetoire ever made. The french performances are particularly well done with right degree of ensemble and tone required of this difficult music.

The Octandre is especially good with super attacks from all players...not for the faint of heart.

absolute craziness!.......2002-04-06

I purchased this cd after reading Frank Zappa's audobiography, where he pays homage to the great Varese for inspiring him. I can see where Varese had an influence on him. This is a strange but good collection of pieces conducted by Boulez, who also worked with Zappa on "Perfect Stranger". If you like Zappa then you will probably appreciate this album. Varese was a very talented composer and this album proves it. Ionization alone proves it, but the rest of the disc is great also.

impeccable chaos.......2002-03-02

This disc doesn't contain all of Varese's music, but it comes close at 77 minutes. Varese was not nearly as prolific as he was creative! The first recorded Varese I heard was on the VoxBox (called "Ionisation"), and five of the pieces found here are also on that disk, conducted by Cerha. What a contrast! Cerha presents Varese delicately, transparently, without passion. The advantage is that the instruments are clearly delineated. But you are left wondering what the fuss is about -- it doesn't sound very radical. Boulez emphatically captures the chaos, the energy, the alien-ness of Varese! Of course the overall impact is heightened by the inclusion of "Ameriques" and "Arcana," two 20-minute pieces for full orchestra that are bigger and louder than anything included on the VoxBox. The production value is superb -- sharp and clear -- and the packaging is faultless as well. In short, if you only had one recording by Varese, this would be an excellent choice. If you like this, by all means look for Xenakis' "Orchestral Works and Chamber Music" on Col Legno. Varese is a key influence, especially the composition "Arcana"!

International Music:

1. Ciao Amore
2. Claude François [Original recording remastered] [Import]
3. Coleoptere [Import]
4. Continental Cafe
5. Cuban Love Songs
6. Cyclone [Import]
7. Davka Live [Live]
8. De Que Te Quejas?
9. Dehors [Import]
10. Descarga Dos

International Music

International Music