Karinto Koujouno Entotsuno Ueni [Import]

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Karinto Koujouno Entotsuno Ueni,Koji Tamaki,Sony,World Music

Average customer rating: Great, Great Follow-up Simply AMAZING! Fantastic songwriting, singing, and emotion real artist..great & refreshing More Solid Rock/ Pop From Mena- But Not Much Growth Is Seen...

Apparently Unaffected Maria Mena Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: White Turns Blue Naked Truth How Much for Happy In the Red Like Blood Like Honey ASIN: B000EHRYI0 Release Date: 2006-07-17

Tracks:

1. Internal Dialogue
2. This Bottle of Wine
3. Miss You Love
4. Boytoy Baby
5. If You'll Stay in My Past, Pt. I
6. He's Hurting Me
7. Just Hold Me
8. Long Time Coming
9. If You'll Stay in My Past, Pt. II
10. Nevermind Me
11. These Shoes
12. Our Battles
13. Calm Under the Waves
14. If You'll Stay in My Past, Pt. III

Album Details

The Norwegian Pop Sensation is Back with 14 Tracks. She's a Huge Star in Europe and after her Last Album, She is Catching on in the USA with the Success of her Hit Single "You're the Only One".

Customer Reviews:

Great, Great Follow-up.......2006-11-24

Really Awesome CD both musically and lyrically. Although I really do not like Track 4. All in all a really wonderful cd.

Simply AMAZING!.......2006-09-07

This is one of those albums that you NEVER get sick of... I stumbled across this album on accident and it is just so perfect the way it is. I love the "If You'll Stay in my past" theme. My favorite song is "Our Battles". The angry lyrics
"I will no longer be disciplined by the frustrations of an insecure man" are so moving and have so much meaning. I'd love to hear instrumental or all-piano versions of these songs.

This is also a GREAT album to sing along with while driving. Or listen to while your sleeping.

Such a shame this isn't released in the USA... also a shame that she will not be touring the USA... I could see her get a huge following.

Also check out: Charlotte Martin!!!

Fantastic songwriting, singing, and emotion.......2006-07-29

My favorite album by ANYONE in 2005 (I got a copy from Germany, before it was released here...some tracks from the internet, too). Someone ticked Maria off between her previous album and this one. She's all grown up now, and not going to take it anymore. The girl is brilliant, and needs a ton of airplay and video exposure in the U.S.-- why is there NONE? "You're the Only One" is the only video I've seen here, and that was only once, at 2 a.m., but enough to hook me into this tremendous artist's world. I can't wait for more!
Note: She sings on a rap-ish band's terrific track called "Everytime"... sorry, but I forget their name. Definitely worth tracking down, however. More more Maria! -Swift/ Marina, CA

real artist..great & refreshing.......2006-06-10

It's refreshing to see real artists like Maria Mena in the pop music genre. Her lyrics today have become even more raw, thoughtful, & heartful. Half the time they're even fun! They pertain to matters many people her age (or just people in general) can relate to in their life. I like seeing young, talented artists step outside of the packaged paper Happy Meal box of typical romantic or raunchy popular U.S. songs and write lyrics with hand-crafted, genuine, real life situations that are on real people's minds everyday. Many of her fans call her music "therapy," and consequentially some of the material might be considered a little negative. Her voice is beautiful and unique. Her album has acoustic arrangements that usually don't sell well in the U.S. for some reason, and so unfortunately not many producers in the U.S. go that route, which makes finding her music a blessing to me. If you're an old fan of her album White Turns Blue, this album is just a little edgier & riskier (hard to explain..she describes it as more "open" & honest), and it's not as light & peaceful as her first one. So some old fans might miss the old style of music, but she definitely evolved her music in some way, and I think it's one big step forward for Maria! Good job on another great album, Maria. Keep 'em comin'. By the way, I have to disagree with the above reviewer: I think Our Battles is a great song. (It's one of my favorites on the album - the music to it grew on me, and I think people can relate to it. I like the lyrics, "I'll just write this down with hopes that you'll understand....You set the standard for my future.")

More Solid Rock/ Pop From Mena- But Not Much Growth Is Seen..........2006-06-03

I have grown to be a pretty big fan of Maria Mena, from her unique and lovely voice to her knowledge of how to make some entertaining and smart rock/ pop with some actual mature lyrics; it has all impressed my musical ears. White Turns Blue is especially a great collection of songs from Maria, and I still keep the album close to me. I was so eager to hear her next album, and was in hope to hear new growth and insiration come from her for I believed she was one of those singers that continue to get better each album.

I must say I am disappointed with Apparently Unaffected though. I don't hear way too much growth from this album to White Turns Blue honestly. She really hasn't grown a great deal. In some ways matter of fact I think WTB is more mature than Apparently Unaffected. Especially when it comes to the lyrics of Boytoy Baby. That has to be the most immature and might I add negative song she has ever sung and I really dislike her in that light. Bottle of Wine is another set of lyrics that don't make her sound too mature. I don't know she takes a few steps back on this album when it comes to maturity, which is sad to say. But then there are more mature songs as Internal Dialogue, and Calm Under the Waves that balances it out well.

The other problem though is this album is full of heartbreak and lonliness- so not much positivity flows on this album. This album can really bring you down for she is pretty negative on the whole album, which also can by pretty annoying if you listen long enough. She really needs to lighten up some, for she comes off pretty drammatic and bitter on this album. Some negative songs are natural and healthy on an album yes, but doing it on a whole album just comes off as annoying and repititive. I still love her voice, and the way she makes her music, her irresistable rock/ pop, but her lyrics still need some serious work. Overall the whole album is addictive in some spots and well- done on the background music to make all the songs pretty enjoyable I must say.

Internal Dialogue- A- Slow and strong.
This Bottle of Wine- B- Fast and I like the background music.
Miss You Love- A- Very lovely.
Boytoy Baby- B- Hate the lyrics, but the song is very catchy.
He's Hurting Me- A- A very well- done song from her. The lyrics are very sad.
Just Hold Me- A+- To me the best song on the album, and one of my faves from her. I love the way she sings the song.
Long Time Coming- B+- Slow but it grows on you.
Nevermind Me- B- - This song can become a bit annoying, both the way she sings it and the lyrics, but it also is not a bad song- but not one you listen to repeatedly in one sitting.
These Shoes- B+- It's catchy but the lyrics I don't like too much.
Our Battles- B- Average song, nothing special. She sings it all right, but after the other somewhat similar songs you start to get annoyed by the constant bitter lyrics that are laid on thick in this song.
Calm Under The Waves- A- Lovely, very airy type of song. I really enjoy her on this song, but mostly because of the guitar and her voice.

Now the three parts of If You'll Stay In My Past, which sound like a whole song broken down in three parts and placed on random parts of the album, are sort of boring so I give it merely a B-.

So out of it all, I give the album 3.5/ 5. Definitely disappointing to me, since White Turns Blue I rated 4 stars. To have her newest album fall behind her last is not good, and even though I still enjoy her music, I need to be honest. And I believe Apparently Unaffected was nothing amazing. It's mostly good, but it's definitely not better than her last. I really, really hope her next album is a lot better, especially songwriting- wise. She still needs to grow a lot- plain and simple. I hope she does in the future- and throws out shallow lyrics like Boytoy for good.

Average customer rating: One of my favorite albums wow... Why isn't this young lady stateside?? SHE'S THE ONLY ONE out here on the ledge...i'm not far away from stepping off...

White Turns Blue Maria Mena Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Apparently Unaffected Trouble Fearless Naked Truth Noise from the Basement ASIN: B0002EQVUC Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

1. You're the only one
2. Fragile (Free)
3. Just A Little Bit
4. Blame It On Me
5. My Lullaby
6. Take you with me
7. What's another day
8. Lose control
9. Shadow
10. Your glasses
11. Sorry
12. A few small bruises

Amazon.com

Maria Mena's got issues, and teenage girls across the land are going to love her for it. But for those of us whose age and self-respect keep us from locking ourselves behind our bedroom doors with her, the volume cranked high, the trouble is they're not especially out of the ordinary issues. They're pretty predictable, in fact. There's boy trouble ("Sorry"), anguished self-doubt ("Your Glasses," "Just a Little Bit"), parent-directed rants ("Blame it on Me," "Lullaby"), and your basic hissy fit ("What's Another Day," "Shadow"), all of it bathed in what could be described as burning sincerity, or at least deep earnestness. But direct your ears beyond the angst-y confessions, dear listener, and you'll find this 18-year-old wallflower worthy of more than your world-weary sympathies. It's all in Ms. Mena's pipes. Line her up against the pop princesses of the day, and her honeyed, breathy voice makes the divas sound brittle. It also makes all the difference here: Trapped inside her are a less manic Fiona Apple, a more contemplative Alanis Morissette, a not-so-weird Tori Amos, and a healthy helping of old-school Phoebe Snow. She's a thinker, smoothing her bare-it-all lyrics with vocal understatement, and it's hard not to like her for it. Here's hoping White Turns Blue and her coming of age reap lyrical maturity next go-round. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite albums.......2006-12-26

White Turns Blue is one of my favorite albums ever. Why? Simply because it has great tunes with relatable, though not predictable, lyrics. I personally disagree with the [...] reviewer when she said that the lyrics were simplistic. They go above and beyond most typical pop lyrics! The most relatable is song is "Just A Little Bit". On this track, Maria wishes she could be "just a little bit wiser/stronger/prettier." All of the songs on the album are really great, but my personal favorite is "Your Glasses" because of it's amazing chorus. "Lose Control" is an excellent jazzy piece as well. This is a must buy!

wow..........2006-04-06

Why is this girl not more famous? She has a beautiful voice, and I love her lyrics. I wish she would come out with a new album. I found this album while surfing through amazon, and I couldn't be more pleased. She kind of reminds me of the Jewel's OLDER work.

Why isn't this young lady stateside??.......2006-04-03

I stumbled upon this album looking at those pesky little recommendations on the side of the Amazon pages, and I was delighted to have found this gem. Maria, named for the West Side Story Maria, is a Norwgian chanteuse that has a unique voice that is unexplainable. Her arrangements are catchy and her lyrics, though not shatteringly unique, are effective.

If you are looking for something that is not terribly overplayed in the US but incredibly enjoyable, give this album a listen.

SHE'S THE ONLY ONE.......2006-03-16

Maria is a great and fantastic singer.I love her voice and with all her talent she could do everything she wants. This time she put her single "You Are The Only One" in the top of the list, and it's not a surprise after u heard this great song. Other songs full of pure energy are " A fell Small Bruises" ( my favourite), "My Lullaby", and "What's Another Day". Great Cd. Buy it!!

out here on the ledge...i'm not far away from stepping off..........2005-09-03

i'm always skeptical when it comes to getting new music, especially from young teenage artists, but Maria Mena is an exception to this rule. Her debut album is quite impressive. The opening track "you're the only one" is unique - so unique that i gradually liked it. "Just A little bit" - a song about being the best you can be. "Blame It On Me" is a song about taking the fall. "Take You With Me" & "Your Glasses" are edgier rock tracks that really shows off her voice. "A Few Small Bruises" closes the album with what seems like "it's end of the world" theme that alot of teenagers can relate to.

Notable Tracks:
- Just A Little Bit
- Blame It On Me
- Take You With Me
- Your Glasses
- A Few Small Bruises

Average customer rating:

Christophorus Columbus: Paraísos Perdidos [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha: Romances y Músicas [Hybrid SACD] Orient - Occident Marin Marais: Suitte d'un Goût Etranger [Hybrid SACD] Isabel I: Reina de Castilla Lux Feminae ASIN: B000GCG8Z8 Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Introduction: Pierre Hamon (double flute),Pedro Estavan (percussion)
2. Invocation: Chorus: "Tethysque novos detegat orbes " (music- Binchois)
3. Evocation 1 Medea: "Nunc iam cessit pontus et omnes patitur leges"
4. Invocation: Chorus: "Tethysque novos detegat orbes"
5. Evocation 2: Medea: "Terminus omnis motus et urbes"
6. Invocation: Chorus: "Tethysque novos detegat orbes"
7. Evocation 3: Medea: Venient annis saecula seris
8. Reading: "Venient annis saecuala seris"
9. Invocation: Chorus: "Tethysque novos detegat orbes"
10. Reading: "Vendran los tardos anos del mundo . . . "
11. Music: Hymn Sufi (instrumental improvisation) (Santur &Percussion)
12. Reading: "Description of the beautiful sights of Granada" - Ibn
13. Music: Mowachah Billadi askara min aadbi Llama (Al-Andalus)
14. Ancient Romance: El Moro de Antequera (Sephardic song)
15. Reading: "Having reached Antquera" Chronicle of Kings of Castille, Ch.
16. Music: Zappay (instrumental) CMM 20
17. Music: Colinetto (instrumental) CMM 22Reading: "Here I shall relate the
18. Villota: Dindirindin - Anonymous CMM 127
19. Reading: "Seeing as how his forefathers were of the royal blood of
20. Strambotto: O tempo bono - Anonymous CMM 132
21. Music: voca la galiera (instrumental) Anonymous CMM 18 Reading: " A
22. Basse Dance: Mappa mundi(Kyrie of the Mass) - Johannes Cornago
23. Music: Chiave, chiave (instrumental)- Anonymous CMM 131 Reading:
24. Ancient song (s. XI) Reading: "Finding himself near Lisbon..."
25. Villancico: Meis olhos van por lo mare- Anonymous CMP 453
26. Reading: "Finally, having recourse to the Spanish expression..."
27. Frottola: In te Domine speravi- Josquin des Pres CMP 84
28. Improvisation Arabo-Andalusain Song (santur & flute)
29. Reading: Arabic text by Ibn Zamrak
30. Kharcha: Ya am laja halki (Andalusia, 13th century)
31. Music: La Spagna (instrumental)
32. Reading: Concerning the Treaty of the Alhambra and the surrender of
33. Romance: Qu'es de ti desconsolado - Juan del Enzina CMP

Tracks:

1. Music: las Estrellas de los cielos (Sefardic anonymous)
2. Hymn: Patres nostri peccaverunt- Johannes Cornago
3. Reading: Edict of the Expulsion of the Jews, Joan Coloma (Secretary to
4. Reading: "Within a few months..." Andres Bernaldez, confessor to Queen
5. Hebrew Lament: Ma aidej? Ma adamelaj - Anonymous
6. Music: Improvisation on a Fantasia de Lluis del Mila (Viheula)
7. Music: Voca la galiera(instrumental)- Anonymous CMM 18
8. Reading: "He sailed to the west-south-west." Christopher Columbus.
9. Music: Lament instrumental (improvisation)
10. Reading: "The King and Queen, seeing from the many signs given by the
11. Music: Nuba Hiyay Msmarqi. Mizan Bsit. Ya muslimin qalbi -
12. & 16. Reading: Nauhatl poem on the fleeting nature of all things
13. Music:Homagio Kogui (Quena and Amerindian drums)
14. Music: Departez vous (instrumental)- Guillaume Dufay
15. Reading: On the treatment of the native Indians, Friar Bartolome de las
16. Villancico: Todos los bienes del mundo- Juan del Enzina CMP 61
17. Music: Fortuna desperata - Heinrich Isaac
18. Reading: "In May, 1505..."
19. Music: "Miserere nostri/Vexilla Regis CMM 106
20. Music: Fantasia I - Llus del Mila
21. Reading: "I am not the first Admiral in my family..."
22. Processional Hymn: Hanacpachap cussicuinin (Quechua)- Juan Perez

Amazon.com

This remarkable release, comprising two CDs and a book of 270 pages with information in Spanish, English, German, Italian, Catalan, Arabic, and Hebrew, is a veritable history lesson in music, poetry, and literature about Spain, as well as Christopher Columbus and his voyages and times. The title of the set, Lost Paradises, refers to the cessation of the period during which all three traditions - Jewish, Muslim and Christian - worked together to create greatness. The music, pre-baroque and sounding very exotic indeed, is exquisitely performed, sometimes by itself and sometimes in conjunction with the reading of a text. The Moorish and Sephardic music is particularly colorful, but the more familiar, "early" music is just as ravishing. With repertoire both sacred and profane, featuring dances and dirges, Savall, in his notes, is attempting to make us pay heed to the past so that we may form our futures: This isn't as pedantic as it sounds, but it is certainly more than an afternoon of great music listening. What a stunning gift this would make - either to yourself or others. --Robert Levine

Average customer rating: Perfect Performances Mucho me pesa la cabeza Just Get it! This is such a great recording ýCreoleý Songs and Dances from Old Spain to the New World

Villancicos y Danzas Criollas Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: La Folia, 1490-1701 Altre Follie, 1500-1750 Isabel I: Reina de Castilla Harmonie Universelle Elizabethan Consort Music ASIN: B0000E64U4 Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. Chacona: A La Vida Bona
2. Danza Del Hacha - Hesperion XXI
3. Moresca: Di Perra Mora
4. Negrilla A 4: San Sabeya Gugurumbe
5. Ritual Formulario: Hanacpachap Cussicuinin
6. Joto
7. Tono Humano: Ay Que Me Rio De Amor
8. Mestizo E Indio: Tleycantimo Choquiliya
9. Negra A 5: Antonya Flaciquia Gasipa
10. Cachua - Hesperion XXI
11. Rorro: Desvelado Dueno Mio
12. Negrilla: A Siolo Flasiquiyo
13. Juguete: Un Juguetico De Fuego
14. Juguete A 4: Convidando Esta La Noche
15. Guaracha: Ay Que Me Abraso
16. Villancico A 8: Serafin Que Con Dulce

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Performances.......2007-07-11

Villancicos y Danzas Criollas is a homage to the cultural traditions of Iberia and Ibero-America, showing the influence of European traditions in the Americas. The Villancico (also called Chanzoneta) is a form of poetry that was adopted for use in secular songs and, in the 17th century, for Christmas carols (the modern usage of the word denotes a carol). The secular songs were gradually replaced by the Romance while the Christmas carol form became more popular. The typical lyrics of villancicos have two or three stanzas followed by a refrain. The most religious-oriented villancico of this collection is Hanacpachap Cussicuinin (from Lima) where the author asks for their prayer to be answered.

The transmission of musical culture is a favorite (and fascinating) subject for Jordi Savall and this CD includes some beautiful and rousing music. The CD begins with four selections reflecting Iberian music that sets the stage of presenting a song (usually) followed by a dance. Following this introduction we are off the Americas and music from Peru, Guatemala and Mexico.

As pointed out in the booklet, the colonial expansion that took place during the 15th and 16th centuries widen cultural connections to include Africa, Asia and the Americas, which is reflected in this collection of music. One will discover a mixing of African dance rhythms and percussion with European polyphony. This is nicely demonstrated by the first selection with its strong use of drums and bold brass playing combined with a fast-paced dance melody and mixed voices. The second work, by an anonymous composer, is quite a contrast with its more restrained and courtly rhythms played by string instruments without the percussion or brass. The Hanacpachap Cussicuinin is scored for percussion, brass and voices sounding like a solemn funeral procession and is followed by a beautifully played piece for harp and percussion from Mexico. The incomparable Montserrat Figueras sings with peerless passion and beauty, particularly in the short Tono Hidalgo of Juan Hidalgo. One could go on and on extolling the wonderful music of this CD, suffice it to say that among my collection of early music discs this one is at the top.

As with all of Jordi Savall's recordings the performance is excellent and beautifully balanced with voices and instruments receiving equal emphasis. If you do not have this disc and love early music get it without hesitation.

Mucho me pesa la cabeza.......2007-07-02

Again and again we hear "Mucho me pesa la cabeza"..... "Much it pains my head."

This music is so ephemeral... so unique.... so mind massaging..... I love reading while it softly plays in the background in the room!

The massage is quite expansive!

Not a painful massage at all, but it does get inside your head!

Just Get it!.......2006-08-20

It's hard to pick out anything special on this disk... everything is top-notch. The opening 'La Chacona' is a delight and it just gets better and better and better. The second piece definitely is having some fun setting the listener up for 'something.' The ritual piece is majestic while the tone changes again with the harp solo... Hesprion XX/XXI are treasures in the ocean of music.
Gracias, Senores!

This is such a great recording.......2006-01-10

This recording is so great and so
breath taking that leaves me with
only this to say: since the day it
arrived to my doorstep back in mid
December, I have listen to it daily,
not just few tracks, but the whole
CD several times a day.....One
of the best works of Savall and
Hesperion XXI.....

ýCreoleý Songs and Dances from Old Spain to the New World.......2004-05-16

An astonishing collection of vocal polyphony and dance music, largely from Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico. Performed with flair and feeling by the preeminent Spanish early-music ensemble of our time. Not to be missed!

My translation of the album title, given above, is not exact. "Criolla" can refer to anything Latin American, and a "villancico" is first and foremost a Spanish poetic genre from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Norton/Grove Concise Encyclopedia tells us that it was "originally derived from a medieval dance lyric and associated with rustic or popular themes." Certainly the rustic and popular loom large in this lively selection of Renaissance music. Hesperion XXI and its director Jordi Savall have often sampled folk styles in their imaginative reconstitutions of early performance tradition. So most of these selections get percussion accompaniment accentuating the dance element, while strumming guitars, castanets, maracas, and more are employed discreetly but effectively. Lusty and characterful vocal contributions come courtesy of La Capella Reial de Catalunya and soprano Montserrat Figueras, who takes a couple of fine solo turns. It's all recorded in a warm, resonant church acoustic.

In his liner notes, Prof. Rui Vieira Neri introduces the Spanish part of this collection by noting a long tradition of mixing high and low culture, not to mention Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultural elements in the art and music of the Iberian peninsula. And right away we get to hear a vocal chaconne (a dance imported from the Indies "by mail" according to Lope de Vega) and a Moresca "Di Perra Mora," with strong Arabic flavor and hints of 5/2 meter.

Of the New World selections, some of the most engaging combine indigenous languages with Netherlands musical style. The solemn processional hymn "Hancpachap cussicuinin," written by a native composer in the Quechua language of Peru, was also the first example of polyphony printed in the Americas. Gaspar Fernandes (1570-1629), chapel master at the Puebla cathedral, wrote a number of villancicos that mix Castilian with Nahuatl, the Aztec tongue, including "Tleycantimo choquiliua" on this recording. It is based on a local Indian dance, as is another Christmas villancico included here, "Ay que me abraso," which moves to the beat of the Mexican guaracha.

Bantu and Yoruba phrases crop up frequently in the refrains of the African-influenced numbers, so numerous in their day that they were customarily referred to in the old manuscripts as Negro, Negrilla, or Guineo. Savall includes three such pieces on this recording; they abound in the sort of rhythmic intricacies and call-and-response effects that Europeans already associated with Africa. Among the most infectious is "Antonya, Flasiquiya, Gasipá," in which the song's characters wake up after a long night of drinking and dancing in order to go to Bethlehem to pay homage to baby Jesus, where more carousing will be called for. Each refrain ends with the words "Mucho me pesa la cabeza": "Oh, my aching head."

I wouldn't want to give the impression that this music will appeal mostly to scholars. In fact, it is simply full of human joy, tenderness, and fun, qualities that leap across the centuries at us and need no special pleading, thanks to the terrific performances on this CD. You will enjoy it.

Average customer rating: It's a gem! Review: Isabel I: Reina de Castilla Not always historically accurate, but fabulous performances

Isabel I: Reina de Castilla Hesperion XXI , Daniele Carnovich , Canciero de Montecassino Anonymous , El Cancionero de Colombina Anonymous , Johannes Cornago , Guillaume Dufay , Juan del Encina , Pedro de Escobar , Luys de Narvaez , Pedro de Tordesillas , Francisco de la Torre , Arabic-Andalusian Traditional , Sephardic Traditional , Turkish Traditional , Carlos Verardi , Jordi Savall , Carlos Mena , Andrew Lawrence-King , Begona Olavide , Luca Guglielmi , Pedro Estevan , Arianna Savall , Montserrat Figueras , and Miguel Bernal Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dufay | Dufay, Guillaume | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carlos V Music for the Spanish Kings Villancicos y Danzas Criollas Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha: Romances y Músicas [Hybrid SACD] La Folia, 1490-1701 ASIN: B0006SSNO6 Release Date: 2004-12-14

Tracks:

1. Exultat Caelum Laudibus (Vesper's Hymn) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
2. Marcha Turca - Various Artists
3. Toccata (CMC 68) - Various Artists
4. Dinos, Madre Del Donsel (Villancico) (CMC 90) - Various Artists
5. Je Ne Vis Oncques (CMM 46) - Andrew Lawrence-King
6. La Spagna: Danza Alta (Instrumental) (CMP 321) - Hesperion XXI
7. Muy Crueles Bozes Dan (Villancico) (CMC 6) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
8. Pavana (Pues Que Jamas Olvidaros) (CMP 30) - Various Artists
9. Patres Nostri Peccaverunt (Hymn) (CMM 2) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
10. Viva El Gran Re Don Fernando (Instrumental) - Various Artists
11. El Que Rige Y El Regido (Villancico) (CMP 275) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
12. Paseabase El Rey Moro (Romance) - Various Artists
13. Levanta Pascual (Villancico) (CMP 184) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
14. Lavava Y Suspirava (Romance) - Montserrat Figueras
15. Mappamundi - Various Artists
16. Franceses, Por Que Rrazon? (Villancico) (CMP 424) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
17. Sanctus (CMC 47) - Various Artists
18. Triste Espana Sin Ventura (Romance) (CMP 83) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
19. Cancion En Ritmo Quddan De La Nuba Gribt Al Hussein De Marruecos - B. Olavide
20. Requiem Aeternam (Gradual) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya

Customer Reviews:

It's a gem!.......2006-11-21

Interesting mix of styles at work here. Paseabase El Rey Moro is particularly pleasing. Montserrat lends true feeling to this piece as she sings the part of the Moorish king. Her recitation of the old man's 'Dutch uncling' is unexpected and equally passionate. All this is punctuated by a musical style that never loses its Moorish influence but changes, oh so subtly, into a more 'European' mode. In direct contrast, Begona's performance of Canció en ritmo Quddan de la Nuba Gribt: Al Hussein de Marruecos is equally compelling. The voices are married perfectly to the styles of the music. In short, if you like Iberian music of this period (circa 1492), get the album. You will not be disappointed.

Review: Isabel I: Reina de Castilla.......2005-07-27

This is a meticulously designed and recorded compilation that provides a delightful introduction to music of the late 15th and early 16th centuries . The CD includes both instrumental and vocal compositions that are performed with considerable expertise and verve. The package contains an illustrated booklet that includes an essay on the history of the period and full lyrics but, alas, is rather weak on details regarding the music other than to place it in historical context.

Not always historically accurate, but fabulous performances.......2005-05-23

This recording presents a selection of music from the time of Isabella of Castile (1451-1504), organised to present a hypothetical illustration in sound of the main events of her reign. Connoisseurs will be familiar with a number of these pieces, many from previous Savall recordings (Palacio, Encina, Colombina discs). Alongside the Spanish works (villancicos, romances, sacred music) are examples of Turkish and Sephardic music, and also a Dufay chanson.

As on many other recordings by this ensemble, historical accuracy is secondary to an overall aesthetic result, and it is perhaps not difficult to understand why Savall's approach has ruffled certain musicologists. Where most of the works recorded here would have probably been performed by a small group of musicians (often a cappella), in these performances there is a wide range of instruments used in addition to the voices (including shawm, cornett and sackbuts). Four tracks have 'composed' introductions [tracks 1, 4, 10, 13], whilst Narvaez's romance [track 12] is transformed from a standard example of the genre into a hybridised Hispanic-Moorish lament.

On the other hand, it is equally apparent why this group have been greeted with such unanimous international acclaim. There is, after all, a significant difference between a sound recording and a musicological article - something which is not always as obvious as it should be in some of the more "correct" renditions of this repertory. Furthermore, there are a number of tracks which are definitely plausible [tracks 5, 8, 17, 20], as well as some which frankly do not stretch extant evidence - direct and indirect - too much [tracks 4, 15, 18; a thorough and satisfactory investigation of the political villancicos and romances - tracks 7, 10, 13, 16, 18 - has yet to be undertaken...why and in what contexts would such works be performed only by small forces, given their obvious exaggerated political overtones? Would Ferdinand and Isabella really have heard, for example, Encina's lament to their dead son [18] performed by no more than four singers in the elite isolation of their private chambers...?]

But what undoubtedly sets this recording apart from so many others of this repertory is the phenomenally high standard of these performances - unsurprisingly given the personnel line-up [Begona Olavide, Montserrat Figueras, Carlos Mena, Jean-Pierre Canihac, Markus Tapio, Andrew Lawrence-King...etc]. Given that so many tracks could be singled out to support this observation - not to mention the musicians themselves - it perhaps only remains to be said that this is without doubt one of the most incredible recordings of Cancionero songs available.

Average customer rating: GREAT WORKS INDEED Disappointing, ephemeral Aural champagne Glorious orchestral music almost unknown outside Spain

Jésus Guridi: Sinfónica pirenaica Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jesús Guridi: Ten Basque Melodies Camargo Guarnieri: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Ince: Symphony No. 3 'Siege of Vienna'; Symphony No. 4 'Sardis' Ivanovs: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 20 Yasushi Akutagawa: Ellora Symphony; Trinita Sinfonica Rapsodia per Orchestra ASIN: B0007XHL16 Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

1. I. Andante Sostenuto/Allegro Molto Moderato/Poco Meno Mosso/Allegro Moderato
2. II. Prest Non Troppo/Andante Sostenuto
3. III. Allegro Brioso
4. Espatadantza (Sword Dance)

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WORKS INDEED.......2007-06-28

As a music student, I tell you that
the works recorded here are great
pieces, wonderfully written, and the
performances are glorious, and Guridi
is by no means a third class or "lesser"
composer, the are three other recordings
under the Naxos label that feature the
music of this great master of musical emotion.
The Sinfonia Pirenaica bring to mind
some of the technicalities of Strauss, in
his "Alpine Symphony". The other work recorded
here is the "Sword Dance" from his opera "Amaya".

Disappointing, ephemeral.......2007-03-19

I bought this CD after reading the recommendation of the previous reviewers and listening to the samples, but was disappointed. The performance is very good, and no doubt Guridi was a skilled orchestrator, but the music itself is unmemorable in terms of melody and drama. My final impression was of music with good intentions but no great inspiration, notes lined up one after another in order to reach the end. If you are one of those who delights in the lesser works of Rimsky-Korsakov then you may like this as well, but if you are looking, as I was, for a good new-ish symphony, look elsewhere.

Aural champagne.......2005-08-18

Eric Wolfgang Korngold...meet Manuel de Falla.

More than anything, Jesus Guridi's Sinfonia pirenaica reminds me of his Iberian neighbor Joly Braga-Santos's Third and Fourth symphonies. Pure joy infused with brilliant orchestration, inspired by folk music, and transformed into wondrous works for the full (ne, augmented) symphony orchestra.

I can only echo the words of the preceding reviewer. Buy this absurdly low-priced disc and play it whenever you might be feeling down. It's not only guaranteed to cheer you up and lift your spirits, it will remind you yet again of the service labels like Naxos do in bringing unjustly neglected work to a wider audience. Buy the aforementioned other disc of Guridi's music as well. And ask for more.

Shove this in the face of your local symphony coordinator when they insist there's nothing new to play.

Glorious orchestral music almost unknown outside Spain.......2005-04-26

I was very pleased with an earlier CD of music by the Basque composer, Jose Guridi - 'Ten Basque Melodies,''Así cantan los chicos,' et al, featuring the same artists as this CD -- that is part of Naxos's ongoing Spanish Classics series. It was with great anticipation that I acquired this CD with Guridi's 'Sinfonia Pirenaica' ('Pyrenean Symphony'). I was not disappointed. Indeed, if anything, I was more pleased with this work than the earlier ones. Guridi (1886-1961) wrote in a post-Wagnerian, post-Straussian, post-Franckian harmonic language that is leavened by Basque folk-melodies, an almost French sense of clarity, and his own formal procedures that could be characterized as rhapsodic (but in actuality are a unique use of sonata-form), rhythmically interesting (there are frequent meter changes), and a use of flatted thirds and sevenths that one is told are characteristically Basque. One is reminded, in a way, of the immediately accessible and superficially 'simple' style of Engelbert Humperdinck in that the immediate effect is deepened with further study of the craft involved. This is a symphony that not only would be popular on first hearing, even with a musically unsophisticated audience, but increasingly treasured by the cognoscenti on further familiarization.

In three movements, this 50-minute work describes in non-programmatic way the composer's response to his own native country, the Basque Pyrenees. There is much use of Basque folk music coupled with quite sophisticated but always tonal harmonic features and brilliant orchestration. The latter is particularly obvious in the Presto second movement and the apotheosis of the third movement. The performance by Juan Jose Mena and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra is all one could ask for.

The CD is rounded out by a brief selection from Guridi's opera, 'Amaya,' the 'Espadadantza' ('Sword Dance'), which ends with a choral celebration.

This CD is a keeper. I hope there will be more music by Guridi in this increasingly valuable series of recordings.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Just Hold Me Maria Mena Manufacturer: Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000NDJK1Y Release Date: 2007-04-30

Tracks:

1. Just Hold Me
2. Better Than Nothing
3. Take You With Me
4. Just Hold Me (Video)

Average customer rating: Fantastic Meferefún Pa Los Egún! Amazing Nothing Like it. A Pioneer in New Age Hip Hop Music All of the above and then some Not your average hip hop

Hip-Hop Meditations Carlos Mena Manufacturer: Bomb Hip Hop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00022XE1S Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Introducing Carlos Mena (Canto pa Eleggua) - Carlos Mena, , Michael Spiro,
2. Auction Block - Carlos Mena, Noko
3. Tutu Laroye - Carlos Mena
4. God Is You - Allseer, Carlos Mena
5. Yemaya (Meditation No. 1) - Carlos Mena, Michael Spiro
6. Walking in the Light - Angeleyes, Carlos Mena, , Don Washington
7. I.T.S.I.N.Y.O.U. - Carlos Mena,
8. Obatala (Meditation No. 2) - Gabrilla Ballard, Carlos Mena, Michael Spiro
9. Nine Haikus - Carlos Mena
10. Orisha Drink (Voices in My Head) - Carlos Mena
11. Sheets of Sound (For Coltrane) - Carlos Mena
12. Buscando Luz - Carlos Mena, Noko, Speech
13. Eggun (Meditation No. 3) - Carlos Mena
14. Red, White and Blue - Carlos Mena,
15. Crossroads - Carlos Mena, , Don Washington
16. Breathe (Meditation No. 4) - Carlos Mena, Carlos Mena, Michael Spiro

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2006-02-26

I just got this cd not knowing what to expect. I am so pleased I followed my spirit and got it. The music is excellent. The lyrics are powerful and full of meaning. It is spoken word hip hop, jazz, orisha chants,and funky beats to bring it together. But more than that, it is Pure Spirit. Only one request for the next one. Can a sistah get some Shango energy up in there. Cabio sele' Sango.
Ashe

Meferefún Pa Los Egún!.......2005-08-24

Mr Mena is a new trendsetter in Orisha and Hip Hop music - now we have modern, all-American urban diasporic Orisha music at last. I got this CD with no idea of what the music sounded like. With Mr Mena, it's best to have no expectations and to open one's heart. It is Hip Hop, with African and Afro-Caribbean chants and beats thrown in there. There is some bata drums, lots of rap and urban religious poetry which honors the Orisha and ancestors, prayers to the Orisha or 'Santos Africanos' in Spanish, traditional Orikis in Yoruba.

The vibe is pure, inspiring, clean and spiritual, this is probably the most positive rap I've ever heard. Stuff children can listen to that we can instill positive, ancestral values on them through the music.

Amazing Nothing Like it. A Pioneer in New Age Hip Hop Music.......2004-12-17

Way back in the day when the Salsa Singer India was actually a Freestyle singer, she came up with a hypnotic Techno trance song to the Orishas, Yemaya and Ochun. The song was Love and Happiness and was recorded under River Ocean. At the time I loved that jam, and being a newly initiate of the Orisha religion, and being a Puerto Rican born in the United States I finally found an anthem that expressed my Beliefs, and Devotion to these Beautiful Orishas in English. Since then I have searched for music for my Spiritual devotion, that was in unison with my true self, and I came across some Sintesis c.d.s which were pretty good, New Age music with a mixture of Lukumi Orisha chants. But since then there has been a void.

And then came Carlos Mena, and I have to say the man is a genius, a music Guru in the making. A mixture of Trance, Hip Hop, and praises to The Beautiful Forces of Nature that are the Orishas.

The most amazing tracks are for Yemaya and for Obatala. You know when music is good, powerful and moving when you get chills go down your spine.

The cd begins with the traditional Canto Pa Eleggua, the great messenger of the Gods, any music, prayer or invocation dedicated to any Orisha, one must first petition Eleggua the Child Trickster Messenger.

This is a Cd for the next generation of "New Age Hip Hop" music, a void that has been empty, and will grow, thanks to artists like Carlos Mena. What are you waiting for, rush and get this cd, meditate, light candles and a Good Cigaro to your Santos, dance, chill, be one with the cosmos, and Feel the Euphoria.

All of the above and then some.......2004-08-01

Having been a NYC hip hop fan for over 20 years, since the Funky Four plus One More, there is nothing more boring than the cash cow formula music on hip hop radio today. It's a scam for surburbia, they don't know any better, so they just keep throwing money at it. There is no message, no meaning and no real hard core beats. It has become a genre where you can maybe get 1 solid hard core CD a year (and we are going back many years now)at this point. Where are the old school, hard core beats, deep meaning to stimulate the music in the message??

Right here on this CD. One of the best of the year.

Not your average hip hop.......2004-06-22

As a long time hip-hop fan, it's hard not to be judgemental about the cookie cutter music being forced upon us. But just when I decide to retreat to my pre-1992 cocoon, I come across a dope artist that reminds me of why I love hip hop. Hip Hop Meditations gets back to hip hop's roots of drawing upon its surroundings and standing up for something beyond mere loot, which gets reflected here. Beyond the boom bap, Carlos draws heavily upon Afro-Cuban traditions, which considering hip hop's roots in the Caribbean, should be done more often. Speech from Arrested Development is a guest here, and I was intrigued enough to look him up and get reintroduced to a guy I thought had essentially retired from the game. (My bad). Carlos has a couple of new releases coming up soon featuring Zion I and Tre Hardson, formerly of the Pharcyde. I can hardly wait...

Average customer rating:

Just Hold Me Maria Mena Manufacturer: Song Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000NDJK1O Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Just Hold Me
2. Better Than Nothing

Average customer rating:

You're the Only One Maria Mena Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00024I0T2 Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. You're the Only One
2. Patience
3. Sleep to Dream

International Music:

1. Kawamoto Makoto [Import]
2. La La La Love Thang [Import]
3. Language Scale Growth V.3 [Import]
4. Live at Acropolis [Import]
5. Live! Blackmass in London [Import]
6. Minami Saori Best Collection [Import]
7. Mint-Electric [Import]
8. Missing Boy [Import]
9. Mood 5 Luv [Import]
10. Murs Rules the World [Import]

International Music

International Music