Smiling Eyes

1. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2. McBreen's Heifer

3. Dancing in Coil

4. Northern Lights of Old Aberdine

5. Eileen Oge

6. Road to Dundee

7. Westering Home

8. My Grammy's Highland Home

9. Hail Caledonia

10. Keep Right Onto the End of the Road

Smiling Eyes,Roddy McNeil,Direct Source Label,Celtic/Irish,Int'l & World Music,Ireland,Irish,Jazz Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Irish at it's best. Irish Magic Just got your Kleenex Wonderful! The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!

The Very Best of The Irish Tenors The Irish Tenors Manufacturer: Music Matters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Irish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ellis Island The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan Home for Christmas Sacred We Three Kings ASIN: B000069JJ6 Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. Toora Loora Looral
2. Will Ye Go Lassie Go
3. Spanish Lady
4. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
5. Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Reailway, Are Ye Right There Michael?
6. Amazing Grace
7. Nearer My God To Thee
8. Danny Boy
9. Fields of Athenry
10. Only The River Runs Free
11. Molly Malone
12. Last Rose of Summer
13. She Moved Through the Fair
14. Maggie
15. New Medley (combination of the 2 medleys

Product Description

1. Toora Loora Looral
2. Will Ye Go Lassie Go
3. Spanish Lady
4. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
5. Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Railway - Are Ye Right There Michael?
6. Amazing Grace
7. Nearer My God To Thee
8. Danny Boy
9. Fields Of Athenry
10. Only The River Runs Free
11. Molly Malone
12. Last Rose Of Summer
13. She Moved Through The Fair
14. Maggie
15. New Medley (Combination of the 2 medleys)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

In the short time since they grouped together a few years ago to form their sensationally successful trio, the Irish Tenors have already put out an impressive array of recordings and DVDs, including some bona fide gooseflesh-inducing live concert performances. So, if you still have the enviable pleasure of discovering these amazing vocalists--or want to turn a friend on to their musical charms--this compilation CD will do the trick nicely. It brings together such classics as "Danny Boy," "Toora Loora Looral," "Last Rose of Summer," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (featuring John McDermott)--all rendered with the kind of passionate, heartfelt, and harmonious crooning that is their signature style, whether they're singing as an ensemble or as highlighted soloists. And even if you have the complete Irish Tenors, this anthology includes several numbers not found on their previously released CDs. Hard to think of a sweeter treat for a fan of singing too good to ever go out of fashion. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Irish at it's best........2007-05-07

This album is really the number two album from this trio. It is very good and well worth the investment. The five star album by The Irish Tenors would have to be Heritage. Both albums rate high in my book.

Irish Magic.......2006-08-21

This is my first CD of the Irish Tenors. And what a joy! I played it as soon as it arrived. I like the blend of their voices,the passion and enthusiasm they bring to this CD. What I find is a real treat is the words to all the songs are in the booklet.I love this CD.

Just got your Kleenex.......2005-12-25

I suggest a box of Kleenex for each person in the room when you play this CD or VHS recording. Mom won't let me play it anymore because she...well, you know what I mean.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-12

When it's cold and frightful here, I play The BOYZ!

So wonderful. So much fun.

Up here in backwash Maine, there ain't much, believe me. But these guys are great. Sincere, care about what they're doing, true artists.

Ah, to go to Ireland again. Well, not unless the price of natural gas recedes!

The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!.......2005-01-22

This recording is wonderful. Ronan's "last Rose of summer" is unique, the Percy French medley shows all three in great voice, Finbar's Maggie is wonderful and the laurels have to go to Anthony for his magnificent rendition of "She moved through the fair", wow!!!!

Well worth buying.

Isaac Chute

Average customer rating: Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow "

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights) Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights) Offenbach: La Belle Hélène; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights) Music of Sigmund Romberg Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights) The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3 ASIN: B00009KHY2 Release Date: 2003-09-02

Customer Reviews:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ".......2006-09-12

This is the "Merry Widow" with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with the word "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note with an incressing crescendo and fortissimo louder than the chorus and holding the final high note---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, this CD is made in Holland and "there is one left" so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating:

When Irish Eyes are Smiling Various Artists Manufacturer: Avalon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000B6H1ZK Release Date: 2005-08-15

Tracks:

1. The Irish Rover (3:03)
2. Whiskey You're the Devil (2:08)
3. Black Velvet Band (3:54)
4. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (3:34)
5. I'll Tell Me Ma (2:53)
6. The Wild Rover (3:07)
7. A Jug of Punch (2:38)
8. My Wild Irish Rose (2:50)
9. All for Me Gang (2:44)
10. Whiskey in the Jar (2:41)
11. Will Ye Go Lassie Go (3:33)
12. Carrickfergus (3:26)
13. Th Gypsy Rover (3:37)
14. Muirsheen Durkin (2:48)
15. Whiskey on a Sunday (3:46)
16. Molly Malone (3:14)
17. Mairi's Wedding (2:11)
18. The Holly Ground (3:25)
19. The Moonshiners (2:54)
20. The Parting Glass (2:41)

Product Description

Celebrate life and the spirit of friendship with this lively collection of Irish favorites. Instrumentation includes guitars, accordion, mandolin, Irish flute/whistle, violin, banjo, piano & vocals.

Average customer rating: Just Nice Music "Love and Happiness through the power of song" Saw the PBS Special Words

God Bless America: An Irish Salute Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ireland in Song Songs of Inspiration Frank Patterson - Ireland In Song Frank Patterson Collection (World of Music / God Bless America - An Irish Salute) The Very Best of The Irish Tenors ASIN: B0000457FX Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

1. Ireland, Mother Ireland
2. The Rose Of Tralee
3. The Star Of The County Down
4. Mother Machree
5. Czardas & The Mason's Apron
6. The Connemara Cradle Song
7. Grace
8. The Miller's Daughter
9. Tour Of Ireland: The Hills Of Donegal/Galway Bay/Slievenamon/Dublin In The Rare Auld Times/The...
10. The Spinning Wheel
11. My Son
12. O Sole Mio
13. Irish-American Sing-Along: My Wild Irish Rose/Irish Lullaby (Tooralooraloora)/Peggy O'Neill
14. The Music Of The Night
15. Danny Boy
16. God Bless America
17. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Amazon.com

Frank Patterson is an Irish tenor in the grand tradition of John McCormack and Josef Locke. God Bless America! is a live recording of a concert he performed in tribute to his adopted country. The songs range from traditional Irish tunes like "The Star of the County Down" and "The Spinning Wheel" to sentimental music-hall ballads like "Mother Machree" and "The Rose of Tralee." He also sings the inevitable "O Solo Mio" (is there a tenor born who can resist it?) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Music of the Night." Patterson is joined on a number of tunes by his wife, Eily O'Grady, and her Irish Harp Orchestra. Patterson is an unabashedly emotional singer who wrings the last teardrop out of chestnuts like "Danny Boy," but he does it in such a charming manner that his performances never descend into kitsch. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Just Nice Music.......2007-05-13

Frank Patterson does his best singing when he simply sings the familiar songs with heartfelt passion. He does nothing fancy and ends up with a superior product. Well worth the price.

"Love and Happiness through the power of song".......2000-03-26

Irish tenor Frank Patterson was born and raised in Tipperary, performing at an early age with the Wren Boys. Patterson's early works were primarily classical, but with the increasingly popularity of celtic music, Frank turned his energies toward his homeland traditional folk ballads. PBS special "Ireland in Song" was a tremendous hit, giving him more exposure than ever to the world with his "God" given talent.

This album - "God Bless America - An Irish Salute", is one of the most touching compilations of music ever recorded. One of the highlights is his wife Eily O'Grady and her Irish Harp Orchestra, simply an emotional pair of people enjoying what they do best, spreading love and happiness through the power of song.

Total Time: 72:20 on 17 Tracks/ RCA Victor Records - 09026 63659 2 (2000)

Saw the PBS Special.......2000-03-22

I do not have the album but saw the PBS special last Saturday night and have been looking for the cd and will buy it. The song My Son is the most moving and beautiful I have ever heard. Having three sons, I felt it related to each of them and it can be for either mother or father. The rest of the songs were superb. Mr Patterson is a warm and wonderful human being and has a great voice. His son played the violin when he sang My Son, by the way. Also, his wife's group of harpists are wonderful. All in all, a great group of songs show and I am sure a great cd. I also want the tape when it is available.

Words.......2000-03-18

Sorry, I have not heard this album, but the song "MY SON" was suggested for a Mother/Son dance at his wedding. I would surely love to see the words first, before I purchase the album.. Thank you for any help you may have.

Average customer rating: Ruby Murray Magic Old Memories Lucky indeed!

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling/Irish...and Proud of It Ruby Murray Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Anthology The Magic of Ruby Murray Softly Softly Dear Old Donegal ASIN: B0000072FZ Release Date: 1997-04-01

Tracks:

1. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
2. It's A Great Day For The Irish
3. The Mountains Of Mourne
4. If You're Irish Come Into The Parlour
5. Galway Bay
6. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral
7. Dear Old Donegal
8. How Can You Buy Killarney?
9. Phil The Fluter's Ball
10. Danny Boy
11. Peggy O'Neil
12. Hannigan's Hooley
13. Christmastime In Ireland
14. The Old Lammas Fair
15. The Kellys
16. The Old Pig-Sty
17. Trottin' To The Fair
18. Christmas In Killarney
19. Cockles And Mussels
20. Miss O'Leary's Irish Fruit Cake
21. Forty Shades Of Green
22. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door

Album Details

A '2 on 1'Special in Memory of Belfast Born Ruby who Died Last Year. These Are the Two Most Successful 'Irish' Albums, from the Late 50's and Early 60's.

Customer Reviews:

Ruby.......2004-03-02

Ruby Murray was one of the many highlights of the early 50's. It's not hard to see why. She was innocent, proud of her culture, and possessed one sweet voice.
My mother liked it instantly but it took my sister a while for it to grow on her. With all the songs about Ireland I can kind of see why. But the songs aren't all the same. My favorite song is the pretty Peggy O'Neil. Miss O'Leary's Irish Fruit Cake is another. It's one weird druggy song. Perfect music for St. Patrick's Day or the afternoon.

Murray Magic.......2002-08-17

My husband has been looking for Ruby Murray's music for over 30 years, but it was nowhere to be found. He has a copy on a reel-to-reel tape but no tape player, so he always hoped to find the records in order to listen to her wonderful voice. I found the CD's and bought two for his birthday, and he is happy. It is a real treasure that this wonderful music has been preserved for the future. Ruby Murray is truly the Irish Nightingale.

Old Memories.......2002-03-22

My dad used to play this album over and over again... I grew up
listening to the music of Ruby Murray.

To hear her again is wonderful. I bought another cd for my sister. We have been looking for this for years...

I can only say, Thank you for the memories....

Lucky indeed!.......1999-05-22

This import CD of two the late Ruby Murray's albums is a delightful confection of Irish ballads. Murray was unabashedly gleeful, which makes her a joy to listen, even if she edges on the sweet just a little too much for some tastes. Surprisingly, however, Murray captures the beautiful emotional range of her material with control and flawless phrasing. A joy to listen to any time.

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set] Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00062FLI8 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating: A touching English Butterfly

Puccini - Madam Butterfly / Cheryl Barker, PO, Yves Abel [in English] Giacomo Puccini , Yves Abel , Cheryl Barker , Paul Charles Clarke , and Simon Birchall Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Turandot (Chandos Opera in English) Puccini - La bohème / Haymon · O'Neill · Opie · McLaughlin · A. Miles · Dazeley · Shore · PO · Parry Verdi: La Traviata Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Te Kanawa · Hampson · Rosenshein · Gedda · Sir Charles Mackerras [in English] ASIN: B00005QF3K Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Act I: Introduction - Cheryl Barker
2. Act I: 'So The Walls And The Ceiling...' - Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
3. Act I: 'I Think Your Honour's Smiling' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
4. Act I: 'It Can't Be Much Further Now!' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
5. Act I: The Whole World Over - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
6. Act I: 'Fate Can't Crush Him' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
7. Act I: 'Is The Bride Very Pretty?' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
8. Act I: 'True Love Or Fancy' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
9. Act I: 'See Them! They're Climbing The Summit Of The Hill!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
10. Act I: 'We Are Honoured' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
11. Act I: 'The Imperial Commissioner' - Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Simon Birchall
12. Act I: 'Oh, Indeed, My Friend, You're Lucky!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
13. Act I: 'Come, My Beloved' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Stuart Kale
14. Act I: 'My Fate I Have To Follow' - Cheryl Barker
15. Act I: 'Silence! Silence!' - Stuart Kale/Roland Wood/Cheryl Barker
16. Act I: 'Congratulations' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Frances Brett/Clive Bayley/Stuart Kale
17. Act I: 'Dearest, My Dearest, Weep No More' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
18. Act I: 'Evening Is Falling...' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
19. Act I: 'Child, From Whose Eyes The Witchery Is Shining' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker
20. Act I: 'Ah, Love Me A Little' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor
21. Act II Part I: 'Izaghi Izanami' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
22. Act II Part I: 'One Fine Day' - Cheryl Barker

Tracks:

1. Act II Part I: 'Come, Let's Enter' - Stuart Kale/Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
2. Act II Part I: 'Yamadori, And Has your Unrequited Love Not Yet Released You? - Cheryl Barker/D'Arcy Bleiker/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
3. Act II Part I: 'Now, At Last!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
4. Act II Part I: 'Just Two Things I Could Do' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
5. Act II Part I: 'This Child! This Child, Then!' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
6. Act II Part I: 'Do You Know, My Darling' - Cheryl Barker
7. Act II Part I: 'I Must Be Going' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
8. Act II Part I: 'Ah! Ah!' - Stuart Kale/Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
9. Act II Part I: 'Look, It's A Man-of-war!' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
10. Act II Part I: Flower Duet: 'Shake The Cherry Tree' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
11. Act II Part I: Humming Chorus - Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
12. Act II Part 2: Prelude - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
13. Act II Part 2: Daybreak Over Nagasaki - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
14. Act II Part 2: 'It's Morning' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
15. Act II Part 2: 'Who Is It?...' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
16. Act II Part 2: 'I Know For Such Misfortune There Is No Consolation' - Gregory Yurisich/Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor
17. Act II Part 2: 'Farewell, Oh Happy Home!' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
18. Act II Part 2: 'Then Will You Tell Her?' - Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
19. Act II Part 2: 'Suzuki, Where Are You?' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
20. Act II Part 2: 'You, Suzuki, You're Always So Faithful' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
21. Act II Part 2: 'Viper! I Want You To Answer' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby/Gregory Yurisich/Ann Taylor
22. Act II Part 2: 'Your Little Fluttering Heart Is Beating' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
23. Act II Part 2: 'Death With Honour Is Better Than Life With Dishonour' - Cheryl Barker

Amazon.com

This performance, the only one available in English, is problematic. Best is Yves Abel's leadership of the orchestra, which sounds wonderful, imbuing Puccini's lush score with just the right exoticism and emphasis. But aside from Gregory Yurisch's fine Sharpless, the singers don't please. Paul Charles Clarke as Pinkerton is lacking stylistically and vocally, and as Butterfly, Cheryl Barker sounds under strain and never pretty. While she has the power and feeling for the big second-act climax (the sighting of the ship), she never for a moment sounds fragile or girlish, not even in the all-important early scenes. English or not, this set isn't in the running. Stick with Callas or Scotto in Italian, and follow the libretto. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A touching English Butterfly.......2002-03-27

Anyone familiar with Cheryl Barker's Butterfly will be interested in hearing this recording. I have heard her in the role twice - in Auckland and London - and her voice has filled out as the years have gone on. She hasn't a large italianate soprano; the sound is too slender somehow. Yet there is the paradox - it has great carrying power and a decent cutting edge to make itself heard above the orchestral climaxes. What really impresses is the sense of vulnerability and moral strength she imparts, making sense of the big moments of the secong act. The sound in Act one is gorgeous (and a super D flat in theentrance aria) and she differentiates impressively between the child-bride and the embittered woman of the two acts.

She is surrounded by a mixed supporting cast. Jean Rigby is maternal, warm and affecting as Suzuki. Gregory Yurisich makes Sharpless' dilemma more understandable than usual, rather than being completely ineffectual. Paul Charles Clarke perhaps illustrates Pinkerton's arrogance with a degree of vocal swagger, but the sound is rough-hewn and unlovely save for some moments in the love duet. Stuart Kale's Goro is suitable ingratiating and oily.

Abel's conducting is the other chief draw of this set. That he has experience of the score in the theatre means that his pacing is really superb, and the lush orchestration is given its due, the potent intermezzo during the overnight vigil sounding suitably ominous.

This won't replace the classic Butterfly recordings, but in the absendce of any new ones recently, and for acceptable diction in an English version, it is certainly worth the (not very high) price. Recommended.

Average customer rating: Fine recital of neglected composer Good Performance but the content?

Campion: Lute Music Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dowland: Flow My Tears and Other Lute Songs ASIN: B00000IXIZ Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

1. Come Let Us Sound With Melody
2. Tune Thy Musicke To Thy Hart
3. Come You Pretty False-Ey'D Wanton
4. There Is None, O None But You
5. Sweet Exclude Mee Not
6. I Care Not For These Ladies
7. Though You Are Yoong And I Am Olde
8. Fire, Fire, Fire, Fire!
9. What Then Is Love But Mourning?
10. Shall I Come, Sweet Love, To Thee?
11. Beauty, Since You So Much Desire
12. What Is It All That Men Possesse?
13. The Sypres Curten Of The Night
14. Jacke And Jone They Think No Ill
15. It Fell On A Sommers Daie
16. When To Her Lute Corrina Sings
17. My Sweetest Lesbia
18. Her Rosie Cheekes, Her Ever Smiling Eyes
19. Faire, If You Expect Admiring
20. There Is A Garden In Her Face
21. Author Of Light
22. Never Weather-Beaten Saile
23. Most Sweet And Pleasing Are Thy Wayes
24. To Musicke Bent Is My Retyred Minded
25. Thou Joy'St, Fond Boy
26. Turne All Thy Thoughts To Eyes
27. Vaile, Love Mine Eyes
28. Miserere My Maker

Customer Reviews:

Fine recital of neglected composer.......2000-10-29

I'd agree with the earlier reviewer that this CD is for those who have already tried Dowland. However Dowland has been fortunate in the recording studio and Campion much neglected (this appears to be the only disc dedicated to him currently available) so Naxos deserve our thanks for having brought Rickards and Linell back together for a second disc. What is particularly encouraging is to find a whole disc of songs, not just a few raisins in a cake of viol music which is how Dowland and his contemporaries are normally represented. Not that I've anything against mixed recitals - the collaborations of Fretwork with Red Byrd are beautiful - but it tends to be the same better known songs.

The first recordings of early English music on the Naxos label (I'm thinking of Summerly's earlier recordings of Byrd, Tomkins, Gibbons) lacked texts, that has been corrected in later releases, including both this disc (timing 52:52), and the earlier Rickards Dowland recital (8.553381, 1997, timing 74:08). Sound on both discs is more than adequate.

Good Performance but the content?.......2000-02-01

I make no claims to being knowledable about the intricacies of this music. But if I were giving stars I'd give the performance four or five and the content...um...that's the hard part.

I bought this out of curiosity. Campion's lyrics turn up occasionally in anthologies of poetry and I was curious to hear the songs. I own Rickards and Linell's "Dowland: Flow my tears and other lute songs" and i play it often so I also wanted to know what Dowland's competition sounded like.

Firstly, the performance is of the same high standard as on the other disk. Which is good. Linell plays well and Rickards' voice is fine. The liner notes provide good background information as well as the words to the songs. The only real complaint I could have about the performance is probably related to production: The lute sounds small, thin and distant compared with, say, Bream's lute on "The golden age of English Lute music" or Lindberg's on "The complete solo lute music". This is true of the pair's Dowland recording as well but it may only be a drawback if you're trying to use the performances as a guide to playing the songs yourself. ( I was).

The real drawback to this recording though is the material. Play the Dowland and you're liable to find yourself humming odd snatches of the songs. Play the Campion and you're liable to have difficulty remembering any of the individual tunes. Nor do the lyrics redeem the music. He probably was a "better " lyric writer than Dowland (whatever that means) but music wise Dowland beats him hollow.

If you're studying music history this might be an interesting collection. But if you're just curious and want an introduction to the songs of the period, go for the Dowland first. You're liable to be left feeling like you could listen to more, and then the Campion becomes interesting as a variation. Buy the Campion first and you're liable to wonder why people get enthusiastic about English lute songs. And that would be a pity and a disservice to Linell and Rickards who do such a good job.

Average customer rating: Legendary selections by a legendary voice

Legendary Irish Tenor Manufacturer: Goldies ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Godard, Benjamin | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great Voices of the 20th Century The Voice of Ireland: 25 Popular Songs and Ballads John McCormack: In Opera My Wild Irish Rose ASIN: B00005RVT2 Release Date: 2001-11-26

Tracks:

1. Mother Machree
2. Kathleen Mavourneen
3. Killarney
4. Dear Little Shamrock
5. Ave Maria
6. Little Love, A Little Kiss
7. Macushla
8. Wearing of the Green
9. Where the River Shannon Flows
10. Eileen Alannah
11. Molly Brannigan
12. Low Back'd Car
13. I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby
14. Angels Guard Thee

Tracks:

1. My Wild Irish Rose
2. Serenata
3. Come into the Garden, Maud
4. Turn Ye to Me
5. Somewhere a Voice Is Calling
6. Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
7. Barcarolle
8. Sunshine of Your Smile
9. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
10. Rose of Tralee
11. Ireland, Mother Ireland
12. Mother O' Mine
13. Bard of Armagh
14. Irish Emigrant

Tracks:

1. I Hear You Calling Me
2. Star of the County Down
3. Londonderry Air
4. She Moved Thro' the Fair
5. Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
6. Kerry Dance
7. South Winds
8. By the Shortcut to the Rosses
9. Fairy Tree
10. Harp That Once Thro' Tara's Halls
11. Garden Where the Praties Grow
12. I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
13. Bantry Bay
14. Dawning of the Day

Customer Reviews:

Legendary selections by a legendary voice.......2004-03-24

With special emphasis on the variety presented in this collection, this album has a broadness of scope that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the magic of the human voice.
McCormack was perhaps the most popular entertainer in the world during his career, comparable with the superstars of today, only richer in the currency of his day.
Though purists may have criticized his shift to the popular venue as opportunism, and perhaps desertion of his training in the classical tradtions, he was simply presenting what people wanted to hear. Whether he set a pattern of career management followed by modern entertainers or was simply happiest when the accolades flowed over him matters not. The talent and richness are his legacy to us.
His range and vocal dexterity are well illustrated and represented by this larger than usual collection, and anyone with a particular favorite tune in his rather loose genre will likely find it here.
After a journey through this collection, listeners may well gain another special melody or two for addition to their personal list of "best ever" songs and singers.
Although it may be considered a bit foolish, some will choose this album for only one or two tracks. Some call that trait wasteful, but when a jewel of performance is played again and again, the teardrop may fall once more, and the heart will thrill yet again.
This album will please many musical palates, even those who claim no special fondness for "Irish Tenors."

Average customer rating: Good Straightforward Music

Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000002ZVM Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Dear Harp Of My Country (The Farewell To My Harp)
2. Erin! The Smile And The Tear In Thine Eyes
3. How Sweet The Answer Echo Makes
4. Silent, Oh Moyle! Be The Roar Of Thy Water (The Song Of Fionnuala)
5. Rich And Rare Were The Gems She Wore
6. The Twisting Of The Rope
7. Joice's Tune
8. The Summer Is Comming
9. Carolan's Concert
10. The Harp That Once, Thro' Tara's Halls
11. Nanny McDermotroe
12. The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me (The Song Of O'Ruark, Prince Of Breffni)
13. Abigail Judge
14. Avenging And Bright
15. The Minstrel-Boy
16. Lament For Owen O'Neill
17. 'Tis Believed That This Harp (The Origin Of The Harp)
18. Come Rest In This Bosom
19. She Is Far From The Land
20. Come O'er The Sea
21. 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer
22. Girls, Have You Seen George?
23. The Pretty Girl Milking The Cows
24. John, Heir Of The Glen
25. Love In Secret
26. The Jointure
27. How Dear To Me The Hour
28. Fly Not Yet
29. At The Mid Hour Of Night
30. What The Bee Is To The Floweret
31. Fill The Bumper Fair!

Customer Reviews:

Good Straightforward Music.......2003-10-15

Music is performed in its original settings. Beautiful choral work; four singers, two of each gender. Lacks the histrionical egotism found in so many Irish ballad recordings. Very much worth it.

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1. Son [Import]
2. Soukouss Vibration, Vol. 6
3. Stariye Pesnee O Glarnom [Import]
4. Storia d'Amore [Import]
5. The Best in World Music [Import]
6. The Emperor of Sarod Live [Live]
7. The Music of China
8. The Music of Mali [Import]
9. The Pride of Italy
10. The Spirit of Brazil

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International Music