Song & Dance: The Songs - Original Broadway Cast Recording [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song and Dance is a combination of his 1979 Paganini variations for cello and rock band with a 1980 one-woman television piece called Tell Me on a Sunday, which featured lyrics by Don Black. In 1985, Song and Dance was reconceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and debuted on Broadway, which led to this recording of the first half of the show, Song and Dance: The Songs. In the role of Emma, a British girl exploring a new life and new relationships in New York and Los Angeles, Bernadette Peters always keeps things interesting, but the one-woman-show concept probably works better visually, and some of the themes and catch phrases become repetitive. Better to skip past the book numbers and simply enjoy some of Lloyd Webber's tastiest songs: "Tell Me on a Sunday," "Take That Look off Your Face," "Come Back with That Same Look in Your Eyes," and the gorgeous "Unexpected Song." --David Horiuchi

Song & Dance: The Songs - Original Broadway Cast Recording, Music, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Adult Contemporary, Cast Recordings, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Showtunes / B'way, Soft Rock
Music for Compline
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • So very beautiful!
  • Gorgeous
  • Great Premiere from Stile Antico!
  • Music for Compline
Music for Compline

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi USA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SheppardAll Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TallisAll Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WhiteAll Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChantsChants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Lighten our Darkness
  2. Gloryland
  3. William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis
  4. And On Earth Peace: A Chanticleer Mass
  5. Combattimento (W/Dvd)

ASIN: B000LPRNSG
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

  1. Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
  2. Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
  3. Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
  4. In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
  5. In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
  6. Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
  7. In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
  8. In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
  9. Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
  10. Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
  11. Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
  12. In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
  13. Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
  14. Veni, Domine (plainchant)
  15. Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
  16. Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
  17. Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

5 out of 5 stars Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

5 out of 5 stars Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.
Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Jersey Boys
  • Like being there
  • A step back in musical time
  • Great music, but missing too much
  • Jersey boys win my heart
Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
SoundtracksSoundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
  2. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  4. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000BFH2QY
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

  1. Ces Soirees la'
  2. Early Years Medley
  3. Cry For Me
  4. Backups Medley
  5. Sherry
  6. Big Girls Don't Cry
  7. Walk Like A Man
  8. December, 1963
  9. My Boyfriend's Back
  10. My Eyes Adored You
  11. Dawn (Go Away)
  12. Big Man In Town
  13. Dialog: A Little Trouble
  14. Beggin'
  15. Dialog: See How You Handle It
  16. Medley Listen Listen
  17. c'mon marianne
  18. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
  19. Working My Way Back To You
  20. Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

5 out of 5 stars Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

5 out of 5 stars A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

4 out of 5 stars Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

5 out of 5 stars Jersey boys win my heart.......2007-07-03

what a wonderful album-brings back such wonderful memories
they don't write songs like this enough today
Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

    Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by DowlandAll Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    LuteLute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    LuteLute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Not Too Late
    2. An Ancient Muse
    3. Wintersong
    4. James Taylor at Christmas
    5. Awake

    ASIN: B000HXDESU
    Release Date: 2006-10-10

    Tracks:

    1. Walsingham
    2. Can she excuse my wrongs?
    3. Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor …
    4. Flow my tears
    5. Have you seen the bright lily grow
    6. Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson died…
    7. The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
    8. The lowest trees have tops
    9. And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letter…
    10. Fine knacks for ladies
    11. From thenc I went to the Landgrave of Hessen…
    12. Fantasy
    13. Come, heavy sleep
    14. Forlorn Hope Fancy
    15. And from thence I had great desire to see Italy…
    16. Come again
    17. Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
    18. After my departure I caled to mynde our conference…
    19. Weep you no more, sad fountains
    20. My Lord Willoughby’s Welcome Home
    21. Clear or cloudy
    22. Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparation…
    23. In darkness let me dwell

    Amazon.com

    In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

    Album Description

    StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.
    Duets: An American Classic
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Tony Bennett
    • It really swings
    • Not bad but the voice is going--sorry
    • Watch the DVD, then rate the album
    • Tolerable but falls short of its potential
    Duets: An American Classic
    Tony Bennett
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. From This Moment On
    2. Love
    3. Awake
    4. Wintersong
    5. James Taylor at Christmas

    ASIN: B000H0MKGU
    Release Date: 2006-09-26

    Tracks:

    1. LULLABY OF BROADWAY duet with Dixie Chicks
    2. SMILE duet with Barbra Streisand
    3. PUT ON A HAPPY FACE duet with James Taylor
    4. THE GOOD LIFE duet with Billy Joel
    5. THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE duet with Juanes
    6. RAGS TO RICHES duet with Elton John
    7. THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU duet with Paul McCartney
    8. COLD, COLD HEART duet with Tim McGraw
    9. IF I RULED THE WORLD duet with Celine Dion
    10. THE BEST IS YET TO COME duet with Diana Krall
    11. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE duet with Stevie Wonder
    12. ARE YOU HAVIN ANY FUN? duet with Elvis Costello
    13. BECAUSE OF YOU duet with k.d. lang
    14. JUST IN TIME duet with Michael Bubl
    15. THE BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS duet with Sting
    16. I WANNA BE AROUND - duet with Bono
    17. SING, YOU SINNERS duet with John Legend
    18. I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO
    19. HOW DO YOU KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING? duet with George Michael

    Amazon.com

    At this point, who else but Tony Bennett would have the clout to round up stars on the scale of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Bono, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand for some duets? (Note also that unlike some similar projects, all the parties involved on this CD were alive when it was recorded!) The material consists of relatively obvious classics in standard big-band arrangements, and Bennett himself is in top form at age 80, so much so that he doesn't need anybody else to handle "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." But the fun comes from checking out how his collaborators fare. The Dixie Chicks provide wonderful Andrews Sisters-type harmonies on the percolating version of "Lullaby of Broadway" that opens the festivities. The best songs tend to be the ones where Bennett's slightly craggy voice is juxtaposed to smooth female ones, like Diana Krall on "The Best Is Yet to Come," familiar accomplice k.d. lang on the sultry "Because of You" and Streisand—-perhaps Bennett's only equal in stature at this point—on "Smile." Among the less expected guests, soulman John Legend is a revelation on the hard-swinging "Sing, You Sinners," while George Michael confirms he's quite the crooner on "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" Elvis Costello, Celine Dion or Juanes don't sound as comfortable, and sometimes it feels as if they overdo it to compensate, but overall this collection is among the best of its kind, with most guests rising to the occasion. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

    Amazon.com

    Perfecting the art of excellence for over six decades, with 105 albums selling over 50 million copies, Tony Bennett has come to represent the essence of elegance, tradition and artistic accomplishments. Tony celebrates his 80th birthday recording Duets of his greatest hits with today's greatest artists: Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Paul McCartney, Tim McGraw, George Michael, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, and Stevie Wonder.

    More from Tony Bennett


    The Art of Romance


    A Wonderful World (with k. d. lang)


    Perfectly Frank: An American Classic Celebrates 80


    Basie Swings, Bennett Sings (DVD)


    The Movie Song Album


    The Classic Collection (Box Set)

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Tony Bennett.......2007-07-16

    Great duets, enjoyed every song on the CD!! He still continues to amaze me with that silky voice. He's a legend....

    5 out of 5 stars It really swings.......2007-07-14

    All classics with new voices. I bought it after seeing the special on PBS.

    3 out of 5 stars Not bad but the voice is going--sorry.......2007-06-27

    I would say "OK" but it is not of the quality of the Ray Charles' duets. Tony is fantastic but time diminshes the quality of the voice.

    5 out of 5 stars Watch the DVD, then rate the album.......2007-06-23

    PBS ran the tape of the making of Duets and gave me a whole new perspective on the CD. I now can visualize each song as I listen, and it has enhanced my enjoyment of the best tracks while making ones I thought were not as good much more in line with the Bennett tradition of "telling the story" of each song. He gets inside the music and lives there with such ease.

    There is nobody who can blend with Bennett's voice better than k.d. lang - except Diana Krull, James Taylor, Tim McGraw or, well, most of the other people chosen to sing with him.

    This record is joyful and not enhanced, as one reviewer suggested. Hearing/seeing how Bennett works with lyrics and other performers still amazes me. I've been a fan since his first recording - there was nothing like a Bennett song for setting the mood.

    3 out of 5 stars Tolerable but falls short of its potential.......2007-06-19

    As much as I wanted to rate this album higher, befitting Tony's legendary status, I couldn't because it suffers from "too many cooks in the kitchen." Like so many of these collaborations, some of the singers paired with Bennett work (McCartney, Michael, Streisand, John, and a surprisingly good Bono), some are adequate (Dion, Wonder, Joel, Juanes) and some fall into the "what-were-they-thinking" category (The Dixie Chicks, McGraw and John Legend).

    And no matter how much respect I have for the legendary crooner, Bennett's voice is, expectedly, not what it used to be and on some songs, he strains and has wavy tones.

    However, one can't deny his musical status and the fact that he was able to get so many top-notch talent to support is a testament to that fact.

    And the choice of songs can't be denied; they are all bonafide "classics" in the truest sense of the term.
    From This Moment On
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Diana Krall Excells!
    • "From This Moment On" ~ Diana Krall
    • From This Moment On
    • What went on with Ms. Krall?
    • There's no one like her
    From This Moment On
    Diana Krall
    Manufacturer: Verve
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    CanadaCanada | North America | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Contemporary Big BandContemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    VerveVerve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
    PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    JazzJazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    InternationalInternational | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Duets: An American Classic
    2. Half the Perfect World
    3. Not Too Late
    4. Christmas Songs
    5. James Taylor at Christmas

    ASIN: B000GG4KTU
    Release Date: 2006-09-19

    Tracks:

    1. It Could Happen to You
    2. Isnt This A Lovely Day
    3. How Insensitive
    4. Exactly Like You
    5. From This Moment On
    6. I was Doing All Right
    7. Little Girl Blue
    8. Day In Day Out
    9. Willow Weep For Me
    10. Come Dance With Me
    11. You Can Depend On Me

    Amazon.com

    This album appears in the footsteps of 2004's The Girl in the Other Room but doesn't sound like a follow-up. Whereas The Girl saw the pianist-singer abandon the Great American Songbook for more personal pastures, From This Moment On sees her working out on standards done in traditional arrangements. Although the tracks here are by the likes of Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, and the Gershwins, Krall sounds more at ease than ever before; perhaps digging deep inside on The Girl loosened her up. Backed by the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on seven tracks, Krall sings off the big band with ease. On the title track, she keeps up with a galloping bass and explosive brass arrangements and even ventures into scatting toward the end of the song. Her voice has also acquired a wonderfully worn texture in the past few years, and it works wonders on the ballads (just listen to "Isn't This a Lovely Day" and "Little Girl Blue" for instance). When standards are done like this, there's just nothing like 'em. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

    Album Description

    From This Moment On is an 11-song collection that captures the Canadian-born sensation in full swing, in great company, and at the top of her game. It could also be called her strongest, most cohesive release to date. Krall--for the few still unknowing--is the 41-year old sensation whose cool, heavy-lidded vocals and strikingly sensitive piano-playing has helped her transcend barriers of genre to become a popular artist of the first order who has carved herself a permanent position at the top of the jazz charts. In songs, mood, and delivery, From This Moment On reveals Krall's personal ardor for that golden era of song-making, when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and (especially) Nat "King" Cole were in their prime. It's musical territory that Krall has often explored, but this album was certainly not a case of simply repeating past formulas: Krall's A-team of support--producer Tommy LiPuma, engineer Al Schmitt, and arranger/bandleader John Clayton--were on hand to ensure that inspiration was kept on an edge, unhindered by the studio environment.

    More Diana Krall

    All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio

    Live in Paris

    Love Scenes

    The Girl in the Other Room

    Christmas Songs

    Stepping Out

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Diana Krall Excells!.......2007-06-27

    Diana has one of the greatest voices in the jazz biz. She plays a great piano, sings as a song bird, and is truly a marvelous performer.
    (Cute too.)

    Buy this one. If you like jazz, it is a Must in your portfolio/collection.

    5 out of 5 stars "From This Moment On" ~ Diana Krall.......2007-06-26

    Listening to my CD of Diana Krall, "From This Moment On," is so relaxing.
    Diana executes her songs with her strong, yet mellow voice.
    The "back-up" band is a great asset to this CD, so between Diana singing and the band playing, you feel like you're "In Concert!"

    Everyone HAS to hear it to believe it!

    Mike

    5 out of 5 stars From This Moment On.......2007-06-10

    From This Moment On~ Diana Krall is easy listening jazz at its best. Ms Kralls vocal skills are remarkable and she sings these traditional jazz tunes with conviction and fortitude of a grandmaster of jazz. The book-let is beautifull if a bit sparse. The photographs are simply put it amazing and she looks stunning. The production value is right on the money and I like it since it so easy to listen to even for jazz beginners such as myself. Highly recommended indeed and I easily give this album 5 out of 5 stars.

    3 out of 5 stars What went on with Ms. Krall?.......2007-05-24


    Repertoire consists of rather expected standards. All broadly covered brilliantly by so many vocalists in the past. Ms. Krall and her arrangers adds nothing at all.

    Singing offers no surprise than a mainstream singer would do.

    Orchestra is currently the darling big band of the time being. Good players, rare good ideas, nothing impelling.

    There is an original and beautiful arrangement here: for the track 'How Insensitive'.

    And that's all. Let's wait for the next Krall album.

    5 out of 5 stars There's no one like her.......2007-05-12

    What is there to say? Diana Krall is simply the best. This album is another fine example of consistently high quality musicianship.
    We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Notable Tribute
    • This is good, but I love Ella more than the folks trying to sing her
    • Great CD, especially for someone new to trad jazz
    • Should Be A Grammy Winner In 2008!
    • A fitting tribute to a true Lady of Song.
    We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Verve
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Smooth JazzSmooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Love, Ella
    2. Call Me Irresponsible
    3. Anchored in Love: A Tribute To June Carter Cash
    4. Avant Gershwin
    5. Surrender

    ASIN: B000PA9Q3M
    Release Date: 2007-06-05

    Tracks:

    1. A Tisket a Tasket - Natalie Cole
    2. Lullaby Of Birdland - Chaka Khan
    3. The Lady Is a Tramp - Queen Latifah
    4. Dream a Little Dream Of Me - Diana Krall
    5. (You'll Have To Swing It) Mr. Paganini - Natalie Cole
    6. Oh Lady Be Good! - Dianne Reeves
    7. Reaching For the Moon - Lizz Wright
    8. Blues In the Night - Ledisi
    9. Miss Otis Regrets - Linda Ronstadt
    10. Someone To Watch Over Me - Gladys Knight
    11. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me - Etta James
    12. Angel Eyes - K.D. Lang
    13. Too Close For Comfort - Michael Buble
    14. You Are the Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder
    15. Airmail Special - Nikki Yanofsky

    Amazon.com

    Covering songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald is a daunting endeavor, since only Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan challenge her place as the premier female jazz vocalist in history. But the late Fitzgerald inspired and influenced a wide array of talented acolytes--from Natalie Cole to k.d. lang to Dianne Reeves--many of whom gather on this spirited, Phil Ramone-produced tribute to partially benefit the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation. Cole, backed by an eager gaggle of call-and-response male worshippers, breathes fun new life into the swingy "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," while Chaka Khan, showcasing the breadth of her range, delivers a transporting rendition of the enchanting jazz blues "Lullaby of Birdland." (The two also team up for a delicious scat-fest on "Mr. Paganini.") If lang is equally transfixing on the ballad "Angel Eyes," it's newcomer Ledisi who steals the show with "Blues in the Night," her expansive soprano often mimicking a muted or full-tilt trumpet, one of Fitzgerald's hallmarks. Performances from Etta James and Nikki Yanofsky also rivet, even if Diana Krall and Hank Jones's "Dream a Little Dream of Me" comes across as a little too sleepy, and Gladys Knight is probably not the best singer for "Someone to Watch Over Me." The album surprises with a live duet ("You Are the Sunshine of My Life") between Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder, recorded at the 1977 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Although it seems tacked on, it doesn't grate nearly as much as Michael Bublé's "Too Close for Comfort," so slick it would put an eel to shame. Skip over that transgression, and turn to the antidote of Lizz Wright's sultry take on the melancholy "Reaching for the Moon," which plumbs emotional depths not even the ever-joyous Great Lady managed to attain. --Alanna Nash

    Album Description

    A star-studded album from legendary producer Phil Ramone pays tribute to one of the most celebrated female vocalists of all time, Ella Fitzgerald.

    This CD includes performers such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Lizz Wright, Queen Latifah, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Linda Ronstadt, Dianne Reeves and more.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Notable Tribute.......2007-07-16

    This CD is a very good tribute to Ella. All the artists added thier own style without losing the essence of the performer they all admired.

    4 out of 5 stars This is good, but I love Ella more than the folks trying to sing her.......2007-07-03

    My favorite part of this collection was Ella and Stevie Wonder singing "Sunshine of my Life." The blend of their voices was amazing. If it possibly could have been done, I'd love to have seen the video of this performance.

    Of the tributes, Ledisi's "Blues in the Night" blew me away. Her vocalese imitation of a trumpet was one of the best impressions I have ever heard.

    I also liked hearing Natalie Cole and Chaka Khan in duet on "If you can't sing it, you'll have to swing it." Etta James' alto was definitely refreshing on "Wait til you hear from me." She's the only woman on the CD with a voice in the lower registers and definitely different from the other vocalists.

    4 out of 5 stars Great CD, especially for someone new to trad jazz.......2007-06-27

    This is the second CD I've purchased of music from Ella Fitzgerald's era. I have one CD of Dave Grusin pays Homage to Duke Ellington and I didn't like it at all. But this CD is great! It has a variety of vocalists who are tops in their field, mostly jazz but some rock (Linda Ronstadt and K.D. Laing). The orchestration and vocal stylings are all excellent with great variety. The selection of artists is about as good as good gets. Practically no one great was left out that I know of who sings in this genre. Buy it as a great introduction to this era.

    5 out of 5 stars Should Be A Grammy Winner In 2008!.......2007-06-11

    'We All Love Ella' is a first rate tribute to the First Lady Of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. While I agree with the previous reviewer on many points, I'll try to focus on the project as a whole. Verve must be commended for asembling such a formidible list of singers & musicians on this CD, and you can't help but feel good while listening to the various interpretations, which are all top rate. The one track which caught my attention from the start was the LONG OVERDUE DUET between Natalie Cole & Chaka Khan! The two divas' voices blend SO WELL on '(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have To Swing It (A.K.A. Mr.Paganini)', and I also love the arrangement of the song, which is long enough for Chaka & Natalie to sing & scat up a storm.

    There are so many other highlights on 'We All Love Ella', BUT the failure to include songs by TWO prominent Ella disciples (Patti Austin & Dee Dee Bridgewater), was questionable (IMO). Both of these legendary singers recorded Ella tribute projects in the past ('Dear Ella' & 'For Ella' respectively!), and they could've shined on this new CD singing 'Our Love Is Here To Stay' & 'How High The Moon ?'. Both of these songs are Ella classics without question, but are absent on 'We All Love Ella'. Oh well, maybe Verve will cook up Volume 2 ?

    All in all 'We Love Ella - Celebrating The First Lady Of Song' is a first rate tribute to an American Icon, and I applaud everyone involved for the great music...which is one of the finest 'tribute' projects in recent memory. I'd also like to thank Phil Ramone for NOT releasing a shabby collection of songs (most of those countless 'remake' CDs on Shanachie Records comes to mind!!). Obviously a lot of thought & time was invested in producing 'We All Love Ella', so I'd recommend it to jazz lovers everywhere.
    Peace, SD
    (of 'Chakasworld')

    4 out of 5 stars A fitting tribute to a true Lady of Song........2007-06-05

    Wikipendia: "Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 - June 15, 1996), also known as Lady Ella and the First Lady of Song, is considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th Century.

    With a vocal range spanning three octaves, she was noted for her purity of tone, near faultless phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. She is widely considered to have been one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook...."
    This is a heartfelt, loving tribute to the great singer for which Verve Records has gathered a top-notch group of genre-spanning artists and a legendary producer to create an album that genuinely pays tribute to its original subject.
    "We All Love Ella" is produced by hit maker Phil Ramone and filled with passionate performances of classics made famous by Ella and sung by world-renowned singers and break-out stars Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Queen Latifah, Ledisi, Dianne Reeves, Linda Ronstadt and Lizz Wright.
    Most of them are part of the so-called SERIAL COLLABORATORS, a new generation of musicians, who have all but abandoned their own musical endeavours in favour of hitching a ride in this kind of music projects, call them DUET or TRIBUTE albums.
    Whether it's Diana Krall's tender "Dream A Little Dream", Natalie Cole's swingin' "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", k.d. lang's sultry "Angel Eyes" or the extraordinarily sassy and powerful "Blues in the Night" by newcomer Ledesi, the performances on "We All Love Ella" keenly display Fitzgerald's expansive musical range and show how her style influenced generations of musicians from all backgrounds
    The woman herself, Ella, appears on the album.
    In 1977, Stevie Wonder sat in with Ella during her performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This impromptu collaboration yielded a charming duet on Stevie's classic "You are the Sunshine of my Life". This recording is released for the first time over on this tribute album!
    Many are the guest musicians :Gerald Clayton (Piano), Billy Childs Trio (piano, arranger), Regina Carter (violin), Alan Broadbent(Piano), Christian McBride (bass), Dean Parks (Guitar), Tom Scott (Saxophone), Anthony Wilson (Guitar), just to name a few.
    Genius Loves Company
    A Tribute To Joni Mitchell
    Duets: An American Classic
    So Amazing...An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross
    DuetsDuets II
    All in one world, a great homage to the Great Lady of Song.
    Enjoy
    Surrender
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Monheit excels again
    • Jane Monheit Surrenders to Mediocrity
    • I rather like it
    • Pleasant.
    • Folks listen to RC, his review is a laser beam on target. Statement album needed badly.
    Surrender
    Jane Monheit
    Manufacturer: Concord Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    JazzJazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Call Me Irresponsible
    2. On the Other Side
    3. Momento
    4. Nightmoves
    5. Easy To Love

    ASIN: B000N0U2UA
    Release Date: 2007-04-24

    Tracks:

    1. If You Went Away
    2. Surrender
    3. Rio De Maio
    4. Like A Lover
    5. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce
    6. So Many Stars
    7. Moon River
    8. Overjoyed
    9. Caminhos Cruzados
    10. A Time For Love

    Amazon.com

    Jane Monheit has a lovely voice, one that in its purest, most lilting form reminds you of the young Barbra Streisand, with the show-stopping qualities that suggests. Her haunting rendition of Sergio Mendes'"So Many Stars," the runaway highlight of Surrender, is also one of the best things she's ever done. (Mendes arranged and produced the track and plays keyboard on it.) Since she stopped trying so hard to be a jazz singer and found her mark as a popular vocalist specializing in Brazilian music (there are also guest turns by singer Ivan Lins and harmonica great Toots Thielemans), Monheit has sounded more at home with herself. The problem is, as delectable as her instrument is, her performances, more often than not, have a perplexing emptiness to them: they're like romantic settings with candles providing the requisite glow but no real warmth. She's only 29, which means she has plenty of time to deepen as an artist. But it could also be that what you hear now is what you're going to get in the future. --Lloyd Sachs

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Monheit excels again.......2007-07-14

    Admittingly, we are big Monheit fans and her latest album doesn't disappoint. We simply love most everything she does and she has become as consistently good as another of our favorites: Janis Siegel. The album was so good that I bought extra copies to give to friends.

    1 out of 5 stars Jane Monheit Surrenders to Mediocrity.......2007-06-25

    Jane Monheit, a once-promising talent, released "Surrender" in 2007. It is her weakest, most spiritless release to date. Her "Surrender" song interpretations are unremarkable, undemanding, and unconvincing. Her vocal stylizations distinctly lack variety and virtuosity. Most condemnable of all, her uninspiring delivery makes every lyrical sentiment of every song sound routine and insincere.

    Her vocals are framed cheaply by "canned" instrumental (especially the string) arrangements that sound like some of the worst Muzak or "elevator music" ever recorded. Jane Monheit and crew are creating audio mannequins on "Surrender"--lifelike but bloodless songs that remind me of puddles of standing water on a city pavement at night, reflecting light, but flowing nowhere. And that's the once-potent Jane Monheit on vocals, lazily poking at the puddles with a twig. If "Never Never Land," her debut album, suggested a young vocalist on the rise, budding like a rose, "Surrender" features the same singer, clueless, compromising, and on her knees. "Surrender" indeed.

    4 out of 5 stars I rather like it.......2007-06-17

    One thing is for sure, everyone who thought that Norah Jones is a good singers should listen to this! Jane Monheit is a real singer and musician. Jones is merely a "wannabe".

    I have listened to this album on and off at work for two weeks now and I find it, at best, quite touching and sensual, and, at worst, undemanding. I think one could use this album as background music. But if one turns up the volume we are presented with some very stylish interpretations of some standards. If I was in a piano bar and hearing this music, I would be very satisfied.

    Jane Monheit has quite a powerful and expressive voice. Here basic timbre is very attractive and she has a good tessitura and she sounds unforced from the top to the bottom of her range. Id est: she can sing.

    Her instrumental accompaniment is colourful enough and never overwhelms the voice. If I had any criticism of this album it would be that it is a trifle unadventurous - it is clear to me that Monheit is capable of doing many things in music.

    I would enjoy listening to this album juxtaposed Gabriela Anders's album "Last Tango In Rio".

    4 out of 5 stars Pleasant........2007-06-15

    She may have started out as a jazz vocalist but these days Jane Monheit seems to have ditched any semblance of swing in favour of sickly string arrangements.

    Her voice is lush and exquisite but she overdoes the breathiness - to the point that one wonders if a ventilator is required - and sticks too much to indistinguishable, slow bossa novas and ballads.
    The result is a florid and bland album that washes over the listener.

    My favourite tracks are : "So Tinha De Ser Com Voce" and "So Many Stars".

    3 out of 5 stars Folks listen to RC, his review is a laser beam on target. Statement album needed badly. .......2007-06-10

    My small addendum. Monheit has the best voice in jazz today. I'm a 5 year fan.
    On stage 3 weeks ago in Boston with her band she was great. But she badly needs a statement album - one that defines her and her talent. She has been with at least 3 labels and I think that they have been pulling this immensely talented singer in too many directions. Her vocal breadth is so extraordinary and she can do so much vocally that she ends up doing a little of everything well but her albums are not cohesive sounding. They sound watered down and undefined. You never know what you are going to get from song to song and it's been getting worse on the newer albums. I was hoping with the change to a Jazz label like Concord that this would be behind her but not yet. What are those A&R types doing? I even congratulated here on her new label after the show and there was an unstated acknowledgment that her and Sony were not a good fit. Like RC I hope the next CD is great, because I'm running out of patience after 7 CD's and several other tracks on various artists albums and 6 live shows. She is t o o good t o o waste. So how about it producers? - Give us some jazz, give us some swing. Give us the real Jane and get rid of the strings.

    Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Sounds like a cheap plastic toy
    • would make you sleepy..
    • Kid's Music
    • Not soothing
    • Great for bedtime, but wish it were a real piano
    Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

    Manufacturer: Buena Vista
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by DebussyAll Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PachelbelAll Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SmetanaAll Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    BagatellesBagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    LullabiesLullabies | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    CDsCDs | Music & Video | Products |
    Similar Items:
    1. Baby Mozart
    2. Baby Beethoven
    3. Baby Neptune
    4. Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box
    5. Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

    ASIN: B0001IXTU4
    Release Date: 2004-03-16

    Tracks:

    1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
    2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
    3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
    4. Spring Song
    5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
    6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
    7. Canon
    8. The Moldau
    9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
    10. Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
    11. Symphony No.9, New World
    12. Fur Elise, WoO 59
    13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
    14. Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
    15. Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
    16. Kinderscene, Op.15
    17. Waltz No.15, Lullaby

    Product Description

    The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

    I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

    Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

    4 out of 5 stars would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

    its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

    4 out of 5 stars Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

    I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

    Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

    1 out of 5 stars Not soothing.......2007-06-07

    These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

    4 out of 5 stars Great for bedtime, but wish it were a real piano.......2007-06-01

    This CD worked great to put my daughter to sleep while I rocked her in my arms, and I enjoyed the choices of songs and the arrangements. However, I would have preferred that real instruments were used.
    Careless Love
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Give Us More. Please......
    • Fondness for Careless Love
    • Careless Love by Madeleine Peyroux
    • Spent my Last $20 on this Album with no Regrets!
    • Madeleine the Magnificent
    Careless Love
    Madeleine Peyroux
    Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    ClassicClassic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Rounder RecordsRounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Dreamland
    2. Half the Perfect World
    3. Got You on My Mind
    4. From This Moment On
    5. Hang on Little Tomato

    ASIN: B0002NRRAG
    Release Date: 2004-09-14

    Tracks:

    1. Dance Me To The End Of Love
    2. Don't Wait Too Long
    3. Don't Cry Baby
    4. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
    5. Between The Bars
    6. No More
    7. Lonesome Road
    8. J'ai Deux Amours
    9. Weary Blues
    10. I'll Look Around
    11. Careless Love
    12. This Is Heaven To Me

    Amazon.com

    When Madeleine Peyroux's debut, Dreamland, was released in 1996, its success threw her for a loop. She's taken eight years to create this follow-up, and, at age 30, she brings a confidence and resilience to this dozen-song set. She's able to move seamlessly between songs by writers as diverse as Elliott Smith and W.C. Handy, whose title track was popularized by Bessie Smith. Though American-born, Peyroux absorbed the language and culture of France growing up in Paris with her French-teacher mother. On her debut, she covered Edith Piaf, and this time out she wraps herself around "J'ai Deux Amours," which Josephine Baker sang to the Allied troops during World War II. --David Greenberger

    Album Description

    Boasting an enthralling voice many have regarded as reminiscent of Billie Holiday's, Madeleine Peyroux burst onto the music scene eight years ago with the extremely successful release of Dreamland. Championed by major publications such as The New York Times and Time Magazine, Peyroux was immediately recognized as a remarkably talented singer with a promising future. With the release of her long awaited follow-up album Careless Love, Peyroux's potential as an artist is truly realized. Her smoky voice and knowing delivery make each song her own, whether she's singing vintage tunes by W.C. Handy and Hank Williams, or contemporary songs by Leonard Cohen and Elliott Smith. Producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin) weaves strands of acoustic blues, country ballads, classic jazz, torch songs and pop into a vibrant fabric that is both timeless and thoroughly up to date, with Peyroux's arresting vocals always front and center.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Give Us More. Please.............2007-06-16

    I first encountered this album a couple of years back, and it was a most pleasant surprise. This is real jazz, the way it ought to be. Madeline, for the most part, "covers" the work of others; that's OK...old standards became standards for a reason, and she covers them so well that they are virtually her own. This album is my very frequent driving companion. I have since bought her other albums, including the newest release. I wish there were more.

    Madeline's personal problems have been well documented. They don't matter here. She is also said to be one of those singers who are better on disc than in person. Apparently, she has severe stage fright. Moot point. So does Carly Simon, and so did Rosa Ponselle, who was the greatest singer who ever lived.

    This is a fabulous album. A reviewer once wrote "If you like Norah Jones, try this". Amen. I love Norah Jones, and listen to her frequently. But, Madeleine is in a different league.

    4 out of 5 stars Fondness for Careless Love.......2007-06-08

    If you've ever wished that Billie Holiday were still alive and singing. Check out Madeleine Peyroux. One of the best thing out of of Georgia in a long time.

    4 out of 5 stars Careless Love by Madeleine Peyroux.......2007-06-02

    I love the music of Madeleine Peyroux. She certainly has her own style and anyone who enjoys jazz will feel fortunate to enjoy any of her music. I found this CD to be tops in every way.

    5 out of 5 stars Spent my Last $20 on this Album with no Regrets!.......2007-06-01

    I heard "You're gonna Leave Me Lonesome When You're Gone" on the radio a while back and thought how great she sounded. The next day she was still in my mind and I called the radio station and they told me who she was. I was dead broke, wasn't getting paid for another week. . . and I went down and bought the CD. I listened to it through nights of Top Ramen and ice water-- ramen never tasted so good!

    The whole CD is great. Each song makes me feel like I am in some European tavern. This is music that just makes you feel good. My teenagers listened to it and I got them to quit listening to their R&B long enough to ask who she was. One resumed playing the guitar that she'd given up a few years ago.

    The CD is haunting and stays in your mind long after you turn it off.

    5 out of 5 stars Madeleine the Magnificent.......2007-05-24

    There is nothing I can write about "Careless Love", that will top the two spotlight reviews. All I will say is thank God there are artists still left in the world like Maleleine Peyroux, Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, etc... etc... This whole recording is excellent, and I can never get enough of her version of Bob Dylan's classic "When You Go". The warmth and passion she emits from her sleepy, serene voice... man, oh man, does she make me feel all warm and gushy inside. I love singers who pour all their emotions into their songs, who let it all hang out. Sure, she's no Billie Holiday, but there is no popular singer alive today that resembles Billie more than Madeleine. I just saw her in concert recently and she and her quartet were absolutely awesome.

    Those of you looking for an option from all of that top 40 sewage that plagues our airwaves nowadays, look no further than Madeleine. I have heard just about all of her stuff and this particular recording is my personal favorite. This is also perfect music for many of you out there looking to simply wade into the world of jazz music, rather than diving in head first. Jazz is like fine wine, you don't develope a taste for it overnight, however, once you do start developing that taste, well... then it's all over for you. Trust me, I know from experience.

    Enjoy this one!
    Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The End of the Big Voice?
    • Fla Gator Lady
    • 20 Great Tenor Arias
    • Plesantly surprised...
    • Absolutely Agree About Corelli
    Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by FlotowAll Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Most Famous Opera Duets
    2. The Most Famous Opera Arias
    3. The #1 Opera Album
    4. The Best of Italian Opera
    5. The Ultimate Puccini Collection

    ASIN: B000007OTX
    Release Date: 1998-06-09

    Tracks:

    1. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
    2. Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
    3. Carmen Bizet: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
    4. Luisa Miller: O! fede negar potessi .. Quando le sere al placido
    5. La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
    6. Martha: M'appari
    7. Giordano: Amor ti vieta
    8. L'Africaine: Mi batte il cuor .. O paradiso
    9. La Favorita: Favorita del re . . . Spirto gentil
    10. Werther: 'Pourquoi me reveiller'
    11. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein'
    12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: O Dieu! De quelle ivresse
    13. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
    14. Pagliacci: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
    15. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
    16. Aida: Se quel guerrier .. Celeste Aida
    17. TOSCA: Recondita armonia
    18. L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
    19. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
    20. Turandot: Nessun dorma

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The End of the Big Voice?.......2007-04-16

    This CD, which is truly fine overall, reminds me of Marilyn Horne's lament that we have probably seen the end of the big voice and it makes me sad. I agree with the reviewer who refers to "microphonies". And more justice could be done to Bjorling's voice with a better transfer. But at some point, music becomes a matter of taste and I prefers singers who have the instrument and the support and the training, whether formal or not, to just let fly and take a chance on making a mistake. Domingo can be wonderful and so can his musicianship but he tends to be so stiff. I have to wonder at the virulence and asperity with which some people go after Pavarotti. It's true that late in his career he made some questionable recordings but the answer to that is simple: don't buy them. At his best, he belongs for all time in the top echelon of tenors. I love this CD and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great (big) voices.

    5 out of 5 stars Fla Gator Lady.......2007-01-12

    Highly recommend this CD with these beloved arias of the greatest tenors in opera. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and purchased another for a friend who always requests that I play it ... perfect for listening in the car, dinner, bridge games, relaxation ... just so perfect. You won't be disappointed in this one.

    5 out of 5 stars 20 Great Tenor Arias.......2007-01-09

    A great disc,combination of the greatest tenors of the 20th century and some of the most beautiful music ever written in any century,a must addition to any opera lovers collection.

    5 out of 5 stars Plesantly surprised..........2006-01-14

    I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.

    First it is a great buy. A booklet with pictures of each tenor, a small bio, the year recorded and TRANSLATIONS of each aria are provided. This is really nice. It seems more & more that translations are being left out. Being a former opera singer, I may know most of the words, but sometimes it's just nice to read along (sometimes it's just nice to listen too).

    Being on the Decca label, there is admittedly quite a few Pavarotti selections. Out of 20 selections, he has 6 of them. But I love Pavarotti, so this is no problem for me. These are all early recordings & his voice is magnificent! Being a singer, I still marvel at his ability to sing "All'armi!" on a high D and still say the 2nd syllable "mi" on such a note! WOW. There is also of course his very sweet, impassioned and lyrical turn as Rodolfo in "La Boheme" as well as the lesser known (although I still have it on casette) "La Favorita" which has a particularly high tessitura.

    Also featured are a young Plácido Domingo singing a VERY nice "Flower song/ La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Carmen. He usually sounds too pushed for me on the top notes (as one might expect from a Pavarotti fan, I like free top notes) but in this recording he is pretty darn fabulous. He also sings an aria from "Tales of Hoffman/Les Contes d'Hoffman" and I have always felt that he, like Neil Schicoff, were well suited to this role.

    Lamentably there are only one selection each from Carreras, Correlli, Monaco, Aragall & Kollo. Especial kudos to the young recording they feature for Aragall. He had a very free and nice high tenor well suited to Verdi. Of course as his career went forward with the natural darkening of his voice and the "heavier" roles, he did start to develop a wobble. But this recording is before that. His top, his phrasing are all beautifully done in his featured aria from "La Traviata."
    Mario del Monaco's "E lucevan le stelle" is hauntingly beautiful and has such a wonderful pianissimo in it that it makes you just want to gasp for beauty's sake. I now know every tenor I've heard sing this aria was trying to emulate what he did.

    This is a great CD because it does bring together on one CD some of the greatest singers of the 20th/21st century. Bergonzi, di Stefano, Björling, in addition to the previously mentioned artists is quite an impressive collection. I'm sure there's only one of each for Carreras, Aragall (I believe they are formerly EMI/Angel artists) and perhaps some of the others because they are "imported" from another label. There's so much Pavarotti on this CD because he IS a Decca artist.

    A highly recommended CD, affordable, not the usually obscure and unpolished artists that are sometimes found on compilations. Plus acutal linear notes and translations. Nicely done, Decca!!!

    4 out of 5 stars Absolutely Agree About Corelli.......2005-05-27

    Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did! As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!

    Music:

    1. Sunday in the Park with George (1984 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording] [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]
    2. Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast) [Cast Recording]
    3. Swing! (Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
    4. The Cradle Will Rock: Original 1985 Cast Recording (+ Bonus CD) [Cast Recording]
    5. The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber [Soundtrack]
    6. The Fantasticks (1960 Original Off-off-Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
    7. The Fantasticks(Karaoke)
    8. The Frogs / Evening Primrose (2001 Studio Cast) [Cast Recording]
    9. The Girl in Pink Tights (1954 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
    10. The Phantom of the Opera (Original German Cast) [Cast Recording] [Import]

    Music

    Music