Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
New York pianist Bill Charlap is comfortable straddling musical fences. He comes from the pianistic legacy of Tommy Flanagan and Hank Jones, yet he's comfortable mixing it up with likes of Steely Dan. Here, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (arguably the best rhythm section happening in jazz today), Charlap explores the Broadway tunes of classical composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein. Charlap's piano lines glide over the keyboard with vocal-like fluidity, especially on the finger snapped bounce of "Cool," the Cuban cadences of "America," and the brush-stroked "Glitter to Be Gay." Charlap's reading of "Some Other Time" reveals the harmonic DNA of Bill Evans' "Peace Piece" and "Flamenco Sketches" from Kind of Blue. "Big Stuff" rocks in rhythm with a stridish, Count Basie-type intro, which morphs into an Ahmad Jamal-like motif. Charlap's solo performance of "Somewhere" shows that Bernstein was the intersection of the classics, American popular song, and jazz. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Tracks:

Cool
Lucky To Be Me
It's Love
Lonely Town
Jump
Some Other Time
Glitter And Be Gay
A Quiet Girl
Big Stuff
America
Ohio
Somewhere

Amazon.com

New York pianist Bill Charlap is comfortable straddling musical fences. He comes from the pianistic legacy of Tommy Flanagan and Hank Jones, yet he's comfortable mixing it up with likes of Steely Dan. Here, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (arguably the best rhythm section happening in jazz today), Charlap explores the Broadway tunes of classical composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein. Charlap's piano lines glide over the keyboard with vocal-like fluidity, especially on the finger snapped bounce of "Cool," the Cuban cadences of "America," and the brush-stroked "Glitter to Be Gay." Charlap's reading of "Some Other Time" reveals the harmonic DNA of Bill Evans' "Peace Piece" and "Flamenco Sketches" from Kind of Blue. "Big Stuff" rocks in rhythm with a stridish, Count Basie-type intro, which morphs into an Ahmad Jamal-like motif. Charlap's solo performance of "Somewhere" shows that Bernstein was the intersection of the classics, American popular song, and jazz. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Drop dead gorgeous.......2005-04-26

Charlap and his trio have everything. From the gloriously slow and moving title song to the swinging as hell "Jump." The pianist and arranger has captured fully the full beauty of Bernstein's most moving popular music. I haven't heard anything this gorgeous since Bill Evans. And he didn't swing as hard as this trio. Buy it!

Excellent Music by a Great Trio.......2004-07-30

Before I actually heard this, I was rather disappointed that Bill Charlap had chosen to follow "Stardust" (his 2002 Hoagy Carmichael tribute) with another single-composer album. That the composer in question was Leonard Bernstein made me all the more dubious, since in general his compositions seem (somewhat counterintuitively) not to work particularly well as vehicles for jazz improvisation.

As it turns out, however, "Somewhere" ranks with the earlier "Written in the Stars" (2000) as one of Charlap's best releases to date, and also as one of the most engaging jazz albums I've heard in recent years. The arrangements are beautiful and well thought out (though never fussy), and they provide an excellent framework for some very high-level improvisation. Charlap mostly eschews overt pyrotechnics, but these are nonetheless virtuosic performances, played with great finesse and intensity; indeed, the absence of bombast makes his solos all the more compelling. As always, Peter Washington (bass) and Kenny Washington (drums), both members of Charlap's working trio, supply perfect accompaniment, swinging hard and playing brilliantly but not overshadowing the leader.

A very successful album, and highly recommended to anyone who likes mainstream jazz.

delightful.......2004-05-13

leonard bernstein was vocal in his appreciation for jazz, often incorporating its rhythms and stylings into his classical compositions. mr. bernstein once said that all music was jazz. listening to this CD, i imagine mr. bernstein would smile as it unfolded.

bill charlap comes from the school of elegant swing epitomized by hank jones and tommy flanagan, and here uses that approach to give voice to the textures and colors of these songs. two highlights: the opening "cool" takes on a vibe and punch that the original broadway song only hints at, while mr. charlap brings out the haunting essence of lostness in the title tune "somewhere."

so goes the entire program, a great mix and balance between hard driving bop and delicate ballads. the effect is winning, as the listener is drawn in and kept focused. this is one CD that ends with a desire to play the whole thing over again.

other jazz artists have reflected on mr. bernstein's work, and this set certainly merits a place among the best of those sets, for example, oscar peterson's and dave brubeck's. give this a listen, and you will enjoy it.

Lennyýs World.......2004-04-24

He really wanted to be remembered as a classical composer. Alas, that was not to be. But from the evidence here presented, absolutely marvelously, it must be said, Leonard Bernstein will certainly be remembered as one of the standout contributors to the great American songbook, right up there with Sammy Kahn, George Gershwin, and Hoagy Carmichael.

And Bill Charlap is the perfect musician to make the case for Lenny's enshrinement in the American pop composers' hall of fame. Moreover, this represents a kind of coming into fruition and delayed recognition for Charlap, a jazz warrior who's labored in the trenches with scant recognition lo these many years. With Somewhere he's found entirely congenial material, the perfect bandmates, and the ideal label to treat him properly and get the word out.

The results speak for themselves: sheerly beautiful playing in the context of grand architectural approaches to the material; in short, jazz of the highest order. Charlap seems to understand Bernstein like no other interpreter. For example, he always finds just the right mode of expression, be it the thin ray of hope shining through the quiet despair of "Lonely Town," or the sad irony of "Glitter and Be Gay," or the bluesy center of "Big Stuff," or the lazy down-home vibe of America's rural heartland in "Ohio," or the sheer exuberance of "America," slyly reconfigured in such a way as both to enhance its immigrant heart and to celebrate its vision of the endless possibilities of the land of the free and the home of the brave. A stunningly wistful solo reading of "Somewhere" caps off a recording of the absolute highest accomplishment.

A note about the Washingtons (not related), Peter on bass and Kenny on drums. They form the perfect partnership with the leader, by turns sensual, swaggering, and nuanced; whatever is called for, they deliver the goods.

All in all, a thoroughly remarkable performance. Don't miss it.

Elegant and Subtle.......2004-04-15

What sets Bill Charlap apart from his contemporaries is not so much his technique, which is formidable, but the fact that he refuses to take that technique for a walk at the expense of the integrity of a song. Except in obvious show pieces, he doesn't gratuitously show off, and this is true in up-tempo numbers as well as lyrical ones. He also understands better than any other jazz pianist how crucial moments of not playing are to moments of playing; his silences are exquisite and exquisitely framed by his bandmates. He is quoted as saying that after he listens to his recordings, he never wishes he had added notes to a particular passage only that he had played fewer. In this age of the blunt and gaudy, such quiet elegance is rare and inestimable. The reviewer above who gave the CD mediocre marks doesn't know what he's talking about. This is a magnificent recording, offering to those willing to delight in them, subtle jazz harmonies and rhythms in abundance.

Average customer rating:

Marilyn Horne scintillates
One Of The Greatest Voices of All!
Not 100% satisfied with the selections, but what artistry!
Vive Madame Horne !

Just for the Record: The Golden Voice

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000TAYR0
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Eccomi Al Fine In Babilonia
Cruda Sorte!
Hence, Iris, Hence Away
Dove Sei, Amato Bene?
Che Disse! Che Ascoltai!
Addio, Addio O Miei Sospiri
O Pretres De Baal... O Toi, Qui M'abandonne
Elle Est La! Pres De Lui!
Mura Felici
Tanti Affetti

Tracks:

Superbo Di Me Stesso
Il Segreto Per Esser Felici - London Symphony Chorus
Mi Chiami, O Norma!
Deh! Con Te, Con Te Li Prendi
Mira, O Norma
Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
Soli Or Siamo... Condotta ell'era In Ceppi - Luciano Pavarotti
Non Son Tuo Figlio? - Luciano Pavarotti
Mal Reggendo - Luciano Pavarotti
E Un Anatema! - Renata Tebaldi
Nacht Und Traume, D 827
Abendlied
Traume
Jesus De Nazareth
Shenandoah
I Bought Me A Cat
The Lord's Prayer
Somewhere
At The River (Lowry)
Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair

Customer Reviews:

Marilyn Horne scintillates.......2007-05-20

This 2-CD set includes 32 separate "cuts." Thus, it provides a perspective on the broad range of works that Marilyn Horne mastered. While some pockets of work may be given somewhat short shrift (e.g., Rossini), overall this shows off her skills nicely. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania (one of the coldest places in the nation during winter), she made her operatic debut in 1954. In liner notes copyrighted in 2003, she notes that: "Can't believe it's time for a 70th birthday celebration. . . ." And neither can I, since I recall hearing her perform at the Met (via the old Texaco opera show), and it does not seem all that long ago!

Some cuts well depict her artistry across a range of genres and composers.

The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is, to be sure, an old chestnut by now, but she sings it with a rich and lustrous voice. She sings a seductive aria seductively.

"Eccomi al fine in Babilonia" is from Rossini's "Semiramide" and shows off her skills nicely. This piece shows off the range of her voice well. Her voice is very agile, as it would need to be to do Rossini justice. There are some nice runs; the cabaletta showcases her agility and allows her to display well sung ornamentation.

From Handel's "Semele," we hear "Hence, Iris, Hence Away." This is a sprightly piece that is characteristically well sung by Horne.

Handel's "Rosalinda" features a nice work for mezzos, "Dove sei amato bene?" If I hear correctly, Horne begins this with a trill in piano; there are a number of nicely executed trills in this work. This cut is smoothly and richly sung throughout.

"Addio, addio o miei sospiri" comes from "Orfeo ed Oridice" by Gluck. A sprightly paced work. Horne shows off excellent ornamentation; her coloratura technique is terrific.

From "Norma" (by Bellini) there are 4 cuts (from a longer scene), featuring collaboration with Joan Sutherland. The two singers worked well together in a number of operas, and this set of works illustrates that synergy beautifully. "Mi chiami, o Norma!" starts things off. The two voices meld extremely well together. "Deh! Con te, con te li prendi" features fine work all around. Both singers display good vocal dexterity. Horne hits one high note with a bit of harshness, but not an issue of any moment. "Mira, o Norma" is ravishing; Sutherland's and Horne's duet is absolutely wonderful. Finally, "Si, fino all'ore estreme." This is a fast paced duet, with both singers manifesting considerable vocal agility and sound coloratura technique. When they sing together, their voices almost sound "twinned."

Finally, "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." Horne sings this straight, without the ghastly "opera-tizing" that some singers cannot resist. Sung simply and powerfully. Her rich voice produces a very good vocal effect.

And so on.

Although this CD does not fully represent her repertoire, it does provide a good sense of the art of Marilyn Horne and it suggests the range of her singing. For those wanting to get a sense of Horne's oeuvre, this is one recording that provides entrée to her body of work.

One Of The Greatest Voices of All!.......2006-01-29

I am not the only one who regards Marilyn Horne's voice as exceptional. During the seventies and eighties she was regarded by The New York Times Music Critic as possessing the greatest voice of our time. One only has to sample this "golden" collection to prove how right he was. Her "mezzo" handles Handel and Rossini like no other. Brava all the way (To say nothing about Dalila's famous aria!) And I must even mention her "Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair". This is a two CD that is a MUST for those who appreciate the glories of the human voice (To say nothing about the warmth and spirit than accompany it.)

Not 100% satisfied with the selections, but what artistry!.......2004-11-03

Decca's release of this career-spanning Marilyn Horne recital contains many "golden" nuggets, but isn't the absolute best representation of her artistry, in my opinion.

There was certainly plenty of material to choose from, as Horne was one of the most recorded mezzos in the twentieth century. As advertised, Madame Horne personally approved the final recital list, and the diva undoubtedly has sentimental attachment to certain selections. Furthermore, a conscious attempt was made to represent the different genres explored during her decades-spanning career. This approach, however, leaves out some truly stunning material that would have made an even stronger case on why she was such an operatic institution.

In summary:

The first disc begins with the Habanera from Carmen. Horne was very proud of her Carmen, noting that it surpassed sales of Callas's Tosca at one point. It deserved to be included, but I don't think she was "THE" Carmen, and besides, the whole opera is so warmed-over by now, it's hard to get anyone excited about it!

From then on, we are treated to a bonanza of wonderful arie and scena. The aria from Samson et Delilah is a real gem. Horne was certainly not the most glamorous singer, but My God, the interpretation is heavenly. This is what the aria sounds like in the hands of a world-class contralto. Eccomi in Babilonia follows, and by anyone's measurement, she is the finest Arsace on record. Blessed with an extraordinary range, she is as fulminating in both the top and bottom registers. What's more, her spirited delivery magnifies the pure genius of Rossini's music. As for Cruda Sorte, "ditto," as Marilyn herself might say.

Next, we are treated to two excellent Handel arias. Iris, Hence Away gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it. This was recorded in the early sixties, for inclusion in the Age of Bel Canto recital she shared with Joan Sutherland and Richard Conrad. Now, if she had recorded this a few years later, she might have drove the coloratura harder. However, at this point, the voice had a somewhat lighter quality, thus the aria isn't sung with that all-purpose "Marilyn Horne" voice we are so used to. Speaking of lightness, Dove Sei, Amato Bene will send shivers down your spine. Again, Marilyn wasn't known for her subtlety, but she proves here that she was more than capable. Just listen to the fluttering trills and fil di voce, and dare to disagree with me! One of my major complaints is it there isn't more Handel on the recital. Sure, a whole recital of Handel arias by Horne is still available, but in this best-of disc, there was room at least for Or La Tromba, the trumpet aria from Rinaldo, and a personal favorite. Also, nothing is included from Vivaldi's Orlando Il Furioso, another travesty.

The pinnacle of the first disc is Addio, I Miei Sospiri, from Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. This is Horne magified to the nth power. Where to start? A scrumptiously sung recitativo, then the aria itself, with Marilyn pulling out all the stops. The bronzed tone, perfect breath control, spectacular coloratura fireworks, superlative diction, evenness and security from top to bottom, and Marilyn's own way of generating excitement will floor you. This is bravura singing at the highest level.

After a few other selections from the French reperetoire, the disc closes with two Rossini warhorses. Again, the "ultimate" Horne best-of would have saved room for more Rossini, on the second disc. But the evidence here is ample enough to proclaim her honorific as the leading interpreter of Rossini in the last century.

The second disc is less satisfactory. The first selection, Superbo Di Me Stesso sounds like it came from an inferior source, and wasn't remastered properly. Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, from Lucrezia Borgia is fine enough, but Marilyn could have ornamented more, and that snare drum is too loud! Then, we have an extended scene from Il Trovatore. Now, Marilyn herself stated that she wasn't perfect in Verdi. As she put it, she sang Verdi by not taking "both feet" out of the bel canto waters, so that she could go on singing the roles that brought her the most fame. This is understandable, but if that's the case, then we didn't need this long scene. Perhaps she wanted to highlight her collaboration with Luciano Pavarotti, and I'm sure Decca saw this as a way to lure the casual listener. For my money, though, they should have just included Stride La Vampa, and called it a day. This would have freed up lots of room for the stuff for which she's better recognized!

Now, another extended scene, from Norma, is completely justified. Equally important to Marilyn's legacy as an individual artist is her legacy as one-half of the Sutherland/Horne duo. I don't need to write more- the music speaks for itself.

The rest of the second disc throws in a bit of verismo (Horne is unrecognizeable in Ponchielli; Simionato she's not), a bit of German lieder, and some patriotic tunes. Along with Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne was the most conciously patriotic singer out there, and to have left out her American recordings would have been a disgrace. But, again, we are given an ample serving of it, when it could have been scaled back some to make room for her operatic triumphs.

All in all, there is enough glorious material here for any fan of the legendary Marilyn Horne, and also those who want a taste of how a superlative mezzo/contralto sounds like.

Vive Madame Horne !.......2004-01-09

Je suis soufflée, et tout bonnement reconnaissante à Decca pour avoir sorti cette compil qui rend si bien honneur à une des mes interprètes préférées. Voix de velours, aisance dans le grave et médium unique au Monde, Marilyn a été, dans toutes ses incarnations, un pur produit américain, certes, mais quel produit ! Bien évidemment son timbre si particulier, que d'aucuns ont défini androgyne, peut plaire ou non... Ce qui compte c'est l'apport émotionnel qu'elle donne à tout ce qu'elle chante, et sans que cela n'enlève rien à la pure beauté de sa voix à la technique sans faille. Merci Mme Horne, pour nous avoir livré une des plus mémorables leçons de chant de l'histoire, et joyeux 70ème anniversaire (car il n'est pas déplacé que de dire votre âge, étant donné la vitalité qui vous caractérise depuis toujours).

Average customer rating:

This is a very unusual cd, buy it and you will see why......

O Perfect Love and Other Wedding Songs

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000BK8
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Canon in D
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
On Wings of Song
Menuet
Hymm Medley: Morning has Broken (Gaelic) - Amazing Grace (American Folk Melody) - How Great Thou Art (Swedish Folk Melody)
Theme from 'Ice Castles' (Through The Eyes Of Love)
Love Theme From 'Romeo And Juliet'
The Wind Beneath My Wings From 'Beaches'
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Ave Maria
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O Perfect Love
Whither Thou Goest
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Customer Reviews:

This is a very unusual cd, buy it and you will see why.............2000-09-20

This cd is a little different from most. Let me explain! This cd has a great mixture of several types of music. This cd features popular, classical, sacred, and wedding music. What a treat it is to have all these beautuful songs together on one cd.

The main concern I have for this cd is the fact that some of the arrangements were not up to par. As you will see, all songs are not ideal for harp arrangements. I liked about half of the songs performed on this cd. I feel like the song selection could have been a little bit better. If that had happened, I think this would have been an outstanding cd.

Customer Reviews:

The Real Thing.......2007-01-27

I'm a HUGE Mantovani fan and have had mixed results trying to upgrade my collection to CDs. This collection is the original orchestra arrangements of all the classics. This is the one to buy.

Fantastic Collection of Favorites!!!.......2003-07-02

The Mantovanti Orchestra shows off their "marvelous versatility" in this "wonderful" collection of "8 CDs", with titles that tell you "just what to expect", such as: "The Love Songs", "Memorable Classics", "Itallian Favorites", "On Broadway", etc. You can set the MOOD for practically ANY occassion! There are even some "popular" selections that we all know and treasure like: "Moon River", "Over the Rainbow" and "Autum Leaves"!
You will NOT want to remove these GREAT CDs from your CD Player, once you have listened to them! They make "nice" background music for small get-togethers or "lovely" background music for those "ROMANTIC DINNERS", for you and your "SPECIAL SOMEONE"!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SET!!! It is a GREAT DEAL for the money, even at the full price!!!

Average customer rating:

What a lovely gift - far from simple!

Simple Gifts

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000420H
Release Date: 1992-08-11

Tracks:

Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Vesperae solennes de confessore, K339: Laudate Dominum
Elijah: Thanks be to God
Orfeo ed Euridice: Che faro
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor
A Song of Thanksgiving
Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest
Ave Maria
Chants d'Auvergne: Bailero
Ave verum corpus, K618
Old American Songs: Simple gifts
Old American Songs: I bought me a cat
Jenny Rebecca
West Side Story: Somewhere

Customer Reviews:

What a lovely gift - far from simple!.......2007-03-29

What a lovely CD! Ms. VonStade as usual was in fine voice, and it was about time the Mozart "Laudate Dominum" was sung by a mezzo. This was just simply beautiful singing! Her performance of the Gluck "Che faro" was a lovely surprise - excellent performance in all aspects, from vocal color to drama to tempo changes and dynamics. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir gave some vocally impressive performances and did what many smaller choirs fail to do - these people actually enunciate each word so that the listener can understand the text!!! Beautiful orchestral playing, wonderful choral singing, and the lush voice of VonStade. You can't go wrong.

Average customer rating:

Diva Continues to Reign....

Wilhelmenia Fernandez: The Diva Live

Manufacturer: Transart Live
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CARGX
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Customer Reviews:

Diva Continues to Reign...........2006-01-20

Absolutely wonderful. Ms. Fernandez has always had such an enchanting voice. Her ability to touch her audience either live or through recording is absolutely captivating. I loved her in the movie Diva, I love her still! This CD is a must have for those who are a fan. Treat yourself...it's worth it! :)

Average customer rating:

A Total Embrace: The Composer

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000AQS3U
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Concert Works: I. Psalm 108 (Verse 2) & Psalm 100 (Complete) - Camerata Singers
Concert Works: II. Psalm 23 (Complete) & Psalm 2 (Verses 1-4) - Camerata Singers
Concert Works: III. Psalm 131 (Complete) & Psalm 133 (Verse 1) - Camerata Singers
Concert Works: III. Lamentation - Jennie Tourel
Concert Works: IV. Agathon (Adagio) - Isaac Stern
Concert Works: B. The Masque: Extremely Fast - Philippe Entremont
Concert Works: C. The Epilogue: Adagio; Andante; Con Moto - Philippe Entremont
Concert Works: IV. ' A Big Indian And A Little Indian' Con Brio - Leonard Bernstein
Concert Works: IV. 'Civet A Toute Vitesse (Rabbit At Top Speed)' - Leonard Bernstein
Concert Works: I. Prelude For The Brass - Benny Goodman
Concert Works: II. Fugue For The Saxes - Benny Goodman
Concert Works: III. Riffs For Everyone - Benny Goodman
Concert Works: I. Invocation. Kaddish 1 - Camerata Singers
Concert Works: Film: Love Theme - New York Philharmonic

Tracks:

Theater Works: Opening: 'New York, New York' - Adolph Green
Theater Works: 'Lonely Town'/Dance: Lonely Town - John Reardon
Theater Works: Dance: Times Square - Leonard Bernstein
Theater Works: 'Some Other Time' - Betty Comden
Theater Works: Dance: The Real Coney Island - Ensemble
Theater Works: I. Enter Three Sailors - Leonard Bernstein
Theater Works: IV. Pas De Deux - Leonard Bernstein
Theater Works: VII. Finale - Leonard Bernstein
Theater Works: 'The Pirate Songs' - Boris Karloff And The Pirates
Theater Works: 'Ohio' - Rosalind Russell
Theater Works: 'A Little Bit In Love (Never Felt This Way Before)' - Jacquelyn
Theater Works: 'A Quiet Girl' - Sydney Chaplin
Theater Works: 'Conga!' - Ensemble
Theater Works: 'Wrong Note Rag' - Ensemble
Theater Works: Overture - Original Broadway Cast
Theater Works: 'Best Of All Possible Worlds' - Chorus
Theater Works: Mazurka - Barbara Cook
Theater Works: 'Glitter And Be Gay' - Barbara Cook
Theater Works: 'Make Our Garden Grow' - Ensemble

Tracks:

Theater Works: Prologue - Orchestra
Theater Works: The Dance At The Gym - The Jets
Theater Works: 'Maria' - Larry Kert
Theater Works: 'Tonight' - Larry Kert
Theater Works: 'America' - Marilyn Cooper
Theater Works: 'Cool' - The Jets
Theater Works: 'Somewhere' (Ballet) - Reri Grist
Theater Works: 'The Community' - David Johnson
Theater Works: 'Part II: Allegretto' - Leonard Bernstein
Theater Works: Scene III/IIIa: 'I Was Standing In A Garden/Then Desire Took Hold Of Me' - Nancy Williams
Theater Works: I. Devotions Before Mass - Hymn And Psalm: 'A Simple Song' - Alan Titus
Theater Works: V. Meditation No. 1 - Alan Titus
Theater Works: VI. Gloria - Alan Titus
Theater Works: XIV. Sanctus: 'Holy! Holy! Holy!' - Alan Titus
Theater Works: XVII Pax: Communion - Final Hymn (Excerpt) - Alan Titus

Average customer rating:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title
Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played
Press Quotes
Press Quotes
Press Quotes

Amazing Grace, An American Tapestry

Manufacturer: Eroica Classical Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004U4SO
Release Date: 2000-06-08

Tracks:

Simple Gifts
Duo: Flowing
Duo: Poetic, Somewhat Mournful
Duo: Lively, With Bounce
Duo: Pleasant Song No.1
Duo: Pleasant Song No.2
Duo: Canzone
Three Dances: Andante
Three Dances: Adagio, Quasi Improvisatory, Tempo Rubato
Three Dances: Allegretto
Ste Modale: Moderato
Ste Modale: L'istesso Tempo
Ste Modale: Allegro Giocoso
Ste Modale: Adagio
Ste Modale: Whales Weep Not!
Ste Modale: Somewhere (West Side Story)
Ste Modale: Polka And Can-Can
Ste Modale: Orange And Blue Rag
Ste Modale: Old Folks At Home
Ste Modale: Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'Long
Ste Modale: Bayou Home
Ste Modale: Amazing Grace
Ste Modale: A Simple Gift

Customer Reviews:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title.......2000-08-28

Donna Wissinger and Jon Klibonoff have done a superb job. Their musicianship is genuinely artistry of the first caliber. All the music is vibrantly and sensitively played. One feels joy, wonderful intelligence and great caring every step of the way in their music making. I was especially struck by their playing of the Copland Duo. What purity of heart in the opening phrases! Clear, beautifully balanced tones that sing out from the soul. I come back to it again and again to taste its utter peacefulness. Each breath a graceful, easy flowing. Thank you, Donna! I am inspired! And the third movement of the piece is so full of fun and fabulously virtuosic for both players -- Bravi! Among my other favorites were the two Stephen Foster pieces: "The Old Folks at Home" and "Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'long". They magically re-create the charming spirit of another time and place. The pep and bounce of "Carry Me 'long" is absolutely contagious. "Bayou Home" is another miniature masterpeice. William Grant Stills is a treasure I would love to hear more of. Jon and Donna do a splendid job here too. What is so great about their playing together is that they know how to cast a spell with the music and take the time and care to do it magnificently, generously and for the sake of the music. Jon Klibonoff's work is a miracle in its own right, always fully present, rhythmically alive -- simply brilliant. The Howard Tappan arrangements of "Simple Gifts" and "Amazing Grace" are sonorously rich and full of heart and, in the hands of Donna and Jon, absolutely uplifting, indeed, eloquent. I have been privileged to hear these two fine artists in concert on numerous occasions. AMAZING GRACE: AN AMERICAN TAPESTRY captures their extraordinary gifts with prize-winning authenticity. Congratulations as well to sound engineer, Jonathan Schultz. I could not recommend this album more highly.

John Cimino President & CEO Associated Solo Artists Creative Leaps International

Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played.......2000-08-25

The new CD, Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry, is a welcome collection of American music beautifully and expertly played by flutist, Donna Wissinger, and pianist Jon Klibonoff. Ms. Wissinger's lovely, full, pure tone sends us through a treasury of American music. The disk begins with "Simple Gifts" arranged by Aaron Copeland. The Copeland "Duo" is played very expressively with a variety of dynamics and tone color in both the flute and piano parts. There is energy, drive, and brilliant technique without losing tone quality or clarity. Peter Schickele's "Pleasant Songs" are given a mellow, simple and indeed pleasant rendition. Samuel Barber's "Canzone" is shaped by the artists with beautiful flowing lines and deeply concentrated feeling. The composition, "Three Dances", by Stella Sung, is a marvelous addition the the literature. The Andante's intricate and fascinating rhythms and melodies are tossed off with panache by the artists. Playing alone in the Adagio, Ms. Wissinger perfectly captures the improvisational style with a range of emotion and gorgeous color. The Ostinato never lets our attention lag for a moment, the duo brings it to a dazzling finish. Ms. Wissinger and Mr. Klibonoff continue their excellent ensemble throughout all the selections. In the Ernest Bloch "Suite Modale", they take a very thoughtful approach. There are subtle nuances, much delicacy, elegant long lines, and carefree yet refined style with perfectly spun filigree. The remaining somewhat lighter compositions are charming. They provide the finishing touch to an outstanding recording.

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

"...a star. Miss Wissinger has the sound and the rhythmic vitality of the very best. " - Lavrov, Director Capella Leningrad, USSR

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

........ a great artist with great warmth ...... a tremendous stage personality. real Renaissance person." - Mid-Western Tour

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

Her gifts and abilities as a flutist are rare and compelling. I am greatly impressed by her beautiful sound, exciting musicality, and captivating presence. " - Jean-Pierre Rampal

One Hand, One Heart - Bernstein's Greatest Love Songs / Carreras, et al

Average customer rating:

Not such a great sampling....
nice but operatic

One Hand, One Heart - Bernstein's Greatest Love Songs / Carreras, et al

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00003XAGP
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

West Side Story: Something's Coming
West Side Story: Maria
West Side Story: Tonight (Balcony Scene)
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
West Side Story: I Feel Pretty
West Side Story: Somewhere
West Side Story: I Have A Love
Wonderful Town: A Quiet Girl
Wonderful Town: A Little Bit in Love
Wonderful Town: It's Love
On The Town: Gabey's Coming - Pickup Song
On The Town: Taxi Number : Come Up To My Place
On The Town: Lonely Town
On The Town: I Can Cook Too
On The Town: Lucky To Be Me
On The Town: Ya Got Me
On The Town: Some Other Time
Candide: Oh, Happy We
Candide: Candide's Lament
Candide: You Were Dead, You Know
Candide: My Love (Governor's Serenade)
Candide: Make Our Garden Grow (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

Not such a great sampling...........2001-01-21

Some of these songs are really stretching for a romantic mood. Especially some of the On the Town songs. It's not that they're not good though....All of this music is from other CDs that have been already been released. Don't limit yourself to just these songs. Go ahead and buy the other recordings. Deutsche Grammophon did the On the Town recording along with West Side Story and Candide. I'd recommend a different recording of West Side Story though. The one of Wonderful Town is the kinda newly released complete version of the musical. It's a good but expensive one. Also, this recording left out some of THE greatest love songs from Peter Pan (Dream of Me, Peter Peter), Trouble in Tahiti (Well of all people, There is A Garden, Finale), 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (Seena, Lud's Wedding), and Quiet Place (There is so much, too much). I think this recording, though okay, is a stumbling block to finding out about the real Bernstein saga of musicals. And if you are still getting this recording, the sound quality is really good. West Side Story is done by the masters of the opera so they sing it that way. Candide is operetic too, but then again it is an operetta. That's about all I have to say on this recording.

nice but operatic.......2000-02-23

This is a nice collection of Bernstein miscellany. Note however that the West Side Story, On the Town, and Candide are the "operatic" versions, with Te Kanawa and Carreras, Von Stade and Hampson, and Jerry Hadley, respectively. Bernstein conducts WSS and Candide and Tilson Thomas OTT. The surprise is the bits from Wonderful Town, which was recorded on JAY, not DG like the others. Featuring Ron Raines and Rebecca Luker, it's probably the most authentically "Broadway" of this set.

Average customer rating:

Great!!!

Bernstein: Reaching for the Note

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Bernstein: Symphony No. 3 ("Kaddish"); Chichester Psalms

ASIN: B00000FEPX
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

'Manfred' Overture op. 115
El Salon Mexico
Prelude For Piano No. 2
On The Town: New York, New York
On The Town: Carried Away
On The Waterfront: Love Theme
Candide: Overture
Candide: Glitter And Be Gay
West Side Story: Prologue
West Side Story: Tonight
West Side Story: America
West Side Story: Somewhere
Symphony No. 2 'The Age Of Anxiety': Part I: The Prologue - Lento moderato
A Quiet Place: Postlude To Act I

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 'Kaddish': 2. Kaddish - Andante con tenerezza
Chichester Psalms: 2. Psalm 23 (Complete); Psalm 2 (Vs. 1-4) - Andante con moto, ma tranquillo - Allegro feroce
Songs of a Wayfarer: Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor 'Resurrection': 4. 'Urlicht'
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor 'Resurrection': 5. (Conclusion) 'O Schmerz! Du Alldurchdringer!'
Symphony No. 5 In C Sharp Minor: 4. Adagietto
The Rite Of Spring: Sacrificial Dance, The Chosen Victim
Songfest: 3. 'To What You Said...'
Mass: 10. A Simple Song
Divertimento For Orchestra: 2. Waltz - Allegretto, con grazia
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: 2. Allegretto
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor: 4. Final Chorus 'Ode To Joy (Freedom)' (Conclusion)

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!.......1999-11-01

Buy this CD especially if you have seen the movie, the selections on this CD gives you a nice intro to Mahler, and contemporary music as well as to the Westside, and Candide. Good playing and sound.

Music:

Music

Music