Cinema Paradiso

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Featuring the title track from the Warner Bros. Motion picture 'Ghost Ship.' The love theme from the film Cinema Paradiso has been given an English lyric for the first time and makes its debut on this recording. Until now the composer Ennio Morricone has never accepted an English lyric for Cinema Paradiso. Concord Records. 2002.

Tracks:

Alla Luce Dal Sole
Gira Con Me
You're Still You
Cinema Paradiso (Se)
To Where You Are
Alejate
Canto Alla Vita - featuring The Corrs
Let Me Fall
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Un Amore Per Sempre
Home To Stay
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (w/Lili Haydn)
The Prayer - featuring Charlotte Church

Amazon.com

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban and Charolette Church! Yum. This is a very good album and a must buy!

superb.......2007-07-05

What a voice, what an artist, what a man.
Underestimated in Europe. His concert on 21 May 2007 in Amsterdam was superb!

Oh my Gosh, Josh!.......2007-07-03

I love Josh Groban's music! It is romantic, mellow and beautiful :)
This CD has two songs on it that are very unusual. I believe both are from Cirque de Soleil, and draw you into the music--warning-- While driving, do not close your eyes!

a true star.......2007-06-24

First saw and heard Josh on the Tv and was blown away by his talent! it was about a year later that I found out who he was and bought the first album and can honestly say that I have never tired of his work. Every song is magical and he is truely wonderful. Have since purchased all his work and have also had the priviledge of seeing him live in concert in Glasgow/Scotland and was amazed. such a talented young man with a truely magical voice

Floodgates of the Heart.......2007-06-05

This CD played almost constantly in my wife's car for several years. Josh Groban's voice is so gentle and can go from gentleness to anthematic, almost operatic, textures. He sings in Italian effortlessly. The orchestration on "Cinema Paradiso" is enthralling with its emotional reach, powerful even with lyrics beyond my understanding. "To Where You Are" is one of the most gorgeous songs. Knowing how it moved my wife in the years before breast cancer proved stronger than her body, it touches me now, "Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, if only for awhile to know you're there; a breath a ways to where you are." The song opens the floodgates of my heart. The Corrs were on Groban's 143 label when this release came out in 2001 and join him on the upbeat "Canto Alla Vita." Groban makes an interesting selection with Don McLean's "Vincent," polishing the melody to a fine sheen in ways that surpassed the original. Listening to Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is like being in a sonic cathedral with Groban's voice matching the grandeur of the music. With Charlotte Church on "The Prayer," Groban concludes the set with the Carole Bayer Sager/David Foster composition that makes one contemplate the eternal, "Lead us to a place, find us with your grace, give us faith so we'll be safe." Groban's first CD enhances with repeated listening by virtue of the depth of musicianship and performance. I listen to it now hearing the music that moved the one I love to tears. It does the same for me. I hope it touches you too. Bravo!

Average customer rating:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?
Absolutely Exquisite
Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!
Better Every Time
Fabulous CD

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002YCVXI
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe
The Mission: The Falls
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Playing Love from The Legend of 1900
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Nostalgia from Cinema Paradiso
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Looking for You (Love Theme) from Cinema Paradiso
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Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Remembering (Ricordare)*
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Sergio Leone Suite: Ecstasy of Gold from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Brian DePalma Suite: Main Theme from Casualities of War
Brian DePalma Suite: Death Theme from The Untouchables
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Journey from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Theme from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Main Theme from Marco Polo
The Lady Caliph: Dinner
The Lady Caliph: Nocturne

Amazon.com

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for The Mission, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in America, Cinema Paradiso, and others are invariably warmly melodic and superbly suited to the films they grace. They not only add atmosphere; they help tell the story. For this CD Morricone has created new orchestrations for many of his scores, adding a solo cello part for the indefatigable Yo-Yo Ma, whose musical curiosity seems to be endless. Outside the films, these pieces tend to be lovely melodies, mostly pretty sentimental stuff, and, in the best way, gorgeous aural wallpaper. The most moving are the two selections from The Mission, but fans of Morricone's music will find plenty to enjoy here. Ma's playing, as always, is exquisite---warm, deeply felt (given the circumstances), and entirely idiomatic within the context. Perhaps not quite for the classical music lover, but an affectionate reworking of music by an important film composer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?.......2007-06-02

I never thought Yo-Yo Ma would do Gabriel's Oboe (Track 1) from THE MISSION justice, but I was wrong. There's a pureness to this version that makes it easier casual listening than the version(s) on the soundtrack CD itself. So no matter how much I love the theatrical "largeness" of the Original Soundtrack (not to mention the full choir), this is the version I grab for the CD player/iPod/whatever.

My two other recommendations are Main Theme from ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (Track 11) and Ecstasy of Gold from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (Track 12). I suggest playing these consecutively as a single medley. Track 11 *WILL* bring tears to the manliest among us --particularly if you remember in the movie where Sergio Leone pulls the camera up to reveal the town rising.

I get the feeling "hardcore" classical fans would dismiss movie scores as commercial work. I truly believe Ennio Morricone transcends that. Even moreso than, say, John Williams, and on a different plane than a Danny Elfman. And I can't say more about the emotion Yo-Yo Ma brings to the table than what's already been discussed.

Absolutely Exquisite.......2007-05-15

The combination of Morricone and Ma is pure perfection. This CD fills my heart with so much joy that I could just cry. I listen to it almost daily and have given it away as a gift to my loved ones. I am captivated by their incredible talents, and I know you will be too.

Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!.......2007-05-13

Having recently succumbed to Yo Yo Ma after a longtime love of Ennio Marricone I was excited to get this CD from Amazon. It is superb! All of the songs had to be recrafted by Morricone to suit Yo Yo Ma but it is a great listen as you sonically travel down memory lane through some of Maestro Moricone's musical marvels. "Gabriel's Oboe" from "The Mission" now becomes "Gabriel's Cello." I laugh as Yo Yo Ma bows his brains out on the "Ecstacy of Gold' from "The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly." I recommend this to all Yo Yo Ma and Morricone fans...a great listen. Soothing after a hard day!

Better Every Time.......2007-05-09

This CD gets better with every listening. It was a great purchase.

Fabulous CD.......2007-05-07

I love Morricone and this CD has some of the best versions of my favorite pieces. I have ordered several as gifts for friends.

Cinema Paradiso: Original Soundtrack Recording (1988 Film)

Average customer rating:

Cinema Paradiso is Not Paradiso for All
Great soundtrack
20 years later and I still want Toto to be with Elena
One of the best soundtracks!
Soft and pleasent melodys

Cinema Paradiso: Original Soundtrack Recording (1988 Film)
Ennio Morricone
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Cinema Paradiso
Maturity
While Thinking About Her Again
Childhood And Manhood
Cinema On Fire
Love Theme
After The Destruction
First Youth
Love Theme For Nata
Visit To The Cinema
Four Interludes
Runaway, Search And Return
Projection For Two
From American Sex Appeal To The First Fellini
Toto And Alfredo
For Elena

Amazon.com

The initial effort in what's become an ongoing collaboration between filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore and composer Ennio Morricone (in this instance assisted by his son Andrea) remains one of the Italian musician's most internationally beloved works. The bittersweet tale of a young boy's friendship with the local cinema projectionist and the profound, almost magical influence the movies have on both their lives won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes and the Best Foreign Film Oscar, and netted Morricone a BAFTA (U.K. equivalent of the Oscar) for Best Score. In the late '90s, the music also received one of America's other great "honors"--it was adapted for a car commercial! The score is among Morricone's most elegant and memorably melodic, effectively evoking a rich cinematic legacy; it's a virtual musical love letter to the power of films and their music. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Cinema Paradiso is Not Paradiso for All.......2007-05-13

I adore the music of Ennio Morricone in any shape or form. I prefer his more emotional soundtracks like "The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly" and "The Mission." This CD has its moments but not enough to suit my tastes. I've never seen this film but knowing Morricone and his mastery of musical emotionality I don't believe this movie would have been my cup of tea. It is still Morricone the Maestro of the movie soundtrack just a little weak in spots for me. For a audio delight buy the Ennio Morricone Anthology a truly great listen.

Great soundtrack.......2007-03-09

I love this soundtrack. Really beautiful. Of course the same two themes are repeated over and over but who cares?

20 years later and I still want Toto to be with Elena.......2006-09-26

When the Italian film made waves I was still a schoolgirl but it did make me want Toto and Elena to be together back then and now. This soundtrack is haunting and draws out the intense longing and yearning for a love long lost ... and the marks of our youth that propell our creative destinies.

One of the best soundtracks!.......2006-07-15

This is the soundtrack for the award winning Cinema Paradiso, a brilliantly photographed cinema treasurer. This is one of the most beautifully written scores that fits the movie perfectly. I strongly recommend seeing the movie and experience Cinema Paradiso!

Soft and pleasent melodys.......2006-01-15

The soundtrack of "Cinema Paradiso" is one of the charming ones, I have ever heard. The soft, delicate sounds of music which were created to tell the magnificent story-line, realy capture the heart of this movie and make the characters alive once more.
I enjoyed this CD very much and I would continue enjoying it at the future, whenever I require quiet piano melodys to get me through the day.

Average customer rating:

wallpaper
simply beautiful, so just enjoy it
Sloppy renditions and amateurish
Great songs reinvented, with a twist
Praise for Beyond Imagination

Beyond Imagination
Opera Babes
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

One Fine Day (Un Bel Di From Madame Butterfly)
Sempre Ricordo (Piano Concerto in A minor)
There's A Place (From The New World Symphony)
Beyond Imagination (From A Midsummer Nights Dream)
O Fortuna (From Carmina Burana)
Lakm2O (Flower Duet)
Ebben?..Ne Andro Lontano (from La Wally)
You Live On In My Heart (Cinema Paradiso)
Chanson Boh (From Carmen)
Remember Me
Stranger In Paradise (From Kismet)
Ode II Joy (From Symphony No. 9)
1001 Nights (From The Nutcracker Suite)
Barcarolle (From The Tales Of Hoffman)
LakmVibeTribe Mix)
Ave Maria
Vittoria! (Aida 2002)

Amazon.com

Plucked from a wet afternoon of busking Bizet and Puccini to passersby on the Piazza in Covent Garden in the spring of 2001, soprano Rebecca Knight and mezzo Karen England soon found themselves singing in slightly larger venues: the FA Cup and Champions League soccer finals. That the management company doing the plucking had recently performed a similar Cinderella crossover act for Russell Watson offered portent, and indeed the Babes--the moniker began as a joke--were soon on their way to this recording debut. The marketing shtick and its soccer connections may offend purists, but it's the football hooligans that the Babes are trying to win over here; can Borodin soothe the savage Manchester United fan? Their classically trained voices mesh gloriously, with England's warm mezzo showing particular character in her solo turns.

The repertoire choices here cover material that may already be familiar to fans of Charlotte Church (i.e., Delibes "Flower Duet") and other crossover acts, but they do include some pleasant surprises, like Offenbach's Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann and "You Live On in My Heart," a reworking of Ennio Morricone's enchanting Cinema Paradiso theme with lyrics by Knight. But in a rush toward the musical middle of the road, it's the productions themselves that sometimes overwhelm the Babes with bathos ("Ave Maria"), hollow thunder ("Aida 2002"), and electro club kitsch (the 'Vibe Tribe' mix of "Flower Duet"). Former Art of Noise mainstay Anne Dudley's tastefully restrained coloring of Tchaikovsky's "1001 Nights" is one of the notable exceptions. They're babes, they sing opera--with fair promise--for the masses, and if they turn one in a hundred from football hooliganism to a well-mannered appreciation of Grieg and Dvorák, won't it all have been worth it? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

wallpaper.......2007-07-12

overorchestrated, overproduced aural wallpaper...that said, still, these women have wonderful voices and are worth hearing. They are oversold,too...Opera Babes! Indeed. Folks who like Enya will like this.

simply beautiful, so just enjoy it.......2007-06-11

my daughter has taught me to love opera. this immediately captured me. the Babes' voices blend so beautifully. I love it! who cares about Puccini, Classic Opera, blah, blah, woof, woof. I love this album

Sloppy renditions and amateurish.......2007-05-15

I heard one of the selections on Sirius and liked it so I bought the CD. Upon hearing the entire CD I was disappointed that the only selection I liked was the one that prompted me to buy the product. The voices are nice but they are simply adding voice to opera masterpieces that do not fit. They are certainly not of the caliber of Sarah Brightman or Charlotte Church and don't look for that. Their sound is mellow, dim and without the emotion that does an inservice to the opera pieces they sing. I found the CD lackluster and in all honestly very "amateurish".

Great songs reinvented, with a twist.......2006-09-30

Expanding upon the recent interest in Gregorian chant fusion as well as rich-voiced solo vocalists such as Josh Groban, operatic soprano Rebecca Knight and mezzo soprano Karen England offer full-vibratoed, somewhat modernized interpretations of favorite classical themes. Backed by chorus, orchestras, keyboards and drums, they draw from such diversely satisfying works as Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly," Grieg's "Piano Concerto in a minor," Dvorak's "New World Symphony," Mendelssohn's "Midsummer Night's Dream," Orff's "Carmina Burana," Delibe's "Lakme," Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffman," Schubert's "Ave Maria," and Verdi's "Aida." Some of the arrangements are fairly traditional, while others are noticeably enhanced. The emphasis tends to be on pretty pieces with sweet melodies, though a few are more intense in nature (#1, 4, 5, 15 and 17). A couple of pop songs, still sung in operatic style, are thrown in for good measure, although they don't have the same appeal and mystique as the old favorites. All of the selections feature both vocalists together, singing in lovely, close harmony. The arrangers of this elegantly hip music include Jon Cohen, Noely, Frank Gallagher, Deni Lew and Anne Dudley, with multi-language lyrics (for the adaptations of instrumental works) by Rebecca Knight and others. I have to admit that I occasionally found myself longing for the modern additions to be more consistently interesting and distinctive--in other words, equaling the artistry of the classics that they're accompanying. Track #1, which really shines, is a well-done example. Alternately, perhaps the source songs might have been better off left in their pure, original styles rather than watered down with schmaltzy, predictable underpinnings that don't add much to the music. But like Enigma did for medieval chant, the Opera Babes are endeavoring to bring some wonderful, time-tested music to a wider audience, fusing it with modern idioms in way that is artistic and generally appealing. For more opera fusion, compare the work of Amici Forever (a group of five singers, both male and female), and the oddly packaged but similar-in-concept album "Coco de Mer" by Adam Plack.

Praise for Beyond Imagination.......2006-02-26

What I really enjoyed about this album was its distinctive sound and arrangement of the material. I enjoy classically performed opera and was surprised how much I like the Opera Babes' versions. Of course, the wonderful voices added immensely to the high quality of this product.

Average customer rating:

Kunzel does it yet again!
Movie Music
More than Beautiful!!
This is the one you should own
You'll never get tired of this!

Beautiful Hollywood
Erich Kunzel , and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Feather Theme From Forest Gump
Main Theme From A River Runs Through It
Robert and Mary From Rob Roy
'We Meet Again' From Jerry McGuire
The Ludlows From Legends Of The Fall - Paul Patterson
'You Must Love Me' From Evita
Love Theme, 'Doe Eyes' From The Bridges Of Madison Couny
Colors Of The Wind From Pocahontas
'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' From The Mission
Suite: I. 'Whale Play'/II. 'Farewell And Freedom' From Free Willy
Love Theme From Forever Young
Love Theme From Cinema Paradiso
Main Theme From Rudy
Main Theme From Chaplin
End Credits From Grumpier Old Men
'Act Of Faith' From Bugsy
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Alexander Kerr
Reunion And Finale From Gettysburg

Customer Reviews:

Kunzel does it yet again!.......2004-11-23

Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops do a great job everytime, and this is no exception. I'm telling you, if you ever thought that purely intrumental/orchestral was unattractive, this will change your mind. Never a disappointment!

Movie Music.......2002-12-12

If you love that music from all those movies you've seen, then this is the CD you want! It is fantastic!! I want more!! I hope Erich Kunzel will come out with some music from older movies and maybe some TV programs. Listening to his music is better than watching the movie.

More than Beautiful!!.......2002-12-11

This is the absolute best CD they ever put together! And that is saying a lot as we are very picky about what music we like. This is the kind of music that makes you 'feel' deeply. It encourages you to dream big and love living! Forget the grooves, drums and bangs and listen to something incredibly beatiful! You won't be sorry for the money invested in this one bit of sanity in such a hectic world.

This is the one you should own.......2002-10-27

If you are looking for just one solid collection of memorable movie themes, this is it. Other CDs mix marches and fanfares with quieter tracks, which makes for a jarring listening experience at times. This CD, however, has a consistent feel all the way through. Melodic, calming, and, best of all, interesting. These movie tracks weren't selected simply for their sound, but also because they are GOOD. You get the best of the best: James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Randy Edelman.

You'll never get tired of this!.......2001-05-30

This CD is absolutely one of the best of Eric Kunzel! I have a passion for movie scores/soundtracks and i must say he did a really good job on this. Listen to this and close your eyes and you'll find yourself immersed in the movies from which the music was taken from. I had my friends listen to this and they all got copy or will get a copy. If you're into this kind of music, believe me you'll keep on playing it, again and again.

Average customer rating:

Still can't believe how bad it is
Like a breeze, caressing you...
Regina Carter is Fantastic!
Music from heavens
Truly a dream cd

Paganini: After a Dream
Regina Carter
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008V612
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Black Orpheus (Manha De Carnaval)
Pavane
Oblivion
Reverie
Healing In Foreign Lands
Apres Un Reve
Alexandra (Excerpt From)
Cinema Paradiso

Amazon.com

The title of this project is aptly-named. Regina Carter, a Detroit-born, classically-trained jazz violinist, traveled to Genoa, Italy in December, 2001, and performed on Paganini's legendary Guarneri violin nicknamed "the Canon." After winning the hearts of the skeptical Italians, with armed gunmen surveying her every move, Carter played flawlessly, and became the first jazz musician and African-American to the play the instrument. The next year, Carter returned to Genoa, recorded on Paginini's violin and performed a pleasing program of crossover-friendly light classics, South American compositions, a movie tune, and original works. Produced and arranged by Jorge Calandrelli and Ettore Strata, and backed by a combo led by pianist Werner "Vana" Gierig, the selections, while not exactly groundbreaking, successfully show off Carter's impeccable and soulful playing, and the violin's rich and reverent tones. An 18-piece orchestra supports Carter on Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante defunte," Piazzolla's "Oblivion," and Ennio Morrricone's Cinema Paradiso theme. Borislav Strulev's cello co-stars on Luiz Bonfa's "Black Orpheus (Manha de Carnaval)" and Faure's "Apres un reve." For Debussy's "Reverie," Carter delivers some straight-ahead swing. In sum: She came, she saw, she conquered and, she swung. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Still can't believe how bad it is.......2006-10-28

Terrible, terrible CD. I got it two day's ago and could not even listen through the whole CD. Regina plays the violin and the music with such bad taste. What a disgrace to the once Paganini's violin. I can't believe I spent my money on this. It should not even have 1 star.

Like a breeze, caressing you..........2006-08-21

Well, you know how there are some songs that work best in their original form and should not be remade / remixed / jazzed up by any musician at all? Regina Carter is the exception to that rule, for her touch is magic.

Save for Regina's own composition, every song on this album is given a contemporary jazzy twist. The sound is light, breezy and wistful. Regina possesses the inimitable ability to make a violin sing so tenderly, it breaks your heart just listening to her play. This lovingly produced album is the perfect companion for many things: a candle-lit dinner, appreciating a beautiful painting, retrospection, a drink in a bar, a ride in a car, gazing at scenery from afar... the possibilities are endless.

Generally, the problem with remaking well-known songs is that playing the tune, give and take some rephrasing or improvisation, is not enough. To impress, the arrangement, playing, and overall production has to be inspired and tight. In this respect, Regina delivers. It is unfortunate that there are some moments on this album which sound a tad "too easy" or, for lack of a better word, pedestrian. But given the overall substance of this album, those moments are easily overlooked.

For those familiar with the original classical works on this album, they would surely appreciate and marvel at how Regina manages to make songs that are tough to remake, sound so gloriously refreshing. Like a breeze, caressing and loving you, this album is a god-sent.

Regina Carter is Fantastic!.......2006-04-19

This is one of the most beautiful collections of classical jazz in the world. The music is beyond words. Every song speaks to my soul. It is one cd that everyone needs to add to their music collection.

Music from heavens.......2005-12-23

I a Jazz fan. However, I have never though that a violin can do that magic. It is not like anything that I have listened to before.

Truly a dream cd.......2005-07-09

This is a cd to listen to again and again. I've given it as gifts and as a violinist myself who has been to Cremona and viewed those beautiful old violins, it has been a treat! I recommend this cd to anyone who wants a flavor of the classical that has been jazz inspired. Regina Carter's style plus "The Cannon" was a match made in heaven. I own a great deal of music, but this cd is one of my top ten favorites! She is definitely on my list of performers to see as friends have told me that she is wonderful!

Average customer rating:

The Greatest
Enchanting, moving, Perlman is magic!

Classic Perlman: Rhapsody

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
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ASIN: B0000636A5
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Henry V: Canzonetta
Schindler's List: Theme From Schindler's List
Concerto In D Major For Violin, Piano And String Quartet, Op.21: Sicilienne - Juilliard String Quartet
Humoresque No.7 In G-Flat Major, Op.101
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: Adagio - Daniel Barenboim
Now, Voyager: Theme From Now, Voyager
Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse: Theme Four Hoursemen Of The Apocalypse
Slavonic Dance No.2 In E Minor, Op.72
Cantabile For Violin And Guitar - John Williams
Cinema Paradiso: Love Theme
Romance In F Minor For Violin And Orchestra, Op.11
Henry V: Touch Her Soft Lips And Part

Amazon.com

This compilation of selections from recordings made between 1975 and 1998, including one previously unreleased to create a framework, is a curious mix. All the pieces are slow, and this being the age of the soundbite, none is longer than five minutes except the Romance by Dvorák, who is also represented by two other popular pieces, specifically arranged to include a cello part for Yo-Yo Ma. Half the program consists of "themes" from movie soundtracks, and the comparison between them is interesting. John Williams, André Previn, and Max Steiner are film composers whose juicy melodies and swooping orchestrations are appropriate to the medium, while William Walton was a "serious" composer whose style retained its austerity in his film music. Two single slow movements, from Chausson's Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, and from Brahms's Third Violin Sonata, make one yearn for more. The latter is the only piece on the disc that can reasonably be called "classical;" as for the "rhapsodic" part of the title, it is certainly justified by the performances. Perlman plays everything, whether by Brahms or John Williams, with the same concentration, commitment, and emotional intensity. His expressiveness is always noble and so genuine that there is never a moment of sentimentality or condescension. The program gives him little chance to display his virtuosity, but shows off his glorious tone in all its variety, warmth, and radiance; the climaxes soar with rapturous ecstasy. His partners and accompanying orchestras could not be better. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest .......2007-06-11

Once in a very great while, God creates a musician who even He is in awe of. Itzhak Perlman is simply the greatest violinist who has ever lived. His Violin Concerto (Beethoven) is perhaps the greatest ever recorded, while here his violin expresses the joys and horrors of Cinema Paradiso and Shindler's List, themes not to be missed by anyone.

Enchanting, moving, Perlman is magic!.......2005-04-21

I played the violin growing up and could never imagine it could be played as
beautifully as Perlman can play it. He is unequalled as far as I'm concerned,
but anyone would enjoy this album as it has wonderfully memorable show
tunes like Cinema Paradiso and Schindler's List and the most beautiful
rendition ever of Michel Legrand's If It takes forever, I will wait for you
from UMBRELLAS of CHERBOURG.
It stays in my car CD player where I enjoy it over and over!

Average customer rating:

"The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows"
Magnificent Monica!
She's chocolate and creme!
Astonishing
Monica's Latest is the best yet

Cinema Paradiso
Monica Mancini
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Monica Mancini
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Nightcap

ASIN: B00006LSQE
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Cinema Paradiso (from Cinema Paradiso)
A Day In The Life of a Fool (from Black Orpheus)
A Love Before Time (from Croutching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Senza Fine (from Ghost Ship)
I'll Never Say Goodbye (from The Promise)
The Shadow of Your Smile (from The Sandpiper)
Alfie (from Alfie)
Soldier in the Rain (from Soldier in the Rain)
Too Late Now (from Royal Wedding)
The Summer Knows (from The Summer of '42)
Baby Mine (from Dumbo)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)

Album Description

Featuring the title track from the Warner Bros. Motion picture 'Ghost Ship.' The love theme from the film Cinema Paradiso has been given an English lyric for the first time and makes its debut on this recording. Until now the composer Ennio Morricone has never accepted an English lyric for Cinema Paradiso. Concord Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

"The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows".......2006-01-07

"When Monica Mancini set out to record this retrospective of songs from films, she clearly had her passions in order. Monica comes by her affinity for the medium honestly, having grown up in a house permeated with some of the best film music in history, from the pen of her incredibly prolific father, Henry. So it is no surprise that this collection has all the artistry, pathos, and musicality that it so deserves." ~ Dave Grusin, Liner Notes - 2002 ~

Dave Grusin, an expert arranger, conductor, pianist, film scorer himself has described this album so perfectly. The choice of material in this CD is impeccable with Monica Mancini's graceful interpretations and not to mention the flawlessly beautiful arrangements by Torrie Zito, John Calandrelli, Michael Lang, Patrick Williams, George Doering, Ray Ellis, Harvey Cohen and John Frizzell. There are twelve theme songs from various remarkable films in this recording and most of the tracks were backed up by an orchestra with the exception of a few.

The theme song from the movie "Summer of '42" penned by the creative husband-and-wife-team of Alan & Marilyn Bergman and composer Michel Legrand "The Summer Knows" is one of my top choices from this collection. Splendidly arranged by Michael Lang and Harvey Cohen on string section, she renders this timeless song so true to its essence and making it the most beautiful version, bar none!

Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "Alfie" (from the movie of the same title), is a moving song accompanied only by the sublime piano playing of Michael Lang. She has an exquisitely beautiful voice, the kind that still shines without the trimmings and backing up of an orchestra, (the kind that still glows even on A Cappella singing). Another affecting song and a favorite of mine is "Too Late Now," a Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner treasure and theme from the movie "Royal Wedding." The orchestral arrangement was done by Torrie Zito, a fine pianist/arranger/conductor who worked briefly with the legendary musical icon, Frank Sinatra. I loved the way he injected a classical touch on his arrangement, almost sounding like one of Claude Debussy's masterpieces. I would say that this is one of the best tracks. Ditto with another Torrie Zito arrangement, Johnny Mandel and Paul Webster's "The Shadow of Your Smile" from the movie "The Sandpiper." Ms. Mancini gave these classics the retire-the-trophy-treatments and made them her very own.

The lovely opener, Ennio Morricone and Gregg Field's "Cinema Paradiso," arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, is also one of the standouts. Another beauty is "I'll Never Say Goodbye" from the movie "The Promise" with piano accompaniment by Michael Lang. The finale "Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" is simply divine with orchestral arrangement by Ray Ellis.

This recording produced by Ms. Mancini's musician husband, Gregg Field, truly showed off not only the singer's vocal artistry, but her classy and elegant style of singing. Thank you Ms. Mancini for your wonderful gift of music. Music to enjoy forever!

Magnificent Monica!.......2004-06-28

My favorite song of all time is "The Shadow of Your Smile" from the movie "The Sandpiper". Until now, the 2 best versions of it were by Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. By FAR, this is THE best version of that song. Pure, without "vocal gymnastics", screaming, yelping or other artificial "stylings".. here it is sung as it was written, perfectly performed with beautiful orchestration. The rest of the album is no less miraculous. It is stunning. "A Day in the Life of a Fool", "Cinema Paradiso" and the haunting and tender "Theme from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" are just as lavish and well-crafted. Okay Monica, now could you release one album a year instead of one album every 3 years? Pleeeeassee??

She's chocolate and creme!.......2004-01-29

Seeing Monica Mancini on stage singing the theme from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, hearing Gregg Field's drums, seeing the multi-media film clip behind her... is like having chocolate and creme!

Monica does not belt you to death, she does not yell at you, she does not punch notes into your being... she soothes you to her, lures you, with a voice that has been hidden for years.

Her voice is perfect in pitch, tone, and her ability to hit every single note as if she were born to sing. Clearly having inherited talent from her mom Ginny and her dad Henry.

On this cd I love the way she embraces other composers songs..."Baby Mine" just one of them. I about melted when she sang that song.

She has a great sense of humor on stage, is spontaneous, and is herself.

She has a great secure personality and stage persona and she has the family roots to give you a chill in your bones when she shares them with you in stories and song.

Hearing her sing live is like being home!

Astonishing.......2003-09-04

I sample A LOT of jazz vocalists (for some reason most contemporary jazz vocalists seem to be female) but initially dismissed Monica Mancici because she's the child of a famous father. Henry was very classy and as accomplished as musicians get, and such qualities rarely get passed down the line. What a mistake. I only heard her Mercer album because it was -- thankfully -- being played in a store I was visiting. I bought it, loved it, and was primed for this collection. A solid Five Stars. There's new stuff here (for me) and old songs done splendidly. Over The Rainbow, aside from its original iconic take by "Judy," has been covered hundreds of times. And Monica's take? Quite simply as good as any. With this release I've recognized what I love about Monica's voice: Aside from being simply perfect technically, her voice glows like a crackling fireplace! I mourned the recent passing of Rosemary Clooney, and now feel that there's a relatively new vocalist who I can follow for many years. Live or recorded, I'll be there ...

Monica's Latest is the best yet.......2003-06-04

Sorry, but I don't worry about the nuts and bolts of every particular detail of an album. I play what I enjoy and Monica's albums bring me that enjoyment. Cinema Paradiso has rarely left my CD Player. I'm only sorry she appears not to have a web page. Where someone like Michael Jackson or Dixie Chicks are all over the Internet, virtually no information is available concerning Monica Mancini. It's impossible to find a concert schedule. I hope she produces another album soon, I've worn out her others.