Stage and Screen [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Budget-price compilation for the British stage star. 18 tracks, 'Have I Told You Lately', 'My Heart Will Go On', 'Love Changes Everything', 'Because You Loved Me', 'I Believe I Can Fly', 'With One Look', 'How Deep Is Your Love', 'Everybody's Talkin'', 'All I Ask Of You', 'Love On The Rocks', 'Wind Beneath My Wings', 'Memory', 'We Have All The Time In The World', 'People Are Strange', 'Easy Terms', 'The Way We Were', 'Against All Odds' & 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. 2001.

Tracks:

West Side Story Medley: Maria/Tonight/Somewhere
What'll I Do
Unexpected Song
If I Loved You
Before The Parade Passes By
When You Wish Upon A Star
In The Still Of The Night
Memory
Not A Day Goes By
Bring Him Home
You'll Never Walk Alone

Customer Reviews:

Michael Crawford's a Broadway Star.......2007-06-08

This is a terrific collection of show tunes, sung by a master. The album is varied, the Symphony Orchestra is wonderful, and it's a plessure all around.

An Auspicious Debut Album.......2007-03-25

Fresh from his phenomenal success as London's (and later Broadway's) "Phantom of the Opera", Michael Crawford, the Eternal Choir Boy, presented his premire solo album, " Songs From the Stage and Screen".
It begins with a medley of songs from "West Side Story", of which, I personally thought the tempo could have been slightly different where the song, "Tonight" was concerned. I would have preferred the emphasis to be on strings rather than percussion as was done in the film version.
But Crawford's delivery is breathless and effortless on each of the numbers, and great acoustics help tremendously.
His version of Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do?" is heartfelt, and profoundly sad. Lloyd Webber's "Unexpected Song" is as sweet as the cold berry punch I often drank while relaxing in the days when I was breaking in my copy of this album; Rodger's and Hammerstein's "If I Loved You" is brief and has a bittersweet finality to it. "Before the Parade Passes By", from "Hello, Dolly!"-- the film version of which he starred with Barbra Striesand and Walter Matthau, has a lot of pep, and sounds as though it could be played during halftime at a football game.
"When You Wish Upon A Star" is ethereal. The first version of Cole Porter's "In The Still of The Night" that I consciously remember hearing is cool, airy, and magical. "Memory" is soft, and this is where he sounds most like the choir boy he initially was.
"Not A Day Goes By", from "Merrily, We Roll Along", is powerful, mournful, and profound, and Crawford sounds typically "Broadway-ish" in his delivery.
His rendering of "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" is statelier and sunnier than Colm Wilkinson's original, and "You'll Never Walk Alone" brings out the sunniness in the midst of mourning.
Years ago, composer Benjamin Britten re-wrote the notes of his opera, "Noye's Fludde" to better accomodate a young Michael Crawford's voice. Clearly that man saw the potential in his young protege, and Crawford's 1987 debut solo album proves that Britten's faith in his potential was well-placed!

Excellent music from Michael Crawford.......2007-02-21

While there is some duplication of songs from other albums, I can never hear too much of Michael singing. He is the best. I will have to shop again and get the rest of the albums. I look forward to ODing on Michael's singing.

stage and screen.......2007-01-11

I loved it. Anything with Michael Crawford in it I like.

My favorite Michael Crawford CD.......2006-07-31

I like this Michael Crawford CD so much that when I literally wore out my first copy of it by playing it constantly I just had to purchase a second copy. My favorite number on this CD has to be "When You Wish Upon a Star." As a child I would watch the Disney show on television every Sunday evening if only to hear Jiminey Cricket sing the song but as a woman - well, Jiminey cannot begin to compare with Michael's grown-up version. The renditions of "If I Loved You" and "You'll Never Walk Alone from Carrousel are also the best I've ever heard and there are many more equally well done songs on the CD. If I wear out this copy I will definitely purchase it again!

My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen

Average customer rating:

Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway
Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!
He can keep his secret to himslef
What a 'crossover' album should be!
This cd has left me speechless, wow!

My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen
Ben Heppner , Vittorio Giannini , Ernest Charles , Ivor Novello , Sir Noel Coward , Eric Coates , Teresa Clotilde del Riego , Mana-Zucca , Ernst Seitz , and Haydn Wood
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Ben Heppner - Great Tenor Arias
Ideale: Songs of Paolo Tosti
Heppner Sings Wagner
Ben Heppner - German Romantic Opera
Ben Heppner - Airs Francais / LSO, Myung-Whun Chung

ASIN: B00002JXEC
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Let All My Life Be Music
Sing To My Heart A Song
Let My Song Fill Your Heart
Love Is My Reason For Living
Someday My Heart Will Awake
I'll See You Again
We'll Gather Lilacs
Bird Songs At Eventide
Homing
I Love Life
The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Roses Of Picardy
I'll Be Seeing You
Serenade
Love Me Tonight
Be My Love
The Desert Song
I'll Follow My Secret Heart

Amazon.com

With his 1999 Met triumph as Tristan--the most taxing of all Wagner's tenor roles--Canadian singer Ben Heppner has fully earned his heralded position as the great new Heldentenor of our time. His Lohengrin is a signature role, while his album German Romantic Opera has been nominated for a Grammy. Yet Heppner also commands tremendous versatility--and of a much more engaging character than that of the typical crossover effort--using his powerful, bronze-tinged tenor to tender and charming effect in My Secret Heart. This is a collection of songs roughly from the period between the two world wars, when music began to reach mass audiences via radio and screen. Many of these are almost forgotten gems--emblems of a vanished era--but once had wide cultural currency: the World War II hit "We'll Gather Lilacs," the radio show Family Hour's theme tune "Let My Song Fill Your Heart," and the oft-recorded 1919 ballad "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." Heppner, with his sturdy beauty of tone and sweet, natural-sounding vibrato, breathes new life into this genre. He handles the idiom's unabashed schmaltz with charm and brings a lilting urbanity to two Noël Coward tunes, with especially bittersweet refinement in "I'll Follow My Secret Heart." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway.......2006-08-29

These are beloved popular songs from our grandparents' generation that are redolent of lavender an tears. Their sentimentality couldn't be more out of fashion, but Ben Heppner steps forward, like Mario Lanza before him, to offer thrills amidst the honeyed scents. He's totally sincere, and you'd have to be Alberich or Don Pizarro to react with anything but a melting heart. God, I'm falling into the same vocabulary as these songs. No need to blush, though, with such a great singer at hand.

Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!.......2005-02-22

I purchased this CD after hearing Mr. Heppner in recital singing "Homing" for an encore. This small gem written by Teresa Del Riego is a haunting song about loneliness. We learn from the notes-- they are very informative with bios on the composers included here as well as the words to the lyrics-- that she composed this ballad in 1917, the year her husband was killed in France just before the ending of World War I. There are other lovelies here as well: "I Love Life", "We'll Gather Lilacs", "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" as well as music by Noel Coward, Sigmund Romberg and Rudolf Friml. Heppner also sings "I'll Be Seeing You." It's such a relief to hear someone other than Liberace do that number since it was the song that he always used to close his television show in the 50's and unfortunately made into a syrupy cliche.

Mr. Heppner says these are songs of the parlour, stage and silver screen. His glorious voice which appears to be a combination of steel and gold fills a recital hall easily. He would need a huge parlour to sing in as well.

This CD is quite wonderful. There are no dull cuts. Since the songs are all about love, this would make a great February 14 gift.

He can keep his secret to himslef.......2003-12-13

This is OBNOXIOUS, this dude should be in operas. i am speechless, he is one loud mouthed dude!

What a 'crossover' album should be!.......2001-09-01

In general, I hate it when classical singers make 'crossover' recordings. Usually the singer has no idea how to sing 'pop' material in anything like the proper style - even someone who is singing it because he or she genuinely likes the music and not just to milk cash from the unsuspecting masses. But there are always exceptions to a rule, and this CD is one of them. Ben Heppner here scales down his huge operatic voice and shows his 'secret heart', a more intimate side of his musical personality.

There is no question that Heppner is one of the greatest tenors of our age. He is often compared with his fellow Canadian Jon Vickers (with whom he shares much of his repertory) but especially here, he is beginning to remind me more and more of Jussi Bjorling, and I can think of no higher compliment. Part of this is because Bjorling actually sang quite a bit of repertory similar to what Heppner sings here, but more importantly, both voices have an ideal combination of power and sweetness. Heppner's is essentially a very lyric voice despite its large size, and he is capable of great tonal beauty and sensitivity. This not only makes his Wagner, Giordano, and Berlioz very special, but makes him equally adept with the gentle little gems he sings on this disc. He is helped somewhat by the fact that these songs, most of which were written in the very early part of the 20th century, are a lot closer to the 'classical' style than more modern pop. But what really makes Heppner perfect for this material is his total identification with the texts, his tenderness, and his utter sincerity. Also, his diction is superb - you won't need the printed texts to understand what he is singing. In the hands of a lesser singer, some of these old fashioned songs would be absolute treacle. But an artist like Heppner can raise up even 'substandard' compositions and give them the aura of greatness.

In the more upbeat songs, Heppner sings with the thrilling, heroic tone that has made him in demand in every opera house in the world. He makes 'Let All My Life Be Music' into his personal mission statement. 'Homing' was also a favorite of another great Wagnerian tenor, namely Lauritz Melchior. 'I Love Life!', complete with splendid high C, is sung with enough cheer and vigor to bring anybody out of a depression. But this repertory is often gentle and introspective, and Heppner can also easily fine down his voice to a splendid pianissimo, drawing you in and enticing you to pay attention as opposed to banging you over your head like many other tenors do. Ivor Novello's 'Love is My Reason For Living' and Ernest Charles' 'Let My Song Fill Your Heart' are light, gracious Viennese waltzes. The familiar 'Roses of Picardy', 'Bird Songs at Eventide' and 'I'll Be Seeing You' are also sung sweetly and caressingly. Two more Novello songs are among the best tracks on the album. 'Someday My Heart Will Awake', is soft, gentle, and nostalgic, rising to a passionate conclusion. 'We'll Gather Lilacs' is obviously a love song from Heppner to his wife Karen (to whom the entire album is dedicated), full of yearning and deeply moving.

The operetta selections are even more special. In the Serenade from 'The Student Prince', which is alone worth the price of the CD, Heppner makes something truly thrilling of the declaration 'Oh, hear my longing cry!/Oh, love me or I die!', and ends with not one but two spectacular high Cs. What a pity that the chances of him ever recording the entire operetta are so slim! The cajolingly sung title song from 'The Desert Song' is almost as fine, as is 'Love Me Tonight' from 'The Vagabond King'. Finally, the title song 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart', with yet another brilliant high C, makes a splendid finish to this very enjoyable album.

I should also give credit to noted composer and orchestrator Jonathan Tunick for his warm, rich, and perfectly scaled arrangements of these songs. Like Heppner, he finds the perfect mood for each piece and never engages in schmaltz that one might expect from some of this material. The only complaint I have about this disc is the one I have about many contemporary CDs - why is there only 54 minutes of music on a medium that can hold almost 80 minutes? There are assuredly more than 18 songs Heppner could have recorded in this vein. I would have liked to have seen more operetta items in particular. Although I suppose they couldn't have recorded the Drinking Song from 'The Student Prince' as well as the Serenade without a chorus, it would have been nice if 'Deep In My Heart, Dear' had been included. Still, the quality of what is there far outweighs the quantity. The excellent documentation, in German and French as well as English, includes a personal note from Heppner, biographies of all the composers as well as Heppner and Tunick, and complete song texts. The cover shows Heppner surrounded by red velvet, designed, amusingly enough, by Red Herring Productions!

Whether you're an opera lover who wants to hear a great tenor in a lighter mood, or a fan of early 20th century popular music who is curious to see what it sounds like sung by a genuinely great voice, this disc is essential. It is an excellent introduction to Heppner's artistry if you haven't experienced it before, and after listening to it you might want to try some of his opera CDs, both solo recitals and complete recordings. There are few voices that could serve as a better introduction for a neophyte to the wonderful world of opera. If only more 'crossover' singers (both classical and pop) had Heppner's musical integrity...

This cd has left me speechless, wow!.......2001-02-18

Air give me air, I need lots of air, air, air.......This cd has caused me a lot of adverse breathing.

The things that I have read about Ben have been very true. He really is a lot more than I ever bargained for. He is THAT GOOD.

I need to go out on a limb and say that he is the best tenor I have ever heard. In my wildest dreams I never thought anyone could be that good.

For this cd Ben choose to sing a lot of standards. Bravo! This is my kind of music. Ben did an excellent job crooning us with his golden voice. He knew when to hold back and when to sing at full strength. This is marvelous how he worked each song to get the full meaning out of it.

The only complaint I have is there was not enough of the good olde songs that I wanted to hear Ben sing. I know it's hard to please all the people all the time and I understand where Ben was coming from.

Tracks:

Ev'rything I've Got - Milton Berle, , Betty Garrett
Manhattan - Vic Damone, , Betty Garrett
Ok'i Baby Dok'i [From Big City] - Betty Garrett
There Ought to Be a Society - Betty Garrett
Don't Blame Me [From Big City] - Betty Garrett
I'm Gonna See a Lot of You - Betty Garrett
Buttons and Bows [From Paleface] - Betty Garrett
Matador - Betty Garrett
Pussy Cat Song (Nyow! Nyot! Nyow!) - Jimmy Durante, Betty Garrett
Any State in the Forty-Eight Is Great - Crew Chiefs, Jimmy Durante, Betty Garrett
There's a Small Hotel [From Words and Music] - Betty Garrett, MGM Studio Orchestra
Yes, Indeedy [From Take Me out to the Ball Game (UK- Everybody's ...) - Betty Garrett, Gene Kelly
Take Me out to the Ball Game [From Take Me out to the Ball Game ...] - Betty Garrett, Gene Kelly
Humphrey Bogart Rhumba - Crew Chiefs, Betty Garrett,
Can I Come in for a Second? - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
Reckon I'm in Love [From Montana] - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
Side by Side - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
Hand Holdin' Music - Betty Garrett
Go to Sleep, Go to Sleep, Go to Sleep - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
Written Guarantee - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
Lazy Lack-A-Daisy Day - Betty Garrett, Larry Parks
I'm Strictly on the Corny Side [From A Date with Judy] - Betty Garrett
It's a Quiet Town (In Crossbone County) - Betty Garrett
Home Cookin' [From Fancy Pants] - Betty Garrett
Poison Ivy - Betty Garrett,
Don't Throw Cold Water on the Flame of Love - Betty Garrett
Soft Shoe - Betty Garrett
Go - Ziggy Elman, Betty Garrett

Customer Reviews:

Sepia features 5 great female vocalists.......2006-05-21

I have the greatest respect for and owe a lot to the gallant little producers who are restoring old recordings to CDs. So to my list of such companies as DRG and Archeophone, I can now add a delightful little label from London, England called Sepia.

I have just listened to 5 CDs, each featuring a female vocalist from the past, and was fascinated by their contrasting styles.

"Starring Betty Rhodes" (Sepia 1069) showcases a singer whose ""I don't want to walk without you" I have used so many times in my talk about the songs of World War II. Never the great star, she was always around doing a far better than average job in a few films and countless recordings. Here she sings 26 numbers that include "Somewhere in the night," "What is this thing called love?" "Rumors are flying," and "Buttons and bows." Her style is easy going and very very pleasant.

By way of contrast, "Betty Garrett: Star of Stage & Screen" (1038) is filled with lively but never over the top renditions of 28 songs such as "Manhattan," "Take me out to the ballgame," "Side by side," and "Home cookin'." She is accompanied along the way by such luminaries as Milton Berle, Vic Damone, Jimmy Durante, and Gene Kelly. Garrett, by the way, became a star when she brought down the house in "Call Me Mister" singing "South America, take it away." A real fun CD.

I seem to remember the featured singer of "Hildegarde: Entrancing Music" (1066) as far back as my preteens. She was quite popular in cabarets and nightclubs, with a style that was friendly without being obnoxious (as are too many nightclub acts) and with a voice that could be sexy one minute and little girlish the next. Among the 26 numbers on this CD, she is best in slow ballads like "The touch of your lips" and "Every time we say goodbye," not quite comfortable with "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "The sidewalks of New York." The recordings used are in chronological order from 1936 to 1944 and afford a very pleasurable 78 minutes of listening. Hildegarde, by the way, passed away as recently as July 2005.

Also having gained fame as a cabaret singer in Europe is the star of "Gretta Keller: Remember Me & Other Intimate Songs" (1063). Equally at home in German and English, this chanteuse renders 25 songs, recorded in the mid-1950s, that include "The very thought of you," "They can't take that away from me," "These foolish things," and "Time on my hands." Her smoky voice will conjure up memories of Marlene Dietrich; but Keller is her own self in these engaging renditions of mostly familiar ballads.

The fifth and probably most familiar name on this cross-section of Sepia CDs appears on "Hommage a Josephine Baker: Disque du centenaire" (1065). This centenary tribute to the great singer includes songs recorded from 1930-53, in English and French (just listen to "Peg o' my heart" as "Peg de mon Coeur"!). Here is the voice of a St. Louis slum child who decided to make the most of her talents, even if it meant going to Paris to do so, and building herself into a great exponent of the French music hall.

Her voice can go from high soprano to what sounds like a mezzo, and she sounds great at any pitch. Included in the 27 songs on this CD are "La Congo blicoti," "Besame mucho," "Brazil," and "A message from the man in the moon." This disc should do a lot to make up for the cold reception she got upon her return to her native soil safter her European triumphs.

I am assured by the gentlemen running Sepia that these discs are available through amazon.com. And by the way, think what excellent gifts these would make, since you can be sure very few people will already have them in their collections.

Best Of Broadway the Late '40s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Average customer rating:

Best Of Broadway the Late '40s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Manufacturer: Time Life
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:

My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000FJW2KM

Product Description

1. There's No Business Like Show Business - Ethel Merman, Ray Middleton and Cast (Annie Get Your Gun)*** 2. They Say It's Wonderful - Ethel Merman (Annie Get Your Gun)*** 3. Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief - Betty Hutton (The Stork Club)*** 4. June Is Bustin' Out All Over - Christine Johnson, Jean Darling and Chorus (Carousel)*** 5. You'll Never Walk Alone - Jan Clayton and Christine Johnson (Carousel)*** 6. Come Rain or Come Shine - Ruby Hill and Harold Nicholas (St. Louis Woman)*** 7. Blue Skies - Bing Crosby (Blue Skies)*** 8. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah - James Baskett (Song of the South)*** 9. How Are Things in Glocca Morra? - Ella Logan with the Lyn Murray Singers (Finian's Rainbow)*** 10. Almost Like Being in Love - David Brooks and Marion Bell (Brigadoon)*** 11. A Fellow Needs a Girl - William Ching and Annamary Dickey (Allegro)*** 12. It's Magic - Doris Day (Romance on the High Seas)*** 13. Easter Parade - Judy Garland and Fred Astaire and the MGM Studio Chorus (Easter Parade)*** 14. Once in Love with Amy - Ray Bolger (Where's Charley?)*** 15. So in Love - Patricia Morison and Alfred Drake (Kiss Me, Kate)*** 16. Some Enchanged Evening - Ezio Pinza (South Pacific)*** 17. A Wonderful Guy - Mary Martin (South Pacific)*** 18. Let's Take an Old-Fashioned Walk - Eddie Albert and Allyn McLerie (Miss Liberty)*** 19. Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend - Carol Channing (Gentlemen Prefer Blonds)*** 20. On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe - Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, Virginia O'Brien, Marjorie Main, Ray Bolger (The Harvey Girls)

Best Of Broadway the Late '50s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Average customer rating:

Best Of Broadway the Late '50s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Manufacturer: Time-Life
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000FJXRD8

Product Description

1. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' - Gordon MacRae (Oklahoma!)*** 2. Something's Gotta Give - Fred Astaire (Daddy Long Legs)*** 3. I Could Have Danced All Night - Julie Andrews and Philippa Bevans and Maids (My Fair Lady)*** 4. Standing on the Corner - Shorty Long, John Henson, Alan Gilbert, Roy Lazarus (The Most Happy Fella)*** 5. I'm Not at All in Love - Doris Day and Girls (The Pajama Game)*** 6. Whatever Lola Wants - Gwen Verdon (Damn Yankees)*** 7. A Woman in Love - Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons (Guys and Dolls)*** 8. Shall We Dance - Yul Brynner and Marni Nixon for Deborah Kerr (The King and I)*** 9. All of You - Fred Astaire (Silk Stockings)*** 10. The Party's Over - Judy Holliday (Bells Are Ringing)*** 11. I'll Never Stop Loving You - Doris Day (Love Me or Leave Me)*** 12. Tonight - Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence (West Side Story)*** 13. America - Chita Rivera and Girls (West Side Story)*** 14. Gigi - Louis Jourdan (Gigi)*** 15. Thank Heaven for Little Girls - Maurice Chevalier (Gigi)*** 16. Seventy-Six Trombones - Robert Preston and Ensemble (The Music Man)*** 17. I Enjoy Being a Girl - Pat Suzuki (Flower Drum Song)*** 18. The Rain in Spain - Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, Robert Coote and Chorus (My Fair Lady)*** 19. Everything's Coming Up Roses - Ethel Merman (Gypsy)*** 20. Climb Ev'ry Mountain - Patrician Neway (The Sound of Music)

Average customer rating:

Somewhat Esoteric but Very Satisfying
Excellent Copland; the very best "Quiet City."
A shining star!
This is a must-have CD for fans of John Williams!

Music for Stage and Screen

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

American Visions
Pops Stoppers: Greatest Hits of the Boston Pops Orchestra
The Green Album
Williams on Williams: The Classic Spielberg Scores
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of John Williams & The Bosto

ASIN: B000002A2O
Release Date: 1994-04-05

Tracks:

Morning On The Ranch
The Gift
Dream March
Circus March
Walk to the Bunkhouse
Grandfather's Tale
Happy Ending
Born On The Fourth Of July: I. Theme
Born On The Fourth Of July: II. Cua Viet River, Vietnam 1968
Born On The Fourth Of July: Massapequa...The Early Days
Quiet City For Strings, Trumpet And English Horn
The Reivers

Customer Reviews:

Somewhat Esoteric but Very Satisfying.......2004-06-02

This is an interesting CD. The mix of Aaron Copland's and John Williams' compositions was quite unique. It took me by surprise the first time I listened to it. I love Copland's THE RED PONY suite, especially "Walk to the Bunkhouse". Williams' BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY was amazingly innovative and a much more serious composition than I had imagined. Copland's QUIET CITY was interestingly very moving. Again innovative and well conceived was Williams' THE REIVERS. The narration on this piece complemented the music extremely well after several times listening to it. This is an excellent CD. It really grew on me.

Excellent Copland; the very best "Quiet City.".......2003-07-05

I can't really count myself among the many fans of the Boston Pops, whether under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, John Williams or Keith Lockhart. This is not meant as any sort of elitism on my part, but, simply, generally speaking, my classical music tastes lie elsewhere. Probably, all told, I have barely a dozen CDs representing these conductors' efforts. But this "Music for Stage and Screen" CD is special among my rather smallish Boston Pops collection for a number of reasons, and it is easily one of my favorite Boston Pops CDs as a result.

In a nutshell, what makes this recording special is the "spotlighting" that the choice of works gives to Tim Morrison, the principal trumpeter at the time the recording was made. (As far as I know, Tim Morrison had this role for a number of years, although I haven't seen his presence in recent TV broadcasts of either the Pops or the Boston Symphony, so either he has "moved on" or is perhaps on an extended sabbatical.)

Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" is one of his smaller masterpieces. Scored for chamber orchestra with trumpet and English horn soloists, it provides a nice interplay between these two instruments, with the trumpet getting somewhat the larger role. I must have a half-dozen or more performances of this work, all in anthologies that are in whole or in part made up of the music of Copland, including one in which Wynton Marsalis is the soloist (on the same Sony label, for that matter). But, as much as it's difficult for me to state this, or for readers to accept it, Morrison trumps Marsalis quite handily. His tone is simply gorgeous: full and with a nice "bloom" to it, much like Harry James on his best day. To my taste, this approach meshes perfectly with the work.

Morrison shines again in one of the best-known excerpts - the main theme - from Williams's score for "Born on the Fourth of July" (a score that is far different from what we usually associate with Williams's pen, and one of my favorite Williams scores). The other two excerpts from this film score are "Williams at his atmospheric best": again, something quite different from "usual Williams."

This fine album is rounded out with a nice performance of another lesser-known Copland gem, his suite for "The Red Pony," and a very early Williams score for the film "The Reivers," not at all well-known and so a pleasant surprise with its inclusion. The work includes whimsical narration of the tale by the late Burgess Meredith, having as distinctive (and perfect) a voice for this narration as could be imagined.

This is creative programming at its best, giving us excellent but lesser-known works of both composers. The album sound is terrific, and the Boston Pops musicians - obviously including Morrison - are on the top of their game throughout. A very easy recommendation, deserving perhaps only a slightly more creative title for the album.

Bob Zeidler

A shining star!.......2001-09-16

The selections of music that are most memorable on this CD belong to John Williams. The Copland selections are wonderful, but are available elsewhere. Williams' "Suite from 'Born On the Fourth of July'" is a stunning musical achievement. The trumpet and English horn solos are exquisite. However, the crown jewel of this release is "The Reivers." It is based on selections from the William Faulkner novel of the same name. It is a breath of fresh air, a narrative piece of small town Americana brought to life by the magical voice of Burgess Meredith. This is a wonderful release, destined to become a classic.

This is a must-have CD for fans of John Williams!.......2001-09-14

This release features some great Copland material, but the gems on this recording are some obscure works by John Williams. The "Suite from 'Born on the Fourth of July'" is superbly written and beautifully played. The solo trumpet and English horn playing is stunning. This "Suite" is a fabulous collection. However, it is "The Reivers" that is the crowning achievement on this CD. The piece is a musical narrative based on selections of William Faulkner's novel of the same name. An Americana setting in the deep south during the turn of the century sets the stage for a heart-warming "coming of age" story. What gives this recording more credence is the narration, performed by Burgess Meredith. The music is descriptive, powerful and emotional. Five very unique stars!!!!

Best Of Broadway the '30s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Average customer rating:

Best Of Broadway the '30s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Manufacturer: Time Life
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000FJSIUK

Product Description

1. Beyond the Blue Horizon - Jeanette MacDonald (Monte Carlo)*** 2. On the Sunny Side of the Street - Harry Richman (International Revue)*** 3. Minnie the Moocher - Cab Calloway (Rhythmania)*** 4. Night and Day - Fred Astaire (Gay Divorce)*** 5. Ol' Man Rover - Paul Robeson (Show Boat)*** 6. Stormy Weather - Ethel Waters (Cotton Club of 1933)*** 7. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - Tamara (Roberta)*** 8. The Gold Diggers' Song (We're In the Money) - Ginger Rogers and Chorus (Gold Diggers of 1933)*** 9. By a Waterfall - Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler (Footlight Parade)*** 10. Inka Dinka Doo - Jimmy Durante (Palooka)*** 11. You're the Top - Ethel Merman (Anything Goes)*** 12. My Romance - Gloria Grafton and Donald Novis (Jumbo)*** 13. I'm in the Mood for Love - Frances Langford (Every Night at Eight)*** 14. You are My Lucky Star - Eleanor Powell (Broadway Melody of 1936)*** 15. Pennies from Heaven - Bing Crosby (Pennies from Heaven)*** 16. A Fine Romance - Fred Astaire (Swing Time)*** 17. September in the Rain - James Melton (Melody for Two)*** 18. Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland (The Wizard of Oz)*** 19. My Heart Belongs to Daddy - Mary Martin (Leave It to Me)*** 20. Hooray for Hollywood - Dick Powell, Frances Langford, Johnny "Scat" Davis and Gene Krupa (Hollywood Hotel)

Best Of Broadway the Early '60s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

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Best Of Broadway the Early '60s (Great Showstoppers from Stage & Screen)

Manufacturer: Time-Life
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests

ASIN: B000FJW518

Product Description

1. Put On a Happy Face - Dick Van Dyke (Bye Bye Birdie)*** 2. Lucky to Be Me - John Reardon and Chorus (On the Town)*** 3. Try to Remember - Jerry Orbach (The Fantasticks)*** 4. If Ever I Would Leave You - Robert Goulet (Camelot)*** 5. Camelot - Richard Burton (Camelot)*** 6. Hey, Look Me Over! - Lucille Ball (Wildcat)*** 7. Make Someone Happy - John Reardon (Do Re Mi)*** 8. Love Makes the World Go 'Round - Anna Maria Alberghetti, Jerry Orbach and Pierre Olaf (Carnival)*** 9. I Believe in You - Robert Morse (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying)*** 10. Once Upon a Time - Ray Bolger and Eileen Herlie (All American)*** 11. What Kind of Fool Am I? - Anthony Newley (Stop the World - I Want to Get Off)*** 12. It's a Grand Night for Singing - Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Anita Gordon, Bob Smart and Chorus (State Fair)*** 13. Real Live Girl - Sid Caesar and Soldiers' Chorus (Little Me)*** 14. As Long As He Needs Me - Georgia Brown (Oliver!)*** 15. Consider Yourself - Michael Goodman, Bruce Prochnik and Ensemble (Oliver!)*** 16. Bye Bye Birdie - Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie)*** 17. Hello, Dolly! - Carol Channing and Ensemble (Hello, Dolly!)*** 18. If I Were a Rich Man - Zero Mostel (Fiddler on the Roof)*** 19. Matchmaker, Matchmaker - Julia Migenes, Tanya Everett and Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof)*** 20. Chim-Chim Cher-ee - Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Matthew Garber and Karen Dotrice (Mary Poppins)

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Star of Stage & Screen
Lawrence Tibbett
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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From Broadway to Hollywood

ASIN: B00005ABOT
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Carmen: Toreador's Song: Votre Toast Je Jeux Vous Le Rendre
Tannhauser: Wie Todesahnung Dammerung Deckt Die Lande... O Du, Mein Holder Abendstern (O Star Of...
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum
Faust: Valentine's Aria: O Sainte Medaille... Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle (Fairest Night Of Starry Ray)
Tosca: Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza, Presto!... Te Deum Laudamus
The Rogue Song: The Rogue Song
The Rogue Song: The White Dove
The Southerner: Without A Song
The New Moon: Wanting You
The New Moon: Lover, Come Back To Me
Cuban Love Song: Tramps At Sea
Cuban Love Song: Cuban Love Song
Metropolitan: On The Road To Mandalay
Oh, That We Two Were Maying!
Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Uncle Ned
The Song Is You
In A Persian Garden: Myself When Young
Porgy And Bess: Bess, You Is My Woman Now
Porgy And Bess: I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'

Broadway: Timeless Classics of Stage and Screen

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Broadway: Timeless Classics of Stage and Screen

Manufacturer: Solid Gold
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Duets: An American Classic

ASIN: B000E5N5G2
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Oklahoma!: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
My Fair Lady: Wouldn't It Be Loverly
Kiss Me, Kate!: Were Thine Special Face?
Les Miserables: On My Own
West Side Story: Cool
Fiddler On The Roof: Sunrise Sunset
Chicago: Nowadays
The Phantom Of The Opera: Music Of The Night
Guys And Dolls: Luck Be A Lady
Finian's Rainbow: How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
Annie Get Your Gun: I Got The Sun In The Morning
The Sound Of Music: Climb Every Mountain
Gigi: Gigi
Wonderful Town: Ohio
The Lion King: He Lives In You
Cats: Memory
Man Of La Mancha: The Impossible Dream
Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone

Tracks:

Kiss Me, Kate!: So In Love
Anything Goes: Easy To Love
The King And I: Hello Young Lovers
Guys And Dolls: My Time Of Day/I've Never Been In Love Before
Cabaret: Maybe This Time
Miss Saigon: Sun And Moon
The Music Man: 'Til There Was You
Camelot: If Ever I Would Leave You
Brigadoon: Almost Like Being In Love
South Pacific: Some Enchanted Evening
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
Rose Marie: Indian Love Call
Mack And Mabel: I Won't Send Roses
Pal Joey: I Could Write A Book
Show Boat: Make Believe
Hello, Dolly!: It Only Takes A Moment
Roberta: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
West Side Story: Tonight

Music:

Music

Music