The Essential George Gershwin [Limited Edition]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Given his seemingly effortless ability at melding such disparate forms as jazz and gospel with his own rare melodic gifts, it's not hard to view George Gershwin as America's first classical crossover artist. But as this glorious, 41-track double-disc introduction to Gershwin's epochal repertoire quickly demonstrates, that assessment woefully shortchanges the sheer grandeur of "Rhapsody in Blue" or the sultry earthiness of "Summertime." Singer and pop musicologist Michael Feinstein produced the set (as well as contributing a new recording of "Home Blues"), and under his guidance it understandably leans toward Gershwin's remarkable body of songcraft, though it also includes more concert-oriented pieces such as the "Rhapsody" and "Prelude No. 2," both in original performances by the composer. But Feinstein's loving sense of American pop song history insures that the performances here are both inspired and enlightening. Indeed, his choices represent not only a who's who of 20th-century pop and saloon singers--spanning a rich pantheon that includes Jolson, Kelly, Astaire, Holliday, Sinatra, Bennett, Waters, Torme, Clooney, Day, Vaughan, and Fitzgerald--but deftly underscore Gershwin's transcendent synthesis of style, era, and distinctly American subject matter. Also includes a written tribute by modern songwriter Diane Warren and an essay by Pulitzer Prize winner Tim Page. -–Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

Prde from Suite No. 1 in G Major for Cello, BWV 1007
II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
Jesus, bleibet meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring), BWV 147
Schafe kn sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze), BWV 208
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake), BWV 645
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
Havanaise, Op. 83
Mtation from Tha
Liebesfreud Instrumental
Allegro ben ritmato e deciso from Three Preludes
Vocalise Vocal
IV. Allegro from Sonata in D minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Andante Cantabile for Cello Solo and String Orchestra, Op. posth.
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto from Quartet No. 1 in G minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 25
III. Finale. Allegro moderato from Concerto in B minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 104

Tracks:

Cristal
A lenda do caboclo
Chega de Saudade Live
Wapango Live
Libertango
Appalachia Waltz Solo Cello Version
Butterfly's Day Out
1B
Pickin' from Three Pieces for Solo Cello
Simple Gifts
The Mission
Gabriel's Oboe
The Falls Album Version
The Eternal Vow from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Cellist of Sarajevo - A Lament in Rondo Form for Solo 'Cello, Op. 12
Chi passa per'sta strada
Mido Mountain (Chinese Traditional)
Mohini (Enchantment)
Baroque in Rhythm from Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio
Anything Goes Instrumental
I Could Have Danced All Night Extended version

Amazon.com

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Thais simply ravishing, "Anything Goes" a romp, and the Appalachian music performed with both respect and a great twang, while the traditional Chinese music is fascinating. It's really a matter of how much Ma loves whatever he plays here, how entirely he becomes involved in it, and what a fine partner he invariably is to other musicians. This collection is a doozy--it is truly "essential." --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

pure genius.......2007-05-21

No instrument asks more from the soul of an artist as the cello does.
Yo Yo Ma shows to be master of the instrument and his interpretations en technique are pure genius. Everyone should have this album in his (or hers of course) basic classical collection

Another great Yo-Yo Disc.......2007-05-15

The set-up with the classical pieces on the first disc and the other on the second is excellent.

first disc great- second a flop.......2007-04-12

the first disc is awesome. the second disc is weird and boring.

Encore.......2007-03-31

Incredible. My young cellist (son) loves it. Beautiful music. The album is well organized and each song transitions nicely.

The Versatile Yo-Yo Ma.......2007-03-29

I've found this collection to be extremely delightful! It gives you a sense of the versatility of Yo-Yo Ma like no other, with one disc being dedicated more to his classical side, while the other explores jazz and world music venues. Not your typical "greatest hits" collection.

Average customer rating:

Violin touches your heart

The Essential Joshua Bell

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000NDIAXI
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Customer Reviews:

Violin touches your heart.......2007-06-24

Those who do not prefer violin music should try this. His violin will change your world.
His music touches people's heart.

Average customer rating:

Thoughts deep enough for tears
The Essential George Gershwin
The Best Album Since Ever!!!!
Gershwin on the Money!
The Essential George Gershwin

Essential George Gershwin
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00006FN8K
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

Prelude No. 2 For Piano
I Got Rhythm - Ethel Waters
Oh Lady, Be Good - Buck & Bubbles
Summertime - Billie Holiday & Her Orchestra
Nice Work If You Can Get It - Maxine Sullivan & Her Orchestra
They Can't Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
Swanee - Al Jolson
Liza - Benny Goodman
Someone To Watch Over Me - Frank Sinatra
'S Wonderful - Dinah Shore & Buddy Clark
Do It Again - Jane Russell
Soon - Dorothy Kirsten
Fascinating Rhythm/Someone To Watch Over Me - Morton Gould
The Man I Love - Billie Holiday & Her Orchestra
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off - Fred Astaire
Love Is Here To Stay - Gene Kelly
How Long Has This Been Going On? - Felicia Sanders
Blues - Harry James & His Orchestra
But Not For Me - Doris Day
A Foggy Day - Rosemary Clooney
I'll Build A Stairway to Paradise - Georges Guetary
Third Movement (Allegro Agitato) - Oscar Levant & Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Of New York

Tracks:

Of Thee I Sing Overture - Buffalo Philharmonic
They All Laughed - Tony Bennett
Of Thee I Sing - The Hi-Lo's
Promenade (Walking The Dog) - Los Angeles Philharmonic
I've Got A Crush On You - Ella Fitzgerald
Somebody Loves Me - Alberta Hunter
Love Walked In/Embraceable You - Maureen McGovern
Mine - Dick Hyman
Isn't It A Pity - Mel Torm
Introduction and Jazzbo Brown - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
It Ain't Necessarily So - Aretha Franklin
Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Robert Mcferrin & Adele Addison
I Loves You, Porgy - Miles Davis
My Man's Gone Now - Sarah Vaughan
There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York - Cab Calloway
Who Cares? - Tony Bennett
Rhapsody in Blue
Strike Up The Band - Androstelanetz & His Orchestra
Home Blues - Michael Feinstein

Amazon.com

Given his seemingly effortless ability at melding such disparate forms as jazz and gospel with his own rare melodic gifts, it's not hard to view George Gershwin as America's first classical crossover artist. But as this glorious, 41-track double-disc introduction to Gershwin's epochal repertoire quickly demonstrates, that assessment woefully shortchanges the sheer grandeur of "Rhapsody in Blue" or the sultry earthiness of "Summertime." Singer and pop musicologist Michael Feinstein produced the set (as well as contributing a new recording of "Home Blues"), and under his guidance it understandably leans toward Gershwin's remarkable body of songcraft, though it also includes more concert-oriented pieces such as the "Rhapsody" and "Prelude No. 2," both in original performances by the composer. But Feinstein's loving sense of American pop song history insures that the performances here are both inspired and enlightening. Indeed, his choices represent not only a who's who of 20th-century pop and saloon singers--spanning a rich pantheon that includes Jolson, Kelly, Astaire, Holliday, Sinatra, Bennett, Waters, Torme, Clooney, Day, Vaughan, and Fitzgerald--but deftly underscore Gershwin's transcendent synthesis of style, era, and distinctly American subject matter. Also includes a written tribute by modern songwriter Diane Warren and an essay by Pulitzer Prize winner Tim Page. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Thoughts deep enough for tears .......2006-12-20

Listening to this music I brought back to the America of my childhood and early years. Excuse the subjectivity of this review. I don't think there is anyone who doubts the greatness of this music. And the performers here Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Ella, Jolson, Tony Bennett, Fred Astraire, Doris Day are the tops of the top.
That is to say as a review there is really nothing more to say, but that this is the top of the top in popular music.
But again listening to the very distinct sounds of someone like Jolly , or Sinatra, or the clarinet of Goodman I am connected to so many specific sights and scenes of my own past life, and of people who so loved this music and are no longer hear to enjoy it. As for Gershwin he is just the best there is, these melodies have been heard so often they sing in my soul as in so many other souls, wherever we go.
It just brings me thoughts deep enough for tears.

The Essential George Gershwin.......2006-04-02

I love George Gershwin tunes. But, after listening to the first cut on disk one entitled "Prelude No.2 For Piano," my first thought was: "You've got to be kidding, couldn't the engineers have reduced the "hiss" noise from this great collection." Unfortunately, the problem was with my equipment. Once corrected, this CD was well worth the money spent. My vote goes from two stars to Five Stars!

The Best Album Since Ever!!!!.......2006-03-07

I never knew who Gershwin was until I saw the 7th Heaven episode where they did a tribute to his music. I thought the music was interesting, so I decided to try a cd. I heard Rhapsody in Blue when I was a child.(the second half) I am always looking for a great artist and someone I feel is deserving of listening to. I'm proud to say that after I bought this album and listened to it, I am truely a Gershwin fan. And with me getting married soon, this was the best time to get introduced to his music because Embraceable You is definitely the most perfect song ever.

Gershwin on the Money!.......2005-12-12

Perlude #2 of Gershwin's "Three Preludes" is my all time favorite piece of music, and this wonderful cd presents it in a warm and loving way, as I think George Gershwin would have.

The Essential George Gershwin.......2005-10-26

Absolutely great album! Wonderful Gershwin would be enough but add all the greats in music and vocal categories and it's a smash hit, one after another. It is definatley a journey down memory lane, well worth the purchase. I will play this many times over, timeless!

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

CLassical Clarinet Lovers Look Here!

The Essential Emma Johnson

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ASIN: B00004GOWA
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Tracks:

Cl Con in A, K.622: First Movt: Allegro - Emma Johnson
Cl Con in A, K.622: Second Movt: Adagio - Emma Johnson
Cl Con in A, K.622: Third Movt: Rondo. Allegro - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2 in f, Op.5: First Movt: Allegro - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2 in f, Op.5: Second Movt: Andante Pastorale - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2 in f, Op.5: Third Movt: Rondo - Emma Johnson
Adagio in D flat ('Wagner's Adagio') - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2, Op.115: First Movt: Allegro Vivace - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2, Op.115: Second Movt: Lento - Emma Johnson
Cl Con No.2, Op.115: Third Movt: Allegro Non Troppo 'The Pre-Goodman Rag' - Emma Johnson

Tracks: