Two for the Road [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
20bit K2 Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Tracks:

Peter Gunn
A Profound Gass
Snowfall
Mr. Lucky
The Great Impostor: Theme
Moon River
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Experiment In Terror
Hatari: Theme
Baby Elephant Walk
Just For Tonight (Vocal)
Days Of Wine And Roses (Vocal)
Charade (Vocal)
The Pink Panther Theme
Dear Heart (Vocal)
How Soon (Vocal)
A Shot In The Dark
The Sweetheart Tree (Vocal)
Two For The Road (Vocal)
Love Theme From 'Romeo An Juliet'
Whistling Away The Dark
What's Happening!!

Customer Reviews:

Typical Mancini.......2007-03-25

First, I really like Mancini's music generally and I am really concerned that he may be one of the greats of American music who will soon be forgotten if he hasn't been already. (US music schools tend to be a little snobby and don't give a number of truly great American composers their due.) However, the mix of this particular CD is simply too average. Many good songs are not on it and some weak ones are. I would not recommend this CD except to ManciniPhiles like me.

It's Hard to Believe He's Gone.......2006-05-23

Henry Mancini gave us so much of our consciousness of the 1960s and 1970s, and yet was "out" almost as soon as he was "in."

His work became synonymous with much-despised "elevator music" in the later 1960s. This stereotype (or monotype, for his earliest works) can mislead.

For example, "Lujon" [not in this collection] was used in a movie just last year to exemplify mystery and an exotic atmosphere.

Mancini dies way too young. While some would argue that he'd become a self-parody, his innate gifts compromised by relentless commercialization, you cannot take away his lasting gift to our culture. He was an original, and he captured an essence of our collective experience.

He's here in this collection, waiting round the bend, my Huckleberry friend.

Nostalgic.......2006-02-20

A great trip down memory lane. The selections sound just like I remember them from the movies and the radio. Enjoy

On connaît tous sa musique, beaucoup moins son nom..........2005-09-20

En ces temps où le terme de BO est galvaudé (pénible Yann Tiersen, satanés Choristes !), cette compilation est l'occasion de rendre hommage à l'un des grands génies du genre, largement méconnu, et victime d'un des plus incroyables quiproquos de la Musique.
En effet, c'est lui qui a composé l'éternel thème de la Panthère Rose, et son mythique refrain de saxophone, définitivement associés au dessin animé du même nom, et qui invariablement provoquent sourires (voire moqueries) chez les non-initiés... Rappelons qu'au départ La Panthère Rose est un film réalisé par le génial Blake Edwards en 1964, avec l'inénarrable Peters Sellers dans le rôle principal, et que cette fameuse Panthère Rose désigne non pas un sympathique félin, mais un diamant d'une valeur inestimable, et dont le vol est à l'origine du scénario.
Mais sa contribution à l'histoire de la musique ne s'arrête pas là. En effet, on lui doit également le monumental Moon River, titre dont l'insurpassable limpidité mélodique est capable de me porter au bord des larmes en quelques mesures, repris entre autres par Sinatra et Morrissey et susurré par la délicieuse Audrey Hepburn dans Breakfast At Tiffany's. Et c'est toujours lui qui est à l'origine du thème explosif de Peter Gunn, avec sa ligne de basse à réveiller les morts et ses arrangements de cuivres qui traumatiseront toute une génération de compositeurs, Quincy Jones en tête...
En tout cas, cette compilation est une excellente introduction à l'univers de Henry Mancini, qui en mêlant arrangements jazzy, vocaux surannés et mélodies inoubliables, a tout simplement inventé la Lounge music, avant que ce mot ne désigne un vaste fourre-tout pour bobos peu curieux...

Henry Mancini's Greatest Hits.......2005-07-13

This CD is all one needs to understand why this dude is the master when it comes to composing. Having been introduced to this great human being at an early age, my fascination for his work is still a vital part of my being. This CD is just what I have always wanted. It has all the classics, along with some older gems I never knew existed. I love it so much, that I am going to send my mama back home one. She was, is and always will be perhaps his GREATEST FAN ever. If you just can't live without Mancini's music, then this CD is for you. Enjoy, enjoy,
enjoy!!

Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster

Average customer rating:

An Outstanding Collection
Gorgeous playing, beautiful pieces.

Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster
Jules Massenet , Sergey Rachmaninov , Pablo de Sarasate , Alexander Glazunov , Fritz Kreisler , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Henryk Wieniawski , Lawrence Foster , Itzhak Perlman , and The Abbey Road Ensemble
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classic Perlman: Rhapsody

ASIN: B000002RVH
Release Date: 1996-03-12

Tracks:

Meditation (Thais)
Mazurka-Obereque: Mazurka - Obereque
Vocalise, Op.34, No.14
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20
Fantasy On Russian Themes
Meditation, Op.32
Scherzo, Op. 42 No. 2
Legende, Op.17
The Old Refrain
Introduction & Tarantelle, Op. 43
Schon Rosmarin

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Collection.......2002-02-12

Here is Perlman at the top of his game- performing short Romantic and turn-of-the-century gems. Perlman has always seemed to revel in this specific era in classical music. From Glazunov's fiery Mazurka, to Pablo de Sarasate's virtuosic jaunt, to the simple, romatic charm of Kreisler's "Schon Rosmarin", Itzhak Perlman and the Abbey Road Ensemble deliver with graceful mastery. I've never heard Massenet's Meditations from "Thais" performed with more passion and elegance.
A lot of violinists, myself included, feel that Perlman has had a rather inconsistent recording career, and A La Carte should be impressive and refreshing for his critics. The exceptional sound quality of this recording makes it a very involving experience and great addition to any audiophile's collection. I never tire of this album, and it is a mainstay and a favorite in my collection. I recommend it 100%.

Gorgeous playing, beautiful pieces........1998-10-29

This collection of rarely performed pieces is a fantastic record. Perlman's playing, as usual, is a feast for the ears. The lush accompaniment is equally beautiful. The pieces are accessible to the classical connoisseur as well as the novice. This is the perfect album for a winter afternoon around the house.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Two for the Road: The Music of Henry Mancini

Average customer rating:

Mr Lucky
Wife is happy now.
Moonlight homage!
"Fresh, Interesting and Successful Music!"
Dave Grusin Plays Mancini . . . Two For The Road

Two for the Road: The Music of Henry Mancini

Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Homage to Duke
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ASIN: B0000001W5
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

Peter Gunn
Dreamsville
Mr. Lucky
Moment To Moment
Baby Elephant Walk
Two For The Road
Days Of Wine And Roses
Hatari
Whistling Away The Dark
Soldier In The Rain

Customer Reviews:

Mr Lucky.......2007-05-13

Dave Grusins arrangements of Gershwin and his work with Lee Ritenour and Brasil artists is astounding. He makes everything so listenable! So here we have him arranging the great original works of Hank Mancini. The magic of both these great musicians is overwhelming. Henry wrote some great classics. Dave Grusin gives them a freshness that you will want to listen to over and over again.

Wife is happy now........2007-01-09

Wife had heard this CD on FM radio and secretly wrote it's name on slip of paper. I found it and got it for her for Christmas. "When mama is happy, everbody is happy."

Moonlight homage!.......2006-06-08

Dave Grusin made a very heartfelt homage in Henry Mancini `s memory with this striving album that deserves all your special attention.

If I had to find any motive of complaint around this invaluable CD is the few number of songs. Perhaps Moon river, Charade, and Sunflower could be arranged and included because these three themes were emblematic and definitive in the winning career of Mancini

The only hope I have is that Cruisin makes a second album. But this is fantastic entry to enjoy.

"Fresh, Interesting and Successful Music!".......2006-05-21

I remember collecting Mancini on vinyl when I was a kid. The phrase above was on one of the album covers.

I see Henry Mancini, in hindsight, as a classic example of how talent is consumer voraciously by the entertainment business. He enjoyed his success, to be sure, but it sucked everything out of him, too.

This album is distinguished by its final track though. First, I did not know that lyrics existed for "Soldier in the Rain," and wonder who wrote them. Second, to me, Grusin's choice of this track as the last depicted was no accident. Mancini was a devoted father and husband, and he wanted the best for his children, very much including his son. "That your someday child, never knows the rain."

Grusin's tribute to this great musician and composer is well-fitted and much welcomed.

Dave Grusin Plays Mancini . . . Two For The Road.......2006-01-17

Dave Grusin's greatest influence and inspiration in his musical career was Henry "Hank" Mancini, and he dedicated this album in memory of the legendary composer. When he was younger and trying to decide what road to take, he thought of the music of Henry Mancini and some other composers such as André Previn and Elmer Bernstein.

According to Dave Grusin, Hank Mancini was "as generous with advice and enthusiasm as anyone he had known in this arena, the whimsical good humor you hear in his music was there in real life as well."

Dave Grusin is joined by some of the finest studio musicians in creating one of the best Henry Mancini tributes: John Pattitucci (bass), Harvey Mason (drums), Russell Malone (guitar), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion), Tollak Ollestad (harmonica), Gary Grant (trumpet), Andrew Martin (trombone), Jerry Hey and the Hot Band, Dan Higgins, Tom Scott and Eric Marienthal (sax). Diana Krall did the vocals on "Dreamsville" and "Soldier In The Rain."

This is Henry Mancini music in smooth jazz, so typical of Dave Grusin's innovative and jazz-oriented arrangements and it presented not only his skills but also his dedication to piano playing.

It's an awesome CD to listen to and enjoy the music of Henry Mancini and the artistry of Dave Grusin. You'll be delighted with all the selections especially his terrific interpretations of "Moment To Moment," "Two For The Road," "Baby Elephant Walk" and "Days of Wine and Roses."

Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

not enough Galway
Too Good to Last

Henry Mancini -The Ultimate Collection
James Galway
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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James Galway & Henry Mancini In The Pink
Ultimate Mancini
The Wind Beneath My Wings
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Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000071UZ
Release Date: 1995-12-06

Tracks:

Pink Panther Theme - Plas Johnson, Henry Mancini & His Orchestra
Moon River
Days of Wine and Roses
Baby Elephant Walk
Theme from Hatari
Charade - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Thorn Birds Theme - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Blue Satin
Two for the Road
Mr Lucky
Theme from the Molly Maguires - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Moment to Moment
As Time Goes By - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Shot in the Dark
Misty
Theme from Love Story
Pennywhistle Jig - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Everything I Do (I Do It for You) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Moonlight Sonata
Tender Is the Night - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Theme from "Mommie Dearest" - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head
Crazy World
Mona Lisa

Tracks:

Peter Gunn
Unchained Melody - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Summer Knows
Experiment in Terror
Windmills of Your Mind
Till There Was You
Speedy Gonzales - Henry Mancini,
Sweetheart Tree
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Lonesome
Pie in the Face Polka - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Dear Heart
Charade [Opening Titles]
Shadow of Your Smile
One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Breakfast at Tiffany's
That Old Black Magic
Evergreen
Midnight Cowboy

Album Description

1995 compilation on RCA Victor featuring 46 of the composer's finest & most memorable recordings from 1956-1991on two digitally remastered, full color picture CDs. Contains 'The Pink Panther Theme', 'Moon River', 'A Shot In The Dark', Wine And Roses', 'Baby Elephant Walk', 'Peter Gunn', 'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)', 'Mona Lisa', 'Unchained Melody', 'Midnight Cowboy' and much more. Well over two hours of easy listening ecstasy! Double slimline jewel case. The full title is 'In The Pink: The Ultimate Collection'.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double Anthology of the Pop and Soundtrack Composer from the 50's and 60's. Perhaps his Best Counterpart of Today Would Be John Williams. A Film Maker Could Always Rely on Mancini to Deliver a Composition that Hit the Mark for a Film and Conveyed Exactly What was Required and More. He also Filled the Role of an American Mantovani, Recording 'muzak' Versions of Popular Hits. He was Handsome, Personable, but Most of All, Well Respected for his Craft.

Customer Reviews:

not enough Galway.......2003-10-02

There are only four songs with James Galway. The way this recording is presented is misleading and buyers should be aware that this is NOT a joint effort between these two great artists.. I was totally disappointed. I think Henry Mancini is wonderful but was expecting to hear a collaboration. So if you're looking for flute music this isn't it. However it's a great collecton of Henry Mancini's work.

Too Good to Last.......2000-03-03

I heard this on PBS. Galway and Mancini may be two of the most talented musicians of our century. Galway for his complete mastery of the flute and Mancini for his ability to arrange , produce and in this instance direct the orchestra while Galway performs. They do several duets of a comical nature as well. This is important because it is one of Mancini's last efforts prior to his unfortunate passing.

Average customer rating:

Silly reviewers! Historical Adams
With all due respect: boring
Response to frisbee95:
A great composer with all his influences showing
Not the best Adams CD

Road Movies

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Century Rolls

ASIN: B0001XAO66
Release Date: 2004-05-04

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II. Meditative - Leila Josefowicz
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Hallelujah Junction
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China Gates - Nicolas Hodges
American Berserk - Nicolas Hodges
Part 1
Part 2 (A System Of Weights And Measures)
Part 3

Amazon.com

Here is a CD of chamber works by John Adams: Road Movies is for violin and piano, Hallelujah Junction is for two pianos, and the other three works are for solo piano. China Gates, the shortest piece, is simply beautiful: 4-and-a-half minutes of lyricism. American Berserk, the other miniature, is busy, jazzy and rhythmically rich. Hallelujah Junction, for two pianos, is named for a truck stop on the California-Nevada border, but Adams was thinking more of the area's past, filled with gold prospectors. Its 16 minutes are brawny and energetic; sometimes the pianos finish one-another's phrases, sometimes they form big-boned clusters. It goes through a section of plushness before a jagged last movement---it's as varied, Adams seems to be saying, as America's personality. Road Movies begins with a tempi and attitude evocative of driving down a highway, with billboards and dotted landscapes whizzing by; one might hear in the piano part the road and its turns and in the violin, the changing but much-the-same sights. The second movement is lonelier and more severe and the third is part pure minimalism sped up to a point of mania and part boogie-woogie. The CD's longest piece, Phrygian Gates, is peaceful and moody, with moments which alternately swell and ebb; the second movement goes nowhere and seems to be concerned with a tone cluster at time, and the finale is insistent minmalism, staying close enough to its original key at all times to be comfortable while rhythmically keeping us on out toes. The performances are beyond reproach, with Leila Josefowicz and John Novacek particularly splendid in their difficult Road Moves duos, but with very high praise going to the other pianists as well. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Adams always catches the attention. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Silly reviewers! Historical Adams.......2006-06-14

What we have here is a hodgepodge of old and (one) new material for piano. "China Gates" and "Phrygian Gates" is actually considered to be Adam's Opus 1, so to find out that his very first mature work does not resound with the same punctuation and feeling that previously works have, like "Harmonielehre" or even the recently released "Naive and Sentimental Music," does not mean that Adams is in anyway losing his "touch" or is begin lose his creative spark. Instead, these two pieces should be listened to and enjoyed for what they represent in terms of John Adams' historical work, or the work which has gotten him to where he is today.

Similarly, "Road Movies" was composed in 1995, "Hallelujah Junction" was composed in 1996, and the newest work, "American Berzerk" was composed in 2003. "Road Movies" is actually a very soothing, contemplative work, but (true) does contain the same expressiveness felt in other works of art by Adams. "Hallelujah Junction" may be the most disappointing piece on the album, but I'm not sure that it's supposed to be taken as seriously as some Adams' fans would like to take it - such as on the level with "On The Transmigration of Souls" or "The Death of Klinghoffer." Adams himself acknowledged that "Hallelujah Junction" is the name of a truck stop on US 395 and that "it was a case of a good title needing a piece, so I obliged by composing this work for two pianos."

No, this isn't Adams' best work, but I definitely think that it surely lives up to his other greatest attempts. Plus, as an album containing solely works composed by Adams for the piano and not for orchestra, this is a nice breather and definitely an excellent addition to one's collection of piano music or for fans of Adams himself.

With all due respect: boring.......2005-02-06

I respect John Adams as a composer. He has done wonderful things, which are ultimately moving. But this CD is boring. Once you leave the violin behind, and in spite of the cute titles, all sounds pretty much the same. For those who want it, nothing more than an intellectual exercise.

Response to frisbee95:.......2004-07-09

I agree. His music is getting very stale (I actually found his violin concerto to be boring). Minimalism, which is a silly term anyway, is essentially gone. I've known the music of Reich, Glass, Adams, Riley, Young etc since the late 70's, and have interviewed and met all of them during my college years. A shame, since much of their earlier output is amazing. One of the best concerts I attended was the Chicago premiere of Harmonium, conducted by Felix Slatkin, at an outdoor Grant Park concert. Adams was there, and I had a great chat with him.

For alternatives, there is always the music of Morton Feldman (particularly the works from 1977 on, which is arguably his best), some decent work by Charlemagne Palestine (Strumming Music is still the best, in my opinion) and a few others. Not to be self-promoting, but just to show that there is recent music with repetitive structures that I think, are of value, you may want to look at http://homepage.mac.com/dtoub/dbtmusic.html for some examples. Not putting my works in the same class as any of the others, but I'd like to think there's something new and interesting about it.

A great composer with all his influences showing.......2004-05-22

What I've come to love about John Adams is the way he borrows from everybody and everything. In many ways, he's the epitome of the Post-Modern composer, because he boldly appropriates other styles and idioms and finds a way to make them his own. This new CD is a prime example of how Adams uses the old to make new. "Road Movies" is clearly the work of John Adams, but the second movement resonates so close to the 2nd movement of the Copland violin sonata that it gives me the shakes. This isn't just a quote or rip-off, but a work that honors a powerful precedent: it's almost a love song to its predecessor. "American Berserk" evokes an array of composers that Adams clearly loves, especially Nancarrow and Ives. "Hallelujah Junction" is a genuinely great tune, with inflections of Gospel and Rock piano playing thrown in to make it tasty. And while this makes my third recording of "Phrygian Gates," I can't complain, as I think it's probably the best work for piano written in the last 25 years. None of these works are "easy" to play, and they're given dynamic performances and crisp recordings, making this CD a unique pleasure.

Not the best Adams CD.......2004-05-17

I am a big fan of John Adams, he is my favourite living composer, but I feel that in recent years his work has not been up to the standard of such masterpieces as Harmonielehre, Shaker Loops, El Dorado and Phrygian Gates, one of the works recorded here (again). Phrygian Gates is the main piece on this CD and it is a brilliant piece, one of Adam's best. Rolf Hind's performance is excellent, but do we really need another recording of it? There are many recordings already available for this work, as there are for its smaller companion piece - China Gates. Of the other works on the CD only Hallelujah Junction and American Berserk are premiere recordings. Road Movies was released on a CD a couple of years ago by the California Ear Unit. Again the performance of Road Movies is excellent and the piece is quite good, especially the first movement, but it is a shadow of Adams' great works. Hallelujah Junction is the standout piece of the newer works on the CD. Its sprawling arch recalls the best of Adam's orchestral output and it has a very exciting climax recalling Weill and Lizst. Still, there's something about it that just doesn't move me like his earlier work. American Berserk is the biggest disappointment on the disk, it sounds like a piece that Adams just threw off in a few minutes from a scale formula.
I am very worried about Adam's recent output, is he losing his genius I wonder? Having heard concert performances of some of his more recent, as yet unrecorded orchestral works, such as My Father Knew Charles Ives, Guide To Strange Places and On The Transmigration of Souls, I have been unmoved by them and felt they were only reasonably good at best. All these orchestral pieces and the newer chamber works have their moments, but a work like Harmonielehre is a full 40 minutes of brilliance, something Adam's hasn't achieved in a long time. Naive and Sentimental Music comes close though. I remain optimistic and eagerly await the UK premiere of his new electric violin concerto The Dharma at Big Sur at the Proms this year. Overall though, I'm disappointed with his recent output and disappointed by this CD. I don't think it was really necessary to rerecord the pieces already recorded and there are enough new orchestral pieces that could have merited inclusion on this CD. With Adam's seemingly running out of ideas, and Reich and Glass doing the same kind of music they have done since the 80's, I fear for the future of post-minimalist music. Who can take over from them now that they appear to be stuck in ruts? Michael Torke is interesting but a bit too bland most of the time, Michael Gordon can be very exciting but a bit too weird at times. Where pray is the next great composer in this tradition sprung from minimalism? I think we may have to look to the outskirts of Europe or Africa or Asia to find someone genuinely new and interesting working along the same lines. For now though we'll have to be content with Adam's pastiches, Glass' Hollywood film scores and Reich's uninspiring multimedia work, which although inventive from a multimedia point of view, doesn't actually do anything new or interesting musically. If anyone can point me in the direction of someone new and exciting out there I'd be grateful!

Average customer rating:

As Time Goes By

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000269S82
Release Date: 2006-07-24

Tracks:

Diamonds Are Are A Girl's Bestfriend (Gentlemen Perfer Blonds)
Main Theme (Basic Instinct)
The Man With The Harmonica (Once Upon A Time In The West)
La Strada
Tea For Two (No, No Nanette)
Lullaby Of Birdland (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
As Time Goes By (Casablanca)
Family Portrait (Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone)
Poverty/Deborah's Theme (Once Upon A Time In America)
Catch Me If You Can
Main Theme From Titantic
I Could Have Done More (Schindler's List)
The Windmills Of Your Mind (The Thomas Crown Affair)
The Bare Necessities (The Jungle Book)
Love Me Tender
Love Scene (Vertigo)

Average customer rating:

A step back in time...
Charming score
If You're Feeling Fancy Free
Wistful and Mellow Mancini.
Classic Mancini

Two for the Road
Henry Mancini
Manufacturer: RCA Fs Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000027VNS
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Tracks:

Two for the Road [Choir Version]
Something for Audrey
Lovely Life
Chaser
Something Loose
Happy Barefoot Boy
Two for the Road (Main Title)
Congarocka
French Provincial
Donk
Domain St. Juste
Two for the Road [Instrumental]

Album Description

Reissue of Henry Mancinin's soundtrack to director Stanley Donen's 1967 romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn, AlbertFinney & Jacqueline Bisset. 12 tracks. Also includes the original cover art. 1998 RCA release.

Customer Reviews:

A step back in time..........2007-01-16

I recall my youth in every song! Very early 60's. The theme song always brings tears to my eyes. It seems to capture both the heartache and the hope of the movie. There are a couple of funky numbers, but the main theme is well worth the price of the cd! I have enjoyed it many times over. It's terrific!

Charming score.......2006-11-13

This is Mancini at his best,and it ranks right up there with his "Charade"
and "Breakfast At Tiffany's" as one of the great romantic scores of the
1960s.The main theme is delightful,one of his best tunes,and both versions
presented here are excellent(The instrumental version is especially so!)
The score makes it very clear why Mancini was so good at scoring this
type of movie.The score fits the film perfectly.A delight.

If You're Feeling Fancy Free.......2006-05-23

This stands as Mancini's greatest achievement in his end-career stage. The theme song itself haunts you.

Justly, it has become a jazz standard, played to great effect by many, many talented jazz musicians.

And yet, as memorable as it is, the tune carries a sad sort of feeling in its intensely romantic frame.

The movie (itself fairly forgettable) posed a problem for the composer: it's the story of a constantly bickering couple taking a long trip together. How can you back this up with appropriate music?

So, many of the tracks seem disconnected, I think because of the inevitably mixed premise we have operating here. Mancini was a thorough professional.

But, if you're feeling fancy-free, come wander through this world with me. The unexpected poignancy of this title tune does not, for some reason, make it into the various "best of" collections of Mancini's work, and I do not know why. It's one of his all-time best works.

Wistful and Mellow Mancini........2002-05-29

Two For The Road is a sadly neglected film. Boasting fine direction, a wittily cynical script and two great star performances, it also features one of Henry Mancini's finest scores. The title song is easily the equal of Moon River or Charade. And yet both the film and the music have been unjustly overlooked. But this CD can at least put Mancini's music back into circulation.

Mancini film albums were never taken directly from the soundtrack. Instead, he preferred to go into the studio and do a fresh version of the score, using the same arrangements but without the breaks and edits that film music is usually subjected to. Thus the album flows along, especially once the obligatory choral version of the title song is out of the way.

All the usual Mancini ingredients are here - a bit of jazz, romantic ballads, a quirky theme or two to underline the film's comic moments. And all with that kind of Hollywood-esque French flavour that helped to make Mancini's scores for Charade and A Shot In The Dark so delightful. On a recent drive through France from Calais to Languedoc, I found Two For The Road's title track endlessly popping into my imagination.

The music is old-fashioned by the standards of modern film music, but that is hardly a drawback. Henry Mancini was one of the best - and busiest - film composers of his day. Anyone who doubts his ability to provide both emotion and background should listen to the final track on this CD - the film's final scene. It sums up everything that was good about the film - and Mancini himself.

The only downside is the CD's regrettably brief running time - typical of the albums of the sixties.

Classic Mancini.......2001-05-29

Title song is a favorite of many artists including Mancini. Must have especially if you have a 280 SL. Mancini pure and clean. Love it.