Cuban Lullaby

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
No fat cigar, not even Cuba's gorgeous sunsets, can register close on the sublimity scale to the country's lush, commercially unsullied music, something lots of folks discovered a few years back when a subtle loosening of regulatory strings let the brilliant, boundary-busting Buena Vista Social Club cross the shore. On Cuban Lullaby, another of Ellipsis Arts' impressively packaged, carefully annotated, and sweet-smelling Lullaby series (the scent of lavender, said to promote heavy-liddedness, comes wafting out once the protective plastic is removed), the tradition-steeped African and Spanish elements that fused the Cuban sound fall in for a 16-track close-up--intimacy, after all, is what lullabies are all about. The music moves from lilting piano ("Drume Negrita," "Berceuse a Jessie," "Drume Mobila") to elegant guitar (a different rendition of "Drume Negrita," "Suenos de Colores") to tribal-sounding bata drums ("Oguere"). The set is by turns sweepingly beautiful, twinkly sweet, and rhythmically soothing--no surprise, considering this record's artist roster. Grammy-winning pianist Chucho Valdes, immortal entertainer Bola de Nieve, and Buena Vista Social Club singer Omara Portuondo raise the talent bar to a dizzying level, the right altitude, it turns out, for drifting off to dreamland. If your little one is the lucky intended dozer, leave the light on and read the liner notes. The English translations of these songs, like "El Amor de Caracol y Lombriz," about a snail-worm romance, and "Nana Animalera," describing a late-night all-animal hootenanny, crack a window on Cuban culture, causing, without intending to, sharp regrets that it's been sealed away for so long. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description
Cuban Lullaby

The irresistible music from the small island of Cuba has won the hearts of people around the world. This unique collection brings together world class Cuban artists to share a piece of their musical heritage rarely heard outside of Cuba. These lullabies have been passed among the grandmothers, aunts, great-aunts, mothers and daughters who all share in the raising of the their children.

These sweet songs will cradle your little ones and carry them into dreamland with beauty and love.

Features Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club, Grammy winning artist Chucho Valdés, Bola de Nieve, Merceditas Valdés, Clave Y Guaguancó and other Cuban greats.

The notes include original lyrics and english translation.

Cuban Lullaby, Music, Various Artists, Children's Collections, Childrens, Cuba, Latin, Lullabies, Lullaby, Tropical, Trova
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent recording
  • Highly Recommended!
  • Amazing
  • A gentleman musical agreement!
  • Extreme virtuosity
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Christopher Parkening plays Bach
  2. Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
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  4. The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique
  5. Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
  2. Estudio brillante
  3. Etude No. 1 In E Minor
  4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
  5. Leyenda
  6. Romance
  7. Rumores de la Caleta
  8. Capricho Arabe
  9. Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  10. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
  11. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
  12. Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
  13. Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
  14. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
  15. Les Barricades mysterieuses
  16. Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
  17. Passacaglia
  18. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
  19. Gymnopedie No. 1
  20. Empress Of The Pagodas
  21. Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

  1. Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
  2. Fairest Lord Jesus
  3. Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
  4. Simple Gifts
  5. Hymn Of Christian Joy
  6. Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
  7. Cantata 156: Arioso
  8. Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
  9. Canon
  10. Dolly Suite: Berceuse
  11. La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
  12. Terezinha De Jesus
  13. Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
  14. Goyescas: Intermezzo
  15. Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
  16. Evening Dance
  17. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
  18. Canarlos
  19. La Maja de Goya
  20. El Noi de la Mare
  21. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

5 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

5 out of 5 stars A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

5 out of 5 stars Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.
George Gershwin: Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Muffled
  • Somewhat disappointing.
  • Gershwin At His Best in Hearts!
  • The best America has to offer!!
George Gershwin: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris
  2. Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls
  3. Essential George Gershwin
  4. Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
  5. Debussy's Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A1T
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Strike Up The Band
  2. Rhapsody In Blue
  3. Prelude No. 1
  4. Piano Concerto In F
  5. An American In Paris
  6. Prelude No. 3
  7. Medley From Porgy And Bess
  8. Fascinating Rhythm
  9. Lullaby
  10. Promenade (Walking the Dog)
  11. Cuban Overture

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Muffled.......2006-11-03

This is a decent enough recording, but it's not anywhere near the best that I have heard. The Andre Previn/LSO recording is much better mixed; at times it seems like there's a muffle on the mikes, or that you're hearing it from a distance.

If I wanted good, dynamic background music, I'd do this. If I wanted to really listen to the music, I'd pick another version.

3 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointing........2003-09-10

I bought this for the full-length rendition of Rhapsody in Blue. I found the brass too tinny sounding, and the rhythm off in a few places. I like the snippet of this song on the "Best of the Milleneum" CD much better.

5 out of 5 stars Gershwin At His Best in Hearts!.......2003-03-19

To someone who came along as a teenage boy in the mid-1940's, this CD has the elements of authenticity, even surprise, musical history, highly intense performances, and ways evoking memories of emotional highlights of my Youth. When mediocre orchestra 1st tackled Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at Smoky Mtn Music Camp we were preparing for Sunday's outdoor Concert. Pianos were played by two friends who've presided Music Dept at Carson-Newman College in East Tennessee. In the Trombone section was a skinny kid with too much hair and too big an ego! When our esteemed conductor began the opening bars the Clarinet Soloist, my close friend Danny Boy slide-up the chromatic scale with fleurish. He later became a NC Doctor! He likely plays clarinet for his own amazement in someone's Dixieland Band!

On this wondrous CD there are historic names like Bernstein, Kostelanez, John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductors. Andre Previn, Yo-Yo Ma and Sarah Vaughan as Soloists. I would have a hard time choosing which may be called my favorite! It would depend on the day they are playing in my car... traveling to Columbia Seminary classes or GA Diagnostic Prison for lunch with Chaplain friends! I often sing along with the Rhapsody as I did in 1949 when Oscar Levant soloed with Chattanooga Orch. My very young wife was playing in the first violin section! Still today I am totally wiped out when anyone as intensely romantic as Sarah Vaughan sings "Summertime" or "I Loves You, Porgy!"

Is it not amazingly wondrous that someone could create so much enjoyable music in his short lifetime of 39 years? I never wish to part with this all-time favorite 10-Star Recording!
Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

5 out of 5 stars The best America has to offer!!.......1999-03-09

This is the best collection of his songs i have ever heard. That's probably because it features conductors like John Williams and Micheal Tilson Thomas. My personal favorite is the allegro agitato from the Concerto in F. I have other recordings of this song, but none of them can even come close to matching the excitement of this one.
Artistry of Christopher Parkening
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Such a magnificent touch on the fretboard.
  • great playing
  • Bach at its best
  • An Instant Classic in the Segovia Tradition
  • An indispensible CD to any music collection
Artistry of Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening , Johann Sebastian Bach , and Andres Segovia
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
  2. Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia
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  5. Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

ASIN: B000002RTK
Release Date: 1993-05-11

Tracks:

  1. Prelude For Lute
  2. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1
  3. Prelude From Cello Suite No. 1
  4. Courante From Cello Suite No. 3
  5. Chaconne From Violin Partita No. 2
  6. Saltarello: Two Renaissance Pieces For Lute
  7. Preludio
  8. Scherzino From Cavatina
  9. Danza Pomposa From Cavatina
  10. Estudio No. 3 In A Major
  11. Melancolia
  12. Andante Cantabile
  13. Cuna
  14. Gymnopedie No. 1
  15. Gymnopedie No. 2
  16. Gymnopedie No. 3
  17. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
  18. Pastourelle
  19. Pavane Of The Sleeping Beauty
  20. Empress Of The Pagaodas
  21. Afro - Cuban Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Such a magnificent touch on the fretboard........2006-10-12

Parkening has such a sensitive touch. He can make the softest song come alive into a world of its own with simple picking techniques. Or, on faster pieces, his brilliant interpretation and dexterity are truly amazing. You'll experience a wide range of emotions when listening to this CD, and you'll be in awe of Parkening's mastery of the classical guitar.

5 out of 5 stars great playing.......2005-09-17

this is one of the best recordings on any instrument. Parkening is a truly great artist.

4 out of 5 stars Bach at its best.......2003-04-24

The best part of this CD is the Bach recordings. I could listen to the Fugue from Violin Sonata No. 1 over and over without let up--it's astounding. The Chaconne is one of the best recordings of that most exalted work by Bach. The main reason I didn't give this CD a 5-star rating are the non-Bach selections, which although played brilliantly, are not among my favorite compositions. The exceptions are the charming Renaissance pieces for lute and the impressively transcribed and skillfully performed "Empress of the Pagodas." To be sure, there are some beautiful and dazzling passages within many of the other pieces, which makes this CD definitely worth it. However, the best Parkening release is "The Great Recordings," which is a double-CD set with a greater variety of music and includes the Fugue and a few other recordings from this CD.

5 out of 5 stars An Instant Classic in the Segovia Tradition.......2000-02-18

Christopher Parkening's work has always been nothing less than stellar. This particular collection of works is drawn from four previous releases (and also includes unreleased recordings), and is exemplary of his artistry and talent. The recordings are as crisp and clear as the day they were set down on tape. His expression and tone are without comparison. The selection of works on this particular CD show his ability to perform classics in the broadest range imaginable, and does so with ease.

The liner notes give great detail on each piece, including a brief history on Parkening himself. If nothing else, this brings the listener even closer to the performer, something I find rare in the classical music genre.

I once attended a concert given by local artists in a small church in Germany many years ago, and whenever I listen to this CD, it brings to mind memories of that afternoon. Parkening makes you feel as though you are in the room with him, listening in awe; you are never aware that he is playing in a studio at all.

Overall, this is a great example of one of the world's greatest classical guitarists (he's number one on my list).

5 out of 5 stars An indispensible CD to any music collection.......1999-08-26

This cd is a fine collection of some of the works released on Parkening's first four recordings, "In The Classic Style", "In The Spanish Style", "Romanza", and "Parkening And The Guitar". The music itself spans more than three centuries and effectivly demonstrates what the guitar is capable of in the hands of a great master. The disc begins with some of the better known transcriptions of Bach,and then moves on to some rarly heared guitar transcriptions of Mompou, Satie, Poulenc and Ravel. The entire album is wounderfully played, technically flawless and very expressive. As always Parkening plays with a beautiflly warm tone and a poetry reminiscent of Segovia's playing. I give this cd my highest recomendation.
Gershwin: Works for Piano & Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best performances at the cheapest price!
  • Great performances, excellent engineering
  • Insipid uninspiring performances; miserable engineering
  • Terrific playing at a bargain price
  • Siegel is amazing
Gershwin: Works for Piano & Orchestra

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Suppe: Overtures: Light Cavalry, etc.; Auber: Overtures
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  3. Von Weber: Piano concertos, Symphonies, Overtures
  4. Borodin: Orchestral Works
  5. Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

ASIN: B000001K1Z
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Allegro
  2. Andante Con Moto
  3. Allegro Agitato
  4. Lullaby For String Orchestra
  5. Cuban Overture
  6. Second Rhapsody
  7. Promenade

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody In Blue
  2. 'I Got Rhythm' Variations
  3. Introduction - Act 1, Scene 1
  4. Porgy Sings
  5. Fugue
  6. Hurricane - Act II, Scene 3
  7. Good Mornin', Brother - Act III, Scene 3
  8. An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best performances at the cheapest price!.......2001-08-16

I own many recordings of Gershwin but this inexpensive colection is my favorite! The performances are moving, the recording is excellent, and the whole package cannot be beat for value. Simply a great value!!!

5 out of 5 stars Great performances, excellent engineering.......2001-03-22

I'm confused by the previous reviewer's comments.

The engineering is fine analog, but it isn't "in your face" kind of engineering (a la some older Sony recordings; Bernstein's are some of the worst offenders, although recent remasterings have tamed them somewhat), it isn't brightly lit (ditto a lot of von Karajan's DG recordings), but it's pretty natural. Nothing is spotlit, and sounds the way one would hear it in the concert hall. I would hazard that sound systems have a way of filtering the music. I've found that some of my terribly-engineered, really ancient monophonic recordings sound much better on lesser equipment, while my best engineered recordings sound mediocre on lesser equipment, but wonderful on the high end stuff. And the speakers, and, well, this isn't about equipment. Just second guessing how the impression can be made that the enginnering is poor on this disc.

Powell Symphony Hall, while not the sonic masterpiece that is, for example, New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall (one of the best I've ever been in), is still a wonderful acoustic space, both for listener and player (it's one of those halls where I was able to hear myself play as well as I was the whole orchestra, and you can almost feel your sound being projected into the auditorium). The hall, btw, is gorgeous, graceful, and characterful; much so than the design of Symphony Hall in Chicago (brilliantly finished, btw), or the cavernous feel of the hall in Boston. While some of Slatkin's RCA recordings in Powell recess the sound too much, such is not the case here.

The performances are electrifying, with the exception of the Concerto in F. Even that piece, an awkward attempt on Gershwin's part, has many rewarding aspects, and the performance reveals many of them. Seigel isn't a "polished" pianist--I'd never be interested hearing him play Mozart based on these performances--but here his style (or the style he has captured) is just right.

These are classics in the Gramophone. Not that the critical consensus (well, as consensual as it ever gets) is always correct, but I agree with them.

1 out of 5 stars Insipid uninspiring performances; miserable engineering.......2000-12-07

If only 0 stars were an option!

I found these interpretations of Gershwin lacking; both in the orchestra and piano. None of the performances reached out and pulled me in, they left me wondering what anyone could possibly hear in Gershwin. Thankfully I own several recordings which do not leave me feeling that way! Specificaly in the Rapsody in Blue: Mr. Siegel does not demonstrate a command of the piece; more than once I wondered if he was practicing the piece instead of performing it, as his approach was tenative at best. Mr. Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony rendered the piece with a lush/loose orchestral feel that just does not feel right.

The sound engineering is wanting in all of these performances; the balance between orchestra and piano is poorly maintained throughout. I found the piano lost in sections where a balance between forces is called for. Exchanges between piano and various instruments routinely found one or the other anoyingly out of balance. Nothing in the notes describes the recording process, but from the instances of voice dropout I would hazard to guess that two micropones were placed in the worst seats available in Powell Symphony Hall with the subsequent recordings transfered directly to disc with no review or attempt at editing. What an engineering travesty!

Overall I was glad when the CD's were done. I pulled out other recordings and played numerous tracks back to back to see if I had missed something. I had not! All around the performances are insipid and uninspiring, and I can usually find something redeeming in just about everything to which I give a listen.

If you want an inspired performance of Rhapsody in Blue that will reach out and grab you from the opening wail of the clarinet to the closing orchestral chord, get the recording made by Michael Tilson Thomas and the LA Philharmonic. Unfortunately, he did not record all the orchestral pieces you find in this recording.

5 out of 5 stars Terrific playing at a bargain price.......2000-05-29

This is a terrific collection of Gershwin's orchestral music, including all of his works for piano and orchestra, all at a bargain price. Jeffrey Siegel's piano playing is great, as is Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. For the bargain hunter in search of Gershwin, this is the set to buy.

5 out of 5 stars Siegel is amazing.......2000-04-17

I have been privileged to listen to Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations in Fairfax, VA for many years. I heard him play some Gershwin during one performance, and I had to buy this CD. If you like Gershwin, if you like great piano, if you like music, this is a CD that belongs in your collection
Cuban Lullaby
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Enjoyable to listen to, but not for putting kids to sleep.
  • For sleeping yes, for spanish no
  • Poor musical quality
  • la fairy azul
  • Rare Gem
Cuban Lullaby
Various Artists , Bola Denieve , Rey Guerra , Clave y Guaguanco , and Mercedes Valez
Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

CubaCuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004Z3YH
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

  1. Drume Negrita - Bola De Nieve
  2. Lacho - Merceditas Valdes
  3. Berceuse A Jessie - Chucho Valdes
  4. Senora Santana - Coro Corolillo
  5. Arrurru - Pablo Menendez
  6. Drume Negrita - Rey Guerra
  7. Drume Negrita - Omara Portuondo
  8. Drume Mobila - Bola De Nieve
  9. El Amor De Caracol Y Lombriz - Mayuley Alvarez/Hilda Del Castillo/Nelson Martinez
  10. Suenos De Colores - Coralia Arregoitia
  11. Juegeton - Merceditas Vales
  12. Nana Animalera - Marisela Verena
  13. Berceuse Campesina - Andres Alen
  14. Lacho - Bola De Nieve
  15. Oguere - Clave Y Guaguanco
  16. La Calabacita - Coralia Arregoitia

Amazon.com

No fat cigar, not even Cuba's gorgeous sunsets, can register close on the sublimity scale to the country's lush, commercially unsullied music, something lots of folks discovered a few years back when a subtle loosening of regulatory strings let the brilliant, boundary-busting Buena Vista Social Club cross the shore. On Cuban Lullaby, another of Ellipsis Arts' impressively packaged, carefully annotated, and sweet-smelling Lullaby series (the scent of lavender, said to promote heavy-liddedness, comes wafting out once the protective plastic is removed), the tradition-steeped African and Spanish elements that fused the Cuban sound fall in for a 16-track close-up--intimacy, after all, is what lullabies are all about. The music moves from lilting piano ("Drume Negrita," "Berceuse a Jessie," "Drume Mobila") to elegant guitar (a different rendition of "Drume Negrita," "Suenos de Colores") to tribal-sounding bata drums ("Oguere"). The set is by turns sweepingly beautiful, twinkly sweet, and rhythmically soothing--no surprise, considering this record's artist roster. Grammy-winning pianist Chucho Valdes, immortal entertainer Bola de Nieve, and Buena Vista Social Club singer Omara Portuondo raise the talent bar to a dizzying level, the right altitude, it turns out, for drifting off to dreamland. If your little one is the lucky intended dozer, leave the light on and read the liner notes. The English translations of these songs, like "El Amor de Caracol y Lombriz," about a snail-worm romance, and "Nana Animalera," describing a late-night all-animal hootenanny, crack a window on Cuban culture, causing, without intending to, sharp regrets that it's been sealed away for so long. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Cuban Lullaby

The irresistible music from the small island of Cuba has won the hearts of people around the world. This unique collection brings together world class Cuban artists to share a piece of their musical heritage rarely heard outside of Cuba. These lullabies have been passed among the grandmothers, aunts, great-aunts, mothers and daughters who all share in the raising of the their children.

These sweet songs will cradle your little ones and carry them into dreamland with beauty and love.

Features Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club, Grammy winning artist Chucho Valdés, Bola de Nieve, Merceditas Valdés, Clave Y Guaguancó and other Cuban greats.

The notes include original lyrics and english translation.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable to listen to, but not for putting kids to sleep........2006-01-31

Our whole family loves listening to this CD. However, as you might be able to tell from the product description, the music starts off softly lulling children to sleep and then picks up the beat and volume in the later part. So, just when my kids were starting to relax-they suddenly felt like dancing. We solved the problem by using the feature on our CD player which allows us to pre-program only the songs we want for bedtime. Really a nice collection of songs.

4 out of 5 stars For sleeping yes, for spanish no.......2005-08-31

This album is beautiful and should certainly put your little one to sleep. Many of the songs have a kind of aching lonliness, and the musicianship is spectacular. Two cautions:
1) How many versions of Duerme Negrita can they put on one album? Aren't there other songs Cuban mamas y papas sing to their little ones?
2) If you're hoping to introduce your little one to the Spanish language, quite a few of these songs are in afro-cuban dialect.

Enjoy!

1 out of 5 stars Poor musical quality.......2005-06-29

We were very disappointed with the musical quality of the CD. The artist's command of pitch was lacking.

5 out of 5 stars la fairy azul.......2004-08-10

Este álbum de Cuban Lullaby es una joya. Son todos temas que crecí escuchando, cantados y arreglados musicalmente con un estilo sofisticado y encantador. Mi esposo me lo regaló hace un par de años y desde entonces lo he regalado varias veces a amigos con y sin niños, ahora lo comparto con mi bebita cada noche a la hora de dormir.

5 out of 5 stars Rare Gem.......2004-05-31

I am Cuban-American and found two rare gems this year. This CD, CUBAN LULLABY and the Cuban-American bilingual children's picturebook set in Cuban Miami's Little Havana Calle Ocho Festival, DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM!/TOCA, CHAVI, TOCA! The characters, author and illustrator are Cuban. These two recommendations are for children, but if you're Cuban-American or Latina/o you will relish in these two items no matter how old you are.

10 stars to both items!
Siesta Suite
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Very Lovely.
Siesta Suite

Manufacturer: Iago Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. More of the Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000001D3N
Release Date: 1999-11-06

Tracks:

  1. Estrellita
  2. La Llorona
  3. Las Mananitas Variations
  4. Abuelita Remembers
  5. Sentimientos
  6. La Fiesta
  7. Afro-Cuban Lullaby
  8. Spanish Dance
  9. O Mio Babbino Caro
  10. The Sounds of Bells
  11. Duerme Con Angelitos
  12. Cancion de Cuna
  13. Gavotte
  14. Scherzino Mexicano
  15. La Paloma

Product Description

On "Siesta Suite" the flute and guitar of Madalyn Blanchett and Terry Muska present a program of classical and folktunes that promotes revitalization, relaxation and pleasant reflection.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Very Lovely........1999-06-18

The selections on this CD are very relaxing. Great to listen to after a busy day. Their rendition of Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" will bring tears to your eyes. If you like classical flute and guitar, you should enjoy this CD.
George Gershwin: The Complete Orchestra Collection
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Low recording volume spoils an otherwise good CD
  • A Wonderful Collection
George Gershwin: The Complete Orchestra Collection

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DancesDances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. American Piano Classics
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  4. Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls
  5. Puccini - La Boheme / Pavarotti, Scotto, Niska, Wixell, Plishka, Levine, Metropolitan Opera

ASIN: B000007OMB
Release Date: 1998-05-26

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody In Blue - William Tritt
  2. Second Rhapsody For Piano And Orchestra - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
  3. I. Allegro - William Tritt
  4. II. Adagio/Andante Con Moto - William Tritt
  5. III. Allegro Agitato - William Tritt
  6. Variations On 'I Got Rhythm' - William Tritt
  7. Rialto Ripples Rag - William Tritt

Tracks:

  1. An American In Paris - Erich Kunzel
  2. Cuban Overture - Erich Kunzel
  3. Lullaby - Erich Kunzel
  4. Walking The Dog - Erich Kunzel
  5. Mexican Dance - Erich Kunzel
  6. I. Catfish Row - Erich Kunzel
  7. II. Porgy Sings - Erich Kunzel
  8. III. Fugue - Erich Kunzel
  9. IV. Hurricane - Erich Kunzel
  10. V. Good Morning, Sistuh - Erich Kunzel
  11. O Land Of Mine, America - Erich Kunzel

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Low recording volume spoils an otherwise good CD.......2006-06-29

This CD has been recorded at a very low level. If you want to hear that opening clarinet glissando in Rhapsody in Blue, be prepared to turn the volume WAAAAAY up. Great collection, but disappointing quality. Wish I'd bought something else.

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection.......2000-12-29

Erich Kunzel conducts a wonderful recording of all the orchestral Gershwin one needs. There is a great performance of Rhapsody in Blue, and An American in Paris. They are conducted and played the way Gershwin would have liked. The three preludes are played fantastically, especially Walking the Dog played brilliantly by the clarinetist. I highly recommend this to any Gershwin fan who wants a complete and wonderful recording of this fine American music.
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris; Lullaby; Cuban Overture [Germany]
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Cleveland does it again
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris; Lullaby; Cuban Overture [Germany]
Chailly , Labeque , and The Cleveland Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000026CFR
Release Date: 1999-09-01

Tracks:

  1. Rhap In Blue

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Cleveland does it again.......2004-08-31

Back in the 1970's, I had a great all-Gershwin LP with Lorin Maazel and the Cleveland Orchestra, that I bought primarily for the powerful performance of the "Cuban Overture." Now the same ensemble has triumphed once again with this piece, conducted in 1987 by Riccardo Chailly, who completely nails the work's swingy, jazzy style. Among many delights, the percussion effects are particularly vivid, with waves of bongos and other drums sounding incredibly crisp and present. The Cleveland brass section carries a huge punch, too, sailing over the mix, but not so loud that the rest of the group's expert players are eclipsed.

The entertainingly brilliant Labeque sisters are the anchors at the piano -- or rather, pianos -- for a gorgeous "Rhapsody in Blue," and then the orchestra's string section gets its turn to show off in a relative rarity called "Lullaby." And the warhorse "An American in Paris" is quite well-judged, both in tempi and balance. Again, you might think Bernstein were still alive and looking over Chailly's shoulders, nodding at how admirably Chailly has assimilated Gershwin's idiom.

The sound quality is terrific, and fully captures the sound of this expert ensemble, which shows once again why its virtuosity is acclaimed all over the world. The horn-honks in "An American in Paris" just throb with vitality, the saxophone solos are exceptional, and let's not forget the luminous clarinet in the "Rhapsody" -- this is orchestral work at its very best. Just a fantastic recording, and probably essential for Gershwin fans.
A Walk in the Forest
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Classical guitar music with peaceful nature sounds in the background
  • Exceptionally soothing
  • Peaceful Massage Music
  • A Walk in the Forest
A Walk in the Forest

Manufacturer: Sugo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000060B
Release Date: 1996-02-20

Tracks:

  1. Cavatina - Marc Teicholz
  2. Prelude No. 1 - Richard Patterson
  3. Romanza De Amor Fantasia - Stevan Pasero
  4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Marc Teicholz
  5. Your Warm Shaded Forest - Stevan Pasero
  6. Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Marc Teicholz
  7. Concerto In D - Richard Patterson
  8. Afro-Cuban Lullaby - Richard Patterson
  9. Catalonian Fantasia - Stevan Pasero

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Classical guitar music with peaceful nature sounds in the background.......2006-09-30

Three noted guitarists--Stevan Pasero, Richard Patterson and MarcTeicholz--take turns presenting mellow, classical solo works and original compositions, each laid over the subtle sounds of chirping birds, chirring crickets, a babbling brook and some occasional rain. Teicholz performs works by Myers, Terregaand Bach. Patterson offers Bach, Vivaldi and a traditional Afro-Cuban lullaby, while Pasero presents his own compositions or arrangements of traditional tunes, which often wax modern in their improvisations. Nothing earth shattering here. This recording is definitely packaged for the New Age and relaxation crowd rather than serious classical listeners. But a well-played acoustic guitar can be ever so soothing, and the nature sounds are unobtrusive enough so as not to distract from the velvety, expert playing and timeless, nuanced compositions. If you're looking to relax to simple, elegant music with class, "A Walk in the Woods" is a good investment. It will mellow you out, but never bore you. For more relaxing guitar music, try "Celtic Inspirations" by William Paterson, and the work of Robin Bullock, John Doan or William Ellwood. And for more classical guitar, give a listen to anything by the Ware-Patterson Duo (Bettine Clemen Ware and Richard Patterson) or the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

5 out of 5 stars Exceptionally soothing.......2003-08-14

This CD qualifies as perfect background music for reading or drifting into sleep. It's quiet, reflective, and exceptionally soothing, and it's interspersed with occasional nature sounds such as birdsong, gentle rainshowers, waterfalls, etc., all done unobtrusively with exquisite taste. Can anyone out there point me toward some other CDs that are equally mellow?

5 out of 5 stars Peaceful Massage Music.......2003-04-20

I'm a massage therapist & find this CD sets the perfect atmosphere of relaxation. The tracks are a combination of gentle classical & latin guitar music, harmonized with quiet sounds from nature. It's a favorite of clients. I recommend it highly.

5 out of 5 stars A Walk in the Forest.......2001-05-05

This album does not require a long review. It's absolutely, my favorite CD for a quiet evening at home. Even better, for a mellow evening sitting in a hot tub under the stars with a glass of wine. The selections as well as the artists could not be better.
Essential Gershwin
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Essential Gershwin

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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    All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000088E4C
    Release Date: 2003-02-11

    Tracks:

    1. Rhapsody In Blue - Andre Previn
    2. Symphonic Portrait Of Porgy & Bess - Robert Russell Bennett
    3. Cuban Overture - Howard Hanson
    4. An American In Paris - Lorin Maazel

    Tracks:

    1. 3 Preludes For Piano Solo - Werner Haas
    2. 3 Preludes For Piano Solo - Werner Haas
    3. 3 Preludes For Piano Solo - Werner Haas
    4. Lullaby - Riccardo Chailly
    5. Variations On I Got Rhythm - Bernard Herrmann
    6. The Man I Love - Barbara Hendricks
    7. Oh Kay! - Overture - Arthur Fiedler
    8. Walking The Dog From Shall We Dance - John Mauceri
    9. They All Laughed From Shall We Dance - John Mauceri
    10. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off From Shall We Dance - John Mauceri
    11. They Can't Take That Away From Me From Shall We Dance - Barbara Hendricks
    12. A Foggy Day From A Damsel In Distress - John Mauceri
    13. Nice Work If You Can Get It From A Damsel In Distress - Barbara Hendricks
    14. Love Walked In From The Goldwyn Follies - John Mauceri
    15. Love Is Here To Stay From The Goldwyn Follies - Barbara Hendricks

    Music:

    1. Daddies Sing GoodNight: A Fathers' Collection of Sleepytime Songs
    2. Dedicated to the One I Love
    3. Disney Karaoke, Volume 1 [Karaoke]
    4. Disney's Princess Sing-Along Album / Sing-Along
    5. Dragon Tales: More Dragon Tunes [Soundtrack]
    6. Dragon Tales [Soundtrack]
    7. Early Childhood Classics - Old Favorites With A New Twist
    8. Family Tree
    9. Favorite Nursery Rhymes
    10. Floricienta [Import]

    Music

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