Sing A-Z

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Stars of the popular Children's Televisions series "Sharon, Lois, and Bram" and "Skinnamarink TV", these CDs feature great songs from the popular Nickleodeon series, for 7 years the #1 rated educational show on the network!Winner of the prestigeous PARENTS' CHOICE AWARD. A MUST FOR ALL YOUNGSTERS!

Sing A-Z, Music, Lois & Bram Sharon, Children's, Childrens, Christmas
Treasures of English Church Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • My favorite album. English church music at its finest.
  • The grand tradition of English music
  • music of great beauty
  • Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance
  • Best all-in-one English music CD ever
 Treasures of English Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Dering, RichardDering, Richard | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ElgarAll Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Gibbons, OrlandoGibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Howells, HerbertHowells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SheppardAll Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TallisAll Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TavenerAll Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TavernerAll Works by Taverner | Taverner, John | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WaltonAll Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
GeneralGeneral | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Lullabies & BerceuseLullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
A CappellaA Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
  2. A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
  3. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
  4. Abide With Me
  5. The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000031I6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

  1. Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
  2. Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
  3. Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
  4. Haec dies
  5. Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
  6. Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
  7. Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
  8. Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
  9. Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
  10. Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
  11. Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
  12. Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
  13. Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
  14. Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
  15. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
  16. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
  17. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
  18. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
  19. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
  20. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
  21. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
  22. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
  23. The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
  24. Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
  25. Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
  26. Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
  27. Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
  28. Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
  29. Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
  30. Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
  31. Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
  32. Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
  33. Latin Motets: O vos omnes
  34. Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
  35. Latin Motets: Justorum animae
  36. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
  37. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
  38. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
  39. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
  40. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
  41. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
  42. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
  43. Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
  44. Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
  45. Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
  46. Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

5 out of 5 stars The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

5 out of 5 stars music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

5 out of 5 stars Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.
Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful Surprise
  • One of my favorite CDs
 Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Henry Purcell , The Academy of Ancient Music , Sylvia McNair , Christopher Hogwood , Laurence Dreyfus , and Paul O'Dette
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Academy of Ancient MusicAcademy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
McNair, SylviaMcNair, Sylvia | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sylvia McNair: Love's Sweet Surrender (Mozart Arias)
  2. Rêveries

ASIN: B0000041BF
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Part I: Staircase: Overture
  2. Part I: If Music Be The Food Of Love
  3. Part I: Cebell
  4. Part I: To Arms, To Arms, Heroic Prince
  5. Part I: To Arms
  6. Part I: Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel
  7. Part I: Slow Air
  8. Part II: We Come To Sing
  9. Part II: Oh! Lead Me To Some Peaceful Gloom
  10. Part II: O Solitude
  11. Part II: Hark! Hark! The Echoing Air
  12. Part II: Trumpet Tune
  13. Part III: Sweeter Than Roses
  14. Part III: Fairest Isle
  15. Part III: She That Would Gain A Faithful Lover
  16. Part III: Cupid, The Slyest Rogue Alive
  17. Part III: I Attempt From Love's Sickness To Fly
  18. Part III: Jig
  19. Part IV: Music For A While
  20. Part IV: The Fatal Hour Comes On Apace
  21. Part IV: Hear, Mighty Love
  22. Part IV: Plainte: O, Let Me Weep
  23. Part IV: Chacony In G Minor

Amazon.com

The stars of this recording are Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, entertaining us with rarely-heard instrumental pieces receiving their first modern performances with the endearing poignancy inherent in Purcell's music. McNair's gracile voice and accurate, easy-going coloratura capture the lyricism of Purcell's songs, but none of the subtext's vibrant passion. Emotional variety and vocal color are lacking when she repeatedly calls for Gabriel in "Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel." Still, McNair's light and pure soprano is enjoyable in small doses. When three or four plaintiff songs are programmed back to back, however, the monotony presents a fabulous opportunity to lull insomniacs back to sleep. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Surprise.......2006-01-01

Normally I run in the opposite direction of any baroque music - thought I had heard it all and had enough, but I love Slyvia McNair and I wanted to hear more of her recordings. This recording was such a wonderful surprise, not only interms of McNair's performance but interms of the overall presentation (organization of the pieces) and the energy of the performances by the AAM. I have new-found appreciation of Purcell's music!

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorite CDs.......2003-01-12

When I listened to this CD, I fell in love with Sylvia McNair's artistic and beautiful voice along with Henry Purcell's music. This CD offers a style of music that I love to listen to and sing with. There is a mixture of instrumental only and vocal pieces. When I listen to this CD I feel like I have been transported to the late 1600s. The title "The Echoing Air" appropriately describes the beauty of this music.
Faire is the Heaven: Music of the English Church
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best!!!!!!!!!!
  • Far more than faire...
  • "Treasures of English Church Music": same music, better buy
  • Beautiful
  • John Rutter Presents English Chruch Music Through the Ages
 Faire is the Heaven: Music of the English Church

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Gibbons, OrlandoGibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Howells, HerbertHowells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TallisAll Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WaltonAll Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Lullabies & BerceuseLullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
A CappellaA Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Hail, Gladdening Light: Music of the English Church
  2. Stillness And Sweet Harmony
  3. Brother Sun, Sister Moon
  4. Treasures of English Church Music
  5. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B0000031H7
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

  1. Ave Maria
  2. Loquebantur variis linguis
  3. Miserere mei
  4. Haec dies
  5. Ave verum corpus
  6. If Ye Love Me
  7. Hide Not Thou Thy Face
  8. Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
  9. O Clap Your Hands
  10. Bow Thine Ear
  11. Hosanna To The Son Of David
  12. Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
  13. Thou Knowest, Lord
  14. Hear My Prayer, O Lord
  15. Beati Quorum Via
  16. This Joyful Eastertide
  17. Sing Lullaby
  18. A Spotless Rose
  19. What Cheer?
  20. O Taste And See
  21. A Hymn To The Virgin
  22. Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
  23. Faire Is The Heaven

Amazon.com

There's no choir better than the Cambridge Singers for thoughtful, imaginative, cohesive programming, and for an ability to excel in performing music of various styles and periods. Here is a splendid example of this group's mastery of repertoire and choral technique, featuring some of the finest choral music ever written, from Tallis, Byrd, and Gibbons to Stanford, Howells, and Britten. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-06-02

I am fond of sacred choral music, and I have listened to several groups and CDs. But I have yet to find any group with the superb quality of the Cambridge Singers! Under the direction of John Rutter their smooth, flawless music flows so seemingly effortlessly (though we know that much effort must be made for such angelic quality). The acoustics are awesome as the recording was recorded in an ancient cathedral. They say a whisper will resonate 5 seonds after the whisperer stops. And the selection of music as well is wonderful! There is a progression from the 1500s to the 1900s, and though all the music is nice the first portion is especially melodic, enchanting, relaxing, and inspiring!!! Therefore as the chorus, the recording sound, and the song selections are all EXCELLENT I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone! :)

5 out of 5 stars Far more than faire..........2003-09-08

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral (the largest Lady Chapel in England), the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a great work in this album. Originally produced as a vinyl album in 1982, it was remastered as a CD in 1988. The title derives from a hymn lyric, and the music consists of a sampling of the greatest English church music from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. The music is meditative, uplifting, and elegant in simplicity and stunning vocal quality.

--Music--
This is all vocal music, unaccompanied by instruments. The disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words, in both Latin and English, for each of the pieces recorded here. It has a brief paragraph of introduction to each piece of music, relating it to its historic and musical contexts. One thing conspicuously missing is any significant biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the basic, one-sentence description.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices (about 28 voices for this recording), many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages.

5 out of 5 stars "Treasures of English Church Music": same music, better buy.......2002-02-01

Thinking of purchasing the "Faire" and "Hail" CDs together? You will save money if you buy them in another guise: "Treasures of English Church Music." This 2-disk set is a reissue that combines Rutter's "Faire" and "Hail" CDs into a single package. You get the same disks for $12-$15 less.

Whatever the package, the music is gorgeous. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful.......2001-08-22

Gorgeous sounding church music from early to 20th cent. A CD I play a lot - what more praise does it need?

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter Presents English Chruch Music Through the Ages.......2000-08-19

In this atypical, that is, non-Christmas collection, John Rutter presents English church music from the 16th through the 20th centuries. While one may miss the absence of one or two compositions by Rutter himself, his capacity to achieve a unique sound with a choir is certainly here.

One who has enjoyed Rutter's Christmas music would do well to acquire this collection as well.
Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Essential Purcell compositions
  • The entire set is outstanding
 Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
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  1. Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 2
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  4. Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 7
  5. Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 11

ASIN: B000002ZR3
Release Date: 1993-11-19

Tracks:

  1. O Sing Unto The Lord: Symphony
  2. O Sing Unto The Lord: O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song...
  3. O Sing Unto The Lord: Sing Unto The Lord And Praise His Name...
  4. O Sing Unto The Lord: The Lord Is Great And Cannot Worthily Be Praised...
  5. O Sing Unto The Lord: O Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness
  6. O Sing Unto The Lord: Tell It Out Among The Heathen That The Lord Is King
  7. O Praise God In His Holiness: Symphony
  8. O Praise God In His Holiness: Praise Him In His Noble Acts...
  9. O Praise God In His Holiness: Praise Him Upon The Well-Tuned Cymbals
  10. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem: Symphony
  11. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem
  12. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem: Be Thou Exalted, Lord, In Thine Own Strength
  13. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: Symphony
  14. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: To Tell Of Thy Loving-Kindness...
  15. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: O Lord How Glorious Are Thy Works...
  16. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: For Thou, Lord, Hast Made Me Glad...
  17. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: O Give Thanks Unto The Lord...
  18. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Who Can Express The Noble Acts Of The Lord...
  19. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Remember Me, O Lord...
  20. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: That I May See The Felicity Of Thy Chosen...
  21. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel...
  22. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears...
  23. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: We Acknowledge, Lord, Our Wickedness
  24. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: Do Not Abhor Us, For Thy Name's Sake...
  25. My Beloved Spake: Symphony
  26. My Beloved Spake: For Lo! The Winter Is Past...
  27. My Beloved Spake: And The Time Of The Singing Of Birds Is Come...
  28. My Beloved Spake: Symphony
  29. My Beloved Spake: My Beloved Is Mine And I Am His.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Essential Purcell compositions.......2004-10-07

According to the liner notes, this first volume contains works that span throughout the whole (short) career of Purcell. Even his earliest anthems written when he was a teenager demonstrate that he was a genious from the beginning. The King Purcell demonstrates a composer at the same level as Bach in talent and depth.
The performances could not be bettered. The singers, choir and orchestra bring their all to these pieces.
The 11 volumes are expensive but really belong in every classical music lover's collection. Buy as many as you can afford.

5 out of 5 stars The entire set is outstanding.......2003-01-16

While some of the works are superior to others the entire set is great in the realm of production. Mostly all of these pieces are just superb and if you are someone who enjoys English Baroque then you absolutely MUST purchase these cds. If you enjoy complex, melancholic or heroic music then I urge you to purchase this cd and the rest of the volumes in the set...you won't be disappointed.
Henry Purcell: Ayres for the Theatre
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • a beautiful CD
 Henry Purcell: Ayres for the Theatre

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Purcell: Ayres for the Theatre
  2. Essential Purcell

ASIN: B000002ANU
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

  1. Dioclesian: Overture
  2. Dioclesian: Preludio
  3. Dioclesian: Song Tune: 'Let The Soldiers Rejoice'
  4. Dioclesian: Trumpet Tune
  5. Dioclesian: Country Dance
  6. Dioclesian: Aire
  7. Dioclesian: Hornpipe
  8. Dioclesian: Aire
  9. Dioclesian: Canaries
  10. King Arthur: Overture
  11. King Arthur: Aire
  12. King Arthur: Aire
  13. King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Fairest Isle'
  14. King Arthur: Hornpipe
  15. King Arthur: Aire
  16. King Arthur: Song Tune: 'How Blest Are Shepherds'
  17. King Arthur: Aire
  18. King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Round Thy Coast'
  19. King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Come, If You Dare'
  20. King Arthur: Trumpet Tune
  21. King Arthur: Trumpet Tune
  22. King Arthur: Chacone
  23. The Fairy Queen: Overture
  24. The Fairy Queen: Hornpipe
  25. The Fairy Queen: Aire
  26. The Fairy Queen: Aire
  27. The Fairy Queen: Rondeau
  28. The Fairy Queen: Preludio
  29. The Fairy Queen: Hornpipe
  30. The Fairy Queen: Overture
  31. The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'If Love's A Sweet Passion'
  32. The Fairy Queen: Jigg
  33. The Fairy Queen: Dance for Furies (Fairies)
  34. The Fairy Queen: Aire 4 In 2 (Dance For The Followers Of Night)
  35. The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'Sing While We Trip It'
  36. The Fairy Queen: Aire
  37. The Fairy Queen: Aire
  38. The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'Thus Happy And Free'
  39. The Fairy Queen: Chacone
  40. The Fairy Queen: Aire
  41. The Indian Queen: Overture
  42. The Indian Queen: Trumpet Tune
  43. The Indian Queen: Trumpet Tune
  44. The Indian Queen: Aire
  45. The Indian Queen: Hornpipe
  46. The Indian Queen: Aire
  47. The Indian Queen: Hornpipe
  48. The Indian Queen: Aire
  49. The Indian Queen: Song Tune: 'WeThe Spirits Of The Air'
  50. The Indian Queen: Rondeau

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a beautiful CD.......2003-11-26

This CD has given me so much pleasure that it feels almost a duty to recommend it. This is exquisite music, subtly and sonorously played. Do buy it!
Sacred Music Complete
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • great, great!!!
  • ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!
 Sacred Music Complete
Purcell , King , and Kings Consort
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs of Henry Purcell / King's Consort
  2. Complete Secular Songs (3cd)

ASIN: B00006RHQJ
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great, great!!!.......2006-12-05

This is the way ,I think, Purcell should sound. No pomp and surcomstance but only great music.

5 out of 5 stars ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!.......2003-05-23

This boxed set is by far one of the best purchases I have ever made. As a Purcell freak, this hits every button I have. The cast of characters include the inequitable Robert King, New College Choir, Bowman, and a host of other venerable persons. Likewise the attention to period performance of these works makes it an essential addition to the library of any serious anglophile/Musicologist etc. Now if only the Britten Realizations of all Purcell's songs could be recorded alongside the originals! You will Love this set!
Sing it! Say it! Stamp it! Sway it! Vol. 3
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • GREAT MUSIC FOR KIDS & PARENTS
  • Another winner!
 Sing it! Say it! Stamp it! Sway it! Vol. 3
Peter & Ellen Allard
Manufacturer: 80-Z Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sing it! Say it! Stamp it! Sway it! Vol.2
  2. Come and Make a Circle - 20 Terrific Tunes for Kids and Teachers
  3. Raise The Children
  4. Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi on his Toe Leg Knee
  5. Pizza Pizzazz

ASIN: B00007EEFF
Release Date: 2002-11-06

Tracks:

  1. I Am Here & You Are Here
  2. Grey Little Mouse
  3. I've Got Two Hands
  4. Baby 1, 2, 3
  5. Thank You For All That You Do
  6. Mama Duck
  7. A Bowl Of Cherries
  8. Down By The Barnyard
  9. Hey Little Friend
  10. Piccolo Meenie
  11. Grey Squirrel
  12. Johnny Schmoker
  13. 10 In The Bed
  14. Count The Bells
  15. Building A Better World
  16. Great Machine
  17. John The Rabbit
  18. A Sailor Went To Sea
  19. Wild Running Horses
  20. Kiss The Baby Goodnight

Album Description

Volume 3 of the multi-award-winning educational series, with favorites from the teacher workshops of Peter & Ellen Allard. Created especially for young children and the adults in their lives, these 20 fun, memorable, and age appropriate songs and chants is sure to become a family favorite!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars GREAT MUSIC FOR KIDS & PARENTS.......2004-04-28

We have all of Peter and Ellen Allard's music and love them. I give them as gifts and tell fellow parents this is the music you can listen to with your kids and not get sick of it. Peter & Ellen are great musicians and the songs are fun, not sickly sweet. We love the enthusiasm they show in their music and even go to their concerts when they perform nearby. Say good-bye to stale, sweet kids music and hello to fresh, fun songs!

5 out of 5 stars Another winner!.......2002-12-21

I have been a fan of Peter & Ellen's music for a few years, and eagerly awaited the release of this recording, especially since I had sung "Building A Better World" with them at a concert. This is just a really fun CD, with tons of great songs for teachers and the parent in me loves it, too. They have a way of writing songs that my young ones enjoy but have a sophisticated sound that the adult I am appreciates. I LOVE "Great Machine", "10 In A Bed", Wild Running Horses", and all the others. There is a lot of dreck out there being called "kids music", but there is nothing as good as Peter & Ellen's material. I note they guarantee that kids will enjoy these songs: I bet they never have to satisfy that guarantee. Their music is a sure bet winner!
Purcell: Dioclesian (complete); Timon Of Athens /Pierand * Bowman * Ainsley * George * Collegium Musicum 90 * Hickox
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The highest quality performance
 Purcell: Dioclesian (complete); Timon Of Athens /Pierand * Bowman * Ainsley * George * Collegium Musicum 90 * Hickox
Henry Purcell , Richard Hickox , James Bowman , John Mark Ainsley , Michael George , Catherine Pierard , and Collegium Musicum 90
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000A5U
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Dioclesian: First Musick
  2. Dioclesian: Second Musick
  3. Dioclesian: Overture
  4. Dioclesian: Act I - First Act Tune (Hornpipe)
  5. Dioclesian: Act II - Song (Bass): Great Diocles the Boar has kill'd -Chorus: Sing Io's
  6. Dioclesian: Act II - Song (Soprano): Charon the peaceful Shade invites
  7. Dioclesian: Act II - Symphony for Trumpets and Violins
  8. Dioclesian: Act II - Duet (Soprano, Bass), Chorus: Let all mankind the pleasure share
  9. Dioclesian: Act II - Martial Song, Trio, Retornello, Trio, Retornello
  10. Dioclesian: Act II - A Symphony of Flutes, Song (Alto), Quartet
  11. Dioclesian: Act II - Dance of Furies
  12. Dioclesian: Act II - Second Act Tune
  13. Dioclesian: Act III - Two in one upon a Ground. Chaconne for Flutes
  14. Dioclesian: Act III - The Chair Dance
  15. Dioclesian: Act III - Prelude for Hautboys - Song (Tenor): What shall I do?
  16. Dioclesian: Act III - Third Act Tune
  17. Dioclesian: Act IV - Butterfly Dance
  18. Dioclesian: Act IV - Tune for Trumpets
  19. Dioclesian: Act IV - Song (Tenor): Sound, Fame, thy brazen trumpet sound
  20. Dioclesian: Act IV - Chorus: Let all rehearse
  21. Dioclesian: Act IV - Fourth Act Tune

Tracks:

  1. Dioclesian: Act V - Country Dance
  2. Act V - Masque - Cupid, Chorus: Call the nymphs
  3. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Duet (Bacchanalian, Silvan): Come, come away
  4. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Chorus: Behold, O mighty'st of Gods
  5. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Paspe (The first entry of heroes on the stage)
  6. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Duet (two Wood-Gods): Oh, the sweet delights of love!
  7. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - A Fawn, Chorus: Let monarchs fight
  8. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Two Bacchanals, Bacchus: Make room
  9. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Dance of Bacchanals
  10. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Follower of Cupid: Still I'm wishing
  11. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Canaries
  12. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Shepherd & Shepherdesses: Tell me why
  13. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Dance
  14. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - A Pleasure & Chorus: All our days
  15. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Let us dance
  16. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Dance
  17. Dioclesian: Act V - Masque - Trio & Chorus: Triumph, triumph victorious Love
  18. Dioclesian: Act V - Appendices - Song (Soprano): Since from my dear Astrea'ssight
  19. Dioclesian: Act V - Appendices - Song (Tenor): When first I saw
  20. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Duet: Hark how the songsters
  21. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Cupid: Love in their little veins
  22. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Trio: But ah! how much are our delights
  23. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Bass solo: Hence with your trifling deity
  24. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Trio: But over us no griefs prevail
  25. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Cupid: Come, come all to me
  26. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Chorus: Who can resist such mighty charms
  27. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Bacchus: Return, revolting rebels
  28. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Cupid: The cares of lovers
  29. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Alto solo: Love quickly is pall'd
  30. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Duet (Cupid & Bacchus): Come, let us agree
  31. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Chorus: Come, let us agree
  32. Timons Of Athens: Masque: Curtain Tune on a ground

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The highest quality performance.......1999-03-13

The music on this recording presents a typical example of a semi-opera, popular in Britain in Purcell's time. Semi-operas were based on a dramatic spoken play, and were accompanied by "incidental" music (dances and masques). It is this incidental music that usually finds its way onto a disc. This recording follows this convention. What distinguishes this recording is its high quality. Collegium Musicum 90 and Richard Hickox are experts in baroque music. The soloists include the biggest names in English vocals. Even the two additional tenors, brought in to merely double the voices in two places, are not just anybody, but Mark Padmore and Ian Bostridge (!). That tells you something. The biggest highlights include the Wood-god duet in Act V of Dioclesian, and the soprano song "Since from my dear Astrea's sight" which is placed in an appendix because musicologists don't seem to know where exactly it originally belonged. This song, which seems to speak of a man's, rather than woman's, anguish over the lost love, concludes with the most wrenching words: "alas, with weeping eyes, And bleeding heart I lie Thinking on her whose absence 'tis That makes me wish to die." Isn't that beautiful?
The Cambridge Singers Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A wonderful sampler of music
 The Cambridge Singers Collection

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChantsChants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. John Rutter Collection
  2. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  3. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  4. Cambridge Singers a Capella
  5. Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B0000031IA
Release Date: 1993-06-14

Tracks:

  1. Trois chansons de Charles d'Orleans: 1. Dieu! qu'il la fait bon regarder
  2. Trois chansons de Charles d'Orleans: 2. Quant j'ai ouy le tabourin
  3. Trois chansons de Charles d'Orleans: 3. Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain
  4. The Keel Row
  5. The Willow Tree
  6. Regina Caeli Latare: Regina caeli laetare
  7. Ave Maria
  8. Laudi alla Vergine Maria
  9. Caroline Ashton: Magnificat In G
  10. Te Deum In C
  11. Remember Not, Lord, Our Offenses
  12. Christe Jesu, pastor bone
  13. O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
  14. Lay A Garland
  15. Fancies: Riddle Song
  16. Five Childhood Lyrics: Sing A Song Of Sixpence
  17. Suite Antique: Waltz (From Suite Antique)
  18. The Wind In The Willows: The Wind In The Willows (Opening Extract)
  19. Magnificat (First Movement)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful sampler of music.......2005-09-23

This disc is a sampler of other Cambridge Singers discs. The tracks on the album were recorded at different times and places, including the regular venues for the Cambridge Singers such as the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral and the Great Hall of University College School, London.

--Music--
Selections on this disc come from eight different Collegium recordings, representing a wide range of the Cambridge Singers' work. Pieces here include secular and sacred work, ancient and modern. There are a cappella and accompanied pieces. Composers represented here include Stanford, Bruckner, Verdi, Debussy, Taverner and Purcell, as well as a number of pieces by John Rutter himself. The latter pieces include the first movement of Rutter's wonderful 'Magnificat'.

Guest performers include the King's Singers and the City of London Sinfonia, Richard Baker as a narrator and Wayne Marshall on the organ.

The music is very well done; Rutter's ear for tone and balance is superb, and his building of this ensemble of singers has retained a consistent beauty and grace through the years. Their best pieces are liturgical and religious pieces, but there is a good deal of power and fun in the secular and folk songs.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.
Purcell: Theatre Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fine reissue of a classic set
 Purcell: Theatre Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Hogwood, ChristopherHogwood, Christopher | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Cantatas for Solo Countertenor
  2. Purcell: The Fairy Queen
  3. Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll
  4. Monteverdi - Madrigali guerrieri ed amorosi / Concerto Köln, Jacobs
  5. Lute Music, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0001Y4JHA
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fine reissue of a classic set.......2006-05-24

Think about the stupidest, most formulaic Hollywood movies you can think of: cheesy action pictures, fluffy, unfunny comedies, big but stiff epics. Now imagine that one of the greatest living composers was working in Hollywood, turning out astonishing, hauntingly beautiful and stirring musical scores for these throwaway movies. That's what you get with this set: music Henry Purcell composed for some two dozen often utterly forgettable plays (trust me--I've read a number of them!) Occasionally, when he teams up with a playwright worthy of his stature, such as John Dryden, Aphra Behn, or William Congreve, the results are even better, but for the most part you can enjoy the music here without knowing anything about the original plays.

This set originally appeared as separate LPs in the 70s and 80s, and has been long out of print. That's a pity, since Purcell spent a good deal of his short professional life in the theatre, either writing the incidental music contained on these CDs, or the music for his larger works, the semi-operas (King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, and the like). Almost all of these works are enjoyable gems; certainly, they represent a pinnacle of English 17th century music. Purcell had a genius for spinning musical gold out of the most leaden lyrics (check out his Odes and Welcome Songs on Hyperion if you don't believe me), and he does the same with the song texts in these plays.

Hogwood and the AAM offer clean, listenable performances, and the sound on these old analog discs has been cleaned up and brightened--although they were pretty good, even in the late 70s. As with most Hogwood, emotional extremes are kept to a minimum, so the "otherworldly" nature of late 17th century music, so often emphasised in more recent Baroque performances, doesn't come across here. It would be interesting to see what a group like The King's Consort would do with this music, but this set fills the major gap in the Purcell canon quite nicely.

My only beef with the reissue, as with many reissues, is that the liner notes are rather thin for a 6-cd set--the lyrics to the songs, for example, are especially missed. Still, it's a worthwhile set, and a must for fans of Purcell, English Baroque music, or anyone who just wants to experience a taste of the last days of the Restoration stage.

Music:

  1. Singable Songs for the Very Young
  2. Singalong Songs from Scotland
  3. Songs For All Seasons
  4. Songs To Blather By
  5. Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child
  6. Sounds of a Better World: Can You Hear
  7. Street Carols
  8. Sweet Dreams Lullabies
  9. Teddy Bear's Picnic
  10. The Album For All Seasons (Bobby Susser Songs For Children)

Music

Music