Classical Music [Enhanced]

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Twin Sisters Productions is a leading producer of educational music resources for children and families. The award-winning product line includes lullabies, classical music, original relaxation music, preschool and early childhood learning, reading readiness, math, foreign languages, social studies, science —and inspirational music, too.

Album Description
Set the mood for bedtime, mealtime, class time, homework —anytime! Fourteen musical masterpieces from Mozart, Pachelbel, Beethoven, Strauss, Haydn, Brahms and other great composers in one very gentle, soft, soul-soothing collection.

1999 Parent's Guide Children's Media Award Winner; 1999 Early Childhood News Director's Award.

Classical Music, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Anton Diabelli, George Frideric Handel, Franz Joseph Haydn, Edward MacDowell, Felix Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Pachelbel, Christian Pezold, Domenico Scarlatti, Franz Schubert, Johann II Strauss, Carl Maria von Weber, Bagatelle for Keyboard, Chamber, Children's Collections, Childrens, Classical Pop, Dance/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Orchestra, Italian Baroque Opera, Keyboard, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard, Music for Keyboard, Opera, Orchestral, Orchestral Pop, Pop, Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments, Song Without Words for Keyboard, Waltz for Orchestra

Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance
Average customer rating:
Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance

Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The Best of Italian Opera

Puccini - Turandot / Franco Zeffirelli - Marton, Domingo, Mitchell, Plishka, Cuenod - James Levine, MET (1988)

ASIN: B000SKO0OY
Release Date: 2007-07-30

Tracks:

Nessun Dorma
Con Te Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye)
Amapola
Ognuno Soffre (Everybody Hurts)
Caruso
Nella Fantasia
Por Ti Sere (You Raise Me Up)
A Mi Manera (My Way)
Cavatina
Music Of The Night

Product Description

This Unassuming Man, a 36 Year Old Phone Salesman from South Wales and Amateur Opera Singer, Stepped Up to the Microphone on Simon Cowell's British Itv Show "Britain's Got Talent" and Literally Stole the Show. Many Anticipated Another William Hung, but Instead Got a Caruso! the Performance Brought the Entire Audience to their Feet, Even Winning High Praise from Cowell Himself. Potts Went on to Resoundingly Win the Competition! his is a Real Rags to Riches Tale, Having Been £30,000 in Debt and Suffering Years of Bullying and Recovering from a Serious Motorbike Accident. His Winning the Competition Got Him Signed to a Lucrative Recording Contract and He Gained Considerable Media Exposure all Over the World. This Debut Album Naturally features the Piece He Auditioned with (Puccini's "Nessun Dorma") as Well as his Heart Stopping Version of "Con Te Partiro/Time to Say Goodbye", the Song He Sang in the Finals, Originally Made Famous by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

Average customer rating:

Excellent CD
Exceptional
good flamenco guitar music
Gets the kid grooving
TERRIFIC!

Rodrigo y Gabriela (with Bonus DVD)
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Manufacturer: ATO Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Mexico | International | Styles | Music

Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Tango | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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Live: Manchester and Dublin
Rhythms del Mundo: Cuba
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Till the Sun Turns Black
West

ASIN: B000HKDEE2
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Tamacu
Diablo Rojo
Vikingman
Satori
Ixtapa
Stairway To Heaven
Orion
Juan Loco
PPA

Amazon.com

How did two Mexican-born heavy-metal enthusiasts end up at the top of the Irish charts? The story begins back in their homeland, where Rodrigo Sanchez (lead guitar) and Gabriela Quintero (rhythm and guitar-top hand percussion) met as teenagers. Following years of fruitless struggle, they settled in Dublin, working as street entertainers, eventually wandering as far afield as Denmark and Spain. But over time, their virtuoso duo-guitar instrumentals garnered them a following, which in turn led to indoor engagements where they no longer had to freeze their hands off. And no wonder -- their eruptive mixture of Central and South American folkways, with its propulsive rock rhythms, plus grooves reminiscent of The Gipsy Kings' crowd-pleasing Catalan rumbas, is incredibly infectious. Yes, their frisky yet spot-on covers of "Stairway To Heaven" and "Orion" may goad some listeners into purchasing the album, but believe it or not, the original tunes are even more mesmerizing. "Ixapa," in which the pair are joined by noted Hungarian Roma (Gypsy) fiddler Roby Lakatos, has a wicked, pan-European swing, while the impossibly fleet "Juan Loco" should delight all comers -- once they catch their collective breaths! Produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Muse), the USA release includes a DVD containing interviews, live performances and other extras. --Christina Roden

Album Description

The sleeve photo of a crocodile's eye with a faint image of Rodrigo and Gabriela superimposed, suits the artists' desire for something which didn't shout "Mexican guitarists" or "Couples." "It reminded us of Tamacun, the famous Mexican eccentric who is in Ixtapa where we lived for a while".

Tamacun -"Tamacun's message is to teach kids to respect nature." He handles crocodiles, and tourists come to photograph him.

Diablo Rojo - Inspired by a wild rollercoaster called 'Red Devil' at a theme park in Copenhagen, Denmark. Three rides in a row, each.

Viking Man - Another Danish inspired piece. The Viking Man was a homeless guy who encouraged Rod & Gab to tough it out on the streets, busking in minus zero conditions at Christmastime. John Leckie adds radio static.

Satori - Experiencing self doubt shortly after arriving in Ireland, Rodrigo y Gabriela were at a low ebb. No money, poor English and a deep sense of uncertainty. Only an unshakeable faith in perseverance kept them going. Satori describes the Zen - like moment of enlightenment they felt when they came through the storm.

Ixtapa - "Ixtapa is a very beautiful, very Mexican town." Roby Lakatos' wildly soaring violin solo is a perfect counterpoint to the melodic and percussive guitars.

Stairway to Heaven - "Ixtapa was our very own Stairway to Heaven!" Rod & Gab's take was initially inspired by Stanley Jordan's interpretation of the Led Zep warhorse. Growing from snippets in their live show, their unique version is at once both respectful and innovative.

Orion - This epic reworking of the Metallica song is the second time Rodrigo y Gabriela have covered Messrs Hetfield, Ulrich & Co: "A tribute to the style of music we love, it's what kept us playing the guitar through all those Spinal Tap years"

Juan Loco - The first attempt at recording this album in Mexico in Summer 2005 resulted in three weeks of sunbathing, beer drinking and power cuts. Enter Mr John Leckie, legendary producer of Radiohead, The Stone Roses and Muse, to name but a few; to midwife Rod & Gab's musical vision into what you hear today. 'Juan Loco' ('Mad John') is their Mexican nickname for Mr Leckie.

PPA - "The first P of PPA stands for Pinche, a Mexican term meaning f**king asshole. This is for all the people in the music business who think they know what's going on but actually don't have a clue".

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD.......2007-07-14

The music is very lively, energetic, upbeat, etc. Comes with a video CD that is well worth seeing as well.

Exceptional.......2007-07-12

Loved every moment on this CD. Acoustic tunes played with tremendous feeling. Great Stuff.

good flamenco guitar music.......2007-07-11

I had recently fell in love with flamenco dancing and music after seeing a performance in Santa Fe, NM. This cd is all music, there are no vocals, but it is very enjoyable. It runs the gamut from high energy spanish guitar to quieter guitar melodies. I am really enjoying it.

Gets the kid grooving.......2007-07-07

I'm submitting this review on behalf of my 7-year-old autistic son. He's been playing this disk over and over since we first got it a month ago. It just lights the little guy up and gets him grooving, so here's his 5 stars for it. (By the way, I'd give it a 5 myself).

TERRIFIC!.......2007-07-05

I'd been looking a long time for a great instrumental guitar cd before I saw these guys on Jay Leno. They are fantastic musicians and I can't wait until their next album

Average customer rating:

So very beautiful!
Gorgeous
Great Premiere from Stile Antico!
Music for Compline

Music for Compline

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi USA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Lighten our Darkness
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William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis
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Combattimento (W/Dvd)

ASIN: B000LPRNSG
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
Veni, Domine (plainchant)
Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Customer Reviews:

So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.

Average customer rating:

Great music!
A total disappointment
Groban CD
Josh is branching out...
One of his best

Awake
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Andrea Bocelli: Under the Desert Sky [DVD Included]
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Wintersong
Closer

ASIN: B000I5X81K
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

Mai
You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)
Un Dia Llegara
February Song
L'Ultima Notte
So She Dances
In Her Eyes
Solo Por Ti
Now Or Never
Un Giorno Per Noi
Lullaby -- w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Weeping -- w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Vusi Mahlasela
Machine -- w/ Herbie Hancock

Amazon.com

Josh Groban is making it hard for anybody who can't say "classical crossover" without smirking to maintain an acceptable level of snobbery. Awake, his third studio disc and arguably his most personal--he co-wrote four tracks and favors his native English over Italian--boasts as many bold names as any tricked-out hip-hop disc: Dave Matthews, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Imogen Heap, and Herbie Hancock contribute in various capacities, and a slew of behind-the-scenes collaborators best known for their work in mainstream pop circles deepen the dimensions of a style widely considered claustrophobic. For all the studio doors that got opened to create Awake, though, Groban's signature sound never once slipped out to take the air; "the voice"--that hypnotic, spun-silk wonder of an instrument--is as concentrated as ever, and Awake, in addition to showing off its many splendors, serves as a vehicle for parading its versatility around. While "Un Giorno Per Noi," the deeply romantic theme to the 1968 film Romeo E Giulietta, delivers the Groban that fueled the sale of 16 million previous discs to soft-hearted fans, "Machine," with Hancock, gives up a new form of funk: dignified, classy, and surprisingly unstiff. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

The Josh Groban phenomenon continues with Awake, his third studio album. Both of the extraordinary singer's first two studio discs have been certified five times platinum, with his most recent, 2003's Closer, charting #1 pop. His uplifting music rises ever higher on Awake.

Customer Reviews:

Great music!.......2007-07-16

I just love Josh Groban's music. Each time he comes out with a new cd, I can't imagine how it could be better than the previous one. But I have to say, this is the best one yet. I just never tire listening to this cd. And I probably won't until his next one comes out. Even my 10 year old son loves this CD!

A total disappointment.......2007-07-04

I loved Josh Groban's first two studio albums. I thought the music was both spiritually uplifting and emotionally moving. Josh's third studio album "Awake" was a total let down for me. No matter how many times I have listened to "Awake", I found the album nothing like its predecssors. The songs lacked the beauty and charm that made me fall in love with Josh's music several years ago. The songs were totally devoid of a good pop melody. The material was weak and less than spectacular. I think the worst song on the album has to be "Machine". Bombastic and no melody. There was only one song on the album that really stood out with me and it was Josh's cover of Qkumba Zoo's ballad "Weeping", a collaboration he did with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Vusi Mahlasela. Other than that song, every other song on the album was flat and lifeless and lacked the beauty of his first two albums. Maybe it is my evolving taste in music that has changed my outlook on Josh's music but then again I still love his self-titled cd and "Closer". What a disappointment "Awake" turned out to be.

Groban CD.......2007-06-27

Not as good as his Josh Groban CD, but a must listen for a Josh fan!

Josh is branching out..........2007-06-26

I'll admit, when I first heard this CD, I wasn't immediately sure what to make of it, but upon repeated listenings, I began to love it. Josh was asserting himself: he was taking chances and testing new areas. Quite frankly, with a voice like his, he can't go wrong. I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert this past March at Madison Square Garden, and while I was a wee bit disappointed that he didn't do a few more of the "older" songs, he did do practically the entire "Awake" album, and let me tell you, the man sounds exactly the same in person as he does on CD and he made converts out of the people around me who were still on the fence about the album. And when Ladysmith Black Mambazo came out to do "Lullaby" and "Weeping," the roof was practically blasted off the place! There are many entertainers who don't quite sound live like they do on their recordings (Madonna comes to mind), but Josh is not one of them. This album is certainly a departure from his first two, but I think he was right to take the chance. He proved he can sing anything. My favorites off the album are "In Her Eyes" (one of the best things he's ever done), "Mai," "Weeping," and "You Are Loved." This album is fresh and interesting. Besides, it's Josh. He could sing the phone book and have you begging for more, right?

One of his best.......2007-06-15

I bought this CD after hearing some clips on Amazon and, as a Josh Groban fan, thought it sounded good. When I got it, I popped it into my computer and listened while working. I was thoroughly enjoying it but when it got to Un Giorno Per Noi, I was enthralled! I had to stop what I was doing as I was fully immersed in the joy of the musical experience brought to me by Josh Groban's rendition of the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet. This song alone is reason for 5 stars but the rest of the CD also lives up to the excellence we have come to expect from a performer of the caliber of Josh Groban. I highly recommend this CD!

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

Average customer rating:

*sigh*
Elizabethan Music
Vibe shift
Gorgeous, pure and unexpected
Soul music

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Awake

ASIN: B000HXDESU
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Walsingham
Can she excuse my wrongs?
Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor
Flow my tears
Have you seen the bright lily grow
Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson died
The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
The lowest trees have tops
And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letter
Fine knacks for ladies
From thenc I went to the Landgrave of Hessen
Fantasy
Come, heavy sleep
Forlorn Hope Fancy
And from thence I had great desire to see Italy
Come again
Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
After my departure I caled to mynde our conference
Weep you no more, sad fountains
My Lord Willoughbys Welcome Home
Clear or cloudy
Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparation
In darkness let me dwell

Amazon.com

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

Album Description

StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.

Customer Reviews:

*sigh*.......2007-07-16

I am a lutenist myself, who had experience as both a rock guitarist and a classically trained clarinetist before also picking up the lute. I have a great love for Dowland that comes from years of playing his songs myself as well as hearing great musicians (like Paul O'Dette) play them. And this CD makes me sad.

In a way, it doesn't surprise me that Sting would do this. For years now he's been trying to gain cred in the classical music world (I have a 1988 recording of him doing Stravinsky's A Soldier Tale that delighted me when I was 16 and musically ignorant, but now makes my eyes roll into the back of my head). What upsets me is he had to do something that's initimately important to me as a musician. The is problem is that when it comes this kind of music, as others have said, he IS an amatuer, and all his heavy-handed, juvenile earnesty and clumsy, misplaced intensity just drains out all the joy I would normally experience from these songs. Moreover, he's voice isn't merely "untrained" - it's *shot* from years of strain caused by bad "rock" vocal technique. It's just pitiful to listen to in such an exposed context. If you think this is how these songs ought to be intrepreted, you're sadly mistaken.

There are people who would call Sting a "pop genius, " laud him and hand him all sort of impressive looking awards and honors, but this is the music of a real genius, someone who knew not just how to write lyrics that hit home with his audience, but as how to compose songs with unparallel grace, form and sophistication in an idiosyncratic style that bridged convention and innovation. And Sting simply cannot do Dowland's music justice. He just doesn't have the chops or the insight. It's great he's supposedly "studied" this music and that he wrote lengthy, flowery liner notes, but did he really need to record this CD for any reason that his own self-satisfaction? It's far too obvious he hasn't done the same level of groundwork of countless Early Music musicians who don't do this a hobby or avocation from political causes or high-profile celebrity, but as their sole passion. Why couldn't he simply support those musicians, without trying to grab some spotlight for himself? Having a decent lutenist as a sidekick just isn't enough to pull him up from his amatuerly, self-important bog, either. Frankly, he just doesn't get it, and at this stage, I don't think he will.

Early music lovers don't need someone like Sting to bring this music to us - we've been doing just fine without him because we have so many other, really wonderful musicians around to keep this music alive. Someone else recommended Nigel Rogers and Paul O'Dette, and I would gladly recommend them over this celebrity-fuel nonsense as well. Yes these are both musicians with academic backgrounda, but that doesn't mean they are academic musicians - far from it. They just have to hold down teaching positions and do master classes because they don't have a pop career to play the bills. Musicially and professionally, they're what Early Music musicians ought to be - dedicated, educated, passionate and yet they don't have any need to take themselves this deathly seriously.

Elizabethan Music.......2007-07-12

This is the audio component of an hour long video made by Sting on the work of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. (The video does adds greatly to the value as it places the music against the background and age (16th C) for which it was written.) Sting's voice is light tenor and right for these poems set to music about everlasting human concerns that persist to our day. But you'll not see those wonderful lutes that accompany the words, so complex to play with a beauty of sound not heard today. Between his music Sting gives an excellent spoken commentary to complete an attractive presentation of esoteric classical music with a modern undertone.

Vibe shift.......2007-07-10

Why bother? Still would like to say i love the 'shift' it takes to get into this music and how i (and my home) feel when i've enter this rather rarified realm of listening.

Gorgeous, pure and unexpected.......2007-07-06

This music is so pure, so clean, so well performed by two excellent musicians, Edin Karamasov, and Sting, that it put shivers up my spine. Edin is an excellent classical lutenist and Sting's tenor voice is perfect for the music. It was a surprise hearing a rock musician perform this music, but Sting always surprises, continuing to develop as a musican. I will hear this one in my sleep, echoing.

Soul music.......2007-07-05

Have you ever walked a labryinth? Let Sting walk with you either if you are new or an ole' timer at it. This is music for and from the soul.

Average customer rating:

An unusual treat

Shanghai
12 Girls Band
Manufacturer: Manhattan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai
Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD)
Best of 12 Girls Band
Romantic Energy
Twelve Girls of Christmas

ASIN: B000PC1QLA
Release Date: 2007-06-25

Tracks:

Glory
Shining Energy
Fragile
Carnival
Bach Tribute: Concerto For Violin In A Minor (1st Mvt.)
My Heart Will Go On (Theme From Titanic)
Loulan Girl
Flowers And Juveniles
Take Five
High Mountain And Floating Water
Handel's Music For Royal Fireworks
Nessun Dorma
The Great Canyon
Freedom

Amazon.com

12 Girls Band began as a series of auditions held throughout China, seeking thirteen attractive and versatile young female instrumentalists (although only twelve appear onstage at any time). After taking Japan by storm, their debut US release, Eastern Energy (2004), created a sensation, crowning Billboard's World Music chart. Since then, the group has become a firm favorite at PBS and NPR, with several prestigious international concert bookings on the horizon. For the present recording, the ensemble ranges between local folk songs, newly composed tunes and works by Sting ("Fragile"), J.S. Bach (an excerpt from Concerto For Violin in A Minor), G. Puccini ("Nessun Dorma" from Turandot), and James Horner ("My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic). Arranged by Bob Belden and Liang Jianfeng, who leads the ensemble's backing guitar combo, the overall effect is not unlike an Eastern equivalent of Celtic Woman, minus the vocals but every bit as energetic, polished, and astutely marketed. Musically, the tunes are tightly conceptualized and performed, marred only by overuse of a 4/4 snare backbeat and the fact that certain Chinese instruments, although breathtakingly lovely in a more traditional setting, are not always ideally suited to the material at hand. But even so, it's a charming, graceful and high-spirited enterprise; as good-will ambassadors, these ladies can't fail to please. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An unusual treat.......2007-07-05

This group is tops for musicianship and you get the treat of hearing unfamiliar instruments play old favorites. Everyone that I've loaned this to has fallen for this group and their music.

Average customer rating:

Amore
I just can't get into it, maby if it was in english
Very romantic
Beautiful music
Intoxicating Italian music

Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Sugar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Romanza
Ancora
Andrea
Andrea Bocelli: Under the Desert Sky [DVD Included]
Duets: An American Classic

ASIN: B000CC1TGA
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

Amapola
Besame Mucho
Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)
Mi Manchi - featuring Kenny G
Somos Novios (It's Impossible) - Duet with Christina Aguilera
Solamente Una Vez
Jurame
Pero Te Extrano
Canzoni Stonate - Featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica and vocals
L'Appuntamento
Cuando Me Enamoro
Can't Help Falling In Love - Live At Lake Las Vegas
Because We Believe
Ama Credi E Vai (Because We Believe)

Product Description

Romance. Passion. Emotion. These words are synonymous with the voice of Andrea Bocelli. Almost ten years ago he exploded onto the international music scene with Romanza, and has since sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide. Amore--released amongst the glamor of the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy (where he will perform at the closing ceremony) and the romance of Valentine's Day--finds Bocelli straying from the carefully groomed classical ground in which he is most familiar. The concept of the album came from famed producer and longtime Bocelli fan David Foster along with co-producers Humberto Gatica and Tony Renis, who posed the question: Why not take the most beautiful love songs in the world and pair them with the most romantic voice in the world? The result is a beautiful album of pop standards that Foster has publicly claimed is "one of the most beautiful records I have ever been part of."

Embarking on a new era, Amore unveils a fresh sensuous sound that gently moves Bocelli into new territory. Spanish guitars flourish, traditional Latin percussion seductively keeps the tempo, accordions and harmonicas provide charming melodies, while sometimes Bocelli shares the spotlight with just a grand piano. Recorded late in the summer at Bocelli's Tuscan home studio overlooking the coast, the album exudes the natural beauty and breathtaking surroundings evident in Italy. Amore marks the only album David Foster has made outside of his Californian studio complex in two decades. This was also most musically gratifying for Bocelli: "I've been presented with opportunities I once could only dream of, challenges I longed to confront and experiences I will cherish forever, but while recording this album I realized that now is the perfect moment to arrive at an album of this repertoire, with the perfect producers, the perfect musicians and the perfect selection of songs."

More CDs from Andrea Bocelli

The Storyteller

Romanza

Cieli di Toscana

Verdi

La Bohème

Sacred Arias