A Feast of Song

Editorial Reviews
The Ann Arbor News
"This is, quite simply, beautiful, fun music that's irresistibly singable and draws the listeners together."

The Detroit News
If the Pied Piper had been twins, odds are he would have been Gemini

Album Description
Delightful original songs for children and families. Upbeat, uplifting folk music. Also traditional folk music from around the world.

A Feast of Song

A Feast of Song, Music, Gemini
Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER
  • Time well spent.
  • Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs
  • Buy the full version, please
  • Argh Matey!
Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Colm Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
SoundtracksSoundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
  2. The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights)
  4. Selections From Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection

ASIN: B000084TRM
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

  1. Overture/Work Song
  2. I Dreamed a Dream
  3. Who Am I?
  4. Castle on a Cloud
  5. Master of the House
  6. Stars
  7. Do You Hear the People Sing?
  8. A Heart Full of Love
  9. One Day More
  10. On My Own
  11. A Little Fall of Rain
  12. Drink with Me
  13. Bring Him Home
  14. Javert's Suicide
  15. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
  16. Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
  17. Finale

Amazon.com

While not overly generous at 55 minutes, the highlights album of the 1987 original Broadway cast recording of Les Miserables is intelligently selected and likely to prove satisfying to most fans. It includes the best-loved numbers of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score, beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?") alike, but eliminates some choral numbers ("Lovely Ladies"), redundancies ("Red and Black"), and connective tissue that propels the plot along ("Valjean Arrested," "Come to Me (Fantine's Death)"). Sure, a more perfect selection could have lasted longer than half of the two-disc set's 104 minutes by adding "At the End of the Day" and "In My Life," among others, but it's still a good representation on a convenient single disc. Of course, those who always want to re-create the theatrical experience will never be satisfied with a highlights album.

Re-creating their roles from the London production, Colm Wilkinson plays the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine. Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers) fill out the cast. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER.......2006-11-03

This is the BEST!! I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of music!

5 out of 5 stars Time well spent........2005-09-14

Each member of the Les Miserables cast stands to deliver this musical to its audience. Within moments we are transported to France during their Restoration. We experience sadness, laughter and, indeed, want to join in their crusade. The music and deliverance, in my opinion, is excellent.

4 out of 5 stars Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs.......2005-08-05

Composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score for "Les Miserables" is simply brilliant and the spectacular Broadway cast, led by Colm Wilkinson, Randy Graff, Terrence Mann, and Frances Ruffelle, help bring this incredible music to life!

While I normally enjoy "highlight" cds, this one clocks in at a mere 55 minutes and could have easily included a couple of additional tunes (thus losing one star). Most notably missing: "At The End Of The Day", "Come To Me", "Red And Black", and "In My Life". The show's most memorable songs, however, are included.

Best tracks:

I Dreamed A Dream
Master Of The House
Stars
Do You Hear The People Sing
On My Own
A Little Fall Of Rain
Bring Him Home
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

Great cast, great score ... even a good buy. But I would suggest the full double-disc score instead.

2 out of 5 stars Buy the full version, please.......2005-01-20

Highlights are never worth it. You will never get the little in-between songs which make a show complete, montages will be cut together badly instead of being full songs as they should be...so much is left out. This is a fantastic show and deserves to be heard in full.

5 out of 5 stars Argh Matey!.......2004-11-22

"Highlights" albums are not the full show, blah blah blah... THIS TAKES UP ONLY ONE SPACE IN YOUR CD RACK INSTEAD OF TWO LIKE THE FULL RECORDING. I rest my case.
The Romantic Violin  Vol. 2 - Famous Encores
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great perfomances - cheap price
The Romantic Violin Vol. 2 - Famous Encores

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( 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
GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by KreislerAll Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeclairAll Works by Leclair | Leclair, Jean Marie | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PergolesiAll Works by Pergolesi | Pergolesi, Gio Battista | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SibeliusAll Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | 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 (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Favorite Violin Encores
  2. Bravo! Virtuoso and Romantic Encores for Violin
  3. More of the Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe
  4. Bach: Violin Concertos, BWV 1041 & 1042; Double Concertos, BWV 1060 & 1043
  5. Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos

ASIN: B000004101
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Ave Maria - Op.52 No.6
  2. Meditation de 'Thais'
  3. Siciliano, Op.3 No. 11
  4. Tambourin
  5. Minuet In G
  6. Melodie
  7. Traumerei, Op.15 No. 7
  8. Serenade, D 957 No.4
  9. Minuet - Divertimento In D, K. 334
  10. Ave Maria
  11. Estrellita
  12. Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven
  13. La Capricieuse, Op.17
  14. Apres un reve, Op.7 No. 1
  15. Nocturne, Op.51 No. 3
  16. Andantino
  17. Larghetto - Sonatina in G, Op.100
  18. Sonata No. 12, Op.3 No. 6
  19. Sicilienne
  20. Valse sentimentale, Op.51 No. 6
  21. Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55 No. 4

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great perfomances - cheap price.......2004-12-06

This is another one of those Philips concept albums where they cobble together performances from their catalogue and then package them under some corny title to attract the general public who might not have much knowledge or interest in classical music.

Good news for those of use who are knowledgeable and interested in classical is that this is a CD of all Arthur Grumiaux performances at a great discount price! Grumiaux is one of my favorite performers, and Philips uses his performances in a variety of concept albums, one other worth checking out is "Mozart for Coffee."

All of these songs and performances on this CD are excellent, and the sound quality is wonderful. Some of the selections fall more on the "pop" side of classical music, but with Grumiaux they are rendered wonderfully.

Instead of shelling out full price for a second rate violinst (hear that, Andre Rieu fans?), why not pay half price for a first-rate violinist?
A Feast of Carols
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Christmas carol recording
  • A Must Christmas album
A Feast of Carols

Manufacturer: Kodanja Records Ltd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Dallas Christmas Gala
  2. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  3. The Many Moods of Christmas
  4. Holiday Pops
  5. A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

ASIN: B0000ZQTGE
Release Date: 2003-11-21

Tracks:

  1. Gloria!
  2. A Feast of Carols (Gloucester Wassail Carol / Il Est Nele Divin Enfant / Veni, Emmanuel / The Holly and the Ivy / God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen / We Wish You a Merry Christmas)
  3. Glory to God (from "A Savior Is Born")
  4. I Wonder As I Wander
  5. The Night Before Christmas
  6. White Christmas
  7. A Symphony of Carols (Chanticleer / Pat-a-Pan / Fum, Fum, Fum / Stille Nacht / Still, Still, Still / Adeste Fideles)
  8. Christmas Set of Three (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Lovers on Christmas Eve / The Christmas Song)
  9. Seasonal Sounds (Santa Claus is Comin' to Town / Here Comes Santa Claus / Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Frosty, the Snowman / Jingle Bells)

Album Description

The only Christmas album that every home must have features Sir Derek Jacobi naratting The Night Before Christmas. This recording represents the only complete collection of these Randol Alan Bass works that were originally commissioned by major US symphony orchestras. The renowned National Symphony Orchestra of London creates this collection with the Tallis Chamber Choir.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

RANDOL ALAN BASS ...
Mr. Bass has achieved an impressive array of performances by orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Active for more than two decades as an arranger, Mr. Bass is now focusing his talents on original compositions, largely due to the demand for his music. His transcription of Conquest of Paradise, can be heard on the April 30, 1996 release from the Boston Pops, Summon the Heroes which celebrated the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

SIR DEREK JACOBI ...
A brilliant English stage actor who has made occasional screen appearances. He studied at Cambridge and trained at the Birmingham Repertory Company until Laurence Olivier saw him perform and eventually invited him to join the National Theatre Company. Jacobi performed in a myriad of roles and was featured in the Olivier produced films of Othello (1965, as Cassio) and Three Sisters (1970, released here in 1974). He has also been featured in The Day of the Jackal (1973), The Odessa File (1974), The Medusa Touch (1978), The Human Factor (1979), Enigma (1982), Little Dorrit (1988), and the Kenneth Branagh films Henry V (1989, as the Chorus) and Dead Again (1991, in an amusingly flashy part). Jacobi won a Tony Award for his role as Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing," and may be best known in the US for his stunning TV work in the BBC series "I, Claudius" and as Hitler in "Inside the Third Reich."

LURETTA BYBEE, Mezzo-soprano ...
American mezzo-soprano Luretta Bybee has proven herself to be an artist of remarkable range and versatility in her performances throughout the world in a wide variety of repertoire. International recognition came early in her career when she sang the title role in the world tour of Peter Brook's La Tragedie de Carmen. Bizet's heroine has since figured heavily in Ms. Bybee's schedule, having taken her to several companies both in the U.S. and abroad and marked her debut at New York City Opera as Carmen.

ABOUT THE MUSIC ...

GLORIA! ... This particular setting of the "Gloria" text makes use of multi-metric rhythmic patterns reminiscent of the dance music found in much of Eastern Europe. It contains moments of bittersweet lyricism and much fanfarish brass writing as well; these qualities have made it a frequent inclusion on Holiday programs, both in church and in the concert hall. The work was especially composed for performances of the New York Pops Orchestra (Skitch Henderson, conducting) and the Texas Christian University Choirs (Christmas, 1990.)

A FEAST OF CAROLS ... There are six carols included in the arrangement, set out as follows:

Gloucester Wassail Carol
Il Est Neé, le Divin Enfant
Veni Emmanuel
The Holly and the Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The orchestral opening introduces all 6 themes and there follow extended arrangements of the various carols, connecting one to the other in rhapsodic fashion.

I WONDER AS I WANDER ... This traditional Appalachian folk song was collected in North Carolina in July, 1933 by John Jacob Niles and published shortly thereafter in his 1934 Songs of the Hill-Folk. This most plaintive and serene of carols is here cast in a stark, glassy setting for solo mezzo-soprano, chorus and orchestra. The arrangement retains the simple, questioning quality of the original tune while making effective use of modern orchestral forces for subtle color and text-painting.

GLORY TO GOD ... This short choral setting of the famous biblical nativity text comprises a single movement of th

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Christmas carol recording.......2007-01-03

This is a fine recording of Randol Bass music. I have used his arrangements for several Christmas programs and have found them to be both well constructed and rewarding in performance. For those wishing to use choral-orchestral arrangements of traditional Christmas music, these carols are among the best and are very well performed on the recording.

5 out of 5 stars A Must Christmas album.......2004-04-17

If you like orchestral Christmas music, this album is a must. Performed masterfully by the National Symphony Orchestra of London the album includes the modern American Christmas standards as well as a sampling of less well known Christmas classics from overseas and the past. It is unusual in that it is conducted by the arranger of the pieces, so we can be sure we are hearing the arrangements exactly as intended. This album should be in everyone's collection to be played every holiday season. Highly recommended.
Handel: Alexander's Feast
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Spirited performance of charming work
  • Alexander's Feast - English version
  • One of Handel's great works
  • Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition
Handel: Alexander's Feast
G. F. Handel , The Sixteen , Harry Christophers , and Symphony Of Harmony And Invention
Manufacturer: Coro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | 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
HarpHarp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Samson
  2. Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort
  3. Handel: The Occasional Oratorio /Gritton * Milne * Bowman * Ainsley * George * The King's Consort * King
  4. Handel: Belshazzar
  5. George Frideric Handel: Esther

ASIN: B0007DBXJC
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Tracks:

  1. Alexander's Feast: Overture
  2. Alexander's Feast: 'Twas at the Royal Feast
  3. Alexander's Feast: Happy, Happy, Happy Pair
  4. Alexander's Feast: Timotheus plac'd on high
  5. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro
  6. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Larghetto
  7. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro moderato
  8. Alexander's Feast: The song began from Jove
  9. Alexander's Feast: The list'ning Crowd
  10. Alexander's Feast: With ravish'd Ears
  11. Alexander's Feast: The praise of Bacchus
  12. Alexander's Feast: Bacchus, ever fair and young
  13. Alexander's Feast: Sooth'd with the sound
  14. Alexander's Feast: He chose a Mournful Muse
  15. Alexander's Feast: He sung Darus Great and Good
  16. Alexander's Feast: With downcast Looks
  17. Alexander's Feast: Behold Darius Great and Good
  18. Alexander's Feast: The Mighty Master smil'd to see
  19. Alexander's Feast: Softly sweet
  20. Alexander's Feast: War, he sung, is Toil and Trouble
  21. Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies
  22. Alexander's Feast: The Prince, unable to conceal
  23. Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies

Tracks:

  1. Alexander's Feast: Now strike the Golden Lyre
  2. Alexander's Feast: Revenge, Revenge, Timotheus cries
  3. Alexander's Feast: Give the Vengeance due
  4. Alexander's Feast: The Princes applaud with a furious joy
  5. Alexander's Feast: Thais led the way
  6. Alexander's Feast: Thus long ago
  7. Alexander's Feast: At last Divine Cecilia came
  8. Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
  9. Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
  10. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Larghetto e staccato
  11. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Allegro
  12. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Adagio
  13. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Andante
  14. Alexander's Feast (conclusion): Your Voices tune

Album Description

"A remarkable recording." - REPERTOIRE

The nature of Alexander's Feast is perhaps better summed up by its other title, The Power of Music. It is a celebratory ode for St. Cecilia's Day, written by Dryden in 1697 for the traditional celebration of the patron saint of music and set in celebratory style by Handel in 1736. At its first performance that year, he incorporated two delightful concertos, one for harp and one for organ, and these are included on this recording. Winner of the Deutschen Schallplattenkritic prize.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Spirited performance of charming work.......2007-03-10

This performance of Alexander's Feast is, in my opinion, exactly right for the work; beautiful, clear voices singing the solos with good diction, a lovely balance in the small chorus, and superb playing of appropriate instruments for the piece and for the period. The notes on the flyer are also excellent, presenting the background and intention of the work.

5 out of 5 stars Alexander's Feast - English version.......2006-02-26

This recording is a very complete version of Alexander's Feast, following the composer's practice of inserting other pieces to create a performance of appropriate length. Excellent soloists, orchestra, and chorus. A high quality recording.

5 out of 5 stars One of Handel's great works.......2005-11-19

I just attended a live performance of Alexander's Feast and I saw many people who probably never heard anything else than Messiah, suddenly finding out that there is more to Handel than Hallelujah chorus. This music is exciting and original, you may know several arias like "War he said is toil and trouble" or "Revenge!" but it is great as a complete work. It was written for St. Cecilia's Day celebration, then re-written several times, but it remains as a beautiful example of Handel's mastery in choral composition and writing showcase arias. The soloists are great, especially Ian Partridge, and the chorus is outstanding. This is a wonderful performance of one of Handel's great works.

5 out of 5 stars Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition.......2005-08-22

"Alexander's Feast," Handel's 1736 setting of Dryden's ode in honor of St. Cecilia's Day (patron saint of music) is a masterpiece and a delight, but its odd length - too long for a mixed program, too short for a full evening - gave Handel trouble and apparently still presents a problem: this is at present the only recording of this inspired work in the catalogue, though some good ones have come and gone. Fortunately, this reissue of the Sixteen's 1990 version is first-rate, in fact the best I ever recall hearing, with chorus, orchestra, soloists and conductor all in top form. Furthermore, music director Harry Christophers has wisely chosen to include the two concerti - one for harp, the other for organ - that Handel inserted in his original performances. Not only do they lengthen the piece to a satisfactory 115', they serve a satisfactory dramatic purpose by representing respectively the power of music in its pagan form - the bard Timotheus's lyre represented by the harp - and Christian - Cecilia's (apocryphal) organ. Both receive sparkling interpretations here.
If you enjoy such Handel works as "L'Allegro..." and "Acis and Galatea," you will certainly enjoy "Alexander's Feast," which finds the composer in peak form, responding with eagerness to the high quality of the English verse before him. And it's hard to imagine a better way to get to know it than this wonderful performance.
Simply Sarah
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • At best these are okay performances...
  • Simply Sarah is simply delightful!
  • Fantastic! Most Thrilling!
  • Simply Dazzling!
Simply Sarah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GluckAll Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ProkofievAll Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SarasateAll Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SibeliusAll Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Chang, SarahChang, Sarah | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fire & Ice
  2. Debut
  3. Sweet Sorrow
  4. Sarah Chang - Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 ~ Saint-Saëns: Havanaise / Sawallisch
  5. Sarah Chang - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35; Brahms: Hungarian Dances

ASIN: B000002RWO
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

  1. The Dance Of The Goblins, Scherzo Fantastique, Op.25
  2. Cantabile In D Major
  3. Introduction & Tarantella, Op.43
  4. Waltz-Scherzo, Op.34
  5. Berceuse, Op.16
  6. Hora Staccato
  7. Romeo And Juliet: Masks
  8. Sonata No.12 In E minor, Op.3
  9. On Wings Of Song, Op.34, No.2
  10. Sonata Movement (Sonatensatz), Op. posth
  11. Melodie
  12. Banjo And Fiddle
  13. Nocturne, Op.51, No.3
  14. Zapateado, Op.23

Amazon.com

This is Sarah Chang's second encore collection, recorded when she was all of 15. (The debut recital was made when she was 9.) As in the previous collection, and most of her other recordings, Chang stays mostly with the Romantic era, although she does play the March from Prokofiev's Love for Three Oranges with a good deal of bite. This disc doesn't offer a profound musical experience, but if you like to be amazed by dazzling violin playing, it's a treat throughout. Bravo to Chang for reviving showpieces like those by Bazzini and Sarasate. Charles Abramovic, whose name you have to search for, plays well but could be more assertive. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars At best these are okay performances..........2006-12-04

...of these pieces...for some reason some of the recordings have a particularly dry sound -- "Hora staccato" and "Valse scherzo" sound like the bow was haired with sandpaper...much better performances can be found elsewhere -- look for Michael Rabin and, of course, Heifetz.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Sarah is simply delightful!.......2005-12-21

I couldn't stop smiling while I listened to these bon-bons. She is an outstanding musician and the material, while definitely on the light side, is totally pleasing.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic! Most Thrilling!.......1999-01-06

This album features mainly bravura showpieces and lyrical pieces. In the showpieces, Sarah Chang's virtuosity is second to none. Her flawless, electrifying accounts of Bazzini's Dance of the Goblins, Sarasate's Tarantella and Zapateado, etc., are very likely the best ever. In contrast to the dazzlers, she makes listeners realize her remarkable versatility when she sings most winsomely in the lyrical pieces, with a spellbinding tone. Two seldom recorded pieces, Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song and Sibelius's Nocturne, are simply mesmerizing.

In conclusion, this disc contains many familiar encore pieces as well as some lesser-known ones. Miss Chang breathes invigorating new air into the well-known pieces, and makes obscure pieces sound equally compelling. Every track on this CD is a gem. Sarah Chang demonstrates (as usual) her peerless, stupefying technical mastery, which is well blended with her marvelous tone and mature musicianship. IMHO, this is probably Miss Chang's finest disc so far. A CD to treasure!

5 out of 5 stars Simply Dazzling!.......1999-01-01

Another wonderful showcase of Ms. Chang's superb and passionate musical talent.
Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • All hail the Queen of Early Music!
  • An uplifting experience
  • Mysterious Beauty
  • The divine voice of Emma Kirkby
Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque Dance SuitesBaroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande
All Works by ArneAll Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
Kirkby, EmmaKirkby, Emma | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Handel, George FridericHandel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Haydn, Franz JosephHaydn, Franz Joseph | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusMozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Classical (c.1770-1830)Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Emma Kirkby Collection
  2. Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort
  3. Vivaldi - Gloria · Nulla in mundo pax sincera · Nisi Dominus · Cantatas / Kirkby · Bott · Nelson · Watkinson · Bowman · Preston · AAM · Hogwood
  4. A Purcell Songbook [Australia]
  5. The Glories of Handel Opera ~ Kirkby · Sutherland · Tebaldi · Berganza · Horne · Bowman · Pavarotti

ASIN: B000009DG1
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

  1. Alessandro Severo: Ouverture HWV A13 - George Frideric Handel
  2. Britannia: Welcome Mars - George Frideric Handel
  3. Dione: Pretty Warblers - George Frideric Handel
  4. Hornpipe - George Frideric Handel
  5. Rosamond: Rise, Glory, rise - George Frideric Handel
  6. Ariodante: Ingrato Polinesso...Neghittosi or voi che fate?, HWV 33:41b - George Frideric Handel
  7. Alcina: Credete al mio dolore, HWV 34:40 - George Frideric Handel
  8. Alcina: Tornami a vagheggiar, HWV 34:15 - George Frideric Handel
  9. March In D, HWV 345 - George Frideric Handel
  10. Alexander's Feast: War, He Sung, Is Toil And Trouble, HWV 75:11 - George Frideric Handel
  11. L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato: Sweet Bird, HWV 55:11-12 - George Frideric Handel
  12. Saul: Capricious Man, HWV 53:37 - George Frideric Handel
  13. Comus: By The Rushy-Fringed Bank - George Frideric Handel
  14. Comus: Brightest Lady - Thrice Upon Thy Finger's Tip - George Frideric Handel
  15. The Tempest: Where The Bee Sucks There Lurk I - George Frideric Handel

Tracks:

  1. The Creation: With Verdure Clad - Emma Kirkby
  2. The Creation: On Mighty Pens - Emma Kirkby
  3. Il re pastore, K208: Aer tranquillo e di sereni - Emma Kirkby
  4. Il re pastore, K208: L'amero, saro costante - Emma Kirkby
  5. Voi avete un cor fedele, K217 - Emma Kirkby
  6. Ah, lo prvidi!, K272 - Emma Kirkby
  7. Zaide, K344: Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben - Emma Kirkby
  8. Zaide, K344: Trostlos schluchzet Philomele - Emma Kirkby
  9. Nehmt meinen Dank, ihr holden Gonner!, K383 - Emma Kirkby
  10. Ch'io mi scordi di te?, K505 - Emma Kirkby

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars All hail the Queen of Early Music!.......2004-10-27

I had the pleasure recently of attending a recital with Miss Kirkby and Fretwork, here in Houston. I had heard of her, but wasn't all too familiar with her voice. Then, I decided a couple of days before the performance that I would buy one of her discs, for her to autograph. Honestly, I chose this two-disc recital because it had a nice picture of her, with space for her to autograph!

I am happy to say that I chose what is surely one of the most pleasant soprano recitals on the market. Her voice is essentially "white," as opposed to a full operatic voice with vibrato, etc. Nonetheless, what she does with this ample selection of music, esp. Mozart, is truly incredible.

Rise, Glory, Rise, as mentioned by at least one other reviewer, is nothing short of stunning. I like the way she sings, "Bid the drum, bid the drum," with much enthusiasm. The orchestration is spectacular baroque, with the expert conducting of Hogwood, who conducts on the entire recital. (I had the pleasure to hear him conduct Ariodante here in Houston a couple of seasons back, at HGO).

Speaking of Ariodante, there is an aria from that opera, as well as other Handel arias on the first disc. Now, those of us who cut our operatic teeth on Joan Sutherland or Beverly Sills may not appreciate Emma Kirkby at first. Being used to Joan's upward transpositions, interpolated high notes, and intricate cadenzas, it took a couple of listens to appreciate Kirby's rendition of Tornami a Vagheggar. We must remember that the Sutherland and Sills interpretations took lots of liberties that Handel didn't necessarily intend!

While I do enjoy the first disc, I relish the second disc from start to end. First, there are two arias from Haydn's Creation. The orchestration is sublime, and Emma calms us with her "cooing" in the second selection. Then comes Mozart, which fills the rest of the second disc. Kirby's L'amero, Saro Costante is a miracle. To give you an example, I have heard Leontyne Price's interpretation, and had previously dismissed hte aria as a bore. Kirkby, however, sounds so sweet and virginal, so much so that you can really picture a young lady singing about fidelity. The purity and exquisiteness of Kirby's singing will melt you.

Another joy is Voi Avete Un Cor Fedele. Kirkby isn't a coloratura fanatic like our beloved Sutherland,but when she does coloratura, it is enthralling. Here, she uses rapid coloratura, a la Cecilia Bartoli, to stunning effect.

It would have been easy to choose a lot of Mozart standard arias, like Matern aller Arten. However, Emma steers clear of those chestnuts on this recital, instead treating us to lesser-known works. Just when you start to settle in the second disc, she melts you again with arias in German, from one of Mozart's lesser-known operas. The first of these three arias moved me to tears. Words simply can't express the purity of her tone, and the tender care she lavishes on the text! Beguiling, to say the least.

Finally, there is Non Temerte, Amato Bene. I first heard this aria on a recently-issued two-disc recital of Teresa Berganza. While Berganza charms us with her warm tone and vibrato, Emma Kirkby's interpretation is no less valid.

Even if you don't particularly care for the current early-music revival, any lover of the human voice and operatic arias should buy this treasurable recital.

5 out of 5 stars An uplifting experience.......2002-06-05

This is not a muscial review. That would be beyond my talents. No, this is a "spiritual" review and here is the reason. I had experienced a personal tragedy and turned often to music to revive my spirits and maintain my hope that things would right themselves in my life. Works such as Hayden's "Creation," Beethoven's "Fidelio," many of Bach's cantatas, Vivaldi's "Glorias," etc. Then I bought this CD. Immediately, I couldn't get enough of it. I felt uplifted everytime I listened, and it wasn't the same track each time that gave me that small feeling of joy that only music can provide. All is well again in my life and I continue to adore listening to this CD. For me, it was, and continues to be, magical.

5 out of 5 stars Mysterious Beauty.......2001-11-19

Classical music is one of the greatest joys in life. Opera on the other hand, is often too melodramatic to stomach. But there is nothing more enchanting than an Aria. On this 2 CD set, Emma Kirkby sings in sweet exultation. Her voice expresses power and agility yet a limpid tranquility. Clarity is the greatest achievement of any musician. With the aid of precision accompaniment on period instruments, shameless perfection is delivered. She soothes the soul longing for beauty. Her marvelous Soprano is rendered on 25 tracks in this eclectic ensemble. If you are a champion of Handel or a devotee of Mozart, you should not hesitate to purchase this CD. Emma Kirkby will have you beaming with delight and pining for more. Surely it will be one of the brightest of your collection.

5 out of 5 stars The divine voice of Emma Kirkby.......2000-06-07

An outstanding collection of Italian, German and English arias, beautifully sung by my favourite soprano voice Emma Kirkby - the diva of renaissance and baroque music. All the arias are enchanting, especially "Rise, Glory, rise" an aria from Arne's opera "Rosamond". The conducting and playing of Christopher Hogwood and his team of period-performance specialist The Academy of Ancient Music are as always superb.These are all arias to have one wanting to go back to the complete operas. Strongly recommended.
Favorite Violin Encores
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Delightful collection
Favorite Violin Encores

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BlochAll Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( 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
GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Granados, EnriqueGranados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Kodály, Zoltán | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by KreislerAll Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeclairAll Works by Leclair | Leclair, Jean Marie | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PergolesiAll Works by Pergolesi | Pergolesi, Gio Battista | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SarasateAll Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SibeliusAll Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WieniawskiAll Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | 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 (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GuitarGuitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Grumiaux, ArthurGrumiaux, Arthur | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Favourite Violin Concertos
  2. Itzhak Perlman - Bits and Pieces / Samuel Sanders
  3. The Kreisler Album
  4. The Romantic Violin Vol. 2 - Famous Encores
  5. Faure: Violin Sonatas Op. 13 & Op. 108/Frank

ASIN: B0000041D4
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

  1. Sicilienne
  2. Rondo, K. 250
  3. Mdie
  4. Danza espanola No. 5: Danza espanola No. 5 'Andaluza'
  5. Schosmarin
  6. Liebesleid
  7. Liebesfreud
  8. Allegro
  9. Siciliano, Op. 3, No. 11: Siciliano, Op. 3, No. 11, RV 565
  10. Tambourin
  11. Minuet In G, WoO 10 No. 2
  12. Ava Maria, Op. 52, No. 6
  13. Humoresque In G Flat, Op. 101 No. 7
  14. Mtation de Tha
  15. Valse sentimentale, Op. 51 No. 6
  16. Largo
  17. Rondino On A Theme Of Beethoven
  18. Andantino In The Style Of Padre Martini
  19. La Capricieuse
  20. Apres un reve, Op. 7 No. 1
  21. Tango, Op. 165 No. 2
  22. Valse triste
  23. Estrellita
  24. Nocturne, Op. 51 No. 3

Tracks:

  1. Andantino
  2. Standchen, D. 957, No. 4: Serenade
  3. Divertimento In D, K. 334: Menuet
  4. Kinderszenen, Op. 15: Scenes d'enfants, No. 7 Traumerei
  5. Sonatine In G, Op. 100: Larghetto
  6. Ave Maria: Meditation sur le 1er prelude de J.S. Bach
  7. Sonata No. 12 In E Minor: Sonata No. 12 In E Minor, Op. 3, No. 6
  8. Songs My Mother Taught Me: Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op. 3, No. 6
  9. Souvenir de Moscou: Souvenir de Moscou, Op. 6
  10. Piece en forme de habanera
  11. Zigeunerseisen, Op. 20, No. 1: Airs bohemiens
  12. Allegro
  13. Les berceaux: Les berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1
  14. Tzigane
  15. Baal shem: Nigun
  16. Adagio

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Delightful collection.......2001-03-25

A delightful collection of shorter works for violin with piano accompaniment, some of them extremely familiar, others less so, but with Grumiaux's lyrical style (not flamboyant like Perlman's, but graceful and beautiful in an understated way), and fine accompaniment, the music on these 2 CDs is consistently excellent and can be listened to either consecutively or just a few pieces at a time. Well worth having.
Travels the Orient Express
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A long-awaited return
Travels the Orient Express

Manufacturer: Spin Art
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Kodály, Zoltán | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by KreislerAll Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WeberAll Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Favourite Flavours - Best Of... (Import)
  2. Aria Fresca
  3. Rustic Chivalry
  4. Neapolitan Cafe
  5. Quartetto Gelato

ASIN: B0002ABTK8
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

  1. Slow Train
  2. Under Paris Skies
  3. Tombeau de Couperin I Prde
  4. Tombeau de Couperin V Menuet
  5. Tombeau de Couperin II Rigaudon
  6. La Vie en Rose
  7. Konzertstus 79 Finale: The Feast
  8. Rondo all Zingarese
  9. Tambourin Chinois
  10. Dein Ist Mein Ganzez Herz
  11. Kai Kett
  12. Kai KettI
  13. Kai KettII
  14. Romanian Caravan
  15. Turkish Medley
  16. Danny Boy

Album Description

Quartetto Gelato are one of Canada's best selling and most acclaimed classical artists, having sold over 150,000 units internationally. Since their debut in 1994, Quartetto Gelato has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with their unique blend of sparkling technique, musical finesse and humor.

Quartetto Gelato have had sold-out repeat performances in New York, Washington, Vancouver, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Calgary, Tokyo, Edmonton, Seoul and Hong Kong.

The group now consists of original members Cynthia Steljes on oboe and English horn, tenor Peter De Sotto on vocals and violin and new members Alexander Sevastian (three-time first prize-winner of the International Accordion Competition) on accordion and piano and Kristina Reiko Cooper (Doctorate of Music from the Juilliard School of Music and winner of the 1999 Walter M. Naumberg Chamber Music Competition) on cello.

Their latest release "Travels the Orient Express" follows the route of the storied train that runs from London to Istanbul. The songs change and shift in theme and style as the scenery would outside the traveler's compartment window. Travels the Orient Express is an exciting musical journey for the listener.

Information on the band can be found on their website.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A long-awaited return.......2004-11-30

I love Quartetto Gelato, so perhaps I'm not the most objective reviewer. But I had some fears that the group might not be as great as it used to be after some personnel changes. I approached this CD with some trepidation.

QG is not the group it used to be, I must admit. But...the new QG is every bit as good as the original, just different now.

The CD is a great concept, a musical voyage on the classic Orient Express. The opening track, "Slow Train," represents London and is rather melancholy and sets the tone for a nostalgiac trip on a train voyage that (at least as far as I know) is no longer running. ("Slow Train" is by the British comedy team Flanders & Swann, an uncharacteristically solemn piece.)

Paris is represented by Ravel's "Tombeau de Couperin," brilliantly arranged, and by two familiar chestnuts, "La Vie en Rose" (giving Peter a chance to do Piaf), and "Under Paris Skies," giving new accordianist Alexander Sevastian a chance to strut his stuff.

"Konzertstuck" and "Rondo al1 Zingarese" give us a taste of Munich, and then cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper excels outrageously on Kreisler's "Tambourin Chinois," representing Vienna. Standing in for Budapest are Lehar's "Dein Ist Mein Ganzez Herz" and Kodaly's "Kallai Ketos".

My two favorite tracks come next. Bucharest is represented by an original piece, "Romanian Caravan," an energetic piece redolent of gypsy wagons and open fires. And "Turkish Carnival," for Istanbul, is another original piece, utterly intoxicating in its exotica, bringing images of odalisques, harem guards, and all the gaudy delights of the Near East.

The CD winds up with a return to the UK with "Danny Boy," bringing the voyage full circle.

Yes, it's light stuff, but it's good light stuff. I was once lucky enough to see QG live and they are a group who truly enjoys what they do, and their concerts have a sense of fun and delight that few classical performances have. Their CDs (I have them all) do capture some of that, and for that reason alone they're worth the attention of all classical music fans.
Gregorian Chants for All Seasons
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Gregorian Chants for All Seasons

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

    GeneralGeneral | Cui, César | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MooreAll Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChantsChants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
    2. Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
    3. Chant
    4. Gregorian Christmas: Chants & Motets
    5. Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants

    ASIN: B000001K22
    Release Date: 1992-11-04

    Tracks:

    1. Introit For The 1st Sunday In Advent (Mode 8)
    2. Introit For The 4th Sunday In Advent (Mode 4)
    3. Communion 3rd Sunday In Advent (Mode 7)
    4. Introit For The 3rd Sunday In Advent (Mode 1)
    5. Offertory For The 4th Sunday In Advent (Mode 8)
    6. Hymn For Christmas Vespers (Mode 1)
    7. Introit For The 3rd Christmas Mass (Mode 7)
    8. Alleluia Of The 3rd Christmas Mass (Mode 8)
    9. Communion For The Feast Of The Holy Confessor (Mode 8)
    10. Gradual For The Feast Of The Holy Confessor (Mode 2)
    11. Offertory For The 2nd Sunday After Epiphany (Mode 6)
    12. Communion For The 2nd Sunday After Epiphany (Mode 6)
    13. Introit For Sexagesima Sunday (Mode 1)
    14. Tract Of Sexagesima Sunday (Mode 8)
    15. Communion For The 2nd Sunday In Lent (Mode 5)
    16. Offertory For Palm Sunday (Mode 8)
    17. Gradual For Maundy Thursday (Mode 5)
    18. Offertory For Maundy Thursday (Mode 2)

    Tracks:

    1. Introit For Easter Sunday (Mode 4)
    2. Gradual For Easter Sunday (Mode 2)
    3. Alleleuia For Easter Sunday (Mode 7)
    4. Sequence For Easter Sunday (Mode 1)
    5. Offertory For Easter Sunday (Mode 4)
    6. Communion For Easter Sunday (Mode 6)
    7. Antiphon For Easter Sunday In Praise Of Mary (Mode 6)
    8. Introit For Ascension (Mode 7)
    9. Offertory For Ascension (Mode 1)
    10. Introit For Pentecost Sunday (Mode 8)
    11. Sequence For Pentecost Sunday (Mode 1)
    12. Communion For Corpus Christi Day (Mode 7)
    13. Introit For The Feast Of The Immaculate Conception (Mode 3)
    14. Introit For The Feast Of Christ The King (Mode 3)
    15. Communion For The Feast Of Christ The King (Mode 6)
    16. Introit For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
    17. Offertory For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
    18. Communion For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
    19. Introit For All Souls Day (Mode 6)
    20. Antiphon For Burial Service (Mode 7)
    English Choral Music, 1514-1682
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      English Choral Music, 1514-1682

      Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | 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 TavernerAll Works by Taverner | Taverner, John | ( T ) | 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 | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
      Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
      Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ChantsChants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | 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
      Renaissance (c.1450-1600)Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
      Bargain Box SetsBargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      Bargain Box SetsBargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. European Choral Music 1525 - 1751
      2. Treasures of English Church Music
      3. Abide With Me
      4. A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
      5. The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

      ASIN: B0000064AT
      Release Date: 1998-02-17

      Tracks:

      1. Alleluja, I Heard A Voice - Christ Church Choir
      2. Give Ear O Lord - Christ Church Choir
      3. Evening Services For Five Voices: Magnificat - Christ Church Choir
      4. Evening Services For Five Voices: Nunc Dimittis - Christ Church Choir
      5. Evening Services For Five Voices: Hosanna To The Son Of David - Christ Church Choir
      6. Evening Services For Five Voices: When David Heard - Christ Church Choir
      7. Evening Services For Five Voices: O Lord, Grant The King A Long Life - Christ Church Choir
      8. Evening Services For Five Voices: Give The King Thy Judgements - Christ Church Choir
      9. Evening Services For Five Voices: Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Christ Church Choir
      10. Ninth Service: Magnificat - Christ Church Choir
      11. Ninth Service: Nunc Dimittis - Christ Church Choir

      Tracks:

      1. Missa Mater Christi: Introitus: Rorate coeli desuper - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      2. Missa Mater Christi: Kyrie: Rex splendens - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      3. Missa Mater Christi: Gloria - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      4. Missa Mater Christi: Oratio: Deus, qui de beatae Mariae - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      5. Missa Mater Christi: Epistola: Lectio Esaie prophete - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      6. Missa Mater Christi: Alleluya, Ave Maria - Alleluya, Christus resurgens - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      7. Missa Mater Christi: Sequentia: Ave mundi spes Maria - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      8. Missa Mater Christi: Evangelium: Sequentia sancti evangelii secundum Lucam - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      9. Missa Mater Christi: Credo - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      10. Missa Mater Christi: Offertorium: Ave Maria - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      11. Missa Mater Christi: Oratio Secreta - Praefatio - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      12. Missa Mater Christi: Sanctus - Benedictus - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      13. Missa Mater Christi: Canon - Pater noster - Pax Domini - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      14. Missa Mater Christi: Agnus Dei - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      15. Missa Mater Christi: Communio: Ecce virgo concipies - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      16. Missa Mater Christi: Post Communio: Gratiam tuum quaesumus Domine - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      17. Missa Mater Christi: Ite missa est - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      18. Antiphon: O Wilhelme, pastor bone - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      19. Antiphon: Mater Christi sanctissima - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC

      Tracks:

      1. Mass Propers For All Saints: Introitus: Gaudeamus omnes - Christ Church Choir
      2. Mass For Five Voices: Kyrie - Christ Church Choir
      3. Mass For Five Voices: Gloria - Christ Church Choir
      4. Mass Propers For All Saints: Gradualis: Timete Dominium - Christ Church Choir
      5. Mass For Five Voices: Credo - Christ Church Choir
      6. Mass Propers For All Saints: Offertorium: Justorum animae - Christ Church Choir
      7. Mass For Five Voices: Sanctus; Benedictus - Christ Church Choir
      8. Mass Propers For All Saints: Communio: Beati mundo corde - Christ Church Choir
      9. Mass For Five Voices: Agnus Dei - Christ Church Choir
      10. Motet: Laudibus in Sanctis - Christ Church Choir
      11. Motet: Laudate pueri Dominum - Christ Church Choir
      12. Motet: Laudate Dominum - Christ Church Choir

      Tracks:

      1. Mass Propers For The Feast Of Corpus Christi: Introitus: Cibavit eos - Byrd
      2. Mass for four voices: Kyrie - Byrd
      3. Mass for four voices: Gloria - Byrd
      4. Mass Propers For The Feast Of Corpus Christi: Gradualis: Oculi omnium - Byrd
      5. Mass Propers For the Feast Of Chorpus Christi: Sequentia: Lauda Sion salvatorem (Plainsong) - Byrd
      6. Mass for four voices: Credo - Byrd
      7. Mass Propers For The Feast Of Corpus Christi: Offertorium: Sacerdotes Domini - Byrd
      8. Mass for four voices: Sanctus - Benedictus - Byrd
      9. Mass Propers For The Feast Of Corpus Christi: Communio: Quotiescunque manducabitis - Byrd
      10. Mass for four voices: Agnus Dei - Byrd
      11. Processional Hymn: Pange lingua gloriosi - Byrd
      12. Hymn To The Blessed Sacrament: Ave verum corpus - Byrd
      13. Hymn To The Blessed Sacrament: O salutaris hostia - Byrd

      Tracks:

      1. Propers For The Nativity: Introitus: Puer natus est nobis - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      2. Mass For Three Voices: Kyrie - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      3. Mass For Three Voices: Gloria - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      4. Propers For The Nativity: Gradualis: Viderunt omnes fines terrae - Dies sanctificatus - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      5. Mass For Three Voices: Credo - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      6. Propers For The Nativity: Offertorium: Tui sunt coeli - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      7. Mass For Three Voices: Sanctus - Benedictus - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      8. Propers For The Nativity: Communio: Viderunt omnes fines terrae - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      9. Mass For Three Voices: Agnus Dei - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      10. Antiphon: Hodie Christus Natus est - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      11. Hymn: Christe redemptor omnium - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      12. Antiphon: O admirabile Commertium - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      13. Hymn: A solis ortus cardine - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
      14. Response: O magnum misterium - CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR

      Tracks:

      1. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Ex eius tumba: Sospitati dedit aegros - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      2. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Dum transisset sabbatum (I) - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      3. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Audivi vocem de caelo - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      4. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Dum transisset sabbatum (II) - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      5. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Kyrie le Roy - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      6. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Alleluya V. Veni electa mea - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      7. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Magnificat a5 - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC
      8. Music For Our Lady And Divine Office: Ave Dei Patris filia - ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC

      Tracks:

      1. The Lord Even The Most Mighty - John Taverner
      2. O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me - John Taverner
      3. I Will Love Thee - John Taverner
      4. O Lord Our Governor - John Taverner
      5. How Doth The City - John Taverner
      6. Blessed Is He Whose Righteousness - John Taverner
      7. Hear, O Heav'ns - John Taverner
      8. Who Hath Believed - John Taverner
      9. Out Of The Deep - John Taverner
      10. Hear Me O Lord - John Taverner

      Tracks:

      1. The Lord's Prayer - Christ Church Choir
      2. The Second Service: Magnificat - Christ Church Choir
      3. The Second Service: Nunc Dimittis - Christ Church Choir
      4. Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria - Christ Church Choir
      5. Filie Ierusalem - Christ Church Choir
      6. Reges Tharsis et insule - Christ Church Choir
      7. Spiritus sanctus procedens - Christ Church Choir
      8. Laudem dicite Deo nostro - Christ Church Choir
      9. Hec dies - Christ Church Choir
      10. Impetum fecerunt unanimes - Christ Church Choir
      11. Libera nos, salva nos - Christ Church Choir

      Amazon.com

      It doesn't get much more authentic than this! These eight CDs present music by William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes, Henry Purcell, John Blow, Matthew Locke, the little-known Pelham Humfrey, John Sheppard, and John Taverner--all recorded in Dorchester Abbey, Oxford, England, and sung by the Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford's great all-male choir. Their heritage goes back to Taverner himself. Their sound is both pure and lush, their singing immaculate. This is music in the finest English tradition, beautiful, devotional music for all seasons. --Robert Levine

      Music:

      1. A Playdate with Blue: A Playtime Musical Adventure [Enhanced]
      2. ALERTA Sings and Songs for the Playground/Canciones Para el Recreo
      3. All the Fun You Can Sing!
      4. American Folk, Game and Activity Songs for Children
      5. Baby's First Bible Songs
      6. Billboard Presents: Family Scarytime Classics - Memorable Songs From Film And Television [Soundtrack]
      7. Birthday Party
      8. Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Treasure: A Musical Adventure [Soundtrack]
      9. Buzz Buzz
      10. Cajun for Kids

      Music

      Music