Here's a Blessing

Track Listings
1. Shut Up and Start Praying - Dottie Peoples, Candi Staton    
2. What Would Jesus Do?    
3. Each Time I Turn the Page    
4. Come Ye Disconsolate    
5. Since Jesus Came into My Heart    
6. My Faith Looks Up to Thee    
7. Savior More    
8. Have Thine Own Way, Lord    
9. God Will Take Care of You    
10. God Leads His Children Along    
11. Mama Testimony    
12. Mama    
13. Your Face Is the First Face I Want to See    
14. Love Yourself    
15. Shut up and Start Praying (Solo)    

Here's a Blessing, Music, Candi Staton, Contemporary Gospel, Gospel, Gospel/Christian Music, Pop
Alleluia: An American Hymnal
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best choir out there
  • Gorgeous
  • An Excellent CD
  • A moving survey of American hymns
  • a listener from North Kansas CIty
 Alleluia: An American Hymnal

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by ThompsonAll Works by Thompson | Thompson, Randall | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fern Hill
  2. Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31
  3. Eternal Rest - Phoenix Bach Choir, Kansas City Chorale
  4. Nativitas: American Christmas Carols
  5. O Come Let Us Sing

ASIN: B00000DG26
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

  1. Southern Harmony: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal (Invitation) - Rebecca Lloyd
  2. Southern Harmony: Come Away To The Skies (Exultation)
  3. Southern Harmony: Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Maitland) - Sandra Brennan
  4. Shaker Songs: I Want To Shake With Indignation - Pamela Williamson
  5. Shaker Songs: I've Set My Face For Zion's Kingdom - Rebecca Lloyd
  6. Shaker Songs: The Precious Way Of God
  7. Shaker Songs: Encouragement
  8. The Sacred Harp: Wondrous Love (Wondrous Love)
  9. The Sacred Harp: Saints Bound For Heaven (Saints Bound For Heaven)
  10. Sunday Morning: Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Nettleton)
  11. Sunday Morning: Alleluia
  12. Sunday Morning: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
  13. Sunday Morning: All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name
  14. Sunday Morning: Sing Me To Heaven
  15. Spirituals: I Wanna Be Ready - Paulette Votava Resch
  16. Spirituals: We Will March Thro' The Valley - Jo Anne Taylor
  17. Spirituals: I Want Two Wings
  18. Spirituals: Is There Anybody Here - Barbara Meyer
  19. Spirituals: My God Is A Rock - Todd Berry
  20. Spirituals: Give Me Jesus

Amazon.com

Few recording producers and performers take the time and care to so intelligently exhibit a sampling of the rich and colorful American hymn repertoire. This thoughtful and varied program of hymns, Shaker songs, anthems, and spirituals shows what good things can happen when a top-rank choir and director and an accommodating record company join in such a project. The 20 selections come from a variety of sources, including The Southern Harmony (published in 1834) and The Sacred Harp (published in 1844). The Shaker tunes are from the vast collections at New Lebanon and Pleasant Hill, New York, and Sabbathday Lake, Maine. Four of the six spirituals and several of the hymns are arrangements by Alice Parker; others are arranged by James Mulholland. Among the hymns and spirituals are two American choral classics: Randall Thompson's famous and oft-performed "Alleluia" and Daniel Gawthrop's "Sing Me to Heaven." --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best choir out there.......2004-03-02

The Kansas City Chorale is a SUPERIOR vocal group. I am impressed by its large and wholesome sound that is produced by such a small group. The Alleluia CD is beautiful and also very diverse. "Sing me to Heaven" is gorgeous. The harmonies are beautiful on the page, but are even more beautiful when sung by this ensemble. "Alleluia" is also wonderful, and I was impressed by their interpretation of the many shaker songs and spirituals. This cd is a MUST HAVE for any choral singer or enthusiast.

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous.......2003-03-24

My choir sang "Alleluia", and used this recording to learn the dynamics. A brilliant performance of that piece. The others are, too, excellent. Good balance, dynamic, and overall sound. But the "Alleluia" really stood out for me.

5 out of 5 stars An Excellent CD.......2002-01-23

My pastor bought me this CD and I wasn't sure I'd really like it. Chorale music? You must be joking. But I popped it into my CD player at home and was immediately astonished at what I heard. The Kansas City Chorale have done an outstanding job of singing hymns of various types, most without musical accompaniment. Track 7 ("Encouragement") is my absolute favorite song on this CD. It is so beautiful to hear, especially when I crank it on my big stereo or over my headphones.

Bottom line: if you like chorale music, religious music, or even classical music, you will really enjoy this CD. The quality of the recording is very good.

5 out of 5 stars A moving survey of American hymns.......2002-01-02

This is an excellent, deeply musical performance of a wide variety of hymns, Shaker tunes, and spirituals. The choices provide variety and a thumbnail sketch of a time in America when hymn-singing was a part of every week's activities. I agree with another reviewer that "Precious Lord" is a highlight. Also noteworthy is "Give Me Jesus" at the end. Both the singing and acoustics of the recording are top notch. I have already played this CD many times since receiving it two days ago. I'm ordering copies for friends! Among my many choral CDs, this one stands out as a favorite.

5 out of 5 stars a listener from North Kansas CIty.......2001-06-27

What a excellent CD! I got this for Christmas after going to a couple of their concerts and it sounds just as good as it did live. If you like chorale music then this is the cd for you. I personally know a man that sings in this group and is very talented singer along with the rest!
Wagner: The Valkyrie
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • "The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me."
  • Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative
  • Absolutely Breathtaking!
  • A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring.
  • The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible
 Wagner: The Valkyrie

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
  2. The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
  3. Wagner: The Rhinegold

ASIN: B00004YU6Z
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

  1. Act I: Prld - English Nat Opr Orch/Reginald Goodall
  2. Act I, Scene 1: The Storm Drove Me Here - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  3. Act I, Scene 1: This House And This Wife - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  4. Act I, Scene 1: Evil Fortune's Never Far From Me - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  5. Act I, Scene 2: There He Lay, Feeble And Faint - Margaret Curphey/Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios
  6. Act I, Scene 2: Through Field And Forest - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
  7. Act I, Scene 2: Friedmund No One Could Call Me - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
  8. Act I, Scene 2: The Neidings Raided Again - Alberto Remedios
  9. Act I, Scene 2: So The Norn Who Dealt You This Fate - Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  10. Act I, Scene 2: I Know A Troublesome Race - Clifford Grant
  11. Act I, Scene 3: A Sword Was Pledged By My Father - Alberto Remedios
  12. Act I, Scene 3: Are You Awake? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  13. Act I, Scene 3: My Husband's Kinsmen - Margaret Curphey
  14. Act I, Scene 3: Yes, Loveliest Bride - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  15. Act I, Scene 3: Winter Storms Have Vanished (Siegmund's Spring Song) - Alberto Remedios
  16. Act I, Scene 3: You Are The Spring - Margaret Curphey
  17. Act I, Scene 3: Oh Sweetest Enchantment - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  18. Act I, Scene 3: The Stream Has Shown My Reflected Face - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  19. Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund Call Me, And Siegmund Am I! - Alberto Remedios
  20. Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund, The Walsung, Here You See! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey

Tracks:

  1. Act II, Scene 1: Go Bridle Your Horse, Warrior Maid! - Norman Bailey
  2. Act II, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Brunnhilde's Battle Cry) - Rita Hunter
  3. Act II, Scene 1: The Usual Storm, The Usual Strife - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
  4. Act II, Scene 1: Pretend That You Don't Understand! - Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
  5. Act II, Scene 1: Now It's Come To Pass! - Norman Bailey
  6. Act II, Scene 1: So This Is The End Of The Gods And Their Glory - Ann Howard
  7. Act II, Scene 1: You Never Learn What I Would Teach You - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
  8. Act II, Scene 1: What Must I Do? - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
  9. Act II, Scene 1: Hiaha! Hiaha! Hoyotoho! - Rita Hunter/Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
  10. Act II, Scene 2: Fricka Has Won The Fight - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  11. Act II, Scene 2: When Youth's Delightful Pleasures Had Waned - Norman Bailey
  12. Act II, Scene 2: She Refused To Reveal More About It - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
  13. Act II, Scene 2: There's More To Tell - Norman Bailey
  14. Act II, Scene 2: Yet One Can Accomplish What I May Not - Norman Bailey
  15. Act II, Scene 2: But The Walsung, Siegmund - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  16. Act II, Scene 2: Then Siegmund Must Fall In His Fight? - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  17. Act II, Scene 2: I Give You My Blessing, Nibelung Son! - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
  18. Act II, Scene 2: No, Have Mercy - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

  1. Act II, Scene 2: So I Obey His Command - Rita Hunter
  2. Act II, Scene 3: Rest Here For A While; Stay By My Side! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  3. Act II, Scene 3: Away! Away! - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  4. Act II, Scene 3: Where Are You, Siegmund? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
  5. Act II, Scene 4: Siegmund! Look At Me! (Announcement Of Death) - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
  6. Act II, Scene 4: And If I Come - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
  7. Act II, Scene 4: Then Greet For Me Walhall - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
  8. Act II, Scene 4: Woe! Woe! Sister And Bride - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
  9. Act II, Scene 4: Two Lives Now Lie In Your Power - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
  10. Act II, Scene 5: Charms Of Sleep Are Sent To Still - Alberto Remedios
  11. Act II, Scene 5: I Hear Your Call - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
  12. Act II, Scene 5: Wehwalt! Wehwalt! - Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

  1. Act III, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Ride Of The Valkyries) - Katie Clark/Anne Evans/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Shelagh Squires/Anne Conoley
  2. Act III, Scene 1: Shield Me And Help - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
  3. Act III, Scene 1: Hear While I Tell You - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
  4. Act III, Scene 1: Pray Suffer No Sorrow For Me - Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne...
  5. Act III, Scene 1: Fly Him Swiftly, Away To The East! - Rita Hunter
  6. Act III, Scene 1: O Radiant Wonder! (Parting Salute) - Margaret Curphey
  7. Act III, Scene 1: Stay, Brunnhild! - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
  8. Act III, Scene 2: Where Is Brunnhild? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
  9. Act III, Scene 2: Weak-Spirited, Womanish Brood! - Norman Bailey
  10. Act III, Scene 2: Here I Am, Father - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  11. Act III, Scene 2: No More Will You Ride From Walhall - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
  12. Act III, Scene 2: Did You Not Hear What I Decreed? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
  13. Act III, Scene 3: Was It So Shameful - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  14. Act III, Scene 3: I Know So Little - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  15. Act III, Scene 3: You, Who This Love Into My Heart Revealed - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  16. Act III, Scene 3: You Indulged Your Love - Norman Bailey
  17. Act III, Scene 3: Unworthy Of You This Foolish Maid - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  18. Act III, Scene 3: You Fathered A Glorious Race - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
  19. Act III, Scene 3: In Long, Deep Sleep - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
  20. Act III, Scene 3: Farewell, My Valiant, Glorious Child! (Wotan's Farewell) - Norman Bailey
  21. Act III, Scene 3: These Eyes So Warm And So Bright - Norman Bailey
  22. Act III, Scene 3: Loge, Hear! Come At My Call! - Norman Bailey
  23. Act III, Scene 3: Magic Fire Music - Norman Bailey

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars "The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me.".......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Levine, Janowski, Goodall, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.


Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti

Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper

5 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative.......2005-05-03

This is one of three Walkure's in my collection: the very underrated Leinsdorf, the thrilling Boehm and this one with Goodall. I believe Goodall is right up there with the best of them. Remedios, Hunter and Bailey sing beautifully and with sufficient drama. I'll go out on a musical limb and say I believe Bailey is one of the finest Wotan's on disc. Many will disagree but I think he has the measure of the role, the power to pull it off and a burnished timber that never becomes coarse under powerful climaxes... Remedios may well be the star of the trilogy along with Hunter and Bailey. His Siegmund is beautifully sung and his Siegfried by the way, is no mean stint either. Would that we had tenors that could sing Siegfried without sounding stretched beyond their limits. I am continually puzzled by the bad reviews that the orchestra playing receives from ARG, Classics Today and a few others. The ENO is not a Concertgebouw or Vienna Philharmonic but I think they play beautifully, a few clinkers notwithstanding. For a live show, they do a pretty d..... good job. THe sound from both orchestra and singers is exceptionally fine. This set belong in your collection if you like Wagner and, Die Walkure, in particular. If I had been at the performance in the 1970's I would have come home very happy, satisfied and richer for the experience.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Breathtaking!.......2002-09-13

I had long cringed at the thought of this magnificant masterpiece recorded in English. Even after reading several rave reviews on this cylce that I've read by authoritive Wagnerites and critics, I was still skeptical. Finally, I decided to add Goodall's 'Ring' as my third complete cycle (after Solti & Bohm) for one reason: because it was in English and I felt it would enhance my understand of 'The Ring.' In fact, after achieving that "higher understanding" I was planning on selling this set on Ebay. That was, of course, before I heard this magnificant recording.

During the course of my research on 'The Goodall Ring' most of the praised seemed to heighten around 'Siegfried,' which is my absolute favorite of the cycle. That also helped to seal the deal. As the critics said, 'Siegfried' under Goodall is excellent, but not as monumental as Solti's reading, which IMHO is the greatest recording of 'Siegfried.'

The set that stands out, to me, in 'The Goodall Ring' is this recording; The Valkyrie. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not only is it my favorite of this set, it is my favorite Valkyrie recording period (I am very familiar with Boehm's, Solti's, Karajan's, Furthwanglers, Levines, and others). Alberto Remedios (Siegmund here and Siegfried in the last two operas) is truly magnificant. It is the best Siegmund I have heard on disc (and his Siegfried rivals Windgassen). Coupled with Margaret Curphey (Sieglinde), you get the most beautiful and moving duo I have heard on record. The duet in Act I is simply glorious. You also get the bonus of Norman Bailey's triumphant Wotan (and Wanderer too). He has such command and prescene. He sounds like a God. Throw in Rita Hunter, who holds her own as Brunnhilde, Goodall's miraculous conducting, and excellent playing by the orchestra and it all adds up to a stunning recording.

I can only say that in a way it's a shame this set is in English. Were it not, I believe Goodall's 'Ring' would be one of the most talked about, popular, and sought after complete recordings of the cycle. I can only say that I am so happy that I finally opened up to opera recorded in a different language than written.

I have fallen completely in love with Goodall's entire cycle. And, I have fallen in love with 'The Ring' all over again.

5 out of 5 stars A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring........2001-08-30

This performance of *Die Valkure,* the second and most popular opera in Wagner's Ring Cycle, is musically splendid. Its special significance, however, is that it is sung in English. An English performance of the Ring is perhaps more important than that of any other opera(s), because Wagner's libretti are suffused with his ideas about society, fate, justice, and love. Even if (at times) you need to read along to understand what the singers are saying, *hearing* the lyrics in English is truly stirring in a way that performances in your non-native language cannot match.
A particular stand-out on this recording is the Wotan. His timbre, diction, and delivery perfectly embody the troubled god who tries desperately, and in vain, to keep the world under his control. His angst and wrath are utterly convincing.

5 out of 5 stars The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible.......2001-01-30

I have never been a fan of opera in translation, but I must say that Andrew Porter's rendering of The Ring in English is amazing. He uses modern, not archaic, English, and the word choice is so very earthy and Germanic that the noble yet somewhat severe atmosphere of the Teutonic myths is conveyed perfectly. The sound, in other words, is an elegantly Germanic, and totally appropriate for the music and the Story it tells. It is not true that you can't understand the English anyway, because you can understand if you care to pay any attention at all. The translation is lucid, and so it the marvelous singing that conveys it.

Goodall's sense of music drama is lush, and takes some getting used to after the crash-and-burn Solti set, but after a time or two it seems just right. Goodall is not always slower than the rest, either; for example, the famous Ride of the Valkyries that begins Act III is quicker than Solti's surprisingly slow and heavy account. It is the most exciting that I have heard--and I have heard quite a few--but it is not so fast that the power is lost in favor of urgency.

This is not an urgent Die Walkure, and it is all the better for it. Goodall takes the time to actually tell the story, and is sensitive to the drama's needs over what could be called convention. For example, Wotan's Farewell doesn't thunder out after Brunnhilde's final declamation, like in so many recordings; rather, Goodall's interpretation is more dreamy, mysterious, and appropriately trance-like, in keeping with the action on stage.

I own the complete Solti Ring, but I must say I will be the first in line to get each new installment of this remarakable Ring as soon they hit the shelves. If you are new to Wagner, and are willing to make the plunge into a complete Ring, then start with this one and see if you want to continue. This recording is definitely one of the great Rings, and the superb translation will open up the work in ways that following the libretto just won't. I promise that you won't be able to put this one away easily. Get it!
Here's a Blessing
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • looking for an old candi staton album
  • WHAT A BLESSING
  • HERE'S A BLESSING FOR YOU
 Here's a Blessing
Candi Staton
Manufacturer: Lightyear
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Classic Candi, Vol. 1 (Make Me an Instrument / The Anointing)
  2. Cover Me
  3. The Ultimate Gospel Collection
  4. Classic Candi, Vol. 2 (Sing a Song / Love Lifted Me)
  5. His Hands

ASIN: B00004Z45D
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

  1. Shut Up and Start Praying - Dottie Peoples, Candi Staton
  2. What Would Jesus Do?
  3. Each Time I Turn the Page
  4. Come Ye Disconsolate
  5. Since Jesus Came into My Heart
  6. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
  7. Savior More
  8. Have Thine Own Way, Lord
  9. God Will Take Care of You
  10. God Leads His Children Along
  11. Mama Testimony
  12. Mama
  13. Your Face Is the First Face I Want to See
  14. Love Yourself
  15. Shut up and Start Praying (Solo)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars looking for an old candi staton album.......2003-10-18

I am looking for an old album by Candi Staton. I believe it is the first gospel album she put together. The name of the album is Make Me An Instrument. some of the song titles are: Make me an Instrument, Sin doesn't live here, let go and let god, he's no farther than a thought away, god can make something out of nothing and there may be a few more, however I can't remember the names but I can certainly sing them for you. If any one has this album or knows someone who has this album please e-mail me at (srolle@sbab.dade.k12.fl.us). This album should most definitely be a part of her archive as it goes straight to the soul.

Stacy

5 out of 5 stars WHAT A BLESSING.......2001-12-18

WOW. I AM A NEW FAN . HER VOICE RESEMBLES THAT OF GLADYS KNIGHT . YOU CAN HEAR THE SINCERITY IN HER VOICE IN EACH SONG . THIS ALBUM IS TRULY A BLESSING. IT MAKES ME WANT TO GO AND PURCHASE THE REST OF HER CDS. IF YOU LIKE S. CAESAR , OR A. WALKER , J. BYNUM , OR EVEN Y. ADAMS , U WILL LOVE THIS . SO BUY THIS ALBUM AND GO INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS LADY AND HOLD HER IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HANDS . WE LOVE YOU CANDI . U JUST WON A NEW FAN . THANX TO TBN AND MY AUNT.

5 out of 5 stars HERE'S A BLESSING FOR YOU.......2000-10-25

This is the Candi Staton gospel CD to own. It features two of her biggest `90s gospel hits: the bluesy-gut-bucket "Your Face is the First Face I Want To See" with Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the sentimental country tune "Mama" with the spoken monologue that so many of Candi's fans love. The Cd also features a catchy new R&B/pop tune called "Love Yourself." The Cd is rounded out with bluesy, traditional styled black gospel hymns and new compositions by Staton. A trio of highlights is the novelty tune "Shut Up and Start Praying" with Dottie Peoples, the bouncy "What Would Jesus Do?" and the touching "Each Time I Turn the Page."
Preaching the Word of God
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Preaching the Word of God

    Manufacturer: KJV Gospel Recordings/Jaéiou Record
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CAJU36
    Release Date: 2005-02-15
    Purcell: Odes
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • a voice teacher and early music fan
    		 Purcell: Odes

    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Pinnock, TrevorPinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0000057DI
    Release Date: 1990-02-13

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-17

    Henry Purcell looked like a Florentine prince, was hail-fellow-well-met in tavern and taproom,wrote for the church and also for the stage and salon, was in fact a most likeable young man, as well as a "very great Master of Musicke." He literally invented the English celebratory style in music. The odes on this disc with their heavy reliance on trumpets and kettledrums demonstrate very well the celebratory aspect as well as the exultation of the music itself. All of the solo voices are excellent and are included to some extent in each of the odes. "Come, ye sons of art,away" was the ode for what was to be Queen Mary's last birthday-30 April 1694 and is the least ostentatious of the birthday odes. It is a countertenor's dream, for Purcell favors this voice as the soloist thruout. Some of the these solos for the countertenor heard quite often on their individual solo albums are: 'Sound the trumpet,sound'-'Strike the Viol'-and 'Come ye sons of art, away'."Welcome to all the Pleasures" was composed for the inaugural celebration of a so-called Musical Society in 1683. One of the outstanding solos from this ode is for the tenor-'Beauty,thou scene of love' and is sung beautifully on this disc by John Mark Ainsley. The ode :Yorkshire Feast Song also called 'Of old when heroes thought it base(1690)' features the countertenor more than the other voices and my favorite countertenor: Michael Chance performs them splendidly. This ode was written for an obscure gathering of York nobility. The instrumental accompaniment is excellent and I found the entire disc to be very entertaining.
    Sing in Exultation
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Sing in Exultation
      St Bartholomew's Boy & Girl Choristers , and Edwards
      Manufacturer: Pro Organo
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
      ASIN: B00006JKBR
      Release Date: 2002-09-24

      Music Review:

      1. Holiday: A Collection of Christmas Classics
      2. How U Gonna Live
      3. I Can Do All Things
      4. I'll Carry You
      5. I'm Lookin'
      6. If I Was a Latin King
      7. If You Know the Lord Is Blessing You
      8. II Sides to Every Story
      9. Instruments of Your Peace
      10. Irish Homecoming

      Music Review

      Music Review