The Lord's Prayer

Track Listings
1. I Believe    
2. Precious Lord, Take My Hand    
3. You'll Never Walk Alone    
4. Sweet Hour of Prayer    
5. Lord's Prayer    
6. How Great Thou Art    
7. It Is No Secret    
8. Rock of Ages    
9. He    
10. Abide With Me    

The Lord's Prayer, Music, Tom Netherton, Contemporary Gospel, Easy Listening
Classical Wedding
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Product
  • Excellent Classical Wedding Music
  • Traditional and wonderful
  • Awesome!!!!
  • Great Gift for wedding
Classical Wedding
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Wedding MusicWedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. 25 Wedding Favorites
  2. A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
  3. Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
  4. Classical Wedding Traditions
  5. The Complete Wedding Album

ASIN: B000000V1V
Release Date: 1996-04-30

Tracks:

  1. Hornpipe from The Water Music
  2. Ode to Joy
  3. Psalm XIX
  4. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  5. Trumpet Tune
  6. Arioso in A
  7. La Rejoissance from The Royal Fireworks
  8. Ave Maria
  9. Trumpet Voluntary
  10. Canon in D
  11. Air from The Water Music
  12. Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares
  13. The Lord's Prayer
  14. Bridal Chorus
  15. Fanfare and Bridal Chorus
  16. Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Product.......2007-05-31

I bought this CD for my wedding. It is a very good product, great compilation of songs and great service.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Classical Wedding Music.......2007-05-14

Beautiful Classical Wedding music! CD has a wide varity of music; many favorites. Using ours for pre-wedding music, processional and recessional for our daughter's wedding! Thank you Amazon.com! MM

5 out of 5 stars Traditional and wonderful.......2007-04-10

I bought this CD for my ballet classes and am really happy with it. It has all of the classics, and each is very true to it's original composition. There are a lot of horns, which are not my favorite, but the strings make it worth every penny!

5 out of 5 stars Awesome!!!!.......2007-02-13

I purchased this for my daughters' wedding and it is so awesome, even heard songs on the cd that we just wonderful to use somewhere else during the ceremony.
Thanks,
L Juarez
Texas

4 out of 5 stars Great Gift for wedding.......2007-01-13

I brought this for my friend's wedding. My friend is so happy to receive that and use it in the wedding process. Wonderful!
Odyssey
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful melodies
  • Hayley Westenra - Odyssey
  • Very soothing
  • very good pop singer voice
  • Voice & level head deserve high marks
Odyssey
Hayley Westenra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
Australia & New ZealandAustralia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
$9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
InternationalInternational | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Celtic Treasure
  2. Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand
  3. Lisa
  4. Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland
  5. Walking in the Air

ASIN: B000AXWHPI
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

  1. Prayer
  2. Both Sides Now
  3. Never Saw Blue
  4. Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
  5. What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)
  6. May It Be
  7. Quanta Qualia
  8. You Are Water
  9. She Moves Through the Fair
  10. My Heart Belongs To You - Hayley Westenra
  11. Ave Maria
  12. I Say Grace

Album Description

Hayley Westenra's new album Odyssey was always going to be a different proposition to Pure, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years--and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of Pure will be pleasantly surprised by her new album. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

"I was happy with Pure at the time, but I've moved on so much," says Hayley. "It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist."

Variety is certainly one of the keywords with Hayley's new album. When she first entered a recording studio in New Zealand as a 12-year-old, Westenra restricted herself to classical pieces and show tunes. Now, in addition to impressive takes on classical works, Hayley uses her new album to perform an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and has arranged and written much of the material. "I like to push myself, and I'm now confident enough to try different things. I have been much more involved behind the scenes with this album--I wanted to put my individual stamp on each song."

With her career stretching out promisingly before her, Hayley is also keen to continue experimenting. She is still primarily a classical crossover artist but she also wants to keep broadening those musical horizons. Three years after her international debut CD, Hayley Westenra is still pure: she exudes pure quality and she remains pure class--but her musical journey continues with her new album Odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful melodies.......2007-06-08

This is a wonderful CD with beautiful melodies. Hayley Westenra has a very pure voice and sings right on key. The melodies are very relaxing and the musical settings are well arranged.

4 out of 5 stars Hayley Westenra - Odyssey.......2007-06-08

Pure, crystalline, angelic voice. Gorgeously produced. "Prayer" is stunning. "Both Sides Now" wonderful. The rest is good but not her best song selection. When I first heard this girl on the "Celtic Woman" tour I was totally blown away. None of her CDs will disappoint!

4 out of 5 stars Very soothing.......2007-05-14

Hayley Westenra's Odyssey is a very beautiful CD. If you switch on your walkman and listen to the CD's tracks non-stop, you'll soon feel like you're flying in Heaven. It's very soothing and heavenly. It calms you down, without causing you to feel lonely or sad because you're listening to it in solitary, like other vocal or classical songs do sometimes.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. Quanta Qualia and Ave Maria are my most favourite tracks. Quanta Qualia is pure magic! I really feel as if I'm flying in Heaven when I listen to it.

4 out of 5 stars very good pop singer voice.......2007-05-13

the selections were tasteful and varied. the singer has a very good pop singer voice. i would have liked some voice variation between songs. all were sung in exactly the same style. good singing but without tonal variation the disk tends to be bland. i hope that as she gets more exposure she will vary her voice to make the songs stand out individually instead of letting them blend into one song on the disc. i would rate this 5 stars except for that major fault.

4 out of 5 stars Voice & level head deserve high marks .......2007-04-20

Not only has Hayley Westenra's voice remained "pure", but her good sense and sensibilty has stayed intact when so many similar young performers have gone over the deep end with extreme behavior and disreputable remarks. On this CD Miss Westernra covers a number of songs in her own special style, such as excellent versions of "Prayer", "May It Be" and "Both Sides Now". I hope to hear her renditions of more such tunes, old and new. I would like to hear her sing songs like "Yesterday", "I Still Believe in Love" and All I Know. She has a way with her soaring vocals that never lets the listener down.
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING
  • The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow
  • A fine King and I soundtrack reissue
  • great album
  • a classic
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Deborah Kerr , Yul Brynner , Marni Nixon , Rita Moreno , and Alfred Newman
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
  2. South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack)
  3. Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack)
  4. My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack)
  5. The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack)

ASIN: B00005A7XC
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Main Title - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  2. I Whistle A Happy Tune - Marni Nixon/Rex Thompson
  3. My Lord And Master - Rita Moreno
  4. The March Of The Siamese Children - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  5. Anna And The Royal Wives - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  6. Hello, Young Lovers - Marni Nixon
  7. A Puzzlement - Yul Brynner
  8. Getting To Know You - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
  9. Garden Rendezvous - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  10. We Kiss In A Shadow - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
  11. I Have Dreamed - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
  12. Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
  13. Something Wonderful - Terry Saunders
  14. Prayer To Buddha - Yul Brynner
  15. Waltz Of Anna And Sir Edward - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  16. The Small House Of Uncle Thomas - Rita Moreno
  17. Song Of The King - Yul Brynner/Marni Nixon
  18. Shall We Dance? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon/Yul Brynner
  19. The Letter - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  20. Something Wonderful (Finale) - Chorus/Alfred Newman
  21. Overture (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com essential recording

Compared with the Broadway cast recording, the 1956 soundtrack to the film version of The King and I wins hands down. Yul Brynner is the king (literally and figuratively) in both formats (how could anyone else own such a role?), but the movie's score has better sonics, Brynner's voice is stronger, and the tunes are more memorable (thanks to Alfred Newman's conducting and Ken Darby's scoring) than on any of the various cast recordings. Marni Nixon sings the role of Anna (played onscreen by Deborah Kerr), Brynner delivers his hallmark performance, and the best-loved tunes--"Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune" are the versions we'll always remember. A classic. --James Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING.......2007-05-26

WHAT A COMPLETE JOY TO HEAR MARNI NIXON AND
DEBORAH KERR BOTH SING. TRULY A COLLECTORS
ITEM WITH ALL THE NOSTALGIA, OUTSHINES ALL
OTHER ATTEMPTS TO RE-MASTER THIS MAGNIFICANT
MUSIC.

5 out of 5 stars The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow.......2007-04-08

The King And I soundtrack is presented magnificently on this excellent 76 minute CD. This CD offers us much music and vocals that were cut from the film as well as material that never made it to the record album release of the soundtrack back in 1956. We get stunning performances by giants including Yul Brynner, Terry Saunders and Marni Nixon. This CD is so complete and generous with it's treatment of the soundtrack that it must be considered as the definitive soundtrack edition of the music from The King And I.

The CD starts off with the music for the "main title" of the film; and this also serves as an appetizer to whet out appetites for what's to come. "I Whistle A Happy Tune" gives us Marni Nixon singing the vocals for Deborah Kerr; the melody is infectiously catchy; this song is one of the highlights of the CD. "My Lord And Master," performed by Leona Gordon who sang the vocals for Rita Moreno, is another masterpiece with a softness to it that belies the pain Rita's character Tuptim feels because she is separated from her one true love. "The March Of The Siamese Children" is performed by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra to perfection without a single superfluous note; the melody infuses this number with an Asian flavor as well.

Other gems on this CD--and that would, quite honestly, include every single track--include "Hello, Young Lovers" sung by Marni Nixon as Deborah Kerr's character Anna Leonowens laments a love gone awry back in England; the touching and heartrending "We Kiss In A Shadow;" Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang performing "Something Wonderful" with exceptional sensitivity and "Shall We Dance?" which is performed by Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. As you listen to numbers like "Shall We Dance?" that calls for Anna, played by Deborah Kerr, to speak and then sing, you will have a hard time discerning where Deborah Kerr leaves off speaking and Marni Nixon starts singing. It's THAT good.

As long as I include the words "Something Wonderful" when writing this review I must add that the extras you get are stupendous. As I stated above, the CD boasts much that the record album soundtrack never included. Indeed, we get music that didn't even make it to the final cut of the movie! I loved the beautiful and sensitive rendition of "The Small House Of Uncle Thomas" which was previously unreleased and "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You" is a marvelous song--cut from the final edited edition of the film--that highlights Anna's contempt for the King's backward ways.

The CD package offers more still. Along with the CD comes a generous 32 page booklet with an extensive essay by Charles L. Granata that tells the history of both the stage play and the making of the stage play into a major motion picture at Fox. In addition, you get the song credits and there are rarely seen photographs as well.

The quality of the sound shines like solid gold. These performances reflect great sensitivity to the emotions each character felt. It is a special treat to listen to Yul Brynner's songs; he infuses each song and even every word with just the right emotions so that the listener experiences exactly what his character feels at every turn.

This CD is one of the very few that truly remind me of the old MGM logo which boasted of having "more stars than there are in the heavens." Indeed, five stars are nowhere near enough for this treasure. I highly recommend this CD for people who truly loved and appreciated The King And I both in its several onstage productions as well as on the big screen; and fans of show tunes will delight in this CD soundtrack with its' diamonds scattered broadly in all directions.

5 out of 5 stars A fine King and I soundtrack reissue.......2007-02-10

Of the three recent EMI-Angel R&H film soundtrack reissues, I find that this reissue of the King & I soundtrack is the best-executed. The King and I shows a new maturing of the R&H element and this superb 1956 film adaptation more than certainly does it justice. The superb soundtrack presented here includes the complete score, along with some of Alfred Newman's underscoring, and boasts splendid performances by Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. And of course the orchestra is sumptuous and properly lush, enveloping us in sweltering renditions of some of Rodgers' most heartfelt melodies.

I won't reiterate the critic-proof performances here. Other reviewers have covered them elsewhere. Nixon as a voice-dubber is in her element as Anna, and portrays her characterfully. Brynner is in his element as the King, as firm, commanding and authoritative as we've always known him to be. This performance shows him at his best, ripe, fresh and mature. Leona Gordon and Reuben Fuentes shine as the star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha, bringing a melancholic quality to their brief numbers. It's really a treat to hear their renditions of the omitted songs My Lord and Master and I Have Dreamed. Rita Moreno as the real Tuptim acquits herself well when narrating the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet sequence, presented for the first time on an official soundtrack recording. It's good to also hear Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang, in a heartfelt, humane and imploring rendition of Something Wonderful, and she is the icing on the cake of this superb soundtrack recording.

This EMI-Angel R&H soundtrack offers an extra benefit in addition to the extra musical sequences. Unlike the companion CDs of Oklahoma and Carousel, it presents the extra material from the original unmixed studio vault masters, except for the Prayer to Buddha and the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet. This means that this reissue is blessedly free of the extraneous sound effects that plague the Oklahoma and Carousel CDs. I know that the sound effects and little snippets of dialogue drown out the music, but at least these reissues are a start in presenting comprehensive R&H soundtracks worthy of their films. What a pity that none of these R&H soundtrack reissues aren't 2-CD sets, otherwise we would have been able to hear the underscore.

In short, this is a superb presentation of a fine R&H film soundtrack.

5 out of 5 stars great album.......2006-07-15

Great songs for kids to learn to sing along, instead of bubble gum fluff.

5 out of 5 stars a classic.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful, but not my first choice
  • THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
  • Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah
Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
  2. Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
  3. Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
  4. Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
  5. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
  2. Overture
  3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
  4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
  5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
  6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
  7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
  8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
  9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
  10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
  11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
  12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
  13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
  14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
  15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
  16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
  17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
  18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
  19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
  20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
  21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
  22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
  23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

  1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
  2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
  3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
  4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
  5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
  6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
  7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
  8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
  9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
  10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
  11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
  12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
  13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
  14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
  15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
  16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
  17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
  18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
  19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
  20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
  21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
  22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
  23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

4 out of 5 stars Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!
John Rutter Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • John Rutter Collection
  • Typically gorgeous Rutter
  • Wonderful!
  • To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one.
  • The Best
John Rutter Collection
Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  2. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  3. Be Thou My Vision
  4. Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection
  5. Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter

ASIN: B00006LIEZ
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

  1. For The Beauty Of The Earth
  2. The Lord Is My Shepherd
  3. All Things Bright And Beautiful
  4. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
  5. The Lord Bless You And Keep You
  6. Open Thou Mine Eyes
  7. My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
  8. Esurientes (From Magnificat)
  9. Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
  10. Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
  11. Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
  12. What Sweeter Music
  13. A Choral Fanfare
  14. A Prayer Of St. Patrick
  15. O Be Joyful In The Lord
  16. Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
  17. O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
  18. A Gaelic Blessing
  19. Angel's Carol
  20. Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
  21. Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
  22. Go Forth Into The World In Peace

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19

This CD is one of several that features Rutter directing his own choir. It has a good cross section of the John Rutter compositions, and is a good starting place for someone who has not heard Rutter's music before. I think you will be "hooked" if you really love choral music.

4 out of 5 stars Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20

I love John Rutter's music. Especially the "For the Beauty of the Earth" that is on this CD. Rutter is not the most inventive or varied composer of modern music, but if you have a taste for traditional choral writing with some angelic children's chorus singing, then you will probably share my enjoyment of Rutter's writing. Unfortunately I cannot give this CD 5 stars when it seems there is a drum set tapping annoyingly away on several of the songs. I do not understand this at all and am bothered by it every time I listen to those songs. It's a shame, because otherwise I love the music, and think it is lushly written, and simply but beautifully performed. I would highly suggest listening to sample track 3 before purchasing -- you can hear what sounds like a ride-cymbal right at the very end of the sample. This sound occurs in several of the songs on this recording.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!.......2005-12-03

I am a huge John Rutter fan. The lilting melodies, the poignant lyrics and the lush orchestrations make his music not only accessable but also uplifting. This compilation, although drawing from many other previous recordings, is a great composite of his wirk. The sound is exquisite. Even if you own other recordings of this music, this is worthwhile.

5 out of 5 stars To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one........2005-06-30

I purchased this CD as an introduction to the music of John Rutter and went on to purchase many more of his compositions. Still, this remains my favorite collection. It is choral music at its absolute finest. Far from "just church music", this CD has songs of faith, a few Christmas carols, a Celtic song for lovers, and even a child's tune or two. While most of the pieces are peaceful, warm, and thought-provoking, a few are up-tempo and lively. In my opinion, it is a perfectly balanced collection in which one song flows beautifully into the next with no sense of a jarring change of pace. If you have any interest in choral music, begin with the best...John Rutter... and this superb arrangement. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars The Best.......2005-04-29

The John Rutter Collection in my opinion is one of the finest and most perfect works I've ever heard. The Cambridge Singers demonstrates the best vocal discipline and style of any vocal group in the world.

Sidney Vaught
Prayer: A Windham Hill Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Music for Meditation
  • Be Thou My Vision
  • Reverent, beautiful
Prayer: A Windham Hill Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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 Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ElectronicElectronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music | Computer
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music
Solo InstrumentalSolo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ElectronicElectronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Classical Instrumental MusicClassical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Adagio: A Windham Hill Collection
  2. Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection
  3. A Windham Hill Christmas: The Night Before Christmas
  4. Windham Hill Christmas: I'll Be Home for Christmas
  5. Touch-Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar

ASIN: B0000AM6L0
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

  1. Sanctus from Requiem (Gabriel Faur-Tim Story piano, synthesizers
  2. The 23rd Psalm (Condit Atkinson) - Steve Erquiaga guitar
  3. Be Thou My Vision (Irish trad.) - Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning with John Fitzpatrick
  4. Holy, Holy, Holy (trad.) - Jim Brickman piano
  5. The Lords Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte) - Paul McCandless English horn, keyboards
  6. Alisas Prayer (Deborah Henson-Conant) - Deborah Henson-Conant electric Celtic harp
  7. Meditation (Thea Suits) - Thea Suits flute
  8. Ave Maria (J.S. Bach/Gounod) - Steve Erquiaga guitar
  9. Go Gently (Suzanne Ciani & Jeremy Lubbock) - Suzanne Ciani piano
  10. Offering (Tracy Silverman) - Tracy Silverman & Thea Suits
  11. Spanish Stairs (Paul McCandless) - Rosalba Bentivoglio voice
  12. Ave Verum Corpus (W.A. Mozart) - Philip Aaberg solo piano

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Music for Meditation.......2007-01-04

This is a delightful collection of music appropriate to meditative prayer. It is often my prayer companion, and I like the style and performance found on this CD. I highly recommend it to people who enjoy deeper reflection with a wordless musical background.

4 out of 5 stars Be Thou My Vision.......2005-10-19

Track 3, Be Thou My Vision, was a surprise as the song was the final song played at my father's funeral. It set the closing mood most fittingly. While Be Thou My Vision is my favorite the entire collection is wonderfully mellow. I recommend it for for the mellow moods.

4 out of 5 stars Reverent, beautiful.......2003-09-21

After criticizing Windham Hill in the past for often recycling the same songs over and over in various collections, I have to hand it to them with the new "Prayer" CD. It's a fine set of all-new acoustic versions of hymns or spiritual songs, plus a good number of original compositions. Producer Dawn Atkinson has done an excellent job of lining up a bunch of top-drawer people for "Prayer," and in working with the artists on the song selection.

Things get started with Tim Story's lovely piano rendition of the "Sanctus" from Faure's Requiem. The quiet and reflective tone of that piece carries throughout the CD. Other highlights include Paul McCandless's moving "Lord's Prayer" version and Steve Erquiaga's "Ave Maria." "Prayer" is a perfect disc for background listening if you're engaged in some activity that needs harmonious yet unobtrusive accompaniment.
Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Simply amazing
  • Gloria: Sacred Music of John Rutter
Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  2. John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music
  3. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  4. John Rutter Collection
  5. Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B000AA4JBG
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

  1. First Movement: Allegro Vivace
  2. Second Movement: Andante
  3. Third Movement: Vivace E Ritmico
  4. All Things Bright And Beautiful
  5. Cantate Domino
  6. O Clap Your Hands
  7. Wedding Canticle
  8. The Lord Is My Shepherd
  9. A Gaelic Blessing
  10. Hymn To The Creator Of Light
  11. Arise, Shine
  12. Praise Ye The Lord
  13. For The Beauty Of The Earth
  14. God Be In My Head
  15. Open Thou Mine Eyes
  16. A Prayer Of Saint Patrick
  17. The Lord Bless You And Keep You

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Simply amazing.......2007-06-16

If I do make it to heaven, I don't know what it will look like, but I do know what it will sound like - listen to the vocals in the Second Movement: Andante . They are worth the price of the whole CD.......
a miracle, really.

5 out of 5 stars Gloria: Sacred Music of John Rutter.......2007-05-14

Outstanding music and outstanding recording. A musical treat as soon as you put in the disc. This is a must for anyone interested in choral music by Rutter.
Essential Purcell
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Mad about Baroque
  • The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes
  • Brilliant
  • Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames).
  • Brilliant Purcell Disc
Essential Purcell
Henry Purcell , New College Choir Oxford , King's Consort , Robert King , Roy Goodman , Charles Daniels , John Mark Ainsley , James Bowman , Peter Buckoke , Jane Coe , Rogers Covey-Crump , Gillian Fisher , Michael George , Miles Golding , Jane Norman , Barbara Bonney , Mark Caudle , William Carter , King's Consort Choir , Helen Gough , Paul Nicholson , Angela East , Barry Guy , Tessa Bonner , Jerome Finnis , Rupert Bawden , Lucy Howard , Richard Campbell , Susan Addison , James O'Donnell , and Stephen Saunders
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Bonney, BarbaraBonney, Barbara | Divas | 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 | 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
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
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
$6.99 and Under$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Bonney, BarbaraBonney, Barbara | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort
  2. Purcell: The Fairy Queen
  3. Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll
  4. Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx
  5. Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music

ASIN: B000002ZDU
Release Date: 1995-04-10

Tracks:

  1. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 5: Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn. Symphony And Opening Chorus
  2. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 3: Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
  3. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: Oh, Fair Cedaria
  4. The Choir Of The King's Consort: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
  5. Great Baroque Arias: When I Am Laid In Earth ('Dido's Lament')
  6. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.1: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears (Part 1)
  7. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.4: The Sparrow And The Gentle Dove
  8. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: If Music Be The Food Of Love (First Setting)
  9. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.5: Rejoice In The Lord Always ('The Bell Anthem')
  10. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Hosanna To The Highest
  11. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.7: Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets Of Our Hearts
  12. Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures: Fairest Isle, All Isles Excelling
  13. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.6: Mark, How Readily Each Pliant String
  14. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: Sound The Trumpet
  15. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.3: She Loves And She Confesses Too
  16. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: O How Blest Is The Isle
  17. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
  18. Complete Anthems And Services Vol. 11: An Evening Hymn
  19. Complete Church Music Vol.2: Vouchsafe, O Lord, To Keep Us This Day
  20. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.2: With Rapture Of Delight... Hail Bright Cecilia

Amazon.com essential recording

The "Essential" Purcell? Well, you could get a bunch of critics to argue about that for a few days, but in the meantime, here is a sampler of highlights from the King's Consort's three admirable Purcell series: the Complete Odes and Welcome Songs, Complete Anthems and Services, and Complete Secular Solo Songs. There are, of course, some of Purcell's most-performed pieces (which probably are "essential"): Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, "Sound the trumpet" from Come, ye sons of Art, Rejoice in the Lord alway (the "Bell Anthem," named for the string figure at the opening that sounds like pealing bells), the gently patriotic "Fairest isle, all isles excelling" (sung by a miscast James Bowman), and a selection from the funeral music for Queen Mary. There are also some delightful surprises--particularly among the little-known secular songs and church music. The plaintive "O fair Cedaria" gets a lovely performance by Barbara Bonney (a singer not usually associated with Purcell); tenor Rogers Covey-Crump (possibly the ideal high tenor for Purcell) sings the enchanting "If music be the food of love"; the church anthems "Let mine eyes run down with tears" and "Remember not, O Lord, our offences" have some startling harmonies as daring as any Monteverdi ever wrote. If you're unfamiliar with Purcell, this reasonably priced disc is a good place to start exploring without a big initial investment. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mad about Baroque.......2007-02-12

This is a terrific CD. The music is breathtaking. Just buy IT !!!!!

5 out of 5 stars The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes.......2002-08-21

Absolutely beautiful baroque music! The arrangament, singing and instrumentation is superb. It is too bad that Henry Purcell is not as widely known as Bach, because he should be recognized equally well."The Sparrow and the Gentle dove" is alone worth the price of the album! I can not stop playing it!

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant.......2001-10-31

Like in his renditions of Handel's oratorios, Robert King manages to bring a freshness and strenght to Purcell's music that I had seldom heard before. This CD also features some of the best performers of early music in the world. My favourite tracks are Oh, Fair Cedaria, sung by the multi-talented Barbara Bonney; Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher; She Loves and she Confesses too, sung by the wonderful Susan Gritton; and Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn, sung by Rogers Covey-Crump. The only track I didn't find absolutely wonderful is Fairest Isle, sung here by James Bowman. Don't get me wrong, I generally love Mr Bowman, I think that his performance in Mr Purcell's Most Admirable Composures (also conducted by Robert King) makes it another essential Purcell recording; but I find that Fairest Isle was much better done elsewhere, particularly by Christopher Hogwood and Barbara Bonney.

These songs aren't only beautiful, they're also poignant, sweet and unpretentious. I think that it will be very clear to anyone who listens to this recording that Mr Purcell was one of the finest composers that ever lived.

5 out of 5 stars Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames)........2001-10-20

If anyone has benefitted from the reversion in the last three or so decades to period instruments and historical reconstruction, it is Henry Purcell. Before, he was merely great, the peerless word-setter in the English language, a virtuoso of boundless range, a professional composer whose offical commissions were always imbued with personality and invention. But period instrumentation has added to this a greater depth, an other-worldly texture of sound. With his intricate, multi-part vocal writing, his preference for low, rumbling instruments such as the bass viol and the strange and remarkable theorbo, as well as his often sombre and low-key subject matter and treatment, Purcell creates a round, glowing, humming sound as pregnantly full as dub reggae.

This has an extraordinary effect on the listener. Whereas Bach, with his mathematical abstractions, sounds universal and timeless, Purcell's music takes the listener back 300 years, back to different ways of thinking about, feeling about and addressing things we still think etc. about today - death, love, friendship. The emotion is timeless, but the music's beauty is alien, THEIRS, hence its preciousness.

A lot of intelligence has gone into the unity of this compilation, beginning with two Welcomes (to the dawn and to the listener, in this case a King), and ending with thoughts of evening, death and a Baroque 'Thank you for the music'. These are bright, fanfare-like works, but the predominant mood is slow, ruminative, quiet. The selection covers the wide range of Purcell's oeuvre, from opera and funeral marches to secular songs and odes, and includes his most famous vocal works - Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher, and never more evocative of pagan loss and death; the massive 'Bell Anthem', with its ingenious opening symphony and joyful antiphon; and a miraculously serene 'Evening Hymn', Dido's opposite, death indicating hope, the treble voice swirling over the heavy ground bass like the soul released from the inert body.

it might seem quixotic to choose highlights from an exemplary collection of highlights, but the entry of the strings washing over the serene repetition of 'Be Welcome then, great Sir' always makes my heart stop still, while the musical picture of 'Bold Honour', the 'noisy Nothing, stalking shade', blocking the poet's amorous intentions in 'She loves and confesses too', adds a chilling hint of life's transience to a bouyantly bawdy song.

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant Purcell Disc .......2000-11-30

With this album director and Purcell expert Robert King provides the listener with an excellent introduction to the composer's vocal works. The pieces presented here were taken from Mr. King's recordings of 'The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs', 'The Complete Anthems and Services', 'The Complete Secular Solo Songs' and diverse anthology discs. King, his wonderful soloists and musicians do the brilliance of Purcell's music fully justice. Whether he was commissioned by royalty, the church or theatre, Purcell shone in all areas. This disc certainly demonstrates the variety and originality of his craft, not to speak of his uncanny ability of setting words to music.

An outstanding Purcell offering. With a beautiful perfomance by Barbara Bonney of 'Oh, fair Cedaria'. Susan Gritton is equally captivating in 'She loves and she confesses too'. Gillian Fisher's rendition of the famous 'Dido's Lament' is haunting and poignant. Further an intelligent and brilliant 'Hosanna to the highest' by Michael George. James Bowman and Michael Chance sparkle in the countertenor duet 'Sound the trumpet' (from 'Come Ye sons of Art away'). And I should not forget to mention the joyous, luminous performance of the beautiful 'Bell Anthem'. To name but a few favourites, only James Bowman's 'Fairest Isle' was a disappointment.

Those who are familiar with Purcell's music will get an excellent disc with some of his most beloved works. If you are new to Purcell, this is, as already said a great introduction. Which might be the incentive to further explorations of Purcell.

by stardustraven
Lanza: Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time
  • The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century.
  • Easy listening
  • Lanza of the joyous voice!
  • Not bad as an introduction to Lanza
Lanza: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Romberg, SigmundRomberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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
Lanza, MarioLanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Mascagni, PietroMascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Vocal Works by VerdiVocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Kern, JeromeKern, Jerome | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Hardelot, Guy d'Hardelot, Guy d' | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Lara, AgustinLara, Agustin | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Lehar, FranzLehar, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Brodszky, NicholasBrodszky, Nicholas | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Capua, Eduardo diCapua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | 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
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Lehár, FranzLehár, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Leoncavallo, RuggieroLeoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mascagni, PietroMascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Romberg, SigmundRomberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
TraditionalTraditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Verdi, GiuseppeVerdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Lanza, MarioLanza, Mario | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Christmas with Mario Lanza
  2. Mario Lanza Sings Songs From The Student Prince & The Desert Song / Romberg
  3. Sixteen Most Requested
  4. Mario Lanza: At His Best!
  5. You'll Never Walk Alone

ASIN: B000003FVZ
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

  1. The Toast Of New Orleans: Be My Love
  2. Because
  3. Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are
  4. The Student Prince: Serenade
  5. Rigoletto - La Donna e Mobile
  6. Pagliacci: Vesti La Guibba
  7. O Sole Mio
  8. The Student Prince: Beloved
  9. South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
  10. The Great Caruso: The Loveliest Night Of The Year
  11. Carousel: If I Loved You
  12. Carmen: Flower Song
  13. The Student Prince: Golden Days
  14. Spring Is Here: With A Song In My Heart
  15. The Land Of Smiles: Yours Is My Heart Alone
  16. Because You're Mine
  17. Cavalleria Rusticana: Adido Alla Madre
  18. Aida: Celeste Aida
  19. The Lord's Prayer
  20. Granada

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time.......2007-03-13

A new generation of music lovers deserves to know, understand and appreciate the greatness of Mario Lanza. Five decades after his passing, millions of lovers of "grand voices" still are held in awe by the power, passion and beauty of his voice.

This selection of recordings has a number of fine selections that give a small "flavor" of his fantastic talent and skills. It is a good beginning for someone who wants to know "The American Caruso."

5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century........2007-01-21

In a professional career that lasted just a bit over ten years Mario Lanza created more memorable recordings, broadcasts, concert perfomances and feature films than any other major vocalist in the classical and pop-jazz music genre. He was a man blessed with arguably the finest tenor voice in recorded music. Fans of Caruso, Pavarotti, Jan Peerce, Placido Domingo or Careras may argue that their tenor interpreted a particular aria better than anyone else but few if any can argue against the sheer beauty, power and emotion of Mario Lanza. He achieved worldwide success too fast and his penchant for the good life: wine, women and good food got the best of him in the end. It is so sad, when one contemplates Lanza's short but brilliant career and what might have been, that he was gone at age 38, an age when some tenors are just beginning to hit their stride. This album is a fine overview of some of his most memorable heavy classics as well as lighter operetta standards and showcases his voice so well. Nearly fifty years have transpired since his untimely death in 1959 and there is yet to appear on the scene a tenor with the power, charisma or sheer beauty of Lanza's voice. I highly recommend this album to the Lanza novice or those just starting their Opera CD collections.

5 out of 5 stars Easy listening.......2006-02-27

I have always liked Mario Lanza and the album is wonderful and relaxing.

4 out of 5 stars Lanza of the joyous voice!.......2005-07-14

This album has some really splendid songs, and yes, it's a good introduction to the King of the high last notes. I grew up with one of Lanza's albums and more or less learned to sing by singing along with his wonderful warm voice. What good energy he had... and too bad he died so young (sigh). It certainly lifts my spirits to listen to his music again and I hope anyone reading this will take a chance and get to know him too.

4 out of 5 stars Not bad as an introduction to Lanza.......2001-11-13

I recommend this collection as a good starting point for those interested in this extraordinary tenor. It's not a complete representation of the man by any stretch of the imagination, but it includes a handful of unforgettable recordings that will make newcomers to Lanza sit up in astonishment.

Highlights include the immortal Serenade & Golden Days from The Student Prince, Beloved (from the film version of the Student Prince, and arguably Lanza's best English-language love song), Because You're Mine, If I Loved You, and the stirring Addio Alla Madre from Cavalleria Rusticana. If love songs seem a little over-represented at the expense of arias and (notably) Italian & Neapolitan Songs, then blame BMG for their habitual neglect of Lanza's more serious side. In any event, this is essentially a one-CD version of the three-CD set, The Mario Lanza Collection. All of the renditions are the same as on the earlier CD, as are the sound sources. With the exception of The Student Prince Serenade, most of the selections here have never sounded better.

Be aware, however, that several of the arias are in fact retakes of more familiar versions. Vesti La Giubba, for instance, is an alternate take from Lanza's May 1950 session, and although the tenor is in great voice, the orchestra lets him down on the climactic phrase by moving on before he has finished his High A on the word "infranto". The Flower Song is even more unrestrained than the familiar take - great fun, but not the kind of recording you'd want newcomers to Lanza to hear! (Lanza never quite "nailed" this aria, but his heart was in the right place.) La Donna E Mobile is the familiar 1950 version in the first half, but is replaced by an inferior retake in the second half, followed by an edited-in High B ending (on "pensier") from the original recording!

The only truly bad recording is the inexplicably popular With A Song In My Heart. Lanza is unfocused, and strains his way throughout the piece. Yours Is My Heart Alone is somewhat better, but is easily surpassed by the tenor's 1956 recording with the conductor Henri Rene (and currently unavailable on CD).

The "Greatest Hits" are here: the million-selling Be My Love, Loveliest Night of The Year and the aforementioned Because You're Mine. I have to confess to an aversion to the first two - Lanza was often a far better singer than these recordings suggest - but most fans, I'm sure, will continue to cherish them. Besides, what tenor since Lanza has ever sung Be My Love without straining his way through the wretched thing and then fudging the High C at the end? Lanza made it his own, and to be fair to the song, it is actually a very difficult piece to pull off, as Messrs Domingo, Carreras and Leech will no doubt attest. But that was also one of Lanza's most under-appreciated strengths - he made everything sound so easy. Listeners accustomed to the laborious efforts of most present-day tenors will be astounded by the freshness, ease, and sheer bravado of these performances.
Peace Like a River
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful
  • A few bright spots, but also some disappointments
  • This CD Deserves SIX Stars!
  • every good adjective
  • Fabulous!
Peace Like a River
James Lucas , Janice Kapp Perry , John Rutter , Jean Sibelius , John Tavener , American Traditional , English Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Mack Wilberg , Craig D. Jessop , Clay Christiansen , John Longhurst , Richard L. Elliott , Daron Bradford , and Meredith Campbell
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | 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 TavenerAll Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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
Mormon Tabernacle ChoirMormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HolidayHoliday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal
Similar Items:
  1. Consider the Lilies
  2. Love Is Spoken Here
  3. America's Choir
  4. Choose Something Like a Star
  5. Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

ASIN: B00020H9W0
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

  1. Sweet Peace
  2. Be Still, My Soul
  3. Peace Like a River
  4. All Things Bright and Beautiful
  5. Lord Is My Shepherd
  6. This Is My Father's World
  7. Wayfarin' Stranger
  8. Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
  9. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
  10. Deep River
  11. Lamb
  12. Child's Prayer
  13. It Is Well With My Soul
  14. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
  15. Gaelic Blessing
  16. Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends
  17. Come, Let Us Anew

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful.......2007-06-14

This CD is a must have for any Mormon Tabernacle Choir fans. The music is very reverent and gentle, and should also appeal to those not from the LDS church, seeing as how most of the music is common to the wider Christian community. This CD is a fantastic addition to any music collection.

3 out of 5 stars A few bright spots, but also some disappointments.......2007-01-19

It Is Well With My Soul is one of my favorite-favorites and that is the main reason why I bought the CD; it turned out to be a huge let down on this album, they rearranged it so much that I almost didn't recognize it. Be Still My Soul is another reason why I bought it and it's good, but not great. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is where it starts to get good. The last two songs "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends"
and "Come, Let Us Anew" are very good reasons to buy this CD, they each have truely powerful passages and make the CD worth having. The Mormon Tabernacle Choirs 2006 release entitled Then Sings My Soul is by far the best that I've heard from them.


5 out of 5 stars This CD Deserves SIX Stars!.......2005-11-05

However, the rating scale has a limit of five. I own over 700 CDs of virtually every type of music. Peace Like A River belongs in a class by itself! I've never written a review before but, after listening to this STUNNING performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I feel compelled to share my praise with that of the five other reviewers. If I were limited to one word, I would use the word "SUPERB" to describe this beautiful and moving CD. SIX stars for Peace Like a River! BRAVO!!!

5 out of 5 stars every good adjective .......2005-08-06

This album is all beauty and solace. The singing is pristine, the arrangements lush and often stirring--never saccharine. As with the previous reviewer, my first listing of "Peace Like a River" brought me to tears (especially "Peace Like a River," the sopranos in "Swing Low," and the bagpipes in "Thou Gracious God"). Buy this one.

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous!.......2005-05-29

The perfect recording to help you recover from a long, hard day. Showcasing the MTC's "new" sound in contemporary choral arrangements with its own orchestra and conductor, "Peace Like a River" brought tears to my eyes in selection after selection during my first listen -- and I'm not normally an emotional person! The title song together with "Deep River," "Swing Low" and "Be Still My Soul" are alone worth the cost of the recording. Get this one!

Music Review:

  1. The Very Best of the Edwin Hawkins Singers [Import]
  2. The Way Love Is
  3. Today's Country Gospel
  4. We Can Make a Difference
  5. We Made It at Last
  6. We've Come to Praise Him
  7. Welcome to the Future
  8. West Coast Diaries, Vol. 3
  9. What Will Your Life Say
  10. When the Music Stops

Music Review

Music Review