Lydia [Import]

Track Listings

1. Ready to Live

2. Simple Love Life

3. Under Pressure

4. When My Love Hand Comes Down

5. When It's Over

6. Consideration

7. I Only Wanted Someone to Hear Me

8. You're Free Lovin' Me

9. Come Back into My Life Again

10. Just Like Sunshine

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Produced by legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper, "Lydia" was Cold Blood's fifth album, and it marked the album where the band began to be marketed as "Lydia Pense With Cold Blood" rather than just "Cold Blood." "Lydia" peaked at #126 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart when released in 1974.

Tracks:

Apres un reve, Op. 7 No. 1
Sylvie, Op. 7 No. 3
Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8 No. 1
Lydia, Op. 4 No. 2
Le papillon et la fleur, Op. 1 No.1
Mandoline, Op. 58 No. 1: 5 Melodies de Venise
Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Les berceaux, Op. 23 No. 1
3 Chansons de Bilitis: I. La flute de Pan
3 Chansons de Bilitis: II. La chevelure
3 Chansons de Bilitis: III. Le tombeau des Naiades
Fetes galantes: I. En sourdine
Fetes galantes: II. Fantoches
Fetes galantes: III. Clair de lune
Nuit d'etoiles
Beau soir
Fleur des bles
La Belle au bois dormant
Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison
BANALITES: I. Chanson d'Orkenise
BANALITES: II. Hotel
BANALITES: III. Fagnes de Wallonie
BANALITES: IV. Voyage a Paris
BANALITES: V. Sanglots
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: I. Montparnasse
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: II. Hyde Park
Les chemins de l'amour - valse chantee

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2005-08-30

I recommend this to any art-song lover, and really, anybody at all. Gens does an excellent performance of a great collection of beautiful French songs. Her voice is enjoyable all the way, she has great expression, and a convincing mastery of the genre.

An unexpected glimpse of happiness........2001-07-21

Stendhal wrote that "the sight of anything extremely beautiful, in nature or in art, brings back the memory of what one loves, with the speed of lightning. That is, ... all that is beautiful and sublime in the world takes part in the beauty of what one loves, and this unexpected glimpse of happiness immediately fills the eyes with tears. This is how love of the beautiful and love give each other life." This is what Ms. Gens will do to you when you listen to this CD.

Enchanting recital of French Melodies.......2000-07-07

This is a most enjoyable release, all the more so because Veronique Gens, who is generally considered a baroque specialist on the lyric stage, may well be a torch-bearer of the elusive art of the French song in the coming decades. The voice of Gens, which is solid and well-integrated with an alluring dash of vibrancy embedded therein, is eminently suited to the repertoire represented in this new Virgin Classics release. Her secure technique (just a hint of strain in one or two high notes) also renders it possible for her to fine down her voice in the ending of phrases to a charming effect. Being a native French speaker certainly helps, too. Although hers is perhaps not the most strongly-etched of readings, she is able to inflect the text intelligently, and her subtle but heart-felt stresses on particular words not only serve to illuminate the poetic prose, but also meld beautifully with the notes that she sing.

The CD opens with songs by Faure, and while Gens may not possess the charm and naturalness of utterance of Maggie Teyte, whose recordings of Faure's songs are, in the opinion of this reviewer, unsurpassable, she can conjure up the right kind of feeling for every song as no one can. Her tempo for the popular "Apres un reve" is a trifle too laid back. Yet, she conveys to perfection the dream-like quality of the song, as well as the sense of confusion and regret at awakening. Her singing of "Le papillon et la fleur" is delightfully vivid, and her evocation of the feeling of sadness being kept in restraint in "Les berceaux" makes the performance both intimate and touching.

The Debussy group is no less impressive. Despite the innovative idiom in which most of these songs are composed, Gens is able bring them off effortlessly and stylishly. She is in total command whether in the serenity of "Beau soir", the romanticism of "Nuit d'etoiles", the rustic charm of "Fleur des bles", or the harrowing grimness of "Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison", the last one composed when Debussy was being haunted by the atrocities of the Great War. In "Fetes galantes I", although the vocal and piano parts are often independent of each other, Gens's remarkable interpretation succeeds in unifying the two strands into a picturesque and colourful whole. The "3 Chansons de Bilitis", which are composed very much in the style of PELLEAS ET MELISANDE, also find an ideal interpreter in Gens where, blessed with a keen sense of rhythm, she succeeds in propelling the texts forward with musical grace and dramatic import. She would surely make a wonderful Melisande.

The Poulenc is equally fine. The young soprano is able to do full justice to the diverse moods in "Banalites", which, according to Olivier Opdebeeck, who penned the CD notes, is composed in a "part-melancholy, part-joyful tone with a barb of irony which the composer identified in the poet". The "2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire" are sharply contrasted, one (Montparnasse) languid and brooding and the other (Hyde Park) gusty and piquant. Gens's singing of "Les chemins de l'amour", a cross between a Viennese waltz and a cabaret song, is loveliness itself and provides a delicious end to an enchanting recital.

The major reservation that this reviewer has involves the accompaniment of Roger Vignoles. While he is able to provide secure support for the singer, his playing is uncharacterful and even bland. Besides, the piano tone seems to be rather thin at times. Nonetheless, this should not detract one from the sensuous beauty of Gens's performance. This reviewer hopes that Virgin Classics would be encouraged by the success of this release so that they can present this most promising singer in further volumes of French songs by, say, Chausson, Ravel and Duparc.

Nuit d'toiles - Melodies Francaises/ Gens, Vignoles.......2000-06-13

Not being a professional, but loving the genre of French melodies I'll avoid technical commentary; I have become a collector of these in recent years and find this one extremely satifying and appreciate the variety this CD presents.

An Outstanding Vocal Performance.......2000-05-01

This ranks as one of the very best recordings of French 'melodies' that I have yet heard. Unlike most other singers, Gens gives the words drama and meaning. Too many singers perform these works in a detached 'artistic' manner that often makes them all sound almost alike. I say this not to belittle Gens' voice (which is superb), but to indicate that this disk will take you beyond the 'standard' interpretations of these works. I had a chance to compare one of the melodies with another recent recording by Schafer, another singer whom I respect Both were being featured in a local record store. It was hard to realize they were actually singing the same piece. I recently saw Gens perform much of the same program at a recital in NYC. This was the best recital I had heard in a very long time (I go to many). The disk is almost as good. It suffers a bit from a very unnatural recorded sound: the microphone is much too close to the singer and the piano is much too forward. Also the accompaniest in NYC was clearly better. Nevertheless, it would be hard to find a better recorded performance. The more I listen to the disk, the less I notice these drawbacks. The choice of repetoire is also well done. I particularly liked the Debussy 'Trois chansons de Bilitis.' She ends with 'Les chemins de l'amour' which Poulenc wrote for Jean Anouilh's play 'Leaocadia'. This has become very popular outside the normal recital circuit. If you get only one disk of French melodies, this is the one to get.

Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series)

Average customer rating:

viasualize paradise
A Pleasure
great new flamenco
Sizzling Guitar
"New Flamenco" not new Flamenco

Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series)

Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gypsy Soul: New Flamenco
Obsession: New Flamenco Romance
Gypsy Fire
Guitar Greats: The Best of New Flamenco
Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar

ASIN: B000005P66
Release Date: 1997-02-25

Tracks:

Lucia - Oscar Lopez
Gipsy - Jesse Cook
Gypsy Flame - Armik
Dulce Libertad - Lara & Reyes
2 The Night - Ottmar Liebert
Bola - Strunz & Farah
Danza Mora - Eric Tingstad
Rumba Rumba Gitanita - Ruben Romero & Lydia Torea
Torero - Govi
Istanbul - Bruce Bec Var
Torrecillo Del Leal - Miguel De La Bastide
Rockin' Gypsies - Willie & Lobo

Customer Reviews:

viasualize paradise.......2006-08-30

I would recommend this CD. A friend of mine had this Cd, I liked it so much I had to get my own copy. I have also had a lot of other friends ask about this CD.

I'm not a deticated fan of tis music as others may be but if you are oing to start anywhere, this is one you want. To me, all the songs are gtreat to listen to. The songs will take you to another world.

A Pleasure.......2006-06-26

This CD is fantastic for anyone who loves Flaminco and the Flaminco guitar. It surges with energy and might just have you "dancing in the streets" or rushing out to sign up for lessons. Enjoy it; you won't be disappointed. P.S. I have heard and seen live Flaminco in Seville, more than once, and this one really took me back with even greater awe and admiration, in addition to the otherwise wonderful memories.

great new flamenco.......2006-03-26

OK let me just settle all this criticism for all those who may want to buy this cd. First of all I play flamenco guitar professionally. There are 50 different styles of flamenco that are well know and countless others that arene't so well known.
Within those styles are hundreds of compas most based on the city in Spain of origin. There are a myriad of time signatures including the 12 meter hemiolic which most common in Bulerias.
I have reviewed this and other CD's like Flamenco chill and comment without reserve that these are flamenco songs. The "modernization" of flamenco music can be equated to blues appearing in every rock recording for the last 50 years. An old type flamenco recording would usually be a concert piece from Tarraga or Jerez or one those classically trained flamenco artists. It could well be argued that they classicized flamenco which ripped out all the guts and soul of the music. The amazing picado runs, powerful rageos, and alzapua licks are all mandatory elements of flamenco. If one would participate in a juelgo they would see a cajon, castenettes, palmas, cante, baille etc...this is a letre..a play of sorts with everyone responding to the cante. To listen to this in a recording would be like listening to the sound of a baseball game..there would be so much missing that it would be a complete waste of time.
SO stop tying to be mr. know it all and just enjoy music for what it is..an expression of human emotion....peace out

Sizzling Guitar.......2006-02-25

i'm an amature but trust me this fusion of guitars is one of the BEST your ears could ever..rythym,skill,harmony all in one.

"New Flamenco" not new Flamenco.......2005-12-07

With apologies to Mr. L.K. Coleman and his utterly misleading Spotlight Review, this album does not pretend to be anything but what it is. Flamenco is a traditional form of music born in Andalusian Spain and created from Indian, Arabic, Jewish, Romano-Iberian and Celto-Iberian elements. GYPSY PASSION and its successors in the Narada catalogue are examples of Nuevo Flamenco or "New Flamenco" which is a style of Fusion incorporating traditional Flamenco, Jazz, Rock, Classical, and other musics. Either Mr. Coleman doesn't know about New Flamenco as a school of performance, or he's a purist who just dislikes it.

In either case, this album deserves five stars as a lively, engaging and pleasurable listening experience. And yes, "New Flamenco" has revitalized the traditional Andalusian form in modern-day Spain. GYPSY PASSION is absolutely worth your time.

Average customer rating:

Some Things Don't Get Better With Time
Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, you soul-rockin' encylopedia
The Queen Hath Returned
30 years was worth the wait!
Cold Blood runs HOT

Transfusion
Cold Blood , and Lydia Pense
Manufacturer: Dig Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Thriller!
First Taste of Sin
Cold Blood/Sisyphus
Lydia
Hip Li'l Dreams

ASIN: B000AA4KB0
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Face The Music
It's The Man That Makes The Clothes
It Could Be Me It Must Be You
Coming Back
Wait For You
Guide Me Home
Hooked On You
Down To My Last Heartache
Cool Drink
You Make Me Sweat
Will This Saga Ever End
Down To The Bone

Album Description

Cold Blood was originally signed in 1969 by Bill Graham to his own label and went on to record six albums before disbanding in the late 1970s. The band was revived in the late 1980s and the current lineup started to coalesce in the mid-`90s under the direction of guitarist Steve Dunne, which culminated in a triumphant return to the Fillmore in 1998. In 2001, DIG Music released Vintage Blood: Live! 1973, a previously unreleased powerhouse collection of songs including their signature version of "You Got Me Hummin'," recorded in an intimate studio setting before a live audience.

At the same time, former Cold Blood member Skip Mesquite, who had a number of songs he'd written and thought would be well- suited for Lydia, came in contact with DIG Music. Armed with these great new songs, a continually improving band, an excited indie label, and with Lydia singing better than ever, the elements were aligned for making a new Cold Blood album a reality.

"Transfusion" is Cold Blood's first studio album on DIG Music, showcasing more of the band's horn-driven rock and soul- drenched sound, and demonstrating that Lydia Pense's vocal chops have lost none of their power or feeling. Joining her in the band are former Starship/Elvin Bishop drummer Donny Baldwin, Steve Dunne on guitar, Rob Zuckerman on sax, Rich Armstrong on trumpet, Evan Palmerston on bass, Mike Morgan on percussion and Steve Salinas on keyboards. The new album was produced by Steve Dunne and Skip Mesquite and recorded at Sy Klopps Studio in San Francisco.

Special guests on Transfusion include Michelle Shocked, who joins Lydia for a vocal duet on "Down To The Bone," and Lenny Williams, who sings with Lydia on "It Could Be Me, It Must Be You." Other friends include keyboardist Roger Smith, drummer David Garibaldi and guitarist Jeff Tamelier of Tower of Power, sax player Skip Mesquite, ex-Tower of Power trumpet player Mic Gillette and original Cold Blood keyboard player Raul Matute.

Customer Reviews:

Some Things Don't Get Better With Time.......2007-01-07

I'm glad CB w/Lydia Pense is back recording / touring, but something seems missing. I think I miss the "soulfulness" of her sound, that just doesn't seem to be there anymore. She sounds too husky now (age I guess).

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, you soul-rockin' encylopedia.......2006-04-28

I was in Portland Oregon in mid-April and was stunned to find out I just missed a performance by Cold Blood and almost fainted when I found out there was a new record. I always thought of Lydia Pense as one of the all-time underrated singers and frankly that CB was better than their original label mates, Tower of Power. "Transfusion" only confirm all those thoughts. This is without question, the most consistently satisfying CB record since "Thriller," (by the way you should take advantage of Amazon's double offer to buy "Thriller" with "Transfusion.") It is truly amazing that Lydia's voice has aged as soulful and funky as it has. As usual, the band is thistight and the guitar solos have an edge that cuts hard right through those powerful horns. There's not a weak track on this disc and the duets with former TOP frontman Lenny Williams and Michelle Shocked (on the CB classic "Down To The Bone, no less) are sublime. I remember as a young man trying to turn all my friends in my hometown of Chicago to Cold Blood. The process starts again. Thank you Lydia.

The Queen Hath Returned.......2006-01-25

Wow! I can't believe how great Lydia sounds after all these years. Her soulful voice is as powerful and full of feeling as ever. She is the best blue-eyed soul singer that has ever graced the stage. As for the new recording...tremendous! This is the album that Cold Blood wanted to do but were never given the go ahead. It's a big rock-soul sound with a funky edge. Pehaps this is the one that will give this great band the notice that they truly deserve.

30 years was worth the wait!.......2005-10-09

Waiting 30 years to hear another Lydia Pense recording was too long. Why the wait? Lydia has not lost a thing since those rich early days. One of the best blue eyed soul singers of her generation should not be such a well kept secret. Its a true testament to her talent that such a collection of well respected musicians are featured on this CD. I can only hope distribution and air time can follow so more people can finally discover the talent that many inside the music business have known all along.

Cold Blood runs HOT.......2005-10-07

I have had this CD on my car stereo for a solid week. I have yet to hit the eject button. Each song reveals itself in more detail with each listening. Lydia's soulful voice is as strong and vibrant as it ever was, only it's more mature, more seasoned (she was, after all, introduced to Bill Graham by Janis Joplin). Steve Dunne's guitar tightens an already taut rhythm section and his solos have a bite in the tradition of CB's sound. And the horns, oh the horns! This may be where my bias for all that blaring brass causes me to lose some objectivity. The trumpet really stands out, as it should when you have the young local sensation Rich Armstrong in the band and guests Mic Gillette (TOP) and Dennis Cruzan. Suffice it to say that Cold Blood was once the pride of a local sound and they continue to excel in the same. Coming up with 10 new songs that are true to their tradition is a remarkable accomplishment (they do recycle their "Down To the Bone" with Michelle Shocked joining Lydia). Most are most penned by guest saxophonist and co-producer Skip Mesquite (of TOP's East Bay Grease and Bump City glory and once of CB). Other TOP alumni guests include Lenny Williams, David Garibaldi (drums), Roger Smith (Hammond B3 & keys) and Jeff Tamelier (guitar). It's like a Who's Who of the rock-soul-funk sound, so it's no wonder the music does not disappoint. I will be able to better judge this Transfusion more fully after next Saturday's Fillmore show and I can't wait!

Average customer rating:

Its awesome but HELP!!!!!!

Mobil Masterpiece Theatre

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Henry V: Original Soundtrack Recording (1989 Film)
The Flame Trees of Thika
The Duchess of Duke Street - Series 2
Fall of Eagles
Mrs. Brown

ASIN: B000000711
Release Date: 1996-08-22

Tracks:

Masterpiece Theatre Series Music, Television Version
Theme One from Upstairs, Downstairs - Studio Orchestra
Theme Two from Upstairs, Downstairs - Studio Orchestra
Theme from Poldark - Studio Orchestra
Theme from I, Claudius - Studio Orchestra
Theme from Love for Lydia - South Bank Orchestra
Theme from the Duchess of Duke Street
Theme from the Citadel
Theme from to Serve Them All My Days
Theme from the Irish R.M.
Theme One from the Jewel in the Crown
Theme Two from the Jewel in the Crown
Theme from by the Sword Divided
Theme from on Approval - David Ralph
Theme from a Town Like Alice
Theme One from the Flame Trees of Thika
Theme One from the Flame Trees of Thika (Love Theme)
Theme One from Prime Suspect: The Lost Child
Theme Two from Prime Suspect: The Lost Child
Masterpiece Theatre Series Music, Complete Version

Customer Reviews:

Its awesome but HELP!!!!!!.......2007-05-25

This is defintely a very fine soundtrack of a classic television series.

BUT..... Aaaargh I'm looking for the opening theme not of Masterpiece Theater but of MOUSEterpiece Theater, the Disney show from the 80s, you know?

If ANYBODY has info on the name/composer of the theme plase let me know!!!

It is very similar to the opening theme of this cd, but its not the same...

HELP!!!

Average customer rating:

WOW!!!
The Best of The Best
You can find better
Great Christmas Album
Good Stuff!

The Christmas Album
The Canadian Brass , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jr. Hopkins John Henry , William James Kirkpatrick , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , Felix Mendelssohn , James Pierpont , Michael Praetorius , Ward Swingle , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Christmas Traditional , John Francis Wade , Anonymous , and Lydia Adams
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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A Christmas Experiment
A Festival of Carols in Brass
A Canadian Brass Christmas
Best of the Canadian Brass
The Essential Canadian Brass

ASIN: B00000412W
Release Date: 1990-08-10

Tracks:

A Visit From St. Nicholas
Carol Of The Bells
Away In A Manger
Jingle Bells
The First Nowell
Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
We Three Kings
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Coventry Carol
D'ou veins-tu, bergere
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Oh Come, Immanuel
I Wonder As I Wander
What Child Is This?
La cloche de Noel
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Noel Nouvelet
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
Good King Wenceslas
Hallelujah Chorus
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
O Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-03-26

What has not been said about the Canadian Brass? The album is a wonderful blend of brass and voices. I especaily appreciate the non-traditional selections. It is a heart warmer.

The Best of The Best.......2004-12-15

Just be sure to buy this version (18 tracks) rather than what appears to be a very pared-down later issue (same cover, only about half a dozen tracks).

This is by far the best holiday album I have ever heard. I am a double-reed player and I must take issue with the complaints about intonation and musicianship by the one negative reviewer on this page. The song selection, mix of secular and religious, mix of serious and light, mix of familiar/less heard - Good as driving music, gift wrapping, or sing-along. This is the Holiday CD I listen to year round. If you are looking for ONE CD to buy for the season- for your collection or as a gift- This is it!

You can find better.......2004-11-24

Lousy musicianship here, frankly-- missed notes and poor intonation. I was hugely disappointed when I heard this album. Greatly recommend A Festival of Carols in Brass (Philadelphia Brass Ensemble) instead, which is pure joy for the listener.

Great Christmas Album.......2003-11-05

I've had this particular Canadian Brass album for so long that I have it on cassette! But it's become a classic family Christmas album for us. It's a great addition to any Christmas, especially as background music. It's very calming and just plain good. I can't imagine my Christmas without it.

Good Stuff!.......2000-12-12

This is yet another top-notch Canadian Brass Christmas album. These guys, once again, demonstrate why they are the best in the world at what they do. With the addition of the fine choral singing by the Iseler Singers, this is the complete Christmas CD, one you'll never get tired of year after year. Buy it!

Average customer rating:

French Flute Music Ranging from Sweet to Avant-Garde

French Flute Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Reinecke: Harp Concerto: Flute Concerto
Emmanuel Pahud - Paris
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Les Nouveaux Musiciens
Mozart: Flute Concertos Nos. 1 and 2; Concerto for Flute & Harp

ASIN: B0007ORDVI
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Allegro Malinconico
Cantilena
Presto Giocoso
Le Merle Noir
Sonatine
Chant De Linos
Sonatine
Sonatine

Customer Reviews:

French Flute Music Ranging from Sweet to Avant-Garde.......2005-04-08

Patrick Gallois is surely one of the most illustrious French flutists in the post-Rampal generation. He's done some outstanding work on the Naxos label in the past and this new one is excellent as well. He is partnered by a Canadian pianist new to me, Lydia Wong, and she, too, is an excellent collaborator. This CD starts out with the many-times-recorded Poulenc Flute Sonata, surely one of the great pieces in the flute/piano literature, and Gallois plays the bejabbers out of it. He not only commands the sweet tones required for the first two movements, but he plays the Presto giocoso movement faster than I've ever heard it and with what sounds like superhuman articulation: I cannot imagine how anyone can play so many staccato notes so fast. It does not sound rushed, but rather simply exuberantly alive.

The other pieces include the Messiaen 'Le Merle noir,' the Sonatine by Pierre Sancan, Jolivet's 'Chant de Linos,' Sonatines by both Dutilleux and Boulez. I recall hearing the latter years ago and finding it ugly. I suppose I've come some distance in the intervening time because this time it doesn't sound ugly, although I must confess I still can't make much sense of it. I went through a time of trying to understand Boulez's music by studying some scores, and finally gave it up as beyond me. My deficiency, I'm sure, but there you are. One can say, however, that Gallois and Wong make a good case for it without convincing this particular jury. On the other hand, I've grown more and more fond of Messiaen's music over the years--his piano music has made a real believer of me, particularly in some recent recordings by Hakon Austbo ('Petites esquisses d'oiseaux/Catalogue d'oiseaux' et al.) and Pierre-Laurent Aimard ('Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus')--and this performance of 'The Blackbird' builds on that admiration. This is not only gorgeous music, it is gorgeously played, with real feeling for the birdcalls. The fast section toward the end is really exciting.

I don't recall ever seeing the name, much less hearing any of the music, of Pierre Sancan (b. 1916). He was for many years a professor at the Paris Conservatoire. The music is rather more impressionistic than anything else here, very reminiscent of the flute writing of Debussy. Jolivet's 'Chant de Linos' is a threnody that attempts to recall funerary gestures of ancient Greece. Jolivet's style is more disjunct than Poulenc's or Sancan's and seems to alternate between songful and dancing sections. It does indeed evoke ancient times although I can't quite put my finger on how Jolivet accomplishes this. That said, it did not stick with my aural memory for very long; each time I listened to it seemed to be the first time.

Dutilleux is another fairly recent discovery of mine, perhaps in the past ten years, and I am happy to label him as a great composer. Some of his orchestral works--e.g., 'Métaboles,' 'Tout un Monde lontain,' the Cello Concerto--are truly masterpieces. The Flute Sonatine, less than ten minutes long, was written in 1942 as a test piece for the Conservatoire, is rather more clearly impressionistic than his later music, but the limpid melodies and evanescent atmosphere so characteristic of his later works, is already present. I'd not heard this work before but found myself returning to it repeatedly. There is a calming effect, always, for me in his music, no matter how dramatic it becomes, and that is true for the Sonatine as well. I think that is because Dutilleux is, to use a psychological term, constantly centered, constantly at peace with himself and the world. At least that how it sounds to me.

With the exception of the Boulez, which I didn't hate but also didn't 'get', this is an exceptionally beautiful disc. And even with the Boulez the playing is beautiful. I really don't think anyone interested in this corner of the chamber music literature would go wrong to acquire the disc, and the superbudget Naxos price makes that painless.

TT=59:35

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Interpretación Exquisita
You must buy this!
Very, very, very (did I mention Very?) good!

Chanson D'Amour
King's Singers
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The King's Singers Original Debut Recording
The King"s Singers: English Renaissance
The Beatles Connection: The King's Singers
The Kings Singers - New Day
Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers

ASIN: B000003FD0
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Chanson d'amour
Now Those Days Are Gone
La valse a mille temps (The Waltz In 1000-Time)
Con amores, la mia madre (With Loving, My Mother)
Who is Sylvia?
Chitarra d'amor (Guitar of Love)
I Get Along Without You Very Well
All I Ask Of You
Dein Herzlein mild (Your Gentle Heart)
My Romance
She's Like The Swallow
Quand tu dors pres de moi (When You Sleep Next To Me)
Love's Philosophy
Alice In Wonderland
Plaisir d'amour (The Pleasure Of Love)
If Music Be The Food Of Love
Le Papillon et la fleur (The Butterfly and the Flower)
Lydia
Phyllis Is My Only Joy
Wenn ich in deinen Augen seh' (When I Look Into Your Eyes)
Down With Love

Customer Reviews:

Interpretación Exquisita.......2001-12-28

Es dificil dejar de sentir admiración por este extraordinario ensamble vocal Inglés. Su capacidad interpetativa es amplísima y la forma en que sus voces se acoplan es inmaculada.En este disco interpretan arreglos de canciones de amor (y tambien de desamor) de diferentes épocas y compositores.TODO el disco es una mágnifica experiencia musical :el humor de "Chitarra d'amor",la belleza de "She's like the swallow" o el dulce desencanto de "Quand tu dors près de moi"; mencionando algunos ejemplos.
La unica objeción que tengo es que el no esten integrados todos los textos en el librillo del CD.
Yo recomendaría a cualquier amante de la música a escuchar este CD lo mas pronto posible.

You must buy this!.......2001-02-22

There's not much I can say about this album. It's perfect. Completely a cappella, it shows off everything that make the King's Singers one of the world's most masterful vocal ensembles. My two personal favorite tracks are "She's Like the Swallow" and "If Music Be the Food of Love." The solo on "She's Like the Swallow," a sad Canadian folksong, is very beautiful. Tracks such as "La valse a mille temps" and "Down With Love" add a certain amount of humor to the collection.I do not regret purchasing this album in any way. It represents some of the best work that the King's Singers have to offer. You must buy it.

Very, very, very (did I mention Very?) good!.......1999-10-22

A wonderful selection, beautifully performed! Some of these songs I have wanted to hear and own for so long!

An Silvia (Schubert) = Who is Sylvia: they sing a voice-only arrangement that is arguably an improvement of Schubert (okay, pax, you purists). As you may know, this is a setting by Schubert of a poem by Shakespeare. It is just marvellous.

In my estimation, this CD is worth getting for Sylvia alone.

Product description

VAIA 1260, Scenes from La Forza del Destino (Verdi) 1963 with Richard Cassilly, Dino Dondi & La Gioconda (Ponchielli). 1967 with Nell Rankin, Chester Ludgin.

Customer Reviews:

Farrell Rules.......2007-07-17

Eileen Farrell, one of the greatest voices of the Century, is heard in two roles that she performed in New Orleans as well as at the Met. She brings the excitement of live performance and a good interpretation. Unfortunately, since she sang so little live Opera in her career, there is not the extra punch of a Milanov, who owned these roles during her Met career.

This is not to belittle Farrell's interpretations, which are well thought out, just to wish for a little more stage savvy. Neverthless a CD to be cherished in an age when there are practically no singers who can negotiate either of these roles.

Farrell Shines in Verdi, Ponchielli.......2007-02-09

As an artist, Eileen Farrell was all over the chart--opera, concerts, blues, jazz--and she excelled in all of these areas. But, in truth, complete opera performances were rather rare compared to her concerts, recitals, and TV appearances. So we are fortunate to have these selections from two of her most popular portrayals, Leonora in Verdi's La Forza del Destino and the title role in Ponchielli's La Gioconda, performed under the auspices of the New Orleans Opera Association.

Farrell's Leonora is presented virtually complete (only the Inn scene is missing because it was not performed in this production, as was common during this era, even at the MET), and each of Leonora's scenes is presented uncut, allowing the listener to hear her characterization in context rather than as a recital. Farrell is in her prime (this is 1963) and presents a fully-delineated Leonora. Her wide vocal range is evident as the contrast between the quiet beauty of "La vergine degli angeli" in the Monastery scene and the dramatic intensity of "Pace, pace mio Dio" in the last act attest. She is in command of the role, and (contrary to her stated dislike of performing in complete operas), shows remarkable understanding and belief in the character. The rest of the cast is filled out with veterans Ara Berberian, Richard Cassilly, Raymond Michalski, and Nicola Moscona, and (a name new to me), Dino Dondi as Don Carlo. Fabled MET and RCA conductor Renato Cellini brings his usual competence to the performance.

The disc is rounded out with three excerpts from a 1967 New Orleans Opera performance of La Gioconda (under the direction of Anton Guadagno), again with Farrell in the title role. Farrell is every bit as exciting in this performance as she is in the earlier Forza. Farrell's "Suicidio" gains so much from being part of a complete performance, and her command of the role is everywhere evident in these brief selections.

The sound in both operas is in excellent, clear mono, and the liner notes (by Jack Belsom, New Orleans Opera Archivist) provide a concise record of Farrell's numerous appearances in New Orleans.

Highly recommended to all fans of Eileen Farrell.

Interesting that VAI and the New Orleans Opera Archives project chose to issue this cd so soon after releasing complete performances of both Forza (VAIA 1252-3) and Gioconda (VAIA 1255-3) with Zinka Milanov, and within a decade of each other, time-wise. Comparisons are inevitable, but, in this case at least, ultimately useless. Who can choose between the sheer beauty and glorious tone of Milanov, and the sheer volume and dramatic fire of Farrell? Fortunately for us, there is no need to choose--all three releases belong in every serious opera cd collection as souvenirs of two very special sopranos at the top of their form, in performances that recollect a golden era of regional opera performance in America.

Note: The New Orleans Opera is struggling to stay active after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina last year. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this cd (and all VAI New Orleans Opera Archive recordings) go to support the continued existence of the local company. Your purchase will aid in the New Orleans Opera's recovery effort.

Stanford: Six Irish Rhapsodies; Piano Concerto No. 2; Down among the Dead Men

Average customer rating:

Stanford: Six Irish Rhapsodies; Piano Concerto No. 2; Down among the Dead Men

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sir Charles Villiers Stanford: Symphonies 1-7
Stanford: Violin Concerto in D & Suite for Violin and Orchestra
Edward Rubbra - Complete Symphonies / Hickox
Symphonies 5 & 6
Howells: Orchestral Works

ASIN: B0000VM3XQ
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Allegro Molto - Adagio Non Troppo - Tempo I - Allegro - Piu Lento
Adagio - Allegro Moderato - Adagio - Lento E Solenne (Alla Marcia)
Andante - Tranquillandosi - Piu Lento - Piu Mosso - Allegro Vivace - Poco Meno Mosso - Tempo I
Larghetto - Maestoso - Allegro (Alla Marcia) - Con Fuoco - Andante Moderato Ed Espressivo - Molto Maestoso - Molto Adagio - Molto Maestoso E Largamente
Allegro Moderato Alla Marcia - Larghetto - Piu Lento - A Tempo Animato - Tranquillando - Andante - Moderato Maestoso - Piu Mosso - Tempo I - Andante Largamente - Moderato Alla Marcia

Tracks:

Andante - Piu Mosso - Rallentando Al Tempo I - Allegro - Animandosi Al Fine
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Molto - Piu Mosso (Quasi Andante)
III. Allegro Molto - Largamente E Sostenuto
Introduction. Lento - Allegro Moderato - Lento - Allegro Moderato - Thema. Allegro Vivace
I. Tranquillo
II. Poco Piu Moto
III. Poco Meno Mosso
IV. Presto
V.
VI. Poco A Poco Piu Sostenuto
VII. Intermezzo
VIII. Andante Tranquillo
IX.
X.
XI. Lento
XII. Finale. Allegro Moderato E Deciso

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Ready to Live
2. Simple Love Life
3. Under Pressure
4. When My Love Hand Comes Down
5. When It's Over
6. Consideration
7. I Only Wanted Someone to Hear Me
8. You're Free Lovin' Me
9. Come Back into My Life Again
10. Just Like Sunshine