Essential Simon & Garfunkel [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Sound Of Silence

2. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (Live)

3. Bye Bye Love (Bonus Track)

4. Bleecker Street

5. I Am A Rock

6. Most Peculiar Man (Live)

7. Richard Cory

8. Kathy's Song (Live)

9. Scarborough Fair/Canticle

10. Homeward Bound

11. Sparrow (Live)

12. Leaves That Are Green (Live)

13. He Was My Brother (Bonus Track)

14. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

15. Dangling Conversation

16. Poem On The Underground Wall (Live)

17. Blessed (Live) (Bonus Track)

18. Cloudy (Bonus Track)

19. Blues Run The Game (Bonus Track)

20. Hazy Shade Of Winter

See all 40 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Double Disc Anthology of One of the Best Selling Duo Acts of all Time. This Edition Includes Seven More Tracks Than the USA Equivalent: "Bye Bye Love", "he was My Brother", "Blessed (Live)", "Cloudy", "Blues Run the Game", "Punky's Dilemma" and "a Church is Burning (Live)".

Tracks:

Mother And Child Reunion
Loves Me Like A Rock
Me And Julio Down By The School Yard
Duncan
Kodachrome
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Slip Slidin' Away
Gone At Last
Something So Right
Late In The Evening
Hearts And Bones
Take Me To The Mardi Gras
That Was Your Mother
American Tune
Peace Like A River
Stranded In A Limousine
Train In The Distance
The Late Great Johnny Ace
Still Crazy After All These Years

Tracks:

Graceland
Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
The Boy In The Bubble
You Can Call Me Al
Under African Skies
The Obvious Child
Born At The Right Time
The Coo, Cool River
Spirit Voices
Adios Hermanos
Born In Puerto Rico
Quality
Darling Lorraine
Hurricane Eye
Father And Daughter
Outrageous
Wartime Prayers

Album Description

In celebration of Paul Simon's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, The Essential Paul Simon brings together all of his hits and favorite tracks in the most expansive, solo career-spanning compilation issued for the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Customer Reviews:

great compilation - particularly for a car trip.......2007-07-14

I have a lot of Paul Simon CD's so you could say I didn't really need this two CD set. However, I make a 3 hour car trip a couple of times a year and when I saw this I immediately thought how great it would be to have these two CD's in the changer in the trunk for my next road trip. Its sort of a "greatest hits" but with some songs I've never heard before as well. It covers a long span of years and my only complaint is that it does not include the incredible song "Homeless".

Sweet and Simple.......2007-07-03

When it comes to music right now, there just really isn't anything that is actually exciting. While there are so many acts that just seem to get by on gloss like Beyonce', Britney Spears, and Usher, there just really isn'y anything anymore about songs and artists that just comes from the simplistic words themselves. There have been acts that have made great records, they just missed the cut when it comes to sales last year from Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul Simon. Although Paul has been recognized with great acheivements in music on his own, as a member of Simon & Garfunkel, he has truly made the music of our times, and this collection shows it.

The 2007 Essential Paul Simon is a double album reflection of what made Paul Simon's solo career so dynamic and universal. This was made in honor of his recent inagural Gershwin Award for Song, as well as his 35th anniverasry as a acclaimed solo artist. This collection follows in suit very nicely, and expands the effort delightfully that was made so well on his last solo hits package, 2002's On My Way. The songs here flow very nicely, and have all been remastered very well. All of his classics are highlighted here including the guilty pleasures 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, You Can Call Me Al, The Boy In The Bubble, as well as down to Earth gems like Mother and Child Reunion, and his Oscar-nominated Father and Daughter from the Nickelodeon animated film The Wild Thornberries Movie, and his recently overlooked track Outrageous from his overshadowed 2006 album Surprise. This version also add in on the fun, by including some great music videos of his work and craftsmanship in songwriting like Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes, and a rendidtion of the Simon & Garfunkel gem, Mrs. Robinson from the classic 70's The Dick Cavett Show.

All in all, The Essential Paul Simon really captures a delightful reflection on a career that has acclaimed for so many years, and also does a wonderful job at reintroducing one of the most legendary artists of the past five decades. If you haven't heard any of Paul Simon's music, than you really don't know what you've missed from a great icon like Paul. I absolutely recommend this hits collection a whole lot. You can still call him Al, but just call him a legend.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: A-

Price: A-

Remastering: A-

DVD: B 1/2+

Overall: B+

Paul Simon Redux.......2007-06-29

This is Paul simon cut right to the bone with no filler whatsoever! I enjoy everything on this collection and The Capeman stuff is good to finally have on cd! I compare this to the Traveling Wilbury's Collection that was recently released also w/ a DVD!! It's all very familiar but worth revisiting over and over again!

Average customer rating:

Paul Simon - King of Recycling
The Definitive Collection
Nearly flawless
Call Him A Legend, Don't Just Call Him Al

The Essential Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000Q677E0
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Mother And Child Reunion
Loves Me Like a Rock
Me And Julio Down By The School Yard
Duncan
Kodachrome
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Slip Slidin' Away
Gone At Last
Something So Right
Late In the Evening
Hearts And Bones
Take Me To the Mardi Gras
That Was Your Mother
American Tune
Peace Like a River
Stranded In a Limousine
Train In the Distance
The Late Great Johnny Ace
Still Crazy After All These Years

Tracks:

Graceland
Diamonds On the Soles Of Her Shoes
The Boy In the Bubble
You Can Call Me Al
Under African Skies
The Obvious Child
Born At the Right Time
The Coo, Cool River
Spirit Voices
Adios Hermanos
Born In Puerto Rico
Quality
Darling Lorraine
Hurricane Eye
Father And Daughter
Outrageous
Wartime Prayers

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

Paul Simon - King of Recycling.......2007-07-03

The quoted section of this review was originally written by me about Simon's previous greatest hits compilation ("The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin'") in 2003:

"Since going solo about 1970, Paul Simon has released (maybe) 7 albums of new material.

"And about a dozen greatest hits or live packages.

"(Live Rhymin', Greatest Hits Etc, Negotiations & Love Songs, Concert in Central Park, Shining Like a National Guitar, + a box set & at least 5 Simon & Garfunkel repackages, for those who doubt me.)

"Listen, I love Paul's music, but Graceland was recorded before Avril Lavigne was born, and only the die-hard Simon fans can rhyme off anything significant he has released since then."

"If they were going to release yet another GH package, why didn't Columbia follow the recent tradition of the 2-CD "The Essential" series, and at least "Keep The Customer Satisfied". That way they could have filled 1.5 CDs with tracks from his first album, Still Crazy, Rhymin' Simon, and Graceland, and still had 40 minutes for more recent works that, frankly, fewer people care for."

"Or maybe that's in the works for his 13th repackage. In about 2 years, at the current rate.
-- End of old review quote.

Other than my timing being off by 2 years, that's exactly what has happened. Columbia seems to have listened to me.

The 13th reshuffling of Paul Simon hits is, thankfully, the best. Add in the Simon & Garfunkel Old Friends boxset and you've got his career nicely covered.

The Definitive Collection.......2007-06-28

Maybe the Essential Paul Simon Collection should hve been titled, The Definitive Paul Simon since it is the most definitive collection of all his single and double C.D. collections. All previous collections either completely omit the songs, Duncan and American Tune (both radio hits) or else substitute them for live versions. In fact, this collection presents these two songs (and all others) in their original, album-length, studio versions. Also included here are the minor hits, Gone At Last (with Phoebe Snow) and Stranded In A Limosine, both largely ignored songs on other P.S. compilations. It is interesting that one of the P.S. "fan favorites." Take Me To The Mardi Gras, was released as a U.K. single, simultaneously with the U.S. single, Kodachrome. Both became top ten hits in their respective countries. It is nice to see all the single A-sides from the seventies included here.

One caveat is that Paul Simon songs from the early eighties are sparsely represented here. Only one of the three singles from One Trick Pony is represented (Late In The Evening, of course). And strangely, NO singles from the 1983 album, Hearts And Bones were included, despite the fact that Allergies was a moderate, radio hit. Hearts And Bones was originally intended to be a Simon and Garfunkel reunion album but that conception of the album never materialized. However, three key tracks from H & B are included: Train In A Distance (one of my favorite P.S. songs and is still played in malls across America), the title track (another favorite) and The Late Great Johnny Ace (a tribute to rock and roll legends with a coda performed by Philip Glass). There was ample room on disc one to have included another song, perhaps One Trick Pony, Think Too Much (b) or Rene and Georgette Magritte....

On the other hand, songs from the albums Graceland and Rhythm Of The Saints are well represented in the collection. And of course, it was the Graceland album that drew attention to the African musical group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (their Shaka Zulu album is very fine, especially if you like Graceland).

Paul Simon's diverse, musical influences are very apparent in the song selections. These musical styles range from reggae (Mother And Child Reunion),to Gospel ( Loves Me Like A Rock), to Latin-American (Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard and Late In The Evening), to zydeco (That Was Your Mother) to South African (Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes), ro rockabilly (Graceland). Even with all his diversity of musical styles, my preference leans toward his pop ballads, especially from the seventies and early eighties.

While the sound quality of this C.D. is not crisp in its detail, it does have a warm, clean and natural sound. This C.D. was released in celebration of Paul Simon's acceptance of the First-ever Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, from the Library of Congress. I highly recommend this collection!

Nearly flawless.......2007-06-26

The Essential Paul Simon contains nearly every Paul Simon track you could ever want, but it does omit the minor hits "Allergies" and "(What A) Wonderful World". This is truly a fitting collection to one of popular music's greatest songwriters.

Call Him A Legend, Don't Just Call Him Al.......2007-06-26

WIth the past few years, we really haven't seen much in the way of great sales from older acts like Elton John, Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Although they've made great albums, people would rather seem more interested in acts that are more about hype like Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Usher, and the sleezy socialite who really has no career, Paris Hilton. That hasn't left much in the way of great performers like Paul Simon. Spanning nearly 6 decades of great music, Paul's music is more meaningful, and still remains straight from the heart. Recently, he celebrated his 35th anniversary as a solo act, and won the honorable 1st ever Gershwin Prize for Song for his melodic style, we are often forgetful about his real talent of songwriting and craftsmanship, and this hits record shows that trail well.

The 2007 Essential Paul Simon, is a double album that expands very well from his previous single disc album On My Way, and brilliantly shows his era as one of the best songwriters of our times. The collection includes tracks from his first hits from the 1970's, all the way to his recent record, Surprise. The songs in the collection are remastered very well, and reflect on his career nicely. The album includes great classics including Me & Julio Down By The School Yard, his guilty pleasure gem You Can Call Me Al, the driven-styled Graceland, Slip Slidin' Away, as well as recent tunes like Outrageous, and his Oscar-nominated surprise hit Father And Daughter from the 2004 animated Nickelodeon film The Wild Thornberries Movie. The collection really does feel like a walk down memory lane, and reminds people of true songwriting that isn't about looks or selling yourself out in endorsements, it is about heart.

Although the album doesn't at all reflect on any memories as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, it is all about Paul and his solo efforts on this album, and it works very nicely. If you haven't heard any of his albums like Graceland, or Still Crazy After All These Years, you missed a really wonderful era of great music. The Essential Paul Simon is a must buy for nostalgia buffs, and new listeners alike to Paul Simon's genius. I absolutely recommend this greatest hits album as it is one of the best records released this year.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B+

Price: B 1/2-

Remastering: A-

Overall: B 1/2+

Average customer rating:

Better Off With The Single Disc Collection
The Sound of Simon and Garfunkel
Brilliant folk-pop duo
Sentimental Favorites on Two CDs
More thorough than "Best Of..."

The Essential Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000DD79B
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. Live
Bleecker Street
The Sound Of Silence
Leaves That Are Green Live
A Most Peculiar Man Live
I Am A Rock
Richard Cory
Kathy's Song Live
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Homeward Bound
Sparrow Live
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
The Dangling Conversation
A Poem On The Underground Wall Live
A Hazy Shade Of Winter
At The Zoo

Tracks:

Mrs. Robinson
Fakin' It
Old Friends
Bookends Theme
America
Overs Live
El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Cecilia
Keep The Customer Satisfied
So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
The Boxer
Baby Driver
The Only Living Boy In New York
Song For The Asking
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her Live
My Little Town

Customer Reviews:

Better Off With The Single Disc Collection.......2006-03-24

Simon & Garfunkel are one of my all time favorite groups. They rank right up there with Zeppelin, Dylan, The Beatles, The Who, the Stones, Queen and all my other favorite musicians.

I loved my very first S & G cd, "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel". Since that collection had but a mere 20 songs and had a somewhat short running time of only 64 minutes, I felt I hadn't gottent the full extent of their work. I thought I'd get a far greater view with the two cd, 31 song "The Essential Simon & Garfunkel". Unfortunately, I was wrong. Why? Read on for the positives and the negatives.

Positives:
-You do get the most well known hits from the band. "The Sound Of Silence", "Homeward Bound", "I Am A Rock", "Scarbourough Fair/ Canticle", "Hazy Shade Of Winter", "The 59th Street Bridge (Feelin' Groovy)", "Mrs. Robinson", "The Boxer", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and all the rest of the band's biggest hits are here.
-A few underrated gems are included as well, such as "Keep The Customer Satisfied", "So Long Frank Lloyd Wright" and "Baby Driver".
-Good sound quality.
-Affordable enough.
-Easy to locate.

Negatives:
-As many reviewers pointed out, several of the songs are different than the original versions, most notably "Homeward Bound", "The Sound Of Silence" and "I Am A Rock".
-Too many live versions! If they wanted to make a far more concise S & G collection that could've perhaps been definitive, they should've put the original versions.
-Neither disc fills up the eighty minute time limit. Stuff like "He Was My Brother", "7 O'Clock News/Silent Night", "Save The Life Of My Child", "Punky's Dilemma", not to mention the studio versions of the live tracks, could've easily been included.
-"Old Friends" and "Bookends" are separated. I've always preferred them together, like on "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel".
-Sound quality is good, but the earlier "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel" is better IMO.

Overall, this is a decent collection, but I feel that the single disc "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel" is BY FAR a better bet. I hope to one day acquire the "Columbia Studio Recordings" boxed set, but until then, "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel" is the best I can do. I prefer it to "The Essential Simon & Garfunkel", which I find pretty weak.

The Sound of Simon and Garfunkel.......2006-02-09

Okay at age 24 I know I am to young to know the original recordings of Simon and Garfunkel. But I love this CD. It's so relaxing and it has a lot of my favorite songs on here: Sound of Silence (an all time favorite), bleaker street, Feelin' Groovy, I am a Rock, Scarborough Fair/Canticle , Mrs. Robinson, the boxer and much more. It really picks up my moods when I get depressed.

Brilliant folk-pop duo.......2005-02-24

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were better together than apart, because they had such different talents. Paul was a brilliant songwriter - certainly one of the best of his generation - and a good singer without being anything special. Art was not a songwriter, but he had a superb voice that brought out the best in Paul's songs.

So, here we have 40 of their finest recordings, digitally re-mastered to sound better than ever, with most of the songs written by Paul and Art doing most of the singing.

Of course, all the obvious tracks are included - Bridge over troubled water, Mrs Robinson, Homeward bound, Sound of silence, The boxer, Cecilia, Feeling groovy, I am a rock, America and El condor pasa (If I could) - but this collection contains a further 30 tracks which are all of a very high quality.

Among them you'll find Hazy shade of winter (a song revived brilliantly by the Bangles in the eighties), the upbeat but rueful Keep the customer satisfied, Baby driver - another upbeat song, a cover version of Bye bye love, not forgetting the superb Scarborough fair/Canticle.

After the split, Paul and Art each had some success as solo singers, but despite some great individual moments, they never achieved the level of consistency separately that they achieved together - and this is one of the best collections you'll ever find.

Sentimental Favorites on Two CDs.......2005-01-13

I've spent the evening listening to a new double-CD of Simon and Garfunkel and following along with the lyrics. Hubby bought it for me when we were in the center today.

Simon & Garfunkel have quite a sentimental hold over me. I remember being 11 and waking up early in the morning, going out to my Dad's camaro, and listening his S&G 8-track until I had to go to school.

While other reviews may complain about how this CD set is compiled, for us who have strong memories of S&G but no longer have 8-track players or any S&G albums, this set provides a good starter with many favorites.

Now the years are rolling by me,
they are rockin' even me
I am older than I once was,
and younger than I'll be, that's not unusual
No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes,
we are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same

***

Can you imagine us
Years from today,
Sharing a park bench quietly?
How terribly strange
To be seventy.
Old friends. . .

***

Time, time, time, see what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities

***

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.

***

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. . .

More thorough than "Best Of...".......2004-04-14

I considered myself a Simon and Garfunkel fan but there are songs on this album I'd never heard of before. If you only are interested in the songs that get radio play, go with The Best of Simon and Garfunkel - although the problem with that collection is that it features some live performances instead of the studio versions. To the casual listener, this two-CD collection features EVERY Simon & Garfunkel song you could possibly want - the familiar and the not-so familiar.

Average customer rating:

LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR
A Very Fine Compilation

The Essential Falla

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franck - Sonata for violin and piano · Debussy - Sonatas · Ravel - Introduction and Allegro / Chung · Lupu · Ellis · Melos Ensemble

ASIN: B00001X59X
Release Date: 1999-10-12

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Love The Magician: Introduction And Scene... In The Cave
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Psyche
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: I In The Generalife
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Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidilla From Murcia
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Asturian Song
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Jota
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Lullaby
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Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Polo
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The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: Dance Of The Miller's Wife
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: The Grapes
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Neighbours' Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Miller's Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Corregidor's Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: Final Dance

Customer Reviews:

LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR.......2002-03-29

Una grabacion
magistral de los
clasicos de Manuel de Falla.
Este disco contiene el famoso
"Homage a Debussy" la unica
obra original compuesta para
guitarra por la mano del compositor.
Tremenda grabaccion, como para no
perdersela a ese precio...

A Very Fine Compilation.......2000-05-17

"The Essential Falla" is just that, including all of Manuel de Falla's major works (performed by the likes of Dutoit, Fruhbeck de Burgos and de Larrocha) on these two CDs. Highlights are excellent performances of Falla's three most famous works: "El amor brujo", "Noches en los jardines de Espana" and "El Sombrero de tres picos". The rest of the included music is perhaps less well-know but no less enjoyable. Perhaps the only quibble I have with this CD is the enclusion of the Harpsicord Concerto. While it is an enjoyable piece, it is very much a Stravinsky-esque neo-classical work, and it seems somewhat out of place amongst Falla's other, very Spanish, works. Nonetheless, if you enjoy 20th Century Spanish music, this CD is indeed an essential.

Average customer rating:

OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY.
Great music...stunning recording quality
Incredible
Just Stunning!

Essential Verdi

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

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Nabucco: Va pesiero - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
La forza del destino: Overture - Kirov Orchestra
La Traviata: Un di felice - Joan Sutherland
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Don Carlo: O don fatale - Olga Borodina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi
Emani: Ernani! Ernani involami - Joan Sutherland
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di tu se fedele - Jussi Bjorling
Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia - Margaret Price
Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido - Luciano Pavarotti
Aida: Gloria all'Egitto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies irae - Wiener Philharmoniker
La forza del destino: Pace pace mio Dio - Angela Gheorghiu
Rigoletto: Questa o quella - Carlo Bergonzi
Rigoletto: Bella figlia dell'amore - Luciano Pavarotti
Otello: Ave Maria - Renee Fleming
La Traviata: Parigi o cara - Frank Lopardo
Macbeth: Ah la paterna mano - Luciano Pavarotti
Il Trovatore: Squilli echeggi la tromba guerriera - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
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Requiem: Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
Simon Baccanegra: Come in quest'ora bruna - Kiri Te Kanawa
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Aida: O patria mia - Leontyne Price
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere - Placido Domingo
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I due Foscari: Dal piu remoto esilio - Odio solo ed odio atroce - Jose Carreras
Don Carlo: Spuntato ecco il di esultanza - Orchestra E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano

Customer Reviews:

OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY........2006-01-20

I don't know opera.

Last summer we had an incredible 20th anniversary trip to Italy. As a side trip from Venice, we planned a night in Verona. Neither my wife or I had been to an opera.

Is this how its supposed to be...

...an incredible star filled night with a three quarter moon, the largest stage and outdoor theatrical production on the planet, all taking place in a roman colleseum (arena) built in 180 a.d., an incredible colorful set and production with a full symphony orchestra and voices that don't come easy. Aida.

Now I know what all the hpye is as you opera fans sure are lucky to have such a beautiful setting for all your productions.

Okay, we got spoiled. But I also found myself getting spoiled on the Italian composer Verdi.

For me, this set is not only a "take me back to Verona" trip, but a great introduction to Verdi's other works. With some of the biggest names in the opera world in starring roles, I listened to both discs twice the first night they arrived.

And, of course, we are planning a return trip to Verona in the very near future to see some more Verdi...perhaps Nabucco or Otello or Macbeth...I'll even settle for Aida again. It was such a magical experience and a superb introduction to opera and Verdi.

This set continues that magical moment for us and provides a great introduction to a master of the opera...Verdi.

Great music...stunning recording quality.......2002-11-01

This is a marvelous compendium of Verdi's opera works that even the serious opera fan wouldn't turn his nose up at. These are the top contemporary soloists singing with first tier orchestras. When I saw the Decca label, I expected reasonable quality, but this disk is stunningly well engineered. Most of the vocals match the best jazz cds for immediacy and intimacy, and the orchestras are equally well done.

Incredible.......2002-06-05

I don't say incredible about too many things, but Verdi was the zenith of Italian Opera and Solti and the Chicago Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic are the quintessential ensembles for modern classical performance. Not to mention that most of the voices showcased have their own lines of CDs (Pavarotti, etc.) This CD is the best Verdi album available, and it has EVERYTHING. BUY THIS CD!

Just Stunning!.......2002-01-26

In my opinion this recording is stunning. I am not usually a fan of compilations in classical music, as they're usually watered down representations made under the presumption that the listener would find the full-blown version intimidating or boring. This one, however, is not only an exception in my view, but a recording that deserves a high place of honor in every serious listener's collection. The representation of artists, both vocal and orchestral, is breathtaking and impressive for the span of years. A great big thank you to the people at Decca responsible for putting this collection together, as it is obvious to this listener that a great deal of thought and care went into looking for the most beautiful version of every piece on here. I have purchased two copies, one for home and one for the office, and have gotten two friends similarly hooked. I am also feverishly searching for more pairings of Joan Sutherland and Carlo Bergonzi. In the meantime, I'm on to Essential Puccini!!

Average customer rating:

Not enough
Essentially Crap
Imprescindible: Lo mejor de Angela!
One of the best!

The Essential Angela Gheorghiu

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Roberto Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu - Duets & Arias
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Angela Gheorghiu - Arias
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ASIN: B0000V8CJ0
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Ebben?...Ne Andro Lontana
Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
O Soave Fanciulla
Ah, Fors'e Lui...Sempre Libera - Frank Lopardo
Pace, Pace, Mio Dio
O Dieu! Que De Bijoux!...Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle (Air Des Bijoux)
Celui Dont La Parole Efface Toutes Peines...
Vive Amour Qui Reve (Aubade)
Chiedi All'aura Lusinghiera
Donde Lieta Usci Al Tuo Grido D'amore
Merce, Dilette Amiche
Come In Quest'ora Bruna
Teneste La Promessa...Addio Del Passato
Tacea La NOtte Placida...Di Tale Amor
Muzica

Customer Reviews:

Not enough.......2006-02-20

This album hardly shows up what this gorgeous coloratura can do. It's slow, has a easy listening feel to it, but totally lacks a moment to remember.

Essentially Crap.......2006-01-15

I don't understand this woman's appeal. Honestly I do not get it. Maybe I was just spoiled by my voice teacher who pointed me in the direction of truly great sopranos (Callas, Sutherland, Pons) but I can not find the "beauty" in this woman's voice that is so amazing to others.

Let me tell you a story. When I was 14, I scooped and swooped my way through songs just like Ms. Gheorghiu loves to do (her Sempre Libera and Jewel Song are nothing but that *shudder*). But my vocal teacher trained that habit out of me real quick because scooping and swooping is simply a mark of bad musical technique. My teacher use to say "If you can only get there by scooping, THEN DON'T GO THERE." Good advice for Ms. Gheorghiu.

Honestly she is one of the most boring, bland singers on the market today and this is a bland, boring cd as well. And that's saying a lot 'cas there are a lot of bad sopranos and bad cds floating around in recent years. Personally I am going to stick with the before-I-was-even-born singers such as Callas, Sutherland, Freni, Pons, our recently departed Nilsson, Horne and if I have to choose a Lyric Soprano of today I will gladly take Fleming over Gheorghiu any day of the week. At least Fleming has the intelligence to stay with her lyric roles instead of foolishly trying to sing roles that are completely out of her range. I mean CARMEN?! Ms Gheorghiu, you are NOT Caballe. Which is probably why Gheorghiu also can not pull off Ebben? with any real conviction. Uuuggghhh!

Please!! Buy Fleming or Freni or Callas. Don't waste your time on a second string soprano like Gheorghiu who will lose be forgotten in a few years. She is not worth the money!!!!

Imprescindible: Lo mejor de Angela!.......2004-06-26

Este recopilatorio que propone DECCA es completisimo (78' de musica) y de compra obligada tanto para los amantes de ANGELA GHEORGHIU como para aquellos que aun no la conozcan. El programa incluye fragmentos de Boheme (las dos arias y el duo, con Alagna) La Wally, La Traviata (las dos arias), Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino, Cherubin, Herodiade, Faust, L'elisir d'amore (un duo, de nuevo con Alagna), y la cancion popular 'Muzica'
Las interpretaciones de Gheorghiu son en todos los casos de primerisima fila, destacandose especialmente en 'La Forza del Destino' (antologico su 'Pace, Pace mio Dio'), 'La Traviata' (alocada en 'Sempre libera' y conmovedora en 'Addio del passato') y 'La Wally' (emotiva y desgarradora)
Los acompañamientos son tambien siempre de primer nivel, e insisto, este disco es de compra obligada para todo amante de la opera.
Las grabaciones provienen todas de albums ya editados antes por Decca, entre 1994 y 2000.

One of the best!.......2004-05-27

This is a wonderfully put together compilation displaying some of her best performances. The selections from Traviata are fine examples of what put her on the map. Her aria from Forza is stunning. And she is a wonderful Mimi. I think this CD explains what all the raves have been about. For those who don't know her work this CD would be a great place to begin. I am a huge fan so I am biased. However I do think she one of the best singers and actress singers working in opera today. I highly recommend this CD!

Average customer rating:

The Essential Pop Sampler
Billy Joel , Frank Sinatra , Willie Nelson , Tony Bennett , Earth Wind & Fire , Santana , Miles Davis , Luther Vandross , Simon & Garfunkel , and Johnny Cash
Manufacturer: Pop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0009Y9KOO

Product Description

Includes: Piano Man, Saturday Night (Is The Loneliest Night in The Week), On The Road Again, The Best Is Yet To Come, That's The Way of The World, Samba Pa' Ti, So What, Here and Now, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Ring Of Fire

Average customer rating:

Essential Simon & Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000X2DKM
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Sound Of Silence
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (Live)
Bye Bye Love (Bonus Track)
Bleecker Street
I Am A Rock
Most Peculiar Man (Live)
Richard Cory
Kathy's Song (Live)
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Homeward Bound
Sparrow (Live)
Leaves That Are Green (Live)
He Was My Brother (Bonus Track)
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
Dangling Conversation
Poem On The Underground Wall (Live)
Blessed (Live) (Bonus Track)
Cloudy (Bonus Track)
Blues Run The Game (Bonus Track)
Hazy Shade Of Winter
Mrs Robinson (Album Version)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
At The Zoo
Fakin' It
Old Friends
Bookends Theme
Punky's Dilemma (Bonus Track)
Overs (Live)
Church Is Burning (Live) (Bonus Track)
America
El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Cecilia (Album Version)
Keep The Customer Satisfied
So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
Boxer
Baby Driver
Only Living Boy In New York
Song For The Asking
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
My Little Town (Mi Pequeno Pueblo)

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double Disc Anthology of One of the Best Selling Duo Acts of all Time. This Edition Includes Seven More Tracks Than the USA Equivalent: "Bye Bye Love", "he was My Brother", "Blessed (Live)", "Cloudy", "Blues Run the Game", "Punky's Dilemma" and "a Church is Burning (Live)".

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

Average customer rating:

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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On Christmas Day: New Carols from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000AAFH5I
Release Date: 2005-08-08

Tracks:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
First Nowell
While Shepherds Watched
I Saw Three Ships
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
King Jesus Hath A Garden
In Dulci Jubilo
Unto Us Is Born A Son
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Away In A Manger
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Holly And The Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
See Amid The Winter's Snow
Past Three O'clock
Invitatory
Adam Lay Ybounden
Gabriel's Message
Once In Royal David's City
Sussex Carol
Rocking
Rejoice And Be Merry
Cherry Tree Carol
Three Kings
As With Gladness Men Of Olc
A Great And Mighty Wonder
Infant King
Balulalow
Crown Of Roses
Christ Was Born On Christmas Day
Blessed Be That Maid Mary
Lute-Book Lullaby
Myn Lyking
Personent Hodie
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Coventry Carol
Shepherds In The Field Abiding
Torches
Fantasia On Christmas Carols

Average customer rating:

Essential Simon & Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel
Manufacturer: Sony International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002B8T4G
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Sound Of Silence
2. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (Live)
3. Bye Bye Love (Bonus Track)
4. Bleecker Street
5. I Am A Rock
6. Most Peculiar Man (Live)
7. Richard Cory
8. Kathy's Song (Live)
9. Scarborough Fair/Canticle
10. Homeward Bound
11. Sparrow (Live)
12. Leaves That Are Green (Live)
13. He Was My Brother (Bonus Track)
14. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
15. Dangling Conversation
16. Poem On The Underground Wall (Live)
17. Blessed (Live) (Bonus Track)
18. Cloudy (Bonus Track)
19. Blues Run The Game (Bonus Track)
20. Hazy Shade Of Winter