Old Testament [Box set] [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Import edition of 1992 box-set that's out-of-print in the US. The four CD set spans the group's first six albums (up to 1981's 'La Folie'), also including a number of non-LP singles & B-sides. Contains 83 tracks and a 112 page book. All housed in a deluxe

Tracks:

In The Begining
All We Got
5 Arch Angels
Soldierz Of Darkness
No Love Without Hate
Chapterz
Deep In Tha Water
4 Elements
Sin Of Men
Embarrased
Valley Of The Kingz
Next Up
People Change
Saviorz Day
Flaming Swordz
Black Sleeping Beauty
Tha Law

Customer Reviews:

The Best of Sunz of Man.......2006-04-09

Old Testament is the CD you want if your new to the group and want to hear the best songs from Sunz of Man. Soldiers of Darkness, Saviorz Day, Five Arch Angels,Shining Star...they all here. If your a wu fan you won't be dissapointed from Sunz of Man. Also if you like these guys and the Wu I would Strongly recommend you pick up some "Killarmy". I wish I could find some Killarmy in stores...

Sunz of Man - The Old Testament .......2006-04-05

Sunz of Man's lastest offering is "The Old Testament" (2006). Wu-Tang affiliates this group is made up of Hell Razah, 60 Second Assassin, Killah Priest & Prodigal Sunn. The material on this release is not new, as this is a compiliation of some of their past work from their last album and mixtape joints. On the short "All We Got", the Sunz of Man claim to be the first group out of the Wu, and tell their story in the Rap game. The group provide a dark cut with "Five Arch Angels", which is followed up by the raw "Soldierz Of Darkness". One of the first real standouts for me is the "4 Elements", Sunz of Man shine on this cut kicking knowledge on a track about growth. The albums best track for me is "Saviorz Day", Ghostface Killah and Sunz of Man provide an excellent track while Madam D provides a nice hook. "The Old Testament" is a decent release, my personal favourite release by this group is "Freedom of Speech".

Average customer rating:

Testament of Freedom
Wonderful Piece of Americana
A Great Recording of Great Choral Works
One of my favorite CD's
Disappointing

Testament
Leonard Bernstein , Aaron Copland , Howard Hanson , Ronald A. Nelson , Randall Thompson , Dallas Wind Symphony , and Turtle Creek Chorale
Manufacturer: Reference Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom
The Assault on Reason

ASIN: B000001595
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Behold Man
Song of Democracy
The Pasture (Frostiana)
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening (Frostiana)
Allelujah
The Promise of Living (The Tender Land)
Simple Gifts
Make Our Garden Grow
The Testament Of Freedom: The God Who Gave Us Life
The Testament Of Freedom: We Have Counted The Cost
The Testament Of Freedom: We Fight Not For Glory
The Testament Of Freedom: I Shall Not Die Without A Hope

Customer Reviews:

Testament of Freedom.......2007-07-12

I sung the Testament in a men chorus in 1966.Most of the men were veterans as was I. I only wish the powers to be would include it in the July celebration in Washington D.C.

Wonderful Piece of Americana.......2007-01-27

I bought, and was very disappointed in, the New York Choral Society's recording of "Testament of Freedom" a couple of years ago. The diction was indisctinct, the voices were overpowered by the instruments, and the sound in general left a lot to be desired. I was delighted when I accidentally stumbled on this CD and found out that "Testament of Freedom" was included.

The Turtle Creek Chorale does an excellent job with the title piece. The vocal sound of the group is wonderfully rich, and the balance between the instruments and voices is about as good as you can get with a piece that calls for such a large instrumental ensemble. Plus, I prefer the men's choir arrangement of "Testament," largely because I remember singing it for Region Choir auditions over 10 years ago. My only complaint is that in some parts of "We Have Counted the Cost," it's hard to understand the words if you don't already know them; same thing with "We Fight Not For Glory." But these are minor quibbles.

"Testament" is a must-own CD for any American music lover, as it feautures the work of a criminally-underperformed composer. It's worth buying for the performance "Testament of Freedom" alone, although all the tracks are excellent, particularly the "Alleluia". 5 out of 5.

A Great Recording of Great Choral Works.......2006-01-02

I had to write this review because it is a crime that this wonderful CD has a ho-hum overall rating just because one of the two previous reviewers didn't bother to find out what it was before he ordered. Yes, Amazon had it mislabled (it's better now, but still misleading by putting Bernstein's name first), but I had no trouble figuring out that it was a men's ensemble. In fact, that's the primary reason I chose this CD.

The feature work on this CD is the "Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson. For this work, Mr. Thompson chose to set various writings of Thomas Jefferson to music. In doing so, he has helped preserve these sometimes forgotten texts and at the same time, demonstrated why he is one of America's best loved choral composers. Unfortunately, there are not many recordings of this work, and many of those you'll find are sung by mixed choirs. This work was intended for, and sounds best when sung by, a men's chorus. That alone sets this CD apart.

The biggest weakness of this recording is the balance between the wind ensemble and the chorus. In the forte sections, the chorus gets drowned out a bit. That's always a danger in master works, particularly when you pit voices against winds. However, I found this to be a minor flaw and have heard much worse examples.

I recommend this CD for all who love choral music and particularly for those who have yet to experience the music of Randall Thompson. It is also interesting to note that the words of Thomas Jefferson, written so long ago, still ring true in these trying times (especially the third and fourth passages).

(The following acquired from http://www.turtlecreek.org/music/linerpages/testament.htm)
Lyrics:

The Testament of Freedom
Text: Thomas Jefferson

The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy but cannot disjoin them.

---A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)

We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive them from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail heredity bondage upon them. Our cause is just. Our union perfect. Our internal resources are great...We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favor towards us, that His Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength, and been previously exercised in warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers which we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live as slaves.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

We fight not for glory or for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offense. They boast of their privilege and civilization, and yet proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death. In our native land, in defense of the freedom that is our birthright and which we ever enjoyed until the late violation of it; for the protection of our property, acquired by the honest industry of our forefathers and ourselves; against violence actually offered; we have taken up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

I shall not die without hope that light and liberty are on steady advance... And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them... The flames kindled on the 4th of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

---Letter to John Adams, Monticello (1821)

One of my favorite CD's.......2005-08-10

The actual title of this CD is Testament, and the principle performing group is the Dallas-based Turtle Creek Chorale. I am perplexed by Amazon's listing this magnificent recording under a generic descriptive title and then naming the accompanying Dallas Wind Symphony as the only "performer." Someone must have been asleep at the wheel.

Now to the recording itself -- I love choral music, and am especially drawn to male voices. I even enjoy hearing all-male college glee clubs singing their boisterous drinking songs. What a joy then to happen upon this recording which features strong, well trained voices in addition to exquisite pieces of music, some of which are among my favorites. The highlight of the CD for me is Randall Thompson's, "Testament of Freedom." The CD is worth its price just for this one 24-minute jewel. The rest is like tasty icing on a cake.

Disappointing.......2002-02-20

I was disappointed with this album. First, it did not notice that the Turtle Creek Chorale is an all male ensemble. ... Secondly, the quality of the recording is poor. The sound is muddy and lacks brightness. I had to turn my stereo way up just to hear it. The orchestra sounds great, but the mix of the voices is very poor. I definately do not recommend.

Average customer rating:

Old & New Testament
Charlie Chaplin
Manufacturer: Ras
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Too Hot to Handle

ASIN: B000000Q23
Release Date: 1992-04-06

Tracks:

LAST WARNING
PROMISE LAND
MARANGIN SISNTER
TELL ME IF ME WRONG
GWAAN YU WAYS
YOUR SWEETNESS
CHALICE CONTEST
KEEP IT TO YU SELF
NO PROFIT
SEND NINJAMAN HOME

Average customer rating:

Wrong music on CD
Wrong Tracks (songs) on CD and the replacement CD
I FOUND THEM AGAIN!!!
Ha ve the ablum.
I remember the 33 1/3 version. . .

Holy Bible/Old Testament
The Statler Brothers
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Holy Bible/New Testament
The Statler Brothers Gospel Favorites
The Gospel Spirit
Farewell Concert
Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

ASIN: B000001FEZ
Release Date: 1989-07-11

Tracks:

In The Beginning
Eve
Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
Have A Little Faith
The Dreamer
Led Out Of Bondage
The Ten Commandments
Samson
Song Of David
Song Of Solomon
The Fourth Man
The King Is Coming

Customer Reviews:

Wrong music on CD.......2002-11-09

I bought this CD and had the same problem someone else said they had. The music on the CD was not the music that was suppose to be on it. The replacement CD had the exact same problem. Wait until Amazon posts a notice that the problem has been resolved before buying this.

Wrong Tracks (songs) on CD and the replacement CD.......2002-10-30

I ordered this CD in OCT 2002 and it arrived with the wrong tracks (songs) on it. .... All the packaging and inserts were correct. If you are considering this CD you may want to wait a couple weeks to let them work out the quality issue and get a new supply in stock. FYI The CD sample clips sound great I will try again to get this one in a few weeks.
Thanks!

I FOUND THEM AGAIN!!!.......2002-07-25

I FIRST OWNED THE STATLER BROTHERS "OLD TESTAMENT" AND "NEW TESTAMENT" ON 33/RPM/LP. I PLAYED THE RECORDS SO MUCH I WORE THEM OUT. THEN I BOUGHT TWO CASSETTE TAPES OF THE SAME MUSIC, I WORE THEM OUT, BOUGHT TWO MORE CASSETTE AND WORE THEM OUT TOO!! NOW I FINALLY FOUND THEM ON TWO CDs. I AM SO HAPPY, I JUST RECEIVED THEM AND I FEEL LIKE OLD FRIENDS HAVE BEEN REUNITED! I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT THIS ALBUM. IT IS FUNNY, SCRIPTURAL, AND DONE IN THE TIMELESS STYLE OF THE STATLER BROTHERS! I LOVE IT!!!

Ha ve the ablum........2002-05-12

I think the Statler Brothers are the greatest singing
group of ALL time.
Because it's not only their excellant sound it's also
the songs that they sing.
The words and the melody of their songs is beyond
compare.
I know there has been many great groups with great
sounds but NONE of them can compare with the words
of their songs with that of the words of the Statler
Brothers songs. They just have a peace about them
even songs like "I Saw Your Picture" make you feel
great.
As far as the bible songs I have the original record
album and the records are 78's. I recently bought
a 5 cd player with the record player. Unfortunatly
when I received it I found out that the record player
only plays 33 1/3 and 45's. I was really disapointed
because I wanted to play the bible album.
I did'nt think that the bible would be on cd's because
the album was old. I was plesantly surprized when
I found it on the Amozon site and am really looking
forward to getting it.
I would recomend it 1000 % to anyone no matter what
their taste in music is.
Thanks again Amazon.

I remember the 33 1/3 version. . ........2002-01-13

My father, though raised Catholic, has never been particularly religious. When I was little, it shocked my mother when he specifically requested the Statler Brothers Old/New Testament (which was released as a two album set at the time). I can remember listening to it with him and being impressed by my father's reaction - it actually would get him to talk about his beliefs and what he was taught in school as a child during the Depression in Philadelphia.

As I was reading the track listing, I can still recall snippets of most of the songs. The music is quintessential Statler Brothers - the songs are masterful representations of the old stories of the Bible. Regardless of what you believe, or how strongly you may hold those beliefs, I highly recommend this CD, along with its New Testament counterpart. Enjoy and make your own memories!

Bo Holton: Wisdom and Folly and Other Choral Works
Average customer rating:
Bo Holton: Wisdom and Folly and Other Choral Works

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009SC7GS
Release Date: 2005-07-26