Sweet William

Editorial Reviews
Campus Circle, December 1998
"...breathtaking...textured and melodic throughout...a remarkable first album that displays a veteran act’s sense of confidence and showmanship..."

About the Artist
Sharing a faith in the higher powers of rhythm and melody, the four members of Sweet William came together in early 1997, intent on bringing honesty to the most dishonest place on Earth - Los Angeles, California. The band quickly unleashed its heartfelt mood-pop on the jaded L.A. club scene, attracting a loyal following by daring to be honest, emotional, even romantic.

Looking at the band members' early musical histories, it makes sense that their search for meaning would bring them together.... read more

Album Description
Self Titled Independent Release From Sweet William

Sweet William

Average customer rating:

spiritual americana
Rich Heritage
Superb
Can't walk away from it!
Mana from Heaven

American Angels

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B0001ADB4Q
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
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Shall We Gather At The River
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Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers

Average customer rating:

Very pleased
Sumptuous and mellow
One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals
A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal
A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002RPZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
English Madrigals: Were I A King
English Madrigals: Come Again
English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Average customer rating:

American Music of Hope and Glory
Unbridled spiritual energy

The Shapenote Album
John P. Reese , Stephen Jenks , C. Dingley , William Billings , Seaborn McDaniel Denson , Jeremiah Ingalls , Lucius Chapin , Paine Denson , Nehemiah Shumway , The Tudor Choir , and Doug Fullington
Manufacturer: Loft Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005NHNL
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Montgomery
Windham
Sweet Prospect
China
Soar Away
The Better Land
Weeping Mary
White
Mortality
Eternal Day
Heavenly Union
Expression
Evening Shade
Kedron
Love The Lord
Condescension
All Is Well
Africa
Traveling On
Happy Land
New Jerusalem
Primrose
Hallelujah
Peace And Joy
Schenectady

Customer Reviews:

American Music of Hope and Glory.......2007-04-09

Although I have known about Sacred Harp Music for many years, this album utterly overwhelmed me in its power, beauty and expression of pure American strength and faithful surety. I grew up in the churches of Christ, one of the few American denominations that uses only a capella four-part harmony vocal music in their worship services. Shape notes were known to me since I was able to understand a musical staff, and we used shape notes for each note on the scale (a few more than The Sacred Harp Tradition). Alas, over time, the immense power and beauty of true Sacred Harp music was "homogenized" into congregational singing that remains quite beautiful, but no longer has the vigor of The Sacred Harp tradition. (The churches of Christ still, to this day, occasionally have "Sings" - an all afternoon singing festival with food and fellowship, as do Sacred Harp "Singing Classes" today). This album above all speaks - rather SINGS to the immense faith of Frontier America, and the absolutely majesterial beauty of music well-sung from the human heart, which is, of course, The "Sacred Harp". To any who want to experience a new (and very old) musical tradition, this recording will be one that you will never forget. All choral music singers and admirers should own this marvelous album. (Having a copy of the "1991 Sacred Harp Hymnal" in hand will make your enjoyment all the better!)

Unbridled spiritual energy.......2005-01-01

Anyone who saw "Cold Mountain" and was struck by the vitality and energy of the hymn singing in that one brief scene in church will be immediately impressed with this stunning album. The album's only flaw is that, unfortunately, it does not include that hymn that was in "Cold Mountain" (it is titled "I'm Going Home").

Otherwise, it is pure joy to listen to. The singing is full of that same raw passion that makes it sound so primitive. I've heard other albums where the sound is polished, concert-hall like, and as a result very dead. This is not that way; it moves and stirs as good spiritual music ought to.

This is a new field of music for me, even though I've sung in church choirs for years and listened to all kinds of classical music. Hearing this album makes me want to go find the sheet music and start singing it myself, it is so infectious.

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

Average customer rating:

REAL MUSIC
White bread, well-baked in spots
This is the one!
A Must for the Sabbath
A Must for Sabbath

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
God Bless America
More Greatest Hits: 18 Best Loved Favorites
Songs from America's Heartland

ASIN: B00005Q5LT
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Lead, Kindly Light
Arise, O God, And Shine
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Take Time To Be Holy
The Spirit Of God Like A Fire Is Burning
Simple Gifts
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide
Sing Praise To Him
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
I Need Thee Every Hour
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Customer Reviews:

REAL MUSIC.......2007-01-16

THIS IS MUSIC YOU CAN LISTEN TO EVERY DAY AND ENJOY OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

White bread, well-baked in spots.......2005-08-12

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir that performs on this disc is a tightly-knit, well-conducted unit, and some of the tracks on the disc border on the ethereal. "Lead, Kindly Light," "Sweet Hour of Prayer" (in parts) and "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," for example, touch the soul and bring tears to the eyes.

However, on other arrangements the choir sounds like a group of white folks far removed from the remainder of humanity. For example, the opening track, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," and also "All Creatures of Our God and King" sound rote and perfunctory, like a group of elementary school students (with very fine voices, to be sure) going through the paces of a daily sing: elevator music on a grand scale. At the opposite extreme, sudden dynamic shifts in other tracks sound pretentious. The final bars of "All Creatures of Our God and King" suggest an attempt at a grand finale, but lack even a hint of majesty or passion. The choir lacks any apparent understanding of the Shaker spirit in "Simple Gifts" --- rather like Lawrence Welk playing Bob Marley. (Not that I've ever seen a Shaker in dreadlocks.) "Battle Hymn of the Republic" begins majestically, but turns into a caricature, and then reverts to a semblance of glory (except for a brief flirtation with a minor key).

The high praise lavished on this disc by other reviewers is no surprise: It is of very high quality for what it is. The choir offers a lovely sound. However, more than half the tracks are seriously flawed, and the musicianship is sufficiently peculiar on the whole as to lower the rating considerably.

This is the one!.......2002-08-24

If you want to hear the best of the best, this CD is it. These hymn arrangements are just beautiful and very touching. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the choir and wants to feel a little closer to heaven. The choir seems to sing literally with one voice and you feel like they are singing just for you. Congratulations to the new conductor, Craig Jessop and all those who contributed to the quality that went into producing this CD.

A Must for the Sabbath.......2002-04-17

I LOVE IT!!! What better way to enjoy the Sabbath than to sing of the Lord's Praises with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? This album is just the ticket! It's very powerful, and uplifting.

What? You mean I can only give this album five stars? But that doesn't even BEGIN to do it justice!

I love it. Truly a masterpiece!

A Must for Sabbath.......2002-02-05

If you only own one Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, this is the one. It has creative arrangements of many favorite hymns, as well as the best recording of the Wilhousky Battle Hymn arrgmt that I have ever come across. The only downer: it has (another) recording of Simple Gifts, which has been beat to death by choirs in the last decade.

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
Ballad of the Green Berets
On Top of Old Smokey
Coyote Warrior
Semper Fidelis
Breeze from Alabama
Onward Christian Soldiers
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Patriot
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Marines' Hymn
America Is
When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
Happy the Soldier
American Trilogy
Home Sweet Home
Washington Post March
Enraptured I Gaze
Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Yellow Rose of Texas
Over There
Simple Gifts
Liberty Bell
Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

God Bless the USA
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Katy Cruel
I Vow to Thee My Country
King Cotton
Beautiful Dreamer
America
American Patrol
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
Mohican Dream
Red, White and Blue
Some Folks
Liberty Song
Pomp and Circumstance
Hail to the Chief
Bennington Rifles
Peace on the Battlefield
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Under the Double Eagle
Red River Valley
My Country 'Tis of Thee
Camptown Races
Wild Blue Yonder
Hands Across the Sea
Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

Stars and Stripes Forever
Living in America
Home on the Range
Old Colony Times
Clementine
Invincible Eagle
Ring Ring de Banjo
Yankee Doodle
Largo from "The New World"
To a Wild Rose
Hail Columbia
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Gettysburg
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
Capitan
Prairie Daughter
Little Brown Jug
Marching Through Georgia
Entertainer
Steamboat Around the Bend
Revolutionary Tea
Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Amazing Grace
Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

God Bless America
National Emblem
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
Anchors Away
Oh, Susannah
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Toast
Dixie
St. Louis Blues
Appalachian Spring
Bonnie Blue Flag
Old Hundreth
Swanee River
Battle Cry of Freedom
U. S Field Artillery
Sidewalks of New York
Chester
Auld Lang Syne
Kingdom Come
My Old Kentucky Home
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Shenandoah
Abraham's Daughter
This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Average customer rating:

Great music, fine performance
The Best of the best
Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung
A bleak Mid-winter
If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it

Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
Christmas Star
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Christmas Day in the Morning
The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College

ASIN: B0000031H5
Release Date: 1993-01-20

Tracks:

In Dulci Jubilo
Adam Lay Ybounden
Christmas Night
Once, as I Remember
A Spotless Rose
In the Bleak Midwinter
There Is a Flower
The Cherry Tree Carol
I Wonder as I Wander
Candlelight Carol
O Tannenbaum
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
A Virgin Most Pure
I Sing of a Maiden
Lute-Book Lullaby
The Three Kings
Myn Lyking
O Little One Sweet
All My Heart This Night Rejoices
I Saw a Maiden
Away in a Manger
Nativity Carol

Amazon.com

"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries." This description might also say that the program contains some of the best and best-loved Christmas choral pieces of all time, presented in a pleasing mix of familiar carols and lesser-known original works. Among the best-known selections are Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Howells's "A spotless rose." Several original pieces by John Rutter appear here for the first time--"Christmas Night," "There is a flower," and "Nativity Carol." Other notable highlights are Peter Cornelius's "The three kings" and the lively Willcocks arrangement of "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day." Of course, the singing is among the best on the planet--in fact, there may even be a few heavenly angels in the soprano section. --David Vernier

Album Description

An incredible collection of 22 carols, old and new, including I Wonder As I Wander, Away In A Manger, O Tannenbaum, and In Dulci Jubilo. "In the field of choral Christmas CDs, Christmas Night shines brightest of all." David Vernier - Classics Today

Customer Reviews:

Great music, fine performance.......2007-01-26

The Best of the best.......2006-12-22

I,ve been collecting Christmas Music for over 25 Years especially the non-pop genre. This is my desert CD. The Chanticleer and Kings College CDs are very good but this is the summit of quiet meditative music for the season. I always listen to this alone at night and still get thrilled and overwhelmed by it's beauty and sublimity. My favorite track is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" simply because of the beauty of the poetry of Rossetti. I always give this as a gift to my friends who enjoy beautiful acapella music.Do yourself a favor and purchase this most beautiful of all Christmas music. I own over 200 Christmas CD'S and this one gets played at least twice a season. The other Rutter Christmas CD's are excellent but not quite in the same class. This is a once in a lifetime album. It is the centerpiece of my own personal celebration of christmastime.

Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung.......2003-12-18

This compilation of Christmas carols both traditional and modern stands in stark contrast to much of the bubble gum, soda pop Christmas music so often heard on popular radio these days. There are no divas or over the top performances or attempts to make "a moment". What there is are beautiful songs sung by talented singers.

So many of these carols are so beautiful that it's hard to pick out which are the best. More likely than not, that's going to be a highly personal choice but if you see one of your favorites on the track list you can be sure that it's well performed.

In short, this album should be part of your Christmas collection. It's best listened to in the quiet time on Christmas Eve.

A bleak Mid-winter.......2003-10-17

This CD contains the usual Rutter mix of gorgeous traditional treatments with a few incredibly schlocky arrangements. Fortunately, I can just leave the schlock off my iPod playlist (otherwise I'd return the CD).

The real letdown is my own fault: I didn't notice that "In the Bleak Midwinter" is the Darke version, not Holst. Ugh. If only the RealAudio samples had stretched one song further down the song list.

If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it.......2002-12-24

You can't beat the polished ensemble sound of the Cambridge Singers and John Rutter has devoted his life to celebrating the joys of Anglican Christmas music. This is a coherent program of carols that you can play without skipping tracks. The selection is well-balanced and covers a broad historical range. Although there are some interesting alternatives out there for purists (such as Kings College Choir and the Tallis Singers)if you own just one CD of English Christmas music--this should be the one.

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow "

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights)
Offenbach: La Belle Helene; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights)
Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights)
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00009KHY2
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Customer Reviews:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ".......2006-09-12

This is the "Merry Widow" with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with the word "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note with an incressing crescendo and fortissimo louder than the chorus and holding the final high note---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, this CD is made in Holland and "there is one left" so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating:

The amazing Jessye Norman
Amazing Grace
Superb! As Always, superb!
Uplifting and Timeless
Why was I such a fool?

Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Spirituals in Concert
Jessye Norman - Christmastide
The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs
Jessye Norman - Sacred Songs ~ Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, etc..
Jessye Norman Classics

ASIN: B00000413L
Release Date: 1991-09-12

Tracks:

Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace (traditional)
Amazing Grace: Gesu Bambino
Amazing Grace: Ave Maria (Op. 52 No.6)
Amazing Grace: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Amazing Grace: Let Us Break Bread Together
Amazing Grace: There's a Man Going Round
Amazing Grace: Mary Had a Baby
Amazing Grace: Panis Angelicus
Amazing Grace: Greensleeves
Amazing Grace: Great Day
Amazing Grace: Steal Away
Amazing Grace: Were You There
Amazing Grace: Calvary
Amazing Grace: City Called Heaven
Amazing Grace: Give Me Jesus
Amazing Grace: O Divine Redeemer
Amazing Grace: He's Got the Whole World
Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace (traditional)

Customer Reviews:

The amazing Jessye Norman.......2007-06-18

Oh what a joy to listen to one of the richest voices of our time! A truly great singing legend. Breathtaking depth and effortless power!

Amazing Grace.......2007-05-08

Don't Know. Holder had a CD of Ludwig con Beethoven! Awaiting the real thing.

Superb! As Always, superb!.......2003-12-27

There's not enough words that can express how wonderful Miss Jessye Norman's vocal talent is. What a wonderful opera diva! I thought the George Bizet's Carmen (CD) was magnificient but then when I got this (CD), I was thrown back. The range and style in "Ave Maria" is splendid, so is "Let's Break Bread Together," "Amazing Grace," and many more songs found on this CD. Miss Jessye Norman, Ms. Leontyne Price, Miss kathleen Battle, Miss Joan Sutherland are top opera divas on my list. So you know I have a fine taste of hearing great vocals; you can't go wrong in purchasing this CD. It's a treasure to listen to.

Uplifting and Timeless.......2003-09-08

Jessye Norman is one of my favorite opera singers. I hope that she may release another CD of Gospel songs very soon. We have waited too much!!! How about to revisit Marian Andersons' Gospel recordings!!!

Why was I such a fool?.......2003-06-17

Okay, if you look at my other recommendations, you'll see that I'm a conservative. So, before my full embrace of the classical vocal artistry, and when I was just beginning to grasp politics (I'm only 21 now), I heard a beautiful voice and rejected it because it was singing at the inauguration of Bill Clinton.

I've learned a little since then. I've learned to ignore an artists political leanings, because they don't tell you much about quality (contrast the Republican South Park creators Matt Parker and Trey Stone with the Democrat Robert Redford). I've also learned to (sometimes) listen to the recommendations of friends. And well, after a friend heard me laud Reneé Fleming, Kathleen Battle, and Leontyne Price, she told me I needed to try Jessye Norman. So I did.

Tracks:

Fugue In G Minor 'Little'
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Concerto No. 4 In F: I. Allegro
Ye Sweet Retreat
Thou Art The Rock
Trumpet Voluntary
Trio Sonata No.6 In G
Concerto No. 10 For Strings: Aria
Now Thank We All Our God
Canon In B Minor
Suite No. 3 In D: Air On The G String
No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 42, No. 1: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

My favorite classical music album.......2006-09-30

I first listened to this entire set of music on cassette in 1983 and prior to that I heard parts of it on a CBC radio program called "Gilmour's Albums" in 1979. It remains my most favorite classical music album. The range of sounds coming from the organ and the interpretation of each piece is wonderful. Having this music still available after nearly 50 years, and on CD no less, is a tribute to Fox and his outstanding talent.

Good as an introduction to the organ (and Virgil Fox).......2006-01-24

I hate to beat a dead horse (with 7 reviews) and to slightly contradict some of the previous opinions, but I can't agree that this CD is one of Fox's greatest. It serves as a fine introduction to those who want to hear the rich tonal palette of an organ and indeed, few are finer than Fox in the jaunty Schumann "Canon" and the oh-so-sweet "Ye Sweet Retreat." However, repeated listenings show the Little Fugue and Handel to be a bit sloppy, and the overall nature of the CD somewhat one-dimensional, with the faster pieces very fast and ending very loud, the slower pieces very slow and ending very softly.

This is not to denegrate Fox, who especially for an organist, had an unbelievable control and understanding of dynamic shading - it's more that the program itself suffers from a lack of variety. Perhaps this CD, being an RCA release, served an important purpose in getting organ music, and more importantly classical music in general, to the broader public.

But for more serious artistry, turn to recordings like Digital Fox (1978) and these unjustly underpublised re-releases of Fox playing major organs:
1) Virgil Fox at Hammond Castle -- available at organarts.com with samples and background info. Contains incredible, I mean incredible, interpretations of Franck's Grande Piece Symphonique and Reubke's Sonata on the 94th Psalm, to name only a few
2) Virgil Fox Command Performances 1963-1965 -- available on Amazon and organarts.com. Fox plays the organs of Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center (with an extremely intense reading of Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor), Boston Symphony Hall, and the Riverside Church. GET THESE ASAP - THEY ARE SUPERB!

Excellent Music choice........2003-12-13

Virgil Fox is without a doubt one of the most advanced organists in the new phase of Organs. As an Organist myself, there are many new changes with Organbuilding and how older Organists try to adjust and try to get used to. From the Sound of the Organ it is indeed a rather powerful Organ with what sounds like a Possible 32ft Reed!!! I do not know where this recording was held at, but You need to listen to some of the Samples that there is. There are a wide variety of moods with this organ all the way up to a very scary but demanding Full Organ! Buying this cd is a MUST. If not then at least listen to the samples. You will not consider it a waste of time.

Riverside Organ Is Stretched to Its Limits in This One - - -.......2002-12-14

If you like flamboyant, this CD will blow your skirt right up there! The dynamic range of the music in this CD will test your stereo system to the limits. Every part of the organ is used, from the shyest Kleine Erzähler to what must be a Double Bombarde.

The songs showcase the organ and are played flawlessly, even if somewhat ambitiously interpreted. If you're tired of hearing the Little Fugue in G Minor played like a funeral dirge on a worn-out calliope, then you'll appreciate what Fox does with it on the big Aeolian-Skinner. Absolutely incredible! On the other hand, I personally would have enjoyed C.M. Widor's Toccata from the 5th taken a little slower. Perhaps Virgil was running late for supper or had to go to the bathroom when performing this one, 'cause it could stand a little Largo to let the notes pop out. Nevertheless, it shows what "Nimble-Fingers" can do.

Technically, the CD is flawless, except for some low-level noise heard during the quieter interludes when the volume is up. Ideally, there should be no noise here at all but what do you want for coming from 40-year-old tape masters??? That one flaw is vastly overshadowed by the excellent stereo separation and extreme dynamic range, with absolutely no rumble or flutter to be heard.

The CD includes a couple of the better-known pieces, and the lesser-known ones are equally interesting. Can't go wrong with this CD, but don't expect to get much out of it in your car CD player due to the wide dynamic range and the inherent noise in the car (unless of course you're driving a Mercedes)!!

Outstanding organ program.......2001-02-06

This is the first album of organ music I ever bought back in the days of vinyl. I have always loved it, I practically wore it out. Mr. Fox was the teacher of a friend of mine and I got to hear him once. His program here is varied and the sound is excellent. He did a lot for the advancement of organ music in the USA, we owe him a huge debt. Warmly recommended.

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