Easter Theater [CD-single] [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
New Limited Edition Digipack Single from their 'Apple Venus' Full Length. Includes a 12 Minute Interview Track of Andy Partridge and Home Demo Version of Title Track.

Tracks:

Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni. Andante con moto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena e canto gitano
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano
Sadko: Song of India
The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers
Le Coq d'or Suite: IV. Introduction and Bridal Procession
Mlada Suite: Procession of the Nobles
Tsar Saltan Suite, Op. 57: Farewell of the Tsar
Russian Easter Overture
Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: IV. Festival at Bagdad - The Sea - Shipwreck

Customer Reviews:

A fine sampler.......2003-04-24

I purchased this CD to sample some of the pieces of Rimsky-Korsakov that I did not already own. The CD is a compilation of recognized conductors. The performances are competent, if not really inspired. Rimsky-Korsakov offers very listenable, approachable music and very rich orchestration. But this is a sampler, where most pieces are incomplete. If you are ready to jump in with both feet, purchase Scheherazade & Russian Easter Overture by Jose Serebrier, Scherazade & Cappricio Espanol by Mackerras/LSO, and Neeme Jarvi on Chandos ($$) for the rest.

I was first put off by the sonics of this CD, particularly the dynamic range, but this varies with each of the many recorded pieces.

In its favor, this CD is inexpensive, but don't expect to receive more than what you pay.

OUTSTANDING.......2002-09-16

This is a good selection of outstanding works of one of the best Russian composers. I enjoyed it very much.

Fun CD.......2002-01-29

I really appreciated the variety on this CD, from the light, bouncy bumblebee to the more bombastic pieces. I think this makes a really good intro to Korsakov's works.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: London Palladium Cast Recording (1991 London Revival Cast)

Average customer rating:

REMASTERED RELEASE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S FIRST HIT MUSICAL
A wonderful JOSEPH recording
SOME GREAT MUSIC!!!
SOME GREAT MUSIC!!!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: London Palladium Cast Recording (1991 London Revival Cast)
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Michael Dixon , The Joseph Orchestra , Amanda Courtney-Davies , Aubrey Woods , Caroline Dillon , Connor Byrne , David Easter , Elizabeth Renihan , Gael Johnson , Jacqui Harman , Jacqui Jameson , Jason Donovan , Jason Moore , Jocelyn Vodovoz Cook , Johnny Amobi , Mark Frendo , Megan Kelly , and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Related Recordings)
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
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Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1992 Canadian Cast)
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
Evita (2006 London Cast)

ASIN: B000BSM28O
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Prologue
Any Dream Will Do
Jacob & Sons/Joseph's Coat
Joseph's Dreams
Poor, Poor Joseph
One More Angel In Heaven
Potiphar
Close Every Door
Go, Go, Go Joseph
Pharaoh Story
Poor, Poor Pharaoh
Song Of The King (Seven Fat Cows)
Pharaoh's Dream Explain
Stone The Crows
Those Canaan Days
The Brothers Come To Egypt/Grovel, Grovel
Who's The Thief?
Benjamin Calypso
Joseph All The Time
Jacob In Egypt
Finale:Any Dream Will Do/Give Me My Coloured Coat
Joseph Megamix

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of the 1991 Original Cast Album of the Hit Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical featuring Pop and Stock Aitken Waterman Star Jason Donovan in the Lead Role. Includes Full Libretto and Deluxe Packaging.

Customer Reviews:

REMASTERED RELEASE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S FIRST HIT MUSICAL.......2007-04-18

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is Andrew Lloyd Webber's first staged musical work and his first staged collaboration with his best lyricist Tim Rice. The very first musical they wrote together, called `The likes of us', didn't reach the stage at that time and was put there for a single special performance in 2005, luckily, captured on CD and also available here at Amazon.

With `Joseph', it all began when in 1967 Lloyd Webber and his friend Rice were commissioned by the head of music at Colet Court School, London, to write a religious concert for the school choir. Joseph was first presented in 1968 and, after further performances at St Paul's Cathedral and the Roundhouse in London, and the Edinburgh Festival, opened in the West End in 1973. It wasn't much of a success, however, until Lloyd Webber bought back the rights to it in the early 90-is, reworked it and put on stage a very successful production that has been put in many other countries in the world and filmed for a special DVD.

The plot takes motives from a well known biblical Old Testament story of Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob, patriarch of Israel, and the coat of many colours that Jacob gave to Joseph as a sign that he is the special one among his sons. Joseph's older brothers became jealous and sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt, telling their father that he's been killed by a passing goat. After being imprisoned by his equally jealous master, Joseph helps the pharaoh in solving his enigmatic dreams and becomes his first adviser who saves Egypt from the great famine. Back in Canaan, Joseph's brothers and father are starving and so the brothers go to Egypt where food is in abundance. Joseph recognizes them, but not vice versa. After he learns them a lesson because of their past behaviour, Joseph is reunited with his brothers and father in Egypt.

This is one of those Lloyd Webber shows that are aimed at everybody, the young and the old (just like `Cats' or `Starlight Express'. The songs are mostly pop and a merry note can be found in most of them. Also, this show is supposed to be fun, so there are numerous musical styles in it. For example, there is a country song that the brothers sing; at the other point they sing a French chanson with the French accents. The pharaoh sings like Elvis and one song is in a calypso tone. Overall, it's a nice whole of diverse songs and singing styles. Tim Rice has written his funniest lyrics, blending beautifully with the score. The most notable songs are "Any dream will do" and "Close every door" sung by Joseph and the big number "Jacob and sons" .

This London cast recording features Jason Donovan, the Australian pop singer as Joseph and Linzi Hateley as a female narrator. Donovan's voice isn't as strong as that of the American Joseph Donny Osmond, but his voice has the boyish charm that Osmond lacks. Hately's soprano follows the speedy tempo of her songs with ease. She hits all the high notes without problem and remains one of the best Joseph narrators to date. The children choirs add a special touch to the songs.

This is a remastered and improved release of the 1991 original CD. This means that it has resolved the main problem of the past, i.e. the bad sound. Now we hear everything with crystal clarity. The CD comes in a nice slipcase, with a separate libretto and a booklet with new production pictures. All this is a significant and welcome improvement.

The flashy production of Joseph can be seen at the DVD of the same name with Donny Osmond playing the lead. Joseph remains a part of Webber-Rice trilogy that cannot be overlooked.

A wonderful JOSEPH recording.......2007-03-05

Of the recordings of JOSEPH I've heard, I consider this to be the most wonderful and characterful recording of this Lord Lloyd-Webber musical. Osmond offers us all a rich portrayal of the eponymous dream-teller, filled with presence, but Donovan captures more subtleties of the character. Donovan conveys more wide-eyed and youthful innocence in his portrayal of Joseph and turns in a wonderful performance, capped by his renditions of the beguiling Any Dream Will Do and the pathos of Close Every Door. Donovan is well-partnered by Linzi Hateley as a charismatic and winning Narrator. Yes, I know you'll argue that the late-lamented Laurie Beechman virtually owns the role with her superior lung-power but Hateley engages the listener and makes the role her own. The superb line-up includes David Easter in an overripe performance of the Elvis-styled Pharaoh, and one can hear the little touches of humour he brings to his portrayal. The ensemble features a strong line-up of Brothers, and Nicolas Colicos as Reuben and Johnny Amboi as Judah make the most of their solos in One More Angel and in the Benjamin Calypso. Philip Cox gives a wonderful solo in Those Canaan Days (though Jeff Blumenkrantz is probably more memorable). To have it remastered makes it better than ever, especially with an improved libretto booklet despite some errors. Highly recommended to those who want their first recording of Joseph.

SOME GREAT MUSIC!!!.......2007-01-14

This is a great CD if you are doing this musical for your school play. I liked this CD because it had some great music and had pictures of this musical, and a packet full of lyrics to the show. The guy who's palying joseph(Jason Donovan) had a stict londen voice which sounded good but it didn't sound as good as Donny Osmand or Michael Damian. Also to me, the people singing the Joseph megamix seemed not exciting and dead compared to the other CDs of Joseph. Still, if you would like the original Londen new cast of Joseph, buy it!

SOME GREAT MUSIC!!!.......2007-01-14

This is a great CD if you are doing this musical for your school play. I liked this CD because it had some great music and had pictures of this musical, and a packet full of lyrics to the show. The guy who's palying joseph(Jason Donovan) had a stict londen voice which sounded good but it didn't sound as good as Donny Osmand or Michael Damian. Also to me, the people singing the Joseph Remix seemed not exciting and dead compared to the other CDs of Joseph. Still, if you would like the original Londen new cast of Joseph, buy it!

Average customer rating:

For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):
The songs that didn't get away
Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts
Good, for Sarah Brightman
Pleasant, but not up to standard

The Songs That Got Away

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dive
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Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000005S0R
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Meadowlark
I Am Going To Like It Here
I Remember
Mr. Monotony
Dreamers
Silent Heart
Lud's Wedding
Three-Cornered Tune
If I Ever Fall In Love Again - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman
What Makes Me Love Him?
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
Away From You
If Love Were All
Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman

Amazon.com

For those Sarah Brightman fans who didn't spring for The Songs That Got Away when it was a pricey import, this domestic release will be a must-buy. Originally recorded in 1989 shortly after she achieved international fame in The Phantom of the Opera, the album spotlights obscure American and British musical theater songs that either were removed from shows or were "lost" when the shows themselves slipped out of the repertoire. (Of course, some of the songs aren't nearly as obscure as they were in 1989--the opening track, Stephen Schwartz's soaring "Meadowlark," has since been claimed by Liz Callaway, Patti LuPone, and Betty Buckley, while Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember"--well suited to Brightman's glasslike tones--is now recognized as one of his most gorgeous and haunting compositions.) Brightman performs well on this diverse collection of entertaining and often lovely songs, including an early draft of Frank Loesser's "Fugue for Tinhorns," here sung as a triple-tracked, lilting waltz, and the Puccini aria "Chi il bel sogno di doretta," which foreshadows her later, more ambitious crossover projects. There's also a tune from Jeeves by then-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber, who produced this album not long before he and Brightman divorced in 1990. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):.......2007-02-24

This is an interesting and surprising production that showcases the vocal prowess of Sara Brightman. It is not however, representative of the new and highly overproduced vocal productions that constitute her newer recordings. Although this production really allows the listener to hear a very melodic and unencumbered vocal performance, as it is pleasing in it's simplicity, yet meant for the more discriminating listener. Fans of Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Weber, and Richard Rodgers will feel right at home here. For those seeking another major sonic production as in Eden, La Luna, Dive, or The Harem Tour this is not it! My criticism is not of her vocal prowess or production values but the apparently endless array of previously released material offered as a new and different recording. But I suppose that this is rather due to the greedy objectives of of A&M Records just trying to go to the bank, often and laden heavy with dollars. Nothing that any label wouldn't try to do. My advice with Sara Brightman is "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) check the disc carefully for redundancy of tracks within her discography. If you're a fan of this genre of music, you will probably respond quite well to this recording.

The songs that didn't get away.......2004-02-12

This is one of my favorite albums by Sarah. She surprised me with her ability to go from light opera to jazz. Here we don't find the over-produced albums such as Harem, just a superbly trained voice. No little girl breathy tunes here, just solid performances. This is the Sarah Brightman that I like to remember and enjoy. If you see this album and you're a Sarah Brightman fan, pick it up and treasure it. I'd like to see her do more of thisgenre, where she showcases her voice. Who ever thinks that Sarah has a small voice will be convinced otherwise by this album.

Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts.......2003-12-11

Before experimental albums like Dive and Fly, as well as the ones where her classically-trained voice enchanted millions, Sarah Brightman did a collection of musical and theatrical songs originally released in 1989, but reissued when she made it big with Time To Say Goodbye. Her vocal style leans towards the theatrical Broadway side, but more mellowed. But on songs like the strings-laden mid-tempo "Meadowlark" from Stephen Schwartz's The Baker's Wife, the way she would later do splendidly interpret Lloyd Webber's songs is in the making. Here are other highlights, including those that were reissued on Sarah's Encore album (2002).

Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" is a sad ballad told from the POV of a window mannequin remembering the sights it has experienced throughout the seasons, but the memories are now hazy and at the end, it sings, "At times I think/I would gladly die/for a day of sky."

Some songs like "Lud's Wedding" from Bernstein's failed bicentennial musical, only seem to work due to Sarah's voice. Ditto for the simple "Three-Cornered Tune." Consisting of three verses, each repeated twice. However, Irving Berlin's "Mr. Monotony", a tune understandably cut from Easter Parade, is not a particularly inspiring song.

Marvin Hamlisch's "Dreamers" is one of my favourites here, as I have affinity to it, and I'm sure Sarah is one at heart as well. "Only dreamers have wings with which to fly far away", as in their own fantasies, but unfortunately, "sometimes dreamers are forced to leave their dreams far away", i.e. the harshness of reality. However, it paints them in a positive light and states that everyone needs to have some sort of dream "to take time to find treasures and mountains we can climb."

"Silent Heart" really showcases Sarah's voices, on how some things the heart is best left silent, as in things that really thrill it. "If I Ever Fall In Love Again" is taken from The Crooked Mile and is a nice love song Sarah really wraps herself in.

"Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta" from Puccini's La Rondine is a great showcase of the operatic voice that would come into full bloom on Time To Say Goodbye. This song would be reissued on Encore.

"Away From You" by Richard Rodgers, and taken from a musical biog of Henry VIII (!!!). "The clocks are frozen and time's a traveler who's lost his way" is one of the sentiments Sarah conveys effectively. Also reissued on Encore.

"If love were all, I should be lonely" sings Sarah from Noel Coward's Bittersweet, "If Love Were All" was the one song that stood out for me when I first heard this CD. The ability of a talent to amuse is seen as a solid standing for mental security. A definite standout here.

From Lloyd Webber's Jeeves, the lush strings of "Half A Moment" features the vocal stylings familiar enough to those who have Sarah's Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. It focuses on how important the capture of a moment to bright up a future rainy day is. Also reissued on Encore.

Initially, I dismissed this as the songs that should've stayed away. Although they lack the magical punch of Time To Say Goodbye or La Luna, it's still a worthwhile collection, because Sarah's clear birdlike theatrical/musicals voice makes it all worthwhile.

Good, for Sarah Brightman.......2003-08-25

Some people just love Sarah's voice, but I don't see what's so special about it. She sings in two sorts of ways, the first one is lovely, simple, forgetable, and the other sounds like Stitch with a high voice. This CD does her justice, though. A lot of the tunes are catchy and nice (how she sings them could be better) but the one I really like is "Three cornered tune." Now that's a good song! She does not have a particularly bad voice, but nothing interesting - that's for sure. And when she tries to act in her music she sounds even worse! But that's alright. After all, everyone has a different style. A highlight of this CD includes "Mr. Monotony," which, unfortunatly, did not come with lyrics in the CD case. Too bad, because its a great song. At the end of this record, though, she writes about these songs and - wow! It is amazing how many shows that song was taken out of! At one point it said it had Judy Garland singing it, and when I try to imagine her doing it I know that must have been awesome. I really want to hear Judy Garland singing this song sometime. Maybe I'll find it here on Amazon... But anyway, back to Sarah Brightman. The only other thing I can think of to say at the moment is that from what I've heard of her records, this is as good as it gets. And also, the track titled "Dreamers" is nice. I like the tune and she doesn't sing it too bad, either. It would be a good song to be played at a graduation. Only after a while the sound of it gets a little creepy and annoying. And its sticky, too. "Silent heart" is a classic, though she shouldn't sing it twice. For you see, she sings it, and then you think, "Ah, that's a sweet song. Wonderful words, soft tune," and the music gets at a great stoping point and then comes back for an encore (as one of Sarah's other records is titled). And then we have to listen to it all over again - and its not as good the second time. So overall is it good? Yes, it is. Though perhaps not good enough.

Pleasant, but not up to standard.......2003-06-22

I love Sarah Brightman's singing and her musical style as presented on Eden and La Luna. This CD is completely different in style from those two. I find it enjoyable, but it is not my favorite. Her singing is nothing special on this CD, it doesn't display her vocal range or talent in the way that her other CDs do, especially her CD "Surrender", her vocals are absolutely stunning on that CD.

The Essential Jessye Norman [Includes DVD: Jessye Norman Sings Carmen]

Average customer rating:

wonderful
Favorite Soprano: Gorgeous Dramatic Voice
Amazing.... if you get it somewhere else
A MUST HAVE...
Amazing Voice

The Essential Jessye Norman [Includes DVD: Jessye Norman Sings Carmen]

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00067GKEM
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

Quand Je Vous Aimerai? L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)
Pres Des Ramparts De Seville (Seguidilla)
Porgi, Amor, Qualche Ristoro
E Susanna Non Vien! ... Dove Sono I Bei Momenti
Regina Coeli Laetare ... Inneggiamo, Il Signor Non E Morto (Easter Hymn)
Thy Hand Belinda ... When I Am Laid In Earth
Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Wiegenlied
Villanelle (No. 1)
Standchen
Ave Maria
Amazing Grace
Somewhere
With A Song In My Heart
O Holy Night
Panis Angelicus
Mild Und Leise (Isoldes Liebestod)

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-04-04

This record is wonderful; simply Jessye Norman. What else can I say: loved it!

Favorite Soprano: Gorgeous Dramatic Voice.......2006-11-05

The first time I ever heard Jessye Norman sing was a recording of Dich Teure Halle from Wagner's Tannhauser, and I was immediately enchanted. She has a gorgeous ringing tone and powerful voice. However, she can also bring her voice to a delicate sweetness that other dramatic sopranos find difficult. This album is put together particularly well. I love her Carmen and Isolde here, but I cannot stop listening to the other songs either, the non-operatic ones included. This my favorite CD, and I would definitely reccomend it to anyone considering the purchase.

Amazing.... if you get it somewhere else.......2006-05-28

I got it for HKD $69 in HKV in Hong Kong (which is around 8.70USD)

A MUST HAVE..........2006-02-09

The American soprano Jessye Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia (the segregated South) on September 15, 1945 in a family of amateur musicians; her mother a pianist, her father a singer in a local choir.

Norman received a scholarship to Howard University (a historically black university in Washington, D.C.) -NOT INDIANA-, graduating in 1967 with a degree in music. The following year, she won the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. She made her operatic debut in 1969 as Elisabeth in Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser at the Berlin State Opera, and in subsequent years performed with various German and Italian opera companies. She returned to the US to make her professional concert debut at Lincoln Center in 1973.

Amazing Voice.......2005-07-06

Jessye Norman has possibly the greatest voice I have ever heard. Being a bass/baritone, I usually shy away from higher voices (especially tenors), but I find this soprano to be flooring. For being a classicaly trained vocalist (she attended Indiana University) Ms. Norman has an incredibly versatile voice. In this album alone, she sings broad French arias, light Mozart, spirituals, and Broadway. Each is done superbly. Out of every track, her rendition of "Ave Maria" is my favorite. She sings it so tenderly and intimately, it is like she is singing it directly in front of you. You will be moved, certainly.

I suggest this CD to everyone, a fan of classical music or not. It is important for everyone to have these songs to relax, calm down, or to just listen to. You would not regret it.

Average customer rating:

a fascinating recording
A crucial oddity
Not essential but useful

Call Me Madam

Manufacturer: Flare UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000056NME
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Tracks:

Overture - The Orchestra
Mrs. Sally Adams - Chorus
Hostess With the Mostes' on the Ball - Dinah Shore
Washington Square Dance - Dinah Shore
Welcome to Lichtenburg - Paul Lukas
Can You Use Any Money Today? - Dinah Shore
Marrying for Love - Paul Lukas, Dinah Shore
Ocarina
It's a Lovely Day Today
Best Thing for You - Dinah Shore
Something to Dance About - Dinah Shore, Chorus
Once Upon a Time Today
They Like Ike - Pat Harrington, Jay Velie
You're Just in Love (I Wonder Why) - Dinah Shore

Customer Reviews:

a fascinating recording.......2003-10-06

Irving Berlin's CALL ME MADAM appeared on Broadway in 1950. His previous musical, 1949's MISS LIBERTY, was an unqualified flop. MISS LIBERTY was his follow-up to 1947's mega hit ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, starring Ethel Merman.

Ethel Merman headlined his original cast of CALL ME MADAM, a bouncy musical which told the story of ebullient Sally Adams, who is dispatched as ambassador to the fictional European province of Lichtenburg. The supporting cast included Paul Lukas, Russell Nype (GOLDILOCKS), and Galina Talva as Princess Maria.

Due to a contractual snafu however, there are two very different recordings of CALL ME MADAM. Ethel Merman was under contract to the Decca label (which had recorded her ANNIE GET YOUR GUN cast album), but the recording of MADAM was to be produced by cast album heavyweight RCA Victor. Decca wouldn't release Merman from her contract, as it was planning it's own CALL ME MADAM release.

Popular vocalist Dinah Shore stepped in and played Sally Adams on the RCA Victor album of CALL ME MADAM, which featured the entire original cast. Decca released a "studio cast" album of MADAM headed by Ethel Merman, aided and abetted by popular crooner Dick Haymes (STATE FAIR) and a backup chorus. Of these two albums, the Dinah Shore version is the more delightful. She wisely doesn't try to emulate Miss Merman but sails through the songs in her own charming style. Russell Nype and Galina Talva are wonderfully-winning in their performances and Paul Lukas is superb.

I strongly suggest that you also purchase the Ethel Merman recording as well as the 1995 Encores! cast starring Tyne Daly. CALL ME MADAM is one of the most delightful of classic Broadway musicals.

A crucial oddity.......2001-02-22

I'm not sure whether it's stranger that this album has languished in the vaults for so long or that it was recorded in the first place. But we should be grateful that it's here, as it's an important recording, a fun score, and a fascinating piece of theatre recording history.

Dinah Shore is by no means an ideal substitute for Ethel Merman (who was under contract to Decca Records and not permitted to appear on the official cast album), make no mistake. But Merman made her own album with her own takes on the big songs, so it's perhaps a good thing that RCA went for a dramatically different take here. Shore sings very attractively here -- she's not a tough broad, but a sweet charmer, but the album still works. The show was, of course, a big hit that had plenty of strengths even though it might be too dated to rework today.

The Merman album was already released on CD once, and will be issued again within the year, but this is still worthwhile for Shore's performance, for the niceties of the show like the other original players, orchestrations and songs that Merman didn't preserve, and for a lengthy appendix of Shore's versions of classic Irving Berlin songs.

No one will ever claim that Call Me Madam changed their life. Shows didn't used to need to elicit that reaction to be considered successful.

Not essential but useful.......2001-02-03

RCA Victor had backed the 1950 musical CALL ME MADAM hoping to get the cast album rights. The star, however, was Ethel Merman and she was under exclusive contract to Decca who planned their own MADAM album. Decca launched the first attack by releasing a 10" Lp with Merman, Dick Haymes and the Gordon Jenkens orchestra and Chorus called "Songs from CALL ME MADAM." RCA responded by recording the full original cast album but signing Dinah Shore to sing the role of Sally Adams. They also re-orchestrated many of the songs and, in a curious move, had Paul Lukas record narration linking the songs. Strangely, they semed to had given up on this approach mid-way as the narration disappears after the first side of the record. Decca's response was to withdraw their 10" Lp and reissue the album on 12" with 5 additional songs (dropping an orchstral medley by the Jenkins orchestra) and placing them in show sequence. Although RCA's album has a more theatrical feel to it, Decca had Merman and therefore created the better selling album. RCA's disc was deleted rather quickly, although briefly reissued in 1977 and now (finally) available on CD... except this isn't an RCA release (!!!!) Is this even released with RCA's permission? I highly doubt it since RCA eventually plans to reissue the remaininder of their show catalogue on CD. Decca's album was reissued on Cd but that disc is now out-of-print. IF you can get both albums and do some creative programming you can combine trcaks and create your own composite original cast album.

Average customer rating:

Intimate and tuneful
Underrated Previn
What happened?

Ballads/Solo Jazz Standards

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SLK
Release Date: 1996-04-02

Tracks:

More Than You Know
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My Funny Valentine
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Have You Met Miss Jones/Nobody's Heart
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As Time Goes By
My Melancholy Baby
It Only Happens When I Dance With You
Angel Eyes
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
It Might As Welll Be Spring
The Second Time Around
Dance Of Life

Customer Reviews:

Intimate and tuneful.......2005-01-14

I'm an admirer of Previn as both classical and jazz musician, and in both categories he excels. This album has the same intimate, highly musical quality that you'll find in Keith Jarrett's The Melody at Night with You. What I appreciate about both is the fact that the pianist's invention always serves the music; it's never obtrusively artful or showy. Highly recommended. Do yourself a favor and get Jarrett's disc to go along with this.

Underrated Previn.......2002-01-14

Andre Previn has always been an underrated jazz pianist. Because of his astonishing variety of successes as a classical conductor, pianist and composer; a film composer; a songwriter; and a performer of romantic cocktail music, he has been eyed suspiciously by the jazz community. In fact, his Tatum-like virtuosity, and his wildly unique and often playfully humorous piano style has made him one of the most interesting, innovative, and entertaining jazz pianists around. His many trio albums on Contemporary Records in the '50s (with Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne) still hold up as some of the best of their kind. But like Rodney Dangerfield, he never gets any respect. Thus, even his most kind critics are likely to throw darts at "Ballads" as too sweet and not swinging. Nonsense! It's not Monk, but it is nevertheless a beautiful set and a loving tribute to some of the greatest songwriters in Tin Pan Alley. Previn squeezes out every harmonic nuance of each song, yet he sounds like he's playing off the cuff in his living room late at night just to amuse himself. Previn may not swing like Teddy Wilson or Oscar Peterson on this offering, but I can't imagine any serious listener being left unmoved by his version of Burton Lane's "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?" It's simply gorgeous. Previn's amazing talents and his proficiency in many musical styles all come together in this unjustly overlooked CD. Give it a chance!

What happened?.......2001-10-03

THe magic is gone. After reading the liner notes, I learned that someone at the studio asked Previn to make an album of just ballads. BIG MISTAKE. I think he was not in the mood.

Average customer rating:

Patti Austin and Gregory Hines Are Brilliant

Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rodgers & Hammerstein - The Complete Overtures ~ Opening Night / Hollywood Bowl Orchestra · Mauceri
Hollywood Dreams
Betcha Bottom Dollar

ASIN: B00005J712
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

Let Yourself Go - Steppin' Out With My Baby - Patti LuPone
Slap That Bass - Gregory Hines
Love Is Here To Stay - Patti Austin
Mood Indigo - Dee Dee Bridgewater
A Foggy Day - Gregory Hines
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off - Patti Austin/Gregory Hines
Heatwave - Patti LuPone
Something Wonderful - Marilyn Horne
O Mio Babbino Caro - Puccini's Gianni Schicchi
Prelude To A Kiss - Dee Dee Bridgewater
I'm Beginning To See The Light - Dee Dee Bridgewater
Nice Work If You Can Get It - Gregory Hines
The All Laughed - Patti Austin
I've Got Beginner's Luck - Gregory Hines/Patti Austin
Doin' What Comes Natur-lly - Patti LuPone
I Have Dreamed - Peabo Bryson/Lea Salonga
For You, For Me, For Evermore - Patti Austin/Gregory Hines

Tracks:

Gone With The Wind: Main Title - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
An American In Paris - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Carousel: Heaven Effect And Carousel Waltz - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Peyton Place - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
The Wizard Of Oz Concert Suite - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Morning Mood - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Cinema Paradiso - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Somewhere In Time - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Eternal Love - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
John Dunbar Theme - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Throne Room And Finale - John Mauceri/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Patti Austin and Gregory Hines Are Brilliant.......2007-07-07

I own the Hollywood Bowl Gershwin CD and I love it. I was surprised by it. Play the samples if you can but the singing and sound are clear and crisp and you can understand every word.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Irving Berlin, Vol. 1
Irving Berlin
Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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The Ultimate Irving Berlin, Vol. 2
Ultimate Cole Porter, Vol. 2
The Ultimate George Gershwin, Vol. 1
Ultimate Cole Porter, Vol. 1
Rodgers & Hart, Vol. 1

ASIN: B00005RKQR
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

The Jolly Bachelors: That Beautiful Rag
Ziegfeld Follies Of 1911: Woodman, Spare That Tree
Everybody's Doing It: Everybody's Doing It Now
Hullo Ragtime: Hitchy Koo
Hullo Ragtime: Snooky Ookums
Hullo Ragtime: Alexander's Ragtime Band
Watch Your Step: I've Gotta Go Back To Texas
Watch Your Step: Settle Down In A One-Horse Town
Watch Your Step: The Syncopated Walk
Watch Your Step: My Bird Of Paradise
Watch Your Step: Show Us How To Do The Fox Trot
Watch Your Step: The Simple Melody
Watch Your Step: The Always Follow Me Around
Watch Your Step: Discoveries
Watch Your Step: The Minstrel Parade
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): Beautiful Honolulu
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): England Every Time For Me
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): Teach Me To Love
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): I Love To Dance
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): The Girl On The Magazine
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): I Love A Piano
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): Until I Fell In Love With You
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): Father Wanted Me To Learn A Trade
Stop! Look! Listen! (Follow The Crowd): Take Off A Little Bit

Kiri Te Kanawa - Songs of Inspiration / Julius Rudel, Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Average customer rating:

The golden voice of song
One of Her Best
Why forcing?
One of My Favorite Kiri Recordings

Kiri Te Kanawa - Songs of Inspiration / Julius Rudel, Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Giuseppe Verdi , Ludwig van Beethoven , Charles Gounod , Felix Mendelssohn , Johann Strauss II , Pietro Mascagni , Cesar Franck , Anonymous , Richard Rodgers , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , Julius Rudel , Kiri Te Kanawa , Utah Symphony Orchestra , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song
Hallelujah: Great Choral Classics
Maori Songs
Kiri Te Kanawa - Ave Maria
Kiri Te Kanawa Classics

ASIN: B0000041VM
Release Date: 1989-10-23

Tracks:

Casanova: Nonnenchor (Nuns' Chorus)
Redemption: O Divine Redeemer
Nabucco: Va, pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew slaves)
Responsorium et Hymnus: Hear My Prayer
Christ On The Mount Of Olives: Hallelujah
Ave Maria
Cavalleria Rusticana: Regina coeli (Easter Hymn)
Psalm 150
Auf Flugeln des Gesanges (On Wings of Song)
Come, Come, Ye Saints
Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone
Home Sweet Home (Sung in Maori)
The Sound Of Music: Climb Every Mountain

Customer Reviews:

The golden voice of song.......2007-01-09

A wonderful recording which I purchased years ago in cassette form, and wore out! So happy to be able to buy in CD form, and well worth listening to. Kiri Te Kanawa has a glorious soprano voice, full of warmth and colour, and her interpretation of song is in my opinion second to none."Songs of inspiration"
really does inspire and feed the soul. As a music lover, and singer myself I love all of the pieces on this album with a passion.

One of Her Best.......2002-05-06

This is one of the best performances of an operatic artist with the Morman Tabernacle choir in existance. Kiri's poise, music selections, and execution are flawless. The ending of "You'll Never Walk Alone" which would be forced for other artists is effortless for Kiri.

For anyone who enjoys choir music with guest artists, this recording is a "must buy".

Why forcing?.......2002-03-21

I bought the cassette (not the CD), and found one of my favorite songs there: You'll Never Walk Alone. This song was one that once encouraged me to walk with 'my head up high' during the (most) difficult time of my life.

What I don't understand from Dame Tekanawa is that at the end of the song, she forced a "show-off" ending with the unnecessary high note. I don't know what that had given impact to when doing it in front of an audience, but in the recording, it sure was not beautiful.

Other numbers were marvellous. I've always liked Dame Tekanawa.

One of My Favorite Kiri Recordings.......2000-02-27

I brought this after watching (And taping) her 1989 Mormon Tabernacle Temple concert on PBS in 1992, and I have to said, this is one of my favorite Kiri recordings ever. It's still is!

There's some great selections on there that Kiri fans will enjoy, such as the Cavalleria Easter Hymn, Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges, Home Sweet Home sung in her native Maori (Dame Kiri herself is half-Maori), as well as some that doesn't appear on PBS (Such as the rarely-heard Nuns' Chorus, the Nabucco Va Pensiero, and Hear My Prayer sung in English).

Althrough the CD is recorded live, as the booklet notes stated, portions are topped and tailed in a separated studio session, to give the CD a studio-like recording.

Tracks:

Carousel in the Park - Jeanette MacDonald
It Doesn't Cost You Anything to Dream - Jeanette MacDonald
Close as Pages in a Book - Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Merrill
Fireman's Bride - Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Merrill
Big Back Yard - Robert Merrill
When You Walk in the Room - Robert Merrill
Isnt' It Romantic? - Jeanette MacDonald, Paramount Studio Orchestra
Love Me Tonight - Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald
Golden Days - Nelson Eddy
Drinking Song
Deep in My Heart, Dear - Nelson Eddy, Rise Stevens
Serenade - Rise Stevens
Just We Two - Rise Stevens
Come Boys - Nelson Eddy
One More Mile to Go
Raindrops on a Drum - Nelson Eddy
Love Is the Time - Nelson Eddy
Nearer and Dearer - Nelson Eddy
Tell Me With Your Eyes - Nelson Eddy
Russian Easter Hymn - Nelson Eddy
Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met: Three Blind Mice/Short'nin Bread - Nelson Eddy
Why Do I Love You? [From Show Boat] - Nelson Eddy, Jane Powell
Beyond the Blue Horizon [From Monte Carlo][*] - Jeanette MacDonald

Customer Reviews:

extremely poor re-mastering.......2004-12-21

I listen to many (re-mastered) historical recordings. Jeanette MacDonald is certainly one of my most favorite sopranos. For some reason, I haven't been able to find a decent, or even acceptable, re-mastering of her recordings.

While this one certainly contains many valuable tracks, the re-mastering is horrid. The songs sound stripped yet still maintain a great deal of distracting noise. I conjecture that the re-mastering was done simply by increasing the bass and decreasing the treble.

An excellent CD!.......2004-03-29

This is an excellent collection of the Screen Sweethearts of the 30's, Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, *not* singing together, in the 40's (except for a few of Jeanette's songs).

For Jeanette, it has numbers from Up In Central Park: Carousel in the Park, It Doesn't Cost You Anything to Dream, Close as Pages in a Book, Fireman's Bride, The Big Back Yard, When You Walk in the Room. She and Robert Merrill sing these together and on their own, and very charmingly, too. There are also Love Me Tonight, Isn't It Romantic, and Beyond the Blue Horizon.

For Nelson, he sings music from The Student Prince with Rise Stevens: Golden Days, Drinking Song, Deep in my Heart Dear, Serenade (which is BEAUTIFUL!), Just We Two, and Come Boys. He also sings all the songs from Northwest Outpost - thankfully, without Ilona Massey! Also, the Willie the Whale segment from Make Mine Music is on this CD - just as it is in the movie, with the narration and everything - it's great! (The Tristan und Isolde part is not included, however - not sure what the reasoning is behind that.) He also sings a duet with Jane Powell - Why Do I Love You? from Show Boat.

I say this is a must for fans of Nelson and/or Jeanette, not to mention Rise Stevens!

I particularly enjoy "When You Walk in the Room". It's a charming little tune, with ridiculous but adorable lyrics! "Fireman's Bride" is very funny also - Jeanette barely sounds like herself!

I hope this will help others to choose this CD - it's a pity there's not a list of the titles here!

Nelson Eddy on CD - always a pleasure.......1998-08-30

It's always a pleasure to find Nelson Eddy's wonderful voice on CD and this one has some of the harder-to-find pieces in it, including collaborations with Jane Powell and the wonderful mezzo Rise Stevens. The recording of "The Whale Who Sang at the Met" is a must for any collector as are the excellent recordings (better than on the movie) for "Northwest Outpost". The baritone singing opposite Jeanette MacDonald also has an excellent voice (though his name temporarily escapes me)

Music: