Dulcinea

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Kelsi Arnold, San Jose-based indie folk artist was seriously considering law school, but inspired by the Zapatista rebellion for indigenous rights in Southern Mexico, resolved to sell everything she owned and traveled to Chiapas as a human rights observer. What occurred there was nothing short of a life-altering experience. "I realized how delusional the American value of 'stuff equals happiness' is, and witnessed how simple true happiness can be." Thus, she changed her tune about law school and returned to the states to record her self-released debut album - Mexican Dalian Landscape. Since its release in 2001, Kelsi has graced the stages of bay area coffee houses, sharing her jazzy, acoustic, thought-provoking music, her unique sense of timing and refreshing perspective.

Album Description
"I'm excited about this release. It's the first album where I had my hand in all the cookie jars by having creative control over the entire process, and the opportunity to work with some great music makers: Paolo Gomez- of The Survivalists, Cafecito players-Sean Maclhone, Eugene and Andy Reynolds. Harmonica-John Justen, Warren Shelby- Sounds of Thought and Covey Ingram- the baddest drummer in san jo."- Kelsi Arnold

Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating:

Check out Other Versions. Don't be swayed by Others' Reviews.

beautiful music for a haunting story.....

Man of LaMancha As Good As Ever

Don Quixote

Magnificent voices

Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast)
Mitch Leigh , Joe Darion , Richard Kiley , and Joan Diener
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

Man of La Mancha

Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast)

My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)

The Music Man (1957 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005A8KE
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Overture
Man Of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)
It's All The Same
Dulcinea
I'm Only Thinking Of Him
I Really Like Him - Joan Diener
What Do You Want of Me - Joan Diener
Little Bird, Little Bird
Barber's Song/Golden Helmet
To Each His Dulcinea (To Every Man His Dulcinea)
The Impossible Dream
The Combat (Previously Unreleased Reissue Track)
Dubbing (Knight of the Woeful Countenance) - Joan Diener
The Abduction
Aldonza - Joan Diener
A Little Gossip
Dulcinea (Reprise) /The Impossible Dream (Reprise) /Man of Mancha (Repr - Joan Diener
Finale (The Impossible Dream) - Joan Diener

Amazon.com

Man of La Mancha, the show that introduced "The Impossible Dream" to the world (and lounge singers everywhere), was the hit of the 1965 Broadway season. Richard Kiley is magnificent in his career-defining performance as the deluded wannabe knight Don Quixote. His leading lad Joan Diener sings the role of the kitchen wench Aldonza with just the right balance of dignity and vulgarity. Irving Jacobson turns in a fine comic performance as the Don's faithful squire, Sancho Panza. The score, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, was revolutionary in its time. The orchestra had no violins--just brass, woodwinds, percussion, and flamenco guitars. Man of La Mancha is one of Broadway's most inspiring musicals and it well deserves its high reputation. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Check out Other Versions. Don't be swayed by Others' Reviews........2007-06-09

I've never seen this show on stage and my first exposure to the music was the Sony CD Man of La Mancha featuring Placido Domingo, Pandy Patankin, and Julia Migenes-Johnson. Despite lackluster reviews of the disk, I enjoy it, and when I saw this version at a second hand book/music store, I decided check it out too. My initial impression was that the Sony version was the better disk but decided to compare both versions by setting up a playlist in Media Player, playing tracks from both version back-to-back.

After that test, I have to agree with the reviews here that Richard Kiley is the superior Don Quixote. Domingo's voice is, of course wonderful, but Kiley acts the role better on the CD and Domingo's accent is a major distraction.

In the role of Aldonza - no contest. Julia Mingenes-Johnson's singing and performance on the Sony version is far superior to Joan Diener's. I didn't have to hear the tracks back-to-back to realize that. Ms. Diener's performance just grated on my ears from the beginning.

Bucking the crowd, I prefer Mandy Patankin's Sancho (Sony version) to Irving Jacobson's. I may be biased, having had more exposure to the Sony version, but Patankin seemed to be trying to inject a bit more feeling into the character. Jacobson, singing in an annoying, scratchy voice, came across almost like a cartoon trying to fit in among live characters. It seems like most people either like Patankin or hate him. Guess I'm one of the former.

The Orchestration does seem brighter/clearer in this version compared to the Sony version, but, in general, the tempo on most tracks seems slower than the same tracks on the Sony version. I preferred the up-tempo, Sony versions of "The Barber Song", "Little Bird, Little Bird", "The Dubbing" and "A Little Gossip".

In Summary: For Kiley's Don Quixote, you'll probably want this version, but for tracks featuring Aldonza (and maybe Sancho) you'll want to check out the Sony version. Since I have both disks, I will probably come up with a mix of my favorite tracks, in general, favoring the Sony disk but substituting the tracks that feature Richard Kiley's Don Quixote where I can.

beautiful music for a haunting story............2007-06-07

I remember reading excerpts from Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE, as a Spanish student, way back in junior high school. The saga of the madman fighting windmills and pursuing his illusions [and delusions] was very sad, but very romantic at the same time. When the musical adaptation, MAN OF LA MANCHA, was brought to the stage in 1965, Richard Kiley (as the title character, Don Quixote) absolutely transfixed the audience with his sensitively heartfelt portrayal of the tragic madman. The plight of Don Quixote, who travels on horseback, with his faithful companion, Sancho Panza (Irving Jacobson), and absolutely lovestruck by kitched wench Aldonza (Joan Denier), is alternately pathetic and profound. Perhaps one of the best known (and most remade) songs in the repertoire from LA MANCHA, is "The Impossible Dream." Richard Kiley really make it his own, here, and after you hear his version, it's hard to listen to others' versions of it. It's just not the same. Though, this story is anything but joyful, the music will glide through your ears and carry you on a surrealistic journey through attempted triumph and (ultimately) tragedy.

Man of LaMancha As Good As Ever.......2007-05-07

Very pleased with ourchase of this item. Quality is great as was the price. Delivery was timely. Easy transaction! A++++++++

Don Quixote.......2006-09-14

Back in High School my band leader, Mr. DeYoung, decided (agianst much opposition from those of us in the band let me tell you) to have us perform select pieces from this musical

I hated the idea. But when we began to play, he even had us watch the musical, I fell in love with the melody. The many songs of a man who believes the best in the world. YOu find that in Dulcinea, The Impossible Dream, etc.

From one maginificently rendered song to another, you can be lost in its melodic elegance.

My favorite song is the initial rendition of 'Little Bird, Little Bird'. It's a soft song, sung as a love ballad. In the musical you discover it's being sung to a local whore by a bunch of randy men. Despite that, I still like it.

This along with others are among the great works of the stage!

Magnificent voices.......2006-07-05

Voices and music make a revival of this beautiful play. Full of passion.

Average customer rating:

Another great CD by Toad
One of the best albums I've ever heard.
not even their best
'To give me life...'
Perfect

Dulcinea
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pale
P.S.: A Toad Retrospective

ASIN: B0000029H0
Release Date: 1994-05-24

Tracks:

Fly From Heaven
Woodburning
Something's Always Wrong
Stupid
Crowing
Listen
Windmills
Nanci
Fall Down
Inside
Begin
Reincarnation Song

Customer Reviews:

Another great CD by Toad.......2007-05-24

Dulcinea is probably my favorite of all the Toad discs. From the upbeat "Nanci" to the somewhat aggressive "Woodburning"... this is loaded with great songs.

One of the best albums I've ever heard........2007-05-07

There are fans on here who have described this album as good as I could have so there is no reason for me to be descriptive and analyze every song. I will tell you this, If you dont know Toad The Wet Sprocket, you should. This album is fantastic. It has great songs on it, period. You will not here songs even close to the caliber of these on MTV or the radio. If you are a person who is passionate about good music, then this record is for you.

not even their best.......2006-08-22

I was first introduced to Toad through some people at camp. I know a guy who played "windmills" on his guitar countless times around the campfire. Further, people always talked about/sang these great songs. I was pleasantly surprised that each one of these songs was by one group-Toad The Wet Sprocket.

Which led me to pickup the compilation-P.S., my first official Toad experiance. Though I was a bit disappointed by the absence of Windmills, I was stuck on it for at least half a year. It's still one I come back to when I can't decide on a Toad album to listen.

I needed more. It took a while, but I finally picked up this as my first non-compilation toad album, mostly because of the hype that this was their best, and after hearing "Nanci" and, of course, Windmills, as well as a couple of songs off P.S.

To make a long story short, I now own (and love) all their cds (including the Acoustic Dance Party EP). Toad is one band that never has made a cd less than stellar. Though not their best cd (that honour would go to either Coil or Fear), this is just one of the batch, and is addicting as all of them.

Highlights: Fly From Heaven, Woodburning, Something's Always Wrong, Crowing, Nanci, Windmills, Falldown

'To give me life...'.......2006-06-06

Not much to say about this album other than it's a classic. Easily one of the best alternative rock albums ever. Every song is memorable, and Glen has a great voice. I've had this album since it came out (since I was 9 years old) and it sounds just as good now as it did then. In fact, all their stuff is great, so get them all (especially "Pale", which is very underrated IMO).

Anyway, great band. Wish they were still around.

Perfect.......2006-05-06

How can you rate an album as perfect? Well, in my opinion, it only happens when you put the disc in and never skip a song. You are compelled to listen to every song sequentially because each song grabs you in the first 5 seconds. You never get the feeling that they needed a couple of "filler" songs and threw together some crap in the studio (and lets face it, this is exactly what most bands today are doing).

I first heard this album on my way home from our senior trip in high school (circa 94). I had the fantastic experience of listening to the whole disc through. I was amazed when it ended...and left wanting more. So, i started it over and listened to it again. Amazing stuff. I mean, how many times in life do you run across an album that you feel compelled to listen to all the way through TWICE?

Every song is valuable and an experience unto itself. If you like to think, reflect and maybe even mourn a little, this disc is perfect.

stem

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Recordings of 19th Century Ballet Music Ever Produced
Great Conducting for Dancing
The full Quijote
Delightful recording of neglected composer
It is an excellent full length version of Minkus 'Ballet.

Léon Minkus: Don Quijote

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Minkus: Don Quixote
Minkus: La Bayadère
Leon Minkus - Paquita/La Bayadere
Delibes: Coppélia (complete in three acts) / La Source (suites)

ASIN: B000001WS6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Don Quijote: Overture
Don Quijote: Prologue - Allegro
Don Quijote: Prologue - Auftritt (Appearance of Don Quijote)
Don Quijote: Prologue - Allegro assai
Don Quijote: Prologue - Sancho Thanks Don Quijote For The Salvation
Don Quijote: Act 1 - A Square In Barcelona
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Appearance Of Kitri
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Kitri and Basilio
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Moreno Dance
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Scene: Lorenzo, Kitri and Basilio
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Appearance of Gamasch
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Seguidilla
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Street Dancer And Toreador Espada
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Dance Of Espada
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Allegro: Scene Of Toreadores
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Street Dancer
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Coda
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Presto assai. Allegro mestoso. Meno mosso. Tempo di Marcia
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Sancho Pansa And Girls
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Girlfriends Of Kitri
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Scene
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Variation: Basilio And Girlfriends
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Variation: Kitri
Don Quijote: Act 1 - Coda
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Introduction
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Appearance Of Kitri And Basilio
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Spanish Dance
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Spanish Dance Of Mercedes
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Karmencitta
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Solo a gitana - Dance Of Espada
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Sailors' Dance
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Scene
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Taverna: Coda

Tracks:

Don Quijote: Act 2 - Gypsy Camp: Gypsy Dance 1
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Gypsy Camp: Gypsy Dance 2
Don Quijote: Act 2 - Gypsy Camp: Theater Of Marionettes: Performance Scene, Madness Of Don Quijote
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Scene In The Forest
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Dream Of Don Quixotte
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Allegretto
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Variation: Dryads' Mistresses
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Dryads' Mistresses ('Souvenir du Ball')
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Amour
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Variation: Dulcinea (Kitri)
Don Quijote: Act 3 - Dream: Coda
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: March
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Scene
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Amour
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Classical Variation 1
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Classical Variation 2
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Entree
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Adagio
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Variation: Basilio
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Variation: Kitri
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Variation: Kitri (Version Of No. 9)
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Coda
Don Quijote: Act 4 - Duke's Temple: Finale: Spanish Dance

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Recordings of 19th Century Ballet Music Ever Produced.......2005-10-15

Finding recordings of old ballets from the 19th century is usually a feat within its self. Just about every ballet company today performs them, but the orchestra hardly ever records thier music. The old composers of the ballet before Tchaikovsky are, in my opinion, the most underrated creators of music ever. Alot of this has to do with the fact that they did not write music for showing off the orchestra or even the conductor, but for showing off the ballet dancer. The Ballet Master would set down strict instructions of time, tempo, and even scoring so that the music would fit like a glove to the dances and dramatic scenes. These composers are often dismissed for thier very 'un-symphonic' approach to composing. It is rare, that an orchestra sits down to record peices that were written soley for the ballet dancer. Delibes's or Tchaikovsky's music has more symphonic qualities, and the two are more famous. This results in thier music getting recorded more often (to often if you ask me).
Among these composers, the most famous is Leon Minkus. He was, before Tchaikovsky came along, the resident composer of ballet music for the Russian Czar's Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg. With the great choreographer Marius Petipa (who would later create "La Bayadere", "The Sleeping Beauty", "Nutcracker", "Swan Lake" among others) they created a ballet very loosley based on the Cerevantes novel "Don Quixote". The ballet premiered in Moscow, Russia in 1869 for the Bolshoi Ballet. It was taken to St Petersburg in 1872 for a more lavish and formal staging and has been performed there ever since. The work was much revised and reworked throughout Petipa's lifetime and well afterward. Among these was the staging by the great dancer Alexander Gorsky in 1900. "Don Quixote" (or "Don Quijote" as its spelled on the packaging) has been tinkered with a great deal throughout the 20th century. It is these versions that have been passed down to us.

The music, true to 19th century tradition, was added to and revised by several composers, mostly at the behest of the ballerinas that danced its leads, and the fact that revisions of the work went on well after Minkus's death. Most of the additional music is recorded here (at least the important additions), and Spassov does a first rate job in his conducting. The music is played exactly as it would sound if you were in the theatre and had dancers right in front of you.

I was so excited when I saw this item a few years back for sale and quickly snatched it up. There is another recording done by the Victoria Orchestra of the Austrailian Ballet, with the Minkus score revised and refurbished by John Lanchbery, a version used for Nureyevs sumptuous staging (its only available on the orchestra Victoria site for purchase). Spassov's conducting is one of the best performances of ballet music ever put on disc. It should be owned by all dancers and balletomanes alike. Five Stars!

Great Conducting for Dancing.......2000-08-18

Spassov is a boon to ballet dancers. Excellent tempos and phrasing for the dancer. It's such a joy to have the full-length recording.

The full Quijote.......2000-02-11

I was pleased to find the full length recording of this ballet that is rarely seen in its entirety. I enjoyed the recording, however, I found the orchestra less than full-bodied, especially during the Grand Pas de Deux towards the end of the CD. It seemed a little tinny, a little too fragile during Kitri's variation, which does not suit her passionate, voluptuous nature. Aside from these drawbacks, I found the music very entertaining. I am still waiting for a full length version by a more robust orchestra, but in the meantime, this Don Quijote recording will do.

Delightful recording of neglected composer.......1999-09-04

This recording of DON QUIXOTE (the only relatively complete recording of the ballet) is a must for all lovers of ballet. While some of the orchesteral playing tends toward the insensitive oom-pah-pah side Leon Minkus's lilting score loses none of its charm or vivacity. This recording is also interesting in that it records much music which is rarely performed in American productions of the ballet. It is a delight to be able to hear the hauntingly beautiful vision scene whenever one wishes as the three variations (four if you count the recording of the original Dryad Queen's pas seul) are each masterpieces. The programme notes, unfortunately, are poorly translated and less complete than one would like. All in all I can not reccomend highly enough this fine recording of a neglected composer's work. One can only hope that other 19th century Russian ballets will be recorded. The reputations of Ceasare Pugni, Leon Minkus, and Riccardo Drigo as hack composers are completely undeserved.

It is an excellent full length version of Minkus 'Ballet........1999-05-11

Usually, people who feel a strong predispotition for ballet music, have hard times in order to find on the commercial CD classical music, works by ballet music composers of the end of the last century. Minkus work has been negleted, but in the present version it is possible to listen to sensitive music which was predecesor of Tchaikovsky 's great ballet. I bougth this full length version at London city on 1995 and I know that in my country, Argentine, is quite hard to find Cappriccio CD version. I hope that Cappricio is keeping on with full length Ballet's version, hoping to listen a full length Version of L'Corsario as the production of Kirov Ballet and the Full length version of the Ballet La Source by Minkus-Delibes.

Average customer rating:

A Classic Recording
A must for a Placido fan
Great for what it is
Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo
Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!

Essential Placido Domingo

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very Best of
Por Amor
Bravo Domingo
De Mi Alma Latina
Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time

ASIN: B00064AEYW
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

Nessun Dorma!
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!.. Celeste Aida
Ch'Ella Mi Creda Libero E Lontano
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Quando Le Sere Al Placido
Bimba Dagli Occhi
Addio, Fiorito Asi
Ingemisco
Amor Ti Vieta
Sincero Amor
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini-O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Apri La Tua Finestra!
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Sole E Amore
Von Der Jugend
Di Quella Pira

Tracks:

Te Quiero, Morena-Jota
La Roca Fria Del Calvario (Romanze)
Por El Humo Se Sabe Donde Esta El Fuego
Granada
Andalucia
Serenata Tapatia
Adoro
Siempre En Mi Corazon
Malaguena
Dulcinea
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
In Pace
Maria
Perhaps Love
Love Came For Me
A Love Until The End Of Time

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Recording.......2007-03-09

This was a great buy for me. The power and accuracy of Placido's voice are demonstrated well. Two CD's and 34 songs--just can't beat that for the price.

A must for a Placido fan.......2005-04-23

If you've continously listened to this master of tenors and said "wow, I like it, I want to listen even more of him", then raise it to 5 stars, which is the rating I personally give the CD; HOWEVER, if you've only heard him once or not at all, you might want to wait a while and get to know him and other tenors better. Why? Well, disc 1 is the "classical" disc, with arias from famous operas and choral pieces by Puccini and the like, but disc 2, the "modern" or "popular" disc, contains music that will leave you a bit puzzled, since it's is not for everyone; a lot of people have never heard zarzuela or tunes by Manzanero or Lecuona. In short, this disc is better suited for fans of Placido or people who want to know him better, if not, it still is a top choice, and this way you just might fall in love with him (well, his singing, not him literally).

Great for what it is.......2005-01-13

I agree with the previous poster that this does not contain his great dramatic stuff like otello/wagner, but the collection is a beautiful one. There are some great recordings here, and his crossover stuff(maria, Dulcinea, impossible dream) is very interesting. His opera is of course impecable and brilliant. Finally we get to hear Domingo's high C in Di Quella Pira, and its a good one. The zarzuela or spanish operetta type songs and are wonderful.

I found this to be beautiful and exhilirating to listen to.

Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo.......2005-01-03

I grew up with Placido Domingo. Not in the sense of being boyhood friends, but rather in the sense that he was part of my "Golden Age" at the Metropolitan Opera. Of the "Three Tenors" (more Marketing hype than useful grouping of three fine singers) Domingo was the most dramatic - the "heaviest" of the three. His repertoire extended well beyond the lyric - and that's why this collection is not all the "essential" Domingo, but rather offers an interesting look at the lighter, more lyric side of Placido Domingo. You won't find Lohengrin or Otello here, but you will find many of the more lyric tenor arias from Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti - to name a few.

There is an "edge" to Domingo's voice that perhaps accounts for his ability to transition successfully into the heavier repertory. I find that tonal quality particularly noticeable in this collection - and sometimes too pronounced. On the other hand, there are a few wonderful surprises. His "Una furtiva lagrima" from L'elisir d'amore is a stand out. Its rare you here a tenor with this much power sing the role. The duet "Bima dagli occhi" from Madama Butterfly with Renata Scotto, again casts Pinkerton with a quality tenor not often found in the opera house any more. I loved the selection from Gianni Schicchi - when is the last time you found Rinuccio cast with this size tenor voice - and the Italian tenor's aria from Rosenkavalier is a treasure from a recording currently out of print. And then there is one of Domingo's signature roles - Jack Rance in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West. No one sings Rance better than Domingo - and the excerpt from the complete recording finds Domingo at his very best.

Disk two is devoted to song - popular and classical. There is a fair amount of tripe - too much cross over (as in who needs to hear Domingo sing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha - Broadway is not Mr. Domingo's genre). But there are some wonderful cuts as well - "Granada" is a Domingo encore specialty, and I was particularly struck by the song "In Pace" from the motion picture Hamlet - I never saw the film and was truly taken aback at how beautiful a song this is, and Domingo's voice soars.

I found the sound of these CD's a bit "tinny". Perhaps its the analogue to digital conversion, but I was disappointed in the overall sound. The album is badly mistitled "The Essential Placido Domingo". Certainly this is some of the essential Domingo - and some very wonderful examples of the lyric Domingo - but there is clearly a volume two to come - the dramatic Placido Domingo. But why wait - buy this fine collection, and then feast on some of the complete recordings such as Otello or Lohengrin.

Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!.......2005-01-01

Why wait to see if this reviewer enjoyed Sony's latest offering: I did, and so will you. Hats off to Sony for getting it right with this two CD, 34-song bonanza of Placido Domingo singing -- well, as the name implies -- the essentials, from opera to Broadway to Hollywood, in a mix that keeps its distance while holding it all together in a package that breeds enough familiarity to make even the most harsh tenor critic purr. The more clasical offerings are on the first CD and the more sentimental are on disc two. Interestingly, I found side two more seductive and subdued in tone, and enjoyed listening to Mr. Domingo's interpretation of such popular favorites as "Maria" from "West Side Story", "Dulcinea" from "Man From LaMancha" and a couple duets with John Denver (Perhaps Love) and Maureen McGovern (A Love Without End). The songs selected for side two actually did set a thematic tone. Readers of my reviews know that I place a high value on a CDs overall ability to present what is offered in a bundle that sets and keeps a mood. I usually ask two questions: is it consistent once the mood is set; and does it keep the listener in that mood throughout once established? Here, well, here, I break from tradition and profess some confusion. The mood on disc one is not thematic but ecclectic -- from solo's to duets, from live recordings to studio, from one orchestra to the next, from upbeat to mellow. Technically, while there is some difference in the overall sound quality while switching from one setting to another, it is something you would have to listen for to catch, and becaue of this doesn't amount to a serious flaw as presented. What saves disc one from my usual "tenor blahs" is Mr. Domingo's exceptional voice and the selection of songs chosen -- which, while altering between one mood and another, are all familiar enough that we listen with knowing ease to what we expect. This isn't the kind of CD you put on while holding a conversation with anyone, but rather one you would put on, close your eyes and listen to for its sheer technical achievement -- or more precisely for Mr. Domingo's talent. The voice is clear and strong and passinate and reflects Mr. Domingo's control of his range and interpretive skills. Listen to Verdi's "Ingemisco" with The London Symphony and Leonard Bernstein; Puccini's "Bimba Dagli Occhi" with Renata Scoto (he sings a couple meodies with Scoto) and Umberto Giordino's "Amor ti Vieta" from Fedora to get an idea of what I am referring to here. It took me a couple sessions with each side to settle down and appreciate what was offered. Hopefully this review will get you ready and you will enjoy it from the start. PJW

Telemann: Don Quixote; Orchestral Suites

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Delightful
Thoroughly Delightful Telemann

Telemann: Don Quixote; Orchestral Suites

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Telemann: Darmstadt Overtures (Suites)
Telemann: Overture Suites / Changeante
Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets
Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel
Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B00009NJ1B
Release Date: 2003-07-15

Tracks:

Ouverture
Le Reveil De Quixotte
Son Attaque Des Moulins A Vent
Les Soupirs Amoureux Apres La Princesse Dulcinee
Sanche Panche Berne
Le Galop De Rosinante/Celui d'Ane De Sanche
Le Couche De Don Quixotte
Ouverture
Menuets I And II
Gavotte
Courante
Air
Loure
Hornepipe
Canaries
Gigue
Ouverture
Menuets I And II
La Vielle
Sicilienne Avec Cadenze
Rondeau
Bourrees I And II
Gigue

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Delightful.......2006-06-13

Telemann's "Quixote" is as bright and delightful a suite as I've ever heard. I'm giddy and can not recommend this particular CD sufficiently.

Thoroughly Delightful Telemann.......2003-09-10

Telemann, four years Bach's elder and outliving him by almost twenty years, enjoyed a renown during his lifetime that Bach never did. He was a church musician--he wrote far more cantatas than Bach--but he was also a man of the theater and an astute businessman in Hamburg where he lived most of his adult life. And on this disc we have some of his most delightful secular music.

The 'Don Quixote' suite celebrates Cervantes' novel in which 'life is a dream, and even dreams are dreams.' We have sections from the book illustrated with pointed tone-painting, e.g. Quixote's sighs after the 'lovely Dulcinea' or the somewhat lame trotting of Quixote's broken-down 'steed,' Rosinante. This is a late piece and shows a good deal of French influence, as do the two other suites included here, each opening with a French 'ouverture' with typical dotted rhythms.

The other two suites are the 'Ouverture in d minor' consisting of mostly French dances (but including a not-very-English-sounding hornpipe) and the E Flat Suite, subtitled 'La Lyra.' The word 'lyra' refers to the third movement which imitates, by means of droning fifths, the hurdy-gurdy, once known as the 'lyra mendicorum' ('beggar's lyre').

I tend to prefer baroque orchestral music played on modern instruments but with some modicum of baroque performance practice. The playing by the conductorless modern-instrument group, the Northern Chamber Orchestra, is exemplary. These Manchester musicians play with impeccable ensemble, an apt lightness of tone and striking rhythmic alertness. The recorded sound is remarkably lifelike. All in all, this is a wonderful issue. There's lots more secular Telemann to be recorded--he was an indefatigable worker--and one can hope that this group records more of it.

Recommended.

A slightly short timing at TT=57:08.

Tracks:

Ouverture
Hunting The Monster
Don Quixote's Air
Sancho's Air
Marche
Menuets I Et II
Shepherd's Air
Tambourins I Et II
Peasant Girl's Scene
Merlin The Magician
Ouverture
The Cave Of Montesinos
Sancho's Troubles
Air Of Enchantment
Angry Air
Struggle With The Giant
Air To Break The Spell
Air Of Montesinos
Air For Disenchanted Lovers
Divertissement
Chorus Of Demons
Dulcinea Transported
The Gentle Sapajou
Spanish Air
Altisidore's Entrance
Merlin's Return
The Infanta From The Congo
Altisidore's Air
Chorus Of Japanese
Japanese March And Air
Japanese Woman's Air
Chaconne

Customer Reviews:

A must for baroque music lovers!.......2000-02-21

French Baroque Opera is often regarded as serious, mithologic, dramatic and ..."a little bit boring" as an english traveler of the XVIIIth century said (Dr. Charles Burney?). But with this recording by Naxos you won't have any chance but to disagree with him. Hervé Niquet is a master of his art and takes the challenge of this brillant score with passion, energy and humor. The orchestra and the singers are superb, with that very french witty style and elegance. The clarity and transparency of sound are so overwhelming that it mekes you feel as if you were enjoying an aristocratic divertissement in one of those french chateaux of the XVIIIth century instead of being listening to it at home...you need only to close your eyes and imagine you are just there!

A charming twist on the story of Don Quixote........1999-02-06

I find the opera Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse the culimination of Boismortier's career, for it contains such a variety of ideas and motifs that it could only be the product of a seasoned composer. The plot is a takeoff of the classic story of Don Quixote. The characters are at once charming and witty, and the events of the story are so surprising, unexpected and humorous that while listening to the opera for the first time I burst out laughing in many places at the hilarity and sheer novelty of the work. This opera is a magnificent contrast to the typically dark and dramatic Baroque opera. The words are pushed along by a vivacity and life I have never experienced in any other music. Typically, Boismortier is dismissed as a minor composer of the Baroque, but, considering myself a person quite knowledgeable of music of this period, I can not understand why anybody would think this. During his life Boismortier was one of the most prolific and successful composers in all of Europe. His melodies are sweet and simple, joyful and above all full of a love for life that have seen in the works of no other composer. I have nothing but praise for this man and his music, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the purchase of his opera Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse.

Average customer rating:

Lajos Lencsés: All'Ungharese

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005YBLJ
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Korngold: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2/Don Quixote/Fairy Pictures, Op.3

Average customer rating:

Fine
Unknown treasure

Korngold: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2/Don Quixote/Fairy Pictures, Op.3

Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003JVW
Release Date: 1995-10-24

Customer Reviews:

Fine.......2005-04-23

If you are looking for rarities, or want to try something interesting and new, try this one. Full of incredible invention and good pianistic sense, music of Korngold is worth to listen. Good idea, Mr. Kubalek.

Unknown treasure.......2005-04-17

Very fine music, sounds like mixture of Rachmaninov and Schoenberg. Result of co-operation of greatest Canadian musicians - Glenn Gould and Antonin Kubalek. Written by very young person, but I can't believe, that it's true...

Matthias Ronnefeld: Am Abend tönen die herbstlichen Wälder

Average customer rating:

A good intro to Ronnefeld

Matthias Ronnefeld: Am Abend tönen die herbstlichen Wälder

Manufacturer: Da Capo [Naxos]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Grodek, Op.7 - Daniela Bechly/Randi Stene
Capriccio, Op.8 - Christian Tetzlaff/Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Vier Lieder, Op.9: I - Daniela Bechly/Deborah Wood
Vier Lieder, Op.9: II - Daniela Bechly/Deborah Wood
Vier Lieder, Op.9: III - Daniela Bechly/Deborah Wood
Vier Lieder, Op.9: IV - Daniela Bechly/Deborah Wood
Constuck, Op.3: I. Tema Con Var - Jens E. Christensen
Constuck, Op.3: II. Largo - Jens E. Christensen
Constuck, Op.3: III. Finale - Jens E. Christensen
Andante, Op.1 - Athelas Sinf Copenhagen/Sebastian Gottchick
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: I. 'Ich Schlafe, Aber Mein Herz Wacht' - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: II. 'Erquickert Mich Mit Blumen - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: III. 'Sage Mir An, Du, Den Meine Seele Liebet' - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: IV. 'Wie Schon Und Wie Lieblich Bist Du' - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: V. 'Ich Will Aufsteh'n Und In Der Stadt Umhergehen' - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: VI. 'Dein Schoss Ist Wie Ein Runder Becher' - Daniela Bechley
Sieben Lieder Nach Dem Hohelied Salomos, Op.5b: VII. 'O Dass Du Mir Gleich Einem Bruder Warest' - Daniela Bechley
Veni, Creator Spiritus: I - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: II - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: III - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: IV - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: V - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: VI - Deborah Wood
Veni, Creator Spiritus: VII - Deborah Wood