How to Live

Editorial Reviews
PhuturePhreak, NME Magazine, April 1, 2004
Basic Pleasure Model (formerly Psykosonik) has done it again. I can't get this one out of my head.

About the Artist
Psykosonik founder/singer and Platinum Record-winning producer Paul Sebastien returns to the music world after 8 years, teaming with Wideband Network founder Caesar Filori to create Basic Pleasure Model (also known as 'BPM'), with a mission to add some lushness, intelligence and un-apologetic Hedonism to the current dreary rock music landscape that permeates you at every turn.

Album Description
With their second CD Mega-Single, "How to Live", Basic Pleasure Model (former Psykosonik founder & singer Paul Sebastien, and Caesar Filori of WideBand Network) have created an infectious, lush electro-organic gem which is at once addictively catchy yet moody, deep, timeless. Their original blend of fusing Electronica with Brit-Pop early 80's vocal influences with guitars and real instruments stands in sharp contrast to pretty much anything else out there. You'll want to play this one over and over again. And then again.

Going even further into the 'reinterpretations' area than their first single 'Sunyata', Basic Pleasure Model's "How to Live" CD features a whopping 12 (that's right, twelve) mixes from an awesome array of new remixers & artists, including Mercury Federation, PPGWave, 3PM, and the band itself (Paul Sebastien's 'Atari 400 Mix' is an absolute smash worthy of a 1982 New Romantic blockbuster hit). All in all, "How to Live" is a really an album, not a single, and worth every penny.

How to Live

Tracks:

All The Livelong Day (Schwartz)
Lovin' Al (Grant)
The Mason (Carnelia)
Neat to Be a Newsboy (Schwarz)
Nobody Tells Me How (Rodgers-Birkenhead)
Un mejor Dia Vendra (Taylor-Daniele-Landers)
Just A Housewife (Carnelia)
Millwork (Taylor)
If I Could've Been (Grant)
Joe (Carnelia)
It's an Art (Schwartz)
Brother Trucker (Taylor)
Fathers & Sons (Schwartz)
Cleanin' Women (Grant)
Something to Point To (Carnelia)
I'm Just Movin' (Schwartz) (from the L.A. Theatre Works complete recording of the 1999 revised version)
Hots Michael at the Piano (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
The Mason (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Joe (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Lovin' Al (Grant) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Fathers & Sons (Schwartz) (performed by the composer)

Amazon.com

The original 1978 Broadway cast recording of Stephen Schwartz's Working has long been awaited on CD, and this great-sounding 2001 release proves it was worth the wait. Surely one of the more unlikely sources for a musical was Studs Terkel's 1972 book that compiled interviews of American working people discussing their jobs and what they liked and disliked about them. Schwartz transformed these interviews into a series of songs written by himself, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Micki Grant, and pop singer James Taylor, and accordingly the variety of songs is as great as the variety of the workers featured. There's the lyric beauty of "The Mason," the rueful "Just a Housewife," the retiree's wry "Joe," the waitress's lilting "It's an Art," Taylor's pop-country "Brother Trucker," and the powerful emotion of "Fathers and Sons," realized by a compelling cast that features David Patrick Kelly, Joe Mantegna, Bob Gunton, and Lynne Thigpen, among others.

Six bonus tracks include a new version of the grocery checker song written for the 1999 L.A. Theatreworks production, Carnelia and Grant performing their own songs (unfortunately, Grant's track comes from a poor-quality audio source), and Schwartz's moving performance of "Fathers and Sons" from 1999's The Stephen Schwartz Album. Also welcome are 2001 notes from Schwartz paired with 1978 notes from Terkel, and a detailed listing of the composers and performers of each song. Working was filmed for American Playhouse in 1982. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An underrated musical.......2006-03-16

This musical seems to be very underrated, because it isn't done in a traditional style. There is no set storyline or characters. It is essentially a grouping of songs about different people and the work they do in their lives. Some of the songs are very powerful, like "Millworker", and some are just fun, like "Lovin' Al". Some songs date the recording, as songs like "Brother Trucker", while good, have a bit of a synthesized 70's feel. The majority of the songs are more traditional.

I saw this show done by my high school years ago, so maybe it holds a bit of nostalgia for me, but it is definitely worth checking out.

Wonderful Lesser Known Gem.......2005-12-26

I have never seen Working, but would love to, and I would love to perform it so as to revive interest in it. I found out about this recording from an online site, and I fell in love with it. It's a very modern style musical although from 1978. Were it on Broadway today, it would still be revelent to today's working class. My favorite number probably has to be "It's An Art", just because of its sheer fun. I could listen to that song all day and never get bored with it. I do, however, find "Brother Trucker" to be a bit tiring, and "Neat To Be A Newsboy" is just plain old, outdated, and ANNOYING! Other than that, wonderful ablum for an almost forgetten show.

Keep Working!!!.......2004-06-12

I had the privilege of seeing a production of this wonderful musical at L.A. Valley College in May 2004. I quickly fell in love with the songs and the entire premise of the musical. Now, with this CD, I can finally sing along to all the brilliant songs over and over again, belting them out like there is no tomorrow.

What makes Working so special is that anyone can relate to the lyrics, they are powerful, beautiful, touching, and extremely real. Anyone who has ever worked a day in their life will feel the lyrics hit close to home. Whether you're a housewife, a valet parker, a fireman, a millworker, a teacher, a cleaning woman, or even a hooker, this musical has a place for you, no matter what job you do.The emotion, sincerity, and love expressed in the songs are amazing, and they are all extremely unique and a pure joy to listen to.

All the songs are fantastic but the stand-outs have to be "All the Live Long Day," "Just a Housewife," "If I Could've Been," "It's An Art," "Father's and Sons," "Cleaning Women," and "Something to Point to." I also have a soft spot for "Brother Trucker" and "I'm Just Movin" from the 1999 revival, which I am so grateful is included in this CD. This is a terrific, feel-great album everyone should listen to. Give Working a chance, it's worth it.

a good, if obscure CD.......2003-09-26

i admit that this is an obscure musical, but nevertheless i found myself in a production of WORKING as Grace, the millworker. upon listening to the cd, i found that each song characterized the character well. the newsboy song is NOT annoying and my favourite songs are "its an art", "cleaning women", "if i could've been" and "lovin al". I would only recommend this CD for a real musical theatre afficionado, as those who don't appreciate the beauty of a musical won't understand these songs.

off the beaten path.......2003-07-10

I had never heard of this show until I stage managed a musical revue that included "If I Could've Been." That song grew on me, and I finally had to check out the rest of the soundtrack. All of the music on this CD is fantastic, and the lyrics feel sincere, creating beautiful moments for each character. Stephen Schwartz's best decision with this show was collaborating, allowing different composers to bring their own talents and specialties to the music, thus making it more real and less "Broadway." My only criticism is that the liner notes are slim.

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Average customer rating:

Robeson on wax
The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation
A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving
Robeson at his best
some of the greatest songs of the last century

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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Spirituals

ASIN: B0000029YJ
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

Balm in Gilead
Chassidic Chant
Quiet Flows The Don: From Border To Border
Quiet Flows The Don: Oh, How Proud Our Quiet Don
Elijah, Op. 70: The Lord God Of Abraham
The Purest Kind Of Guy
Joe Hill
The Peat-Bog Soldiers
The Four Insurgent Generals
Native Land
Song Of The Plains
Cradle Song
Within Four Walls
By An' By
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
John Henry
Water Boy
My Curly Headed Baby
Mah Lindy Lou
Wagon Wheels
The House I Live In
Showboat: I Still Suits Me
Sylvia
Showboat: Ol' Man River
Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So

Amazon.com

There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Robeson on wax.......2007-06-19

I found this album in a thrift store last week, for a couple of dollars. It's the original pressing on four 78 RPM records, in a gatefold format. It's in pristine condition. I really bought it for the incredible cover art, although I hope to be able to listen to it in this format at some point.

The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation.......2004-09-24

Put this on your stereo and if it is good enough the depth and richness of Robeson's voice will make your fillings rattle and your chest rumble. The power of his voice is awesome. This CD is superbly recorded with no audible noise at normal listening levels.

A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving.......2002-09-01

"Red diaper babies" have greeted this disc with nostalgic joy, and it captures a time and an aesthetic and a political belief with precision. Anyone interested in the emotional life of the pro-Soviet left of the 1940s should buy this disc. It's something like Henry Wallace set to music. There is much more to Robeson than that, however, and Sony has given us Robeson whole: there are songs by American masters of the musical, there are labor songs, religious songs, as well as the kind of faux-folk songs which the butcher supreme Josef Stalin encouraged and which were not taken seriously inside the USSR (except at gunpoint!!) but which were taken up by dupes around the world. This is Robeson at his least savory - willing propagandist for a vile mass murderer. Songs such as "Native Land" (fittingly, Robeson is referring to the Soviet Union) and the Red Army song are the equivalent of the "Horst Wessel Song", anthems of murder, and it is difficult to listen to the worst of them without retching. On the other hand, Robeson's commitment to American folk culture was real. "Balm in Gilead" is deeply beautiful; "John Henry" is heroic; "By an' By" is both resigned yet hopeful. "Joe Hill" captures an era in labor history. Anyone interested in American popular song should hear these. Turning to Broadway, his "Old Man River" is very fine, though Robeson changed the lyrics for political reasons and Leonard Warren has done the song better. I disagree with the editorial reviewer: "I Still Suits Me" is wonderfully playful and shows Robeson using his gorgeously rich voice to tease and poke fun. However, Marc Blitzstein's "Purest Kind of a Guy" is beyond saving - another example of Robeson recording an unworthy song by a political fellow-traveller. Ugh. But for every miss there are two hits. Robeson performs Mendelssohn's Elijah with nobility, and sings his favorite song, "Water Boy", with joyous pride: "There ain't no hammer that's on these mountains that rings like mine, boys, that rings like mine."
No one need have any fears about the mono sound quality. The orchestra in the second half of the program is at times a little dwarfed by Robeson's voice, but it generally sounds clean and colorful, and the great artist's voice rings like no other.

Robeson at his best.......2000-05-12

It's hard to believe that most of these recordings pre-date the advent of magnetic tape: the CD transfer is superlative. The songs and performance are beyond reproach. Notable is the imaginative packaging in miniature 'record album' format, complete with the original cover art, and a replica of the original Columbia record label applied to the CD.

In response to a previous question: Robeson's performance of Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) can be found on the Vanguard LP entitled "Robeson" (VRS-9037).

some of the greatest songs of the last century.......2000-05-05

In the 1940s, before rabid McCarthyism and racism had taken its toll on him, Robeson made these wonderful recordings of spirituals, classics and pop tunes. Accompanied by the solo piano of the incomparable Lawrence Brown, or by an orchestra, the songs ring out with pride, dignity, skill and unmatched integrity. The shameful treatment that Robeson was subject to from American authorities certainly seem grotesquely absurd to a modern listener. The wonderful version of "The House I Live In" included on this cd should forever kill off any suspicion that Robeson did not love his country deeply. This album ought to be heard by millions of people, world wide. Robeson's voice is nothing less than a glorious high point in 20th century music, and it's hard to think of any recording capturing it to greater advantage.

Pavarotti & Friends - For The Children Of Liberia

Average customer rating:

A Superb Collection of Music
This is a delightful combination of music talents to enjoy!
This will tenderize your heart.
Phenomenal !! A must have for any music library.
Outstanding Music, bringing Pavarotti to new heights.

Pavarotti & Friends - For The Children Of Liberia

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pavarotti & Friends

ASIN: B00000DBVG
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Let It Rain
Stop
How Do I Live Without You
I Hate You Then I Love You
Higher Ground
'O Surdato 'Nnammurato
Se Bastasse Una Canzone
Betcha Never
Viva Forever
Va, Pensiero
Napule e'
Une Place Pour Moi
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
Tonight
Dreams
Adeste Fideles
Peace Wanted Just To Be Free

Amazon.com

Is music for a good cause a good cause for music? Not really, if you expect artistry. But this smorgasbord of popular international musical stars brings together extreme musical genres for an excellent purpose, and is enjoyable enough for almost anyone. Pavarotti's relaxed and buoyant leadership and still gorgeous tenor add beauty to the rock/pop selections. Trisha Yearwood, Celine Dion, and Stevie Wonder impressively hold their own against Opera Spice; but the other artists pale against the master's presence. The Spice Girls will never be confused with Anonymous 4; Zucchero's growling is scary; Florent Pagny exemplifies French rock; and Pino Daniele's breathy tenor is mellow and soothing. Best for those wanting to experience Pavarotti's vocal beauty in a more popular idiom. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

A Superb Collection of Music.......2002-11-14

As a musician, I first ran into this disk as a PBS broadcast. What caught my ear was that every song in the concert has "the groove." Other than a children's choral cut, not a single song in the entire collection has a flaw. You'd think the Spice Girls would be a silly addition to the concert, but they do a tremendous job. Each artist appears twice, usually with Pavaotti in one of their songs, sometimes twice. Vanessa Williams is Hot! and does an incredible dance number. The engineering is excellent, with solid side-to-side separation for a really "big" sound. All in all, this is one of the favorite CDs in my music library.

This is a delightful combination of music talents to enjoy!.......1999-04-01

We first saw Pavarotti and Friends on Public Television as a fundraising event. We found the CD and especially love to listen to this CD in our car which has a great sound system. Each vocalist is so special and you will be singing along with them after a couple of plays!

This will tenderize your heart........1999-03-07

Brilliant talent for needy children, that touches the soul, and sets it on fire. Your tears will soak your socks. James

Phenomenal !! A must have for any music library........1998-12-29

A most wonderful gathering of some of the world's greatest vocalists. Such a unique blend of international Modern & Classical. If one were to put to test the ability of a vocalist to adapt to a variety of melodies, this is it. Grab your lover and take a trip in their arms with this CD!!

Outstanding Music, bringing Pavarotti to new heights........1998-12-06

Easily the best in the Pavarotti & Friends series. Always an artist on the cutting edge, with this album, Pavarotti's work will have great appeal to his fans and to scores of new enthusiasts. His duets with the Spice Girls, Vanessa Williams, Zucchero, and Stevie Wonder make it obvious that his voice has adaptability and a passion that takes it into many musical genres with ease. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Sting once commented that great music occurs in the "synaptic gaps" where many different styles come together - this is an album that epitomizes the concept. Neopolitan music is a folk music in Italy, with overtones of American folk/country/jazz/rock, and Pavarotti is the Neopolitan master. This is a perfect fit of artists and selected titles. Earlier combinations of artists in this series were often much too somber, much less fun. Give this one to your teens or your great grandmother ... they'll find they have more musical tastes in common than they'd have ever imagined.

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Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
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Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLI8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating:

Music of Jerome Kern

Manufacturer: Centaur
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songbook: The Song Is You
Jane Eyre

ASIN: B000BLI4YM
Release Date: 2005-10-25

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All the Things You Are (From Very Warm for May)
I Won't Dance (From Roberta)
Dearly Beloved (From You Were Never Lovelier)
I'm Old Fashioned (From You Were Never Lovelier)
Can't Help Lovin' That Man (From Showboat)
Look for the Silver Lining (From Sally)
Yesterdays (From Roberta)
How'd You Like to Spoon with Me (From the Earl and the Girl)
Song Is You (From Music in the Air)
Long Ago and Far Away (From Cover Girl)
Folks Who Live on the Hill (From High, Wide and Handsome)
Pick Yourself Up (From Swingtime)
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (From Roberta)
Showboat (From Showboat)
Lovely to Look At (From Roberta)

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates Of Penzance

Average customer rating:

full description missing
Fine Excerpts At An Affordable Price
Excerpts And Highlights From The Pirates Of Penzance
Pirates Of Penzance Highlights At A Cheap Price !!
A reasonably good abridgement to this ever-popular G&S opera

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates Of Penzance

Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Requiem

ASIN: B00000420J
Release Date: 1993-05-11

Tracks:

Pirates Of Penzance: Overture
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Pour, Oh Pour The Pirate Sherry
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - When Fred'ric Was A Little Lad
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Oh, Better Far to Live and Die
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Oh, Sisters, Dear To Pity's Name, For Shame!
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Poor Wand'ring One!
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - How Beautifully Blue The Sky
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. I - I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - Oh, Dry The Glist'ning Tear
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - Then Frederic .. When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - Stay, Fred'ric, Stay!
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - With Cat-Like Tread
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - Hush! Hush! Not A Word
Pirates Of Penzance: Act. II - Sighing Softly To The River ... (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

full description missing.......2006-08-18

While the music that is on the CD is good, a several numbers are missing! It's not the full operetta

Fine Excerpts At An Affordable Price.......2004-02-07

Gilbert And Sullivan. Eternal names in the musical theatre scene. They were the 19th century British version of Rodgers and Hammerstein or Lerner and Loewe. And this was long before Broadway, when the Savoy was the vogue of musical comedy and the Savoyards were highly popular entertainers. William S. Gilbert provided the libretti and lyrics to the operettas, while Arthur Sullivan, who was a serious music composer in his own right, provided the music. The operettas or light operas they wrote were mostly up-beat social satires dressed up as comedy, very theatrical, historical, inventive, and very patriotic to Brittain. Their works borrowed the opera technique- choruses, arias, ensembles, but as far as plot and content their only serious work was The Yeomen Of The Guard. Other Gilbert And Sullivan hits include Trial By Jury, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, Princess Ida and The Gondoliers. Gilbert And Sullivan's manager/impresario was Richard D'Oyly Carte.

This recording is only highlights from a 1968 recording (also available on Amazon.com) with the D'Oyly Carte Opera, conductor Isidore Godfrey directs the Royal Philharmonic. In the role of Frederick, lyric tenor Phillip Potter, in the role of Mabel, soprano Valerie Masterson, John Reed as Major General Stanley, Donald Adams as The Pirate King,Owen Brannigan as the Sergeant Of Police, and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer as Nurse Ruth. These singers were at their vocal peaks, and they provide much comedic acting as well. Impressive scenes include the mezzo soprano vocals of Christine Palmer's Ruth as she describes how she mistook "Pilot" for "Pirate" when nursing Frederick (When Frederick Was A Little Lad"), Frederick's plea to the daughters of the Major General to accept him as husband (O Is There Not One Maiden Breast) Valerie Masterson, whose Mabel is the best, singing the coloratura showcase "Poor Wondering One" and her duet in "Stay Frederick Stay" John Reed singing "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General" is hilarious and a display of virtuosity for this type of singing. The beautiful chorus "O Dry The Glistening Tear" the upbeat "With Cat Like Tread" and the finale are exceptional.

Excerpts And Highlights From The Pirates Of Penzance.......2004-02-04

This cd contains only highlights and excerpts from the 1968 recording by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. For a full recording, check it out on the Amazon.com catalog under Gilbert and Sullivan Pirates Of Penzance D'Oyl Carte Opera. This company was founded by the original impresario and manager of the Gilbert and Sullivan productions in the late 19th century, Richard D'Oyly Carte. Arthur Sullivan, who was a well-known composer, provided the music and William Gilbert wrote the libretti. Their partnership was a match made in heaven, as evident in the success of their many operettas, beginning with the smash hit "Trial By Jury" and even on to the more serious opera "The Yeomen Of The Guard". Nevertheless, Gilbert and Sullivan had different temperaments and did'nt always get along very well. They split up sometime in the 1890's. Other famous light operas of theirs include The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, Iolanthe, Princess Ida and The Gondoliers. Light opera or operetta was the vogue of the day, especially popular in the Savoy Theatre in London. Although it was not opera, it borrowed much of the opera techniques- namely arias and chorus. The entertainment of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas were very much like Broadway musicals. In fact, one could make the argument that the Savoy was the Broadway long before American Broadway theatre and Gilbert and Sullivan were like an early British form of Rodgers and Hammersteins or Lerner and Loewe.

The Pirate Of Penzance is a beautiful work of art. The sugary and sentimental story is about the exoneration of pirates, who are noble men who have "gone astray" by such authorities as the Major General,his daughters and the Sergeant of Police. Through the course of the opera, Frederick, who was nursed by Ruth and reared by the Pirate King and his roguish band of pirates. When the daughters of Major General Stanley reject his proposals of love, only Mabel consents to love him. But there's a catch. Frederick is in the hands of the pirates until he comes of age but he was born on a leap year and not until 1940 will he be released. The ending is happy and finds the pirates forgivened by the authorities and Mabel and Frederick are happily married.

The singers really deliver a great performance. In the role of the Major General Stanley is John Reed, who by the time of this recording was a veteran singer in the company. He comes off as fatherly, authoritive but cheerful. An especially skilled type of singer is needed for the master song "I am the Very Model Of A Modern Major General". In contrast, a lyric tenderness is required in the final song "Sighing Softly To The River". As mentioned, a lot of this light opera shines with chorus. The excellent choruses include the opening chorus "Pour The Pirate Sherry", "Oh Dry The Glistening Tear"- this one in particular is set to beautiful music and the daughters of the Major General sound heavenly when they sing in chorus, expressive also in their chorus when Frederick sings "O, Is There Not One Maiden Breast ?". Frederick is sung by Phillip Potter, whose tenor voice is lyric and romantic, and it sounds gorgeous when in duet with Valerie Masterson's Mabel, as in the duet that follows "Stay Frederick Stay". Valerie Masterson was the principal soprano of the company and performed in various other lead roles such as Princess Yum-Yum in The Mikado. A well-schooled lyric and coloratura diva, Valerie Masterson extended her repertoire into Broadway and opera- she has sung Violetta Valery of Verdi's La Traviata (in both Italian and in English versions), Adele in Die Fledermaus and even a part in an English version of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung. Valerie has recordings out in stock and available in Amazon.com.

Pirates Of Penzance Highlights At A Cheap Price !!.......2003-12-27

For a very reasonable, inexpensive price (around 8 dollars) this cd is a must have for those who have recently taken up an interest in Gilbert and Sullivan. Gilbert and Sullivan were a team of composer and librettist, both Englishmen, from the late 19th century who composed operettas written in the English language and in the spirit of popular folk song of the Victorian period (roughly 1870's, 1880's and 1890's ) The light operas were equally as light in plot and mood- they were cheery, uncomplicated stories, a lot of them set on a naval vessel out at sea. They poked fun at the Victorian way of life, in much the same vein that Offenbach satirized the French of his day during the Second Empire (1860's). Gilbert and Sullivan composed many operettas that still remain popular today, especially The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore and in this case The Pirates Of Penzance. The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company specialized exclusively in the art of Gilbert and Sullivan and have long been regarded as the finest interpreters of the style. In the 50's and 60's they performed live and made a variety of recordings, employing the talents of many outstanding English singers- among them lyric soprano Valerie Masterson.

In The Pirates Of Penzance, Mabel and Frederick are temporarily seperated lovers when Frederick is accused of a crime he did not commit. The plot involves pirates, among them the bass-baritone Pirate King. Light-hearted, bouncy tunes abound in what is considered the direct ancestor to Broadway musicals. The Overture makes use of the chorus "With Cat Like Tread" a march-like, jovial piece of music. The Highlights on this cd include "Pour O Pour The Pirate Sherry", "When Frederick Was A Lad", " Poor Wondering One", "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General" and the uplifting finale. Valerie Masterson plays the role of Mabel. Her voice is fresh, agile, lyric and she has excellent command of coloratura when warranted, as she sings in "Poor Wondering One". This 1968 recording is in its entirety on the same label with the same singers on a different cd recording.

A reasonably good abridgement to this ever-popular G&S opera.......2001-03-08

This budget-priced abridgement of D'Oyly Carte's incomporable 1968 PIRATES is a reasonably good way for beginners to get started on the opera itself. The D'Oyly Carte's performance is top-notch and beyond reproach and Isidore Godfrey elicits delicate playing from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The 62-minute playing time gives exceptionl value for money, even though there are scenes I feel should hae been omitted such as Frederic's "Oh is there not one maiden breast" that hold up the action. It would have been ince to include the Act One finale because it reveals what is to come in the second act. To round off, some people think that this performance of PIRATES is far too operatic, but this is Sullivan's original arrangement and not others' work.

Average customer rating:

Painless and Pleasant

Opera for People Who Hate Opera

Manufacturer: Intersound Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto

ASIN: B000003QWI
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Ride Of The Valkyries - San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Vesti La Giubba - Jose Perez
Intermezzo - London Festival Orchestra
Overture - London Festival Orchestra
Prelude - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
Aragonaise - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
Seguedille - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
Bohemian Dance - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
The Toreador Song - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
Polovstian Dances 8 And 17 - Ljubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra
Pace, Pace Mio Dio - Leontyne Price
Overture - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Barcarolle - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Gypsy Chorus - Bavarian Festival Orchestra And Chorus
Royal Hunt And Storm - Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
O Mio Babbino Caro - Ljiljan Molnar-Talajic

Tracks:

Overture - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Questo A Quella - Jose Perez
Un Bei Di - Vanda Gerlovic
Che Gelida Manina - Jose Perez
Overture - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Ach, So Fromm - Jose Perez
Overture And Prelude - Ljubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra
Visi D'arte - Leontyne Price
Celeste, Aida - Jose Perez
Triumphal March - Jose Perez
Ballet Music - Jose Perez
The Viennese Musical Clock - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Overture - London Symphony Orchestra
We Sail The Ocean - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
I'm Called Little Buttercup - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
When I Was A Lad - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus

Tracks:

La Donna E Mobile - Jose Perez
Prelude - Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra
Servantsd Chorus - Ljubljana Radio Chorus
Mon Coer S' Ouvre A Ta Voix - Marijana Radev
Waltz - Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra
A Wand'ring Minstrel, I - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Three Little Maids - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Here's A How-De-Do - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Beauty In The Bellow - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
Waltz - Houston Symphony Orchestra
Peasants' Chorus - Nuremberg Symphony Chorus
Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
E Strano E Strano - Biserka Cvejic
Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London

Tracks:

Overture - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Bridal Chorus - Ljubljana Radio Symphony Chorus
Overture - London Festival Orchestra
Pour, O Pour The Pirate Sherry - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Oh, Better Far To Live And Die - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
When The Foeman Bares His Steel - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
With Cat-Like Tread - Rochester Philharmonic Chorus
Summertime - Leontyne Price
Overture - London Festival Orchestra
Contro Un Cor - Rita Noel
Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Painless and Pleasant.......2000-08-19

It's not that I hate opera, it's rather that I cannot handle and entire opera without nodding off. This 4 disc CD provides highlights from the most famous and recognizable arias, i.e., Pagliacci, Carmen, Rigoletto, Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, The Mikado, and H.M.S. Pinafore -- just to mention a few. I appreciate the ability to enjoy select arias from some of the most beautiful and and exceptional operas in the world, and played by first class orchestras, without having to sit through the entire opera.

Average customer rating:

Good coloratura work by Elizabeth Futral
At Last a Solo Recital on CD
An Interesting display

Great Operatic Arias

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009AQMF
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Come Take Me In Your Arms
My Soul Is Filled With Love For You
What Are These Tears And Sighs
How I Loved Him!
A Maiden Adorning
He Has Come Back
See Here, Dorabella
Ah! Let me Live In This Dream
He's The God Of Youth And Springtime
The Silver Moon Was Shining
Ain't It A Pretty Night!
Take Me Away To The One I Adore
Oh Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me?

Customer Reviews:

Good coloratura work by Elizabeth Futral.......2007-05-27

This is an interesting CD from soprano Elizabeth Futral. The theme of this is a set of operatic arias sung in English, not in the original French or Italian or. . . . I'm not sure how sold I am on the concept, but, after all, it's the singing and musicality that is most important. And, by that measure, Elizabeth Futral does very nicely.

The accompanying booklet begins by noting that (page 8) "The voice of the light soprano has enchanted listeners for centuries." Futral's singing is characteristic of this type of voice.

In this era, any coloratura soprano has two challenges: first, to compare with the past generation's astonishingly talented practitioners, well exemplified by Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sill. Second, though, there are some wonderful coloratura sopranos today against whom others will be compared, with Natalie Dessay and Sumi Jo among the most adept. Thus, Futral will almost automatically be compared with such exemplars. I do not think one could say she is the equal of those four just mentioned, but she does not compare badly either.

From the Wikipedia: "In musical notation, the Italian word staccato (literally detached, plural staccatos or staccati) indicates that notes are sounded in a detached and distinctly separate manner, with silence making up the latter part of the time allocated to each note. The rhythm is not affected. Notes identified as staccato should be played or sung abruptly and short." This is worthy of comment, since the "Bell Song" from "Lakme," one of the selections on this CD, features many such notes. Futral sings them well. Her performance in this work is well done (although it is somewhat jarring, again, to hear it sung in English). She begins with a nice high note and a bang up following trill. She displays good agility and features nice technique on staccato notes. Overall, this is well done. Toward the end, which calls for great ornamentation, she seems a bit hesitant at time, but she concludes with a nicely sung high note.

Other examples of her singing. From Handel's "Alcina," she sings "Come take me in your arms." Her voice is a light, standard coloratura voice (although not all coloratura sopranos have such a voice, of course). She displays considerable agility, a decent trill, and good ornamentation. There is a bit of harshness on a high note toward the close, but hardly fatal to the overall positive effect of her singing.

From Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," there is "My soul is filled with love for you" (otherwise known as "O luce di quest'anima"). Her version is not too shabby when compared with such greats as Sutherland and Jo. The cabaletta shows off, again, her agile voice. Good staccato high notes. Nice trills and a well nailed final high note.

Then there is the charming "Son vergin vezzosa" from Bellini's "I Puritani," here entitled "A maiden adorning." Again, nice agility, good trills, well done florid singing technique. While there is some harshness in the penultimate high note, overall, well done.

In short, Futral adds to a currently rich supply of coloratura sopranos, and compares well with the best of them.

At Last a Solo Recital on CD.......2005-03-19

Elizabeth Futral is one of those rare sopranos who seems to put pacing of her career, care of the voice, and commitment to repertoire range ahead of the too early media blitz that can hamper a singer's career. Clearly she has it all - beauty of voice, beauty of physical presence, fine acting skills, intelligence, and interpretive insights.

Having seen her Cleopatra in LA Opera's GUILIO CESARE and in SF Opera's production of Previn's STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE put her high on the list of important new sopranos. This rather strange recording gives samples of her foray's into all styles from Handel to Previn and does a fine job in capturing the beauty of her phrasing and quality of her seamless soprano voice. It is somewhat distracting to place a first recital recording before the public being sung entirely in English, especially for those who are unfamiliar with Futral's gifts. But credit Chandos with the courage to try something different, something that may introduce new audiences to the opera field.

Surely after the recent successes of Futral performances in the opera houses more recordings will follow. Meanwhile this is a tasty sampler of just how versatile - and special - Elizabeth Futral is. Grady Harp, March 05

An Interesting display.......2003-07-23

Coloratura-soprano Elizabeth Futral is a remarkable artist with a beautiful instrument and a most impressive technique. Her appearences in record stores are mostly on lesser known and up and coming labels such as Opera Rara and CHANDOS; with a few performances on DG.

This CD has an unusual semi-personal package. Duets, trios and quartets are featured. The title of the program is called Great Operatic Arias which seems rather broad for a soprano recital disc.

Futral sings well as always, however the content seems to lack a bit of intricacy and polish. Each aria, duet etc leaves you wondering whether or not a bit more time could have been put into this. The arias range from baroque to 20th century; covering four languages.

The entire program is performed in English and this is interesting... Although some of the arias just sound plain strange in English! It is a very nice thing to actually completely and instantly understand what is being sung. I was most impressed with the CHANDOS Lucia di Lammermoor. Futral probably gave her best performance on record in that role. She is astonishingly good on that recording. Her mad scene is awesome!

Overall this is a pleasing recording and Futral dazzles her listeners with her crystal clear high notes and vibrant tone. I look forward to more recordings of her. Hopefully she'll have a chance to record some more opera in its original language. I think that its time for a new Puritani or Sonnambula. Wouldn't she be the perfect candidate?

Knowin' How to Live
Average customer rating:
Knowin' How to Live
Eddy Raven
Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000A2H22W
Release Date: 2005-08-09