By the Way [CD-single]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
First Single from their 2002 Album of the Same Title. It 'employs the Polyrhythmic Sex-funk of Old, Albeit Tempered by a Keen Melodic Sensibility and Even the Odd Cheesy Vocoder Effect.'...per Peter Murphy of Hotpress. This One Rocks Hard with a Churning Beat that Fits Beautifully on the Dancefloor Amazingly Well, While Remaining True to the Rhcp Die Hard Signature Sound. Includes the NON-LP Cover of the Classic 'teenager in Love' and a Live Version of Funkadelic's 'what is Soul'.

Tracks:

By The Way
Universally Speaking
This Is The Place
Dosed
Don't Forget Me
The Zephyr Song
Can't Stop
I Could Die For You
Midnight
Throw Away Your Television
Cabron
Tear
On Mercury
Minor Thing
Warm Tape
Venice Queen

Amazon.com

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers first appeared smeared in neon body paint with socks dangling precariously from their wieners, even the most faithful funk-metal convert couldn't have conceived they would be around some 20 years later, carrying on in much the same fashion. Despite a long history of tragedies and personnel upheavals, the California quartet's eighth album is mostly business as usual--and business, as usual, is quite good. The title track, "By the Way," is a powerful, bruised piece of slap-bass and intermediary white-boy rapping. "Universally Speaking" pays sweaty, soulful tribute to singer Anthony Kiedis's hometown of Detroit. And "Lemon Trees on Mercury" sounds eerily like it could have been lifted from 1984's Freaky Styley. The band's reliable eclectic side, meanwhile, surfaces on the Latin-flavored "Cabron" and moody "Venice Queen." But the biggest surprise is "Tear," a masterful homage to the Beach Boys that suggests the Chili Peppers' perpetual state of arrested development may someday lift. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

2002 album.

Customer Reviews:

RHCP CD.......2007-06-01

This, I think, is the best Red Hot Chili Peppers album. The songs are amazing. If you are interested in the band, consider buying this CD.

Look at the Turtle Go, Bro!.......2007-05-05

I thought the Peppers would recover from Californication but it just got worst. Sorry, this cd SUX! I didn't know Lawrence Welk was still alive until I heard this trash. I guess the socks are soo long ago.

Fishbone RULES!
BROOKLYN S T A N D U P!

For the Peppers, this is unacceptable........2007-04-26

Say what you want, the Peppers have kicked out way better albums than this one, I'll make a quick ratings list for ya, from best to worst.

1. Californication
2. Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik
3. Stadium Arcadium (very close to BSSM, though)
4. Uplift Mofo Party Plan
5. Mother's Milk
6. Freaky Styley
7. BY THE WAY (yea, that's right)
8. The other albums are not worth mentioning.

I simply wasn't impressed. Maybe I got a little spoiled from Californication, but bottom line is that all these other albums had some ballads, alotta funk, and some hard rock. This album is missing a couple key ingredients from RHCP. They simply aren't hard enough, and should have a warning label in that regard.

all that said, i'll note some songs that were good.

-By the Way. Way to go Flea! You made this song what it is.
-Dosed.
-Zephyr Song. You can feel it, lyrically and spiritually.
-Can't Stop. Good jams.
-On Mercury. There's those old roots showing again.

For most bands today, this would be a breakout album. Not for Red Hot, though. For the Peppers, this is sub-par.

By The Way, This Is Amazing.......2007-02-15

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are unquestionably the greatest band that has ever lived. Evolving in a storybook-like fashion from having sold roughly 25,000 copies of their debut album, to the 13 million Californication accumulated. The band has experienced countless line-up change, heartbreaks, and tragic upheavals, giving the foursome a bleak future. 20 years ago, not a single person could have foretold this. By the Way came at a time when music begged for originality and uniqueness. It is lush, poignant, and immaculate; By the Way evokes fascination in all, as to what the band has transformed into.

It begins with "By the Way", one of the only numbers on the entire album which have preserved the once quintessential funk and rap-driven verses. It is vastly discrepant to those of the other recordings found on the album, and is, thus, misleading. The intricate song structure evolves from mellow, harmonious and humble beginnings to a brazen verse and impeccably bridges into a melodic chorus. "Universally Speaking" follows. It's instantly apparent that this song has very few things relative to that of it's predecessor. The song has a sort of Doo-whop feeling as it bridges expressively from the verse into a 60's-type chorus.

"This Is the Place" has to be one of the most beautiful tracks on the entire album. It begins with a modest base line (which is played throughout the entire song), and gives way to Chad's lustrous drum beat and Anthony's masterful lyrics; it contains some of the best song-writing I have ever seen, though one never knows what he is actually alluding to. John comes in with a seemingly invisible guitar segment; all until the chorus, when it brings through stunning life altering sounds. The most notable segment is the conclusion, when Kiedis sing unwaveringly, and John pounds furiously on his guitar. "Dosed" follows, which is elegant, wispy, and, for some reason, makes me feel as if I were in an Arctic blast. Four guitar lines run luxuriantly through the song.

"Don't Forget Me" has the most intricate and zealous guitar-playing I have ever heard. Like "This Is the Place", the exact same base-line is played perpetually until the conclusion. Anthony's haunting and ubiquitous voice resonates in your mind, as John picks masterfully at his guitar. Following the first and second choruses, astonishingly intricate solos are given by Frusciante. Each one is an ecstasy of euphoric delirium, executed with impeccable perfection. "The Zephyr Song" comes next, and seems as though it were lifted directly out of the 70's. It's psychedelic nature stands out wondrously.

"Can't Stop" is, without a doubt, my favorite song, ever. It starts fast paced, but somewhat quiet, until it reaches the climax. An amazing bridge to the verse is played by John. The verse is far better than the chorus, as Frusciante provides majestic backing vocals. Amazing song. "I Could Die for You", the shortest song on the album, is hard to describe. It's elegant and beautiful and gentle in it's nature. The track is quiet, yet perky and alive, as though driven by an enveloping, fervent, fanatical force. "Midnight" is another gem. The sounds which it engages have rarely been seen elsewhere. It is so unique, as each one of the songs are. Melodic and lush, bare and unsparing. "Throw Away Your Television" is the funkiest number on the album, though certain sections imply an innovative sense, and as though one were experiencing a whirlwind of nuance and jet speed illustriousness.

"Cabron" is an experimental track, which has a tang of Latin influences, hence the name, and is played exclusively on an acoustic guitar. It is another vastly dissimilar song which contradicts much of its colleagues. "Tear", a striking and lethargic (and long) song is an unexpected tribute to the Beach Boys. A magical trumpet solo is performed by Flea, which allows the song to prevent itself from becoming lost on the record. "On Mercury" is, if there had to be one, the weakest track on the entire album. The faux ska sound simply sparks too much turmoil between the songs it surrounds, and does not fit in with the grand message which By the Way is attempting to articulate.

It is succeeded by an outstanding track, however: "Minor Thing", which shows, blatantly, how much Kiedis has evolved as both a lyricist and a singer. His compelling and spellbinding voice gives way to the enchanting, enthralling and captivating guitar playing given by John. "Warm Tape" is possibly the most mysterious and inexplicable track the Chili Peppers have ever produced. The sound is difficult to describe, as it seems to squirm in a sensual manner, unlike anything ever created.

The final and longest song on By the Way, "Venice Queen", may be the most meaningful. It's mellow and windy intro gives one the sense of walking in a forest, while the bitter cold wind attacks you from all angles. It defines beauty, yet is as unforgiving as an astringent stone. Anthony comes in perfectly and begins singing in a depressed and crestfallen manner. Until, however, the song completely turns around and kicks itself into high gear. Near the halfway mark, it turns from a glum ballad to a driven acoustic melody, alluding to the death of Gloria Scott, a woman who aided Anthony in the fight against drugs. John provides majestic backing vocals, to make this song an amazing stand out.

So, if you took the time to read why By the Way is the best album ever recorded, you'll purchase it. Carefree.

Californication Part II.......2007-02-14

RHCP is appealing to younger audiences like myself (I'm 20) and I fell in love with this band when Californication came out. Their previous albums didn't appeal to me (the alternative bad boy image). The lyrics are beautiful as well as Anthony's voice though I think he left the bad boy in Californication. Anyway a friend of mine told me the album was lame (but he's a hardcore AFI fan)after hearing it through once I was like wow it goes up and down. My picks: "Can't Stop" "Don't Forget Me" "Venice Queen" and "Minor Thing."

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but not my first choice
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Grand Hotel: The Musical - Broadway Cast Recording

Average customer rating:

Grand Hotel
Mr. Jeter
"Grand Hotel" ain't anywhere near grand.
stunning, fabulous musical
A really unusual show

Grand Hotel: The Musical - Broadway Cast Recording
George Forrest , and Maury Yeston
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FBP
Release Date: 1992-06-23

Tracks:

The Grand Parade/Some Have, Some Have Not - Henry Grossman/William Ryall/David Elledge/Walter Willison/Kathi Moss/Brent Barrett/Bob Stillman
Dialogue (Look at Him) - John Wylie
At The Grand Hotel/Table With A View - Michael Jeter/Brent Barrett
Maybe My Baby Loves Me - David Jackson/Danny Strayhorn/Jane Krakowski
Fire and Ice/Twenty-two Years/Villa On A Hill - Liliane Montevecchi/Karen Akers
I Want To Go To Hollywood - Jane Krakowski
Dialogue (Sorry to Repout) - John Wylie
The Crooked Path/Some Have, Some Have Not - Timothy Jerome/Henry Grossman/William Ryall/David Elledge/Walter Willison
Who Couldn't Dance With You - Jane Krakowski/Brent Barrett/Michael Jeter
Dialouge (So Tell Me Baron...) - Liliane Montevecchi
Love Can't Happen - Brent Barrett
What You Need - Karen Akers
Bonjour Amour - Liliane Montevecchi
H-a-p-p-y/We'll Take A Glass Together - David Jackson/Danny Strayhorn/Michael Jeter/Brent Barrett
I Waltz Alone - John Wylie/Brent Barrett/Michael Jeter
Dialogue (No Creature on this Planet...) - John Wylie
Roses At The Station - Brent Barrett
Dialogue (Two Scary Enemies...) - John Wylie
Bolero - Orchestra
How Can I Tell Her? - Karen Akers
Trial Score - Bob Stillman/The Company
The Grand Waltz - Entire Company/Henry Grossman/William Ryall/David Elledge/Walter Willison/Jack Lee
Love Can't Happen (Live At Steve Mc Graw's) - David Carroll

Amazon.com

OK, so it's not exactly The Threepenny Opera. Still, Grand Hotel has plenty of the atmosphere of prewar Berlin in this Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Tommy Tune. Based on the 1932 star-studded, Oscar-winning film, the show takes place in Europe's most luxurious hotel and follows the intertwining lives and shattered dreams of both regular and once-in-a-lifetime guests. Leading the ensemble cast are Parisian follies star Liliane Montevecchi as the aging ballerina, and strong tenor Brent Barrett as the dashing but debt-saddled baron. Also appearing are Ally McBeal's Jane Krakowski as the would-be movie star, cabaret artist Karen Akers as Montevecchi's confidante, and Michael Jeter as the dying bookkeeper. The score was written by Robert Wright and George Forrest (who brought Borodin to Broadway with Kismet), with additional material by Maury Yeston (Titanic), and the highlights include the soaring romantic ballad "Love Can't Happen," the jazzy scat of "Maybe My Baby Loves Me," and the sassy Charleston number "H-A-P-P-Y." Plenty of dialogue helps capture the flow of the show, and the CD also includes a live cabaret performance of "Love Can't Happen" by the late David Carroll, who originated the baron role on Broadway. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Grand Hotel.......2006-07-24

"Grand Hotel" is a fine musical with songs by George Forrest and Robert Wright and some additional material by Maury Yeston. What stole the show in this musical, however, was Mr. Tommy Tune's inventive staging. That doesn't mean audiences went out humming the staging, though. The songs are excellet as well. Some standouts include the opening number, "Grand Hotel" or "The Grand Parade" as it is officially titled written by Mr. Yeston is a wonderfully jaunty opening number. "At The Grand Hotel\Table With a View", performed by the incomparable Michael Jeter is a lovely selection. "Maybe My Baby Loves Me" is tuneful fun. "Love Can't Happen" is a very romantic ballad and "What You Need" is a wonderful Weill-esque number performed with conviciton by one my favorite performers, Karen Akers. "We'll Take a Glass Together" is also a great showstopper performed by Mr. Jeter and Brent Barret.
The performances are excellent. Ms. Akers and Mr. Jeter steal the show. Thinking about the performances of their songs "What You Need" and "We'll Take a Glass Together" performed by Akers and Jeter respectively sends chills through my body. Brent Barret is fine as the Baron and Liliane Montevecchi as the retiring balerina is excellent, although her role in "Nine" was better suited for her. Jane Krawkowski is also great as a young wannabe movie star.
The orchestrations by Peter Matz are excellent. The original cast album includes a bonus track of David Carroll performing "Love Can't Happen" at a cabaret. Mr. Carroll starred as the Baron durring the beginning of the run, but was diagnosed with HIV and was replaced by Brent Barrett. Because of legal issues, the cast album was recorded late in the run. The creative team thought that it'd be a good idea to have the still living, if very ill Mr. Carroll perform his songs. Alas, he died of AIDS in the studio before his tracks could be recorded. The bonus track is nice for people who enjoy the vocalizing of Mr. Carroll. I don't particulary like his voice and prefer Mr. Barrett's performance of the song. However, his passing was very unfortunate and he is missed.

Mr. Jeter.......2005-12-06

Traveled from AZ. to NYC specifically to see Michael Jeter perform live in "Grand Hotel". A man of remarkable talent who went way too soon. He is the only reason I went and the only reason I have this cd. For him I give it 4 stars.

"Grand Hotel" ain't anywhere near grand........2005-08-23

I saw the original Broadway cast and I have never heard such praise for such a worthless piece of fluff in all my years as a Broadway performer and fan. But being a Broadway fan, I bought the album to give the show a second chance. Sitting through this mismatch of Yeston mediocre and Wright and Forest dregs, I sadly had to throw the recording away. I didn't even want it in my extensive collection. The only saving grace was "Let's Lift a Glass" with a haunting Michael Jeeter. Otherwise not one performance by any of the actor/singers came close to their previous work or their work to come. I was so disappointed because I had loved the original cast of "Nine" and was so excited about a new Yeston musical. And there in lies the tale--Tommy Tune, who I consider the last great director/choreographer of the Golden Age of Broadway, should have taken the idea that Wright and Forest had presented him and said "Thank you but go back to preserving the original concept of 'Anya' and let me hire Maury Yeston to write a completely new score. I'll make sure that he doesn't listen to one shred of your original score." Then we might have really had a smashing show based on a marvelously grand soap opera.

stunning, fabulous musical.......2004-01-31

GRAND HOTEL is still one of the most ambitious Broadway musicals ever written. The lovely score by Maury Yeston (NINE, TITANIC) as well as Robert Wright and George Forrest is simply sublime. One of the best 'ensemble' musicals ever written.

The story concerns the various guests and employees at a well-to-do hotel in Berlin: the ageing ballerine Elizaveta (Liliane Montevecchi - NINE) and her lesbian companion Raffaela (Karen Akers - NINE); the dashing Baron Felix (Brent Barrett); the ambitious hotel typist Miss Flaemmchen (Jane Krakowski); Mr Kringelein (Michael Jeter), the dying clerk looking for one last fling; and the Doctor (John Wylie) who guides us through these various stories and relationships.

Standout numbers include the manic "Fire and Ice", the Baron's beautiful ballad "Love Can't Happen", Flaemmchen's jaunty-yet bittersweet "I Want to Go to Hollywood", "Who Couldn't Dance with You" and "Bonjour Amour".

David Carroll originated the role of Baron Felix in the Broadway production, though he was very ill, suffering from the ravages of AIDS. Carroll left the production before the cast album was recorded and died shortly after. Brent Barrett from the national tour was brought in to record the role for the cast album. Added as a bonus here is David Carroll's rendition of "Love Can't Happen", recorded live at Steve McGraw's with Wally Harper at the piano.

Highly-recommended. [RCA 09026-61327-2]

A really unusual show.......2002-01-27

It is hard to sumerise exactly what Grand Hotel is about. It concerns the lives of the guests who stay at this famous Berlin hotel during the 1930's. While this is fascinating, it does mean that the score often has a tendancy to drift from character to character without much focus on them. This is undoubtedly not helped by the fact that it was written by a number of people and does feel as though it has been cobbled together in parts.

However, despite this, there is something quite compelling about the recording. The music fits with the period when it has to, but also takes a Broadway approach to ballads and chorus numbers. All of the performers are faultless from the biting cynical doctor, the hopelessly in love couple, and the fading actress.

Tracks:

Concerto: Piano Concerto No. 1
Concerto: Elvira Madigan
Concerto: Cornish Rhapsody
Concerto: Liebestraume
Concerto: Piano Concerto No. 2
Concerto: 'Pathetique' Sonata
Concerto: Dream Of Olwen
Concerto: Fur Elise
Concerto: Arabesque
Concerto: Warsaw Concerto
Concerto: Moonlight Sonata
Concerto: Badinerie
Concerto: Clair De Lune
Concerto: Piano Concerto
Concerto: Nocturne In E - Flat Major
Concerto: 'Paganini' Variations
Concerto: Gymnopedie No. 1
Concerto: Phapsody In Blue

Customer Reviews:

One word--LIFESAVER.......2005-10-04

I live in a very noisy dormatory and often have trouble falling asleep. I've found that this disc, with its relaxing pieces, is able to calm me enough that I can get a decent amount of rest each night.

I'm not saying the songs on here are boring, though. They are well-performed. Many of them were familiar to me before I first played this disc, others were not. I am very diverse in my musical tastes and appreciate this music. However, the relaxation value one gets from a CD like this one is much more than one could expect from a band like Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, The Police, or Crash Test Dummies to name a few.

Even if you don't live in a noisy dorm this is a good CD to relax to. It's also good dinner music and is perfect for when that special sweetie is in your car with you en route to a five star restaraunt. (Hopefully it comes on cassette so I can play it in my car, too!)

Richard Clayderman also has put out numerous other albums. One that I have been unable to find in CD but have on LP record is "A Romantic Christmas", which includes many great piano arrangments of popular Christmas songs including arguably the best version of "Silver Bells" I've ever heard, including all the ones with vocals that have passed through my ears over my lifetime.

Richard Clayderman Admiration Society.......2005-08-16

Richard Clayderman first came to my attention in the early 1970's when I used to spend a lot of time in Europe on business. He has a very distinctive piano style when playing either classical or popular. His backup band for popular music, including excellent drums, tuba, violins and more, is very good.

This particular album, if you like classical music played with a flair, is excellent; so good, in fact, that I am buying additional copies for special people.

And, yes, I am well over the age of 13.

Not THAT bad,but..........2005-05-23

Let's just say that even if I really dislike Clayderman,I have never underated his pianistic talents.I borrowed this CD from a friend and was surprised that the pianist famous with performances of mundane pop songs is able to fit into the demands of some really serious classical masterpieces such as the Tchai 1 or the Rach 2.However,JUST AS I PREDICTED,Clayderman would not play these masterpieces in their entirety.For a serious classical music fan,excerpts would never be of much value.It would be really stupid to compare Clayderman's performance of the great concertos with the other 'greats' such as Cliburn,Zimerman or Argerich,but some passages in Clayderman's performance really seem cheesy to me.This is an album which might be an option for beginners of classical music.But a 'professional' classical music fan really needs much more than any performance of a work.

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1.......2002-11-16

I am --------, and I have played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. An expressive work which requires great passions, Clayderman has often been too loud, breaking the melodious balance between the orchestra and the piano. I was tuned off already by the first few chords, which were struck too loudly. There also lacks a element of surprise and Russian animosity in this recording, which Jorge Bolet and Evgeny Kissin both capture in their recordings with Dutoit and Karajan, respectively.

The Peak Of Romantic Classics.......2002-01-11

While Richard Clayderman is not well known in the USA, his work is commonplace in South Africa and Europe. I enjoyed the original LP version of this CD as a 8 year old and through the wonders of e-commerce have been able to track the CD down. I loved his rendition of Beethoven's work so much that I used the music for the bridal march at my wedding.Definately worth the ten bucks if you're a Romantic Classic nut.

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)

Average customer rating:

Great CD
Simply the Best
Inconsistent, but mostly excellent
"Celebration" is not strong enough a word
A maginificent evening, a magnificent album

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast)
Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast)
Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim
Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall / Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Glenn Close
Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000003FDW
Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
Being Alive--Patti LuPone
Good Thing Going--The Tonics
Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-08-06

This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

Simply the Best.......2005-06-29

First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.

In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.

In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.

If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.

Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21

I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.

"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30

This review is by Crosley.

I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.

There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.

I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.

A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16

There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.

This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.

Tracks:

Main Theme From On Golden Pond
Unchained Melody From Ghost
Sooner Or Later From Dick Tracy
We're Losing Him From Somewhere In Time
Love Theme From Flashdance
Marion's Theme From Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Evergreen From A Star Is Born
Flashdance....What A Feeling
People Alone From The Competition
End Title From Shirley Valentine
Arthur's Theme From Arthur
The Last Time I Felt Like This From Same Time Next Year
Love Theme From Cousins
Waltz From Cousins
Through The Eyes Of Love From Ice Castles
End Title From Ghost
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
The Way We Were

Customer Reviews:

A Real Treat!.......2007-02-16

As someone who works from home, this is a wonderful collection to put on during the day. The beautiful arrangements of some of film's most memorable music is a treat to listen to day in and day out. I was one of those looking for music from the "Cousins" soundtrack. I'm so much happier to have found this CD with more great music than I could've bargained for. I'm very glad to have this in my collection!

I LOVE IT!!!.......2005-09-11

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THE SOUNDTRACK OF COUSINS... I KNOW BUT HEY I LOVED THE MOVIE AND WHEN I REALIZE THAT THE SOUNDTRACK WAS BEEN ASK $120 I JUST WENT NUTS LOL LOL BUT I WENT ON MY SEARCH AND FOUND THIS GREAT GREAT GREAT CD, THAT HAS THE SONGS I WAS SEARCHING FOR AND MORE.

FOR EXAMPLE, CAVATINA FROM THE DEER HUNTER, HMM GREAT MOVIE AND GREAT SONG. AND LETS NOT FORGET THE WAY WE WERE, COME ON THAT IS A CLASSIC. AND ITS HAS THE THEME FROM THE MOVIE ON GOLDEN POND, ALSO UNCHAINED MELODY FROM THE MOVIE GHOST.

BUT WHAT TOOK MY OFF MY SIT WAS THE SONG *WE ARE LOOSING HIM, FROM THE MOVIE SOMEWHERE IN TIME. LOOK THIS IS A GREAT CD, AND IT IS WORTH ALL.

I HAVE ALL THE SONGS I EVER WANTED AND MORE. BELIEVE ME YOU ME, IT IS A GREAT BARGAIN. WONT BE DISSAPOINTED.

Average customer rating:

Enfin, Finn
Poignant.
Elegies: A Nasal Song Cycle
A Light Beyond Death
what more can i say...?

Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn
William Finn , Carolee Carmello , and Betty Buckley
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Infinite Joy: The Songs of William Finn (Live at Joe's Pub)
A New Brain (1998 Original Cast)
In Trousers (1979 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
John & Jen (1995 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00009V7TL
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Looking Up Quintet
Mister Choi & Madame G - Christian Borle, Carolee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk
Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving - Michael Rupert
Only One - Betty Buckley
Joe Papp - Keith Byron Kirk
Peggy Hewitt & Mysty del Giorno - Carolee Carmello
Passover - Carolee Carmello
Infinite Joy - Betty Buckley
Ballad of Jack Eric Williams (And Other 3-Named Composers) - Michael Rupert
Monica & Mark - Christian Borle, Keith Byron Kirk, Michael Rupert
Anytime (I Am There) - Carolee Carmello
My Dogs - Christian Borle
Venice - Michael Rupert
14 Dwight Ave., Natick, Massachusetts - Christian Borle, Betty Buckley
When the Earth Stopped Turning - Christian Borle
Goodbye/Boom Boom - Carolee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk
Looking Up - Betty Buckley
Goodbye (Finale)

Amazon.com

William Finn's career in the musical theater is pretty remarkable considering that he doesn't write traditional show tunes--much less traditional shows. But Finn has a gift for catchy melodies and his emotionally engaging work has a way of intimately connecting with audiences (during the initial run of Elegies, hardened New Yorkers could be seen trying to hide their tears). Though no storyline links these songs, they are united by the underlining idea of loss; in turn funny, tender, witty, biting and quietly devastating, they form a unified tapestry. Musically, Finn can turn out perky little numbers and powerful ballads--"Anytime (I Am There)" could conceivably be a hit if some contemporary pop diva did it. Led by Betty Buckley and Carolee Carmello, the cast is completely in sync with the material. Some of the narrative-heavy pieces recall Michel Legrand's sung-through work (and there are Legrand-like flourishes on "Monica & Mark"), but in the end Finn is very much his own man: There's nobody quite like him in the American musical-theater world, and Elegies just brings more evidence of that. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Enfin, Finn.......2006-03-08

A friend has been pushing Finn's work at me for a while now, especially extracts from Putnam County Spelling Bee and Elegies. I finally ordered the Elegies CD (from Amazon), received it and have listened to it a few times now, some tracks more often than others. The concept of the cycle is wonderful, and as many others have stated, one is left with an ache that somehow contains optimism. Each song is a polished gem, though some shine more than others. I would have to list "Dogs" as a low point, and "Mark and Monica" as the high point for me. All 6 performers are wonderful-----the 5 singers and the amazing pianist. As a pianist myself, I can hear how much work went into preparing to play this music, and feel that the gentleman is not given enough credit.

The most haunting moments (for me) occur when ensemble singing is heard, such as the opening quintet, the wordless male trio interludes in "Mark and Monica", and the finale. The vocal writing at these moments is absolutely brilliant, taking advantage of each singer's strong points.

My only criticism (and it is perhaps just that I am unused to Finn's aesthetic) is that everything is is so self-referential. We do not have the memories that he does of his family and friends, and although these songs bring them to life for us to some extent, they are impressionistic portraits drawn from a cohesive whole that only he knows deeply. Writing this cycle must have been very cathartic for Finn.

That said, I am sure that repeated listenings of this work will allow me to hear things that are as yet not noticed. It would also be wonderful to see a live performance of Elegies, adding a new dimension to the overall experience.

Bottom line, then: Bravo, Mr. Finn! Thanks for sharing your world and the people it contain(ed).

Poignant........2005-03-29

The work here is about more than simple aesthetics of the voice. Hello...it's called ELEGIES for a reason. Trust me, if you want to be touched by some of William Finn's most personal work, then give it a listen.

Elegies: A Nasal Song Cycle.......2004-07-07

I love the pianist.

I was a fan of Finn's "A New Brain" (thanks, mostly, to it being Kristen Chenoweth's B'way debut) and was excited to purchase this album. However, I couldn't focus much on the music as all three of the male performers (who have the brunt of the music to sing) were incredibly nasal and very irritating to listen to. Most of the time I found myself skipping a track (aspecially "Mark and Monica" and "All Male Thanksgiving") because the performers' voices were soo obnoxious and nasal that I started getting a headache.

The only people I would recommend this album to are fans of the divine Carolee Carmello and Betty Buckley. Both are in excellent voice (although Carolee seems to have started pushing her voice since "Parade") and sing their songs with as much conviction as they have in all of their other works.

Except for the last song, I was not impressed by the material--what few rhymes there are are trite and commonplace, and Finn is even audacious enough to put praise forhimself in one of the lyrics. Sure he struck gold with "Falsettoland" and (well not so much) "A New Brain", but Finn's "Elegies" are less reminiscent of good times as they are whining about the unfairness of losing someone and how shocking everything is when someone you love is gone forever. Blah blah blah.

Mediocre at best.

A Light Beyond Death.......2004-01-04

I was initially concerned that an entire score about the passing of loved ones would be painful and dreary. And don't get me wrong, I like painful and dreary, but not for an entire cd. So I was greatly relieved when I listened to Elegies for the first time. I had already heard Anytime (I am There), Infinite Joy, and Turning on the Infinite Joy cd, so it's lovely to hear that the rest of the score lives up to those numbers, with the possible exception of the song about the dogs. The cast is vocally strong, and their passion comes through on the recording. Standouts are Keith Byron Kirk on "Mr Choi and Madame G", and with Carolee Carmello on "Goodbye", Betty Buckley on "14 Dwight Ave., Natick Massachussetts, Carolee on "Anytime" and "Passover", Michael Rupert on "Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving" and Christian Borle on "Turning". Overall, Elegies celebrates the lives of the departed with joy and light, and most importantly, the idea that life goes on.

what more can i say...?.......2003-12-03

if i were to summarize the experience of listening to this CD, it would be in a very simple sentence - great. now that's such a hollow and meaningless word as a response to "how are you?'s" casually asked of acquaintances. but it is the truth - this CD is great.

it evoked a myriad of emotions ranging - the lightness of the song "My Dogs", the mysterious depth of "Infinite Joy", and the peek into the singer's and the composer's soul in "Anytime".