The Great Opera Voices

1. L'elisir d'amore, opera Quanto E bella, Quanot E Cara
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
with Luciano Pavarotti

2. La bohème, opera Dovunque E'Proprio Finita
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Luciano Pavarotti

3. Rigoletto, opera Della Mia Bella...Questa O quella
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
with Luciano Pavarotti

4. Tosca, opera E lucean le stelle
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Placido Domingo

5. Cavalleria rusticana, opera in 1 act Siciliana: O Lola!
Composed by Pietro Mascagni
with Placido Domingo

6. Il Trovatore, opera Di Quella Pira
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
with Placido Domingo

7. Luisa Miller, opera Oh! Fede Negar Potessi...Quando Le Sere Al Placido...L'ara, O L'Avello Apprest Ami
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
with Jose Carreras

8. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera Dovunque Al Mondo
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Jose Carreras

9. La Traviata, opera De'Miei Bollenti Spiriti
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
with Jose Carreras

10. Il barbière di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), opera Una Voce Poca Fa
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
with Maria Callas

11. La Traviata, opera Addio Del Passato
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
with Maria Callas

12. Work(s) Tutte Le Torture
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Maria Callas

The Great Opera Voices,Gaetano Donizetti,Pietro Mascagni,Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Giacomo Puccini,Gioachino Rossini,Giuseppe Verdi,Maria Callas,José Carreras,Luciano Pavarotti,Plácido Domingo,Prime Cuts,Classical,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

Average customer rating: I hate to be rude, but . . . Outstanding Sacred Songs My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Franck, César | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Haunted Heart The Inner Voice : The Making of a Singer Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva ASIN: B000AM6OXK Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
3. Dank sei dir, Herr
4. Ave Maria, D839
5. Laudamus te
6. Panis Angelicus
7. Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
8. Simple Song
9. Pie Jesu
10. Domine Deus
11. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
12. Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
13. Abends will ich schlafen gehn
14. L'Adieu des bergers
15. Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
16. Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating: Flats and Sharps Still new... and fantastic A Swingle Singers Half Treasure - A capella reigns Best Swingles Ever

The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus Johann Sebastian Bach , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and The Swingle Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gigue | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Keyboard Classics Swingle Singers Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1 Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 2 Christmastime ASIN: B00000632P Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

1. Ein' feste Burg - Johann Sebastian Bach_
2. Organ Fugue from Fantasia and fugue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
3. The Well -Tempered Clavier: Prelude XVIII - Johann Sebastian Bach_
4. Cantata No. 140: Chorale prelude from Cantata No. 140 'Wachet Auf' - Johann Sebastian Bach_
5. Wachet Auf: Chorale from 'Wachet Auf' - Johann Sebastian Bach_
6. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier - Johann Sebastian Bach_
7. In Dulci Jubilo - Chorale Prelude - Johann Sebastian Bach_
8. In Dulci Jubilo - Chorale - Johann Sebastian Bach_
9. Andante fromSonata No. 2 for unaccompanied violin - Johann Sebastian Bach_
10. First movement from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
11. Cantata No. 208: Schafe konnen Sicher Weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze) from Cantata No. 208 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
12. Badinerie from Suite No. 2 - Johann Sebastian Bach_
13. Fugue VIII fromThe Well-Tempered Clavier - Johann Sebastian Bach_
14. Three - Part Invention - Johann Sebastian Bach_
15. Mass In B Minor: Et Resurrexit from Mass in B minor - Johann Sebastian Bach_
16. Bist Du Bei Mir - Johann Sebastian Bach_
17. St. Mathew Passion: Blute Nur, Du Liebes Herz - Johann Sebastian Bach_
18. Organ Fugue: Alla Gigue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
19. Suite No. 3: Air from Suite No. 3 (Air on a G String) - Johann Sebastian Bach_
20. Little Organ Fugue - Johann Sebastian Bach_
21. Cantata No. 60: Es Ist Genug from Cantata No. 60 - Johann Sebastian Bach_

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 40: Die Zauberflote - Overture - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
2. Symphony No. 40: I Molto Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
3. Symphony No. 40: II Andante - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
4. Symphony No. 40: III Minuetto: allegretto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
5. Symphony No. 40: IV Finale: Allegro assai - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
6. Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
7. String Quartet In G Major: Finale from String Quartet in G major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
8. Cosi fan tutte: Un' Aura Amorosa from Cost fan tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
9. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Finale: Rondo from Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
10. Finale from Horn Concerto No. 4 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
11. Canzonetta from Don Giovanni - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
12. Terzettino from Cosi Fan Tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
13. Gigue - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
14. Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
15. Hostias from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
16. Requiem: Quam Olim Abrahae from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
17. Piano Sonata In A Major: Finale: Alla Turca from Piano Sonata in A major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
18. Fantasia In F Minor And Major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Customer Reviews:

Flats and Sharps.......2007-05-18

I enjoy the Swingle Singers very much but sadly, in this album they are flat on about half of the tracks. When they are on key, they are very, very good. When they are flat they are awful. Recommendation: buy a different Swingle Singers CD.

Still new... and fantastic.......2007-03-25

As time goes by, these recordings seem to become better and better. Fresh, perfect... fantastic CD.

A Swingle Singers Half Treasure -.......2007-03-10

If you love Bach and are a fan of the Swingle Singers, buy this CD. Fans of the Swingle Singers enjoy them for what they do to music - release it with air and bounce - and their style is perfectly suited for Bach. I couldn't enjoy it more. But the second Cd in this set is their treatment of Mozart, and, for me, it's inconsistent. This is due to the different styles of the two composers and I just think they match up better with Bach. But at this price, I shouldn't be complaining. The first CD alone is worth twice as much. Snatch it up!

A capella reigns.......2007-01-12

Another fine offering by this group. Fun for classical music buffs and novices.

Best Swingles Ever.......2006-02-16

If you know the Swingle Singers, you may expect jazzed-up Bach with a rhythm section. Now, don't get me wrong, i like that stuff, too, but that is just clean fun, while this is just Bach. No percussion, no jazzy rythym, just straight unaccompanied Bach. AND IT IS WONDERFUL.
Precise rhythm, clear vocal lines, everything you expect from the Swingles without the jazz. This is a really great album that should be bought by all Swingle lovers and all Bach lovers.
P.S. i bought this cd when it first came out,so I have never even heard the Mozart. With all due deference to fans of the worthy Wolfgang, i have always found the artful Amadeus rather a bore, so I will remain silent about that part of the album. No matter. The Bach alone is worth twice the price, so enjoy. And, hey, the Mozart is a nice bonus.

Average customer rating: Mad about Baroque The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes Brilliant Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames). Brilliant Purcell Disc

Essential Purcell Henry Purcell , New College Choir Oxford , King's Consort , Robert King , Roy Goodman , Charles Daniels , John Mark Ainsley , James Bowman , Peter Buckoke , Jane Coe , Rogers Covey-Crump , Gillian Fisher , Michael George , Miles Golding , Jane Norman , Barbara Bonney , Mark Caudle , William Carter , King's Consort Choir , Helen Gough , Paul Nicholson , Angela East , Barry Guy , Tessa Bonner , Jerome Finnis , Rupert Bawden , Lucy Howard , Richard Campbell , Susan Addison , James O'Donnell , and Stephen Saunders Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bonney, Barbara | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bonney, Barbara | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort Purcell: The Fairy Queen Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music ASIN: B000002ZDU Release Date: 1995-04-10

Tracks:

1. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 5: Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn. Symphony And Opening Chorus
2. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 3: Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
3. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: Oh, Fair Cedaria
4. The Choir Of The King's Consort: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
5. Great Baroque Arias: When I Am Laid In Earth ('Dido's Lament')
6. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.1: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears (Part 1)
7. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.4: The Sparrow And The Gentle Dove
8. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: If Music Be The Food Of Love (First Setting)
9. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.5: Rejoice In The Lord Always ('The Bell Anthem')
10. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Hosanna To The Highest
11. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.7: Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets Of Our Hearts
12. Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures: Fairest Isle, All Isles Excelling
13. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.6: Mark, How Readily Each Pliant String
14. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: Sound The Trumpet
15. Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.3: She Loves And She Confesses Too
16. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: O How Blest Is The Isle
17. Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
18. Complete Anthems And Services Vol. 11: An Evening Hymn
19. Complete Church Music Vol.2: Vouchsafe, O Lord, To Keep Us This Day
20. Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.2: With Rapture Of Delight... Hail Bright Cecilia

Amazon.com essential recording

The "Essential" Purcell? Well, you could get a bunch of critics to argue about that for a few days, but in the meantime, here is a sampler of highlights from the King's Consort's three admirable Purcell series: the Complete Odes and Welcome Songs, Complete Anthems and Services, and Complete Secular Solo Songs. There are, of course, some of Purcell's most-performed pieces (which probably are "essential"): Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, "Sound the trumpet" from Come, ye sons of Art, Rejoice in the Lord alway (the "Bell Anthem," named for the string figure at the opening that sounds like pealing bells), the gently patriotic "Fairest isle, all isles excelling" (sung by a miscast James Bowman), and a selection from the funeral music for Queen Mary. There are also some delightful surprises--particularly among the little-known secular songs and church music. The plaintive "O fair Cedaria" gets a lovely performance by Barbara Bonney (a singer not usually associated with Purcell); tenor Rogers Covey-Crump (possibly the ideal high tenor for Purcell) sings the enchanting "If music be the food of love"; the church anthems "Let mine eyes run down with tears" and "Remember not, O Lord, our offences" have some startling harmonies as daring as any Monteverdi ever wrote. If you're unfamiliar with Purcell, this reasonably priced disc is a good place to start exploring without a big initial investment. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Mad about Baroque.......2007-02-12

This is a terrific CD. The music is breathtaking. Just buy IT !!!!!

The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes.......2002-08-21

Absolutely beautiful baroque music! The arrangament, singing and instrumentation is superb. It is too bad that Henry Purcell is not as widely known as Bach, because he should be recognized equally well."The Sparrow and the Gentle dove" is alone worth the price of the album! I can not stop playing it!

Brilliant.......2001-10-31

Like in his renditions of Handel's oratorios, Robert King manages to bring a freshness and strenght to Purcell's music that I had seldom heard before. This CD also features some of the best performers of early music in the world. My favourite tracks are Oh, Fair Cedaria, sung by the multi-talented Barbara Bonney; Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher; She Loves and she Confesses too, sung by the wonderful Susan Gritton; and Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn, sung by Rogers Covey-Crump. The only track I didn't find absolutely wonderful is Fairest Isle, sung here by James Bowman. Don't get me wrong, I generally love Mr Bowman, I think that his performance in Mr Purcell's Most Admirable Composures (also conducted by Robert King) makes it another essential Purcell recording; but I find that Fairest Isle was much better done elsewhere, particularly by Christopher Hogwood and Barbara Bonney.

These songs aren't only beautiful, they're also poignant, sweet and unpretentious. I think that it will be very clear to anyone who listens to this recording that Mr Purcell was one of the finest composers that ever lived.

Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames)........2001-10-20

If anyone has benefitted from the reversion in the last three or so decades to period instruments and historical reconstruction, it is Henry Purcell. Before, he was merely great, the peerless word-setter in the English language, a virtuoso of boundless range, a professional composer whose offical commissions were always imbued with personality and invention. But period instrumentation has added to this a greater depth, an other-worldly texture of sound. With his intricate, multi-part vocal writing, his preference for low, rumbling instruments such as the bass viol and the strange and remarkable theorbo, as well as his often sombre and low-key subject matter and treatment, Purcell creates a round, glowing, humming sound as pregnantly full as dub reggae.

This has an extraordinary effect on the listener. Whereas Bach, with his mathematical abstractions, sounds universal and timeless, Purcell's music takes the listener back 300 years, back to different ways of thinking about, feeling about and addressing things we still think etc. about today - death, love, friendship. The emotion is timeless, but the music's beauty is alien, THEIRS, hence its preciousness.

A lot of intelligence has gone into the unity of this compilation, beginning with two Welcomes (to the dawn and to the listener, in this case a King), and ending with thoughts of evening, death and a Baroque 'Thank you for the music'. These are bright, fanfare-like works, but the predominant mood is slow, ruminative, quiet. The selection covers the wide range of Purcell's oeuvre, from opera and funeral marches to secular songs and odes, and includes his most famous vocal works - Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher, and never more evocative of pagan loss and death; the massive 'Bell Anthem', with its ingenious opening symphony and joyful antiphon; and a miraculously serene 'Evening Hymn', Dido's opposite, death indicating hope, the treble voice swirling over the heavy ground bass like the soul released from the inert body.

it might seem quixotic to choose highlights from an exemplary collection of highlights, but the entry of the strings washing over the serene repetition of 'Be Welcome then, great Sir' always makes my heart stop still, while the musical picture of 'Bold Honour', the 'noisy Nothing, stalking shade', blocking the poet's amorous intentions in 'She loves and confesses too', adds a chilling hint of life's transience to a bouyantly bawdy song.

Brilliant Purcell Disc .......2000-11-30

With this album director and Purcell expert Robert King provides the listener with an excellent introduction to the composer's vocal works. The pieces presented here were taken from Mr. King's recordings of 'The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs', 'The Complete Anthems and Services', 'The Complete Secular Solo Songs' and diverse anthology discs. King, his wonderful soloists and musicians do the brilliance of Purcell's music fully justice. Whether he was commissioned by royalty, the church or theatre, Purcell shone in all areas. This disc certainly demonstrates the variety and originality of his craft, not to speak of his uncanny ability of setting words to music.

An outstanding Purcell offering. With a beautiful perfomance by Barbara Bonney of 'Oh, fair Cedaria'. Susan Gritton is equally captivating in 'She loves and she confesses too'. Gillian Fisher's rendition of the famous 'Dido's Lament' is haunting and poignant. Further an intelligent and brilliant 'Hosanna to the highest' by Michael George. James Bowman and Michael Chance sparkle in the countertenor duet 'Sound the trumpet' (from 'Come Ye sons of Art away'). And I should not forget to mention the joyous, luminous performance of the beautiful 'Bell Anthem'. To name but a few favourites, only James Bowman's 'Fairest Isle' was a disappointment.

Those who are familiar with Purcell's music will get an excellent disc with some of his most beloved works. If you are new to Purcell, this is, as already said a great introduction. Which might be the incentive to further explorations of Purcell.

by stardustraven

Average customer rating: Music and the Great War How a Century Has Change Our Perception of War Excellent Recording! Good music, bad title

The Great War: Classical And Popular Selections From The Time Of World War I (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berg | Berg, Alban | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schoenberg | Schoenberg, Arnold | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great War Over There - Songs From America's Wars Words and Music of World War II The Roaring Twenties Songs That Got Us Through WWII ASIN: B00000HXKX Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. Military March No. 1 In D Major, Op. 39: Pomp Ad Circumstance
2. Waltz Fom Der Rosenkavalier Suite
3. 'Von der Schonheit' From Das Lied von der Erde
4. 'De l'aube a midi sur la mer' From La Mer
5. Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical Symphony': III. Gavotta. Non troppo allegro
6. L'histoire du soldat Suite - IV. The Royal March
7. L'histoire du soldat Suite - V. The Little Concert
8. Le tombeau de Couperin - V. Menuet
9. Le tombeau de Couperin - VI. Toccata
10. Sinfonia From Pulcinella Suite
11. Walzer From Funf Klavierstucke, Op. 23
12. Interlude From Wozzeck, Act III
13. Prologue From Music Ffor The Theatre
14. 'Shine On Harvest Moon'
15. 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' - Irving Berlin
16. 'Over There'
17. 'How You Gonna Keep'em Down On The Farm (After They've Seen Paree)?'
18. 'The Man I Love' From Stride Up The Band
19. 'West End Blues'

Amazon.com

The first two-thirds of this disc is a fascinating cram course in concert music around the time of World War I. The programmer has put together some fascinating juxtapositions--for example, Strauss's Rosenkavalier leads almost seamlessly into Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, and Schoenberg sounds out of context with everybody (including Berg). The selections are all short, and performance quality runs from great to mediocre, but this is still a thought-provoking educational experience, even though Bartók and Ives are conspicuously missing. The popular selections are less interesting, often campy, and although vintage recordings are used, they aren't always the right vintage. And someone missed a point by separating Copland's jazzy "Music for the Theatre" from Louis Armstrong, who could have followed immediately. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Music and the Great War.......2007-05-14

This is a fascinating compendium of popular and classical music from the World War One period. It evokes all the turmoil, anguish, and also humor, of the age, and is a vital CD to own if you have an interest in the Great War and the music it inspired or was inspired by.

How a Century Has Change Our Perception of War.......2005-10-29

War. Tough subject these days - tough subject since the beginning of time. Yet Americans tend to mend wounds and gradually allow the atrocities of yesteryear to fade into coated cases that signal more memories of 'how things used to be' rather than learning from the tragedies with which war has scarred the planet. National Public Radio issued this excellent memoir at the turn of the millennium and one wonders if it now has the same response that greeted it in 1999.

Linda Kobler reconstituted this mix of classical and popular music with a keen sense of history. The CD is twice divided (in both the classical and the popular music) into 'Before the War' 1901 - 1917, 'During the War' 1917 - 1922, and 'After the War' 1922 - 1928. In the first era are the works of Elgar ('Pomp and Circumstance'), Strauss (a waltz from 'Der Rosenkavalier'), Mahler (excerpt from 'Das Lied von der Erde'), and Debussy ('La Mer') joining the songs 'Shine On Harvest Moon' and 'Alexander's Ragtime Band'. The War period is represented by Prokofiev's 'Symphony No. 1', Stravinsky's 'L'histoire du soldat', and Ravel's 'Le tombeau de Couperin' in tandem with 'Over There'. After the war include Stravinsky ('Pulcinella Suite'), Schoenberg (Waltz from 'Five Piano Pieces'), Berg (excerpt from 'Wozzeck') and Copland ('Music from the Theatre') with popular songs 'How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm', 'The Man I Love', and 'West End Blues'.

The excerpts selected for this survey are exceptionally good: orchestras include NY Phil, LA Phil, Philadelphia Orchestra, London Symphony, and the Columbia Symphony under such batons a Ormandy, Bernstein, Salonen, Tilson Thomas, Schippers and Stravinsky; soloists include Glen Gould, Robert Casadesus, Lili Chookaskian, Louis Armstrong, et al. The sonics are very fine and the performances are each from significant full recordings remaining in the catalogue.

The booklet accompanying this concert of memories is written by Linda Kobler who uses each selection as a pivotal point in the atmosphere of the globe that accompanied the Great War: it is very well written and informative. This is one of those recorded collections that goes far beyond an accumulation of bits and pieces and instead gives food for thought about how our political and social actions intertwine with the arts in a prophetic way. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Excellent Recording!.......1999-03-13

(It was called The "Great" War, because nobody knew about WWII at the time and it was the biggest war anyone had ever seen.)

I think this CD may be a bit choppy to "easy" listeners, but for anyone who has a sincere interest in delving into the musical senses of earlier generations it's VERY good! I recommend the entire NPR Milestones of the Millennium series to such aficionados.

Good music, bad title.......1999-02-11

Since when is war great? Life in the trenches waiting for the germans to attack you worrying about whether mustard gas is gonna loft your way isn't exactly like sipping chablis.

Average customer rating:

Great Voices of the Twentieth Century: Jussi Björling Manufacturer: Castle Pulse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beach | Beach, Amy Marcy Cheney | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Godard, Benjamin | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection Jussi Björling Rediscovered Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias The "Pearl Fishers" Duet Jussi Björling: Opera Arias ASIN: B0009HL12U Release Date: 2005-07-04

Tracks:

1. Pearl Fishers Duet (With Robert Merrill-Baritone)
2. Recitar Vesti La Giubba
3. La Fleur Que Tu M'avis Jetee (The Flower Song)
4. Sylvia
5. Angels Guard Thee (Berceuse)
6. La Donna E Mobile
7. O Soave Fanciulla
8. M'appari Tutt Amor
9. Cielo E Mar
10. Se Quel Guerrier Lo Fossi Celete Aida
11. I Bless Ev'ry Hour
12. Ah Love But A Day
13. Spirit Flower
14. Because
15. Cujus Animam
16. Che Gelida Manina
17. Mi Batte Le Cor-O Paradiso
18. Instant Charman-En Fermant Les Yeux
19. E Lucevan Le Stelle
20. Salut Demeure Chste Et Pure

Album Description

Swedish tenor with a smooth, refined style, ringing high notes of great power, and impeccable musicianship. Includes the all-time favourite duet with Robert Merrill "The Pearl Fishers". Castle. 2005.

Album Details

Swedish Tenor with a Smooth, Refined Style, Ringing High Notes of Great Power, and Impeccable Musicianship. Includes the All-time Favourite Duet with Robert Merrill "The Pearl Fishers".

Average customer rating:

The Great Vienna Waltzes Manufacturer: Madacy Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Josef Strauss | Strauss, Josef | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Favorite Waltzes Strauss Waltzes Strauss: The Best of Vienna ASIN: B000000LO9 Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. The Blue Danube: Waltz Op. 314
2. Roses From The South: Waltz Op. 388
3. Village Swallows From Austria: Waltz Op. 164
4. Love Song: Waltz Op. 114
5. Be Embraced, Millions: Waltz Op. 443
6. Coronation: Waltz
7. Waltz Op. 410

Tracks:

1. Emperor's Waltz: Waltz Op. 437
2. Vienna Sweets: Waltz Op. 307
3. Tres Jolie: Waltz
4. Where The Lemons Bloom: Waltz Op. 364
5. Accelerations: Waltz Op. 234
6. Karel Komzak: Waltz
7. 'freut euch des lebens': Waltz Op. 340
8. Treasure Waltz: Waltz Op. 418

Tracks:

1. Vienna Blood: Waltz Op. 354
2. Wine, Women And Song: Waltz Op. 333
3. 'guntswalzer': Waltz
4. Artist's Life: Waltz Op. 316
5. Morning Papers: Waltz Op. 279
6. Ice Scaters: Waltz
7. Tales From The Vienna Wood: Waltz Op. 325

Average customer rating:

Inner Voices: Soothing Music for the Soul Manufacturer: Spj Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music St. Louis Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Easy Listening | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: If...: Music of Inspiration and Aspiration Work Out: Music of Energy and Power Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set) ASIN: B00005Y9WQ Release Date: 1998-07-28

Average customer rating:

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - 20 Favorite Uplifting Hymns Manufacturer: Time Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Haydn | Haydn, Michael | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites Hymns We Have Loved - Mormon Tabernacle Choir God Bless America Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral ASIN: B0001HOXSW Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

1. O My Father
2. Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah
3. Faith of Our Fathers
4. O Worship the King
5. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
6. Lift Thine Eyes
7. Now the Day Is Over
8. Hail, Bright Abode
9. Hear My Supplication
10. Hallelujah Chorus
11. Come, Come, Ye Saints
12. Abide with Me
13. Praise to the Lord
14. Lord's Prayer
15. Mighty Fortress
16. Now Thank We All Our God
17. Let the Mountains Shout for Joy
18. Jesus, World of God Incarnate
19. Achieved Is the Glorious Work
20. Rise! Up! Arise!

Average customer rating: One Who Loved Sir Robert; eager to see him again I may be musically challanged but.... Good selection of pieces, uniformly flat performances Standard Shaw

Absolute Heaven Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlioz, Hector | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Boito, Arrigo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mahler, Gustav | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Poulenc, Francis | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Faure, Gabriel | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Dvorak, Antonin | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sacred: Inspirational and Spiritual Music for Choir and Orchestra Choral Masterpieces Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus) ASIN: B000003D2K Release Date: 1997-04-29

Tracks:

1. Prologue (Excerpt)
2. Agnus Dei - Donna Carter
3. Kyrie - Edith Wiens
4. Hallelujah
5. Bless The Lord, O My Soul
6. Sanctus
7. Te Deum Laudamus (Excerpt)
8. Et In Terra Pax
9. Suscepit Israel
10. Pie Jesu - Judith Blegen
11. Libera Me (Excerpt) - Susan Dunn
12. Regina Coeli - Christine Brewer
13. Benedictus - David Gordon
14. Rex Tremendae
15. Finale - Heidi Grant Murphy

Amazon.com

This sampler, which appeared in 1997, features Robert Shaw, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and its associated choruses in selections from some of the choral-orchestral blockbusters they recorded for Telarc between 1979 and 1993, in consistently excellent sound. Shaw's unrivalled mastery of this repertory shines through in every selection on the disc, not least in the excerpts that frame the program: the final pages of the "Prologue in Heaven" from Boito's Mefistofele, and the towering conclusion of Mahler's Symphony No. 8, both magnificently done. Just one warning: after listening to this, you're likely to find yourself hurrying back to buy the recordings of the complete works. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

One Who Loved Sir Robert; eager to see him again .......2006-06-30

If anyone goes back into that memory of nostalgia...It is easy to create good reminders of seeing, hearing and singing with Sir Robert Conducting JS Bach, Berlioz, Brahms, Mozart, Poulenc, Schubert and Vivaldi!

When anyone hears once again Donna Carter, Edith Wiens, Judith Blegen, Susan Dunn, Christine Brewer, Dawn Upshaw and William Stone it is a totally unforgetable Moment! Upon more keenly intense listening I found similarities in the voices of Edith Wiens...Judith Blegen and Donna Carter. In fact, I can exchange the songs of Donna, Edith and Judith without being sure of which is the right soprano. That is almost equal to the voice of Susan Dunn! The last two Sopranos, Christine Brewer and Dawn Upshaw are different qualities with a bit more variety of color and depth! Shaw had a masterful taste in choosing the right soprano for each demand and challenge!

When one dwells upon Shaw Favorites with CD's of "Deep River & other SPIRITUALS, Christmas with Robert Shaw, surely, CHORAL MASTERPIECES and Johannes Brahms GERMAN REQUIEM...what else is THERE?

No other Choral Inflence has been seen greater than upon Donald Neuen, Craig Jessop or Norman MacKenzie! SING-Cerely, "Revi" Fred W Hood

I may be musically challanged but...........2002-10-23

This is one of those recordings that would have a hole worn in it from overuse if CD's were capable of getting holes from being used. This is the most used CD in my entire collection. I love it! It picks me up when I am down and it quiets me when I am high. It send shivers down my spine and sets my heart pounding. In short, it does everything a good CD is supposed to do. I don't want to listen to an hour of the same piece. I am entirely content listening to the highlights. As I said before, I may be musically challanged, but this CD is my favorite.

Good selection of pieces, uniformly flat performances.......2000-07-27

This is a collection of choral selection from previous Telarc recordings featuring the Robert Shaw Chorale and the Atlanta Symphony. Recording dates range from 1979 to 1993.

It's a great cross-sampling of (mostly) Romantic-era choral pieces, the choral singing is as usual impeccable, and it's a great group of soloists.

As these excerpts are from some of my very favorite pieces of music, I kept wondering why I wasn't more enthusiastic about this compilation.

Part of the problem is hearing the music in excerpts (a movement here, an aria there) is pretty frustrating. Entering smack in the middle of the last movement of Mahler 8, it can take you a while to get your musical bearings.

I'm also not wild about most of the interpretations, many of which struck me as kind of flat and uninspired (the Verdi Requiem and the Mahler 8 stick out in my mind). Suffice to say I didn't learn anything new about any of the pieces on the album, and in every case there is a recording of the work I like much better. (Except the Cavalleria rusticana excerpt, which I really liked, go figure.)

Bottom line: if you're not familiar with these works, and want a good (and very well-performed) cross-section of Romantic choral pieces, give it a listen. But then do yourself a favor and buy complete and more inspired versions of the pieces you really like.

Standard Shaw.......2000-05-29

Like all of Shaw's recordings, this one is once again up to standards. A great assortment of selections from the religous works of many artists.

Average customer rating: Well done and interesting Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music

Life & Works of Bach Bach , Siepmann , and Shrapnel Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven Life & Works The Life and Works of Frédéric Chopin The Life and Works of Joseph Haydn The Life and Works of Franz Schubert ASIN: B0000666A8 Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

1. Family Background And Early Years
2. Music: Capriccio On The Departure Of His Beloved Brother
3. Bach And The Organ
4. Music Toccata And Fugue In D Minow, BWV 565
5. Bach In Trouble
6. Music: Trio Sonata In E Flat, BWV 525
7. Bach The Husband And Father
8. Music: Vivaldi/Bach: Concerto In A Minor For Four Harpsichords
9. Bach The Younger Composer
10. Music: Prelude And Fugue In A Minor, BWV 543
11. Bach In Weimar (And In Jail)
12. Music: Prelude In E Flat Minor (The Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1)
13. Bach Leaves Weimar
14. Music: Violin Concerto In E Major (Finale)

Tracks:

1. Bach At Cothen
2. Music: Concerto For Two Violins (Largo Ma Non Tanto)
3. Bach And The Brandenburgs
4. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D (First Movement)
5. From Grief To Joy Through Faith
6. Music: 'Et Resurrexit' (B Minor Mass)
7. New Beginnings: Bach Remarries And His Family Grows
8. Music: Aria In G
9. Goldberg Variations And Anna Magdalena's Notebook
10. Music: Stolzel: Bist Du Bei Mir
11. Domestic Happiness And The Move To Leipzig
12. Music: Magnificat
13. Bach's Duties At Lepzig
14. Music: Cantata No. 80 (Duetto)
15. Bach The Teacher
16. Music: Sinfonia (Three-Part Invention) In E Flat
17. The Great Keyboard Works On Educational Agenda
18. Music: Italien Concerto
19. A Letter To The King
20. Music: Cantata No. 147 (Opening Chorus)

Tracks:

1. Bach Takes Up The Poet's Pen
2. Music: Partita No. 1 In B Flat BWV 825 (Courante)
3. Bach's Frustration At Leipzig
4. Music: Singet Dem Herrn, BWV 225
5. Frustrations Intensify
6. Music: St John Passion (Opening Chorus)
7. Bach's Efforts To Leave Leipzig
8. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (First Movement)
9. The King Of Poland's Jubilee
10. Music: Suite No. 3 In D, BWV 1068
11. The Ernesti Affair
12. Music: Prelude In D Major, BWV 532
13. Adolf Scheibe's Scathing Views On Bach
14. Music: Concerto In C For Three Harpsichords (Finale)

Tracks:

1. Bach And Opera
2. 'Coffee' Cantata (Excerpts)
3. 'Peasant' Cantata (Excerpts)
4. The Twilight Years
5. Music: The Art Of Fugue
6. Bach's Visit To Frederick The Great
7. Music: The Musical Offering
8. Decline And Death
9. Music: Mass In B Minor

Customer Reviews:

Well done and interesting.......2005-02-22

This recording alternates extended selections of Bach's music (complete pieces or movements) with a narrated and sometimes dramatized biography of Bach. The music selections are excellent and the biography itself is well done and interesting. The lengthy accompanying booklet is also very nice.

My only reservation comes from a feeling that the music and the narration are not as well integrated as they could be. The narrator identifies the musical selections and may give a sentence or two of background for the selection but never really discusses it. Instead, the narration is focused almost entirely on the events of Bach's life. I would have preferred more of a "music appreciation" approach that discussed the music, and had trouble getting used to the bifurcated nature of production. The extended free-standing music selections do mean that the four discs are a sort of "best of Bach" anthology and you can re-listen to just the music by skipping every other track.

Naxos also produces a 2-disc set called An Introduction to Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4 & 5 (ASIN: B0000666A9), also by Mr. Seipmann, which closely analyzes the actual music of these two concertos. I found that the two sets are complementary with no overlap, except for part of the booklets, and I would recommend getting both if you have an interest in Bach and are also interested in understanding what to listen for in his music. In addition (or as an alternative), I would also recommend the lectures by Robert Greenberg on "Bach and the High Baroque" produced by the Teaching Company, which are much longer, more detailed, and more focused on the "music appreciation" aspect. They are also much more expensive.

Overall, this item is very worthwhile and a good value, like most of Naxos's products.

Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music.......2002-08-21

Naxos continues to do a wonderful job with its "Life and Works" series. Quite some time ago, we had a Life/Works of Mozart, one of Chopin and then two more, Liszt and Beethoven. he latter are even better packaged than are the earlier sets, with a thick booklet that offers us essays on the historical background, the position of the composer in his time, a look at the major works, a listening plan, recommended readings, personalities, a calendar of the artist's life, a glossary, and a discography. This booklet is worth the price of the set alone.

Now we have two more entries in this amazing series, again written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann: "Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky" (8.558036-39) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 5 min. and "Johann Sebastian Bach" (8.558051-54) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 34 minutes. (Please see my comments for the Tchaikovsky on that webpage.)

In direct contrast to the tortured personality of Tchaikovsky, we have the life-loving J.S. Bach, he who lost his temper only when he ran up against ineptitude. Again, the biographical details are fascinating. But also again, the musical examples are far too few--especially for this prolific composer--and some are simply far too long. We do not really need a complete rendition of the famous "Toccata and Fugue" and certainly not of the "Prelude and Fugue in A minor" to which is devoted a 13 minute track.

Here the voice of Bach is supplied by actor John Shrapnel, with Trevor Nichols, Ruth Sillers and David Timson in supporting roles. So 5 stars for the biography, somewhat less for musical examples.

Music Review:

1. The Great Tenors, Volume One
2. The Great Tenors, Volume Two
3. The World of the Symphony - Haydn: Symphony No. 50, 87, 89
4. Top 10 of Classical Music, Vol. 9: 1877-1893
5. An Elizabethan Songbook [Import]
6. Bach: 6 Partitas
7. Bach: Preludes and Fugues/Partita No. 6
8. Back to the Earth: Recorded Live in New York City [Live]
9. Beethoven: Sonatas for piano No23; Sonatas for piano No26
10. Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; Sonata for Violin and Piano

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Fresh, Vol. 4

MMC New Century, Volume IV

Lifesize

Spaced Out

Spooked

Let's Stay Together: The Modern Romantic Guitar

Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas

Moods: Romance [Import]

Old Home Town

Lo Sabemos [Import]

Nighttown [Import]

Maysa [Import]

LoveNation.FM, Vol. 3 [Import]

The Forties, Vol. 2: 1947-49

Civilization Phaze III