Howells & Leighton: Queen's College Choir

1. Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for St Paul's Cathedral for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

2. Nunc Dimittis for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

3. Hymn for St Cecilia, for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

4. Salve Regina for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

5. O Salutarius Hostia for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

6. My Eyes for Beauty Pine for chorus & organ
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

7. Like As the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks (Psalm 42), anthem for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

8. Second Service for chorus & organ, Op 62 Magnificat
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

9. Second Service for chorus & organ, Op 62 Nunc Dimittis
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

10. Give Me the Wings of Faith, for soloists, chorus & organ
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

11. O Sacrum Convivum
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

12. Solus Ad Victimam
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

13. Crucifixus Pro Nobis for tenor, chorus & organ, Op 38 Christ in the Cradle
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

14. Concerto for cello & orchestra, Op 31 Christ in the Garden
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

15. Crucifixus Pro Nobis for tenor, chorus & organ, Op 38 Christ in his Passion
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

16. Crucifixus Pro Nobis for tenor, chorus & organ, Op 38 Drop Drop Slow Tears, hymn
Composed by Kenneth Leighton
with John Attwater , Sarah Benn , Ben Campbell , Daniel Carroll , William Carroll , Ruth Coates , Nalini Ghuman , Angus Gilchrist , Neil Graham , Rachel Hewitt , Anthony Howe , Nigel Howells , Philippa Hyde

Tracks:

Symphony No.25 In G Minor, K.183: 1st Movemen
Stabat Mater: Quando Corpus Morietur And Amen
Bubak and Hungaricus
Serenade For Winds, K.361: 3rd Movement
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Turkish Finale
Symphony No.29 In A Major, K.201: 1st Movement: Allegro Moderato
Concerto For Two Pianos, K.365: 3rd Movement
Mass In C Minor, K.427: Kyrie
Symphonie Concertante, K.364: 1st Movement

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In E Flat Major, K.482: 3rd Movement - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Ivan Moravec
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act III: Ecco La Marcia - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act IV: Ah Tutti Contenti - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Don Giovanni: Act II: Commendatore Scene - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Felicity Lott
Requiem, K.626: Introitus (Eternal Rest Give To Them, O Lord) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Rex Tremandae Majestatis (Awe-Inspiring King) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Confutatis (When Those Cursed Enter Flames) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Lacrymosa (Mournful Day) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Piano Concerto In D Minor, K.466: 2nd Movement (Romanza) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Imogen Cooper

Customer Reviews:

A Whitman sampler of Mozart.......2007-05-02

Truth be told, classical music--like most other kinds--is best heard in the program context for which it was written. Yet any time you can get Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and Mozart in the same place at the same time, you can hardly *not* go for it.

Like the famous chocolate sampler, you get a few of each flavor but not all you want of your favorite kind.

How then to decide? Well, viewing the rollicking good movie AMADEUS tips the scales towards buying and enjoying this fabulous, if disordered, compilation of the Mozart greats that went into the making of a movie that forever dissed the composer's rep but also gained him some fans among non-classical-listening movie-goers.

For the price you also receive a superb liner booklet that locates each piece within the film's narrative and says a word or two about the music on its own merits.

A winner for Mozart lovers.

shows some of Mozart's highlight pieces.......2007-04-15

This CD to me pretty much has all of my favoirite songs that he has made, Especially the reqeium. A must listen to Cd that I think any classical music fan will enjoy, I sure did.

Great Price.......2006-03-02

Great price for the product. I am so glad I logged onto Amazon.com for things like this. It arrived faster than expected. I will definitely continue to buy more in the future.

An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!.......2005-05-23

Eventhough many kids in school listen to rap and all, I listen to classical. After watching Amadeus, I was moved by the pieces selected to be played in the film. I especially liked Symphony No. 29 1st Movement. Also, when Salieri is at the Archbishop of Salzburg's palace and reads Mozart's piece, Serenade for Winds, is among my favorites. In Serenade for Winds, Mozart creates a very emotional and almost night music feel to it. I was surprised that the director/conductor did not put in a few more famous pieces into the album . . . ex. Symphony No. 40, The Magic Flute, etc. This is an excellent album and anyone who wants to enjoy the genius of Mozart should purchase this. Take it from me, you will enjoy this album immesensely.

If You've Seen The Movie...........2004-06-13

Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart's nervy youthfullness went far beyond his personal life.His choice of music very much reflects
his own spirit.He chose to set to music Le Nozze Di Figaro (a
play largely blamed for starting the French Revolution) put him
somewhat at odds with Emperor Joseph.His tendency (very much in
attendance here) to compose opera's in German at a time when
Italian opera was at it's post popular also made him a bit of a musical rebel of his day.I don't listen to alot of classical music (but certainly I have favorites,notably by Eric Satie) but Mozart's many concereto's,acts of his opera's and so
on demonstrate the youthful composers gift for melody and yes,
even hints at improvisation that set 18'th century Vienna (and
later the world) on fire!And Peter Shaffer was sure to include
acts from Mozarts errie unfinished reqeuim mass towards the end
of this CD.So to fans of the movie with more then a passing interest in classical music will enjoy this!And I think Mozart's
spirit will always be alive in those who choose to challange themselfs to innovate within music and get the public's ear to
stretch!

Average customer rating:

the "best" of the best group ever

Lux Aurumque

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Harvest Home
J.S. Bach: Motetten
Cathedral Classics
Blue Wheat
December Stillness

ASIN: B000NVIXNW
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Of Thy Mystical Supper, Op.58, No.7
A Prayer Of The Middle Ages
O Sacrum Convivium
Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing
Salvation Is Created, Op.25, No.5
Hymn To the Creator Of Light
O Magnum Mysterium
Lux Aurumque
Ave Maria
Complete This Work
We Hymn Thee
To God 'In Memorian M.B.'
Our Father

Album Description

"The Dale Warland Singers' intonation and clarity of choral texture do nothing less than amaze." -- American Choral Catalog

"Outstanding ensemble singing, highlighted by lovely legatos and unisons and by consistently sensitive sectional and group balances." -- ClassicsToday

"The seamless blend and rich sound of what is probably America's best chorus is on display." -- Seattle Weekly

The sequel to their beloved Cathedral Classics CD. Includes Morten Lauridsen's enormously popular O Magnum Mysterium. The program is a collection of cathedral masterpieces from various countries--Germany, England, Russia, Latvia, Russia, and the US. The final Dale Warland Singers CD recording before their disbandment in 2004. Within its first month, the Dale Warland Singers' previous release on Gothic (Harvest Home) became the label's best-selling CD ever, and hit Billboard's Top 20 Classical Chart. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the group was recognized as one of the world's foremost a cappella choral ensembles. This forty-voice professional choir recently celebrated its thirty-first, and final, season of concerts, tours, radio broadcasts, and critically acclaimed recordings following the retirement of founder and director Dale Warland.

Customer Reviews:

the "best" of the best group ever.......2007-06-15

This final recording of America's finest choral group ever (my apologies to Shaw and Wagner)and brings a fitting close to their impressive recording history. A follow-up to their original Catherdral Classics CD, a best seller, this CD has something for everyone. Tons of Russian work done with impeccable intonation, and spectacular performances of newer 20th and 21st century composers. Highlights most certainly are John Rutter's "Hymn to the Creator of Light" and 35 year-old Eric Whitaker's "Lux Aurumque". Both are performed with reverence and delicacy reminding the listener that this is singing from the heart by professionals at the top of their game. Bravo, Dr. Warland....

Average customer rating:

IMPRESSED
St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns
Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral
LACK OF DICTION?!!!
Marred by lack of diction

The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Treasures of English Church Music
The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
Abide With Me

ASIN: B00004U2KC
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Customer Reviews:

IMPRESSED.......2007-05-21

AS A FIRST TIME BUYER AT AMAZON,I AM IMPRESSED AT THE QUALITY OF CD AND TIME OF SERVICE

St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns.......2007-01-24

St. Paul's Cathdral is the second largest cathedral church in the basilican style, exceeded only by St. Peter's Rome. New York City's St. John the Divine is larger than St. Paul's, but with decidely gothic elements. All three cathedrals have fine choirs, but St. Paul's and St. John's continue the noble and unique sound of boys and men in the English tradition. St. Paul's great organ is one of the world's finest, with a decay of seven seconds. The great hymns are all here, conducted by John Scott, only recently appointed organist of St. Thomas' Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. This is a recording will a be prized addition to your library of choral music. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral .......2006-02-24

This selection of recordings by The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral contains pieces representative of traditional Anglican musical liturgy. The technical aspects of this production on compact disk seem to be outstanding, but beware that the original recordings were in some cases less than stellar. Another reviewer points out that on some tracks the lyrics sung by the choir are overwhelmed by the superb organ playing, which no doubt occurred due to inadequate microphone placement during the recording sessions. That said, I nevertheless rate this presentation of the St. Paul's Choir highly. It provides a mixture of musical types. In addition to the choir, the CD presents the work of four organists, including a marvelous organ solo, as well as several pieces sung a cappella by the choir and its boy treble soloists. I especially recommend this choir's rendetion of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," which features the voices of two boy trebles, a boy alto and a bass, which yeilds a mesmerizing experience. Unless one is acquiring full sets of the St. Paul's Choir's music, this compact disk should delight anyone interested in traditional cathedral organ and choral music.

LACK OF DICTION?!!!.......2003-11-12

Obviously the individual who wrote the review including the "marred by lack of diction" remark is not too familiar with the traditional boychoir sound. I am moved to sickness that they were so openly compared with the sound of the all-too-familiar MTC. THOSE WERE ADULTS!!! These are boys! Boys cannot give the kind of sound of the MTC because their voices are not developed enough. The greatest hope a boychoir has of wowing audiences is in their contrast in dynamics. They model this beautiffully in their acapella pieces. In their accompanied pieces, I feel they hold their own above the (sometimes blearing) organ.
Know the genre a little better before you slander a great performance.

Marred by lack of diction.......2003-04-22

The singing is beautiful, melodious and full of harmony. The organ would make Bach proud.

But the lyrics do not stand out. In fact, they are obliterated by the surrounding melodies.

I hate to do this, but I am comparing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. These little boys would learn from them.

It is a pity that these grand lyrics should be obscured by inept singing by a choir of young boys and men.

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Average customer rating:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan

Pure delight

Delicious G&S samplings abound here.

Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan

The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures

ASIN: B000003D1Y
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

A Wandering Minstrel I
Behold The Lord High Executioner!
Three Little Maids From School Are We
Braid The Raven Hair
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
We Sail The Ocean Blue
I'm Called Little Buttercup
My Gallant Crew
When I Was A Lad
Things Are Seldom What They Seem
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Poor Wand'ring One
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
With Cat-Like Tread
Is Life A Boon?
I Have A Song To Sing, O!
Were I Thy Bride
Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Great music, fine performance
The Best of the best
Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung
A bleak Mid-winter
If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it

Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Christmas Star
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The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College

ASIN: B0000031H5
Release Date: 1993-01-20

Tracks:

In Dulci Jubilo
Adam Lay Ybounden
Christmas Night
Once, as I Remember
A Spotless Rose
In the Bleak Midwinter
There Is a Flower
The Cherry Tree Carol
I Wonder as I Wander
Candlelight Carol
O Tannenbaum
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
A Virgin Most Pure
I Sing of a Maiden
Lute-Book Lullaby
The Three Kings
Myn Lyking
O Little One Sweet
All My Heart This Night Rejoices
I Saw a Maiden
Away in a Manger
Nativity Carol

Amazon.com

"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries." This description might also say that the program contains some of the best and best-loved Christmas choral pieces of all time, presented in a pleasing mix of familiar carols and lesser-known original works. Among the best-known selections are Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Howells's "A spotless rose." Several original pieces by John Rutter appear here for the first time--"Christmas Night," "There is a flower," and "Nativity Carol." Other notable highlights are Peter Cornelius's "The three kings" and the lively Willcocks arrangement of "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day." Of course, the singing is among the best on the planet--in fact, there may even be a few heavenly angels in the soprano section. --David Vernier

Album Description

An incredible collection of 22 carols, old and new, including I Wonder As I Wander, Away In A Manger, O Tannenbaum, and In Dulci Jubilo. "In the field of choral Christmas CDs, Christmas Night shines brightest of all." David Vernier - Classics Today

Customer Reviews:

Great music, fine performance.......2007-01-26

Recommended for everyone to have since secularized "popular" Christmas music is repeated endlessly from mid November to 25 December with dreary lyrics and superficial performance. Carols of the Nativity is immensely better.

The Best of the best.......2006-12-22

I,ve been collecting Christmas Music for over 25 Years especially the non-pop genre. This is my desert CD. The Chanticleer and Kings College CDs are very good but this is the summit of quiet meditative music for the season. I always listen to this alone at night and still get thrilled and overwhelmed by it's beauty and sublimity. My favorite track is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" simply because of the beauty of the poetry of Rossetti. I always give this as a gift to my friends who enjoy beautiful acapella music.Do yourself a favor and purchase this most beautiful of all Christmas music. I own over 200 Christmas CD'S and this one gets played at least twice a season. The other Rutter Christmas CD's are excellent but not quite in the same class. This is a once in a lifetime album. It is the centerpiece of my own personal celebration of christmastime.

Beautiful Music, Beautifully Sung.......2003-12-18

This compilation of Christmas carols both traditional and modern stands in stark contrast to much of the bubble gum, soda pop Christmas music so often heard on popular radio these days. There are no divas or over the top performances or attempts to make "a moment". What there is are beautiful songs sung by talented singers.

So many of these carols are so beautiful that it's hard to pick out which are the best. More likely than not, that's going to be a highly personal choice but if you see one of your favorites on the track list you can be sure that it's well performed.

In short, this album should be part of your Christmas collection. It's best listened to in the quiet time on Christmas Eve.

A bleak Mid-winter.......2003-10-17

This CD contains the usual Rutter mix of gorgeous traditional treatments with a few incredibly schlocky arrangements. Fortunately, I can just leave the schlock off my iPod playlist (otherwise I'd return the CD).

The real letdown is my own fault: I didn't notice that "In the Bleak Midwinter" is the Darke version, not Holst. Ugh. If only the RealAudio samples had stretched one song further down the song list.

If you own one Christmas Music CD--this is it.......2002-12-24

You can't beat the polished ensemble sound of the Cambridge Singers and John Rutter has devoted his life to celebrating the joys of Anglican Christmas music. This is a coherent program of carols that you can play without skipping tracks. The selection is well-balanced and covers a broad historical range. Although there are some interesting alternatives out there for purists (such as Kings College Choir and the Tallis Singers)if you own just one CD of English Christmas music--this should be the one.

Average customer rating:

A Beautiful Muiscal Rendition of the Psalms

Psalms For The Soul

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
Psalms for the Spirit
The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
Lo the Full Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works
Treasures of English Church Music

ASIN: B00004VXDB
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

The Reproaches
Psalm VIII
Psalm XXIII
Psalm CXXII
They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships
Psalm LXXXIV
Psalm CXXX
The Lamentations Of Jeremiah
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm CXXI
Psalm CXXXI
Like As The Hart
Psalm CXLVIII
Psalm CXLIX
Psalm CL

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Muiscal Rendition of the Psalms.......2004-04-19

To some extent, the title of this collection PSALMS FOR THE SOUL is a bit oxymoronic. The psalms that are set to music in this collection are from the Bible, and therefore all psalms from scripture would be psalms for the soul, so to speak. I would imagine that the person who came up with the title was trying to market the recording to a broader public than just those who would purchase a religious CD and thought it would be catchy. But I digress and should not poke fun of the people of Naxos who do a tremendous service to classical music lovers by providing a wide variety of music at affordable prices.

This collection contains musical settings of the psalms. Some of the settings are anthems from the Anglican tradition. Other settings are more liturgical stemming from the Benedictine monastic tradition. Some of the settings are contemporary, others traditional. The Choir of St. John's under the direction of Noel Edison and organist Michael Bloss, performs the pieces with both beauty and reverence.

Tracks:

Mass: I Kyrie
Mass: II Gloria
Mass: III Credo
Mass: IV Sanctus
Mass: V Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Miserere Mei, Deus
Requiem: I Salvtor mundi
Requiem: II Psalm 23
Requiem: III Requiem aternam
Requiem: IV Paslm 121
Requiem: V Requiem aternam
Requiem: VI I Heard A Voice From Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly.......2006-12-29

WHOA!!! I bought this CD after singing the Barber with my college group. I never expected such great music! The Martin piece starts out the disc and in my opinion is very average. The Agnus Dei is absolutly gorgeous, the only downer being a sour soprano solo note, but the piece redeems itself at the climax, sending chills down your spine. The Howells Requiem is in a class by itself. You can honestly feel the pain and loss that the composer felt after losing his son, and I have never been so moved by any other piece of music. The singers are like liquid gold, especially in the third movement (Requiem I). All in all, a fantastic disc that belongs in every music lovers home. A MUST!!!

Definitely worth buying!!!.......2006-07-09

I initially heard Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei on our local Public Broadcasting radio station and immediately acquired my own copy afterwards. That piece alone is worth the entire CD.
I have listened to all the other tracks and the Requiem is also very moving.

remarkable transposition.......2006-03-11

The transposition of Barber's Adagio for Strings into a choral piece is by itself worth the price of this CD. This is ethereal music.

A Classic.......2006-02-22

This is a truly fantastic cd! The choir is very tight and seem to follow Dale Warland's every move. The Agnus Dei will give you chills as it reaches the climax of the piece. The Howell's Requiem will leave you at piece. The soloists are top notch, and the choir is as well, and I promise you won't be dissapointed.

Nothing else available like it........2005-09-26

Without question, this recording is on the "not optional" list for any choral director. The acoustics of the space in which it was recording, the amazing technical mastery of the performance, and the music itself are all what make this a very important choral CD.

There are, unfortunately, some real disappointments there too:

1. The fabled Allegri Miserere is certainly the low point of the CD, primarily because the greatness of the work (in my humble opinion) pales with those on the rest of the disc and because it is not performed with an idealy authentic style. Still, it is admittedly somewhat satisfying and very beautifully sung.

2. This CD contains what is perhaps the most perfect recording of Barber's Agnus Dei available anywhere, except for a single, heartbreakingly unfortunate blemish: the vital but 3-second-long soprano solo is very mediocre. Helas!

3. The Martin Mass is amazing music, and most of it's performance here is absolutely captivating and wonderful. The concluding Agnus Dei is perhaps the most personal and goosebump-raising movement, but it is sadly performed FAR too fast and dryly on this recording.

These criticisms notwithstanding, I still have given this a 5-star rating simply because the music selection is unlike anything available on one CD anywhere, and the vast majority of it is still first-rate. All the works included here have a unique and very interesting story behind them, and are very personal, powerfully touching works. The Howells Requiem is particularly amazing. Extraordinarily heart-wrenching, but in a very different, quiet, hazily dissonant, unbelievably lonely way.

Average customer rating:

THIS COMPILATION IS SICK!
YOUR SMOKING CRACK IF YOU THINK THIS CD IS BAD-----BUY THIS ITS AWESOME
Danny Howells Continues to Mix Quality Compilations
Dissapointing
It's not bad.....honestly

Global Underground: Miami
Danny Howells
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Global Underground: Shanghai
Fabric 20
Fundacion NYC
Dubai
Global Underground 013: Ibiza

ASIN: B00078803E
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

Subway - Thermal
Tomas Barfot - Light Shine (Original Mix)
An-2 - Road Through The Rain (Steve Bug Mix)
Ame - Shiro
Sneaker Pimps - Post Modern Sleaze (Salt City Mix)
Adam Kroll Break 3000 - Discotronic
Tantra - Hills of Kathmandu
Dj Nique - Mission Tf017
Olaf Pozsgay - Like A Virgin
Silicone Soul - Les Nocturnes
Mimosa - End of Me (Original Mix)
Atomphunk - Boogie Down (Kneedeep Mix)
Voigt & Voigt - Mittendrin
Oxtongue - Delight (Original Mix)
Bent - Exercise 5

Tracks:

Dennis Desantis - Thin Air
Codebase - Seek And Destroy
Dennis Desantis - Hiatus
Sid Lerock - Bulldozer (Original)
Steve Barnes - Cosmic Sandwich
Wighnomy Bros - Wurze & Blusse
Mateo Murphy - Latin Lover
Boogie Drama - Stalkers Groove
Drama Society - Crying Hero (Tiga Mix)
Bobby Peru - Blood Money
Unit 4 - Bodydub (Tiefschwarz Mix)
Solid Gold Playaz - Le Soul Afrique
Ashtrax - Freeload (Free Love)
Upfade - Friday Loops
Copy Shop - Mystery Guest
Throbbing Gristle - Hot On The Heels Of Love (Simon Radcliffe Remix)

Album Description

The world's most revered DJ mix series returns with an absolute stunner! This time around, in Global Underground's continued effort to bring the world's most exciting electronic music and party cities to you at home, Danny Howells took a trip with the GU crew to Miami. On a thrilling Halloween night, thousands of fans packed into the world's most popular nightclub, downtown Miami's Club Space to hear Mr. Howells drop a legendary main floor set of Disco classics, Detroit techno and thumping up-front House before exiting to the club's terrace to play a jaw-dropping sunrise set full of atmospheric experimental music reminiscent of disc one of his last Global Underground release, last year's acclaimed 24:7. That night became the inspiration for Danny's first release for our signature series, Global Underground #027 Miami. The album is a sublime mix of genres featurning the likes of Bent, Silicone Soul, Ashtrax, Throbbing Gristle and Danny's favourite record of all time, the breathtaking disco stunt "Hills of Katmandu" by Tantra.

A ten-year veteran DJ, with an unearthly ability to connect with his audience, Danny has consistently ranked high on every official and unofficial best DJ list there is. First making his appearance on the Global Underground imprint with his 2000 mix, Nubreed #2, Danny has gone on to gain notoriety as a ground breaking producer and remixer. His credits include a 2004 British Top 40 single ("Dusk `Til Dawn"), production collaborations with Deep Dish and remix commissions from Robbie Williams, David Morales and BT.

With the long standing tradition of Global Underground to tap the absolute crème talent to helm the GU series, Miami is sure to emerge as the essential dance music compilation of 2005 and Danny Howells will continue to rise as a star of today and tomorrow's electronic music hierarchy.

Customer Reviews:

THIS COMPILATION IS SICK!.......2007-02-13

This is one of Danny's best! He definitely knows how to keep his mixing fresh and current.

YOUR SMOKING CRACK IF YOU THINK THIS CD IS BAD-----BUY THIS ITS AWESOME.......2006-08-23

I was going to buy a Danny Howells CD after seeing him in San Diego. He was so much fun and so good live, but I was split between Choices and this GU CD. I am so glad I bought this one! IF any dumb sh*# would read the CD book the 1st CD was made at 8 am on the balcony, and the 2nd CD is made in the main room at 2am on sunday morning. When you listen it makes sense. 1st CD is happy and nice like it should be when you have been dancing since yesterday...solid beats and good vocals on a couple of tracks....just what I would listen to when the sun is rising. 2nd has a slight electro feel and gets much harder as it should be in the Wee hours of the morning in the main room. Another great CD from our friends from Global Underground and Danny Howells! This isn't the best CD that I have but I will be listening for the next couple weeks because its so good!!! If your on the fence you won't be disappionted!

Danny Howells Continues to Mix Quality Compilations.......2006-08-02

This is the third Global Underground album featuring Danny Howells. Each from a different subseries. The first being his GU premier on the Nubreed series, the second on the 24:7 series and now he hits GU's mainstem, the city series with Global Underground 027:Miami.

Howells continues to fuel his ever increasing reputation to mix up quality sets. Live or studio. In fact, I can't really think of any commericial compilations that he has mixed where I would not rate as well above average.

There is no real mood or tempo dintinctions between the two discs (unlike the majority of GU's city series). It could be argued that the first disc has a little more fluff. An overall house set that incorporates tracks from a mulitude of house subgenres while the second disc is a tad darker and more experimental.

On that note, disc 2 (as with disc 2 of 24:7) once again demonstrates Danny Howells' mastery over choosing tracks that mix so well together and sequencing them into a set that is flawless in its flow from start to finish. When he deviates from the overall established groove of the set by including a more harsh sounding track (hence the experimentation) it is never overly done or for a prolong period of the mix. This helps to preserve the enjoyment of the set while at the same time giving it a more a unique flare.

Disc 1 gets 4/5 stars and disc 2, 4.5/5 stars.

Dissapointing.......2006-05-11

After all the hype.. I had a listen and one word says it all "boring"
lacklustre tunes absolutely no energy or edge it seems like one spat out to keep the record bosses happy.
Having said that I went to see him last night 10/5/06 in Christchurch NZ.
He turned up 3 and a half hours late to play a tech/dirty house set that was inconsistant,messy and patchy very disappointed to say the least with none of even remotely like this cd.
To say this guy is one of the top DJ's is a joke, I've heard better from local DJ's
If you want good house check out house of OM.. kaskade or fred everything .. DJ Fluid.

It's not bad.....honestly.......2006-03-19

Although it took me more than several listening sessions to like this release, I honestly have to say that it grew on me. I like it....nothing more, nothing less....I just like it.

There are some fine moments in this GU Miami release and there are not so fine moments (track wise). I know this is of no help to anyone who is looking for more info on this compilation, but for some reason I can't say anything more.

Average customer rating:

Magnificent
Amadeus is a great movie and an equally great soundtrack!
Amadeus rocks!
It is miraculous!
24K Gold & 24 High Bit Remastering = the definitive edition!

Amadeus [Soundtrack] [Gold Cd]
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Fantasy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Amadeus - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Amadeus: More Music From The Original Soundtrack Of The Film Amadeus
Immortal Beloved / Sir Georg Solti (film 1994)
Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording
Amadeus: Original Soundtrack Recording

ASIN: B00005Y1SV
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183: 1st Movement (As Used in the Film,
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Serenade, K. 525: 1st Movement (As Used in the
Stabat Mater: Quando Corpus Morietur & Amen (As Used in the Film, ...) - Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
Salieri's March into Mozart's Non Pirai, For - Simon Preston
Serenade for Winds, K. 361: 3rd Movement (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Die Entf Aus Dem Serail, K. 384: Chorus of the Janissaries ...
Ich Me Wohl (Ein Deutsche Krieglied), K. 539: As Used in the Film,
Die Entf Aus Dem Serail, K. 384: Turkish Finale (As Used in ...)
Mass in C Minor, K. 427: Kyrie (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Concerto for Flute & Harp, K. 299: 2nd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Concerto for Flute & Harp, K. 299: 2nd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Symphony No. 29 in a Major, K. 201: 1st Movement (As Used in the Film,
Adagio in C Minor for Glass Armonica, K. 617: Adagio (As Used in ...)

Tracks:

Concerto for Two Pianos, K. 365: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Concerto for Two Pianos, K. 365: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Symphonie Concertante, K. 364: 1st Movement (As Used in the Film, ...)
Symphonie Concertante, K. 364: 1st Movement (As Used in the Film, ...)
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Caro Mio Ben (As Used in the Film, Amadeus) - Giuseppe Giordani
Piano Concerto in E Flat, K. 482: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Piano Concerto in E Flat, K. 482: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Piano Concerto in E Flat, K. 482: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Piano Concerto in E Flat, K. 482: 3rd Movement (As Used in the ...)
Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Ecco la Marcia (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Ecco la Marcia (As Used in the Film, Amadeus)
Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Ah Tutti Contenti (As Used in the Film, ...)
Buband Hungaricus [Early 18TH Century Gypsy Mus] - Anonymous Composer

Amazon.com

The Academy Award®-sweeping film Amadeus wisely pinned much of its dramatic thrust on Mozart's gloriously eternal music, and its soundtrack remains a concise yet rewarding introduction to Wolfgang's spectacular oeuvre. This newly remastered "Director's Cut" edition is a companion to the expanded DVD and features 24-bit encoding on two 24-karat-gold discs, sharpening the sonic clarity of the performances of Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields to near perfection. The performances (which, Marriner notes, crucially served as templates during actual production) have also been augmented to match the expanded new video edition and include a new, 2001 recording of the Adagio in C Minor for Glass Armonica, K. 617. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent .......2007-01-04

This soundtrack is an excellent review of some of Mozart's most beautiful works. His compositions are timeless and moving. No personal media library can be complete without him.

Amadeus is a great movie and an equally great soundtrack!.......2006-07-02

I have to admit, I didn't like classical music before I saw the movie Amadeus. After seeing how they used the music in the movie I had to have the soundtrack. I debated for a day or two over which version to buy, and finally chose this one, since it has Salieri's march to welcome Mozart. Not a huge addition, but it's the complete soundtrack, which is what I was after. Before I received the cds, I was wondering "What's the big deal about them being gold cds?" The sound quality is magnificent, you hear all the music clearly, even the softest strings. These cds capture the sound as it was in the movie (possibly even better...)The booklet that comes with it is full of information and pictures, including a synopsis of the film, and detailed information about the musical selections. I would recommend this to anyone who liked Amadeus, or anyone who loves Mozart's music.

The only negative thing about these cds is that the tracks were labelled incorrectly, repeating the title of one song many times instead of having the correct titles. It was easy enough to fix in my media player but it was frustrating. Don't know if I got a bad copy or not, but the track listing shown on Amazon.com helped me to fix it.

Amadeus rocks!.......2006-02-21

It was a Valentine gift to a friend's boyfriend and he loves it and has been listening to it all the time. Delivery was timely, too. I'm overall very satisfied! Thanx!

It is miraculous!.......2005-06-06

So said Antonio Salieri to Mozart's wife about his music, and this Special Edition Gold Cd set understands this statement. More precisely though, it is Sir Neville Marriner, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the various opera singers who should receive all the praise for this superb achievement. I have never heard such an authentic and high-quality recording of Mozart's music before. Thanks to the 24-bit encoding and the exceptional quality of the recording, the beauty of Mozart's music sounds as I believe it should. You can hear even the slightest or faintest of strings. Other recordings are simply lesser because of the tempo that is either too slow or too fast and the average clarity of the instruments. If you want to discover Mozart's music for the first time or complement your copy of Milos Forman's magnificent film, this is the set you have to get because it quite simply gets it right. The high price is all worth it as you get transported by this awesome music. It's a pity that classical music is now perceived to be reserved for a niche of artsy and boring people. That couldn't be farther from the truth! If people could just take the time to listen, just for a few minutes.

24K Gold & 24 High Bit Remastering = the definitive edition!.......2005-01-25

There are several different editions of Amadeus soundtracks ranging from single-disc to 3-disc sets available all at the same time, and it can be quite confusing at first.

After some research I ended up debating on whether to get the cheaper 1991 3-disc standard edition (ASIN: B000000XBV) or this 2002 2-disc special edition with '24 High-Bit' remastering. I had initial doubts that the latter contain the same 30 tracks, since it is only a 2-disc set, and decided to take a chance only after visiting the label site to confirm that it contains all 30 tracks as well.

Just a few days ago, it arrived from Amazon in a double-cd jewel case with a 30-page well-designed booklet, which has the movie sypnosis, individual narratives of almost all tracks, 2 articles about the movie and interspersed throughout with colourful scenes from the movie.

I discovered that the two '24K Gold' cds are able to contain the same number of tracks as the 3-disc standard edition because each disc is literally jam-packed to the brim, at 78.07 and 79.28 minutes respectively!

Due to the new '24 High-Bit' remastering, the sonic quality is excellent and perhaps die-hard fans of the earlier standard edition may even want to include this in their collection as well.

For those who are thinking of owning only one edition, this is the definitive edition to get if you really enjoyed the music in Amadeus and want the very best quality possible.

Stravinsky - The Rake's Progress / Bostridge · York · Terfel · von Otter · Howells · LSO · Gardiner

Average customer rating:

Rises to the top of the heap
Exquisite!
An essential version
An example of great English opera!
What a fun performance!

Stravinsky - The Rake's Progress / Bostridge · York · Terfel · von Otter · Howells · LSO · Gardiner
Igor Stravinsky , John Eliot Gardiner , Ian Bostridge , Bryn Terfel , London Symphony Orchestra , Monteverdi Choir , Anne Sofie von Otter , Anne Howells , Martin Robson , and Julian Clarkson Peter Bronder
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Alban Berg: Wozzeck (Opera in 3 Acts) - Franz Grundheber / Hildegard Behrens / Wiener Philharmoniker / Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Macbeth
Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano
Britten - Peter Grimes / Pears · C. Watson · Pease · Brannigan · J. Watson · Elms · Studholme · Kells · R. Nilsson · Lanigan · G. Evans · D. Kelly · ROH Covent Garden · Britten
Stravinsky: Works for Piano

ASIN: B00000JSAL
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

The Rake's Progress: Prelude
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Duet And Trio
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative And Quartet
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Duettino
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Arioso And Terzettino
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Recitative And Scene
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Cavatina
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Cabaletta
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Duet-Finale
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - [Introduction]
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Recitative And Arioso
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Trio
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Finale

Tracks:

The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Aria, Baba's Song, Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Pantomime
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative - Arioso - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Ruin Disaster. Shame
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Aria
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Aria, Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Stretto-Finale
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Prelude
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Arioso, Dialouge, Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Arioso
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Duet
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Lullaby
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Duettino
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Finale - Recitative
The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Finale - Mourning Chorus
The Rake's Progress: Epilogue

Amazon.com essential recording

This release makes one wonder if there is any music John Eliot Gardiner can't conduct well. Here, for what is probably the first time on CD, Gardiner goes for Stravinsky, and while a nitpicker might point out that Rake is Stravinsky's "Mozartean" opera, let's face it--it's real Stravinsky. Gardiner manages the composer's angles and strange rhythms superbly, and he concentrates on the lower instruments as well (the engineers assist nicely throughout), leading a fleet, ironic performance of this tough work while underlining the score's sweetnesses as well. It doesn't hurt that he has the finest cast available: Bryn Terfel's Nick Shadow is amazingly nuanced, and only once or twice does the great bass-baritone do his infamous "whispering act." He's positively chilling in the graveyard scene. And what can one say about Ian Bostridge as the titular rake? When he says, "I wish I had money!" in Act I, he's Everyman; he wins us over and we feel for him no matter how stupid he is. He's a bit stressed at the very top of his range in the one or two forte passages, but considering how clever this artist is, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's doing it on purpose. Deborah York is such a fine Anne--singing with clean, white, innocent tone--that she even outdoes Dawn Upshaw's splendid portrayal. Anne Sofie von Otter sings Baba's music impeccably (and in unaccented English), but, as usual, she seems more distinguished and artistic than moving. This set is now at the top of the pack; if you've been wondering about this opera and were wondering when and where to get your feet wet, go no further. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Rises to the top of the heap.......2005-09-18

I must confess that this is a revised review. I originally had a negative impression of this recording of The Rake's Progress because it seemed flimsy compared to the composer's own recording on Sony, with a callow Rake (Ian Bostridge) and a technically unperequipped Anne (Deborah York). But I overlooked some absolute positives: Terfel's definitive Nick Shadow, which really has no competition on disc, Gardiner's ultra-clear conducting of detail, which again has no equal and is greatly aided by DG's completely transparent recording. In the end thise virtues win out, and even though I like every ohter Anne on disc (Judith Rankin, Dawn Upshaw, and Sylvia McNair come to mind) better than York, she isn't enough of a reason to demote this performance. It's still rather cool and lightweight, but that's a perfeclty valid way too interpret Stravinsky's pastiche of 18th century style.

Exquisite!.......2004-07-08

THE RAKE'S PROGRESS is not only one of my favorite operas, but one of my favorite works of music. This may seem strange, as Stravinsky's neoclassical operatic morality fable is considered by many to be a cold, cerebral work. But quite on the contrary, THE RAKE is a jewel-like score full of lyricism (often of a Broadway-like accessibility), warmth, razor-sharp wit, and crystalline beauty - all of which John Eliot Gardiner and his forces bring out marvelously in this recording. Listen to the exquisite trio in Act II Scene 2 - perhaps the most beautiful number in the opera - and you'll see what I mean. Ian Bostridge's sensitively sung Tom Rakewell has just the right vocal personality - boyish, innocent, eager, and vulnerable. His and Deborah York's pure-toned voices are an extraordinary match: hear them blend seamlessly in their duets or the trio. Bryn Terfel's vivid, boisterous Nick Shadow and Anne-Sophie Von Otter's subtly witty Baba complete the cast. Conductor Gardiner uses his expertise in early music to emphasize THE RAKE's 18th-century roots and "chamber" texture. THE RAKE falls into the class of what I might call private favorites - works that are not universally "popular" but hold an extraordinary attraction for me personally. Both the Auden/Kallman libretto and Stravinsky's music are endlessly fascinating, and this CD has become the perfect means for me to enjoy them.

An essential version.......2004-05-27

The music of Stravinsky's wonderful opera THE RAKE'S PROGRESS is a surreal juxtaposition. While it is unmistakably 20th-century, it also hearkens back to 18th-century opera. But the 18th-century references and motifs are often presented in a distorted, ironic light, as if viewed through an acerbic modern lens. In this recording, John Eliot Gardiner conducts the score little differently than he would conduct Handel or Mozart. He draws crisp, clean playing from the orchestra, with livlier tempos, classical-style phrasing, and the lean, spare sound that we associate with "period" performance. The result is that the music sounds both classical and bitingly modern - the perfect combination for this quintessential work of Neoclassicism. I will not elaborate on the soloists, who are all excellent and stylistically match the orchestral playing. This is an essential version of this Stravinsky masterpiece to own.

An example of great English opera!.......2003-05-21

I have never been a fan of opera in English. However, I am a fan of Stravinsky and my favorite operas are those by Mozart. After hearing that Stravinsky used Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, Le nozze di Figaro, and Die Zauberflote (four of my favorite operas) as inspiration, I couldn't resist.

The Rake's Progress is very "Mozartean", and the influences of Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte are plain as day. The score is light, fun, and beautifully played, sung and conducted. I have all the other available recordings of The Rake and this is hands down the best one. It's so vibrant and wonderful. The casting is exceptionally.

If you want a great recording of a great English language opera, snatch it up!

What a fun performance!.......2002-04-26

This recording receives an interesting criticism. One of the heresies of the early music / authentic performance practice crowd is that these guys take the score reading TOO LITERALLY. Now, with this recording Gardiner takes it on the chin because some of the notes are not exactly what Stravinsky wrote.

Well, I know the score, too. And I am a Stravinsky nut. But I also love to be convinced musically and this performance is full of energy, life, and singing that seems to delight in the music and the music making. The orchestra plays like they are having FUN. One example is Tom's early aria when he sings "The world is so wide" The orchestra plays a descending run purely and cleanly yet we can hear the neighing of horses. Then Tom sings, " Come,wishes be horses; This beggar shall ride!" Great stuff!

If you want to learn to love opera and are an english speaker you can really go a long way with this wonderful opera and this wonderful recording. Don't worry about those who take severe stances on this or that point. That is purity as a vice. The point is the music and the music has a lot to do with the notes, but not EVERYTHING to do with the notes. But, by the way, they hit nearly all of them and the times they make alternative choices they aren't making mistakes, they are making choices. And the funny thing is, we know Stravinsky wanted his music performed exactly the way he wrote it, but this piece is modelled on eighteenth century opera where they would expect to make choices and the music as "necessary". Well, what does that mean for this piece? But this is too arcane an argument.

The fact is the music is a treasure and this performance is a delight.

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