Great Singers 2: 1903-39

On this CD:

1. Otello, opera Act IV: Niun mi tema
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Francesco Tamagno

2. Ma Lisette, French folk song
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Emma Calve

3. Martha, opera Act III: Chi mi dirà
Composed by Friedrich von Flotow
Performed by Pol Plancon

4. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera Act III: Con onor muore
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Geraldine Farrar

5. L' Africaine, grand opera in 5 acts Act III: All'erta, marinar!
Composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performed by Titta Ruffo

6. Atalanta, opera, HWV 35 Act I: Come my Beloved
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Alma Gluck

7. I Puritani, opera Act I: Ah, per sempre io ti perdei
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by Giuseppe de Luca

8. Risurrezione, opera Act II: Dieu de grâce
Composed by Franco Alfano
Performed by Mary Garden

9. La Leggenda del Piave, for voice & orchestra
Composed by E.A. [pseudonym of Giovanni Gaeta] Mario
Performed by Giovanni Martinelli

10. Les Huguenots, grand opera in 5 acts Act I: Nobles seigneurs
Composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performed by Sigrid Onegin

11. Ernani, opera Act I: Infelice! e tu credevi
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Ezio Pinza

12. Ariadne auf Naxos, opera, Op. 60 Grossmächtige Prinzessin
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Maria Ivogun

13. Élégie "O doux printemps d'autrefois," for voice & piano
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by Feodor Chaliapin, Dean Sharpe, Ernest Newton

14. Csárdás ("Klänge der Heimat"), for voice & orchestra (RV 503-6)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Elisabeth Rethberg

15. Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen, opera, WWV 49 Act V: Allmächt'ger Vater, blick' herab
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Lauritz Melchior

16. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Act I: Einsam in trüben Tagen (Elsa's Dream)
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Kirsten Flagstad

17. Adelaide, song for voice & piano, Op. 46
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Jussi Bjorling, Harry Ebert

18. Manon Lescaut, opera Act II: in quelle trine morbide
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Mafalda Favero

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
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.

The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus

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

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Keyboard Classics
Swingle Singers
Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1
Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 2
Christmastime

ASIN: B00000632P
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40: Die Zauberflote - Overture - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40: I Molto Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40: II Andante - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40: III Minuetto: allegretto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40: IV Finale: Allegro assai - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
String Quartet In G Major: Finale from String Quartet in G major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Cosi fan tutte: Un' Aura Amorosa from Cost fan tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Finale: Rondo from Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Finale from Horn Concerto No. 4 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Canzonetta from Don Giovanni - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Terzettino from Cosi Fan Tutte - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Gigue - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Hostias from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Requiem: Quam Olim Abrahae from Requiem - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Piano Sonata In A Major: Finale: Alla Turca from Piano Sonata in A major - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
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.

Complete Recorded Works of Son House & the Great Delta Blues Singers

Average customer rating:

WARNING TO JSP COLLECTORS
Son House was the grandaddy of 'em all!
Great Stuff, Some Repeats
Awesome
A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE FINEST DELTA BLUES

Complete Recorded Works of Son House & the Great Delta Blues Singers
Son House
Manufacturer: Document
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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The Complete Library of Congress Sessions, 1941-1942
The Complete Recordings
The Complete Early Recordings of Skip James
Avalon Blues : Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings
Complete Recorded Works (1928-1929)

ASIN: B000000J26
Release Date: 1994-05-27

Tracks:

My Black Mama-Part I
My Black Mama-Part II
Preachin' The Blues-Part I
Preachin' The Blues-Part II
Dry Spell Blues Part I
Dry Spell Blues Part II
Walking Blues
M & O Blues
Future Blues
Mississippi Bottom Blues
Rowdy Blues
Cottonfield Blues-Part 1
Cottonfield Blues-Part 2
Dough Roller Blues
Jumpin' And Shoutin' Blues
Bedside Blues
Fare Thee Well Blues
Traveling Mama Blues
Outside Woman Blues
Nehi Blues
Married Man Blues
Third Street Woman Blues
Mississippi Jail House Groan
Ham Hound Crave

Customer Reviews:

WARNING TO JSP COLLECTORS.......2007-05-30

First of all, this is a great album, but I wanted to issue a warning to those that like to get the JSP Box Sets. Songs 1-9 are on the Charlie Patton JSP Box set. Blind Joe's "Outside Woman Blues", and "Nehi Blues", as well as all of the Rube Lacy selections are on the Paramount masters JSP Box Set. I'm not really sure about the remainder of the material. Still it's a great album & a great listen (If nothing else, I could use it in my car).

Son House was the grandaddy of 'em all!.......2006-04-16

If you're interested in the blues roots of rock, you've come to the right place. Son House laid down tracks that have echoed down to this day, and he may have been the first true wellspring of what became rock. I've been a listener and collector of what's now called classic rock for more than 40 years, and I have never found an earlier or truer original source than Son House. With all the fuss being bestowed on Robert Johnson these days, here's a clue: Son House taught RJ how to play! Listen to this album and hear the foreshadowings of ALL the great music to come... Truly great guitar pickin', and a voice as rough, plain and honest as Mississippi dirt clods... You may not want to put this album on Infinite Repeat, but you will not walk away unimpressed or unmoved. IMHO, Son House truly deserves the title of Great Grandaddy of Rock!

Great Stuff, Some Repeats.......2005-01-30

Son House is essential to any blues collection. And as is usually the case with pre-war blues artists, Son's early stuff is better than the 60's revival stuff. That said, the company put songs on here by other artists that already appear on Mississippi Masters--which I also highly reccomend, especially for Geechie Wiley's "Last Kind Words." This CD would be 5-star and beyond if it weren't for those repeated songs.

Awesome.......2003-12-10

"Son House & The Great Delta Blues Singers" isn't entirely devoted to Son House. There are cuts by several other musicians, including Rube Lacy, Joe Calicott, and House's onetime playing partner Willie Brown, but this disc, which contains Son House's complete 1930 session, is the best place to get his earliest songs.
The sound quality is not excactly stellar, mainly due to the inferior quality of Columbia Records' original masters and horrible quality pressings, yet the power and intensity of Son House's huge voice and slashing slide guitar playing cuts through the pops and hisses like...well, a cutting thing.
Also, this CD is one of the very few which features both the previously unreleased test acetate of "Walking Blues" (the basis for Robert Johnson's song, not the other way around), and the second parts of House's three two-part singles. Listen to "My Black Mama part II", and you'll recognize it as the original version of "Death Letter Blues", complete with House's magnificent, wailing slide guitar riff.

House's seven songs are the highlights of this collection, but there is a lot of other stuff here which is certainly of interest to fans of classic Delta blues. The gruff-voiced Willie Brown's two cuts are almost as powerful as Son House's, particularly the great "Future Blues" (listen to Brown snapping the bass strings).
And fine waxings by Kid Bailey and Joe Reynolds in particular makes this a great collection of Delta blues as recorded by Paramount Records in 1929-30.

A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE FINEST DELTA BLUES.......2003-02-06

I absolutely love this CD and find myself listening to it over-and-over again. I ordered it for the Son House material but have found the Willie Brown and the Garfield Akers songs to be every bit as fantastic! Although I especially like the three musicians already mentioned, there is not a dud in any of the remaining tracks. If you like delta blues and don't have this CD you are missing one of the greatest musical treats you're liable to find.

Average customer rating:

SUBLIME & INCREDIBLE VOCALS~BRAVO MORGANA!!!

New Beginnings
Morgana King
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
Call Me Irresponsible

ASIN: B000PDZOT4
Release Date: 2007-07-02

Tracks:

You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Jennifer Had
As Long as He Will Stay
Sands of Time and Changes
We Could Be Flying
Like a Seed
Song for You
Medley: Desert Hush/I Am a Leaf
All in All

Customer Reviews:

SUBLIME & INCREDIBLE VOCALS~BRAVO MORGANA!!!.......2007-07-17

Finally this incomparable Morgana King MASTEPIECE "New Beginnings..." is out on CD for all of us "Great Singer" fans to savor and enjoy...this amazing masterwork is really fine and a true magical musical treat.
Masterfully arranged by Bob James and Torrie Zito (Mr. Zito was the one who brilliantly arranged the classic "A Taste Of Honey" for Morgana), this is a tremendous vocal collection that is as good as it gets...Stevie Wonder exclaimed "Morgana King has done the best version of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" I have heard" and reviews from Rolling Stone to the New York Times were ecstatic with praise for Morgana and this stunning work! Timeless and contemporary is this wondrous musical journey and this would have been huge with promotion but memories of a record company with cash flow problems kept this from happening as it is clear that quality and creativity were not the issue...too bad the Grammy Foundation don't take things like this into consideration as these amazingly soulful and uniquely classic vocals are clearly "Grammy Award" worthy!!! Bravo Morgana King!!!!!
Now if only smart producer would release the other Morgana King masterwork "I Know How It Feels To Be Lonely" from 1968 which has incredible versions of everything from The Beatles and Donavan to other classic contemporaries, then all will be wonderful and fine in the world of blissful and magical vocal music!~

Average customer rating:

Staple Singers -- a treasure
11 stars! ESSENTIAL! Haunting! #1 Best album of all time.
Fantastico
They never go wrong

Great Day
The Staple Singers
Manufacturer: Milestone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Freedom Highway
Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
We'll Never Turn Back
Have A Little Faith
The Best of the Staple Singers

ASIN: B000000XW7
Release Date: 1991-10-15

Tracks:

Gloryland
Everybody Will Be Happy
Hear My Call, Here
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
I'm Willin' (Part 1)
I'm Willin' (Part 2)
Great Day
Do You Know Him?
New-Born Soul
Dying Man's Plea, A
New Home
Wish I Had Answered
Better Home, A
Old Time Religion
Swing Down, Chariot
Motherless Children
Gamblin' Man
I Know I've Been Changed
Jesus Is All
You Got Shoes
What Are They Doing (In Heaven Today)
Will The Lord Remember Me
My Dying Bed
Let Jesus Lead You
Praying Time
I Can't Help From Cryin' Sometime
Masters Of War

Amazon.com essential recording

Recorded in the early '60s for the Riverside label, these 27 songs mark the move toward a more folk-based sound for the Staple Singers. The bass and drums throughout anchor the group's etheral tendencies but still keep them floating heavenward. On the two-part "I'm Willin,'" Pops's liquid, echoing guitar lines and the high-pitched, clipped group backing vocals play off the simple, jazzy drumming and subtle bass playing. This formula provides both Mavis's rumbling, muscular voice and Pops's celebrated tenor a secure setting from which to fully explore their vocal ranges. The arrangements of traditional spiritual material are innovative, sparse, uncanny, from the rousing "Swing Down, Chariot" to the laconic "My Dying Bed" and the chilling "Will the Lord Remember Me." Dylan's "Masters of War," the sole song without the gospel theme, presages the Singers' move toward more secular protest and "message" songs. A percussively strummed guitar lays down a marching rhythm, the backing vocals are subtle, incorporeal "whoohs," and Pops's croon is the very definition of "wizened." --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

Staple Singers -- a treasure.......2007-02-10

This album is the very best of the very best of the marvelous Staple Singers. Virtually every cut is jewel-like. They do Dylan's "Masters of War" better than he does. Much as I love how the Staple Singers do Dylan, this album is about gospel and it is a brilliant showcase. Listen especially to "A Dying Man's Plea" and the superb rendition of "Swing Down, Chariot." This is an album to be savored again and again over the years.

11 stars! ESSENTIAL! Haunting! #1 Best album of all time........2005-01-04

Great Day is the link between the Born-in-Bethlehem stone gospel " Vee-Jay" Staples (PRAY ON)... and their classic and timeless anthemic 60's FOLK-HIPPIE-SOUL message songs like Respect Yourself, and I'll Take You There
Simply exquisite heavenly music. I found a CD copy in Japan ...probably 15 years ago now...after having worn out a few vinyl copies.
This music will live on forever... Could angels in heaven sound any more beautiful than Pops, Mavis Staples, and her brother and sisters Pervis, Cleotha and Yvonne?
There's a very strong secular raw blues and west african vibe here that takes the spiritual level far above expectations. In the lyric on "PRAYING TIME" Pops breaks into a riff singing "You go and I'll go with you" straight out of Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson then the kids kick in an otherworldly backup: "My Lord!" Scary and riveting.
Every song is a wonderful gem and they all segue into eachother beautifully, but I agree with the reviewer who singled out DYING MAN'S PLEA especially Pops guitar and delivery on that solo intro is so pure... Robert Pete Williams, Blind Willie Johnson...then the stone soul gospel groove kicks in.("one kind favor i'll ask of you... 'see that my grave is kept clean, dig my grave with a silver spade, ease me down with a golden chain...") Whee-ew!
Oh yeah and have another listen to the organ on " I Can't Help from Cryin' Sometime" (played by Maceo Wood) Holy Smokes(!) this is some kind of FUNKY magic. Hypnotic and haunting. GREAT DAY just sounds better and better as time goes by.

Fantastico.......2004-08-14

Ho-boy, what a barn burner this one is. The instrumentation is not just good, it's supernaturally great. The haunting twangy guitar and the spare backup packs a big punch and sticks in the heart. Three tracks stand out: A Dying Man's Plea, Wish I Had Answered and Pop's masterful and superior cover of Dylan's Masters of War. Masters of War particularly makes the hair stand on the back of the neck.

Too bad the amazon preview tracks don't include any of these, but no worries, since all of these songs are unbelievably great.

They never go wrong.......2001-12-03

This CD is magnificent from beginning to end. I tried to pick my favorite song - it is impossible ! All songs have a steady rolling beat and feature the wonderful singing of the Staples family.
I have a soft spot for Pops Staples' voice. It has to be loved by anyone who likes both Gospel and Blues. HIs guitar playing is perfect for this context.
When I saw Bob Dylan's song - "Masters of war" - I thought that here the Staples Singers surely must flop. But they tackled it beautifully, and made it sound as if it was their own.
I recommend this CD to all music lovers. This is a music that rewards you for coming in contact with it as few others do.

Witness: What a Mighty God - Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus

Average customer rating:

Historically important choral music, wonderfully performed!

Witness: What a Mighty God - Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus
James Bohn , Michael Jorgenson , Steve Burger , Gordon Johnson , Jay Young , Michael Abels , Dale Adelmann , Harry T. (Henry) Burleigh , Brazeal W. Dennard , Adolphus Hailstork , Jester Hairston , Jack Halloran , Robert A. Harris , Moses Hogan , Sanford Moore , Robert Scholz , Richard Smallwood , William Henry Smith , Andre Thomas , Philip Brunelle , Sigrid Johnson , Joe Pulice , Robert Commodore , Charles Kemper , Yolanda Williams , Brian Link , Vocal Essence , and VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Manufacturer: Clarion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001FVEPE
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Witness: Jack Halloran
Hush! Somebodys CallinMy Name: Arranged by Brazeal W. Dennard
Death Is Gonna Lay His Cold Icy Hands on Me: Arranged by Andrhomas
Walk Together, Children: Arranged by William Henry Smith
Were You There?: Arranged by Robert Scholz
Elijah Rock: Arranged by Moses Hogan
This Train: Arranged by Sanford Moore
Jesus, Lover of My Soul: Music by J.S. Bach; text by Charles Wesley, Arranged by Richard Smallwood
My Lord,What a Mornin : Arranged by Harry T. Burleigh
Go Down, Moses : Arranged by Robert A. Harris
In Dat Great GittinUp Mornin: Arranged by Jester Hairston
Crucifixion: Adolphus Hailstork
Go Where I Send Thee:Arranged by Andrhomas
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: Arranged by Dale Adelmann
Go,Tell It on the Mountain: Arranged by Sanford Moore
What a Mighty God : Arranged by Michael Abels

Album Description

Stirring spirituals and rousing gospel melodies sung by the superb voices of VocalEssence conducted by the renowned conductor Philip Brunelle, joined by vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four.

Customer Reviews:

Historically important choral music, wonderfully performed!.......2004-05-25

For over 10 years, The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus (conducted by Philip Brunelle) has presented an enduring series of concerts showcasing the talents of trailblazing African American composers. Now this wealth of music is available outside the concert hall through a series of recordings called WITNESS.

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD presents 20th Century choral arrangements of music from the African American spiritual tradition rooted in spirituals and gospels, including Harry T. Burleigh's "My Lord, What a Mornin'" (1929), "Walk Together Children" (William Henry Smith, 1937) and more contemporary composers like Sanford Moore's "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (1993.)

There are excellent notes about the genre, however, in light of the historical significance of this music I'm surprised and disappointed to find no biographical information about the composers, not even birth and/or death dates, with this CD. I feel this is a crucial component in an "outreach" project like this, especially since most of these composers are not well known. Still I highly recommend it for the music alone.

The other three CDs are available as single titles, or in the boxed set THE WITNESS COLLECTION which includes:

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD: Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus
DANCE LIKE THE WIND: Music of Today's Black Composers
GOT THE SAINT LOUIS BLUES: Classical Music in the Jazz Age
SKYWARD MY PEOPLE ROSE: Music of William Grant Still

Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids
Average customer rating:

fabulous

Fabulous Folk

Chipmunk Folk

Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Music Little People
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music
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Baby Beluga

ASIN: B00005NTQ1
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Mr. Tambourine Man - Tahkus Ekedal
Puff The Magic Dragon - Carrie Brandon
Happiness Runs - Bernie Steinberg
If I Had A Hammer (The Hammer Song) - Carrie Brandon
The Circle Game - Bernie Steinberg
Shower The People - Michael Bannett
You've Got A Friend - Shoshana Bush
There Is A Mountain - Sudhananda
El Condor Pasa - Michael Bannett
If You Want To Sing Out - Carrie Brandon
Moon Shadow - Michael Bannett
Both Sides Now - Tahkus Ekedal
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) - Priya Francis

Amazon.com

Instead of going round and round and round trying to narrow a meandering genre for Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids, Music for Little People limited its songwriting players to a certain era. So break out your bandana and loosen up about letting the kids wear tie-dye, because a hippy-happier mood is hard to find these days. It's not that the 13 songs collected here serve only to spread good vibes--"You've Got a Friend" does more to remind us how we'd feel without one, and "Puff the Magic Dragon" could knock the wind out of even the most freewheeling spirits--but the boys and girls enlisted to perform these tracks clearly were feelin' groovy come recording time. "If I Had a Hammer (the Hammer Song)" and "If You Want to Sing Out," both led by what sounds like a mighty and stuffy-nosed 6-year-old, carry the lyrical capacity to temporarily ease 21st-century strife, real or imagined. So do "Happiness Runs" and "Moon Shadow," which even when delivered by crooners too young to wax philosophical can't help but impart a near-mystical hopefulness. "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Both Sides Now," and "The Circle Game" pull a similar sleight of hand, sparking a winding, shifting sort of introspection. For a finale, "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" couldn't be more fitting. Spin this disc and count on not only raising just-aroused consciences, but also on kick-starting a renewed karmic wave of harmony and lyrical insight. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

fabulous.......2002-10-24

I think this CD is fabulous. It has a whole lot of songs from my younger days, sung by children. I play this in the car and both the kids and I enjoy it. I am asked over and over to play it. Recommend!

Fabulous Folk.......2001-12-07

Really nice CD. My son & I enjoy it together - it's fun to share these classic songs with him and he enjoys the kids voices very much.

Chipmunk Folk.......2001-11-19

I bought this CD specifically to help me sing folk songs to my newborn -- I didn't anticipate the songs to be sung by children in such high voices and at speeded up tempos! It's nothing I can sing along to, let alone barely listen to. Maybe small children would enjoy it but adults would probably find it as irritating as I do!

Average customer rating:

Magic of old 78 rpm recordings
An historical treat
An important part of any collection

Great Singers, 1909-1938

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | 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

Ponselle, Rosa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Galli-Curci: Prima Voce
Marcella Sembrich
Prima Voce - Covent Garden: An Early History on Record
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
The Very Best Of Maria Callas

ASIN: B0000037J2
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

La Somnambula: Ah! Non Giunge - Luisa Tetrazzini
Pagliacci: No! Pagliaccio Non Son - Enrico Caruso
Lucrezia Borgia: Brindisi - Ernestine Schumann-Heink
Don Giovanni: Il Mio Tesoro - John McCormack
I Puritani: Son Vergin Vezzosa - Amelita Galli-Curci
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Riccardo Stracciari
Norma: Casta Diva - Rosa Ponselle
I Puritani: A Te O Cara - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Turandot: In Questa Reggia - EVA TURNER
Un Ballo In Maschera: Eri Tu - Lawrence Tibbett
Carmen: Habanera - Conchita Supervia
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Beniamino Gigli
Samson Et Delilah: Softly Awakes My Heart - Marian Anderson
L'Amico Fritz: Suzel, Buon Di - Tito Schipa/Mafalda Favero
Refice: Ombra Di Nube - Claudia Muzio
Die Zauberflote: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Richard Tauber

Customer Reviews:

Magic of old 78 rpm recordings.......2007-07-21

This excellent compilation of famous operatic pre-WW2 recordings start with a blast - Luisa Tetrazzini oompah-pah her way through Bellini with cartoonish abandon and her impact is such that nothing that comes afterwards can compare to her genius.Sure,they are all excellent in their way,after all we are talking about Caruso,Ponselle and Tauber here but its Tetrazzini I always return to and this CD inspired me to search for her own "Prima Voce" CD.Special mention: Richard Tauber who had a golden touch with everything and Marian Anderson who stand out.Excellent introduction.

An historical treat.......2007-04-19

This is a worthy addition to the collections of music from opera from the early part of the 20th century. Names that are famous come to life as one listens to their music; one comes to see differences in technique from the earlier part of the 20th century to today. This includes some of the greatest names in opera from the time period, such as Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Amelita Galli-Curci, and so on. Let's consider a sampling. . . .

The redoubtable Luisa Tetrazzini sings "Ah! Non giunge" from Bellini's "La Sonnambula." We experience a different coloratura technique from that of the past 50 years; in itself, this makes this version interesting. The singer takes this song at a nice pace. Tetrazzini shows nice agility; her higher notes are cleanly hit in the first "go through." In the repeat, there is greater ornamentation. She uses higher notes as opposed to more trills and other florid techniques characteristic of the more recent past. There are some nice high notes toward the finale. She displays an attractive voice and good technique, although the c lose is a bit wild and wooly.

John McCormack sings "Il mio Tesoro" from "Il Trovatore." He shows a rich voice, although a bit wooden to me. The song is competently sung, but not much characterization comes through (compare with Stracciari's manic "Largo al factotum").

Amelita Galli-Curci, the well regarded coloratura soprano sings "Son vergin vezzosa," a piece well rendered by the likes of Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sills and Sumi Jo. Again, different technique from what we are used to, but nicely sung. She demonstrates a smooth and agile voice. The ornamentation is well done (if not as we are accustomed to). She hits some high notes, although the last one seems a bit thin. All in all, a nice version.

And then there is Riccardo Stracciari, singing the wonderful "Largo al factotum" from "Il Barbiere de Siviglia." He sings with great enthusiasm and creates a character with just his voice (mirabile dictu!). He begins at a quick pace and goes from there. His voice is attractive, with a nice lower tone. He seems to enjoy singing this; he also shows nice breath control. After his repeating "Figaro" many times, he then accelerates the pace of the music, putting the music into high gear. He hits the notes well, remains musical, and generates great energy. A terrific version (he's in the same league with Tito Gobbi, whom I think did a stellar job on this work).

Others? Gigli, Caruso, Marian Anderson, Tito Schipa, Richard Tauber, Lawrence Tibbett, Rosa Ponselle, and so on. This would be a very nice addition to the musical library of anyone who is interested in the voices from an earlier era. Despite the more primitive technology, the voices ring out and leave one with a sense of what once was in the world of opera.

An important part of any collection.......2002-01-18

While noone will rave about the sound quality of these recordings, they are none the less important documents regarding the transition of operatic style from the 19th to the 20th centuries. Most pieces are at a quicker tempo or edited due to recording restrictions of the time, however, these imperfections vanish when one hears the stunning diction and speed of Stracciari's "Largo" from Barbiere, or the halting dignity of Ponselle's "Casta Diva" foreshadowing Callas and Sutherland. Ernestine Schumann-Heink's glorious "Brindisi" and Marian Anderson's supple English version of "mon couer ouvre a ta voix" from Samson are beautiful examples of 19th century technique and vocalism captured by 20th century technology. Not to be missed!

Average customer rating:

There's a Great Day Coming
Great people, great sound
Excellent Music from Fine Folks

There's a Great Day Coming
The Village Singers
Manufacturer: Pinecastle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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When I Get There

ASIN: B00000J7ZM
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

When I Lift Up My Head
Someone To Care
When I Wake Up
Church In The Wildwood
Far Side Banks Of Jordan
On My Father's Side
I'll Live In Glory
Come Unto Me
Neither Do I Condemn
A Heart That Will Never Break
That's Why I Love To Call His Name
There's A Great Day Coming
In The Garden

Customer Reviews:

There's a Great Day Coming.......2006-10-20

The Village Singers are excellent singers with great harmony, especially for the kind of songs they sing (Old Fashioned Gospel Harmony). Furthermore the instrumental accompaniement on these songs is absolutey awsome.

Great people, great sound.......2006-02-27

Once you have heard the Village Singers you are hooked. Their beautiful blend of harmony is second to none. It would be a great thing to see The Village Singers and the original Chuck Wagon Gang on the same stage performing. I'm sure Governor Jimmie Davis is smiling down at The Village Singers for their Tribute to Governor Jimmie Davis recording. Also there would be nods of approval from the original Chuck Wagon Gang for the splendid way The Village Singers perform their material. All in all any albums by The Village Singers are a treat to behold.
Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour, Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Excellent Music from Fine Folks.......2001-02-04

This music is a "must" for anyone who loves simple four-part family harmony with acoustical upbeat accompaniment and a variety of song types. Don't let the "Bluegrass" categorization turn you away if you're not normally a bluegrass fan -- the Village Singers capitalize on the uplifting beat and rhythm of bluegrass but their vocals are pure harmony without the stereotypical nasal tones. The song selection varies from the soulful harmony and beautiful lyrics of Gov. Jimmie Davis's "Someone to Care" to the Stamps/Baxter standard, "I'll Live in Glory" to the more bluegrass-flavored Far Side Banks of Jordan popularized by Allison Kraus and the Cox family. Most people think of the title song as a slow invitational number sung at the close of a "Hellfire and Brimstone" sermon, but the Goad family (and Shirley)sing it from the upbeat and joyful perspective of Christians looking forward to the "Great Day." Their short acapella rendition of the classic "In the Garden" is the final selection and is really the frosting on this scrumptious cake.

Great Band With Great Voices: Swing the Great Voic

Average customer rating:

Another fine Taragon Release
Not as I remember, but still good
complete disapointment
Smooth Standards

Great Band With Great Voices: Swing the Great Voic
Johnny Mann Singers
Manufacturer: Taragon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000071WY7
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

Serenade In Blue
Am I Blue
Breezin' Along With The Breeze
Flamingo
It's A Lonesome Old Town
Ol' Man River
St. Louis Blues
Deep Purple
Baubles, Bangles And Beads
Dreams
Little White Lies
'Tain't What You Do (It's The Way That Cha Do It)
Mississippi Mud
Marie
Chattanooga Choo Choo
At Last
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Undecided
Paper Doll
If I Didn't Care
The Hut Sut Song
It Happened In Monterey
I'll Never Smile Again
Rum And Coca-Cola

Customer Reviews:

Another fine Taragon Release.......2005-07-26

I'm not sure why some of the reviewers just don't get it? stereo was much different back in the day and so was the equipment to play our "LP's". If Taragon had released this exactly like the original lp's chances are everybody would complain that in the car, they couldn't hear one part of the album! If you want to hear the ping pong back and forth go to the original lp...if you want to hear a great remaster then pick up this CD. (REVIEWER NOTE: I also own several Taragon releases...it seems this label uses the best quality masters around, they do indeed take the time to make the best possible sound. I wish the major labels would get the hint! Long live Taragon!)

Not as I remember, but still good.......2005-05-13

In the early 60's, Johnny Mann and singers were providing the West Coast alternative to the jingles coming out of Dallas that were heard on most radio stations. While LA listeners heard Johnny's singers performing accapella on KHJ, we in the New York area heard him (possibly with Si Zentner's backing) on WMCA. Plus his weekly Saturday morning theme on "The Alvin Show", which also had the Mann/Zentner trademark style of blaring horns with a zylophone doubling the horns' top note. I was very happy to see the Great Band/Voices album out on CD, but with 2 twists. We've had this album in the family on a 4-track reel since it came out in the early 60's, and some time ago, I burned it on a CD (revealing the fact that the tape hasn't held up that well). To my suprise on this CD, the sides were flipped (the tape starts with "St. Louis Blues" instead of "Serenade in Blue"). So I'm still getting used to the running order. The other suprise on the CD was that the "Visual Sound Stereo" was gone... meaning the occaisional channel flipping of the voices and horns. I sort of liked that feature, particularly on "T'Ain't What You Do" in the middle call and response part with the band. (Is that Thurl Ravenscroft singing those big bass notes on this?) As for Swing the Great Voices, I could have done without the "twistin" arrangements on "Mississippi Mud", "Chatanooga Choo Choo", and "Rum and Coca Cola". But the rest of this stuff just cooks, particularly on "Undecided". So, this, along with the works of the Singers Unlimited, will belong in the music collection of most "jingle freaks", along with the collections of people who like good vocal harmony and big bands.

complete disapointment.......2004-11-19

This CD has way too much Zetner and not enough Johnny Mann Singers! The arrangements STINK. The audio (engineer?) should be fired for being tone deaf. I didn't buy this CD to listen to a talented Choir DO Wat. Not one of the selections lets the Singers sing the complete refrain. I Have many orchestrations with much better arrangements of these selections. I have been the "audio Technician" for live name bands and have always been complimented on my handling of the sound. It is a good thing you didn't have a rating of no stars because that's what this one deserves!

Smooth Standards.......2003-11-08

These LP's were very good when originally issued and sounds just as good on CD. Johnny Mann's vocal group works have long been overdue on CD .The mix with Si Zentner's band makes for a good blend. Mississippi Mud has a bit of the 'Up a Lazy River' arrangement that might be considered too 'pop' for some. All in all a good variation of tempo but generally on the up side. This 24 track collection is for those who appreciate 'adult standards' not necessarily by the original artist.

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Busoni Recalled - The 1941 New York Commemorative Concert / Mitropoulos, New York PO

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