La Mer

On this CD:

1. La Mer (3), symphonic sketches for orchestra, L. 109 De l'aube à midi sur la mer
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Orchestre Philharmonique de Pays de la Loire
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

2. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Orchestre Philharmonique de Pays de la Loire with Georges Lambert
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

3. Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), for orchestra, L. 86
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Orchestre Philharmonique de Pays de la Loire with Georges Lambert
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

4. Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Orchestre Philharmonique de Pays de la Loire with Martial Prost
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

Tracks:

Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Preludes, Book One: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
Two Nocturnes: Fetes
Preludes, Book One: The Sunken Cathedral
Suite Bergamasque: Claire de lune
Children's Corner Suite: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
Reverie
Iberia: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
Deux Arabesques: Arabesque No. 1: Andante Con Motto
Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Prelude To The Council Of The False gods
String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: Scherzo. Assex Vif Et Bien Rythme
La Mer: I. De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer
La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues
La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer

Customer Reviews:

Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever!.......2007-05-06

Claude Debussy is perhaps the most understated composer in the history of man. His ability to compose both on the piano and for orchestra is unmatched, in my humble opinion. The fact that Debussy was able to also arrange many contemporary and previous composers' works just adds to his resume. He had a gift, pure and simple.

Although this album doesn't (well, honestly it couldn't) contain all of Debussy's catalog, it does certainly contain some of his best work. There is actually only one track on this CD that I don't care for; that would be Golligwogg's Cake-Walk; it is just a bit annoying to me.

Beyond my dislike for that one track, the entire CD is a beautifully aranged, beautifully played, well recorded compilation with good sound mixing and it is a respectful tribute to a truly great composer.

"Claire de Lune" (Moonlighting) is perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever composed; this is the orchestrated version, which I prefer, but the piano version is nice. "Arabesque No. 1" is superb. "Fetes" is both haunting and airy. "Reverie" is the best piano piece I have ever heard. "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is also a wonderful piano piece. "The Sunken Cathedral" is dark and mysterious, a true wonder.

The rest of the album is fantastic. Listed above are just my personal favorites from the disc. I listen to this CD at least once a week, but often more. It is perfect for relaxation, for listening while reading, or for my personal favorite use, to block out noise while I am writing.

I would recommend this to any classical lover.

If you have not heard Debussy's music, you must get this CD; it will have you ordering more of his compositions almost immediately.

The man was a genius.

I would also add that if you enjoy this, I recommend that you continue your Debussy experience with the following: Debussy: Orchestral Works I and Debussy: Orchestral Works II

This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy. .......2006-07-08

After listening to his "Greatest Hits," I know why he is considered one of the best.

THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE!.......2005-09-12

I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I WAS TRYING EXPAND MY HORIZONS, YOU KNOW? CULTURALLY AND MENTALLY, YOU KNOW? SERIOUSLY THOUGH I WAS IN THE SHOP AND I WAS HAVING A GAZE AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN THIS PICTURE JUST JUMPS OUT AT ME, AND I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS THIS DEBUSSY CHAP AND ID HEARD ABOUT HIM ON THE BBC LEARNING ZONE SO I THOUGHT ;why not?; SERIOUSLY THOUGH I DRAGGED IT HOME AND I POPPED IT IN THE OLD CD PLAYER AND IT FLOORED ME.......I MEAN SERIOUSLY THIS THING...AMAAZING STUFF..I MEAN TODAYS MUSIC HAS NOTHING, NOTHING NOTHING ON THIS STUFF RIGHT HERE.

SOME GOOD TRACKS ARE:
TRACK 1 IS THE BEST. THE OPENING FLUTE ON THE TRACK IS TOTALLY CHILLED AND COOL, REMINDS ME A BIT OF TRACK 13 ON ILL COMMUNICATION BY THE BEASTIE BOYS...A COINCIDENCE???

THE ONLY WEAK TRACK ON THE ALBUM IS TRACK 6, THE UNFORTUNATELY TITLED "CHILDRENS CORNER SUITE: GOLLIWOGGS CAKE WALK" THE MUSIC IS JUST DATED MAN, JUST AS DATED AS THE TITLE.

OVERALL THOUGH THIS IS A QUALITY ALBUM, WITH CHILLS, SPILLS AND THRILLS. SERIOUSLY THOUGH A FINE EFFORT.

Debussy is the best. Ever........2004-07-23

I love Debussy and all of his brilliant work. I barely listen to any other classical music, so I am not an authority, just an honest lover of music. I play piano and love piano music, so I was not disappointed at a piano Flaxen-Haired Girl. I've never heard an orchestrated version and don't need to. This is a good introductory CD to Debussy's work, I love it! The only thing I don't care for is the Arabesque #1 (Track 9). The horn is kind of grating and clunky to hear in such an otherwise beautiful piece. Still, its interesting and different. Everything Debussy made is purest gold.

i am dumb.......2004-07-01

And I'm a doomass because I didn't proof-read my other review and I wrote that Clair de Lune was performed by piano on this disc, which it isn't. Anyway, the piano version is better.

Average customer rating:

LOVE this Cd
Excellent for babies and family
A great CD for the car
Baby Neptune
Baby Neptune Review

Baby Neptune

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008BRCI
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

Orchestra Tune-Up
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Allegro, Handel
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Bourree, (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Passepied (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.3 In G, Gigue (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Menuet (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Alla Hornpipe (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Air (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Allegro (Handel)
Blue Danube Waltz (Strauss)
Concerto In A (Telemann)
Water Music, Bourree (Telemann)
Water Music, Harlequinade (Telemann)
Water Music, Ebb And Flow (Telemann)
Contradance No.11 (Beethoven)
Contradance No.12 (Beethoven)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 1st Movement (Mozart)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 3rd Movement (Mozart)
La Mer (Debussy)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Fanfare And Overture (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Menuet Medley (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance (Handel)

Product Description

The Baby Neptune Concert for Little Ears music CD is an imaginative 22-track, 39-minute concert celebrating the rhythm and motion of water. From the joyous melodies of Handel's Water Music to the timeless flow of Strass' Blue Danube Waltz, great classical compositions will immerse you and your little one in playful musical portraits. The Baby Neptune music CD features some of the classical scores heard in Baby Neptune Discovering Water, and more. Charming water themes from master composers are re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra.Musical Selections:* Orchestra tune-up* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Allegro, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Bourree, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Passepied, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 3 in G, Gigue, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Menuet, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Alla Hornpipe, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Air, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Allegro, Handel* Blue Danube Waltz, Straus* Concerto in A, Telemann* Water Music, Bourree, Telemann* Water Music, Harlequinade, Telemann* Water Music, Ebb and Flow, Telemann* Contradance No. 11, Beethoven* Contradance No. 12, Beethoven* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 1st movement, Mozart* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 3rd movement, Mozart* La Mer, Debussy* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Fanfare and Overture, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Menuet medley, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance, HandelAge: birth +Award: Billboard Magazine Top Midline Classical Albums (#6) - 2004

Customer Reviews:

LOVE this Cd.......2007-03-08

Great music and soothing sounds for any babies and even older children. Our children really enjoy them in the car.

Excellent for babies and family.......2007-01-22

This CD is mandatory in the car and it relax everybody. It has classic music but without many sudden ups and downs. I would like to buy the whole collection next time.

A great CD for the car.......2007-01-04

We were given one from these series of CDs for babies and our daughter loves it, so we bought this one. It is a really nice collection of soft music and we usually play it in the car. A great addition to your baby's music collection.

Baby Neptune.......2006-03-18

I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me. It is relaxing and soothing.

Baby Neptune Review.......2006-01-17

Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful music
Great CD!
Not what I was looking for...
Finding Nemo
"Finding Nemo" soundtrack, music by Thomas Newman

Finding Nemo
Thomas Newman
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo: Nemo's Underwater World of Fun

ASIN: B000095J94
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Wow
Barracuda
Nemo Egg (Main Title)
First Day
Field Trip
Mr. Ray, Scientist
The Divers
Lost
Short-Term Dory
Why Trust a Shark?
Friends Not Food
Fish-O-Rama
Gill
Mt. Wannahockaloogi
Foolproof
Squishy
Jellyfish Forest
Stay Awake
School of Fish
Filter Attempt
The Turtle Lope
Curl Away My Son
News Travels
The Little Clownfish from the Reef
Darla Filth Offramp
Lost in Fog
Scum Angel
Haiku
Time to Let Go
Sydney Harbour
Pelicans
Drill
Fish in My Hair!
All Drains Lead to the Ocean
...P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney
Fishing Grounds
Swim Down
Finding Nemo
Fronds Like These
Beyond the Sea

Amazon.com

Will it become another rich Newman family tradition? Picking up the baton his cousin Randy carried so skillfully on Disney/Pixar's four previous pioneering computer animation features, composer Thomas Newman was undaunted, bringing his own highly original scoring sensibility to the studio's latest digital daydream--an effort that's also the younger Newman's own debut score for an animated feature. Tom's consistently unique approach to matters of rhythm and percussion are as forceful and inventive as ever in this undersea adventure, while his passages for orchestra resonate with the same quintessentially American pastoral melancholy his songwriting cousin has long employed in his work. The result is dynamic, diverse, and uniquely personal as any modern animated feature. Especially rewarding are the jazz/exotica/kitsch flourishes Newman playfully throws into the mix, diffusing his ever nervous rhythms with unexpected, quirky colorations. It's a must for any fan of Newman's evocative canon. Contemporary crooner Robbie Williams rounds out proceedings with a faithful, jazzy take on Bobby Darin's classic "Beyond the Sea." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music.......2007-07-16

Because my 2 year old son loves the Finding Nemo movie I ordered the CD to listen to at bedtime. The first time I played it, it only took him the first few notes to recognize the music from the movie.

The soundtrack does a wonderful job of creating an underwater atmosphere. My son and I also have fun with some of the "scary parts" such as when the barracuda attacks. As soon as my son hears that particular strain of music he makes a pretend scared face and then we giggle and snuggle in the covers.

If your child loves Nemo, has an active imagination and likes to listen to music as he goes to sleep, this is a nice choice.

Great CD!.......2007-04-05

Great cd! Have used in the classroom and the kids loved it.

Not what I was looking for..........2007-03-10

I was pretty disappointed by this. I was looking for songs that my kids could sing and dance to. This just was not it!! It's too bad, its one of my daughter's favorite movies.

Finding Nemo.......2007-01-09

I love this CD. I listen to it every night when I'm falling asleep. :-)

"Finding Nemo" soundtrack, music by Thomas Newman.......2006-08-19

A fabulous musical experience, even if you have not seen the movie. Newman uses the whole orchestra and more, with rich undertones and theme notes for each character in the story. I love the way it is presented in chronological order per movie-story-line. I listen to it while driving, making a very soothing drive for me. A great composition, you can just totally envision exactly where the story-line is going. Conjures up the clever dialogue amongst the characters while listening. Should make great company for the car back seat for small kids. Liner notes include photo I.D. of all the main characters.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Definitive SACD of Respighi's Roman music - Outstanding!!!!
Oh My Goodness Gracious, Yes!

Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Richard Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra; Ein Heldenleben [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000E1NWJQ
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Customer Reviews:

Definitive SACD of Respighi's Roman music - Outstanding!!!!.......2007-02-18

This multichannel SACD utilizes the front 3 channels only, as this was the sound of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Fritz Reiner that was recorded more than 40 years ago by skilled technicians with top notch analog equipment. Absolutely puts you in the middle of the ninth or tenth row. This is the glorious Pines of Rome and spectacular Fountains of Rome that I grew up with, but with much cleaner and more dynamic sound!

Oh My Goodness Gracious, Yes!.......2006-07-10

The SACD reissues of RCA recordings from their wonderful 'Living Stereo' days is reaching full spate. The Reiner/ChicagoSO Respighi, rapturously acclaimed when it first came out, is heard here in even more glorious sound with the addition of SACD multichannel reproduction. The performance itself, along with the older and now sonically hors de combat Toscanini/NBC SO recording, are possibly the most exciting, the most 'right' I've ever heard. The Chicago was in marvelous condition in those days and the brass are especially glorious in the Pines of the Appian Way section. But lest we slight the winds and strings, they have their day, too, the latter especially deep and satiny in Pines of the Janiculum. Of more recent recordings of 'Pines' I have raved about a 2000 Cincinnati SO recording but this one, frankly, puts it in the shade both sonically and musically. This is a must-have for those who have the appropriate equipment to hear it in SACD.

As for 'La Mer' it too is given a good performance but it is not going to be anyone's primary reason for acquiring this disc. There are too many other La Mer recordings that are its equal or better.

As of the date of this review there are no sound clips for the prospective buyer to hear, but eventually, I assume, Amazon will put up sound clips from this disc and if they have by the time you're reading this I'd urge you to listen just to the first few seconds of the opening of 'Pines.' That high frequency orchestration, so exciting in live performance and so easily compressed and messed up by sound engineers on recordings, is absolutely clear and thrilling.

This is a must-have. It's that simple.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

A classic
The Triumph of Chicago
Only this Respighi and nothing else.
Very Justified Label of "Benchmark"
I want to be buried with this CD!

Respighi: Pines of Rome, etc

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FUG
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

La Mer: From Dawn Till Noon On The Sea
La Mer: Play Of The Waves
La Mer: Dialogue Of The Wind And The Sea
Fountains Of Rome: The Fountain Of Valle Giulia At Dawn
Fountains Of Rome: The Triton Fountain At Morning
Fountains Of Rome: The Fountain Of Trevi At Midday
Fountains Of Rome: The Villa Medici Fountain At Sunset
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Villa Borghese
Pines Of Rome: Pines Near A Catacomb
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Janiculum
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Appian Way

Amazon.com

Whichever other Respighi tone poem recordings you ultimately purchase, you MUST own this one. Since the early `60s it has been the standard by which all others have been judged, and in terms of both sound and performance, it has never really been surpassed. The final march of Pines is simply incredible: thundering bass drum, crashing cymbals and gongs, bellowing brass--nobody since has brought the whole thing off with the same combination of excitement and discipline. The performance of La Mer has similar virtues. Fritz Reiner was a podium tyrant, but a tremendous musician all the same. This may be his finest recording. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2007-06-19

This is the only recording of the Pines I've heard where the trumpets play the fanfare in the first section open instead of muted as written. It never sounds right to me when played muted and makes every other recording disappointing. This is again the case in the trumpet solo in the beginning of the 3rd movement of La Mer in which Adolph Herseth plays the first line muted and the repeated line open. I've owned about five versions of this recording going back to records that I wore out playing. I have yet to hear a better version, although there are those with more modern sound quality. Still, the three-channel SACD is an improvement over any previous mix.

The Triumph of Chicago .......2005-07-20

Yes, I too despise recordings earlier than about 1970. The recording quality tends to be annoyingly muddy. I did hear remakable things about this recording, however, some of them I even read here at Amazon. And since I revere the CSO anyway( they are my favorite) I decided I would take a chance. When I listened to Pines, it gave me goosebumps. Sure, more contemporary recordings of the CSO have more in-your-face brass but for the year this was recorded in, it is astounding. The more and more I listened to Pines of the Appian Way, the more thunderstruck I was. The brass blaze a trail that the rest of the orchestra follows. It is an awesome testimony to power of music and the fiery passions it can stir up.

Honestly, however, when I first listened to Fountains, I was not impressed. The orchestral playing was of course first-rate but I thought the music was boring and restless with no clear direction. After a day or so, I decided to listen to it again, reasoning that it was I who was wrong. I did and I liked it. Not as exciting as Pines(the whole work) and Pines of the Appian Way, but it is still a good piece wonderfully performed, just sit and listen to everything.

Only this Respighi and nothing else........2004-04-05

Fritz Reiner surprises me here, despite his infamous reputation of being a tyranical, manipulative conductor whom his Chicago musicians had a hard time working with. That is because his handling of Respighi's Pines and Fountains of Rome are one of the finest recordings I've ever heard. There are the usual trademarks of precise and exciting playing, as demonstrated by the piece, pines by Villa Borghese. An average listener might felt ambushed by another typical Disney soundtract, except this sounds most exciting. The Pines at Janiculum and the Villa Medici Fountain at Sunset is Fritz Reiner at his most delicate and finest moment. Surprising, again since such warmth is unheard of a conductor of Reiner's reputation. I don't think I would want to own any other recordings of these magnificent works.

Very Justified Label of "Benchmark".......2004-02-23

Well, to begin, I'll say that I find the three musical compositions featured here to be splendid works. Respighi's journal of the sights of Rome as well as Debussy's accounts of his trips on the Mediterranean are irresistable tone poems that all classical music fans appreciate

And of course, the Chicago Symphony, whom you can just argue is the greatest American orchestra ever, puts in another terrific performance, as you would definately expect them to. The legendary Fritz Reiner was conductor of the CSO from 1951 to 1962, a golden period in the orchestra's history. Heiner was certainly a demanding leader, and it showed whenever recording sessions took place. A perfectionalist, he wanted control over all aspects and made sure himself that he received satisfactory results.

In the program booklet that comes with this CD, an excellent account is included of downtown Chicago's Orchestra Hall on October 24, 1959, when Reiner led his ensemble to a tremendous performance of Respighi's Pines and Fountains of Rome. The article is a very interesting read on the details of the recording session.

Now, as for the CD itself, the aged recording would of course raise the attention of the listening. While technology has definately surpassed what had been available back then, the sound is however very acceptable. This album indeed still remains one for the ages.

I want to be buried with this CD!.......2003-07-21

An NPR program once listed the best recordings of Respighi's works. The announcer made it a point to slam Respighi's compositions in every way possible (he even said that he found it fitting that the word "pig" was in Respighi!) but when all was said and done, he still ranked this recording as the undisputed master. I have owned several CDs of "Pines" and have slowly gotten rid of all but this one. NO recording of that piece has ever come close to Reiner's. The offstage brass are actually located on risers around the group and sound very "offstage" when they're supposed to be, but at the end of "Pines of the Appian Way", they are blazing at a volume that can compete with the brass on the stage. The intensity of the brass sound at ridiculous volume without sounding distored or harsh in any way is amazing-especially given the "prehistoric" techniques used in the recording. The string sound is beautiful throughout the range and the basses are thunderous when they need to be. In the fourth mvt, there are 2 spots in particular that are NEVER heard on other recordings. At 2:02, there is a key change to Bb. It is ushered in by the organ on a pedal Bb. It is marked pp I think, but when listening on good speakers or headphones in this recording, that note wraps around you and pins you down. On most recordings it is inaudible.

Another moment is at 3:34. There is an A in the second trumpet that is never heard for whatever reason, but on this version it is so intense that it will part your hair. There is no subtleness to the finale in this one. It is pure, raw power. I have performed this piece several times and while nothing can ever compare to being in the middle of this tidal wave of sounds all around you, this CD (at a proper, near-deafening level) can evoke those same sensations.

The Catacomb movement is frightening. The offstage trumpet solo is as gorgeous as they come with perfect muted string accompaniment. When the character changes right after the solo, the low brass hold down a beautiful pp with the subtle tam tam hits making it all the more eerie. Then...THE crescendo. The trombones take over with a sound unlike just about anything you'll hear on record. The strings are never buried either. Much of what makes this such a phenominal recording is the perfect balances that bring life to Respighi's brilliant coloration. Remember, this is before multitracking. They played and the mics picked up what was played. God, orchestras should sound this good today.

Sur La Mer
Average customer rating:

Not All Bad

It WAS the 80's after all

Another CD-title that was used for the first Baywatch season (NBC-1989/1990)

Buy it just for the first cut

Theme to "The Time Traveler's Wife"

Sur La Mer
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001FOX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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I Know You're Out There Somewhere
Want To Be With You
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Love Is On The Run
Deep

Customer Reviews:

Not All Bad.......2007-06-28

I bought this album on CD as soon as it came out in 1988 and listened to it on headphones. I thought the songs were incredibly layered and certainly well produced. True, there is no Ray Thomas on here and it's doubtful Greame Edge or even Patrick Moraz had much to do with this. In fact, it's really another Blue Jays album. I'm certain the Moody Blues name sold a lot more copies than Hayward/Lodge Blue Jays II would have.

I'm amazed how loathed this album is by some. For me, Keys of the Kingdom is the "worst" album by the Moodies; however, I still enjoy at least half the tracks on that one. But after reading several reveiws of how horrible the album is, I decided to put it on again and listen. Perhaps my view is a little biased because of the memories it holds for me at that time in my life, but it's still an album I play quite often.

There are some stinkers on this album-- the beer commercialism of "Here Comes the Weekend," just another weaker version of the weak "Rock N Roll Over You" from the previous album. "Breaking Point" and "Miracle" are not the Moodies best for certain, but I still enjoy "Miracle." The opening track is by far the most accessable track on the album, but "Vintage Wine" is the best track. A little trip down nostalgia lane from Justin. I just love the acoustic guitars on this one. The most unuasual track is "Deep." We don't need to wonder what that's about, but I think it's an amazing track and it's too bad they never performed it in concert. I heard an interview back when the album came out that they were trying to come up with an arrangent for stage, but it just never happened. "Want to Be With You" is a great love song and "River of Endless Love" rolls along with a great beat and great vocals. Sometimes coming out with straight up love song lyrics is not such a bad thing. Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs. What's wrong with that? Then you get "No More Lies." Yeah, the lyrics certainly aren't poetry, but what a great melody and it's sung so well by one the best voices in rock and roll.

Yeah, the average population is not going to embrace this album, which is why I gave it three stars and it's certainly not a five star album. But I think Moody Blues fans secret LOVE this album though some may be hard-pressed to admit it-- it's kind of like admitting you like Neil Diamond in a crowd of heavy metal fans. But give this album a shot. It certainly won't make any critics top one hundred albums of the last 25 years, but it's certainly a lot better than the flavorless, manufactured pop music fare out there.

It WAS the 80's after all.......2007-06-08

'Sur la Mer' honestly isn't all that bad, folks. Granted it WAS the late 1980's but you have to remember this band IS the fabulous Moody Blues after all. These men are just incapable of making a completely bad record-they are just too darned talented, quite frankly. Lets face it, they could sing the ingredients on a cereal box and make it sound good. The only really negative thing I can say about this album is that the lack of the great Ray Thomas' voice fronting a song left a huge void. At times is there just way too much synth and techno on SLM? Absolutely. Did I miss the basics of guitar, bass, drums and keyboard? Of course I did- especially John's bass. But what I do get on this album are the unmistakable words and voices of "most" of my beloved Moodies. When listening to this album, I have to gently remind myself of the era. Then I can relax and just enjoy the ride that The Moody Blues are about to take me on. I never regret the time spent with them. On to a few of the songs.......

'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' is Justin Hayward at his writing and singing best. This song doesn't sound that dated to me at all, if I can just get visions of the video out of my head. The way the MB's play it in concert today certainly doesn't make me think of the 80's. IKYOTS is classic and timeless in its theme of yearning for a lost love. Hayward can sometimes walk that fine line between sentimental and sappy like no one else, but more often than not he gets it just right. With his incredible voice and way with lyrics, he pulls it off here admirably.
'Want To Be With You' is simply a stunning number and one of my fave JH Moodies songs. Justin's voice has never been sweeter to my ears, and the way he and John harmonize, this song would have been perfect on their Blue Jays album. There is NOTHING at all dated about WTBWY- it would be right at home anywhere between 1970 and today.
'Vintage Wine' has certainly aged well also. Here again Hayward just blows my mind with his lovely words and how well he sings them. "I remember the taste of the vintage wine, from 63 through to 69. And I'm proud of the things we believed in then, if I had the chance I'd go around again". Perfection, folks.

John Lodge's rocker 'Here Comes the Weekend' makes me wish I was 22 again and in some trendy European dance club, showing them what this white country girl from Georgia can do. I'm not used to Lodgie rocking me w/o his trusty Fender bass but hey I adapt when its his voice and funky rhythm in my ears. The techno stuff was a bit much but not enough to take away from my joy of dancing to Johnny boy.
I can't say the same for 'The River of Endless Love', co-written by John and Justin and fronted by John on vocals. The sheer loud volume of the music takes away from what are great lyrics and at times overwhelms John's airy voice. A little less "noise" and I know I could have enjoyed this one. (See, I am capable of being critical of Lodge.)
'Breaking Point' is loud but not overly so- the volume suits the subject and tempo well. Co-written/sung by Hayward & Lodge, this one also makes me long to be on a dance floor somewhere about 20 years back. John's voice is well-suited for his parts, the first several verses of the song. John asks "Have you reached your breaking point tonight?" and "Are you sure you're alone?" in a way that only a woman could appreciate. Nice.....
'Miracle' is yet again another J&J collaboration and after several listens I am warming up to this very danceable tune just fine. The harmonies are just superb on this one.
'Love is on the Run' is the last one I'm commenting on and it is by far John's best effort here. It's a beautiful song on every level- music(great guitar work)tempo, lyrics and that way that only John Lodge can sing a song. "When your dream has lost its cause, don't waste your time in closing doors, you'll be the last to know, when love has gone." Aaahhh.... sounds so good to me. (John really needs to add this one to his concert repetoire- it's a great song.)

To sum up: remember that this album is circa 1988 but the unequaled talents of The Moody Blues sound good in any era.

Another CD-title that was used for the first Baywatch season (NBC-1989/1990).......2006-10-12

Also for Baywatch-fans this CD from the Moody Blues is a worth recommendation to their collection.

The CD contains the song "Breaking point", that were used for the Baywatch-episode "Eclipse" (1990 / season 1). While hearing this song, you'll remember Eddie Kramer dreaming of his sister... she drowns in a swimming pool. In the same dream also appears a white young ladie (light house) that haunts the Californian beaches.

If you are interested in songs that featured on Baywatch, you can buy here on Amazon.com the Book: "Baywatch - Rescued from Prime Time". This book contains all credits from songs/artists (like the Moody Blues), that you can buy here on Amazon.com. You can also read the rest of my reviews for more CD-credits that were used for Baywatch.

The soundquality of this CD is very good.

Buy it just for the first cut.......2006-04-07

If you listen to nothing else on this album, hear "I Know You're Out There Somewhere". Intense vocals backed by fabulous, soaring synthepop--classic Moody Blues, even without the much-missed Ray Thomas flute. With or without the classic lineup, however, the Moody Blues show once again how the masters do it.

Theme to "The Time Traveler's Wife".......2006-03-13

Hollywood movie-makers often look for classic rock songs to include on the soundtrack for a film they are releasing. I think I have found a wonderful connection between The Moody Blues and a possible future movie release.

After reading the book "The Time Traveler's Wife," I happened upon the song "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" from "Sur la mer" by the Moody Blues. The lyrics, the music, and the production (by Tony Visconti) all brought me back to the book and its themes.

If you have read the book -- check out this disc and the song. If you know the song -- then read the book!

If "The Time Traveler's Wife" is ever made into a movie, I would strongly suggest that this song be a part of the production.

Are you listening Hollywood?

Average customer rating:

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites
Wonderful
Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok
Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music

Debussy: La Mer

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002MXMY
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

La Mer: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer
La Mer: II. Jeux de vagues
La Mer: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer
Jeux
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Cour des lys
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Danse extatique et Final du Premier Acte
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Passion
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Le Bon Pasteur
Prelude 'aprmidi d'un faune

Tracks:

Images pour orchestre: Gigues
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: I. Par les rues et par les chemins
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: II. Les Parfums de la nuit
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: III. Le Matin d'un jour de f
Images pour orchestre: Rondes de printemps
Trois Noctures: Nuages
Trois Noctures: Fs
Trois Noctures: Sirs
Printemps: Trmod
Printemps: Mod

Customer Reviews:

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites.......2006-01-11

There is nothing quite like Dutoit's handling of some of Debussy's timeless masterpieces. All have enormous strength and have clear sound quality. The piece that gives me the shivers the most is La Mer. It has the perfect oceanic feeling that some other conductors forget about. I can just imagine the stormy sea letting out its dangerous but majestic fury when listening to the third movement. Images for Orchestra and Printemps are also fabulous. Highly recommended for those who are interested in impressionistic music.

Wonderful.......2004-03-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top-notch form. Dutoit handles these works well, bringing delicacy of phrasing, sweeping crescendos, and awesome sonics. Rarely does can an orchestra sound calm, quiet, even serene AND loud, dramatic, and forceful. La Mer is particularly striking in Dutoit's hands. Decca's crystal clear sound makes this set even more attractive. Highly recommended.

Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok.......2002-08-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top notch form. However, the reason I gave this CD set only 4 starts is because the recorded sound less much to be desired. The cd sound is very "echo"y, it sounds like the orchestra is playing in a cave, not a concert hall. If that doesn't bother you then go for this set. As for me, I want Debussy with a little clearer of a sound.

Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music.......1999-12-11

Most of Dutoit's Debussy recordings were released at the beginning of the 1990s and are of the same very high standard of his Ravel and Poulenc recordings, and it is good to have the best-known of them reissued on a well-documented 2-CD bargain set. The sound quality is fantastic. This set comes into competition with Haitink's excellent Philips Duo set, and choice between the two sets will probably be determined by the minor works included. The Haitink set has long been the first recommendation in this repertoire, and the analogue sound is excellent, if not as spectacular as that of the Dutoit set. It should be noted, however, that those who buy the Dutoit set along with Martinon's "Orchestral Works II" set on EMI's Double Forte label will have obtained virtually all of Debussy's orchestral compositions and transcriptions all for not too many dead presidents.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Enough with the damn compilations!
worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs
Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs
Hip-O Records trying to make money from us

Odyssey: The Definitive Collection

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Reprise: 1990-1999
Themes
Oceanic
Voices
Heaven and Hell

ASIN: B0000DHK5T
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Pulstar
Hymne
Main Theme From The 'Chariots Of Fire'
Main Theme From The 'Missing'
Love Theme From 'Blade Runner'
End Titles From 'Blade Runner'
The Tao Of Love
Theme From 'Antartica'
Theme From 'Cavafy'
Opening Titles From 'Mutiny On The Bounty'
Conquest Of Paradise
La Petite Fille De La Mer
L'Enfant
Alpha
Celtic Dawn
Movement 1 From 'Mythodea'
I'll Find My Way Home
State Of Independence

Album Description

18 remastered tracks including titles from 'Missing', 'Blade Runner', '1492 Conquest Of Paradise' & the Oscar-winning 'Chariots Of Fire', as well as 2 bonus tracks, 'I'll Find My Way Home' & 'State Of Independence'. Digipak. Universal. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-08-19

I like the music, but the sound quality is terrible. I bought this CD because it was released in 2003, but there is ZERO improvement in sound quality from previous older tracks.

Enough with the damn compilations!.......2005-06-11

First of all I like Vangelis very much. However I have had it with the way that his music is being released. We are consistently given compilation releases (usually of the same tracks that are on other releases). WHAT IS THE POINT????!!
All the more frustrating is that Vangelis has a ton of unreleased music that many fans like myself have been after for years. Sorry the bootlegs on Ebay just don't cut it.
Where's an official release of "Cavafy", "The Bounty", "Francesco", and "Bitter Moon". Where is all the still unreleased music from "1492", "Blade Runner", "Antarctica" and "Chariots of fire", yes he released soundtracks for these films but they were sadly lacking.
Unfortunately we will probably have to wait for Vangelis to demise before we ever get these tracks, if even then.

worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs.......2005-05-25

Some may complain that this is not a definitive Vangelis CD. Nope, it is far from being that, but it has seven good songs on it that make it worth purchasing for less than $20. Those seven good songs are: Hymne, Alpha, Chariots of Fire, Missing, Pulsar, Petite Fille de la Mer, and L'enfant. Of course, those are just my personal favorites.

Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs.......2004-06-10

It's hard to keep track of the number of compilations of Vangelis. Off the top of my head, I can think of "The Best of", "Greatest Hits", "Themes", "Portraits", and "Reprise". But they never got it right, something was always off, or one period or another of his career was not covered. Now comes "Oddisey: The Definitive Collection". While it may be pushing your luck to proclaim anything as a Vangelis "definitive" compilation", given his prolific output over the years, I am here nevertheless to tell you that this compilation is as good as it will get.

"Oddisey: The Definitive Collection" (18 tracks, 78 min.) in my opinion truly does compile all of Vangelis' best know tracks and greatest hits. Most of the tracks on here will sound immediately familiar, many because they are movie themes (Chariots of Fire being the most famous of course, but also The Missing, Blade Runner, thankfully containing both the beginning and end titles, Mutiny on the Bounty, and others), and other that became well known in commercials (Hymne, L'Enfant, among others). There can be no denying the creativity and talents of Vangelis. There are 2 bonus tracks, "I'll Find My Way Home" and "State of Independence", the 2 best known tracks of Jon & Vangelis, a nice touch to the album.

I share my frustration with other reviewers here that there is tons of great Vangelis music out there that remains unreleased. To be sure, Vangelis deserves a box-treatment of rare and unreleased tracks. But if you are looking for a single-disk overview of his best known songs, look no further: "Oddisey" is it. Released in Fall, 2003, it is a nice way to commemorate Vangelis turning 60 (say it ain't so!).

Hip-O Records trying to make money from us.......2004-04-20

Hos this company dares to call this compilation definitive collection??? Bring something new and then I'll consider your work. Shame of you!!!

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3/Debussy: La Mer/Ibert: Escales

Average customer rating:

Saint-Saens 3rd Symphony - Munch, Boston Symphony
Much much too fast... especially the final movement.
Some Gold Standards Simply Do Not Tarnish
An experience in Symphony Hall
A great recording! A small correction.

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3/Debussy: La Mer/Ibert: Escales

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 24 & 25
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ASIN: B000003FEG
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78: Adagio; Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78: Poco adagio
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78: Allegro moderato; Presto
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78: Maestoso; Allegro
La Mer: De l'aube a midi sur la mer
La Mer: Jeux de vagues
La Mer: Dialogue du vent et de la mer
Escales (Ports Of Call): Rome-Palermo. Calme
Escales (Ports Of Call): Tunis-Nefta. Modere tres rythme
Escales (Ports Of Call): Valencia. Anime

Amazon.com

Recorded in 1956 (Debussy, Ibert) and 1959 (Saint-Saëns), these jewels from stereo's golden age, all Munch specialities, receive their finest transfers yet. Close use of the microphone suits Munch's La Mer, a seascape illuminated in primary colors rather than conventional pastels. Ibert's colorful Escales ("Ports of Call") gets an intense, bracing reading, and so does the Saint-Saëns. Recorded balance in the latter's third movement, though, is distorted and fuzzy during loud tuttis when the organ and orchestra kick in simultaneously. And one might desire more contrasted dynamics and articulation in the finale's fugal build-up. But don't let tiny blemishes like these deter you from buying this lovable disc. --Jed Distler

Amazon.com

This is another of Charles Munch's blazing collaborations with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the French repertory, and a fine example of how this conductor could take a warhorse and turn it back into a serious piece of music--serious but not dull. The opening Allegro is impassioned, the Adagio is intensely poetic and expressive, and the finale generates real edge-of-the-seat excitement. The "Living Stereo" remastering has restored the lifelike presence of the original recording and minimized the effects of tape saturation in the loudest passages. The glorious tone of the orchestra comes through loud and clear, along with a thrilling sense of Symphony Hall ambience. Debussy's La Mer and Ibert's Escales... make a generous coupling and are every bit as impressively performed. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Saint-Saens 3rd Symphony - Munch, Boston Symphony.......2007-07-14

The Munch recording of Saint-Saens Third is the best of any. I bought the vinyl in 1966 shortly after it was released and was glad to see it re-released on CD. The sound quality is some of RCA''s best, and the BSO has never sounded better. This is an unrestrained, no-holds barred performance--fast paced just like I would think the composer would have preferred it. As a bonus, you get a fine performance of La Mer.

Hal Denton
Cookeville, TN

Much much too fast... especially the final movement........2007-04-21

I won't elaborate more than to say this recording of the Organ Symphony, purchased because of the glowing reviews of others, was a disappointment. It was simply MUCH MUCH TOO FAST, in particular the final movement but from the very start it was played too fast! And almost staccato! I found this most distracting throughout.

Probably the main reason I was so disappointed was that I own Paul Paray's Detroit Symphony Orchestra version (recorded in 1957, Mercury Living Presence), originally on vinyl and now on CD, and I've been listening to this performance since 1963. I've gotten used to listening to it every Friday afternoon (just as I did when I was in college).

I probably was hoping to hear a duplicate rendition from Munch, especially from the organ. Unfortunately it is not anything like it. Quite a different emotion all around.

So if you're looking for THE absolute most electric, emotional, thrilling and wonderful sounding presentation, buy the Paray Detroit Symphony recording, and don't waste any money on this one. Marcel Dupre (organist with Paray) is stupendous! He makes the organ come alive. You will be swinging your arms and jumping in your seat as the final crescendo builds (assuming you play it as loud as I do). You will not be able to concentrate on anything else for 10 minutes after it's over. Chills. You will get chills. Sensational.

Munch... not so much.

Some Gold Standards Simply Do Not Tarnish.......2006-06-11

For many lovers of classical music one of the first cherished LPs in the library was the wonder flourished in this 1950s recording of Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3 in C minor, forever known now as the Organ Symphony, as conducted by Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Berj Zamkochian as organ soloist. Now with the presence of this SACD Hybrid release the position of this recording remains unchallenged as the one to own. Munch understood the architecture of the symphony and was able to make the most of the organ parts as woven through the orchestral fabric, allowing the mighty climax to have a reason for happening. It is a towering performance of a work that is used more often than any other to unveil new organs in new orchestral halls.

But Munch and his then own Boston Symphony were the top interpreters of the French repertoire and gratefully on this CD we also have the Debussy 'La Mer' and the lighter but effective 'Escales (Ports of Call) by Jacques Ibert. The performances exude the impressionistic perfume Munch knew so well and while there may be weightier and mightier recordings of 'La Mer' available today, Munch's approach is still a valid one. But the reason for adding this CD to your library remains the inimitable Saint-Saens. It is spectacular! Grady Harp, June 06

An experience in Symphony Hall.......2005-06-19

I was a junior in high school and the principal oboist of the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was performing in Symphony Hall on Sunday. It was Saturday afternoon the day before the concert and we rehursed in Sym. Hall all afternoon. After the rehersal was over I remained in my chair and finished a couple of reeds for the next day. Reeds in the hall performed differently than they did at home so there I was whittling away when all of a sudden in walks BSO's Organist, Berg Zamkochian. He came over to me and watched me tweeking a reed and became intrigued. My teacher was Ralph Gomberg, the BSO's principal oboist and I was sitting in his chair. Berg and I carried on a good conversation before he began warming up the Symphony Hall Organ. The program that evening was the Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3 under Charles Munch. I heard him play all the great organ parts from my seat in the orchestra. It was just he and I in the entire hall. Wow!
I remained there that evening and heard the full concert live.
I do have an LP of the recording and rate it 5 stars.

A great recording! A small correction........2005-01-08

I am happy to second Dan Beck's strong recommendation of this classic recording and the "consummate French" sound of the Boston Symphony in it's former glory. However, I must give proper credit to the great Gino Cioffi, first chair clarinet of the orchestra at the time this recording was made. By the time Harold Wright joined the Boston Symphony in 1970, Charles Munch was already with the angels (Alas!).

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