Rodrigo: En Aranjuez con tu amor

On this CD:

1. Aranjuez, ma pensée, for voice & guitar
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

2. Con qué la lavaré, for voice & piano (or sorpano & orchestra, Madrigales amatorios No. 1)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

3. Vos me matásteis, for voice & piano (or soprano & orchestra, Madrigales amatorios No. 2)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

4. De dónde venís, amore?, for voice & piano (or soprano & orchestra, Madrigales amatorios No. 3)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

5. De los álamos vengo madre, for voice & piano (or soprano & orchestra, Madrigales amatorios No. 4)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

6. Cançons (7) valencianes, for violin & piano
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

7. Pastorcito santo, for voice & guitar (Villancicos No. 1)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

8. Coplillas de Belén, for voice & guitar (Villancicos No. 2)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

9. Coplas del pastor enamorado, for voice & piano (or guitar)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

10. Sonata giocosa, for guitar
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

11. Líricas castellanas, song cycle for soprano, recorder, cornet, & vihuela (or flute, oboe, & guitar) San Juan y Pascua
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

12. Líricas castellanas, song cycle for soprano, recorder, cornet, & vihuela (or flute, oboe, & guitar) Despedida y soledad
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

13. Líricas castellanas, song cycle for soprano, recorder, cornet, & vihuela (or flute, oboe, & guitar) Espera del amado
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

14. En Aranjuez, con tu amor, for voice & piano (or guitar)
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo
Performed by Klaus Feldmann, Rainer Feldmann

Tracks:

En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Rodrigo)
Mattinata (Leoncavallo)
Barcarolle (Offenbach)
L'Alba Separa Della Luce I'ombra (Tosti)
Sogno d'Amore (Liszt)
La Serenata (Tosti)
L'Ultima Canzone (Tosti)
Malia (Tosti)
La Danza (Rossini)
Ideale (Tosti)
Sogno (Tosti)
Plaisir d'Amour (Martini)
Musica Proibita (S. Gastaldon)
Occhi Di Fata (Denza)
A Vuchella (Tosti)
Vorrei Morire (Tosti)
Vaghissima Sembianza (S. Donaudy)

Amazon.com

The international crossover success of tenor Andrea Bocelli has spawned any number of imitators on both sides of the Atlantic. But this collection of romantic arias and duets with violinist-conductor Lorin Maazel (who also arranges and helms the London Symphony Orchestra here) proves once again that the classical canon still offers ample room for compelling reinvention without nettlesome pop affectations. In reviving a genre (violin and vocal) largely dormant since the days of Caruso, Bocelli has taken some rewarding liberties with Rodrigo's "En Aranjuez can ta amor" and forged Liszt's familiar Liebestraume No. 3 into "Sogno D'Amore" with new, self-penned lyrics. Maazel's warm, evocative violin obligatos and sensitive, sympathetic arrangements infuse this tenor's showcase not only with unabashed romance, but as their lively romp through Tosti's "Malia" demonstrates, a sense of joyous fun. An album for romantics of all ages and persuasions--and one that gratifyingly demonstrates that crossing over is hardly the same as selling out. Enhanced CD includes a mini-documentary with comments by Bocelli and Maazel, as well as links to a more comprehensive interview with the tenor. --Jerry McCulley

Album Details

A Sensational Album featuring Truly Beautiful Songs and Arias that Evoke Feelings of Passion and Romance. The UK Special Edition of the Album Includes the Bonus Track "Non T'amo Pui" by Tosti.

Customer Reviews:

Fine idea, weak execution.......2007-04-26

Lorin Maazel, in the self-indulgent pat on the back that passes for linear notes, manages to make one good point: the tenor-violin duet was once a fine tradition worthy of exploring afresh. As an effort to revive this dusty tradition, this disc is not successful.

Maazel seems to enjoy the feel of the violin under his chin, and generally produces elegant sounds. The orchestration, which he tells us in his notes evolved amidst a hectic schedule of conducting and rehearsing Don Carlo and Don Giovanni, is basic and generally inoffensive. Good thing he tells the listener of his busy schedule, or one would have to be harsher with his sometimes dreary musical arrangements.

Andrea Bocelli is something of a controversial figure in some circles. I am a picky listener, and suffer from the maniacal ailments that afflict the opera buff. Still, I have always enjoyed Bocelli's popular recordings. I like pleasant tunes sung by a full, clear tenor voice. Having said this, I find his operatic recordings lamentable.

Though not opera per se, Bocelli sounds over-taxed by the repertory at hand (mostly lovely 19th century songs). Each track is unworthy of comparison with past performances by operatic greats-- Pavarotti, Carreras, Gigli, Di Stefano, and Schipa come to mind. Bocelli's voice is strained, and he offers nothing resembling the grace required by these three-minute masterpieces.

Those who are in love with Bocelli's voice will no doubt enjoy this recording. Still, I strongly urge exploring this repertory as it is presented by far more capable performers, and far better endowed voices.

He's magnificent.......2007-03-12

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD, especially some favorites that I haven't heard in years. I wholeheartedly recommend.

Romantic sounds!.......2007-01-12

Adrea's voice continues to enthrall me! Even if you don't understand Italian, you will enjoy this album. Highly recommended.

Simply beautiful!.......2006-07-09

I wont repeat what others with positive reviews already said. Just know that none of Bocelli's CD's have ever disappointed me, and if you are looking for as fine a piece of work as possible (thus far), THIS and "Romanza" are it.

Average Bocelli at best.......2005-01-20

I bought this Bocelli album because I truly wanted to hear him perform "Plaisir D'Amour," one of my all time favorites. While I do love Bocelli I wasn't completely impressed with the entire CD. This is not the best I've heard from Andrea and his voice is not great throughout the CD. I do enjoy it though. He's one of the few artists I can listen to these days without getting a headache.

Average customer rating:

THANK YOU
Soothing...
James Galway's triumphant Deutsche Grammophon return
Some Good Galway Crossover Selections

James Galway: Wings of Song

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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The Wind Beneath My Wings
James Galway ~ Meditations
James Galway - Dances for Flute
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James Galway - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0002MNELS
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Gymnopedie No.3
Ave Maria
The Dawning Of The Day
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Based On The 2nd Movement Of 'Concierto De Aranjuez')
Siciliano
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Casta Diva
Pie Jesu
Barcarolle
Der Engel
Che Faro Senza Euridice?
Lento
Wiegenlied
A Lord Of The Rings Suite
Annie's Song

Amazon.com

This is James Galway's first CD with a new label, and it presents him at his most lyrical. Every selection is long-melodied and soothingly played, including an interesting transcription of the 2nd movement of Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez. Who would have guessed that a flute could substitute so handsomely for a guitar? Schubert's "Ave Maria" is mellow and sweet, Brahms's "Lullaby" is nicely accented, and he's well-matched with his wife in the "Barcarolle" from The Tales of Hoffmann. Two bonus tracks offer the world premiere of a haunting suite from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, composed by Howard Shore, and a new version of John Denver's "Annie's Song," perhaps Galway's most famous piece. Along the way, there's a mesmerizing transcription of Ravel's "Pavane pour une Infante défunte" (originally for piano), a moving version of "Che faro…" from Gluck's Orfeo ed Eurydice, and more. Fans of Galway's won't want to miss this relaxing, beautifully recorded CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

THANK YOU.......2007-05-25

I purchased this CD as a gift. It was so convenient to order it on-line and have it sent directly to my sister.

Thank you!

Anne

Soothing..........2007-05-06

I suppose that James Galway is about the most reknowned flautist of our time. I would file this CD under the category of "light" classics. As such, it is a masterpiece. Not only does every track feature a beautiful melody, but as a whole the recording creates a mood of peace and calm. It is utterly soothing and relaxing. Of special interest for all of you "Lord of the Rings" is a suite based on thems from the movie trilogy. It has an appealing Celtic feel.

This CD takes you from the busy world and puts you out in "space".

James Galway's triumphant Deutsche Grammophon return.......2005-02-27

Fans of James Galway may not realize that he recorded on Deutsche Grammophon in the past, as a key member of the Berlin Philharmonic during the early 1970s; this CD is a splendid "return" to this recording label. It is a brilliant mixture of classical and popular music, representing Galway's uncanny ability of playing superb "Mood Music", aided by ample orchestral support from the London Symphony Orchestra. Among the bonus tracks are a new version of John Denver's "Annie's Song" for which Galway has earned ample worldwide recognition and a haunting suite from film composer Howard Shore's scores for "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, playing themes associated with the Hobbits and their beloved The Shire.

Some Good Galway Crossover Selections.......2004-12-28

This new recording Sir James's First for DG in quite a long time.

Is a selection of uplifting pieces of music arrainged for flute

and orchestra. Ably abbetted by the LSO and assisted by his wife

Jeanne, who plays quite well too, Sir James shows that he can

still play the flute and the tin whistle with more than enough

talent and feeling. While some people may condemn this as "mood"

music, I find it quite refreshing. Although I can still hope that

there will be a couple recordings of flute concerti comming from

Mr. Galway in the near future. I have never had a problem with

classical artists doing what is now called "Crossover" I think

it gives them a much needed change of pace. After all one can

only play the classic flute liturature so much, and Sir James is

not the first solo artist to make such recordings. His

His performances of the selections on this CD are all quite good

to say the least. My favorites are the "Barcarolle" and "Annies

Song" and the Schubert "Ave Maria", which I think is the best

instrumental recording of this work since Isaac Stern's violin

recording for CBS. Klauspeter Siebel and the London Symphony

Orchestra do a wonderful job accompaning him in these works.

The recorded sound is more than acceptable and I can only hope

that this will be the first of many new James Galway CD's from

DG. Perhaps Sir James can do a disc or Two with the London

Mozart Players as well for DG too>

Average customer rating:

Sentimento--Average at Best

Sentimento
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sogno
Cieli di Toscana
Andrea
Romanza
Andrea Bocelli: Verdi

ASIN: B000071X4U
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor
Mattinata
Barcarolle
Alba Separa Dalla Luce l'Ombra
Sogno d'Amore (Liebestraum)
Serenata
Ultima Canzone
Malia
Danza
Ideale
Soyno - Andrea Bocelli, The London Symphony Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
Plaisir d'Amour - Andrea Bocelli, The London Symphony Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
Musica Proibita
Occhi Di Fata
Vucchella
Vorrei Morire!

Customer Reviews:

Sentimento--Average at Best.......2005-01-20

I bought this CD for one reason...Bocelli sings "Plaisir D'Amour," one of my absolute all time favorites. This isn't the best of Andrea. His voice is sometimes weak and warbly. That said, I enjoy this CD for easy listening and simply because it doesn't give me a headache.

Average customer rating:

Surprised
You will be transfixed...
Soft, Real, and Very Good
An elegant classical offering from a pop icon

The Classical Nana

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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Nuestras Canciones
Ma Verite
Nana Latina
Ode To Joy
Vielles Chansons de France

ASIN: B000001FPM
Release Date: 1989-07-14

Tracks:

Adagio Notturno- Op. Posth. 148 D. 897: Only Time Will Tell
Norma: Qual Cor Tradisti
Danse Espagnole, No.5- Andalouse: La Andaluza
Adagio Per Archi Ed Organo: Adagio
Maitre Pathelin: Romance
Suite No.11- Sarabande: Gloria Eterna
Aranjuez: En Aranjuez Con Mi Amor
Le nozze di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete
Carmen: Habanera
Nabucco: Song for Liberty
Elixir Of Love: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Moise En Egypte: Mon Dieu
Serenade_: Serenade
La Celestine: Plaisir d'Amour
Norma: Casta Diva
Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Ave Maria, Op. 52, No.6- 1825: Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Surprised.......2004-05-04

I am an opera fan and normally detest the sound of non-opera singers trying out their pipes on Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, etc. I bought this disc years ago and it's been collecting dust. But since breaking it out, I can't stop listening. Nana's voice doesn't have the classical quality that I am used to from the likes of Kiri Te Kanawa and Mirella Freni, but she makes up for it with her unique style, although she gets a tad shrill on a couple of the songs. But considering she was about 55 when this was recorded it's amazing she still had such range and quality. The arrangements, orchestrations and chorus are breathtaking. Rodrigo's Concierto Aranjuez, with words, was a real surprise. The second movement has to be one of the all-time beautiful melodies ever written and what a perfect voice to sing it. Verdi's "Song for Liberty" from Nabucco is my favorite cut on the disc but there isn't one dud out of 18 tracks and that in itself is a marvel.

You will be transfixed..........2003-07-23

...when you hear Nana Mouskouri's rendition of the Bellini aria from Norma. This artist has been recording for at least 30 years or so-- and I have yet to hear her sing something badly-- she sings in Greek, English, French-- every language-- with astonishing beauty. Excellent

Soft, Real, and Very Good.......2001-10-17

I am sorry to say that I had never heard of Nana before. That is to my detriment. This album is supurb. The music is real, the orchestration is very good, and Nana's voice is unequaled for this type of music. Based exclusively on this album, I plan to buy every one of her CD's I can find.

An elegant classical offering from a pop icon.......1999-11-19

I'm program director of a classical music radio station, and this disc has become a favorite with our morning drive audience -- less idiosyncratic than Sarah Brightman's popular but over-hyped offerings, and Mouskouri's voice is richer (though with less power) as well. Mouskouri has always been more popular in Europe than the US but has had a strong following in America anyway. Even her most ardent fans must have been surprised when this disc was released a few years ago, for it is a surprisingly elegant and moving interpretation of classical melodies. A few retain their original lyrics, and Mouskouri has added lyrics to some works that were originally instrumental, but everything is handled with grace and style. And that voice! Fluid, silky, always balanced -- it's a wonderful disc.

Average customer rating:

Good for what it is, however narrow.

Telarc SACD Sampler: The Absolute Sound

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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Telarc SACD Sampler: Sound and Vision
Concord Records SACD Sampler 1 (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Concord Jazz Sampler Vol.2
Telarc SACD Jazz Sampler, Vol. 3
Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B000CRR3Q0
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Customer Reviews:

Good for what it is, however narrow........2006-11-09

The Absolute Sound has been a premiere audiophile rag for decades. If you are one, you already know them. If not, then there is only a small chance their magazine will be useful to you. They have another publication for home theatre, "Perfect Vision" which has far broader appeal these days. SACD is the format for this disk. Many of them are pressed in "hybrid" for use on conventional CD players. SACD is a significant improvement on the CD, which initially promised "perfect sound forever".

Telarc is a particularly high quality label that supports SACD. They have a fine list of recordings that extends far beyond these chestnuts.

To appreciate this improvement you need to have a SACD player. So the best use of this disk is to bring it with you to different audio stores to audition their equipment. Over time it functions as a reference disk, or benchmark, as you compare different sound systems.

Because it has only bleeding hunks of well known classical music, it has little other value unless you are interested in classical music but have little experience of it. In that case it may serve as a sampler to lead you to buy complete recordings of these selections. But again you need the SACD player, which you may already have if you are a jazz or rock audiophile. Otherwise, pass it by.

Average customer rating:

Best CD since Labyrinth
Disappointed
Reconsider
Latin Licks
this album rocks

LAGQ: Latin
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music
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Best of L.A.G.Q.
L.A. Guitar Quartet: Evening In Granada
LAGQ's Guitar Heroes
For Thy Pleasure
L.A. Guitar Quartet: Dances from Renaissance to Nutcracker

ASIN: B00006J9SZ
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

Fragile
Hasta Alicia Baila
Fuga Y Misterio
Forrobodo
Cuban Landscape With Rain
La Trampa
Paisaje Mexicano
Danza De Jalisco
Sevillanas
Syzygy
Aragonaise
Habanera
Seguidilla
Toreadors
Entr'Acte
Gypsy Dance
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Based On The Second Movement Of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez)

Amazon.com

Latin, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's homage to the music of Latin America and Spain, opens weakly with a tune called "Fragile," a bit of melodic fluff composed by Sting. After that's safely out of the way, however, the four virtuosos go on to play much more satisfying works by such composers as Leo Brouwer from Cuba, Astor Piazolla from Argentina, Egberto Gismonti from Brazil, and Joaquin Rodrigo from Spain. The music ranges from the passionate, earthy flamenco of "Sevillanas" to the austere, almost abstract tone poem "Cuban Landscape with Rain" and on to the jazzy harmonies of "Forrobodo." The most exciting piece is the six-movement "Carmen Suite," which the quartet plays with a thrilling blend of passion and precision. But no matter how disparate the music, the impeccable technique, musical intelligence, and emotional delivery of John Dearman, William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and Andrew York find the common thread to tie it all together. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Best CD since Labyrinth.......2003-06-01

Fantastic. I was very pleased with this CD. The playing was fantastic as expected. However, what I like most is the arrangements. The arrangements are not typical of Classical musicians. No doubt this is because of Andrew York and John Dearman's versatilty in a wide range of musical styles. Also, it doesn't hurt that Bill Kanangiser and Scott Tenant are among the finest Clasical Guitarists in history.

Disappointed.......2003-04-10

I'm a big fan of LAGQ but am somewhat disappointed with this CD. The playing is near flawless as usual, but I was expecting a more interesting selection of Latin pieces. One of the few exceptions on this CD is Aaron Copland's "Danza de Jalisco," which is arranged and performed marvelously by LAGQ. This group puts on some of the best concerts out there, but I find that many of their recordings lack the same excitement. The CD "LAGQ" (1997?) is an exception, with its variety and energetic performances.

Reconsider.......2003-02-15

Probably fine for the guitarist wanting to appreciate some good licks, but not pleasant or soothing music for listening. I gave mine away.

Latin Licks.......2003-01-31

This cd is awesome!!!

No wonder LAGQ: Latin was nominated for a Grammy as Best Classical Crossover Album.

this album rocks.......2002-10-12

the LAGQ again give us some suprise with this recent release. This is the second best version of Carmen Suite (second only to Romero's, but much better than Segovia Quartet's).
The whole album is full of Latin style and spanish favor.

Average customer rating:

be my love:an album of love

Be My Love

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Placido Domingo: Songs of Love
The Domingo Songbook
Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
The Broadway I Love
Perhaps Love

ASIN: B000002SIH
Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

Be My Love
Jealousy Tango
Love Story
O Sole Mio
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Valencia
La Golondrina
Love Be My Guiding Star
Because You're Mine
Mamma
El Condor Pasa
Quiereme Mucho
Somewhere, My Love
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor
La Vie En Rose
Spanish Eyes

Customer Reviews:

be my love:an album of love.......2002-05-17

I enjoy good music and I FELL THAT ALOT OF WORK WENT INTO THIS...I'M A CLASSIC LISTERN AND I KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANT TO THE SINGER

Average customer rating:

Nice Cross Over
Mike Batt FAILS
Great talent ruined by terrible songs
A Light Hearted Delight
Has potential, but lacks direction

Classical Graffiti
The Planets
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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Beyond Imagination
Classified
The Opera Band
Explosive: The Best of Bond
Born

ASIN: B00005YUGV
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

Rodrigo
Carmen Caprice
Grassland Theme
Classical Graffiti
Love In Slow Motion
Brandenburg Variation
The Journey Of A Fool
Clair De Lune
He Moved Through The Fair
Contradanza
A Letter From New England
Bolero Fantasy
A One Minute Silence (Classical Version)
Carmen Caprice (Acoustic Version)
Brandenburg Variation (Acoustic Version)
Bolero Fantasy (Acoustic Version)
Christmas Thingy

Amazon.com

The title of the Planets' debut album, Classical Graffiti, aptly encapsulates the latest project by Mike Batt, whose career has long steered a path between camp and classical, from serious orchestral concerts to pop hits, from film scores to masterminding the Wombles. Recently Batt gave the world Bond, and the Planets are even more of the same--four classically trained young women, this time partnered by four classically trained young men. The result is 16 Batt-arranged and produced tracks, both originals and covers of famous classical melodies, some acoustic, most given a polished MOR rock-dance twist. The Planets made their public debut supporting Deep Purple's 2002 UK tour and there's more than a hint of 1970s prog-rock, which, combined with an energetic feel, should go down a storm with an enthusiastic audience. Opening with an up-tempo, beat-laden "Adagio" from Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez, the set includes "Contradanza", a Vivaldi-influenced Batt dance originally penned for Vanessa Mae, and a beautiful, slightly adapted version of the traditional "She Moved Through the Fair." --Gary S Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

Nice Cross Over .......2004-12-30

One can hear and appreciate the classical training of these fine musicians, and this attempt to cross over into more hip crowd. I appreciate that their attempts to do this with classical pieces did not venture too far out, e.g. Rodrigo is my least favorite piece. I do enjoy the Carmen Caprice pieces and the Brandenburg Varaitions are well done.

The pieces unfamiliar to me are quite good: The Journey of A Fool, He Moved Through the Fair, A Letter from New England.

The Christmas Trilogy is nice ending, with its swirling, winding version of What Child Is This, Holly & Ivy and In Dulce Jubilo.

Mike Batt FAILS.......2004-09-20

I guess Mike Batt can't get it right each time. Vanessa-Mae... fantastic. BOND.. Absolutely GREAT

The Planets?

....CRAP

This is just sad. If you want to hear crossover done right, get Vanessa Mae's best of and bond's born, shine, or classified.

Great talent ruined by terrible songs.......2004-08-27

It is obvious that they have a lot of talent. The first song has a lot of energy and is quite good. But after that, the tempo of all the songs is moderato at the fastest. Most of the songs that were chosen were just to slow of songs. It does not match up to the caliber of Bond, where I thought it would have.

A Light Hearted Delight.......2004-03-25

As a music teacher I found this album delightful. They seem to blend pop and classical in an interesting way. My general music students, many modern pop or rap fans really enjoyed the selections. It is generally very difficult to sneak in good quality music and have it appreciated. High school students do not listen to very much that is musical these days. After only a few tracks they kept asking to hear more. This is quite an accomplishment. I thoroughly enjoyed their reactions. I hope The Planets will record again.

Has potential, but lacks direction.......2003-07-16

The CD opens with a fantastic adaption of Rodrigo but goes downhill from there. Too many of the tracks have a generic, slow, elevator music sound to them, something I would not have expected from a CD produced and arranged by Mike Batt. Other tracks lack direction and come off as poor imitations of Vanessa-Mae. The Planets' rendition of Contradanza, a piece composed by Mike Batt originally for Vanessa-Mae, makes my ears bleed.

If you're a fan of classical crossover (as I am), this CD is still worthwhile to own. "Rodrigo" and "Classical Graffiti" show the potential of this group if they can develop more of a style and tackle some tougher material. Buy it with the caveat that you're not going to find the same creativity or dynamism as with the early albums from Vanessa-Mae or Bond.

Tracks:

Con Te Partiro
Piscatore 'E Pusilleco
Romanza
Mattinata
Santa Lucia Luntana
La Donna E Mobile
O Sole Mio
The Prayer
L' Te Vurria Vasa
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor

Product Description

Tracks:

Love Story
O Sole Mio
Be My Love
Sabor A Mi
Somewhere My Love
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor
Spanish Eyes
Sabras Que Te Quiero
Aquellos Ojos Verdes
Alma Latina
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
El Condor Pasa
Jealousy Tango
Love Be My Guiding Star

Amazon.com

If the concept of an operatic tenor plying the pop charts with a broad range of songs d'amour is hardly a new one (see also Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavarotti), it's one that has enduring appeal, especially when entrusted to the talents of an established master like Placido Domingo. Culled from his albums De mi alma Latina ("From My Latin Soul") (volumes 1 and 2) and Be My Love, this collection ably finds the common ground between Hollywood and La Scala, and wends its way through a Latin-inflected romantic songbook that stretches from Rome to Rio. Whether mining the sentiments of filmdom's Francis Lai ("Love Story") and Maurice Jarre ("Somewhere My Love") or pop standards like Bert Kaempfert's "Spanish Eyes" and "Somewhere over the Rainbow," Domingo infuses them all with a grace and drama that belie the sometimes overly precious arrangements that back his efforts. The singer has aimed for timelessness here, and largely hit the mark. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A lovely sing along........2007-01-03

We teach voice improvement for singing and speaking so it is heart warming to be able to use such an incredible master to sing along with
in our mother language of English.
Michael White, Director, The Optimal Breathing Institute

Isagani Urgino.......2006-08-08

Placido Domingo is a legend and this CD only prooves that he is not only a legend in the field of Opera but as well as popular music (Crosover). Excellent interpretation. I love it.

Domingo's "continuing tradition" is one worth ending!.......2001-06-28

Classical artists' attempts to cross over to the many varied popular music genres, and vice versa, are rarely pleasant experiences especially for informed and knowing devotees on either side. Domingo's is by far is not only one of the worst but one of the saddest. Domingo's own liner notes attests to the "huge influence" and "lasting inspiration" that the sources of these popular songs had on him. Domingo must have devoted a remarkably great degree of effort overcoming these to become one of this generation's great classical vocalists. But despite this Herculean effort, they tragically resurfaced as evidenced by the universally poor quality of virtually every element of this album. The recordings of Florence Foster Jenkins illustrate well what happens when someone doesn't know any better. Domingo does know better and still couldn't help himself proving bad habits never die. That is what makes Jenkins' effort so funny and, regrettably, what makes Domingo's so sad. The great Domingo "tradition" is more than well documneted in so many previous wonderful recordings and this CD clearly demonstrates he has little left to do in the studio except discredit himself. But he's is only following the same path so many before have traveled in their declining years. And as usual, those in the know are amazed but never surprised.

Domingo's "continuing tradition" is one worth ending!.......2001-06-27

Classical artists' attempts to cross over to the many varied popular music genres, and vice versa, are rarely pleasant experiences especially for informed and knowing devotees on either side. Domingo's is by far is not only one of the worst but one of the saddest. Domingo's own liner notes attests to the "huge influence" and "lasting inspiration" that the sources of these popular songs had on him. Domingo must have devoted a remarkably great degree of effort overcoming these to become one of this generation's great classical vocalists. But despite this Herculean effort, they tragically resurfaced as evidenced by the universally poor quality of virtually every element of this album. The recordings of Florence Foster Jenkins illustrate well what happens when someone doesn't know any better. Domingo does know better and still couldn't help himself proving, once again, bad habits never die. That is what makes Jenkins' effort so funny and, regrettably, what makes Domingo's so pittifully sad. The lasting Domingo tradition was documented on recordings many years ago and "Songs of Love" represents all that's left for him to do in the studio. Like so many before him, he's simply following an all too familiar path in his declining artistic years. Those in the know are always amazed but never surprised.

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