Foxtrot [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
Foxtrot marked a decisive point in Genesis's career. An emerging art-rock band who were building up a growing cult following with a busy touring schedule, this album was an artistic and commercial landmark; it was their first album to chart. Including the classic "Watcher of the Skies" and Peter Gabriel's whimsically compassionate slice of life, "Get 'Em Out by Friday," the album's highlight is the ambitious sidelong epic "Supper's Ready." Comprising seven linked subsections, it was inspired apparently by a frightening experience where Gabriel's wife, Jill, felt she was possessed, and is a story of two lovers and the struggle between good and evil. Certainly it was the most innovative and entertaining piece the band had produced to date. The relatively rough production values could be seen as either detracting somewhat from the impact of the album or adding a pleasantly rough edge to what might otherwise be a somewhat prim sound. --James Swift

Foxtrot,Genesis,Atlantic / Wea,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Foxtrot [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: Classic Album of the year: 2002 I love this album. Solid pop music. In Defense of Wilco

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Wilco Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Innovators | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Ghost Is Born Summerteeth Being There A.M. Mermaid Avenue ASIN: B00005YXZH Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

1. I am Trying to Break Your Heart
2. Kamera
3. Radio Cure
4. War on War
5. Jesus, etc.
6. Ashes of American Flags
7. Heavy Metal Drummer
8. I'm the Man Who Loves You
9. Pot Kettle Black
10. Poor Places
11. Reservations

Amazon.com

Named in honor of the three-word codes used by short-wave radio operators, Wilco's fourth album sounds like a late-night broadcast of some weirdly wonderful pop station punctuated by static and the sonic bleed of competing signals. Songs that begin with simple, elegiac grace--"Ashes of American Flags" and "Poor Places"--end in a cathartic squall of distortion. The results can be initially jarring, but it's these tracks more than the sturdy jangle pop of "Kamera" or "Heavy Metal Drummer" that demand, and reward, repeated listens. Mixed by studio experimentalist Jim O'Rourke and produced by the band, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot harkens back to a time when the words "pop" and "sonic adventurism" weren't mutually exclusive. The Beatles and Kurt Cobain knew this, and clearly so do Jeff Tweedy and company. --Keith Moerer

Album Description

11 songs about America that echo and update some of the themes heard on early albums by The Band, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. Enhanced format features exclusive live footage, band photos, and a trailer for the film 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart'. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2007-06-20

I bought this album because, using my Rhapsody account, I had listened to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" and really, really liked it. I still love this track. However, songs I didn't like at first (a surprising amount of the album, god knows why), such as "Kamera", "Radio Cure", "War On War", "Jesus, Etc.", and "Heavy Metal Drummer" (gee, that really is most of the album) I have grown to really, really like too. "Kamera" is a nice, fairly poppish tune accentuated by relatively unusual production and a very catchy melody. "Radio Cure" has sort of a drifting beginning, but it all fits together and has one of the most addicting choruses(?) (I dunno if it's truly a chorus) of all time. "Oh, distance has no way/of making love/understandable". Simple, perhaps even cliche. But in Wilco's hands, lovely. "War on War". Stylistically similar to "Kamera", really, but sounds a lot different. Again, a grower for me, but oh so addictive once I started to like it. "Jesus, Etc." is basically Wilco's alt-country roots breaking through, with non-sappy violins and sort of a mellow vibe adding to this feel. Kind of emotional. As others have said, this could almost be about 9/11 if it wasn't. "Tall buildings shake/voices escape/singing sad sad songs/tuned to chords/strung down your cheeks/bitter melodies/turning your orbit around". Yeah, pretty much sounds like the Twin Towers aftermath. It makes this song sort of sad. I think it was intended to be, though, anyway. "Heavy Metal Drummer" is basically another pop tune. Big frickin' deal. Great song, good lyrics about the cheesy metal days of either Tweedy's actual or just the character in the song's childhood. I'm willing to bet it's the character's, why would these guys reminisce (sp?) about KISS?
Yes, these songs are totally the highlights. But again, like most of the albums I've reviewed lately, there's not a dud to be found here.

Album of the year: 2002.......2007-03-15

Wilco had already been around for many years when they released this record and had received their fair share of critical plaudits. But nothing in their back catalogue sounded as good as this record. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" combines excellent songwriting with spare, effective production to create one of the best records of the decade so far. Alienation is a recurring theme in these songs and there are times when the slightly deadpan vocals or bursts of dissonance aim in the same direction but overall the sound of this album is warm and personal. The guitars have a clean, warm sound and the songs are written more from the heart than the head. A word that springs to mind is likeable: this is an easy album to like and keep coming back to.

I love this album........2007-02-08

I've been listening to music for 40 years, and it's rare for me to write fan mail. However, I can't think of any other group that does to me today what the Beatles did 40 years ago--Wilco makes me wish I could walk up and shake their hands and say "Thank you". That's how much I like this album. It's innovative, beautiful music that doesn't have a bit of extra crap thrown in. Unlike some bands, Wilco even makes "noise" sound like an essential part of the music--it isn't artsy-fartsy at all. Anyway, you get the point--buy this album, listen to it 5 or 6 times, and you'll want more.

Solid pop music........2007-01-07

I actually understand where many who don't like this come from. This isn't really the most energetic album I've come across at all, but it's not about being heavy or intense -- it is neither of those things. Also, I agree that the excessive hype made me hesistant and I still think Wilco are a very overrated band, however, this is one time when they actually do impress me. If you followed them before, this might not seem as "groundbreaking" as other critics kept calling it. There are a bunch of great songs, and one thing I also disagree about it people talking about how the record's esoteric. It's not. These are mostly pop songs, although in cases like "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," the electronics of the track come in, kind of like a new element to their song. Also, the group transcended from alt-country long earlier in their career, arguably as far back as "Being There" from '96. Jeff Tweedy is not an amazing vocalist, but is listenable and fits with the music fine enough. I may also note that his voice doesn't exactly sound uplifting, either. The emotion/character and the songs are what make "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" a great record. It did not seem unnecessary to me like the re-hash of older works put through new age music (in my terms) known as "A Ghost Is Born," and the songs do more for me than on "Summerteeth," actually.

If I could make any complaint, it's that "Reservations" could have ended about three minutes sooner. That was a completely unnecessary and draggy ending. That being said, it is a minor complaint, and if you're into hooks, give it some time for them to sink in because they are there. This record is a winner and while I'm not huge on Wilco, I am a fan of "YHF".

In Defense of Wilco.......2007-01-02

I wholeheartedely and unappoligetically love Wilco. I love ever album that they have ever made, and even love the DVD's that they have released. I also do not consider myself a pretentious intellectual with an indier than thou mentality. I love all kinds of music, but Wilco just happens to be my favorite band, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is my favorite album.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was released four years ago and I still listen to it all the time. There is not a weak or wasted moment on the entire album. YHF starts off with possibly the bleakest song in the Wilco catalogue, the haunting and poetic I Am Tring to Break Your Heart. Right from the get go, if your a fan of Wilco's earlier material you might be turned off by the noise and production techniques on this album. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart features plenty of noise and dissonance to go along with the haunting lyrics. I urge you to give it a chance and listen to it a few times, because the material is complex and it takes time to sink in.

From there the album lightens up, with songs that are catchy and warm, even a bit romantic. The most surprising part of this album is that it is incredibly catchy despite all the noise and dissonance in the production. Heavy Metal Drummer is a nostalgic tune about getting started in rock and roll, Ashes of American Flags is a slow and touching ballad with a great soundscape.

Overall I feel that this album is a classic and the best album to come along so far this decade. Some have critcized the production by claiming that it takes away from the songs and is distracting. I feel completely opposite. I think that the noise and production enhance the songs. As Jay Bennett said about the production "we didn't want to make just a bunch of folk songs, we wanted something more." So I recommend this to Wilco fans and fans of groups like Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Brian Eno. But I urge you to give it a chance, even if you struggle with it in the beginning.

Average customer rating: Genesis - Foxtrot CD Not as unforgettable as Pink Floyd's "Echoes" Bliss Genesis' second album from the "classic era" still sounds superb 35 years on Genesis - Suppers Ready Is A Must Own For Any Fan Of Progressive Rock

Foxtrot Genesis Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nursery Cryme Selling England By The Pound The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Trespass A Trick of the Tail ASIN: B000002J1M Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. Watcher Of The Skies
2. Time Table
3. Get 'Em Out By Friday
4. Can-Utility And The Coastliners
5. Horizon's
6. Supper's Ready: Lover's Leap/The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man/...

Amazon.com

Foxtrot marked a decisive point in Genesis's career. An emerging art-rock band who were building up a growing cult following with a busy touring schedule, this album was an artistic and commercial landmark; it was their first album to chart. Including the classic "Watcher of the Skies" and Peter Gabriel's whimsically compassionate slice of life, "Get 'Em Out by Friday," the album's highlight is the ambitious sidelong epic "Supper's Ready." Comprising seven linked subsections, it was inspired apparently by a frightening experience where Gabriel's wife, Jill, felt she was possessed, and is a story of two lovers and the struggle between good and evil. Certainly it was the most innovative and entertaining piece the band had produced to date. The relatively rough production values could be seen as either detracting somewhat from the impact of the album or adding a pleasantly rough edge to what might otherwise be a somewhat prim sound. --James Swift

Customer Reviews:

Genesis - Foxtrot CD.......2007-07-05

This is a seminal record by the original Genesis - before they descended to pop/tatty end of things. Superb instrumentation, good use of backing musicians, fabulous, challenging lyrics. Seems ageless.

Not as unforgettable as Pink Floyd's "Echoes".......2007-06-08

There are a smorgasbord of prog-rock bands out there. Rush is one of them, but they are terrible. Pink Floyd is one of them, and no doubt they are the best. Genesis is one of them, but they are there. Their progressive music is so-so, difficult to listen to. Not too much of great tunes in "Foxtrot", though, but it delivers a poignant "Horizons". "Supper's Ready" is the one song that could have improved greatly. It changes drastically into different tunes and to this day, I've forgotten how it sounds. I remember "Echoes" because it works slowly from quiet sounds to dramatic points. That's a note. Genesis, work out the stuff a better way. Peter Gabriel must have pleaded for nostalgic, forest-fairy music.

Bliss.......2007-06-04

Simply wonderful stuff, this.
Being such a fan, an objective review is probably out of the question.
Indulge yourself if you are interested in this era, and the wonderful musicians that abounded.
It, as with its early sister albums, combines classical themes from all the arts, and is an absolute 'must buy'
This band were amongst the pioneers, if not the leading light in their genre.
Do yourself a favour and explore the inspired genius that was, Genesis.

Genesis' second album from the "classic era" still sounds superb 35 years on.......2007-06-01

Genesis' fourth album Foxtrot was released in October of 1972.
The album came out in a year that arguably prog was at its peak. That was the year that The Moody Blues hit #1 with Seventh Sojourn. ELP gave us the double whammy of Pictures at an Exhibition and Trilogy. Also, Yes gave us two classic out of Fragile and Close to the Edge. Jethro Tull gave us the album length suite Thick As a Brick (which hit #1). Also, Pink Floyd gave us Obscured by Clouds and were recording their masterpiece The Dark Side of the Moon.
It was also in 1972 that Genesis gave us Foxtrot (complete with the cover depicting a woman wearing a fox's head and a red dress). This was the album that saw lead singer Peter Gabriel, keyboard player Tony Banks, bass player Mike Rutherford, drummer Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett refine the sound that they had hinted at on its predecessor, 1971's Nursery Cryme. Foxtrot was also the album that gave the band its first charting success in the UK and helped bring them a following as you will find out why in this review.
We open the album with the epic "Watcher of the Skies" which starts the album off. The piece begins with Banks' swirling mellotron intro and then morphs into a classic Genesis track with superb playing by the Genesis members and Gabriel's vocals just burn here. This piece remains a fan favorite to this day. Next is the nice balladish sounding "Time Table". Some write this beautiful song off as "filler" but is still a great piece. Next is another highlight of the album which is the album's second epic called "Get 'Em Out By Friday". The piece is a bizarre story with superb lyrics from Gabriel and superb music by the band. We conclude the album's first half closed with "Can-Utility and the Coastliners" which was a great song.
Now, the second half of the album starts with "Horizons" which shows why Hackett was arguably Genesis' best guitarist. This classical guitar solo is so superb. Then the album's last piece is the 23 minute "Supper's Ready". This suite is up there with "Tarkus", "Close to the Edge", "Echoes", "2112" and "Thick as a Brick" in greatest long epics. The first part "Lover's Leap" is exceptionally strong with Gabriel's multi-tracked vocals, bizarre lyrics and superb 12-string work from Messieurs Banks, Rutherford and Hackett. Then the suite has a piano solo from Banks which segues into "The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man" section. Quiet vocals lead into a major key section which has everyone playing (Hackett's lead playing and superb drumming from Collins). The "Ikhnaton and Itsacon and their Band of Merry Men" follows and includes arguably Hackett's guitar solo on a Genesis record. Then this segues into the atmospheric "How Dare I Be So Beautiful" which is dreamy and exquisite. Then we go into the section's classic funny part known as "Willow Farm" which is just wild. All I can see is Peter wearing his flower mask whilst performing it (he got the idea of the flower mask from watching an old British kids show when he was a child). Then after a wild music section we go into the superb "Apocalypse in 9/8" section which has powerful lyrics plus an instrumental part that is amazing. Phil's drumming here is TOP NOTCH and Banks proves why he is the master of the organ. We then segue with bells tolling into the final section called "As Sure as Eggs is Eggs". It starts with a reprise of the music of "Lovers Leap" then morphs into a slowed down reprise of "The Guaranteed Eternal" section. Gabriel sings this part like it was the last piece he would ever sing. It is that great.
Foxtrot would almost reach the UK Top 10 and just missed the American charts but sales notwithstanding, this album is a testament to the classic "prog rock" era of Genesis.
RECOMMENDED!

Genesis - Suppers Ready Is A Must Own For Any Fan Of Progressive Rock.......2007-04-06

"Foxtrot" is another winner from the Gabriel led Genesis with it's mix of prog rock, social commentary, and tales of fantasy. The major highlight of this album is a song that many consider to be one of the all time great progressive rock epics "Supper's Ready". The 23 minute track basically covers the biblical book of Revelations as it's subject matter with the return of Christ after the apocalypse. Pretty heady stuff, and in lesser hands this could have been a disaster, but Genesis ultimately produce what may be the ultimate prog rock piece of work. The lyrics, music, and vocals all mesh perfectly on this one and the result is truly stunning. The rest of the album is great as well. It opens with one of the band's all time classics "Watcher Of The Skies". This track was a concert opener for several tours featuring frontman Peter Gabriel in his "batwing" outfit prowling the stage. After all these years the song remains a must listen. "Time Table" follows with it's relatively simple music and lyrics about medieval times. Two songs of biting social commentary follow with "Get `Em Out By Friday", and "Can-Utility And The Coastliners". The remaining track "Horizon's" is a short acoustic guitar instrumental by Steve Hacket that serves as a transition into the epic "Suppers Ready". The music on this disc is all top notch. Collins, Hackett, Banks and Rutherford are all at the top of their game here with outstanding solos and ensemble playing. Even Gabriel gets into the act with several nice flute interludes. "Foxtrot" is a great album and still serves as an inspiration to a myriad of prog rock bands to this day. "Suppers Ready" stands as one of progressive rock's finest moments and makes this album a must own for any fans of the genre.

Average customer rating: Terrific Big Big music A Must-Have For Lovers of Contemporary Classic Music I bought this because it sounded so good on the radio Rattle and roll A Finely Tuned Harmonielehre

John Adams - Harmonielehre · The Chairman Dances · Tromba lontana · Short Ride in a Fast Machine / Sir Simon Rattle John Adams , Simon Rattle , Jonathan Holland , Wesley Warren , and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Adams, John | ( A ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: On the Transmigration of Souls John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives Naive & Sentimental Music Road Movies Adams: Violin Concerto/Shaker Loops ASIN: B000002RU2 Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. Harmonielehre: Part I.
2. Harmonielehre: Part II. The Anfortas Wound
3. Harmonielehre: Part III. Meister Eckhardt And Quackie
4. The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot For Orchestra
5. Two Fanfares: Tromba Lontana - Jonathan Holland
6. Short Ride In A Fast Machine

Customer Reviews:

Terrific Big Big music.......2007-05-15

Harmonielehre

I heard the St. Louis Symphony womp this puppy out at Carnegie Hall and it's just as great on this CD by Rattle et co. Vast, intricate, sailing, imaginative.

Buy it.

A Must-Have For Lovers of Contemporary Classic Music.......2007-03-28

This CD is a collection of some of the greatest pieces of contemporary classical music by one of the world's greatest living classical composers. The works herein are highly accessible in their intense rhythms, explosive energy, and original construction. It's difficult for me to heap enough praise on these works and this CD.

I bought this because it sounded so good on the radio.......2007-02-06

I heard The Chairman Dances and went right to Amazon to order this. This ia a lovely little gem of a CD, and it is so pleasing to find John Adams, another great modern American composer. I'm also a fan of composers such as Christopher Rouse, for example, and Joe Leniado Chira is my cousin. Modern composers are a precious resource that we should explore, demand more of and nurture. We afficianados would like to see symphony orchestras and ensembles giving more attention to the modern genre. Meanwhile, John Adams has impressed me with this disc. The Chairman Dances is my favorite. I can just see Chairman Mao doing a vigorous foxtrot to this, and Tricky Dick feeling jealous. This might be the music that opened China to the West.

Rattle and roll.......2007-01-12

Slouching back in the old easy chair I was very tempted to write an eloquent review after listening to this recording but why bother, no I
think I'll just go back and listen to it again. Care to join me ?

A Finely Tuned Harmonielehre.......2006-04-02

Should any friend ask what CD to obtain to begin an appreciation for the music of one of our greatest living composers, John Adams, this superb disc with Simon Rattle and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra would surely be at the top of the list. Rattle has selected the various sides of Adams' thoughts and offers performances that are sparkling and rich and very well performed.

For inclusiveness Rattle has elected excerpts from one of Adams operas, 'Nixon in China', in the facile and gently humorous yet tender 'The Chairman Dances', foxtrot for orchestra. For sheer showmanship there is the 'Tromba Lontana, fanfare for orchestra', and the often performed 'Short Ride in a Fast Machine, fanfare for orchestra'.

But the glory of the recording of course is the magnificent orchestral 'symphony' from 1984-85, the 'Harmonielehre'. Though this work has multiple recordings, not the least one being the premiere recording with Edo de Waart and the San Francisco Symphony, Simon Rattle brings to the work his usual insight into architecture that allows the listener to appreciate the splendors of each of the three sections.

But this listener, though long a champion for this masterwork, was still amazed to hear just how magnificently composed is 'Harmonielehre', hearing a live performance with John Adams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The acoustic of Disney Hall allowed the huge percussion section of drums, gongs, bells, keyboards, triangles, etc and manipulations of each of these sections in the odd ways in which Adams achieves his effects to truly shine. Watching the performance enhances the auditory splendor. Rarely has the emotionally loaded aspect of the work been so revealed. One can only hope that Adams will record this performance to share the miracle. Grady Harp, April 06

Average customer rating:

Anyone Can Dance: Foxtrot [CD + DVD] Various Artists Manufacturer: Style ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music | Ambient | Dance Pop | Disco | Drum & Bass | Electronica | Freestyle | Techno-House | Trance | Trip Hop General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Anyone Can Dance: Waltz [CD + DVD] Anyone Can Dance: Cha Cha [CD + DVD] Anyone Can Dance: Swing [CD + DVD] Anyone Can Dance: Tango [CD + DVD] Anyone Can Dance: Jitterbug [CD + DVD] ASIN: B000GPIPHO Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

1. Luna
2. Our Love Is Here To Stay
3. Someone To Watch Over Me
4. More Bubbly, Please
5. Thousand Lights
6. A Grand Romance
7. The Moment You Looked My Way
8. Glide
9. If You Would Dance With Me
10. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Album Description

FOXTROT A foundation for all other dances, the Foxtrot is a very popular dance that includes elements found in most other types of dancing. It is also the easiest dance to learn. With the careful and thorough instruction of Dance Vision's own Donald Johnson and Kasia Kozak, you will become a master of the Foxtrot, making your way across the dance floor with your partner in style. Master this popular and basic dance and learn the foundation for all that's to come. Color 45 min.

Average customer rating: Half the tracks are march or played like one decent for dancing Recommended Wonderful selection, but not really dancing music This Will Keep You Dancing

25 Classical Dance Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Classical Favorites A Night at the Ballet (Box Set) Symphony (25) Favorites Favorite Waltzes 25 Concerto Favorites ASIN: B0000058IQ Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

1. Blue Danube Waltz
2. Midsummer's Night Dream: Scherzo
3. Sleeping Beauty: Introduction
4. Sleeping Beauty: Adagio pas d'action
5. Annen Polka
6. Tales From The Vienna Woods
7. Turkish March
8. Bella Bolka Polka
9. Les Patineurs: Pas de Duex From Les Patineurs
10. Les Patineurs: Finale From Les Patineurs
11. Dance Of the Nubian Slave Girls
12. Samson: Ballet Music From Samson
13. Entry Of The Gladiators
14. La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
15. Washington Post
16. Peaches & Cream
17. Polovtsian Dances (Extract)
18. Slavic Dance In G Minor, Op.46 No. 8
19. Der Rosenkavalier Waltz
20. Galop (La Vie Parisienne)
21. Orpheus: Can Can (Orpheus)
22. Sabre Dance
23. Gavotta Choro
24. Faust: Ballet (Extract)
25. Bolero

Customer Reviews:

Half the tracks are march or played like one.......2007-06-05

This disc reminded me of Leonard Bernstein's conducting: somehow many of his conducting session became marches. Many tracks on this disc is like that. I am a novice when it comes to classical music, so part of allure of this disc was that it contained many titles I didn't recognize, so it wasn't a total loss. I guess I should have read the track listing more carefully... what is Washington Post by Sousa doing on dance compilation?

decent for dancing.......2006-12-31

There are quite a few tracks on here that do well for recital music. THere's different ones from the unoriginal swan lake's and nutcracker..my students loved to hear what came next....it gets better towards the end of the cd!

Recommended.......2005-10-03

For those who would enjoy a fast, fun, and cheerful kind of classical music, I guess this cd is a very good choice. Also, if you want to make your kids a classic music lover, you could start with this fun, lighthearted music.

Wonderful selection, but not really dancing music.......2000-06-27

I agree that this is indeed absolutely beautiful light classical music. It is indeed a perfect beginning to a lifelong passion to have classical music playing in the background or to turn up the volume and immerse yourself in it. But it consists of mostly ballet music, several marches, polkas, an entrance of the gladiators, a gavotte and just to show that he can-can, a delightful little march by Beethoven of all people (Turkish March). Or can you dance to the continuous hypnotic rhythm of Ravel's Bolero? Quite tiring, I would think. Nevertheless, great music at an astounding price. Consider buying all or most of the "25 Favorites" series. You will not regret it

This Will Keep You Dancing.......2000-03-30

If you like to dance and you like classical, this cd is a must have. Who says you can't dance to classical? This CD proves those who think so wrong. Highlights include Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, Mendhelsson's Midsummer Night's Dream, Gounod's Dance of the Slave Girls and Faust, Dvorak's Slavonic Dance, Offenbach's can-can (yeah!) Katchaturian's Sabre Dance and Ravel's Bolero. All these are excellent. Sousa Marches are here too. You must get this CD if you are a serious lover of the classical. In fact, this was my first Classical CD. Make it a part of your life and dance to the great beats of the classics ! Yeah I'm serious.

Average customer rating: carousel The Ideal Merry-Go-Round

Carousel Memories Manufacturer: Dynamic Recording ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Polka | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Easy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Good Old USA Carousel Music Vol. 1 Good Old USA Carousel Music Vol. 2 Fair Organ Follies Wurlitzer Christmas Carousel Music Vol. 1 Clown and Midway Calliope Music Vol. 1 ASIN: B00005V7GA Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

1. A Smile Will Go A Long, Long Way
2. The Petite Waltz
3. Die Regimentskinder
4. With The Wind and Rain In Your Hair
5. Nights Of Gladness
6. Espanita Waltz
7. Three Little Fishes
8. Scatter Brain
9. Beer Barrel Polka
10. Over The Top
11. Royal Trumpeters
12. Say It Again
13. Georgia On My mind
14. After the Ball
15. Unter Dem Siegesbanner
16. Just A Gigolo
17. The Sidewalks of New York
18. Deep Purple
19. Liberty Bell
20. Trisch-Trasch
21. The Kings Horses and The Kings Men
22. Sweet Rosie O' Grady
23. The Carousel Waltz (Recorded on Moving Carousel)

Album Description

More marches, waltzes, and fox trots in this recording of the New Verbeeck Band Organ at Seabreeze Park in Upstate New York. On a hill above scenic Lake Ontario, the music of the band organ can be heard on the breezes drifting over the blue water. Twenty-three tunes bring back the sounds of summer from Seabreeze Park - the whirling carousel and prancing horses spin around to the music of childhood, and this fabulous recording captures the wonderful memories. Grab the popcorn, and come for a ride! This completely digital recording is crystal clear and an oversized insert includes pictures and fond memories of Merrick Price - to whom the album is dedicated. The last song was recorded on the carousel while it was moving - an innovative idea that captures the sensation of really being on the ride is enhanced by wearing headphones. This piece of Americana in music - a must for the audio collector, carousel enthusiast, or fan of mechanical music, is a one-of-a-kind gift item.

Customer Reviews:

carousel.......2007-01-03

Carousel Memories does not have the luster that I had expected. The music is not as clear as I would have liked, however, it does have some good qualities that make it worth while to listen.

The Ideal Merry-Go-Round.......2005-07-18

This is a recording by and for merry-go-round lovers. It assembles 23 tracks of mostly characteristic carousel music, played upon a newly constructed band organ handmade by Belgian Johnny Verbeeck to replicate the old Wurlitzer 165 destroyed by a fire around 1995. The fire also claimed most of the carousel itself, which was rebuilt using some restored parts from the original (PTC#36). The recording site is Seabreeze Park on Lake Ontario in upper New York.

In another review I mentioned that that CD offered a partial and rather idealized carousel experience, for it could only provide the sound, and that sound was much more refined and free of ambient noise than would be encountered during an actual carousel ride. That comment applies as well to this recording, and perhaps more so, for the band organ in a typical operating carousel never sounded so good as the one here. This instrument has a remarkably lovely, sweet tone and, being brand new, is in perfect condition. The rolls used were obtained from no less a source than the Library of Congress, and represent a very choice selection.

The music itself includes mostly waltzes, marches, polkas, and one-time popular songs, such as Beer Barrel Polka, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, Liberty Bell, and Scatter-Brain. Less to be expected, but supremely apt, is the fine waltz from Richard Rodger's overture to the musical show Carousel. This last was experimentally recorded on the moving carousel, and thus provides an especially realistic auditory image.

For merry-go-round and band organ enthusiasts this recording might well occupy a place of honor in their CD collection. For those who desire a more realistic, though less ideal, recording I would recommend the old 1973 Takoma Records release "Last Chance on the Merry-Go-Round" (# A 1038), which I believe is no longer in the catalog. (Takoma Records was acquired in 1995 by Fantasy Records.) My personal copy of A 1038 is an LP, and I suspect no CD version was ever released. That recording was made at the carousel on the pier at Santa Monica, California, shortly before the pier was to be demolished. (Thus the title of the recording.) Since it was made while the carousel was actually in operation, the sounds of bystanders and children, along with the carousel drive motor are included. I don't know what ever became of that carousel or its band organ, but would guess they were moved to some collection somewhere. In any case, I have fond memories of wandering along the pier on a fine Saturday afternoon and watching and listening to the carousel and its excited young customers.

Average customer rating: He only thinks they're funny

Comedy Tonight: Stephen Sondheim's Funniest Songs Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) No One Is Alone The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00006LSPG Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

1. Comedy Tonight (from ''A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'') (Jason Alexander, Michael Kubala, Joey Mckneely, Scott Wise & Company)
2. The Worst Pies In London (from ''Sweeney Todd'') (Angela Lansbury)
3. The Little Things You Do Together (from ''Company'') (Cleo Laine)
4. Everybody Ought To Have A Maid (from ''A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'') (Stephen Collins, Christopher Durang, Michael Rupert)
5. Agony (from ''Into The Woods'') (Robert Westenberg, Chuck Wagner)
6. Getting Married Today (from ''Company'') (Madeline Kahn, Mark Jacoby, Jeanne Lehman, Ensemble)
7. I Never Do Anything Twice (from ''The Seven Percent Solution'') (Millicent Martin)
8. The Story Of Lucy And Jessie (from ''Follies'') (Lee Remick & Company)
9. Chrysanthemum Tea (from ''Pacific Overtures'') (Alvin Ing, Mako, Mark Hsu Syers, Timm Fujii, Gedde Watanabe, Patrick Kinser-Lau, Conrad Yama, Jae Woo Lee, Ernest Harada, Freda Foh Shen)
10. You Must Meet My Wife (from ''A Little Night Music'') (David Kernan & Millicent Martin)
11. It's Hot Up Here (from ''Sunday In The Park With George'') (Bernadette Peters)
12. The Boy From . . . (from ''The Mad Show'') (Millicent Martin)
13. A Little Priest (from ''Sweeney Todd'') (Angela Lansbury & Len Cariou)
14. Agony (Reprise) (from ''Into The Woods'') (Robert Westenberg, Chuck Wagner)
15. Can That Boy Foxtrot! (from ''Follies'') (Millicent Martin, Julia Mckenzie
16. You Gotta Have A Gimmick (from ''Gypsy'') (Debbie Shapiro, Faith Prince, Susann Fletcher)

Customer Reviews:

He only thinks they're funny.......2007-01-10

Some of the songs on here are good and some are just not funny at all. I prefer some of his others works to this one, but it is still worth listening to.

Average customer rating: Excellent, Reference CD! Maximum Minimalism Favorite recording, favorite piece ? Promises kept

John Adams: The Chairman Dances Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45 Century Rolls Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Symphony No. 3 / Maag, London Symphony Orchestra Beethoven: Sonataen - Waldstein, Les Adieux, Appassionata John Adams: Harmonielehre ASIN: B000005IY2 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Foxtrot For Orchestra: The Chairman Dances
2. Christian Zeal And Activity
3. Two Fanfares For Orchestra: Tromba lontana
4. Two Fanfares For Orchestra: Short Ride In A Fast Machine
5. Common Tones In Simple Time

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, Reference CD!.......2007-05-08

This recording contains THE benchmark for all other interpretations of Short Ride in a Fast Machine. It took a good while to find this, but here it is. Brass musicians, take note, you need to own this for interpretations of this piece. The San Francisco Symphonies' playing is impeccable - tempos, dynamics, energy level are all spot on.

Maximum Minimalism.......2006-03-26

Along with Phillip Glass and Steve Reich, John Adams is one of the foremost composers of what is often called "minimalist music." To classical fans who have been weaned on everything from Handel and Bach through Beethoven, Wagner, Mahler, and Aaron Copland, the very notion of minimalist music, with its repetitious rhythms, might seem a turn-off.

When, however, you get a world-class orchestra like the San Francisco Symphony and a solid conductor in Edo De Waart (who was the orchestra's music director from 1974 to 1985), who premiered many of Adams' pieces and who know them perhaps better than any orchestra around, the results are fascinating, as can be gauged in this Nonesuch recording. It consists of "The Chairman Dances" (from the composer's 1985 opera "Nixon In China"); "Christian Zeal And Activity" (with an admittedly somewhat ponderous evangelical sidebar stuck in there); "Tromba Lontana"; "Short Ride In A Fast Machine" (almost certainly this composer's most popular single piece, and for good reason too); and "Common Tones In Simple Time." As is typical for Adams in particular, and minimalist music in general, the orchestration is varied and vibrant, occasionally using glockenspiel and synthesizers. If one has heard John Williams' eerie scores to Spielberg's films ALWAYS and A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, one can tell how influential the minimalist movement has been on other composers of our time.

For those who are just getting introduced to minimalism and who may be a bit uneasy with the form, this great recording is a perfect introduction to the form. For those who are already very much into it, this is essential.

Favorite recording, favorite piece.......2003-04-30

This is THE recording to buy if you want the best John Adams Chairman Dances. Unbelievably tight playing...words just don't do it justice.

?.......2002-05-18

I think I just don't get John Adams. I like other minimalistic composers a lot. But this cd I only listened to a few times before knowint it wasn't for me. The title piece, The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra), is beautiful, repeating through a tapestry & changing minutely & deliberately with introduction or subtraction of musical lines (which consist of a couple notes & a pulsing rhythm) & brilliant manipulation. It's an exciting piece. But then. The rest of the cd just kind of plops for me. One of the pieces features a very long evangelical rant. Why did John Adams have to put that there?

Promises kept.......2002-03-27

Asked by a friend to recommend an intoduction to the music of John Adams, I recommended this rather short disc. Not only because it has such accessible works by this major talent, but also because it allows the listener unfamiliar with the minimalist terrain enough samples to stimulate further investigation. Recorded in 1987 the San Francisco Symphony under Edo de Waart sounds a bit thin, but that too is a reason to start here. Much of Adams' music is played by this orchestra and since Michael Tilson Thomas' rise to the helm there has been an extraordinary sea change. After hearing this recording, play the 1997 recording by the same orchestra (led by Adams) performing the "Harmonium" and "The Klinghoffer Choruses" and I think you'll note the difference, sonically and stylistically.. And while you're comparing you will have grown into the more major later works of Adams!

Average customer rating: Elly Ameling now more available Delight in every note While they last... Treasures From a Treasure More than fully earned praise for an exceptional singer.

Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll) Elly Ameling Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Ellington | Ellington, Edward Duke | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Elly Ameling ~ Schubert · Schumann - Songs Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition) Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin Ave Maria--Lieder The Very Best of Lucia Popp ASIN: B00007KMSJ Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

1. Matthaus-Passion
2. Johannes-Passion
3. Weihnachts-Oratorium
4. Juditha Triumphans
5. Messiah
6. Crudel Tiranno Amor
7. Die Schopfung
8. Orlando Paladino
9. 7 Lieder
10. Le Nozze Di Figaro
11. Exsultate, Jubilate Ch'io Mi Scordi Di Te, K505
12. Misera! Dove Son! K369
13. 18 Lieder
14. Frauenliebe Und- Leben
15. 11 Lieder
16. 20 Morike-Lieder

Customer Reviews:

Elly Ameling now more available .......2007-03-07

I had a 33 rpm album of Elly Ameling singing Schubert lieder accompanied by piano and clarinet at times. It was one of my all time favorite albums so I have been disappointed that I have not been able to find it anywhere on CD.

Now I can just buy this excellent collection. So much music in one place! Since I confess that I am far from an expert on the rest of her records, I look forward to hearing her sing many other styles and composers.

I think it is silly to criticize her for not singing Wagner, for example, since her version of many songs, especially lieder, are nothing short of sublime. I would like to hear how many Wagnerians sing Schubert or Mozart.

I doubt if they could approach the skill and soul with which Elly Ameling sings lieder.

Delight in every note.......2006-03-10

To speak as briefly as possible about this superb collection from an equally superb singer, what can I say but that Ms Ameling possessed a voice that shone with radiant warmth and star-like shimmer? And unlike many another light lyric soprano, Elly Ameling was possessed of a very high standard of musicianship, considerable intelligence, and a sort of immediate charm that captivates the listener.

So many of her recordings have still to be released on CD, but this 5CD-set goes some way towards remedying the situation. The repertoire spans a wide variety - French mèlodies, Lieder, light-hearted "sentimental" songs, Bach, etc. - and in each piece, Ms Ameling shows that quality of pearl-like beauty. It is a beauty which is also extremely pretty - a beauty of voice that is never overbearing and over-ripe, but perfectly blossoming upon the tree of inspiration.

I recommend this set unequivocally. It truly is sheer delight.

While they last..........2005-05-17

Elly Ameling held the quiet stage for recitals of great artistry and dignity for several decades and sadly most of the enormously successful CDs of her long career output are now unavailable. For those who have little access to the documentation of this very special artist, this box set is a must. It is a compilation of many of her recordings with differing accompanists, conductors, orchestras and composers. And while not all of the choices for inclusion here would be considered her greatest moments, there are enough works that sustain the warm memories of the little Dutch hausfrau who quietly and simply paid homage to composers with her clear and intelligent musicianship and radiant voice.

Ameling was known to schedule recitals of Schubert cycles and songs and in the afterglow of her performance answer the demand for curtain calls with additional Schubert melodies: she gifted her audience with the dignity of honoring a composer's works by maintaining the focus on that composer rather than milk the audience with the usual encore applause-getting favorites. And special moments such as quietly and pensively strolling through the orchestra during the Mahler 4th symphony to arrive at front stage, unapplauded, just in time for the opening line of her singing - those simple homage to composers and collaborators made her selfless manner endearing to audiences.

Despite the fact that Ameling's voice was on the small side she was always able to muster the projection to carry her message solidly in context with an orchestra. Yes, other more famous singers have recorded Ravel's quintessentially French SHEHERAZADE, but few have the perfection of diction and aura of mystery that Ameling maintained. Whether singing with piano or orchestra, or interpreting Bach, Mozart, Handel, and Vivaldi with the same degree of involvement as Brahms and Schumann and Schubert, Elly Ameling spanned a career that engendered passionate commitment from her fans. And this boxed set is a pocket full of memories to be treasured. Buy it before this too becomes unavailable. Grady Harp, May 05

Treasures From a Treasure.......2004-09-25

Treasures from a Treasure.

Ameling, one of the world's most beloved recitalists is captured here in a 5 CD collection offering some of her most beautiful recordings of song. While we are used to her perfection in songs of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Faure and Hahn, an added joy is her "pop" side, tackling - without a whiff of pretension, Porter, Kern, Gershwin, Ellington, et al.

What an absolute joy it is listening to this amazing artist sing these songs with an almost uncanny natural ease. There is no resorting to a "pop" voice and yet most of these pop standards songs sound as though they could have been written for her. Clean attacks, sometimes a bit of the pop technique of hanging on to a consonant longer than a classical artist normally would shows an appreciation and understanding of the style. Still, there is never once a compromise of her vocal beauty.

I like the way the songs have been arranged for her voice in that she sort of sings them clean, unaffected in the first half and then lets loose and kinda "swings" with it adding embellishments but never really changing her voice (Price, von Stade and other favorite singers of mine seem to have always added a breathy quality to much of their crossover material.)

Ameling doesn't resort to trying to "let her hair down" or get down and dirty, but rather the honest with which she approaches every one of these songs shows how much she enjoys singing them and her style is as refreshing as stumbling onto a cool spring on a sweltering summer's afternoon. A wonderful surprise.

More than fully earned praise for an exceptional singer........2003-07-15

As I had the privilige of hearing this outstanding Lied-singer during her long career in Holland and being the proud possessor of almost all her recordings, I cannot but fully agree with the professional and joyful review of Mr. Robert Holliston from Victoria, B.C. Canada.
Yes, it is unbelievable that of about the 150 recordings Mrs. Ameling made during her long career (for the greater part of course on the 'oldfashioned' LP's, as well as the innumerable Dutch live-recorded radio-concerts), so few CD's have been released.
Speaking of tradition: it was the page-turner of the Wigmore Hall in London who told Mrs. Ameling after her first recital in this hall, that she reminded him of Elisabeth Schumann. (And he certainly didn't mean her looks only!)
For those who are eager to hear her singing Ravel's Shéhérazade (just one example of stirring imagination combined with her Art of Singing) I can tell you that Philips released a 2-box CD of this work in 1999, combined with Debussy's La Damoiselle élue and a compilation of French mélodies, i.e. Debussy, Fauré, Duparc, Satie. One of the gems is Caplet's Le Corbeau et le Renard which even make children, who know the fables of La Fontaine, revel in the singing of the quarrelsome birds....
Her brilliant accompanyist is Rudolf Jansen. Let us cherish great artists in their art!

Average customer rating: SAIL ON, KURT! Not at All Vile Weill ELEVATOR MUSIC

Kurt Weill: Life, Love, & Laughter--Dance Arrangements, 1927-50 H.K. Gruber , and Palast Orchestra Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ein Freund ein Guter Freu Krokodile und Andere Hausfreunde Wochenend und Sonnenschein Superhits Präsentiert Vom Palast Orchester Superhits V.2 ASIN: B000055YBR Release Date: 2001-02-12

Tracks:

1. Mile After Mile
2. Bilbao Song
3. Stay Well
4. Life, Love And Laughter
5. My Ship
6. Green-up Time
7. The Little Gray House
8. Blues Potpourri
9. September Song
10. All At Once
11. Le Roi d'Aquitaine (Waltz)
12. Foxtrot Potporri
13. Alabama Song
14. Lied Der Jenny
15. Speak Low
16. It Never Was You
17. What Good Would the Moon Be
18. Tango Ballade
19. Kanonen-Song

Amazon.com

Here's a disc of 19 familiar and unfamiliar Kurt Weill songs arranged for dance band and played by an expert group of specialists in Roaring Twenties band music. They're led by singer-conductor-composer H.K. Gruber, whose previous recordings include Weill's Die Dreigroschenoper. The result is a start-to-finish delight. From the first notes, you're beamed back in time to one of those sleek transatlantic passenger liners, sitting in an art deco ballroom watching elegant couples in tuxedos and ball-gowns swirl by while the band plays hits from Weill's German and Broadway triumphs. Sure, the venom is leached from the originals, but who needs agitprop when you're on a dance floor? The arrangements are by a variety of hands, hired by Weill's European and American publishers with his approval to get more mileage from his musical theater works. They're delightfully square rhythmically and formulaic in transferring Weill's music to conventional dance bands, but the music still holds up and is fun to hear in its new clothes. A special treat is the eight tracks with Max Raabe, whose light tenor and falsetto singing preserve the spirit of Weill's songs, as well as perfectly mimic the boy band singers of times gone by. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

SAIL ON, KURT!.......2006-04-23

I wouldn't take offence here oh, Weill purists! These reconstructions are charming and harmonically reverent to their originals, more than could be said for many versions of the Weill Songbook through the decades, including Lou Reed's friendly `adaptation' of the September Song's chord progression and melodic line!

Shoenberg and Webern expressed their disdain of Weill's music; curiously, Arnold had also disclosed a secret wish of having his own audiences walk back home "whistling his tunes", oh, don't ask why... You can certainly whistle, hum and sway your partner now, as the transatlantic's bouncy dancehall sails on just as Kurt, Lotte and the lot of them did when escaping the lethal hounds of early 30s Berlin.... the-next-little-dollar bound.

Not at All Vile Weill.......2001-08-13

The ever versatile HK Gruber has done it again digging up these gorgeous dance arrangements for Weill's music--proving, if anything, Weill's versatility. Anyone familiar with the Capriccio historical Weill recordings will be aware of the long tradition of dance bands taking Weill's music as the lead for dance music or pop music incarnations (all the way up through the more obvious appropriations familiar to Americans: Mack the Knife and September Song). Hardly MUZAK arrangements (listen to the delicate violin in track 17's "What Good Would the Moon Be" to hear what I mean), this generous helping of 19 songs offers a chance to see Weill through a delightfully different but entirely compatible lens. Max Raabe provides the ideal vocal compliment on 8 of the tracks, his tenor floating effortlessly into his head voice suggesting a "period" sound reminiscent of Bing Crosby. The import title for this disc is "Charming Weill," and that modest adjective expresses the least of its virtues.

ELEVATOR MUSIC.......2001-05-23

This is a very strange CD: why would anyone want to take the quirky rhythms and melodies of the great Kurt Weill and "tame" them into dance arrangements? Certainly one has listened to (& even perhaps admired) dance arrangements of composers from Victor Herbert to Cole Porter to Jerry Herman, but these are all, if you will, main stream composers-- men whose music sounds good in original Broadway or Hollywood arrangements and just as good (or almost as good) as played by a dance band...think "Begin The Beguine" as done by Fred Astaire on film or "Begin The Beguine" done by Jo Stafford with the Paul Weston Orchestra.

But Weill was an innovator: a man who can still be listened to experiencing the thrill of something fresh and new. One immediately thinks of his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht in Germany: "Threepenny Opera" and "The Rise & Fall Of The City of Mahagonny" or "The Seven Deadly Sins", etc. his American opera, "Street Scene" with Langston Hughes or his American musical plays: "One Touch of Venus" with Ogden Nash or "Love Life" with Alan Jay Lerner, etc. The songs on this CD all deserve great recordings from the "Alabama Song" to "September Song" but they turn into a kind of flattened elevator music instead of having fresh interpretations or even more traditional ones. What happens is that the longing in "What Good Would the Moon Be" and the romance of "Speak Low" and the raucousness of "Bilbao Song" are all much too similar and much too easy.

It's a little weird to think of husbands whispering to their wives," Listen, honey, they're playing 'As You Make Your Bed' from "Mahagonny".........let's fox trot!"

Rap Music:

1. Fragile [Original recording remastered]
2. Geronimo
3. Get Some!
4. Goo [Original recording remastered] [Deluxe Edition]
5. Hair: Original Soundtrack Recording - Special Anniversary Edition [Extra tracks] [Cast Recording] [Soundtrack]
6. I Am
7. I Robot
8. If I Could Only Remember My Name
9. Junkie Faithful
10. Kiko

Rap Music

rap music

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Heal the Land

In Session [Live]

Honky Tonk Blues 1936-40: The Early Recordings

Latin Essentials, Vol. 10

Live At The Budokan [Import] [Live] [Extra tracks]

Jet Lag [Import]

House Lounge [Import]

J.C. Bach: Woodwind Concertos, Vol. 2

The Very Best of John Coltrane