All The Rage

DiscoveringArtists.com; July 28, 2004
Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5) - "Drawing strong comparisons to Dashboard Confessional, Cary Brothers delivers dreamy alternative rock... "

Product Description
"All The Rage" is the debut release from LA-based singer/songwriter Cary Brothers. These four tracks, produced by Chad Fischer (Alexi Murdoch), run the gamut from power pop ("Supposed To Be") to acoustic folk ("Honestly"), but they all share one thing in common - as Cary says, "They're all pretty much straight from the heart, whether it's being broken or put back together."

Cary's song "Blue Eyes" is also featured alongside tracks from Coldplay, The Shins, and Simon & Garfunkel on the soundtrack of the Fox Searchlight film GARDEN STATE, starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, and Peter Sarsgaard.

All The Rage

All The Rage,Cary Brothers,Procrastination Music,A soaring, melodic nod to Brit Pop and acoustic folk that'll break your heart while you're singing along - featuring the song "Blue Eyes" from the acclaimed film GARDEN STATE.,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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All The Rage

Average customer rating: love it! Ready for the reissue treatment TENDERNESS Catchy and enjoyable More than just another 80s Synth-Pop Sounding Group

All the Rage General Public Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beat This: The Best of the English Beat Special Beat Service I Just Can't Stop It Pelican West...Plus Wha'ppen? ASIN: B000001I0R Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Hot You're Cool
2. Tenderness
3. Anxious
4. Never You Done That
5. Burning Bright
6. As A Matter Of Fact
7. Are You Leading Me On?
8. Day-To-Day
9. Where's The Line?
10. General Public

Amazon.com

General Public's debut is arguably the ska supergroup's best work. Fresh out of the English Beat, Dave Wakeling recruited vocal partner Ranking Roger, as well as bassist Horace Panter (the Specials), keyboardist Mickey Billingham (Dexy's Midnight Runners), and veteran sax man Saxa for this set of shiny pop that is virtually all as infectious as the album's Top 40 hit, "Tenderness." Sure, the English Beat's best grooves found their way into the Fine Young Cannibals, but Wakeling and Roger's breathless vocals and undeniable hooks still shine on this undervalued album. --Bill Forman

Customer Reviews:

love it!.......2007-06-04

I love this CD. It takes me back to the 80's with lots of cool music.

Ready for the reissue treatment.......2005-07-31

This is just a really awesome CD and I'm suprised it hasn't been given the re-issue treatment as of yet. All The Rage was released in late 1984 or early 1985. The US singles were "Tenderness" and "Never You Done That." The album itself contained a lot of different sounding songs. General Public toyed with reggae ala UB40 style on the song "General Public." I enjoy the whole album but really like songs like "Anxious," "Where's The Line," and "Are You Leading Me On?" There are some really great remixes to some of the songs on this album, I hope that it is given the reissue treatment soon.

TENDERNESS.......2005-07-04

1984 Brit pop group dabbling in funk and ska yielded one great song; "Tenderness", a jingly piano-driven, bassoon enhanced, unabashedly sweet, catchy song that contains maybe the most representative line of '80s suppressed left wing agenda, - "I open my mouth and out pops something spiteful.", it rises above the hyperactive vocals and dull routine funk of the other songs, although the song, "General Public", adds Middle Eastern and progressive elements in a grandiose album closing. Band member, Ranking Roger (vocals, keyboards), has put out at least one fine Motown influenced solo album, and Clash guitarist Mick Jones, plays some rough guitar on some of the tracks. The band needs to lean more towards it's tender side than it's frantic funk.

Catchy and enjoyable.......2005-06-18

Nothing spectacular here, just a thoroughly enjoyable pop/new wave/synth/whatever offering from an outfit that probably deserved more attention. Definitely worth getting.

More than just another 80s Synth-Pop Sounding Group.......2004-10-28

My first exposure to General Public came in 1984. I was listening to the original WKTU radio in New York City and this song called "Tenderness" came on then. At the time, this radio station was the "Disco/Dance" radio station in New York. What I distinctly remember about this station was that it was a very different song than the dance numbers that were typically played on this station. Nonetheless, this song caught my attention as well as the attention of many other fans. It turns out that this was a true "crossover" song done by the group General Public. It was part of a collection of ten songs that could easily fall into the "crossover" 80s/Techno-Pop category from General Public's debut album "All The Rage".

In the mid 1980s, the term "Supergroup" became very popular. A Supergroup is basically a group or project whose primary members were in other successful bands. The two most common Supergroups were the Power Station and Mike + The Mechanics. Before either or these Supergroups, there was a Supergroup called General Public. When the English Beat disbanded, vocalists Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger decided to form a new band. They recruited keyboardist Micky Billingham and drummer Andy "Stoker" Growcott from Dexy's Midnight Runners. Also recruited was bassist Horace Painter ("The Specials") and guitarist Kevin White. Both The English Beat and Dexy's Midnight Runners produced a most unique 80s pop sound that has almost become synonymous with the decade itself. Make no mistake about this, the sounds of both of these groups are alive and well with this "alliance". In a lot of ways the formation of this alliance results in so much more than "80s music".

Here is a quick synopsis of the album song by song:
"Hot You're Cool": This might not be the deepest song in terms of lyrics, but there is a lot more than just an 80s sound on this particular track. There is some terrific saxophone work that makes the melody so terrific.

"Tenderness": This is the signature song of the group. There are a lot of reasons this became the signature song. You will hear Wakeling and Roger's trademark vocals, - but you will hear contributions from just about everyone in the band. I think Billingham's keyboards, Painter's bass, and White's guitar deserve a lot of credit. Justine Carpenter does the background vocals (i.e. "Where is the...") that make this song so special. As mentioned above, this is a crossover song - although I see it more as a Dance song.

"Anxious": Although not the strongest track, here is another track that breaks the 80s mold. This song features a brass section of some trumpet and trombone that helps distinguish it from many other 80s tracks.

"Never You Done That": This was the second single released from this album. Here is a song that definitely walks the tightrope between rock and dance music. This is a pretty good track and the more you hear it, the more you will want to hear it.

"Burning Bright": This is the second best song behind "Tenderness". I am very surprised this song didn't get more airplay. This song opens with some outstanding guitar with a light keyboard overtone. "Stoker"'s drumming is strongest on this track. There is a 1 minute introduction. This isn't as much of an 80s Techno-Pop track as the others, but has much more of a progressive rock sound. This is the song that has the lines "From Moscow to Monterey and From Maine to Mexico" that is printed on the back of the CD.

"As a Matter of Fact": I don't think this is the strongest track, but it isn't a bad track. This song moves back toward the Techno-Pop sound and has much more of a Dance Music feel to it. "Stoker" shines here again with some nice drum work on here.

"Are You Leading Me On": From a lyric and melody standpoint - this song starts out with a Classic 80s Techno-Pop feel to it. About 90 seconds into the song there is a terrific reggae sequence that is a nice change of pace. General Public finds a great way to integrate the reggae into the song and they switch gears flawlessly.

"Day to Day" also starts with a Classic 80s feel to it. Unlike "Are You Leading Me On", it doesn't switch gears. It sticks to the Classic 80s feel. I would say this is the weakest track on the collection.

"Where's the Line": Terrific mix of 80s music with a Carribean Twist. This is a very catchy song and one that is good for the dance floors. Vocals are in top form and once again the horns find their way into a track.

"General Public": I think its great when a group names after song after themselves (or names the group after the song). This song is the perfect wrap-up song. It is a mix of some theatrical qualities and a very European sound. This song too is pretty catchy.

The liner notes contain all of the lyrics to all of the songs. All participating musicians are listed in the credits as well along with some of the production credits. The one drawback of the liner notes is that the lyrics and credits are put into 6 thin columns per page. The result is small fonts and very difficult to read. Following this debut album, General Public's subsequent albums would never achieve the success of this debut album from both a commercial or critical standpoint. Much of this was due to the fact that in the late 80s and early 90s, the music landscape would change and move away from synth-pop to a more natural Rock Sound. However, this is more than just another 80s album - there is some real talent on this collection. You will get so much more than the song "Tenderness". I highly recommend this collection.

Average customer rating: Too Few Songs, Too Much Money Buy it! Heartbreaking and beautiful Nice debut record Cary is amazing!

All The Rage Cary Brothers Manufacturer: Procrastination Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 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: Waiting for Your Letter We Were Here Villa Elaine Going Somewhere The Last Kiss ASIN: B0002PU59Y Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

1. Blue Eyes
2. Something
3. Supposed To Be
4. Honestly

Album Description

"All The Rage" is the debut release from LA-based singer/songwriter Cary Brothers. These four tracks, produced by Chad Fischer (Alexi Murdoch), run the gamut from power pop ("Supposed To Be") to acoustic folk ("Honestly"), but they all share one thing in common - as Cary says, "They're all pretty much straight from the heart, whether it's being broken or put back together."

Cary's song "Blue Eyes" is also featured alongside tracks from Coldplay, The Shins, and Simon & Garfunkel on the soundtrack of the Fox Searchlight film GARDEN STATE, starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, and Peter Sarsgaard.

Customer Reviews:

Too Few Songs, Too Much Money .......2006-03-20

I Paid $9 for this CD, and while it is a good cd, there are only 3 songs on it for a total of 14 minutes of listening pleasure. I find this to be a rip off. Do yourself a favor and buy a longer CD for the money.

Buy it!.......2005-09-08

Excellent mini album that includes some music from Scrubs and Garden State. Well worth buying and Cary has another album out this month as well. (If you like this album try Lucky Jim - Our Troubles End Tonight) No need to try before you buy - all 4 songs get 5 stars from me, excellent voice and each song has a different feel to it.

Heartbreaking and beautiful.......2005-08-11

Cary Brothers is an excellent musician and songwriter, and in "All the Rage", he really showcases his talent. I saw him play live in a small indie record store before I even got to hear the EP. I wasn't all that familiar with him but I really like his song, "Blue Eyes" from Garden State. So to say the least, when I saw him perform a mini-concert for the 10 or so people in the store, I was more than impressed, and from that point on I became a fan. I also got to meet him for a few minutes after the show. He was very down-to-earth and seemed humble. For the most part, his songs sound mello and dreamy. A few of his songs boast heartwrenching melodies, especially "Something" which is particulary haunting, and is comparable to "Blue Eyes" if not better. I can't wait until the LP comes out, which he said should come out in this month of August.

Nice debut record.......2005-07-28

Cary Brothers is something of an engima for me-- a folky, rootsy singer-songwriter type, this is pretty far outside the domain of my usual listening, and yet there's something about his music that worked pretty well for me.

What I think it is may be that there's a sense of honesty without pretention that circulates through his record-- when he sings about trying to put a past romance out of his mind and quietly mumbles "I wish your love away", you feel like he does. Brothers' vocals feel like they come from the midwest-- a sort of road weary sound. But he adds to that a good range and roundness of tone that I think is often missing in these forms.

This EP, consisting of four songs, is his debut. Three of the songs are folky pop pieces and one ("Supposed to Be") is a driving alt-pop piece. Although its a decent number, it doesn't quite fit in on the record, and its electric guitars sit somewhat uncomfortably amongst the rest of the pieces on here.

But the rest is all this kind of bluesy, folky pop stuff-- smokey ("Blue Eyes", also featured on the "Garden State" soundtrack), bubbling and delicate ("Something") and wistful and brilliant ("Honesty"). One thing the record definitely indicates, we can expect big things from Brothers. Recommended.

Cary is amazing!.......2005-06-08

Cary Brothers has a wonderful, soothing voice and all the songs on this EP are great! He is one of the best emerging arists right now and I can't wait for him to release a full length album!

Average customer rating: Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty So Fashionable, and So Disappointing A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal Wait! Before you buy... La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener

Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock George Frideric Handel , Arleen Auger , Anne Sofie von Otter , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert & Choir , Michael Chance , Howard Crook , and John Tomlinson Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner Belcea Quartet ~ Debussy · Dutilleux · Ravel Beethoven: Symphony No 9 /ORR * Gardiner Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" in B minor Op. 74 ASIN: B0000057DB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part One - 1. Sinfony (Grave - Allegro moderato)
2. Messiah: Part One - 2. Accompagnato : Comfort Ye My People
3. Messiah: Part One - 3. Air : Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
4. Messiah: Part One - 4. Chorus : And The Glory Of The Lord Shall Be Revealed
5. Messiah: Part One - 5. Accompagnato : Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts
6. Messiah: Part One - 6. Air : But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
7. Messiah: Part One - 7. Chorus : And He Shall Purify
8. Messiah: Part One - 8. Recitative : Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
9. Messiah: Part One - 9. Air and Chorus : O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
10. Messiah: Part One - 10. Accompagnato : For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover
11. Messiah: Part One - 11. Air : The People That Walked In Darkness
12. Messiah: Part One - 12. Chorus : For Unto Us A Child Is Born
13. Messiah: Part One - 13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: Part One - 14. Recitative: There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - Accompagnato: And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - 15. Recitative: And The Angel Said Unto Them - 16. Accompagnato: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel
15. Messiah: Part One - 17. Chorus : Glory To God In The Highest
16. Messiah: Part One - 18. Air : Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
17. Messiah: Part One - 19. Recitative : Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
18. Messiah: Part One - 20. Air : He Shall Feed His Flock
19. Messiah: Part One - 21. Chorus : His Yoke Is Easy, His Burthen Is Light
20. Messiah: Part Two - 22. Chorus : Behold The Lamb Of God
21. Messiah: Part Two - Air : 23. He Was Despised

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part Two - 24. Chorus : Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
2. Messiah: Part Two - 25. Chorus : And With His Stripes We Are Healed
3. Messiah: Part Two - 26. Chorus : All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
4. Messiah: Part Two - 27. Accompagnato : All They That See Him
5. Messiah: Part Two - 28. Chorus : He Trusted In God
6. Messiah: Part Two - 29. Accompagnato : Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
7. Messiah: Part Two - 30. Arioso : Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow
8. Messiah: Part Two - 31. Accompagnato : He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land
9. Messiah: Part Two - 32. Air : But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul
10. Messiah: Part Two - 33. Chorus : Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
11. Messiah: Part Two - 34. Recitative : Unto Which Of The Angels
12. Messiah: Part Two - 35. Chorus : Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him
13. Messiah: Part Two - 36. Air : Thou Art Gone Up On High
14. Messiah: Part Two - 37. Chorus : The Lord Gave The Word
15. Messiah: Part Two - 38. Air : How Beautiful Are The Feet
16. Messiah: Part Two - 39. Chorus : Their Sound Is Gone Out
17. Messiah: Part Two - 40. Air : Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage
18. Messiah: Part Two - 41. Chorus : Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder
19. Messiah: Part Two - 42. Recitative : He That Dwelleth In Heaven
20. Messiah: Part Two - 43. Air : Thou Shalt Break Them
21. Messiah: Part Two - 44. Chorus : Hallelujah
22. Messiah: Part Three - 45. Air : I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
23. Messiah: Part Three - 46. Chorus : Since By Man Came Death
24. Messiah: Part Three - 47. Recitative : Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
25. Messiah: Part Three - 48. Air : The Trumpet Shall Sound
26. Messiah: Part Three - 49. Recitative : Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
27. Messiah: Part Three - 50. Duet : O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
28. Messiah: Part Three - 51. Chorus : But Thanks Be To God
29. Messiah: Part Three - 52. Air : If God Be For Us
30. Messiah: Part Three - 53. Chorus : Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain --- Amen

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a terrific performance of Messiah. Not only are the soloists all superb, but Trevor Pinnock completely contradicts the image of many period instrument performances as small-scale, scrappy affairs. Indeed, he invests the choruses with as much genuine Handelian pomp as Beecham at his most extravagant. The trumpets really blaze, and the timpani thunder, and everyone simply has a great time. A joyous performance, just right for the holiday season. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Trevor Pinnock meets with mixed success in this account of the Messiah with the English Concert & Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, and John Tomlinson, recorded and released in 1988. Its strengths are the strengths of the early-music movement in general. The size and distribution of the instrumental and vocal forces are optimal, which means that textures are clear and balances apt. Rhythms are nicely pointed, though often, in Pinnock's case, not quite well enough sprung. Tempos are well chosen; for example, "All we like sheep"--which turns out to be one of the set's best numbers--is a real bourré, and Pinnock animates it in just the right way. But the performance often seems workmanlike and unemotional, weighed down in too many instances by the humdrum work of the chorus. The alto section in particular, which is half male and half female, sings timidly and is constantly swallowing its entrances. Bass soloist John Tomlinson is a further drag on the effort. He has the right idea--that there's an Italian opera hiding behind all this biblical imagery--but his cottony sound is out of place, a misguided attempt to mimic Nicolai Ghiaurov. His usable range is less than a tenth (he croaks the low G's and F-sharps), and his diction is horrible. "Thus spake the Lord" is strangled, and when, in "The trumpet shall sound" Tomlinson gets to the words "we shall be changed," one can't help wishing that he had been changed too, right before the sessions started. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty.......2007-06-13

Handel's Messiah is my favorite piece of classical music. Of the two versions that I had I only have left this one, and it is not the best (the other had been a cheap recording whose author's name I forgot too). This version seems to lack a little enthusiasm from the voices; too melancholic. Anyway, this is the first review of any music that I write, and probably will be the last too, so I just want to leave my impression of how I feel when I hear these solemn and heavenly sounds. One feels so raised to the heavenlies... I can almost sense the presence of the Lord Almighty up yonder among the clouds, and me being carried in solemnity to meet Him. Far away are the buzzing sounds of earthly chores. The air is fresh and clean as we are raised above the valleys, and we come to meet God's elected amid the singing, stronger and stronger. Jubilant, bathed in the glorious rays of the Savior's Light, we come together and sing: Glory to God, glory to God, praise and glory for He is coming...

So Fashionable, and So Disappointing.......2007-02-01

This would be a great 21st Century Reader's Digest version of Messiah, if such a thing existed any more. Handel did as much as he could, but really, the performers still have to do something besides posture, which, by the way, seems to me to characterize many performances these days. Fashionable, but musically deficient.

Specifically: John Tomlinson sings like he thinks he IS God, instead of singing about Him. Heavy, cumbersome, and overblown. May I add boorish?

Arleen Auger has a very sweet voice. And??

Despite the program notes insisting that certain segments of this Messiah are given to "the contralto", Anne Sofie von Otter is NOT a contralto. Not even close.

The male alto can barely sustain a legato line - why he insists upon throwing in those complicated, badly-performed embellishments I can't figure. Well, I can, but I'd really rather not say.

Wake up, choristers!! It's 'For Unto Us A Child Is Born," not "Oy, I have to go to the grocery store today."

Boy do I regret having spent almost $40 on this one. Thank goodness I have the Colin Davis to console me.

A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal.......2006-12-17

This 1988 recording sits between the euqally English, euqally period-ifnluenced Hogwood and Garidner. Of the three, Hogwood sounds more 'authentic' because it uses boys in the chorus and singers schooled period practice. By comparison, Pinnock's soprano, Arleen Auger, and mozeeo, Von Otter, are essentially modern singers--gorgeous ones, of course, Gardiner is far more anemic in his conducting and uses a scrwny-sounding orchestra, so if that's more authentic, so be it. Of the three, Pinnock gives us more traditional music values in his emotional expression and instrumental timbres.

The competiiton is mushc stiffer now than in 1988, but Pinnock's reading has survived the test of time. He is not a genuinely inspired conductor--sadly, Messiah has become a cottage industry that excludes most big-name talents--but neither are Gardiner and Hogwood. (For sheer musicality, I tend to put my money on Andrew Parrott, Robert King, Marc Minkowski, Niklaus Harnoncourt, and Rene Jacobs.) But he's certainly good eough. The reason I haven't given five stars is that the male soloists aren't first-rate, and in particular the Wotan voice of John Tomlinson sounds cavernous in the bass arias. Add to that Pinnock's tendency toward tepidness, and what you end up with is a very good but not great performance.

Wait! Before you buy..........2006-05-28

... This Messiah has recently been re-released at a much cheaper price. Go back and look for the DG "The Originals" release, which is being sold new for under $12.

La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener.......2004-12-29

Soy uno de los mas fanaticos seguidores de Handel y de su obra El Mesias... He escuchado muchas versiones de esta genial e impresionante obra del maestro Handel y, sencillamente no me queda mas que recomendar esta interpretacion, bajo la batuta del maestro Trevor Pinnock. Se nota la exigencia con que esta version se interpreto, dentro el contexto del arte barroco y la magnificencia de la pronunciacion del ingles de la epoca. La orquesta se luce impresionantemente desde la obertura... y le da a cada movimiento, toda aquella fuerza y a la vez delicadeza requerida en el sentimiento que aplica en cada uno de los textos biblicos escogidos por el guionista Jennens. El Coro del English Concert es arrebatador y demuestra maestria en la interpretacion de cada una de las arias que le corresponde. La soprano Arleen Auger, la puedo definir como un angel cantando y resulta ser una caricia a los oidos, a la vez que es capaz de arrancarle a uno las lagrimas por lo excelso de su magia interpretativa. El tenor Crook, aunque no es un tenor con tesitura para canto barroco, es realmente habil y agil al momento de interpretar los melismas caracteristicos de este brillante periodo musical. El contratenor Michael Chance, es fenomenal y quiera Dios que yo tenga el honor de conocer a este genio del canto: "But who may abide..." interpretado por Chance en esta version, es como para caer en extasis. La contralto Anne Sophie von Otter..., tiene una voz oscura y redondeada..., tambien resulta una caricia a los oidos y su "If God be for us..." es desbordante, capaz tambien de hacerle a uno derramar lagrimas por su belleza interpretativa. El bajo Tomlinson..., es barbaro!!! (Soy bajo-baritono en el Coro de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica...) A pesar de su voz tan oscura, es tremendamente agil cuando le toca cantar los melismas y es genial al alcanzar la tonalidad brillante en las partes de notas altas y agudas...; por ejemplo: "The people that walked in darkness..." y "Why do the nations..." Tengo seis años de experiencia, interpretando musica coral y tengo que decir que espere esos seis años, desde 1999, para felizmente cantar esta obra "El Mesias". Ha sido fantastico finalmente lograr este objetivo..., la espera valio la pena y debo admitir que mi inspiracion ha sido sin duda alguna, la version que puede usted encontrar en este disco compacto. Doy gracias a todos los que intervinieron en esta grabacion (al maestro Trevor Pinnock, al English Concert and Choir y a los solistas ya mencionados), en nombre mio y en nombre del maestro Handel.

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00062FLI8 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating: Beecham's noisy Messiah The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself! Comfort Ye! Familiarity hasn't bred much affection Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis Handel: Messiah Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort Samson ASIN: B000003FB8 Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
3. Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
4. Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
6. Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
7. Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
9. Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
10. Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
11. Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
12. Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
14. Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
15. Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
16. Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
17. Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
18. Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
19. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
20. Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
21. Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
2. Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
3. Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
4. Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
6. Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
7. Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
9. Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
10. Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
11. Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
12. Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
14. Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
15. Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
16. Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
17. Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
18. Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
19. Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
20. Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
21. Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
22. Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
23. Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
24. Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
2. Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
3. Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
4. Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
6. Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
7. Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

Average customer rating:

Handel: Messiah (Highlights) Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | 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 ASIN: B0000D1FLJ Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Comfort Ye, My People
3. Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
4. And He Shall Purify
5. Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
6. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion
7. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion (Chorus)
8. For Unto Us A Child Is Born
9. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
10. There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Fields
11. Glory To God In The Highest
12. He Shall Feed His Flock
13. All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
14. Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
15. Behold And See If There Be Any Sorrow
16. The Lord Gave Me The Word
17. Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage?
18. Hallelujah
19. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
20. Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain
21. Amen

Average customer rating: Finally a Messiah with fervor! Great recording! Good and Bad This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas at Trinity ASIN: B00002R16A Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 1 Overture
2. Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
3. Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
5. Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
6. Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
7. Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
9. Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
11. Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
12. Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
13. Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
15. Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
16. Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
17. Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
18. Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
19. Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
20. Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
21. Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
22. Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
23. Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
25. Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
2. Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
3. Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
5. Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
6. Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
7. Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
9. Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
11. Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
12. Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
13. Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
14. Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
15. Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
16. Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
17. Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
18. Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
19. Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
20. Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
21. Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
22. Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
23. Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
25. Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
27. Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
28. Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

Average customer rating: A good deal to enjoy Jazzy Ludwig!

Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim Ludwig van Beethoven , Jörg Demus , Emil Gilels , Olli Mustonen , Christopher Alder , Daniel Barenboim , and Wilhelm Kempff Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Allemandes | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | 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 Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Kempff, Wilhelm | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 7: Violin Sonatas Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 2: Concertos Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 9: Piano Trios Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11: Early String Quartets ASIN: B000001GZ9 Release Date: 1997-11-25

Tracks:

1. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No. 1 In E Flat Major - Andante grazioso quasi Allegretto
2. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.2 In C Major - Scherzo. Allegro
3. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.3 In F Major - Allegretto
4. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.4 In D Major - Andante
5. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.5 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
6. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.6 In D Major - Allegretto quasi andante
7. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.7 In A Flat Major - Presto
8. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.1 In B Flat Major - Allegretto
9. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.2 In C Major - Andante con moto
10. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.3 In D - a l'Allemande
11. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.4 In A Major - Andante cantabile
12. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.5 In C Minor - Risoluto
13. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.6 In G Major - Andante - Allegretto
14. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.7 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
15. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.8 In C - Moderato
16. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.9 In A Minor - Vivace moderato
17. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.10 In A Major - Allegramente
18. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.11 In B Flat Major - Andante ma non troppo
19. Bagatelle in C Minor: Presto
20. Bagatelle In C Major: Allegretto
21. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.1 In G Major - Andante con moto cantabile e compiacevole
22. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No. 2 In G Minor - Allegro
23. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.3 In In E Flat Major - Andante cantabile e grazioso
24. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.4 In D Major - Presto
25. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.5 In G Major - Quasi Allegretto
26. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.6 In E Flat Major - Presto - Andante amabile e con moto - Tempo I
27. Bagatelle 'Fur Elise' In A Minor: Poco moto

Tracks:

1. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro cantibile
2. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 2. Andante
3. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo vivace
4. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 1. Larghetto maestoso - Allegro assai
5. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 2. Andante
6. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 3. Presto
7. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 1. Allegro
8. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 2. Menuetto. Sostenuto - Var. I-VI
9. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 3. Scherzando. Allegro, ma non troppo
10. 2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 1. Without Tempo Indication
11. 2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 2. Allegretto
12. Piano Sonata In C Major: Allegro
13. Piano Sonata In C Major: Adagio
14. Allegretto In C Minor
15. 'Lustig - Traurig' In C Major
16. Prelude In F Minor
17. Piano Piece In B Flat Major
18. Allegretto In B Minor
19. Allegretto quasi andante In G Minor
20. Allemande In A Major
21. Minuet In E Flat Major
22. Waltz In E Flat Major
23. Waltz In D Major
24. Ecossaise In E Flat Major
25. Fugue In C Major
26. Allegretto In C Minor

Tracks:

1. Rondo In C Major, Op. 51: Moderato e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Rondo In G Major, Op. 51 No. 2: Andante cantabile e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
3. Rondo In C Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
4. Rondo In A Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
5. Polonaise In C Major: Alla polacca, vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
6. 9 Variations (In C Minor) On A March By Ernst Christoph Dressler: Thema. Maestoso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
7. 6 Variations On A Swiss Song In F Major: Thema. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
8. Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-XIII - Var. XIV. Allegretto - Adagio - Var. XV-XIX - Var. XX. Scherznado - Var. XXI-XXII - Var. XXIII. Adagio sostenuto - Var. XXIV. Allegro - Allegro stringendo - Presto assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9. 12 Variations (In C Major) On The 'Menuett a la Vigano' From Jakob Haibel's Ballet 'Le nozze disturbate': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-IX - Var. XII. Allegro - Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
10. 6 Variations (In G Major) On The Duet 'Nel cor piu non mi sento' From Giovanni Paisello's Opera 'La molinara': Thema. (Andantino) - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

1. Fantasia In G Minor: Allegro - Poco adagio - allegro ma non troppo - Allegro con brio - Adagio - Presto - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio
2. 6 Variations (In D Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegro risoluto - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Presto - Tempo I
3. Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-II - VarIII. Commodetto - Var. IV - Var. V. Risoluto - Arioso. Andante con moto - Var. VI. Espressivo - Var. VII. Allegro no nmolto - Var. VIII. Tempo I - Var. IX. Allegro
4. 8 Variations (In C Major) On The Romance 'Une fievre brulante' From Gretry's Opera 'Richard Coeur de Lion': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VII - Var. VIII. Allegro - Presto
5. 10 Variations (In B Flat Major) On The Duet 'La stessa, la stessissima' From Antonio Salieri's Opera 'Falstaff': Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-IX - Var. X. Allegretto (alla Austriaca) - Tempo I
6. 7 Variations (In F Major) On The Quartet 'Kind, willst du ruhig schlafen?' From Peter Winter's Opera 'Das unterbrochene Opferfest': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Allegro - Allegro molto
7. 8 Variations (In F Major) On The Trio 'Tandeln und Scherzen' From Franz X. Sussmayrs Opera 'Soliman II': Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Adagio molto ed espressivo - Var. VIII. Allegro vivace - Adagio
8. 6 Easy Variations (In G Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI

Tracks:

1. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Adagio. Cantabile
2. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. I
3. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. II - Allegro ma non troppo
4. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. III - Allegretto
5. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. IV - Tempo di Menuetto
6. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. V - Marcia. Allegretto
7. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. VI - Allegretto. Adagio molto
8. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Introduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
9. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Tema
10. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. I
11. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. II
12. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. III
13. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IV
14. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. V
15. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VI
16. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VII - Canone all'ottava
17. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VIII
18. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IX
19. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. X
20. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XI
21. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XII
22. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIII
23. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIV
24. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XV - Largo
25. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Coda
26. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
27. 9 Variations (IN A Major) On The Aria 'Quant'e piu bello' From Giovanni Paisiello's Opera 'La molinara': Allegretto
28. 12 Variations (In A Major) On A Russian Dance From Paul Wranitzky's Ballet 'Das Waldmadchen': Allegretto
29. 7 Variations (In C Major) On 'God Save The King': Thema - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Allegro. Alla Marcia - Var. VII. (Allegro) - Adagio - Allegro
30. 5 Variations (In D Major) On 'Rule, Britannia' From Thomas Arne's Masque 'Alfred': Thema. Tempo moderato
31. 32 Variations (In C Minor) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegretto
32. 6 Ecossaises In E Flat Major

Tracks:

1. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Thema.Vivace
2. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. I - Alla Marcia maestoso
3. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. II - Poco Allegro
4. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. III. - L'istesso tempo
5. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IV. - Un poco piu vivace
6. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. V. - Allegro vivace
7. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var.VI-Allegro ma non troppo
8. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VII - Un poco piu allegro
9. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VIII - Poco vivace
10. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IX - Allegro pesante e risoluto
11. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. X - Presto
12. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XI - Allegretto
13. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XII - Un poco piu moto
14. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIII - Vivace
15. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIV - Grave e maestoso
16. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XV - Presto scherzando
17. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVI - Allegro
18. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVII
19. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVIII - Poco moderato
20. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIX - Presto
21. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XX - Andante
22. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXI - Allengro con brio
23. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXII - Allegro molto
24. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIII - Allegro assai
25. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIV - Fughetta. Andante
26. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXV - Allegro
27. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVI
28. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVII - Vivace
29. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVIII - Allegro
30. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIX - Adagio ma non troppo
31. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXX - Andante, sempre cantabile
32. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXI - Largo, molto espressivo
33. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXII - Fuga.Allegro - Poco adagio
34. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXIII - Tempo di Menuetto moderato

Tracks:

1. Andante In F Major - 'Andante favori: Andante grazioso con moto
2. 6 Minuets: 6 Minuets - No. 1 In C Major; No. 2 In G Major; No. 3 In E Flat Major; No. 4 In B Flat Major; No. 5 in D Major; No. 6 In C Major
3. 7 Landler In D Major
4. 12 German Dances: No. 1 In D Major; No. 2 In B Flat Major; No. 3 In G Major; No. 4 In D Major; No. 5 in F Major; No. 6 In B Flat Major; No. 7 In D Major; No. 8 In G Major; No. 9 In E Flat Major; No. 10 In C Major; No. 11 In A Major; No. 12 In D Major
5. 'The Rage Over The Lost Penny' In G Major: Allegro vivace
6. Canon A 2 In G Major, Hess 274
7. Canon A 2 In A Flat Major, Hess 275
8. 8 Variations (In C Major) On A Theme By Count Waldstein: Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-VII. Un poco Adagio - Capriccio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Allegro - Presto
9. 6 Variations (In D Major) On The Lied 'Ich denke dein': Lied. Andantino cantabile

Tracks:

1. Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 1. Allegro molto
2. Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 2. Rondo. Moderato
3. 3 Marches, op.45: No.1 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
4. 3 Marches, op.45: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Vivace
5. 3 Marches, op.45: No. 3 In C Major - Vivace
6. 'Grosse Fuge' In B Flat Major, Op. 134: Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga. (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro (molto e con brio)
7. 2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 1
8. 2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 2
9. Fugue In D Major For Organ
10. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 1 In F Major - Adagio assai
11. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 2 In G Major - Scherzo. Allegro
12. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 3 In G Major - Allegro
13. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 4 In C Major - Allegro non piu molto
14. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 5 In C Major - Menuett. Allegretto
15. Grenadier March For Mechanical Clock In F Major, Hess 107

Customer Reviews:

A good deal to enjoy.......2006-04-15

Though Beethoven could play the violin he was not a virtuoso on the instrument. The piano, on the other hand, was changed as an instrument by him. He was always on a quest for more sonorous and richer sounds and piano makers did their best to oblige. Many of Beethoven's avant guarde ideas about composition and the role of music in self expression started as piano sonatas and piano works. With this in mind, Beethovens compositions for the piano are some of the most outstanding, brilliant, and technically pure works to emerge from any composer. It is impossible not to feel the emotions Beethoven wishes to convey from piece to piece.

The piano sonatas are really self contained dramas. In them, you will hear the expressions of sadness, beauty, rage, and unbounded joy. It is impossible to listen to this collection and not find pleasure in it. The recordings as well as the performers are top-notch. Highly recommended.

Jazzy Ludwig!.......2005-02-17

An excellent set featuring Ludwig van's sets of variations wherein he gets jazzy and swings on catchy tunes! Highly recommended.

NOTE: For those of you who don't understand metaphor: what I'm saying here is that Beethoven used popular operatic hit-tunes of his day and improvised variations on those tunes--as is done in America's original art-form--Jazz. Get it?

Average customer rating: Absolutely Glorious! Excellent music (if you can hear it) Handel's Messiah highlights

Handel: Messiah / Andrew Davis [Highlights] George Frideric Handel , Andrew Davis , Samuel Ramey , John Aler , Toronto Mendelssohn Choir , Florence Quivar , and Kathleen Battle Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | 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 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B00004VW0A Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No.1 Sinfonia
2. Messiah: No.2 Comfort Ye My People (Tenor)
3. Messiah: No.3 Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor)
4. Messiah: No.4 And The Glory Of The Lord (Chorus)
5. Messiah: No.8 O Thou That Tellest (Mezzo-Soprano & Chorus)
6. Messiah: No.11 For Unto Us A Child Is Born (Chorus)
7. Messiah: No.12 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
8. Messiah: No.16 Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion (Soprano)
9. Messiah: No.17 He Shall Feed His Flock (Soprano - Mezzo-Soprano)
10. Messiah: No.19 Behold The Lamb (Chorus)
11. Messiah: No.20 He Was Despised (Mezzo-Soprano)
12. Messiah: No.23 All We Like Sheep (Chorus)
13. Messiah: No.36 Why Do The Nations? (Bass)
14. Messiah: No.37 Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder (Chorus)
15. Messiah: No.39 Hallelujah (Chorus)
16. Messiah: No.40 I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano)
17. Messiah: No.47 Worthy Is The Lamb
18. Messiah: Amen (Chorus)

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Glorious!.......2003-01-31

I have listened extensively to more than 15 recordings of Handel's Messiah, and have performed it several times as a tenor soloist, and I must say that this rendition has the combination of technical mastery, musical drama, and historical accuracy that renders it overall the best recording I have heard to date. Davis's solid, but not overly large orchestral forces balance the forte of the choral passages wonderfully, and he also makes use of the organ, which conductors all too frequently overlook - it absolutely makes all the difference, especially in numbers like the Hallelujah Chorus, which is done to perfection and which sold me on this recording in the first place. The soloists are fantastic; I wish the tenor (John Aler) had better command of dynamics and spent less time singing under pitch (I, being a tenor myself, notice these things far too much), but the overall effect of his voice is warm, burnished, and very well modulated. Battle, Quivar, and Ramey deliver superstar performances from superstar singers, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Chorus, while a little quiet for its size, nonetheless delivers the chorales with a precise strength that's refreshing, especially if you've grown up listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir wade around neck-deep in the choruses. Worth every penny you spend.

Excellent music (if you can hear it).......2000-12-20

The CD has some extremely good renditions of The Messiah. I have to admit that the performance was indeed some of the best I have heard. Unfortunately it was recorded poorly. So poorly that my CD player had to be turned up to full to hear it and then I had the static to contend with. As good as an album as it is, it was lost due to to bad recording techniques. Take my advice and spend a few extra bucks on another Handel CD.

Handel's Messiah highlights.......2000-08-24

Kathleen Battle does not dissapoint on this one. Her crystal clear and purely gracefull voice does handel great justice. Brovo !!!

Average customer rating: One of the best examples of fusion music out there. Dorsey Rocks It Out in Beethoven Style Good Clean Fun Too Electric No Bust

Beethoven or Bust Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bachbusters Busted Time Warp The Well-Tempered Synthesizer Switched-On Bach II ASIN: B000003CUI Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Rondo A Capriccio In G Major Op. 129: 'Rage Over A Lost Penny'
2. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Mixed Bagatelles - Andante-Allegretto
3. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Mixed Bagatelles - Allegro
4. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Mixed Bagatelles - Presto
5. I. Adagio sostenuto: Sonata No. 14 In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ('Moonlight')
6. II. Allegretto: Sonata No. 14 In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ('Moonlight')
7. III. Presto agitato: Sonata No. 14 In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ('Moonlight')
8. 15 'Eroica' Variations, Op. 35: Various Variations
9. Sonata No. 6 In F Major, Op. 10, No. 2: III. Presto
10. Six Ecossaises, WoO 83 (1823)
11. Fur Elise (Albumblatt) WoO 59 (1808)
12. Sonata No. 18 In E-FLat Major, Op. 31, No. 3: II. Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
13. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor ('Choral'), Op. 125, Mvt. 4: Ode to Ludwig

Customer Reviews:

One of the best examples of fusion music out there........2007-05-14

This ranks right up there with Jesse Cook and Sarah McLachlan on my list of modern recordings. Dorsey obviously adores the music of Beethoven. Full, rich sound with lots of good base notes and just the right touch at all time.

Dorsey Rocks It Out in Beethoven Style.......2006-06-08

This is one of the very first CDs I bought, way back in 1988 when it was released, and, as it turns out 18 years later, it's still one of my favorites. Why would a near-20-year-old classical recording -- of synthesized origin, no less -- continue to be a favorite?

Perhaps it's a bit of nostalgia. Perhaps it's my love of neo-classical that made me gush over this album nearly 20 years ago when it was fresh, and yet even today. Perhaps it's the fact that I can take this disc into my vehicle, crank the volume and get blown away by the bass in tracks 1 - "Rage Over a Lost Penny", 4, 11 - "Für Elise", and 12. Track 1 literally blew the sound coil off the cone of my subwoofer on one particularly enthusiastic playback. Perhaps it's the fact that this thing is pure digital (when DDD meant something) and sounded amazing when it came out -- and still does; it's a great reference disc for putting speakers through their paces. Perhaps it's because Beethoven was a musical genius and the appeal of his work transcends time and instrumentation. Perhaps it's because Dorsey is an artist and has masterfully translated these beautiful ancient works into something reverently (and occasionally reverently comically) modern. Perhaps it's a combination of all the above.

Dorsey succeeded in making classical music FUN with this recording! "Beethoven or Bust" complemented his previous effort, "Bachbusters" perfectly, even though the two composers' styles were so different. Oh, and it is apparently pretty solid stuff technically and stylistically -- "Beethoven or Bust" was #1 on the Classical charts for nearly half a year in '88 and the #2 album of the year, so the naysayers have some explaining to do. This is not just another "Switched-on Bach". A previous reviewer said that Dorsey has a heck of a sense of humor - you just have to read the liner notes to see that this is true!

Bottom line is you'll enjoy -- even love! -- this disc unless you're a die-hard classical fan that can't quite accept the shift of classical music into the electronic world. The irony of this situation is that most of the great ancient composers were on the cutting edge of music technology of their time and would undoubtedly have used synthesizers if they had them at the time. Buy this album. Denny Krane.

Good Clean Fun.......2005-12-16

First off, one needs to understand that Don Dorsey has a great sense of humor in order to fully appreciate his recordings. Years ago, he made a splash with his Telarc release titled "Bachbusters" which presented Bach keyboard pieces on the Synclavier with explosive sonics. This disc is a followup to Bachbusters and although it didn't sell as well or receive as much praise as its predecessor, I actually like it more. I find this disc to have more artistry and musicality and still provide plenty of sonic punch. If you doubt that claim, then que up track 11 (Fur Elise), crank the volume knob to 11 and get ready to see the coil from your subwhoofer get launched across your listening room floor. For more good clean fun, try track number 1, then perhaps skip up to the Moonlight Sonata (tracks 5 through 7). This is great stuff, but to enjoy it to the ultimate, your sense of humor will need to approach that of Mr. Dorsey's.

Too Electric.......2002-03-11

While we like rock and "electric" renditions of classical, couldn't give this CD away. A bit tooo electric.

No Bust.......1999-10-15

This is another highly entertaining CD from Mr Dorsey. While not as good as Bachbusters, is still delightful, particularly the Moonlight Sonata and the Bagatelles. Even though this recorded early in the CD age, the sound is full and rich.

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8. Catch Bull at Four [Original recording remastered]
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10. Decoration Day

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