Aurora

1. Quelques Mots Pleins d'Ombre

2. Histories Repeating as One Thousand Hearts Mend

3. Mados

4. Why She Swallows Bullets and Stones

5. Ebb Tide, Spring Tide, Neap Tide, Flood

6. Rire de l'Ange

Aurora,Esmerine,Ninja Tune,Experimental Rock,Pop,Post-Rock/Experimental,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Aurora

Average customer rating: Nice CD Music from a Farther Room relaxation amazing Talented violinist

Music From A Farther Room Astor Piazzolla , Maurice Ravel , Richard Rodgers , Paul Schwartz , Jean Sibelius , Traditional , Paul Schwartz , Craig Macintyre , Tariqh Akoni , Tim Curle , Lang Lang , Lee Musiker , Zachary Provost , Lucia Micarelli , Leigh Nash , and Lisbeth Scott Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Within Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD) Your Love, My Home Ian Anderson Plays the Orchestral Jethro Tull Follow Your Heart ASIN: B0002GU2NM Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. Samarkand
2. Oblivion
3. Meditation From Thais
4. Portrait
5. To Love You More
6. Reflexio
7. Aurora
8. Lady Grinning Soul
9. Ravel String Quartet IN F Major: Assez Vif - Tres Rythme
10. She Is Like The Swallow
11. My Funny Valentine
12. Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody

Amazon.com

Josh Groban fans who caught the singer's 2004 Closer tour would no doubt take note of Lucia Micarelli, who was the violinist and concertmaster for Groban. Like her boss, who also is executive producer of Music From A Farther Room, Micarelli is a young, attractive, and talented player who has the classical training, but who is also enchanted with pop music. Also like her boss, her strain of classical crossover works thanks to tasteful accompaniment, in this case from arranger/composer Paul Schwartz. The smartly chosen program of material comes from such varied catalogs as David Bowie and Rogers and Hart. Micarelli's playing is emotional without being overreaching, assertive when called upon, and nuanced. When she does go over-the-top pop on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," it's brief but fun; when she navigates Piazzolla's "Oblivion" she draws upon the song's passion more than its technical requisites. This is a debut with likeable pizzazz, coming in a genre not often enough known for it. -- Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

For anyone who has attended Josh Groban's phenomenal live show, you will have undoubtedly had the pleasure of seeing and hearing his lead violinist, Lucia Micarelli. Lucia came to Josh's tour after appearing with the Trans- Siberian Orchestra playing arenas across the U.S. in 2003. With the close of the second leg of Josh's tour, Lucia is recording her debut album in New York and London with producer Paul Schwartz. Musical selections will range from the works of composers Ravel and Ennio Morricone to David Bowie.

Customer Reviews:

Nice CD.......2007-07-15

This is one of my favorite CDs in my collection. I saw her play in person, and Live is much, much better then the CD.

Music from a Farther Room.......2007-05-22

I heard Lucia Micarelli during a 2007 Josh Groban concert. Her live solo performance in addition to her backgrounds for Groban were mesmerizing. I purchased this album to see if it was as enjoyable as her live work, and I was not disappointed. Micarelli performs a good mix of classical and pop pieces. My favorite tracks on the album are Smarkland, Meditation, Lady Grinning Soul, Portrait, and Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody.

relaxation.......2007-05-13

This CD is very well done. I was familiar with old favorites and delighted with new songs. I would like to hear more of the rock songs preformed by her. I think she's got a lot of talent and could possibly do well with the rock songs on a future album.

amazing.......2007-05-07

Lucia has power in her playing. I think that she shouldn't be allowed to play violin this good. Her raw talent is conveyed in every song. She doesn't just stick to classical, as the accompaniment music isn't just strings. I wished she had played a little more in Bohemian Rhapsody. I saw her in concert with Josh Groban and I knew I had to purchase this CD. Lucia is an inspiration and her love for the violin cannot be contained.

Talented violinist.......2007-03-29

When I saw and heard Lucia Micarelli perform with Josh Groban at a recent concert, I was so impressed with her talent, that I immediately went online to see what music of hers was available. Every item on her CD is wonderful, and I'm looking forward to her next CD.

Average customer rating: Tchaikovsky and Tchai Teatime...or otherwise. Tchaikovsky's Dreamier Music: A Soothing Album Beautiful Tchaikovsky's Most Enchanting Tunes

Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading Bach for Breakfast Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day ASIN: B0000041FC Release Date: 1996-06-11

Tracks:

1. String Quartet No. 1 In D: Andante Cantabile
2. Swan Lake: Odette And The Prince (Act II)
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Minor: Andantino
4. Swan Lake: Pas de deux (Act III)
5. The Sleeping Beauty: Panorama (Act II)
6. Violin Concerto In D: Canzonetta (Andante)
7. The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
8. The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Coffee Dance
9. The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Tea Dance
10. The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Dance Of The Reed-pipes
11. Rococco Variations: Final variation
12. Piano Trio In A Minor: Andante con moto
13. Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation I. L'istesso tempo
14. Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation IX. Andante flebile, ma non tanto
15. Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation XI. Moderato
16. The Sleeping Beauty: Vision Of Aurora
17. Serenade For Strings In C: Elegie: Larghtto elegiaco

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky and Tchai.......2006-07-17

I wondered what do Tchaikovsky and Tea have in common, and then I remembered that in many countries across the world - the word for tea is "tchai". That aside, yes, this is a refreshing blend of music, perfect for tea time - relaxing and reviving at the same time, and quite a bit dreamy.

Teatime...or otherwise........2005-11-02

I've owned this for years & play it often. It IS perfect for teatime, as it makes pleasant background music which you can talk over....but is also great w/volume up in car w/it's rambunctious side and incredible instrumentation. A really nice blend of Tchaikovsky's pieces.

Tchaikovsky's Dreamier Music: A Soothing Album.......2005-07-31

"Set your Life to Classical Music" is a fine album series that feature beautiful classical music for background music of any occasion- weddings, barbecues, breakfast, beauty sleep, bathtime, reading a book, romantic dinner, massages you name it. And indeed many classical pieces are perfectly therapeutic sessions in themselves. This album features the more intimate-sounding, soulful, sweet and relaxing tunes of Tchaikovsky. He did compose heavier and more dramatically intense music- his later symphonies, his Overtures and operas. But here we hear no Russian fire or harshness. Instead we are treated to the charming Mozartian style works of the Roccoco Variations and the Piano Trios. The disc also features the Andantino from his Piano Concerto No. 1 - and that piece is almost a Chopin Nocturne, with beautiful soft rubato and dream-like qualities. Included here is also the Pas De Deux and Odette and Siegfried theme from his ballet Swan Lake, lilting and graceful as the dancers movements themselves. The dance divertissements from Nutcracker round out the ballet segments with charming allure. The melancholy String Quartet and Serenade For Strings is here as well and not to mention the beautiful, wistful excerpts from the ballet Sleeping Beauty, his greatest ballet. The Panorama and Vision of Aurora played with delicate strings and sublime technicality. This is indeed a "refreshing blend for body and spirit" and is in fact perfect to listen to while drinking tea cosnidering you drink tea. I have tried it and believe me the experience is very soothing and refreshing. Try putting this on in your miniature CD player with headphones, then go out into an outdoor, natural environment, a park or a backyard garden or patio, and drink tea or read a book and you will find this is a fine companion.

Beautiful.......2003-08-25

One of the best aspects of Tchiakovsky's music is the ocnsistency: he just DIDN'T compose any bad pieces. And with such consistency, you can compile a CD such as this.
THis CD gives you a proper taste of Tchaikovsky's style, and is a very nice sampler of some of his most famous works. This CD lacks some of his more energetically volatile works, but it thus lives up to its title. It is extremely relaxing, and soothes you as you listen to it. The works are melodic, and the orchestras and soloists are superb, especially in the Serenade and the Rococco Variations. I highly recommend this CD for anyone, even if you aren't a huge classical music fan.

Tchaikovsky's Most Enchanting Tunes.......2000-08-19

Like the title suggest, a good companion for tea time. Or any time. The music of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky is beautiful, lyrical and full of a grace and charm that parallels to Mozart's. A great collection of music by the legendary Russian composer. He had a gift for making music in a style that did not sway away from Russian folk music but that added a Classical perfection, or better yet a Romantic mastership. Who can forget the Sleeping Beauty suite. Here is the Panorama scene.. gorgeous music. I recommend the entire ballet score. The Nutcraker and Swan Lake are also here. The Piano concerto no. 1 in B, Andante Cantibile and so much more. I garauntee any listener satisfaction.

Average customer rating: Focus on the Recordings This is a fantastic deal! Excellent, Broad Selection $70....when was this??? $70/40... you do the math.

Vivaldi: 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 Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | 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 General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Bassoon | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piccolo | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | 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 Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | 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: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set) Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set) ASIN: B00062FLHY Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Focus on the Recordings.......2007-07-23

I've made this small review of the Vivaldi Masterworks set because it is SO difficult to find a review of such a big collection.

The price is killer and you HAVE to buy it, but be warned: these are not the best recordings, you get what you pay for.

First of all, I'm not a Vivaldi expert, but I've heard his compositions throughout my life in so many different places and recordings and have a vague idea of how some have to be played. Secondly, I'm not a classical music connoisseur, but I love it and have over 300 discs of various composers and styles. Third, I know what a good audio recording should sound like and this will influence my critique of some discs in the collection. Finally, it's easy to get lost among all the tracks contained, so in some cases I will give you my favorite tracks in a disc.

I'm sorry, but I've only reached disc 20 of the box-set, as I listen to more this review will be expanded.


DISC 1:
Why would you use an AAD recording as a first impression for a 40 disc box-set and for the "Four Seasons", which is probably Vivaldi's best know work. The concertos are played enthusiastically, but lack any additional virtuosity to put it ahead of other much better recordings out there.

DISC 2:
Same as DISC 1, played and recorded by the same people.

DISC 3:
The pieces in this disc are VERY well played, nonetheless, you can hear heavy breathing from the soloist which can be a bit annoying.

DISC 4:
Very well performed as well, heavy breathing is less present.

DISC 5:
A very good recording, excellent execution by the hapsichord and good by the recorder.
Tracks 4, 6, 7 and the whole "La Notte" are extraordinary.

DISC 6:
Exquisitely recorded and performed by the Budapest Strings.

DISC 7:
Marvelous performance on the whole disc.
Tracks 22 & 24 are non-plus-ultra.

DISC 8:
Great performance too.
Suggested tracks: 7, 12, 15, 24

DISC 9:
To have an original baroque organ playing is a plus.
Solo strings are lacking in quality (for example: tracks 6 & 7).
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 8, 15

DISC 10:
Despite being and ADD recording, the quality is fairly good. The cello is very well played.
Suggested tracks: 3, 4, 12
Excellent track: 13

DISC 11:
Same musical group and soloist as DISC 10. The contrabass is extremely distorted sometimes, and if you take into consideration that this is an ADD recording, it can get pretty bad. Some background noise is perceived.
Suggested tracks: 3, 6, 9

DISC 12:
The compositions are somewhat boring, either way the performance is plain decent.
Suggested tracks: 10, 12

DISC 13:
Good performance and sound quality.
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 6, 7
Excellent track: 12

DISC 14:
Good performance and sound quality too.
Suggested tracks: 10, 14, 16
Excellent track: 5

DISC 15:
Badly mixed, the basoon is blocking the whole ensamble by being in the foreground.
The playing precision is lacking.
An AWEFUL thing about this recording is that you can hear the basson key-sticking with the instrument and the saliva. It's horrible.
Such a pity, the sound of the basson with other instruments can be pretty interesting.

DISC 16:
Violins sound a bit off tempo.
Suggested tracks: 4, 8

DISC 17:
Good sound quality and performance.
Suggested tracks: 1, 7, 9

DISC 18:
Despite being an old recording, it is a very welcome one.
The performance is very well above par. Tempo is fantastic.
The quality of the recording could have been better due to some string plucking that is heard and which can become bothersome.
These are some of Vivaldi's best know tunes.
Suggested tracks: 4, 6, 13
Excellent tracks: 1, 3

DISC 19:
Lively recording.
Track 6 is the same piece found in another disc in the collection, but with a better performance.

DISC 20:
By now you've heard all of this pieces before in the other discs. Nothing new here, nor better.

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating: Fantastic recording of one of the greatest quartests written Fire-breathing dragon in F minor great and speedy service Excellent version First-rate at a cut-rate price.

Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | 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: Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 2 Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3 Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 Mendelssohn: Octet, Op. 20; Quintet, Op. 87 Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66 ASIN: B0000013ZF Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Allegro assai - Presto
2. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Allegro assai
3. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Adagio
4. String Quarter No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80: Finale: Allegro molto
5. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Molto allegro vivace
6. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Menuetto: Un poco Allegro
7. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Andante expressivo ma con moto
8. String Quarter No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44: Presto con brio
9. Capriccio in E Minor, Op. 81 No. 3: Andante con moto - Allegro fugato, assai vivace
10. Fugue in E Flat Major, Op. 81 No. 4: A tempo ordinario

Amazon.com

If you believe the Schwann Opus catalog--I don't!--this disc is the only survivor of a set of three containing Mendelssohn's complete string quartets. His quartets, like much of his music, aren't nearly as well known as they deserve to be. The Quartet in D, a substantial piece, reflects Mendelssohn's typical sunny personal and musical disposition. But his final quartet, written during the brief period between his sister's death and his own, is as starkly tragic a piece as anyone of the era composed. These performances, by members of the San Francisco Symphony, are among the best Mendelssohn ever recorded. The disc is a spectacular bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic recording of one of the greatest quartests written.......2007-01-10

I should first confess that I have a pretty large soft spot for dark and complex chamber music so this is something I was naturally drawn to. With that out of the way, I consider Mendelssohn's string quartet #6 in F minor to be one of the finest chamber pieces ever composed, and the Aurora quartet's recording of it is my preferred version.

I could listen to the quartet in F minor and the capriccio in E minor on repeat for days... and admittedly have done so on multiple occasions.

Fire-breathing dragon in F minor.......2007-01-02

Along with Mozart and Saint Saens, Felix Mendelssohn was one of the genuine child prodigy composers in history. Although written long after his childhood years - and after painful, heartbreaking life experiences - Mendelssohn's F-minor string quartet (op. 80) here is one of the finest quartets from that era. Its a real fire-breathing dragon of a composition that was almost assuredly resulting from the traumatic circumstances of his beloved sister's death. It is a must for collectors of string quartets. The Aurora Quartet plays this piece brilliant and the Naxos sound engineering fully supports a powerful listening experience. If you have never heard this work, you might say like I did afterwards, "Holy Cow! That was amazing!" Oh yah, the other quartet and individual pieces that round out the CD are great too. The D major quartet has its own firey punch, happier themes along with gorgeous slow movements. Kudos to the Aurora Quartet for giving due honor to these great compositions with staturesque performances. A real winner here. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 5 stars.

great and speedy service.......2006-08-23

the price was right and the service was friendly and fast!

Excellent version.......2005-02-03

I have Vols 1 & 2 of the Aurora Quartet Naxos set and recommend them highly. The playing is expressive and technically this California ensemble is top notch. I often have problems with the quality of the Naxos label recordings. I'm happy to say this is not a problem with this set of recordings. By way of comparison, I have the Ysaye Quartet recording of Opp 12, 13 and 80 as well. The Ysaye are good and often exciting but sometimes astringent. Let's let my actions do the talking: I listen to the Aurora set almost exclusively now.

First-rate at a cut-rate price........2004-01-14

I'll only add to the mostly well-written reviews already submitted: I recommend this recording as a first resort for those who don't own any Mendelssohn quartets or those represented here and as a next resort for those who do. The playing and sound of this recording are superb in every respect; the performers and the composer are perfectly suited.

For those who don't know the Op. 80 quartet, you're in for a surprise. This is anguished music full of as much dissonance and rhythmic upheaval as the period would allow (especially the suspensions in the development of the first movement). I don't know of a piece of music more deserving of discovery, yet I've never seen it on a quartet program. One could claim to hear bits of Schubert's Quartettsatz or Beethoven's "Tragic", but this work is Mendelssohn's own, written during a period of great personal loss. For once, he has jettisoned decorum.

With this recording, Naxos is throwing diamonds at us.

Average customer rating:

Aurora Gory Alice Letters to Cleo Manufacturer: Red Distribution, in ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wholesale Meats and Fish Go! Sister Cherry Marmalade 10 Things I Hate About You: Music From The Motion Picture ASIN: B000001BHK Release Date: 1994-11-15

Tracks:

1. Big Star
2. I See
3. Rim Shak
4. Washed
5. Get On With It
6. Here And Now
7. From Under The Dust
8. Mellie's Comin' Over
9. Come Around
10. Step Back

Amazon.com

What hath Frente! wrought? Unbearably cute major-label debuts like Aurora Gory Alice by the Boston-area quintet, Letters To Cleo. Wispy- voiced singer Kay Hanley empties her high school poetry notebook over lightweight and instantly forgettable pop fluff like "Big Star" (which isn't even about the band) and "Mellie's Comin' Over." Letters to Cleo prides itself in its wimpy worldview and sophomoric naivete. For that, I prefer the Murmurs or Lisa Loeb or even (ecch!) Frente! --Jim DeRogatis

Average customer rating: Ambient music that takes me far, far away! What a surprise and completely different from the last CD

Wind Journey Manufacturer: Spotted Peccary ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music | Computer General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Dance General | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Emotional Landscapes Blue Sky, Red Guitars Guitar Nova Beyond City Light Sleeping on the Edge of the World ASIN: B00005NT3X Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

1. Beginning
2. Wind Journey 1
3. Blue Moon
4. Dream Lines
5. Going North
6. Awakening
7. Insula
8. Wind Journey 2
9. Sea
10. Open Land
11. Spring Poem
12. Rain
13. Distant View
14. Huldra 2
15. Early Autumn
16. Frost
17. Winter Shine
18. Winter Lake
19. Passage Of Time
20. Destination
21. Aurora Borealis
22. Cloudscapes
23. Home

Amazon.com

Erik Wollo's works are overlooked gems of modern instrumental music. From his home in Norway, Wollo's been sending out missives of mood and ambience since the mid-1980s with albums like Silver Beach and Solstice. Last year's U.S. release of Guitar Nova explored the acoustic-guitar side of this musician in multilayered, overdubbed soundscapes that retained the ambience and structure of his electronic works. With Wind Journey, he returns to synthesizers but keeps his electric guitar at hand for some gloriously heroic solos, especially on "Dream Line." A subtle, tugging ostinato pattern builds into layers of keyboard orchestrations topped by guitar, which starts out in a pastoral, acoustic mode but segues into a soaring lead solo that recalls Steve Hackett during his Spectral Mornings era. Wind Journey is centered by Seasons Suite, a 10-part sequence of moody vignettes. Erik Wollo's roots in progressive rock are clear and he uses them to articulate a cinematic music. While Wollo lives in a country with some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, he composes much of his music in a basement studio. The worlds he creates are strictly from the imagination, and what a vivid imagination it is. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Ambient music that takes me far, far away!.......2003-04-24

I have purchased cd in the summer of 2002. Back then, all I could think of doing was listen to 88.5 on the radio and hope that they will play music from Erik Wollo. The first song I heard was "Dream Lines". The music didn't seem familiar to me at first. I didn't consider it really ambient but it turned out that it was. After listening to it, I was into it very much. I never heard such a song played like that before and I knew it was something I would like. Wollo plays the guitar in a way that the sound echoes in my head and makes me feel like Im somewhere far and distant. In a short time, I heard "Wind Journey 1". That was amazing. After I listened to it few more times, I was into it so much that I couldn't help buying it from Amazon.com. Just about every beat and sound seems to echoe as if it was played outside where nothing surrounds you and where the music can travel and be heard. Listen to the samples and decide. Buying this cd is something to consider.

What a surprise and completely different from the last CD.......2001-09-27

The last Eric Wollo CD featured wonderful virtuoso guitar, most closely akin to a "fingerpicking" style. Each piece was different, almost like a "best of" CD. This CD is completely different in that the artist uses the guitar as part of a series of thematic atmospheric tone poems based on the idea of wind and its forms and effects. The overall feel of the music is very ambient, with the guitar used less as a melody-maker, and more as a symphonic, electronic instrument, almost like a timescape. The orchestration includes atmospheric electronic soundscapes within which the artist creates mood music of the highest quality. I was absolutely fascinated by the CD on first hearing it, and it only gets better with each re-playing as I discover new nuances to the music. What a master of the guitar this man is. I highly recommend that you take a listen to this CD, and take a journey into the wind with Mr Wollo. This is a thinking person's delight!!!

Average customer rating: Hauntingly beautiful music and superb interpretations! Ravishing beauty

Bellini: I Puritani Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (complete operas) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan Bellini - I Puritani / Sutherland ASIN: B0000E3HLZ Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

1. Sinfonia
2. All'Erta! All'Erta!
3. O Di Cromvel Guerrieri
4. A Festa!
5. Or Dove Fuggo Io Mai?
6. Ah! Per Sempre Io Ti Perdei
7. T'Appellan Le Schiere...Bel Sogno Beato Di Pace E Contento
8. O Amato Zio, O Mio Secondo Padre!
9. Sai Com'Arde In Petto Mio
10. Odi...Qual Suon Si Desta?
11. Ad Arturo Onore
12. A Te, O Cara, Amor Talora
13. Il Rito Augusto Si Compia Senza Me
14. Com'Io, Vi Unisca
15. Son Vergin Vezzosa
16. Sulla Virginea Testa
17. Ferma. Invan Rapir Pretendi
18. E Gia Al Ponte, Passa Il Forte
19. Ah, Vieni Al Tempio, Fedele Arturo
20. Ma Tu Gia Mi Fuggi?

Tracks:

1. Ah...Dolor! Ah, Terror!
2. Qual Novella?
3. Cinta Di Fiori E Col Bel Crin Disciolto
4. E Di Morte Lo Stral Non Sara Lento
5. O Rendetemi La Speme...Oui La Voce Sua Soave Mi Chiamava
6. Vien, Diletto, E In Ciel La Luna!
7. Il Rival Salvar Tu Dei
8. Se Tra Il Buio Un Fantasma Vedrai
9. Riccardo! Riccardo!
10. Suoni La Tromba
11. Son Salvo, Alfin Son Salvo
12. A Una Fonte Afflitto E Solo
13. Qual Suon! Alcun S'Appressa
14. Son Gia Lontani!
15. Fini...Me Lassa!
16. Ch'Ei Provo Lontan Da Me?
17. Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
18. Alto La! Fedel Drappello
19. Cavalier, Ti Colse Il Dio
20. Credeasi, Misera!
21. Suon D'Araldi?

Customer Reviews:

Hauntingly beautiful music and superb interpretations!.......2004-07-03

I Puritani is one of Bellini's three greatest operas (the other two being Norma and Sonnambula). Its melodies are extremely moving. Under the baton of the great Serafin they can easily make one cry, especially when you have artists like M. Callas and G. di Stefano singing the main roles. I'm not a fan of these singers but this is by far their most effective performance on disc!

The feeling Maria Callas injects into Elvira's words (Qui la voce...o rendete mi) is unbelievable! I usually prefer her in exciting cabalettas but here she is superb! M. Caballe is the only other soprano I can thing of, who could ever be so moving in Bellini's music (she recorded the opera with Kraus but unfortunately, a bit late in her career). In the faster, "firework", sections, Callas is exciting if not as brilliant as J. Sutherland. Di Stefano is heard here in his short-lived prime with a voice of exceptional warmth and beauty! The "a te, o cara" fully epitomises this legendary tenor. His uncovered high notes already annoy sometimes but after all, these belonged to his style of singing. Panerai also had a handsome voice and he definitely is a plus in this recording.

Should this be your only studio Puritani recording? No because it's incomplete, in monophonic sound and the second Sutherland recording, complete and with an all-star, bel-canto expert cast is available. On the other hand, Serafin's reading of the score, the young Callas and Di Stefano are a marvel to listen to and make this EMI set a must! Note that this release offers no libretto but the price is great!

Ravishing beauty.......2004-06-15

This remastering of Callas' first complete recording of an opera for EMI is a jewel beyond price. Instead of launching her career as Tosca or Violetta Callas chose a part she had made operatic history with. In 1949 she was singing Wagner's Brünnhilde (To high acclaim) and was considered a dramatic soprano when a soprano fell ill and Tullio Serafin, this greatest of all conductors, begged her to study the highly florid part of Elvira. Maria, trusting her mentor, accepted and while singing Brünnhilde rehearsed Elvira (!) and then sang both Brünnhilde and Elvira in the same week leaving critics spellbound, running out of superlatives and their expectations for upcoming performances running high. It's like letting Beverly Sills sing Brünnhilde and Birgit Nilsson sing Elvira. But Callas, this true prima donna assoluta, did it. When Callas recorded the part of Elvira in the studio her approach to the role was gentler, even more fragile and yet of the darkest, most intense colours. This Elvira's "Qui la voce suave" isn't just beautiful easy listening but a masterpiece of inflections, phrasing and details. The fascinating scales and the white-hot E-flat in the end will leave you spellbound for sure. Now what about the rest of the cast? I absolutely love di Stefano as Arturo. True, he was never a tenor to spill high Cs like Lauri Volpi, Kraus or Gedda but his sunny tone, flawless legato, intense phrasing and full voice definitely are big +++++++ on his behalf. Sure, Edgardo was written for Rubini but I absolutely love di Stefano's way of singing this taxing role, he's the most vivid, passionate Arturo on disc. Rossi-Lemeni is in topform as well, as he was every time he was partnering Callas (Another example would be the Anna Bolena they did together). Panerei sings a glorious Riccardo, maybe his greatest effort on disc. Serafin conducts with the experience of a true maestro di belcanto, absolutely magnificent. This is, by far, my favourite recording of "I Puritani". It's being in excellent sound and incredibly cast made it a legend and this remastering at such a price is a steal! Don't miss this wondrous performance!

Average customer rating: For Callas and DiStefano fans The Callas-Sutherland Catfight explained for newbies Excellent rendition of this opera The colour of tears, the colour of madness, the colour of joy A Supreme Elvira

Bellini: I Puritani / Callas, di Stefano, Rossi-Lemeni, Panerai; Serafin Vincenzo Bellini , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala , Tullio Serafin , Maria Callas , Giuseppe di Stefano , Nicola Rossi-Lemeni , Rolando Panerai , Angelo Mercuriali , and Aurora Cattelani Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Callas, Maria | Divas | 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 Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Callas, Maria | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Donizetti: Anna Bolena (complete opera live 1957) with Maria Callas, Gianni Raimondi, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan Ponchielli: La Gioconda (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Fiorenza Cossotto, Antonino Votto, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan Bellini - Norma / Maria Callas, Ludwig, Corelli, Zaccaria, Teatro alla Scala, Serafin Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan Bellini: La Sonnambula (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe Modesti, Leonard Bernstein, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan ASIN: B000002RXQ Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

1. I Puritani: Sinfonia
2. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: All'erta!
3. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: O Di Cromvel Guerrieri
4. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: A Festa!
5. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: Or Dove Fuggo Io Mai
6. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: Ah! Per Sempre Io Ti Perdei
7. I Puritani: Act One, Scene One: Tappellan Le Schiere... Bel Sogno Beato Di Pace E Contento
8. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Two: O Amato Zio, O Mio Secondo Padre!
9. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Two: Sai Com'arde In Petto Mio
10. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Two: Odi... Qual Suon Si Desta?
11. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Ad Arturo Onore
12. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: A Te, O Cara, Amor Talora
13. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Il Rito Augusto Si Compia Senza Me
14. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Com'io, Vi Unisca
15. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Son Vergin Vezzosa
16. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Sulla Virginea Testa
17. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Ferma, Invan Rapir Pretendi
18. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: E Gia Al Ponte - Passa Il Forte
19. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Oh Vieni Al Tempio - Fedele Arturo
20. I Puritani: Act One, Scene Three: Ma Tu Gia Mi Fuggi?

Tracks:

1. I Puritani: Act Two: Ah... Dolor! Ah, Terror!
2. I Puritani: Act Two: Qual Novella?
3. I Puritani: Act Two: Cinta Di Fiori E Col Bel Crin Disciolto
4. I Puritani: Act Two: E Di Morte Lo Stral Non Sara Lento
5. I Puritani: Act Two: O Rendetemi La Speme... Qui La Voce Sua Soave Mi Chiamava
6. I Puritani: Act Two: Vien, Diletto, E In Ciel La Luna!
7. I Puritani: Act Two: Il Rival Salvar Tu Dei
8. I Puritani: Act Two: Se Tra Il Buio Un Fantasma Vedrai
9. I Puritani: Act Two: Riccardo! Riccardo!
10. I Puritani: Act Two: Suoni La Tromba
11. I Puritani: Act Three: Son Salvo, Alfin Son Salvo
12. I Puritani: Act Three: A Una Fonte Affitto E Solo
13. I Puritani: Act Three: Qual Suon! Alcun S'Appressa
14. I Puritani: Act Three: Son Gia Lontani!
15. I Puritani: Act Three: Fini... Me Lassa!
16. I Puritani: Act Three: Ch'ei Provo Lontan Da Me?
17. I Puritani: Act Three: Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
18. I Puritani: Act Three: Alto La! Fedel Drappello
19. I Puritani: Act Three: Cavalier, Ti Colse Il Dio
20. I Puritani: Act Three: Credeasi, Misera!
21. I Puritani: Act Three: Suon D'Araldi?

Amazon.com essential recording

This dates from near the beginning of Maria Callas's recording career. It was for many fans their first encounter with her, and it contains some of the most beautiful singing she ever did before a recording microphone. Set in 17th-century England, during the struggle between the Puritan supporters of Oliver Cromwell and the Cavalier royalists who supported the Stuart dynasty, this opera focuses on the problems of Elvira, a young Puritan woman in love with Arturo, a member of the Cavalier faction. Complications arise, Elvira believes she has been betrayed by Arturo, and she loses her mind. Her mad scene (a kind of music for which Callas developed a formidable technique) is the opera's musical and dramatic climax, but by no means the only reason for getting to know it. While the role of Elvira towers over the others, ensemble singing is a strong part of I Puritani's appeal. Callas's voice was in its top form for this recording, and her superb acting skills convey many subtle shades of anguish. She dominates the performance, but her supporting cast is better than those she usually got before becoming a major international star, and they work well together. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

For Callas and DiStefano fans.......2007-01-04

This is a beautiful CD. It is unmistakably Callas and there is a breathtaking aria by DiStefano. The sound quality is not great (but not poor). A pleasure for Callas fans!

The Callas-Sutherland Catfight explained for newbies.......2006-10-23

In the unlikely event that anyone reading this isn't already exhaustively familiar with the subject, I'll volunteer to explain who this Joan Sutherland person is and why she figures so prominently in these reviews of a recording on which she is not heard.

Devotees of operatic sopranos [which I insist on calling them, since I still remember a time when "diva" was supposed to have some negative connotations] can be as fiercely partisan towards their "home team" as any sports fanatic. All the more so since the "sport" in question produces what is arguably the most intense esthetic pleasure to be found in any human endeavor. [There are those who might get something similar from a perfectly timed Michael Jordan dunk - but really it's not even close.] So don't kid yourself - even though the opera house is supposed to be at the opposite end of the civilization scale from the sports stadium, the fans in attendance are just as likely to get rowdy if they don't like a particular call.

Now to stretch this analogy to what is perhaps its breaking point: you can consider Joan Sutherland to be the New York Yankees to Maria Callas's Boston Red Sox. It's not simply that Sox fans passionately detest the Yankees. It's that the Yankees offend their fundamental sense of what the game is supposed to be about. The Yankees have their expensive roster and that galling number of World Series trophies [i.e. Sutherland's technically spectacular voice and long, happy career], while the Sox have *heart* [i.e. Callas's unequalled expressiveness and womanly struggles with weight and disappointed love].

This kind of fan identification - though technically irrelevant to an appreciation of the art - is a significant part of the opera aficionado's experience, so I would never minimize its importance. [Besides, if anyone ever said anything mean about Birgit Nilsson, I would want to scratch their eyes out.] So, from a consumer guidance perspective, it's completely irrelevant that the Sutherland performance is more technically proficient [the importance of which in this style of music can't be simply argued away] or has better sound. *This is Callas*. And it's close enough to her best that you don't have to buy into the Judy Garland/Billie Holiday-ish cult of La Divina [in which the cracked notes of the late career have something of the redemptive suffering of the Seven Stations of the Cross] in order to hear what was extraordinary in her music-making.

Excellent rendition of this opera.......2006-04-07

Firstly, before discussing the singers, one must discuss this version of the opera. It is hardly complete, and even the solo numbers for Callas are heavily cut, often to the point they lose any real direction. To those that think this is because of Callas' poor techique, that is NOT the case. That was the custom of the times. Because Bel Canto operas often have long lovely melodies, and little drama, producers and directors felt cuts were needed to keep the audience's attention. Some cuts were traditional from performances through the years, but NONE of the cuts were ever made with the intent to make the music better, just shorten it.

One will not find the extra number at the end of the opera that Sutherland and Sills both sing, which Bellini wrote for a version of the opera he completed for Italy and for Malibran. The "Son Vergin vezzosa" of this version was included in the first production because Grisi could sing it well. Because of length of performance do to popularity of the numbers (and audience requiring repeats), some sections in the Act III duet were cut, and other cuts made as well.

None of those cuts ruined the structure of the pieces of the opera, these cuts do. "Son Vergin" is so cut and slashed it ends before it really has a chance to being. And the mad scene is omitting much, though all the long slow parts are in tact. It is the finale of the entire opera that is butchered to death. After the famous "Credeasi Misera", the opera just ends! Any development that could come out of that extremely cut ending (lacking the additional aria that Sutherland and Sills both sing) is cut even worse by removing an entire 3 pages of the score. And excepting the final notes, the lead singers sing NONE of the notes or interjections that would render some sense to what is happening. Again, a common practice of the time so that the singers could save their voice for a high note ending.

As a conception of the opera and what Bellini intended, this is certainly an extremely flawed version.

Yet, in spite of the lack of understanding of that time period in keeping music intact, there are wonders that come out of this recording that are simply jewels worth the experience.

Firstly, the conducting and reading of the score by Serafin is incredible. He makes each phrase telling, have meaning, and flow with such emotion. Even with this heavily cut version of the opera, with cuts that ruin the progression of the musical thought, he works magic. His understanding of this type of music, of this type of opera, is incredible. Would that many modern conductors would listen to his recordings and learn. He also supports his singers well, and NEVER overshadows them. Every thing blends into a perfect whole.

As for Callas, there is little to say. I enjoy her singing immensely and always have, even as a child when I actually heard her in her last Normas in Paris, and her Tosca in London. I have no problems admitting her voice was flawed, it was not beautiful at all, and at times it was simply UGLY. But her understanding of technique, of how to use the voice, what was musical and appropriate and what was not, was unbelievable. She says that Serafin taught her all she knew about a recitative, but did she ever learn and master what she was taught to perfection.

Her understanding of what Bel Cant is was not only evident in her recordings, but in her own words when teaching at Julliard. She knew how to make many small breaths appear as one long seamless whole, she knew the art of phrasing, and she used incredible musicality when performing. Was she perfect? By no means. Was she the most polished singer? Not in the least. But she knew how to tern a phrase and make it live. Some have talked about her "using flute notes" in their reviews. What they mean to say is her habit of using pianissimo when singing coloratura, or reducing the volume of the tone to sing very difficult passages. Yes, she did that. No, Joan Sutherland does not do that. Callas was a creature of her training, and she as trained by a great colorature soprano (at least of her day), and was therefore taught the way to turn a phrase and use a quieter tone when singing coloratura passages, the reason for doing so was so the voice didn't need to use a cover through the passagio in quick scales and trills. ( a cover should be used only in full voiced singing, and not with coloratura since it often makes it very heavy sounding; since Sutherland covered all the time, no matter what she was doing and knew how to use that cover to her advantage, avoiding the cover was not something she had to worry about)

What makes Callas great is her use of technique to bring out the drama she feels within, and there, she has no peers at all.

As for di Stephano, he is fine in this role, even if he is quite wrong for it. His D's are more than strained. His high F is not there at all but is replaced with a D Flat. Though that shows he couldn't handle the note Pavarotti can (and he wouldn't have sing that note in falsetto as Pavarotti did simply because at that time no one would have accepted it as proper at all, when in reality, Rubini, the creator of the role of Arturo sang everything above a G in a head voice), it hardly ruins the music, for the repeat of that high-lying phrase using the D flat instead of the F actually works better musically in some ways.

The basses were fine but I did find Rossi-Lemeni barks too often, and has a very rough legato line because of harsh blasting consonants.

All in all, it is a great performance, but if one wants a real representation of the opera, not just great singers (and in this case, mostly Callas) buy the recordings of Joan Sutherland/Pavarotti or Sills/Gedda and you will get the opera more complete (including all the reworked parts that are in the Malibran score). As for which is best? I really have no clue, as I love them all, and own them all, and listen to them all, depending on which mood I am in. If for emotional connection, I listen to Callas; if emotion with good technique, Sills; for just plain dazzling display, Sutherland.

My operatic world have room for them all.

The colour of tears, the colour of madness, the colour of joy.......2006-03-13

"I Puritani" is a splendid opera. One doesn't listen to it for a lifelike plot, after all, but for some of the most ravishing music ever written, and some beautiful characterisation which emanates from the music itself.

While this is my favourite Puritani, because of the marvellous Maria Callas in the role of Elvira, I also own and delight in other recordings of this opera. I see no point in downgrading other singers' performances - Callas's achievements do not need that. I do not need to despise other singers in the role - Callas's beautiful and emotionally powerful singing is not given anything extra by scorning others.

On the contrary... I adore all beauties in music, and respect all the work that great singers have put into bel canto music such as is found in Puritani. Beverley Sills is a marvellous Elvira; Anna Moffo is incredibly beautiful in the role; Mirella Freni is heartbreakingly lovely as Elvira; Joan Sutherland (particularly in her earlier recording) was stunning in the role; Gruberova is a dream Elvira... and it goes on.

For all that, Callas remains my favourite. I can hear the aching truth of Elvira's emotions in the voice of Callas. I hear Callas not as Callas, but as Elvira. There really is no better recording of this gorgeous opera, and each note, each phrase has meaning in the superb artistry of Callas.

Di Stefano is fine in the role of Arturo, and the other singers are equally adept. The conducting by Serafin is magnificent - I think no other conductor understands Bellini as Serafin does.

I refuse to part with any of my "Puritani" recordings - but this one, above all, is the most frequently played of them all.

A Supreme Elvira.......2005-06-03

It was fate that brought Elvira and Maria Callas together when soprano Margherita Carioso (who died only a year or two ago! Can you believe that?) was indisposed for the performance and was discovered by Serafin during her run of Walkures in Fenice. His wife had heard her singing the Qui la voce mad scene and immediately asked Serafin to give her a listen. He didn't realize that she didn't know the part yet, only the aria from her studies with Hidalgo, and to her complete surprise he signed her up for a run of Elviras in the middle of a series of Brunhilldas, and so the Callas legend began with this dramatic soprano who sang the leggero role of Elvira. But that is another story.

There exists a copy of her I Puritani in Mexico with di Stefano, which finds her in spectacular voice. However, as astonishing as the recording may be, it doesn't have the sensitivity that this recording with Serafin has. Under the baton of Guido Picco, the inner beauties of Bellini's score is not realized. Under Serafin, a greater dramatic canvas is laid out for Callas' genius. The many coloratura sopranos who handled the part before Maria sang the role to showcase the many runs and trills to impress the operatic audience, but Callas renewed the part with dramatic insight and a darkness that other sopranos could never explore. The mad scene alone is worth the price of this recording, and I find that it has more meat to it than the Cetra recordings. Her voice is freer in this recording than most of the recordings that she made for EMI in the years to come. Hers is an Elvira of madness, of delirium, something that only Callas can touch, and it is because of this that I would highly recommend it to you to listen to her Elvira. Accompanying her in this recording is Giuseppe di Stefano, a legendary lyric tenor who effectively sings Arturo's part with an ardour that he compensated for in the Mexico performances. The opera is conducted by Serafin, a master of bel canto, and I would just like to say that this recording is as essential as Puccini if you want to hear truly good music.

Average customer rating:

Aurora Jean-Luc Ponty Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Enigmatic Ocean Imaginary Voyage Upon the Wings of Music Cosmic Messenger Mystical Adventures ASIN: B000FZDGQA Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

1. Is Once Enough?
2. Renaissance
3. Aurora, Part 1
4. Aurora, Part II
5. Passenger Of The Dark
6. Lost Forest
7. Between You And Me
8. Waking Dream

Album Description

Jean Luc Ponty has been the premier Jazz/Fusion violinist of the past three decades. He is one of the few Jazz musicians to have numerous albums make the Billboard charts, twelve of them to be exact. "Aurora", his second Atlantic release, originally hit the Billboard charts in 1976. It features Darryl Stuermer & Patrice Rushen.

Average customer rating: Great Voice Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire Third album by Florez Florez in another dazzling disc! Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo

Great Tenor Arias Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | 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 The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Juan Diego Florez ~ Rossini Arias Una Furtiva Lagrima Sentimiento Latino Sentimiento Latino Rossini - Il Barbiere Di Siviglia / Juan Diego Florez, Maria Bayo, Pietro Spagnoli, Ruggero Raimondi, Bruno Pratico, Gianluigi Gelmetti, Madrid Opera ASIN: B0002K6ZWU Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. J'ai Perdu Mon Euridice
2. Pietoso Al Lungo PiantoAlfin M'arride Amore...Deh! Lasciate A Un'Alma Amante
3. La Speranza Piu Soave Gia Quest'Alma Lusingava
4. Eccomi Finalmente...Feste? Pompe? Omaggi? Onori?
5. Loin De Son Amie Vivre Sans Plaisirs
6. Languir Per Una Bella
7. La Donna E Mobile
8. Pria Che Spunti In Ciel L'aurora
9. Com'e Soave Quest'Ora Di Silenzio Al Mio Dolente Cor... Anch'io Provai Le Tenere Smanie D'un Puro Amore
10. Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito

Amazon.com

Here the remarkable young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez not only offers us what we've become accustomed to---gorgeous, graceful singing of very difficult bel canto gems (in this case, high-flying, virtuosic arias from Rossini's Semiramide and L'Italiana in Algeri. He also ventures into unknown waters. He sings an aria added by Donizetti for an Italian production of The Daughter of the Regiment ("La figlia" rather than the usual "La fille") which turns out to be just right for his voice, and he charms with his crisp diction and youthful approach. Paolino's aria from Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto is a substantial piece of bel canto writing, with some nice coloratura fireworks near the end which Florez sails through with ease, and Rinuccio's ditty from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi---perhaps the most heavily orchestrated piece he's sung and stylistically the opposite of anything else on the CD---is also tossed off with true élan. On the other hand, Florez has a lot to learn about the Gluckian style, judging from his Romantic approach to Orphée's aria, and his French could use some brushing up if he's going to sing anything from Halévy's La Juive, although the vocal hurdles that the composer put in the tenor's way do not seem to bother him at all. A surprising disappointment is "La donna e mobile," which is over-sung and charm free. But can any tenor around be expected to sing all of these (and a few others, too) perfectly? Florez remains a true delight, his sound beautiful, his production easy from top to bottom. Despite reservations, highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great Voice.......2007-05-13

This young tenor is a worthy successor to Carreras, he will be a superb singer.

Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire.......2005-03-14

An altogether delightful disc. The arias on here that do not require heavy pryotechnics are delightful and reveal a very pleasant insouciance of tone and character that are very fitting, only very intermittently offset by a slight hardness of tone on top. The aria from Semiramide and cabaletta to the charming Cimarosa aria serve up the fireworks, so common on the first disc and perhaps the one that followed it, for those listeners who are attracted to this disc by having heard especially the first and highly brilliant all-Rossini outing. Rossini is also well represented here by a charming romanza and lively cabaletta from Italiana in Algeri.

Several rarities are included, unlike with the above, and he makes something very charming and inviting of the selection from Verdi's Un giorno di regno (Verdi's rarely performed comedic second opera). The alternate Italian aria from Fille du regiment is a welcome supplement to his having recorded the more famous aria for Tony on his second recital disc. The aria from Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia (an easy equal to Lucia in inspiration) is also a highlight, Florez's insouciance of manner here particularly telling, as it has fatal consequences for his character and all this character's buddies in this opera. Eleazar's aria, or one of them, from Halevy's La Juive reveals the possibility of a little greater reach into repertoire that approaches the dramatic for this tenor - but one senses as well that he will and can, should take his time getting there. The tribute to Firenze from Gianni Schicchi at or toward the end of this recital is compelling enough to convince the most hardened travel cynic buying this disc to call the airlines/hotels, inns to book for there right away. The "Che faro" from Orfeo (but sung in French) is an ideal vehicle from which Florez can deliver such a sublime and heartfelt lament, as heard here, albeit a bit too closely recorded.

Carlo Rizzi, not always dependable, gives fine accompaniments here. The engineering does place the voice just a bit too forward, however, yet ironically a voice that has developed full body and better evenness than when his first all-Rossini disc was recorded (yet still certainly too early to tackle the part of Eleazer on stage as of yet), erasing any concerns I may have had at that time. For some readers, any problem with the sound quality here might demote this outing to four stars, but taking the singing, the interesting repertoire chosen for this disc, and the fine, deft accompaniments from Rizzi and the Verdi orchestra from Milan (some alternate band to Muti's peerless one at La Scala? - the endless nature of so much politics in music), have me sticking with five, and with a mind about several other vocal recital discs that have been getting rated too highly on this website.

Ditto. Just received credible correction from Vince Chau of one piece of misinformation I submitted here. The aria that Florez sings from La Juive belongs to the second tenor part of Leopold, not that of Eleazar. While I am on the subject of corrections of my reviews, he also had said that I had incorrectly challenged Gheorghiu's Laggiu nel Soledad for having ended on a high C. Not having been so graphic as that in how I describe what happened there, I had led him to believe and perhaps a few others that I was saying there was no high C in the aria at all, so I have just taken pains to fully explain the situation on the new Gheorghiu Puccini recital by thereby editing my review of it. I would not trade Gina Cigna's ONLY high C TOWARD the end of Laggiu nel Soledad for all the gold in Fort Knox, or Nilsson's or Tebaldi's ...

Third album by Florez.......2005-01-01

This, the young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez' third album, includes more of the bel canto repertory with which he has risen to international fame. Hearing Lindoro's scene from L'Italiana in Algeri, to cite one example, will make the first-time listener realize why. The tenor's firm, even tone, agility in coloratura and secure high notes--all the way up to a solid high D in one selection--are still sources of wonder.

"Great Tenor Arias" also includes forays into other areas of the repertory, from operas which Florez has not yet sung and may never sing on stage. Indeed, one hopes that no one talks him into trying Verdi's Duke of Mantua any time soon--his rendition of "La Donna e Mobile" is solid, if a bit lacking in charm, but the entire role would surely overtax his vocal resources. Puccini's Rinuccio, from the evidence of Florez' take on the aria from Gianni Schicchi that concludes this somewhat short (less than an hour of music) CD, would be a more comfortable fit, but he is already too much of a marquee name to take on what is basically a supporting role.

If this CD as a whole leaves a slightly unsatisfying impression, it is because the experiments by Florez remain just that--vocal explorations rather than performances undertaken out of deep dramatic or musical conviction. In addition, some of the more obscure music, Cimarosa and early Verdi in particular, is not of the highest quality, and here Florez' comparative inability to characterize vocally becomes a liability. All in all, despite the outstanding singing, a newcomer to this tenor's art would probably be better served by starting with one of his two earlier albums, the first of Rossini, the second Bellini/Donizetti.

Florez in another dazzling disc!.......2004-11-25

Juan Diego Florez is definitely on a spin and that well-deserved
journey is the product of fine training, excellent coaching, and a keen sense of pacing in a career that tends to push the gifted ones too quickly. Though Florez' crowning gifts are in the bel canto repertoire, with this recording he just starts there and pushes into the range of more lyrical arias, and to these ears he succeeds in demonstrating how special is this beautiful voice.

Even the decision about lineup of arias on this fine recording is intelligent: Florez moves from Gluck, Cimarosa and Rossini into Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini with great ease. Here is a tenor who can belt out the high notes to please the balcony but who is equally sensitive to the diminuendos and barely audible phrases that mark the true artist.

Dashingly handsome, and physically as well as vocally a fine actor on stage, this CD simply further demonstrates that Juan Diego Florez is one of the brightest tenors before us today. It is interesting to see how many Latin American tenors are suddenly becoming so important - Villazon, Calleja, Alvarez, Florez, etc. Refreshing! GRady Harp, November 2004.

Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo.......2004-11-07

JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ es sin duda alguna el mejor tenor de la actualidad en su repertorio (Rossini y ciertos roles belcantistas) y sus trabajos discograficos siempre consiguen los mas fervientes aplausos. Yo mismo, ya elogie en su dia aqui sus dos registros anteriores en solitario con este mismo sello.
Pero ahora, en este tercer trabajo, la magia no se produce de igual manera que las veces anteriores: la voz sigue estando ahi, bellisima y con un alarde de agudos bastante importante...Pero el repertorio no es el mas adecuado a la vocalidad de Florez, por lo que le ofrece escasas posibilidades de lucimiento. Un repertorio como este, en la voz de un tenor desconocido que comienza pudo haber sido interesante, pero en la voz de un tenor ya consagrado como es Florez, deja una sensacion de vacio bastante grave. Habra que esperar al cuarto (ya se anuncian "Canciones latinoamericanas" en lo que puede ser un interesante cambio de registrio) para ver si se vuelve a producir la magia.
CARLO RIZZI y la orquesta rinden a un buen nivel, mucho mayor que la orquesta y el director del disco anterior de Florez.

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