Novella

Product Description
Renaissance, featuring Annie Haslam, has had a cult following from their first album in the late 60's through Annie's la test recording in the year 2000. All of their albums have be en big catalog sellers throughout the years. This is the U.S. CD debut of the album. Originally released in 1977 with two different album covers, this is the original, very first cover. Digitally remastered. 5 tracks. 2001 reissue.

Novella,Renaissance,Wounded Bird Records,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Novella

Average customer rating: Renaissance in full bloom Imaculant Creation The Best Art Rock Band No One Ever Heard Of The end of a creative peak progressive classical

Novella Renaissance Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Song for All Seasons Turn of the Cards Scheherazade & Other Stories Ashes Are Burning Azure d'Or ASIN: B00005LN6J Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Can You Hear Me?
2. The Sisters
3. Midas Man
4. The Captive Heart
5. Touching Once (Is So Hard To Keep)

Album Description

Renaissance, featuring Annie Haslam, has had a cult following from their first album in the late 60's through Annie's la test recording in the year 2000. All of their albums have be en big catalog sellers throughout the years. This is the U.S. CD debut of the album. Originally released in 1977 with two different album covers, this is the original, very first cover. Digitally remastered. 5 tracks. 2001 reissue.

Customer Reviews:

Renaissance in full bloom.......2007-06-05

Ashes are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade are beautiful, but I believe Renaissance reached full maturity and their creative peak with Novella, A Song For All Seasons and Azure D' Or (though synthesizer based).

The earlier albums, for all their melodic beauty and Annie's 5 octave range, crossed over into prententiousness more than a little bit. Some of the extended passages seem a bit aimless on those earlier works, and recalls an unfortunate early 70's appelation..."Art Rock".

The sound, production, orchestration, and songwriting on Novella has great depth and scope. Emotional landscapes are conjured by Annie's voice, the gorgeous melodies, inspired orchestration in full integration with each other.

The only pop/rock I can compare this to are the first 4 Mike Oldfied albums. If you like your pop "progressive orchestral" this is essential, along with "A Song For All Seasons".

Imaculant Creation.......2007-04-16

This is one of the very best Renassaince clusters of songs. When I first heard it I became hooked . The song "Touching Once" is a very special deep love song . The song "The Sisters" is completely fantastic in fact everything on this cd will make you feel great.If your into other Renassaince this is a must have. The long instramental parts take you into worlds of beauty. This music can get you high like a bird or bring tears to your eyes.
Really it is a well done piece of sonic construction , go for it.

The Best Art Rock Band No One Ever Heard Of.......2007-04-08

This is the band's most consistant studio album. While it may not have broken any new ground, it is still a very good CD. There are quite a few classics on it. If you like Renaissance, buy this CD, you will find it an enjoyable addition to you collection.

The end of a creative peak.......2007-01-01

This 1977 album is a little bit more "rocking" than previous efforts (Scheherezade and other Stories 1975), although it is still very delicate and classically oriented. Unfortunately, following Novella the band started to yield to commercial interests (not to mention losing their way following the dissolution and fragmentation of progressive rock) and their approach was diluted somewhat on the follow-up album Song for all Seasons (1978). Novella however, is a fantastic album and marks the end of the band's creative peak (1973-1977).

The musicians on Novella constitute the classic incarnation of Renaissance and includes the incredible bassist John Camp (Rickenbacker bass; bass pedals; acoustic guitar; vocals); lead alto Annie Haslam; excellent keyboardist John Tout (piano; synthesizers; vocals); Michael Dunford (acoustic guitar; vocals); and Terrence Sullivan (drums; percussion; and vocals). Like a lot of English progressive rock bands, Renaissance was comprised of excellent musicians, with Annie, Jon Camp, and John Tout being the best. Although a lot of folks have complained about Michael Dunford's strummed and picked acoustic guitar parts, I personally appreciate the lack of electric guitar and feel that his approach works perfectly in this context. Besides, Michael contributes some exquisite acoustic textures to the melancholic The Sisters, not to mention a very tasteful solo on the acoustic. Apart from excellent individual playing, there is also some impressive ensemble work on this album.

Musically, this is a very strong album and shows the band going back to the format on albums including Ashes are Burning (1973). That means there is no massive multi-movement suite like Scheherazade and other Stories (1975) on Novella - the tracks range in length from 4'17" to 13'39". In terms of the pieces themselves, they are quintessentially Renaissance: Annie Haslams' delicate and soaring alto; haunting and beautiful melodies (The Sisters); dense ensemble work; Jon Camp's aggressive bass playing (on a trebly Rickenbacker); sweeping symphonic flourishes; sophisticated arrangements; and fantastic vocal harmonies. In short, everything that I love about this band.

This reissue by Wounded Bird Records is OK and features great sound quality, restored cover art (there is another cover out there however, so I am not entirely sure if this is the original), and lyrics. There are no helpful tidbits about the band in the liner notes however.

In the final analysis, this is a fantastic album and is certainly their last "full blown" prog album. Very highly recommended along with Ashes are Burning (1973); Turn of the Cards (1974); and Scheherazade and other Stories.

progressive classical .......2006-06-16

I write this review with the fond memories of my teen years in the end of the 70s... just the memories of the album where I listen to every track as it were coming from celestial gods.. the spanish guitar in The Sisters.. just this makes life worth living

To those friends so long ago, so clear.. negro Mora, Javier, Christian, Jose Luis wherever you are

Average customer rating: Stunning. Crushing and Sincere

The Novella Reservoir Novembers Doom Manufacturer: The End Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fiction The Pale Haunt Departure Alone +1 (Limited Edition Digi-Pak) Hope Theogonia ASIN: B000MCICM4 Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Rain
2. The Novella Reservoir
3. Drown The Inland Mere
4. Twilight Innocence
5. The Voice Of Failure
6. They Were Left To Die
7. Dominate The Human Strain
8. Leaving This

Customer Reviews:

Stunning........2007-04-24

Novembers Doom have big upped themselves in terms of sheer quality. The production is top notch, and theyve really cranked up the intensity of their "Doom Metal." Honestly, this particular disc leaves the aforementioned genre but they have sort of created a subgenre with The Novella Reservoir.
One of the best aspects of Novembers Doom, and always has been, is Paul Kuhr. Discernable death vocals are the best variety because death vocals that you cant understand 24-7 gets old after a while. Thats why I find bands like Novembers Doom, Amon Amarth, and Randy "Corpsegrinder's" Paths of Possession so refreshing. Not only can you understand EVERY SINGLE WORD he growls, but his baritone doom clean vocals are haunting yet beautiful.
Top songs on here have to be Drown in the Inland Mere, Twilight Innocence, and Dominate the Human Strain. DintheIM incorporates every aspect I've come to love about this band, sheer brutality, clean and death vocals, meaningful lyrics. Twilight Innocence is one of the most amazing slow paced yet uplifting pieces from any band from any genre. Dominate the Human Strain is brutal as hell, never really loosening that strangle hold from start to finish and the lyrics in this song are particularly critical of some things as well.
Get this disc, as soon as possible. It's definately in the running for my top release of the year!

Crushing and Sincere.......2007-02-21

Novembers Doom created what I though was their masterpiece in "The Pale Haunt Departure." They've upped the anty. "Novella Reservoir" is a crushing, at times brutal, yet deceptively beautiful brick of death/doom metal. Vocalist Paul Kuhr sounds sincere and convincing with his discernible "growl" The 2 ballads "Twilight Innocence" and "Leaving this" are performed with great passion and superb guitar playing. The first few bars of the opener "Rain" will get you ready for the inevitable onslaught of tremendous metal riffing. The drumming is also performed perfectly, excellent fills and double-bassing. The riffs, oh man the riffs just bone-jarring and pounding. Novembers Doom have sped up their song arrangements and this decision is awesome. Novembers Doom and Solitude Aeturnus are imo, the 2 bands at the top of the Doom Metal mountain. Don't think twice, get this NOW!!

Average customer rating: Good music Transporting Music They ARE heavenly songs from angels! A step closer to God Hauntingly Beautiful

Words of the Angel Trio Mediaeval , Ivan Moody , Anonymous , and Gregorian Chant Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stella Maris Soir, Dit-Elle The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4 Darkness into Light ASIN: B00005I451 Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Alma Mater/Ante Thorum
2. Ave Donna Santissima
3. Salve MAter Misericordie
4. Kyrie
5. Gloria
6. Lauda Novella
7. Benedicta Es Celorum
8. Mater Christi Nobilis
9. De Spineto Nata Rosa
10. Salve Virgo Virginum
11. Credo
12. Stella Maris
13. Venite A Laudare
14. In Excelsis Gloria
15. Sanctus
16. O Ceteris Preambulis
17. Agnus Dei
18. Oi Me Lasso
19. Words Of The Angel
20. Ite Missa Est

Amazon.com

The 14th century "Tournai" Mass, consisting of a Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Ite missa est, is the first known complete polyphonic mass to come down to us. Its sections were probably written by different composers, and it's a stunning, fascinating look into early polyphony. This performance is combined with other pieces from the same period, as well as a five-minute piece by contemporary composer Ivan Moody, which--though clearly from six centuries later--blends to make this a gorgeous whole. If you like Anonymous 4, you're in for a real treat here. The three Scandinavian women who make up Trio Mediaeval have astonishingly beautiful voices, with individual timbres that nonetheless mingle seamlessly, whether in simple, chantlike moments or in the high-flying Moody piece. And they sing with feeling, depth, and, well, soul. This is a magnificent disc, not to be missed. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Good music.......2006-02-07

I'm a big fan of religious choral classical music, and this album was not nearly as good as I was expecting it to be. It is good music, and the performers do a fine job, but it is not as awe inspiring as most of the music I listen to.

The music has very little variance of dynamics. Many people like music where one setting of the volume control works throughout the entire piece, but I prefer music that has quieter parts and louder parts. Music is more expressive when it changes dynamics, or especially when the composer tastefully uses silence. These composers did not use any silence at all in their pieces. That, combined with the performers swinging their notes made the pieces feel too hurried. The embellishments were also annoying, because some of the notes just felt unimportant, almost like they were only put in to avoid the singer singing one note for too long. But the embellishments made the piece feel too busy, and not contemplative enough. The only modern piece on the CD (the 19th track, composed by Moody) fits in well with the CD, and is definitely in the old style.

The music does sound distinctively western European, and not similar to the orthodox Christian tradition. As much as I've criticized some aspects of the music in the above paragraph, I do like the music. It does a good job of helping one attain the peaceful spiritual mood it attempts to instill.

However, I give it only a 3 because there are many other pieces which do a better job at giving the listener a peaceful, sometimes mournful, contemplative content mood. I can't go around giving a 5 to every CD I like - it would be unfair to my truly favorite CDs. Some choral pieces that I prefer include Rachmaninov's Vespers & Liturgy to St John, Silvestrov's 4th movement of his Requiem to Larissa, both Szymanowski & Dvorak's Stabat Maters, Henryk Gorecki's 3rd Symphony, Avet Terterian's 6th Symphony, most of Arvo Part's later music (after his switch to tintinnabuli), and a few other modern works from that part of the world.

I do realize that not everyone has the same tastes as me, so there will be those who love this music more than they would love the pieces that inspire me the most. However, reviews are a place to not just hear from those who are the biggest fans of a type of music, but to hear from those who are buying the music even though it is not completely their style of music.

ECM did a fine job on its side. The sound quality is great, and the liner notes were fabulous. There was even more music on this CD than one often finds on ECM releases (they often put well under an hour of music on one CD).

I do recommend this CD, as it is quite accessible to those who do not regularly listen to classical music. It is beautiful music, yet it is still music that most people can appreciate.

Transporting Music.......2005-09-29

Trio Mediaeval is the name chosen by three Scandinavian singers who specialize in the early music of the church. Gregorian chant or Plainsong is one of the oldest forms of Western religious music and though much of the original chanting was one-part intoning by the monks, the composers of the time gradually created polyphony and the results are well sampled on this beautifully recorded CD.

Not only does this a cappela trio of women's voices demonstrate a clarity of tone and pitch and timbre, they move through these at times complex harmonies with utter ease. In addition to excerpts from the Anonymous Tournai Mass, the Trio weaves the mysteries of English and Italian chant and even includes a truly beautiful contemporary setting of the chant form by Ivan Moody entitled 'Words of the Angel'.

This is one of those recordings that soothes the mind and soul and confirms the importance of medieval music on the development of music through the ages. A new recording by this group entitled "Stella Maris" is promised soon and having heard that recording it is even better! The Trio Mediaeval is a fine performing arts group that should have a long life. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

They ARE heavenly songs from angels!.......2005-06-29

The title of this CD does a wonderful job to tell what's included. It's the best music I've ever heard. I believe that if there do exist angels in Heaven, their songs could not be better than the ones on this CD!

A step closer to God.......2004-10-31

If you are not inspired by these contemplative arrangements, you might want to check your pulse. Very insprired, indeed.

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2003-05-18

I bought this CD on an impulse, not knowing what to expect. The three a capella female vocalists harmonize in the most eerily beautiful way -- this CD is as close to transcendental music as I've ever heard. Everyone I've shared it with has had the same reaction -- the music is riviting and relaxing at the same time. A must for Gregorian chant lovers and anyone else who appreciates the majesty of the human voice.

Average customer rating: Modern Fascinating and captivating perfection to little effect Wonderful Coldly beautiful

Soir, Dit-Elle Oleh Harkavyy , Leonel Power , Gavin Bryars , Unspecified , Ivan Moody , Gregorian Chant , and Trio Mediaeval Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Words of the Angel Stella Maris 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4 The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen Darkness into Light ASIN: B00012SZTK Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

1. Kyrie
2. Gloria - Missa 'Alma Redemptoris Mater'
3. Laude Novella (Lauda II)
4. Ave Regina Gloriosa (Lauda VII)
5. Credo - Missa 'Alma Redemptoris Mater'
6. Ave Maria
7. Regina Caeli
8. Ave Donna Santissima (Lauda III)
9. Sanctus - Missa 'Alma Redemptoris Mater'
10. The Troparion Of Kassiani
11. Venite A Laudare (Lauda I)
12. A Lion's Sleep
13. Agnus Dei - Missa 'Alma Redemptoris Mater'
14. Alma Redemptoris Mater

Amazon.com

The Trio Mediaeval's first CD, Words of the Angel, was an ear-opener, a CD of mostly old music interspersed with some modern works, all ravishingly sung, and, oddly, very harmonious over its span of centuries. This CD features most of a mass by the 15th-century Englishman Leonel Power, with works by the Ukrainian Oleh Harkavyy (b. 1968) and the British Ivan Moody (b. 1964), Gavin Bryars (b.1943), and Andrew Smith (b. 1970); there is more new music than old. The Harkavyy Kyrie sounds "older" than all of the Power, which is oddly dense and surprising in its harmonies. A Bryars "Ave Regina" and "Laude Novella" (this last for solo voice) wafts in and out of oldness and modernity in novel but not uncomfortable ways, and Andrew Smith offers an "Ave Maria" and "Regina Caeli" which are distinctly modern but simply beautiful--and wonderfully pious. The two works by Ivan Moody, while not as staggeringly beautiful and daring as his contributions to the Trio's premiere CD, are almost as beautiful, growing in loveliness with each hearing. A Gregorian Chant ends this CD of devotional music. The whole is dizzyingly beautiful and endlessly interesting; the sonics are as gloriously clear and clean as the Trio's pitch, taste, and inherent sound. Don't do without this CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Modern.......2006-11-10

I was trying to be careful, listening to samples of the tracks before committing to buying, but I might not have listened to the right ones or maybe I didn't read the fine print. For some reason I had the impression these were old and traditional pieces of music: old meaning medieval, or thereabouts. Actually, most of them are modern, because the music (as opposed to the lyrics) has been composed relatively recently.

Despite the Latin lyrics, the beautiful voices, the slick production, and the overall air of antiquity and religiosity, I found I didn't enjoy the CD as much as I was hoping I would. The music is too unmelodic for me. At times it seems very harsh, dragging the singing along with it.

Anonymous 4 -- at least in A Mass for the End of Time -- is better.

Fascinating and captivating.......2005-07-30

I'm a huge fan of early music, but my taste tends to lead me down the road of the French cantata more than anything. I stumbled across this particular album at a local Border's and decided to give it a chance, knowing nothing about it.

I think it's simply fantastic. The vocals are pure and captivating, and the literature choice is first-rate; the combination of "true" early music, coupled with modern interpretation presents an excellent balance.

perfection to little effect.......2005-03-08

For those familiar with Trio Mediaeval's first record, WORDS OF THE ANGEL, it is impossible not to compare the two. I'm not talking about natural expectations, but of the fact that SOIR, DIT-ELLE seems to have been structured after WORDS.
Unlike WORDS, however, SOIR dwells greatly on modern repertoire. All contemporary pieces in SOIR seem to have been composed with skill and interpreted to perfection; still, it does not seem to me to be as engaging as WORDS. It wants variety; differences between 13th-century "Missa Alma redemptoris mater" and contemporary pieces are blurred by the homogeneity of mood of the latter: all want to be contemporary rework on medieval vocal music; all want to be slow, melodious and dissonant; all were composed having Trio Mediaeval as ideal performers; as a result, all resemble one another too much. When it comes to the solo pieces, for example, they seem more elaborated than the versions which served them as a starting point (available in WORDS), but it was precisely the original simplicity which made them so touching.
Even though Ivan Moody's pieces aren't as striking as "Words of the angel" (the impact of which is partly due to contrast between its "contemporariness" and the "medievalness" of the rest of WORDS' repertoire, by the way), they are still the most moving.
SOIR, DIT-ELLE is perfect, but still. Perfection may win you over in the end, but might not do much for you in the beginning. It is possible that those who don't know WORDS OF THE ANGEL should have a different take on it, and like it better.

Wonderful.......2004-07-03

This CD gets better each time I listen to it. There is a compelling perfection in the sound - it's sublime.

Coldly beautiful.......2004-06-03

Trio Mediaeval, a three-women European a cappella choir, presents here a minimalist programme of medieval three-part harmony mixed with 20th century pieces in the same style.

Leonel Power's (1370-1445) Missa "Alma redemptoris mater" is presented in its entirety but broken up with pieces by English composers Ivan Moody, Gavin Bryars and Andrew Smith, and Ukrainian Oleh Harkavyy. Power stood alongside John Dunstable as one of the great English composers of the 14th-15th centuries. This mass is probably one of the earliest to use the same "cantus firmus" in all four movements. The chant is repeated by the low voice throughout while the two upper voices create an intricate counterpoint.

The contemporary composers here draw their inspiration from ancient texts and chants to make their own individual polyphony, but sharing the same austere atmosphere as Power's mass.

Trio Mediaeval follows in the footsteps of Anonymous 4 in bringing the beauty of Medieval a cappella vocal music to the public. Tonally Trio Mediaeval is very similar to Anonymous 4 but doesn't quite match that group's precision of vocal delivery. Nevertheless, a nicely recorded album with a touch of cold beauty.

Average customer rating: Haunting and disturbing, yet familiar and safe

Via Novella Graig Markel Manufacturer: Sonic Boom Recording ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000O59084 Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

1. Black Mesa
2. Knives Drawn
3. Reverse
4. Cascadia
5. Sixes And Sevens
6. Silhouettes
7. Turpentine
8. The Disconnection
9. Shine Through
10. Figures In the Snow
11. Silverlining

Customer Reviews:

Haunting and disturbing, yet familiar and safe.......2007-05-29

Deep, dark, disturbing and surreal is how I'd best describe this new album from Graig Markel. It listens like an ethereal fairy tale which one cannot escape from. His voice is transcendent. It captures you deep and draws you in, deep, almost too deep at times. The chords are amazing. Almost haunting, as if the instruments themselves are weeping with you.

Personally, I find it best to listen to this album, loud, while in the shower, so no one can hear you crying along with it.

This is the best hour of music I've listened to since Sun Kil Moon's Tiny Cities came out.

Average customer rating:

One Big Sky Novella Manufacturer: Navarre Corporation/ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Liquid Earth ASIN: B000025Q64 Release Date: 1992-09-04

Average customer rating: but what are they saying? A heapin' helpin' of early music Exclent cd for mediaeval music.

A Mediaeval Banquet: Music from the Age of Chivalry Mediaeval Consort Manufacturer: Nimbus Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | 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 Similar Items: Music Of The Crusades Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection Music for a Medieval Banquet Troubadours, Trouvères, Minstrels Richard Coeur de Lion (Richard the Lionheart): Troubadours & Trouvères in the Courts of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart, Marie de Champagne & Geoffroy, Duke of Brittany - Alla Francesca ASIN: B00000J7VP Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Forgotten Provence: Ne L'oserary-Je/Voulez-Vouz Que Je Vous Dise?: Chansons-Avec-Refrains - The Martin Best Consort
2. Forgotten Provence: Les Airs De Cerveau, Carole In Ballad Form: Dessus La Rive - The Martin Best Consort
3. Forgotten Provence: A Chanter M-Er - The Martin Best Consort
4. Forgotten Provence: Vecy Le Mai: Carole In Rondeau Form - The Martin Best Consort
5. Forgotten Provence: Ma Charmante Cadet: Trad. Pastorela, Limousin - The Martin Best Consort
6. Forgotten Provence: Alleluia Justus - The Martin Best Consort
7. Forgotten Provence: A L'entrada Del Tens Clar: 12th Century Dance-Song In Carole Form - The Martin Best Consort
8. Forgotten Provence: Li Gelos: Troubadour Dance-Song - The Martin Best Consort
9. Forgotten Provence: Air De Cheval-Jupon: Languedoc Dance - The Martin Best Consort
10. Forgotten Provence: Lancan Li Jorn: Canso - The Martin Best Consort
11. Forgotten Provence: Ara Lauzatz: Troubadour Vers - The Martin Best Consort
12. Forgotten Provence: Laude Jocunda - The Martin Best Consort
13. Forgotten Provence: Pucelete-Je Languis-Domino L. - The Martin Best Consort
14. Forgotten Provence: Aucun-Lonc Tans-Annuntiantes - The Martin Best Consort
15. Forgotten Provence: Alle Psallite - The Martin Best Consort
16. Forgotten Provence: Rossignolet Du Bois: Carole In Ballade Form - The Martin Best Consort
17. Forgotten Provence: Rossignolet Du Bois: Bas-Languedoc - The Martin Best Consort
18. Forgotten Provence: Lo Sodard: Bas-Limousin - The Martin Best Consort
19. Forgotten Provence: Epiphaniam Domino - The Martin Best Consort
20. Forgotten Provence: Reis Glorios: Alba - The Martin Best Consort

Tracks:

1. Songs Of Chivalry: Estampie - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
2. Songs Of Chivalry: The Song Of Nothing: - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
3. Songs Of Chivalry: Coda - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
4. Songs Of Chivalry: En L'anque Chevalier: Huon D'oisy - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
5. Songs Of Chivalry: Tant Ai Amors - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
6. Songs Of Chivalry: Costume Est Bien - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
7. Songs Of Chivalry: Pax In Nomine Domini - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
8. Songs Of Chivalry: L'amour Dont Sui Espris - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
9. Songs Of Chivalry: Danse Royale - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
10. Songs Of Chivalry: Ce Fut En Moi - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
11. Songs Of Chivalry: La Dousa Votz - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
12. Songs Of Chivalry: Chansons De Toile - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
13. Songs Of Chivalry: Chevaliers, Mullt Este Guariz - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
14. Songs Of Chivalry: Non Sap Chantar - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
15. Songs Of Chivalry: A Chantar M-er - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
16. Songs Of Chivalry: Li Jolitz Temps D'estey - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
17. Songs Of Chivalry: Pois Tals Sabers - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
18. Songs Of Chivalry: Now I Can Delight In Love - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
19. Songs Of Chivalry: E-I Mare E-I Pare - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens

Tracks:

1. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Santa Marie, Strella Do Dia: Holy Mary, Star Of The Day Cantiga No.100 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
2. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Non Sofre Santa Maria: The Lost Steak Cantiga No.159Cantigas Of Santa Maria - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
3. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Non E Mui Gran Maravilla: The German Gambler Cantiga No.294 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
4. Santa Marie Amar: The Baby Rescue Cantiga No.7 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
5. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: A Santa Maria Dadas Sejan Loores: To Holy Mary Praise Be Given, Cantiga... - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
6. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Quen Boa Dona Querra Loar: He Who Wishes To Praise A Good Lady Cantiga No.1 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
7. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Muit E Mais A Piadade: The Girl Who Ate Spiders Cantiga No.201 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
8. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: A Virgen, Que Deus Madre Est: A Man Swallows A Rabbit Bone Cantiga No.322 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
9. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Virgen, Madre Gloriosa: Glorious Virgin Mother Cantiga No.340 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
10. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Porque Ben Santa Maria: A Priest Steals An Alter Cloth Cantiga No.327 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
11. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Entre Av' E Eva: Between Ave And Eve Cantiga No.60 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
12. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Se Ome Fezer De Grado: A Knight's Forgiveness Cantiga No.207 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
13. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Fremosos Miragres: A Knight's Hawk Cantiga No.352 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
14. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Por Nos, Virgen Madre: Implore God For Us, Virgin Mother Cantiga No.250 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
15. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Ben Pode Santa Maria: A Dragon-Slaying Cantiga No.189 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
16. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: O Que En Santa Maria: A Knight Bargains With The Devil Cantiga No.216 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
17. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Ay Santa Maria: Musa Goes To Heaven Cantiga No.79 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
18. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Santa Maria Loei: Holy Mary Have I Praised Cantiga No.200 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
19. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Muito, Foi Noss' Amigo: Gabriel Was Our Friend Cantiga No.210 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
20. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Rosa Das Rosas: Rose Of All Roses Cantiga No.330 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
21. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Santa Maria, Strella Do Dia: Holy Mary, Star Of The Day Cantiga No.100 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
22. Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Entre Av'e Eva: Between Ave And Eve Cantiga No.60 - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens

Tracks:

1. The Dante Troubadours: Lamento Di Tristan: Istampitta And Rotta: - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
2. The Dante Troubadours: Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Le Chansoneta - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
3. The Dante Troubadours: Cantigas Of Santa Maria: Ges De Disnar - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
4. The Dante Troubadours: Si-Us Quer Conselh, Bel Ami Alamanda - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
5. The Dante Troubadours: Chasutz Sui De Mal En Pena - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
6. The Dante Troubadours: Lo Ferm Voler - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
7. The Dante Troubadours: Chanson Do-Ih Mot Son Plan E Prim - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
8. The Dante Troubadours: Can Vei La Lauzeta - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
9. The Dante Troubadours: Trotto - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
10. The Dante Troubadours: Pois Tornaz Sui En Proensa - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
11. The Dante Troubadours: Kalenda Maya - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
12. The Dante Troubadours: Saltrello - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
13. The Dante Troubadours: Non Alegra Cant Ni Critz - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
14. The Dante Troubadours: Nuls Om En Ren (Melody Only) - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
15. The Dante Troubadours: Ai, Lemozi - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
16. The Dante Troubadours: Lauda Novella (Melody Only) - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
17. The Dante Troubadours: Ben An Mort - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
18. The Dante Troubadours: Lamento Di Tristan: Istampitta And Rotta - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens

Tracks:

1. Amor De Lonh: Si-Us Quer Conselh, Bel Ami Alamanda - The Martin Best Consort
2. Amor De Lonh: Beata Viscera - The Martin Best Consort
3. Amor De Lonh: Can Lo Rossinhols E-I Folhos - The Martin Best Consort
4. Amor De Lonh: Salterello (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
5. Amor De Lonh: O Maria Lesse Virga - The Martin Best Consort
6. Amor De Lonh: Ab Joi Mou Lo Vers E-I Comens - The Martin Best Consort
7. Amor De Lonh: Danse Royale (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
8. Amor De Lonh: Venit Dilectus - The Martin Best Consort
9. Amor De Lonh: Can Lo Rius De La Fontana - The Martin Best Consort
10. Amor De Lonh: Ductia (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
11. Amor De Lonh: Salterello (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
12. Amor De Lonh: Alma Redemptoris Mater - The Martin Best Consort
13. Amor De Lonh: Paradisi Porta - The Martin Best Consort
14. Amor De Lonh: Tan Ai Mo Cor Ple De Joya - The Martin Best Consort
15. Amor De Lonh: Lamento Di Tristan (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
16. Amor De Lonh: Rotta (Instrumental Dance) - The Martin Best Consort
17. Amor De Lonh: Anima Mea Liquefacta Est - The Martin Best Consort
18. Amor De Lonh: Can Par La Flors Jostal Vert Folh - The Martin Best Consort
19. Amor De Lonh: Canso Melody Of Guiraut De Bornelth - The Martin Best Consort

Tracks:

1. The Last Of The Troubadours: The Sack Of Beziers - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
2. The Last Of The Troubadours: Rassa, Tan Creis - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
3. The Last Of The Troubadours: No-M Say D'Amour - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
4. The Last Of The Troubadours: La Segonda Retroencha - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
5. The Last Of The Troubadours: Planh For The Lord Of Narbonne - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
6. The Last Of The Troubadours: Au Temps D'Auost - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
7. The Last Of The Troubadours: Cantiga - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
8. The Last Of The Troubadours: Fid E Verays - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
9. The Last Of The Troubadours: Maraveillosos Et Piadosos - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
10. The Last Of The Troubadours: La Redonda - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
11. The Last Of The Troubadours: Mais Non Faz - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
12. The Last Of The Troubadours: La Premieyra Retroencha - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
13. The Last Of The Troubadours: Jesu Crist - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
14. The Last Of The Troubadours: Rossinyol - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
15. The Last Of The Troubadours: Los Esclops - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
16. The Last Of The Troubadours: Ja Mais Non Er - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
17. The Last Of The Troubadours: Vers: Be-M Clegra (Melody & English Text) - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
18. 'La Chanson De La: The Last Of The Troubadours - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens
19. The Last Of The Troubadours: Melody: Si Tot Me Sui A Tart Apperceubutz - The Martin Best Mediaeval Ens

Amazon.com

Here are five and a half hours of little-known music dating from the mid-12th century to the start of the 16th. Some of it comes from France (Provence, in particular), some from Spain (songs of praise to the Virgin Mary--many in amazing dance rhythms), some from Italy (songs of love and war of the troubadours). There are instrumentals with great vigor, complicated vocal works, chant, the expected music of praise, and a few unexpectedly ribald--almost lewd--songs. Taken a CD at a time, this is a magnificent journey, but be warned: being stuck in the Middle Ages for too long might make you yearn for those simple, high-minded times. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

but what are they saying?.......2006-06-06

This is, musically, a wonderful set. But beware: there are no song text translations; a fatal oversight for six CDs of almost exclusively vocal music by composers to whom text was as important as melody, and in languages that don't exist anymore. In that regard, it was very disappointing.

A heapin' helpin' of early music.......2005-10-14

Wonderful from start to finish, this set is quite a sampler, with enjoyable selections performed and recorded well. I suspect some accomodation is being made to the comtemporary listener here and some of the performances may not be 100% "historically accurate." But so what? I've been listening to this at home and while out and about on my iPod. There's quite a variety here which causes the set to avoid the "sameness" of many other sets of this type I've purchased. And the price is defnitely right, particularly for a used copy. What've you got to lose? Give it a shot!

Exclent cd for mediaeval music........1999-11-09

If your just getting into music from this time period this is the cd for you. It gives samples of music that dates from the 1100s to the 1400s.

Average customer rating:

La Buona Novella Fabrizio De André Manufacturer: Sony Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000A9DGM Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

1. Laudate Dominum
2. Infanzia Di Maria
3. Il Ritorno Di Giuseppe
4. Il Sogno Di Maria
5. Ave Mariai
6. Maria Nella Bottega del Falegname
7. Via Della Croce
8. Tre Madri
9. Il Testamento Di Tito
10. Laudate Hominem

Average customer rating: More 'Delights of Music' From Delitiae Musicae

Monteverdi: Madrigals Book 2 Monteverdi , Longhini , and Delitiae Musicae Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Monteverdi: Madrigals Book 3 Madrigals Book I Claudio Monteverdi: Madrigals Book 4 Monteverdi: Madrigals, Book 5 Monteverdi: Quinto Libro de Madrigali (Fifth Book of Madrigals) ASIN: B00007FKQD Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

1. Non Si Levav'ancor L'alba Novella
2. E Dicea L;una Sospirand'allora
3. Bevea Fillide Mia
4. Dolcissimi Legami Di Parole Amorose
5. Non Giacinti O Narcisi
6. Intorno A Due Vermiglie E Vaghe Labra
7. Non Son In Queste Rive
8. Tutte Le Bocche Belle
9. Donna, Nel Mio Ritorno Il Mio Pensiero
10. Quell'ombr'esser Vorrei
11. S'andasse Amor A Caccia
12. Mentr'io Mirava Fiso
13. Ecco Mormorar L'onde
14. Dolcemente Dormiva La Mia Clori
15. Se Tu Mi Lassi, Perfida, Tuo Danno
16. La Bocca Onde L'asprissime Parole
17. Crudel, Perche Mi Fuggi
18. Questo Specchio Ti Dono
19. Non M'e Grave 'L Morire
20. Ti Sponto L'ali, Amor
21. Cantai Un Tempo E Se Fu Dolce Il Canto

Customer Reviews:

More 'Delights of Music' From Delitiae Musicae.......2003-09-09

This is the second volume of what appears to be a series covering all of Monteverdi's madrigals. I was very favorably impressed by the first volume, madrigals published when Monteverdi was only 19. Now, we have Book II, published when Monteverdi was an old man of 22. The musical style has advanced; no longer is the music strophic, but rather the form of the music follows the form of the poetry, often sounding much like what we later came to know in Monteverdi's early operas, a kind of extended (but very melodious) recitative. And, of course, it is highly contrapuntal still; Monteverdi's style became more homophonic as he went along, but here he's still paying obeisance to the contrapuntal late Renaissance/early Baroque style extant in Florence.

Most of the lyrics are by Torquato Tasso and mostly they are about love or nature, or both. The familiar two-part 'Non si levav'ancor l'alba novella--E dicea l'una sospirand'allora' depicts the desire of a young couple for the dawn not to come and end their night of delight. The nature poetry of the second part has some of Monteverdi's finest word-painting.

As in the first volume the Italian early-music group Delitiae Musicae under Marco Longhini perform brilliantly. The clear-toned all-male vocal group is accompanied lightly and expertly by lute, harpsichord, and in homage to Monteverdi's own instrument, a viola.

Recommended.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating: "Novella" Good Place to Start Your Renaissance Journey Pleasant, but far from memorable Annie Haslam's Voice Pierces The most collaborative effort from Renaissance My favourite album of all times

Novella Renaissance Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scheherazade & Other Stories Prologue Song for All Seasons Turn of the Cards Azure d'Or ASIN: B0000073BC Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

1. Can You Hear Me?
2. Sisters
3. Midas Man
4. Captive Heart
5. Touching Once (Is So Hard to Keep)

Album Description

The prog legend's 1977 album for Sire. Five tracks, including 'Can You Hear Me?' and 'The Sisters'.

Album Description

The prog legend's 1977 album for Sire. Five tracks, including 'Can You Hear Me?' and 'The Sisters'.

Album Details

Progressively rocking, Surrey, England-formed Renaissance's 1977 release for Sire. Features the siren-like vocals of Annie Haslam on tracks like the epic 'Can You Hear Me', 'Touching Once (Is So Hard to KEEP)' & three more.

Customer Reviews:

"Novella" Good Place to Start Your Renaissance Journey.......2001-11-17

I first heard of Renaissance in 1977 when, while working as a DJ, I took home a vinyl copy of "Novella." It didn't take long to hook me on the beautiful melodies of the songs and haunting voice of Annie Haslam. Her unique vocal quality and 5-octave range is easily recognizable. To this day, all I need to hear is the first couple of bars and I know it's Annie singing.

I compare Renaissance's style to Emerson, Lake and Palmer because of their ability to blend classical and rock music into unforgettable songs. Novella easily fits into this category.

Among my favorite songs are "Midas Man" and "Can You Hear Me Call Your Name." But any song on Novella is worth a listen. Plus if you've never experienced the pleasure of hearing Annie Haslam, here's your opportunity.

Pleasant, but far from memorable.......2001-03-06

The disappointing "Live at Carnige Hall" seems to be the beginning of the end of Renaissance. The band's unwillingness (or inability) to show a little spontaneity in their note for note reworking of some of their songs suggested that the band was either beginning to run out of ideas, a notion that was sadly confirmed by its follow-up studio effort "Novella."

The fatal flaw here is that the band seemed to be putting more effort on expanding the orchestral sound that worked so well on their two best albums, "Turn of the Cards, and "Scheherazade" at the expense of writing actual songs. Sadly, "Novella" seems almost devoid of melodies that one remembers 20 seconds after the song is over ("The Captive Heart" comes close). This is all pleasant, competent stuff, but ultimately it is an album that fails to excite.

Annie Haslam's Voice Pierces.......2000-12-30

Renaissance used classical instrumental arrangements and an operatic lead singer to experiment with the interface between rock and older forms. In its time, this type of music was sometimes dismissed by critics for its pretension, but in hindsight the critics were wrong. In "Novella", Renaissance perfected a sound that was neither fish nor fowl, with the driving insistence of rock but a texture that might be described as folk, light jazz, or even the dreaded "art song". Annie Haslam's vocal stylings drive the action--her multi-octave range and incisive, insistent phrasing is impressive and effective. Lyrically, the songs are somewhat inconsistent. In "Can You Hear Me?", we get the unfortunate phrasing "like a bird without winging" in the midst of an otherwise breathtaking song. On the other hand, "The Sisters" features a good narrative---this band really worked best with folk-type story lyrics. Overall, this is an interesting, impressive and tuneful collection. This band and this album have been overlooked over time, but they are certainly worth a listen.

The most collaborative effort from Renaissance.......2000-09-30

Renaissance's 1977 album "Novella" represented some interesting changes in the career of the British progressive (nee classical) rock group in the wake of their most ambitious and most collaborative effort with the Scheherazade cantata. "Midas Man" is the only song on the album by Michael Dunford and Betty Thatcher, the pair who usually wrote everything except one song on the group's albums. Dunford teamed up with Jon Camp to write "The Captive Heart" and "Touching Once (Is So Hard To Keep)," with Thatcher and keyboard player John Tout on "The Sisters," and Dunford, Thatcher and Camp worked together for the 14-minute "Can You Hear Me?" that opens the album.

For me the high points of the album are hearing Annie Haslam harmonize with herself in "The Captive Heart" while the closing of "Touching Once..." gives the singer another one of those awesome high notes she powers through from time to time. That particular piece is also interesting because it represents so many diverse musical styles, from the band's traditional fascination with Russian composers to the incorporation of jazz. The orchestrations by Richard Hewson are centrainly another step closer to the classical tradition than on previous albums, but are impressive integrated into the band's music. Again, Renaissance kept producing length works that would make their music impossible to get into rotation on the radio but keep their hardcore following happy and content. Plus, there is just something classy about the cover art that seem so perfectly suited to the group and its music.

My favourite album of all times.......2000-06-04

I was made aware of Renaissance by a friend of mine 3 years ago. He told me that I should listen to "Ashes are burning". Well, I liked it, but it didn't knock me completely over. I liked the title track and a couple of other songs, but as a whole I thought it sounded a bit old-fashioned and immature. Then, last year I read "The Billboard Guide to Progressive Music" by Bradley Smith, where he actually considers Renaissance as one of the most important and ground-breaking progressive bands, beside Genesis, Yes, King Crimson and Pink Floyd. Shortly after I bought the double "best of"-album "Da capo", and I loved most of it, especially the pieces from "Scheherazade and other stories" and "A song for all seasons". Some months later I ordered "Novella" from England, not being available in the Oslo CD stores, and it hit me like an earth-quake. I love progressive rock, especially Genesis, Yes and Spock's Beard, but also more commercial pop music like Abba, ELO, Supertramp, Dubstar and Pet Shop Boys(!), but I have never had such a deep and heartfelt experience as with "Novella". For all the beauty and power of Genesis' and Yes' music, for me Renaissance surpasses them in one aspect, namely warmth. Their music never shares the sharper, rockier edges of "Close to the edge" or "The lamb lies down on Broadway", for example is the abscence of electric guitar nearly total. Their strength is the symphonic, pastoral beauty, being extremely close to romantic, classical works, combined with the almost angel-like voice of Annie Haslam (If I can say that I love a human being that I've never met, I love that woman). Well, let's go to the music. The opening 13 1/2 minute track "Can you hear me?" is probably Renaissance's most symphonic piece ever, even if "Song of Scheherazade" is almost twice as long. The grandeur of this mighty piece is often replaced by very quiet parts of stark beauty and sadness. "The sisters" is my favourite song ever, with a religious and heart-breakingly sad mood. I've probably heard it at least 500 times, but it always brings tears to my eyes, when Annie sings "There was nothing they could do..." in the refrain. "Midas man" is a more classic story- telling piece about how greed destroys human relations. It has some gorgeous passages of multi- 12-string-guitar. The shortest piece "The captive heart" took me quite long to digest. I thought it was a sentimental and banal pop-ballad, but after a while I found that "OK, with everyone else it would have been, but Annie's incredibly expressive voice turns it to a jewel". The final piece "Touching once (is so hard to keep)" returns to the more complex, symphonic texture of the first track. It has a marvellously beautyful quiet middle section, similar to some parts from Genesis' "Wind and Wuthering", and ends with a surprisingly rhytmical and rocky section, where Annie finally yells: "Touching once is so hard to KEEEEEP! " Finally, when I die, I want "The sisters" to be played in my funeral. Period....

Rap Music:

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2. Open
3. Organik
4. Over Under Sideways Down [Import]
5. Pink World [Import]
6. Please Describe Yourself [Enhanced]
7. Point of Origin
8. Road Island
9. Rumble
10. Say Something Nasty [Explicit Lyrics]

Rap Music

rap music

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