The Thorns [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
If ever a group's moniker were wrapped in florid irony, surely it's this bright, buoyant summit meeting of contemporary popmeisters Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, and Pete Droge. Backed by an all-star studio ensemble that includes Jim Keltner, Greg Leisz, Brendan O'Brien, and Roy Bittan, the three nominally insulated musicians don't so much claim the legacy of Crosby, Stills & Nash on the harmonic riches of "Think it Over" and glorious "Now I Know" as find a musical common ground that can't help but echo history in its folk-rooted vocal glories (although it's hard to imagine the baby-boom icons wrapping themselves around the chunky funk of the title track here or the pointed impressionistic allegory of "Dragonfly.") Yet The Thorns forges an ego-sublimating higher ground that's anything but nostalgic. Fans of the three musicians may recognize their various sensibilities at work throughout, but it's a rewarding collaboration that virtually defies deconstruction. Don't be misled by the name--this is a beautiful, musically fragrant bouquet. --Jerry McCulley

The Thorns,The Thorns,Sony,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Alternative Country-Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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The Thorns [Enhanced]

Average customer rating: Another World Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music A Monument of Early Violin Music An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare

Biber: The Mystery Sonatas Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Biber | Biber, Heinrich Ignaz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Biber: Violin Sonatas Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Biber: Harmonia Artificioso - Ariosa; Tam Aris Quam Aulis Servientes Biber; Muffat: Der Turken Anmarsch /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Schmelzer: Unarum Fidium /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen ASIN: B00005UNXG Release Date: 2002-12-23

Tracks:

1. Praeludium
2. Aria And Variations
3. Adagio
4. Finale
5. Sonata
6. Presto
7. Allamanda
8. Presto
9. Sonata
10. Courente
11. Double
12. Adagio
13. Ciacona
14. Praeludium
15. Allamanda
16. Guigue
17. Sarabanda
18. Double
19. Lamento
20. Aria
21. Adagio
22. Allamanda
23. Variatio
24. Sarabanda
25. Variatio
26. Sonata
27. Presto
28. Guigue
29. Double I
30. Double II
31. Sonata
32. Courente
33. Doubles I & II
34. Finale
35. Praeludium
36. Aria
37. Variatio 1 - 2
38. Variatio 3 (Adagio)
39. Variatio 4 - 5

Tracks:

1. Sonata
2. Surrexit Christus Hodie
3. Adagio
4. Intrada
5. Aria Tubicinum
6. Allamanda
7. Courente
8. Double
9. Sonata
10. Gavotte
11. Guigue
12. Sarabanda
13. Praeludium
14. Ciacona (Aria)
15. Guigue
16. Sonata
17. Aria
18. Canzona
19. Sarabanda & Double
20. Passagalia

Customer Reviews:

Another World.......2007-03-29

Biber heartily embraced gypsy tavern violin virtuosity long before Dvorak or Brahms. This is magnificent music full of elegant and earthy contrasts. The sonatas that employ unconventional tuning open up new worlds of harmonic splendour, yet the crowning piece, the Passagalia, which does employ conventional tuning but isn't part of the Mystery Sonatas, is thankfully included as the final work of a two disc journey that soars the heights of heaven and plunges the depths of human experience. I have the original release of this music with its sumptuous and informative booklet: booklet or not, these are exceptional performances combined with an exceptional recording.

Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music.......2007-03-04

Heinrich Ignaz von Biber was a wonderful composer. The so-called "Mystery Sonatas" also known as the "Rosary Sonatas" have an aire of perfection rarely seen in classical baroque music. Biber has been all too conveniently forgotten and I am not sure why. As with Erik Satie (another of my favorite, yet unknown composers) Biber has managed to shrink in to the darkness of history while his legacy of work should be celebrated.
His work is haunting, exhilarating, enriching and somber. His music conveys a sadness and a joy that few musical works are able to convey. Biber's understanding of orchestration, the workings of instruments in compliment of each other, is astonishing to me. He had an ability, a gift, that only God himself could have given him. If you don't believe in God, then just accept that he was a prodigy of the finest degree and his work was sent from a deep place inside that immediately crawls inside of you. I, personally, call it a religious musical experience.
Absolutely stunning music.

A Monument of Early Violin Music.......2006-12-17

This version of Biber's stupendous ROSARY SONATAS (this is the more correct translation of the original German title) is marked first of all by the stunning virtuosity and graceful lyricism of violinist John Holloway. Simply to master the notes of these sonatas is an immense task in itself: playing scordatura is sort of like ventriloquism, since you are miming a certain set of notes while other notes are sounding. To have worked up these difficult pieces into an intensely expressive, dramatic experience, as Holloway has, is breathtaking. Then there is the variety of continuo instruments arrayed for each sonata. In various tracks we hear organ, harp, lute, violone, lirone (a gamba viol sounding to these ears somewhat like a harmonica) and regal (a small, portable organ with a rasping, nasal sound, used to great effect in the "Crowning with Thorns" sonata). Finally, the fact that this recording is priced far lower than any of the other major versions (Goebbel, Manze) makes it doubly attractive. I was disappointed by the scarcity of program notes, understandable given the budget price: we are not informed, for example, of the scordatura tuning of the individual sonatas, and I would have liked a more detailed discussion of the pictorial and symbolic elements used by Biber in the sonatas. However, the notes include a link to Virgin's website promising "a more detailed introduction".

Perhaps it's best not to take in this colossal work all at once. For a sampler, try tracks 14-15 of CD 2 (the "Assumption" sonata) and hear some of the most buoyant, joyous violin playing in existence. You'll be instantly mesmerized.

An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas.......2006-09-22

Much can be written about the difficulty of this music form the 17th Century by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber - and other reviewers here have given superb descriptions of those complexities - but the end result of works such as this is in the response it produces in the listener.

Biber wrote these Mystery Sonatas to represent the three sets of mysteries from the Bible: the Birth, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Christ. The recording is by Tragicomedia with Davitt Moroney and John Holloway in this impeccably performed recording of impossible music: the music is impossibly difficult to play and impossible not to draw and emotional response from the listener. Some may find this version a bit dry sounding, but for this listener that only enhances the other-worldly sense of the music.

The sixteen sonatas are named as follows: Part I: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, The Finding in the Temple Part II: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging of Jesus, The Crowing of Jesus with Thorns, Jesus carries His Cross, The Crucifixion Part III: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Ghost, The Assumption of our Lady, The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Passacaglia. With the simplest combination of instruments Biber was able to elicit the feelings of each of these mysteries.

For those who love Period Music this recording is a complete success and a treasure to own. For those who have yet to step into this ethereal world, this is a very fine beginning. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06

Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare.......2004-02-23

I own three versions of Biber's Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas, and a fourth recording (by Manze) of other Biber sonatas along with the famous passacaglia that concludes the set. All of the versions (the other two being by Rheinhard Goebel on Archiv and Suzanne Lautenbacher on VOX) are beautiful, because the music is. Perhaps the passacaglia is the most beautiful 8 to 12 minutes (depending on performer) in the entire musical library. I rate the Holloway version as the best in terms of the passacaglia. The pacing seems perfect (Goebel is fast and almost dancelike, Manze quite slow but with more flare) and is about the same as that of Lautenbacher, the latter being performed on a modern instrument with her usual good taste and limited vibrato. Certainly the Holloway version has the most delicious ending to the passacaglia, when the minor key resolves to a major that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The Goebel and Manze versions both have a decorative flourish on the final note that, while beautiful, detracts in my opinion from the simple beauty of the key resolution. How two reviewers could give this recording only a single star is beyond comprehension! Even if one grants that Moroney is not as "lively" a harpsichordist as the performers on the other versions, my response is, "So what?" Maybe if you're a harspichord fanatic you drop the ranking from five stars to four, but the work is overwhelmingly a violin piece with harpsichord ACCOMPANIMENT. To downgrade the ranking of the entire recording to one star completely ignores the fantastic beauty, technical perfection, and haunting introspection of Holloway's performance on the violin. Besides, it's not as if Moroney actually is "incompetent." The descrition I would use is "tastefully understated, recognizing that this is primarily a violin recording." In contrast to the fun Goebel version and the good but more yeoman (yeoperson?) Lautenbacher version, Mr. Holloway plays with greater sensitivity but still with plenty of guts (not referring to the strings here) when drama or a discordant double-stop are called for. Again, ALL of the versions I've heard are great, and I'm tempted to buy yet another, but I always recommend the Holloway to my friends.

Average customer rating: This is a Good album, just not Great! Better with the bonus disc! Ten Star CD The Lost Art of Classic Harmonies Returns! Wonderful Album

The Thorns (Bonus CD) The Thorns Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor Kimi Ga Suki * Raifu Beneath The Velvet Sun The Essential Shawn Mullins Soul's Core ASIN: B0000DG009 Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Runaway Feeling
2. I Can't Remember
3. Blue
4. Think It Over
5. Thorns
6. No Blue Sky
7. Now I Know
8. Dragonfly
9. Long, Sweet Summer Night
10. I Told You
11. Such A Shame
12. I Set The World On Fire
13. Among The Living

Tracks:

1. Runaway Feeling
2. I Can't Remember
3. Blue
4. Think It Over
5. Thorns
6. No Blue Sky
7. Now I Know
8. Dragonfly
9. Long, Sweet Summer Night
10. I Told You
11. Such A Shame
12. I Set The World On Fire
13. Among The Living

Amazon.com

If ever a group's moniker were wrapped in florid irony, surely it's this bright, buoyant summit meeting of contemporary popmeisters Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, and Pete Droge. Backed by an all-star studio ensemble that includes Jim Keltner, Greg Leisz, Brendan O'Brien, and Roy Bittan, the three nominally insulated musicians don't so much claim the legacy of Crosby, Stills & Nash on the harmonic riches of "Think it Over" and glorious "Now I Know" (equally hard to imagine the baby-boom icons wrapping themselves around the chunky funk of the title track here or the pointed impressionistic allegory of "Dragonfly") as find a musical common ground that can't help but echo history in its folk-rooted vocal glories, yet forges a higher, ego-sublimating higher ground that's anything but nostalgic. Fans of the three musicians may recognize their various sensibilities at work throughout, but it's a rewarding collaboration that virtually defies deconstruction. Don't be misled by the name--this is a beautiful, musically fragrant bouquet. --Jerry McCulley The bonus CD features acoustic versions of each track.

Customer Reviews:

This is a Good album, just not Great!.......2007-05-12

I like each of these guys on their own, and was curious about this. I'm not disappointed but I'm not knocked out either.

Their voices blend wonderfully. Top notch session players (Keltner, Bittan, and Bredan O'Brien) back them up. Even Paul Bustmaster provides strings. But somehow, as good as the singing and playing are, there's not one song that really packs a punch. "Set the World on Fire" trys but doesn't really have that great hook it needs. I guess that's what's missing. Most of these songs are straightforward, mellow songs. No great hook to them. Except for "Dragonfly", the rest of the songs seem to sound the same.

Knowing what these guys have done in their solo carears I expected some of their individual style to stand out here. It doesn't from anybody. It's as if they abandoned all previous identities before making this record, perhaps so that this would be more of a group project, instead of each artist contributing their own track. That's good in theory, but the result is a collection of songs that are bright, just not brilliant.

I don't think ALL the CSN comparisons are fair. Is every folk/alt/country sounding band a CSN rip off? I don't think so. Besides this record is better than the stuff CSN is putting out these ddays. That stuff borders on elevator music.

If you like any one of these guys, it's worth checking out.

Better with the bonus disc!.......2007-01-03

I had originally bought this Thorns CD without the bonus disc, since I didn't know the bonus disc existed. Once I listened to the tracks on the bonus disc on Amazon.com, I knew I had to get it. I love acoustic music, and these songs sound even better done in an acoustic vein. I highly recommend you buy this with the bonus disc. You certainly won't be disappointed!

Ten Star CD.......2006-09-25

The first song I heard from this new CD was "No Blue Sky", and it grabbed my soul! I am of the sixties generation, so of course the comparison to "Crosby, Stills,& Nash" can't be missed, yet "The Thorns" have their own unique sound. The quality of their voices is also very "Seals & Crofts" like. There is not a bad track on this CD! It is a must-buy for anyone who loves beautiful harmony, and I am so grateful my daughter was introduced to them by a friend! I haven't been able to quit playing them since I got the CD.

The Lost Art of Classic Harmonies Returns!.......2006-01-09

A friend recommmended this album.....and I'm often leary since we all have very personal tastes when it comes to movies, music, art, etc.... Well, my friend certainly gets a "high-five" on his insight. Seems most of the reviews mention Crosby, Stills & Nash. I'm no exception, since that was my first impression after the very first listen. Yet....it's also their own "fingerprint" of sound and it is a wonderful return of harmony and acoustic meshing. That being said, I will admit that the "Sunset Sessions" acoustic version is my pick over the standard recording. My CD came with both, so I'll presume this 2-CD package is still the offering. If not......go with the former "acoustic" recording. The songs deliver a variety of moods, and you indeed feel like being out in the country while listening. Enjoy.

Wonderful Album .......2005-09-30

Great CD, While they do try to sound a lot like CS&N, they still seem to have a sound of their own. Their harmonies are excellent, and the lyrics are nice and timeless. Pity that the music scene today does not pick up on Great Music like this!
'Blue' has great Harmonies, 'Think it Over' sounds like an ode to CS&N. 'I Cant Remember' and 'Runaway Feeling' are excellent songs. 'No Blue Sky' and 'Long Sweet Summer Night' both make you want to up and leave the rat race forever. Great to listen to on a lazy summer day, a rainy day, at work, driving, anywhere. I only hope that Sweet, Mullins and Droge come back for more.

Average customer rating: Edge of Thorns Criss Oliva's shining hour Lord, Bring on the Night Intelligent, Enjoyable Hard Rock MUST HAVE.

Edge of Thorns Savatage Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Streets: A Rock Opera Hall of the Mountain King The Wake of Magellan Dead Winter Dead Gutter Ballet ASIN: B000002IVJ Release Date: 1993-04-06

Tracks:

1. Edge Of Thorns
2. He Carves His Stone
3. Lights Out
4. Skraggy's Tomb
5. Labyrinths
6. Follow Me
7. Exit Music
8. Degrees Of Sanity
9. Conversation Piece
10. All That I Bleed
11. Damien
12. Miles Away
13. Sleep

Album Description

1997 reissue on Edel of their 1993 Concrete album with anacoustic version of 'Believe' added as a bonus track, for atotal of 14 selections.

Album Details

Includes Never Before Released Bonus Track: 'believe'.

Customer Reviews:

Edge of Thorns.......2007-04-04

This is one the best albums I have ever heard. It rocks and it brings back memories. The last album before Criss died and probably his best.

There is nothing wrong with this album, apart from one line in 'Conversation Piece'.

I would recommend this album to anyone inclined to this sort of music and if they don't like it then I can't see why. Everything from the production to the composition is fantatstic and no other Savatage album comes close.

Buy it and enjoy.

Criss Oliva's shining hour.......2006-08-31

A monsterous masterpiece of an album. Edge of Thorns slays. Follow Me is one of the best songs I've ever heard, having everything: mellow moments, powerful singing, and rippin' solos. Its a shame bands cant write like this anymore. Criss Oliva, as many reviewers mentioned, shines on this record. Buy it now, its one of the finest releases in metal history.

Lord, Bring on the Night.......2006-07-04

Released in 1993, Edge of Thorns marked the beginning of a new era for Savatage. Newcomer Zak Stevens was brought in to handle vocal duties, freeing founding member Jon Oliva to concentrate on writing new songs with brother Criss and producer extraordinaire Paul O'Neill. Stevens may have been an unknown quantity at the time, but he had a voice that immediately made you take note. His strong, emotional, and powerful voice was the perfect complement for Savatage's new, more mature direction.

Following up a strong concept album like Streets: A Rock Opera was no easy feat, but Savatage released an even better album in Edge of Thorns. Blissfully ignoring the grunge phenomenon that was taking over popular music at the time, Edge of Thorns is a glorious power metal album with plenty of progressive and theatrical elements. Criss Oliva was in top form on this album. His intricate guitarwork, combined with his brother's moving keyboard work and Stevens's soaring vocals, made Edge of Thorns an amazing album capable of sending chills down your spine.

While the album was extremely strong from start to finish, there are some standout songs that rank among Savatage's best, including Follow Me, Conversation Piece, All That I Bleed, and Sleep. And the title track may just be the best Savatage song ever.

Edge of Thorns should have heralded a triumphant new era for Savatage, but disaster struck shortly after its release when founding guitarist/songwriter Criss Oliva was killed in a traffic accident. Edge of Thorns remains his swansong, transforming an already powerful album into a eulogy for one of the most talented and creative (yet unrecognized) metal guitarists ever. Its power has not diminished over time either. Listening to a song like All That I Bleed is just as emotionally moving 13 years after its original release, and always brings thoughts of Criss Oliva's passing to mind.

Next: Overcoming tragedy.

NOTE: While the standard version of Edge of Thorns is a bargain at $9.98, for the exact same price you can pick up the German import reissue by SPV. It hasn't been remastered, but the 2002 SPV reissue does have a few extras that make it a better buy. It features 2 additional tracks - a studio track called Forever After and a live demo version of Conversation Piece, but the real bonus is that the liner notes have been expanded to include several pages of very detailed information about the band during this particular stage of their career. When added to the chapters from the other SPV Savatage reissues, you'll get the real story behind one of the best (and most underrated) metal bands of all time.

Intelligent, Enjoyable Hard Rock.......2005-09-05

I have loved Savatage ever since I heard the brilliant Hall of the Mountain King. This is the first album with vocalist Zak Stevens, who has a huge range and a wonderfully melodic voice.

There is not a bad song on this album, but if I had to list a favourite it would have to be "Follow Me", the guitar playing on this song by Criss is nothing short of mind blowing and if you don't feel like rocking then you better check your pulse as I think you are dead!!

Through the years Savatage have continued to raise the bar and challenge themselves, and this is another example of what Intelligent, Melodic, well played rock sounds like it.

My only regret is that I live in Australia, and have never had the opportunity to see this brilliant band in concert.

If you have never heard this band before (where have you been for the last 20 years??)do yourself a massive favour and check this out.

MUST HAVE........2005-07-01

excellent album, if you are a savatage fan or heavy metal / hard rock fan, you should get this album. Great songs, great riffs, great vocals, i highly recommend it.

Average customer rating: Inspirational! hymns we sang in church

Abide With Me Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Hymns Through the Centuries Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral ASIN: B000024236 Release Date: 1996-06-10

Tracks:

1. Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
2. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
3. All Glory, Laud and Honour - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
4. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
5. Day of Resurrection - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
6. O God, Our Help in Ages Past - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
7. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
8. Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
9. Praise to the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
10. Church's One Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
11. Crown Him With Many Crowns - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
12. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
13. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
14. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
15. Abide with Me - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
16. O Praise Ye the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
17. Drop, Drop, Slow Tears - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
18. Glory Be to Jesus - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
19. There Is a Green Hill Far Away - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
20. According to Thy Gracious Word - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
21. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
22. Glory to Thee, My God, This Night - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
23. Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
24. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
25. On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks

Tracks:

1. Onward, Christian Soldiers - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
2. Lord's My Shepherd - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
3. Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
4. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
5. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
6. Forty Days and Forty Nights - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
7. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
8. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
9. Head That Once Was Crown'd With Thorns - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
10. Rock of Ages - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
11. Eternal Father, Strong to Save - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
12. All Things Bright and Beautiful - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
13. Be Thou My Vision - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
14. Be Still, My Soul - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
15. King of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
16. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
17. For All the Saints - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
18. O Worship the King - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
19. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - Choir of King's College, George Guest
20. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Choir of King's College, George Guest
21. Spirit of Mercy, Truth, And Love - Choir of King's College, George Guest
22. Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us - Choir of King's College, George Guest
23. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Choir of King's College, George Guest
24. Jesu, Lover of My Soul - Choir of King's College, George Guest
25. Jerusalem - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Choir of King's College, ,

Album Details

Compiled Here Are Fifty of the Most Beloved Hymns Performed by Three of England's Most Distinguished Choirs. Every Selection Here is Sung in an Appropriately Dignified Manner and If You're Up for Over Two Hours of Consistently Well-rendered Quintessentially English Treatments of These Vernacular Favorites it Simply Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational!.......2004-10-08

Majestic hymns sung with British accents. A great combination! I haven't noticed any objectionable sounds on my copy.

hymns we sang in church.......2003-02-16

i grew up in a traditional presbyterian church that had a pipe organ. i wanted a cd of many of the hymns that we sang in church sung by a choir and accompanied by a pipe organ. this cd fulfilled my wishes perfectly. the hymns are performed in a very straight-forward fashion with no show-boating or excess flourishes which is exactly what i wanted. this is not gospel music but what i refer to as liturgical music to indicate that it is religious music but not gospel music. i would give it 5 stars but there is a slight hiss. other than that the recording quality is very good.

Average customer rating: Interesting music interestingly sung The marriage of skill and magic There is no such thing as too much Emma Kirkby emma's pure and magical voice. Voice of an Angel!

The Emma Kirkby Collection Claudio Monteverdi , George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Sigismondo D'India , John Dowland , Guillaume de Machaut , Hildegard of Bingen , Thomas Campion , Henry Lawes , Henry Purcell , Michael East , The Consort of Musicke , Taverner Consort Players , Roy Goodman , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Page , Denys Darlow , Andrew Parrott , Parley of Instruments , London Handel Orchestra , Gothic Voices , David Reichenberg , and Instrumental Ensemble Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Machaut | Machaut, Guillaume de | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Kirkby, Emma | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Virelais | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort A Purcell Songbook [Australia] William Byrd: Consort Songs The Glories of Handel Opera ~ Kirkby · Sutherland · Tebaldi · Berganza · Horne · Bowman · Pavarotti ASIN: B000002ZJG Release Date: 1993-11-12

Tracks:

1. Confiterbor tibi, Domine (Psalm 110)
2. Now Hath Flora Robbed Her Bowers
3. Stript Of Their Green Our groves Appear
4. Voglio di vita uscir
5. Piangono al pianger mio
6. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
7. Foy Porter
8. Columba aspexit
9. Sheep May Safely Graze
10. Time Stands Still
11. Diana
12. Quel squardo sdegnosetto
13. Maledetto sia l'aspetto
14. The Lark
15. Move Now With Measured Sound
16. Sharp Thorns Despising
17. Sich tiben im Lieben
18. You Meaner Beauties Of The Night

Customer Reviews:

Interesting music interestingly sung.......2007-02-01

Much of this vocal music is from an era with which I am unfamiliar. It ranges from the work of Hildegarde of Bergen (1098-1179) to Handel (1685-1759); obviously, this album covers much territory! Emma Kirkby displays her virtuosity on this CD. The notes from the CD say that "One of the favorite adjectives used by critics. . .is the word 'celestial.'" At a later point, the notes speak of Kirkby further: "There is a freshness, an openness, an honesty about her voice. . ."

Some comments on works randomly selected.

Monteverdi's "Confitebor tibi, Domine." Here, Kirkby displays a clean light voice. She exhibits a spirited "Gloria Patri" with some spare but interesting ornamentation.

Campion's "Now hath Flora robbed her bowers." This cut shows off to good effect the agility in her voice.

John Dowland, "Flow not so fast, ye fountains." Here is displayed her smooth voice; her singing flows smoothly from one note to the next. There is a poignancy in her singing on this piece.

Guillaume de Machaut, "Foy porter." She treats the redoubtable de Machaut well; his works are some of the best of his time. This is smoothly song and does his work justice.

Hildegarde of Birgen, "Columba aspexit." This is the oldest composition on this CD by far. The work is spare, but well sung. There is a hypnotic quality to the work and Kirkby sings it well.

Lawes, "The Lark." Again, nice agility of her voice is displayed.

Other compositions on this CD are by Purcell, J. S. Bach, Sigismondo d'India, and Handel.

All in all, a nice sampling of the work of Emma Kirkby. I was not much familiar with her work before listening to this CD, but I am delighted that I did purchase this work.

The marriage of skill and magic.......2007-01-12

Ms. Kirby's voice is limpid, exquisitely pitched, strong, and yet beautifully refined. Her command of her voice is extraordinary, with phrasing, delicate embellishments and what I think are some vocal cadenzas, all showing the skill and craft of an artist who has brought her artistry to its highest state. But she makes her artistry sound so easy, so natural: nothing of bravura, nothing forced here. The selections are wonderfully chosen; together, they give us the whole range of early to late Baroque, in every mood. Each listening refreshes the spirit. What an artist!

There is no such thing as too much Emma Kirkby.......2002-07-16

The only defect in this disk is that it isn't a three or four disk set. Some people don't appreciate her beautiful voice and I feel sorry for them. I first heard her voice live in a concert here in Ann Arbor in December of 1980 and she stunned me. The memory of her beautiful voice still lives in my mind and heart.

Well, this disk gives us 18 selections from a number of different composers from the Baroque. Every one of them is a treasure and has its own charms. I can't pick a favorite, but I can say that each of these pieces show off her voice and singing style in different ways.

Yes, I wish she had included more Purcell and something even nicer than what we have on track 3, but what would I give up? Well, that is where I say we need this to have been a two or three disk collection.

You won't go wrong with this wonderful disk!

emma's pure and magical voice........2000-10-16

This cd shows Emma's versatility as a Baroque and early music performer. Her pure voice matches the music so well. I really enjoy the song "You meaner beauties of the night." This is only one among many cd's which shows Emma's great voice. I highly recommend the Emma Kirkby collection.

Voice of an Angel!.......1999-07-20

One of the most beautiful angelic voice in the world! But I don't think this collection shows her best recording pieces.

Average customer rating: Alfred Newman's Final Epic Bow Soundtrack, entire film score and composer ~ Alfred Newman

The Greatest Story Ever Told (Score) Alfred Newman Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jesus of Nazareth (Score) King of Kings Ben-Hur - A Tale Of The Christ: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1959 Version) Sodom & Gomorrah The Egyptian ASIN: B0002VESPU Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Jesus of Nazareth
2. Prophecy
3. Voice in the Wilderness
4. Come Unto Me
5. Great Journey
6. Time of Wonders
7. There Shall Come a Time to Enter
8. New Commandment
9. Hour Has Come
10. Into Thy Hands
11. Triumph of the Spirit (Handel's Messiah)

Tracks:

1. Overture - Main Title [#]
2. And the Word Was God/Trumpets Announce the Dawn/The Three Magi [#]
3. Nativity/The Infant Massacre [#]
4. Flight into Egypt [#]
5. Ophel Quarters [#]
6. Hosanna [#]
7. I Will Make You Fishers of Men [#]
8. Lilies of the Field [#]
9. Jerusalem, Jerusalem/Jesus on Lazarus' Porch/Matthew the Tax Collector
10. Rise and You Shall Walk [#]
11. Misty Night/Trimuphant Return to Capernaum [#]
12. Who Do Men Say That I Am? [#]
13. Jesus and His Mother [#]
14. Jesus Leaves Nazareth [#]
15. Prayer by the Jordan [#]
16. Lazarus Come Forth [#]

Tracks:

1. Entr'acte
2. Judas and Caiaphas/Judas Leaves Caiaphas [#]
3. Garden of Gethsemane/Aram, The First Witness [#]
4. I Am the Son of God/Jesus Before Pilate/Crown of Thorns [#]
5. Via Dolorosa [#]
6. Resurrection and Acension [#]
7. Exit Music [#]

Customer Reviews:

Alfred Newman's Final Epic Bow.......2004-10-12

Varese Sarabande has again done credit to the genre of great film scores with their recent release of the expanded (if not full) Alfred Newman score for George Stevens' production of "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (Newman and Stevens had also worked together on "Gunga Din," one of Newman's best efforts). The film title missed the mark a bit as far as the film is concerned. This is probably not the greatest of the Bible epics, but it is an interesting entry nevertheless. For those of us who live in the area of Lake Powell and southern Utah it is a trip to view this film with its very familiar Red Rock backdrops filling in for Palestine. And the acting was in many cases first rate. Newman's score was also an enormous plus. Perhaps not one of his best, it was certainly a great score. Based largely on a major theme that is clearly reminiscent of his earlier score for "The Robe," this is a major triumph, as is this three disc presentation. Nicely packaged and produced at an unbelievable price, this is a must for film score buffs. Disc one contains the original soundtrack recording (with updated sound)including Handel's chorus from "The Messiah" which Stevens' insisted upon using instead of Newman's own ending. Curiously, Newman's choral "Exit Music" would have been a much better fit for the film and is included here. Discs two and three include the majority of Newman's original score, as he intended it. It is really majestic stuff, although much of the score took a sombre tone. I cannot wait to enjoy this score driving down the Burr Trail. It is music that mataches the grand landscape, and the greatest story ever told.

Soundtrack, entire film score and composer ~ Alfred Newman.......2004-10-10

Varese Records presents Alfred Newman's score for "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965/196 mins), George Stevens directs an epic that shares the story and life of Jesus Christ ~ featuring Max Von Sydow [Jesus], Dorothy McGuire [Mary], Claude Rains [Herod the Great], Charlton Heston [John the Baptist], Angela Lansbury [Claudia], Donald Pleasence [Satan, the Dark Hermit], David McCallum [Judas Iscariot], Sidney Poitier [Simon of Cyrene], Telly Savalas [Pontius Pilate], Martin Landau [Caiaphas], Robert Blake [Simon the Zealot], Jamie Farr [Thaddaeus], Roddy McDowell [Matthew], Jose Ferrer [Herod Antipas] and John Wayne [Centurion] and many more with memorable performances ~ yet at the time of release, received low praises for the director and cast.

The music, yes the music is where this film shines...Alfred Newman, one of the most respected composers of his time was given the assignment ~ it was Newman who gave us the "20th Century Fox" fanfare theme...also a number of other film scores "Anastasia", "Diary of Anne Frank", "Captain from Castile", "Gunga Din", "How The West Was Won", "How to Marry A Millionaire", "The Keys of the Kingdom", "Man of Galilee", "Mark of Zorro", "Nevada Smith", "The Razor's Edge", "The Robe", "The Song of Bernadette" and "Wuthering Heights" ~ all of them were winners.

The Greatest Story Ever Told is here complete for the very first time and has everything from "Original Soundtrack Album" and then the "Entire Film Score" on the last two discs...making this a three disc "film-score-buffs" dream come true ~ completely remastered, with liner notes that will tell all the inside scoop from author, screenwriters, director and composer...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 3-CD-Set ~ Varese Records 66604 ~ (9/14/2004)

Average customer rating: A classic! A True Gen-X Supergroup Great Music For Your Pancakes It's Music People! Good album, if you're in the mood for it

The Thorns The Thorns Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Find a Door Spacey and Shakin The First Ten Years Under the Waves Girlfriend ASIN: B000094VMS Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Runaway Feeling
2. I Can't Remember
3. Blue
4. Think It Over
5. Thorns
6. No Blue Sky
7. Now I Know
8. Dragonfly
9. Long, Sweet Summer Night
10. I Told You
11. Such A Shame
12. I Set The World On Fire
13. Among The Living

Amazon.com

If ever a group's moniker were wrapped in florid irony, surely it's this bright, buoyant summit meeting of contemporary popmeisters Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, and Pete Droge. Backed by an all-star studio ensemble that includes Jim Keltner, Greg Leisz, Brendan O'Brien, and Roy Bittan, the three nominally insulated musicians don't so much claim the legacy of Crosby, Stills & Nash on the harmonic riches of "Think it Over" and glorious "Now I Know" as find a musical common ground that can't help but echo history in its folk-rooted vocal glories (although it's hard to imagine the baby-boom icons wrapping themselves around the chunky funk of the title track here or the pointed impressionistic allegory of "Dragonfly.") Yet The Thorns forges an ego-sublimating higher ground that's anything but nostalgic. Fans of the three musicians may recognize their various sensibilities at work throughout, but it's a rewarding collaboration that virtually defies deconstruction. Don't be misled by the name--this is a beautiful, musically fragrant bouquet. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A classic!.......2007-05-13

I have purchased two for myself and six(at last count)copies of this CD for friends. Anyone who likes CSN&Y, folk-rock or melodic pop will fall in love by the end of track two. So sad that this was a one shot project. I always enjoy Matthew Sweet and now have a new appreciation for Pete Droge and Shawn Mullins. Get it while you still can!

A True Gen-X Supergroup.......2007-02-16

While the many comparisons to CSN are apt, they don't really do this album justice. As solo acts, Sweet, Droge, and Mullins made some of the smartest alternative rock records of the 1990s, doing their own thing while the overhyped grunge phenomenon ran its predictable course. This collaboration is definitely their tribute to an older generation of musicians, but it's also a fresh and gutsy work in its own right. Tracks like "I Can't Remember" and "I Set the World on Fire" recall not just Crosby, Stills, and Nash, but also The Byrds, the Eagles, and even that other short-lived supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys, in their more inspired moments. Don't fall for the "country rock" label, either. "The Thorns" transcends most genre categories, which is probably the single greatest compliment these guys could've paid to the bands that inspired them.

Great Music For Your Pancakes.......2007-01-13

The sound is a mix between Seals & Croft and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. However, it lacks the edgy ballads of CSN&Y. It's more like the pop syrup of S&C.

It's Music People!.......2005-12-24

This is nice mellow sounding music in the vain of CS&N, Nothing ground breaking here but it is still pleasing if you enjoy the style. If you aren't into this sound pick a different flavor.
Reading the dissapointed reveiws of people who obviosly expected or wanted something more from these guys makes me wonder if the Jayhawks cover of "Blue" wasn't included on purpose lol... Stay behind!

Good album, if you're in the mood for it.......2005-08-12

This album is VERY much like a Crosby, Stills, and Nash album. So much so that I am giving my copy to my mom, I think she would like it. I liked it too, although it's more of a Sunday-morning-with-the-paper disc than anything I would prefer to listen to at work. It's very mellow. But the harmonies are beautiful. There's nothing in the least bad or offensive about this album, but there's not a lot that's passion-inspiring either. Good music for a rainy day in front of the fire, but other than that - not much there.

Average customer rating: Great Album

Draw Near Among Thorns Manufacturer: Here To Him Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Desperate ASIN: B0000DEOGV Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Can't Deny
2. Home
3. There Is No One
4. Could Not Love You More
5. Invitation
6. Draw Near
7. Rescue Me
8. Falling at Your Feet
9. Heaven's Declare
10. We Run to You
11. Beautiful
12. Bless the Lord
13. Reach Down

Customer Reviews:

Great Album.......2005-08-22

DRAW NEAR is a great Christian album. Among Thorn's is a great rock/pop band that combines fast-paced rock/pop songs with slower worship songs. My favorites are "We Run To You" and "I Could Not Love You More." But all the songs are good. Other highlights are "I Can't Deny" and "The Heavens Declare."

The cd has 13 tracks and a running time of 1:08:55.

Songs include:

I Can't Deny
Home
You Rescued Me
Bless the Lord
The Heavens Declare
I Could Not Love You More
Reach Down
Invitation
Draw Near
Falling At Your Feet
There Is No One
Beautiful
We Run To You

Average customer rating: A perfect merge between Pontes and Morricone Pontes fan disappointed Beyond earthly realms Too much talent! Beautiful

Focus Ennio Morricone , and Dulce Pontes Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Caminhos O Primeiro Canto Lagrimas Lusitana Best of Dulce Pontes ASIN: B0000E5PEE Release Date: 2003-10-27

Tracks:

1. Cinema Paradiso (Tema de Amor de Cinema Paradiso)
2. A Rose Among Thorns (The Mission)
3. Renascer (Moses)
4. No Ano Que Vem (Come Maddalena)
5. Your Love (Once Upon A Time In The West)
6. Ama Por Amor
7. Nosso Mar (Metti una sera a cena)
8. Antiga Palavra
9. Luz Prodigiosa (La Luz Prodigiosa)
10. The Ballad Of Sacco And Vanzetti (Sacco E Vanzetti)
11. Someone You Once Knew (Per Le Antiche Scale)
12. Voo
13. I Girasoli
14. House Of No Regrets (Chi Mai)
15. Barco Abandonado (Per Le Antiche Scale)

Album Description

2003 album features the work of the world-renowned film composer as interpreted by the Portuguese singing star. 15 tracks. Universal.

Customer Reviews:

A perfect merge between Pontes and Morricone.......2005-06-11

This is one of the best albums I've ever heard.
Ennio Morricone had known Dulce Pontes for many years, but he refused to work with her saying that her voice wasn't ripe.
Now we can see why... Morricone is a genious and managed to get the best out of Dulce.
It is an album full of emotions, either by the greatness of Morricone's music, either by the feeling that Pontes managed to transmit with her voice.
My favorite song is called "Amor a Portugal". It's a portuguese version of the "Your love", included in the portuguese edition as an extra track (number 16). It could become the Portuguese National Anthem.
As for the comment of one other review comparing Dulce Pontes with Celine Dion, I tottaly can't agree with that. At all.
Dulce Pontes is only showing the maturity in her voice.
And she's great doing that...

Pontes fan disappointed.......2004-06-16

I have listened in amazement to Pontes pushing the boundaries of fado and folk genres on her prior CDs with her unique delivery and fantastic voice. Here she leaves those boundaries behind and goes off into Celine Dion territory--show off all your technical ability and the entire extent of your range in every single song. Kind of exhausting. On the other hand, if you like fireworks in every song, this one's for you.

Beyond earthly realms.......2004-03-05

As cliched as it might sound, there are no words to describe either the talent of Dulce Pontes or the quality of this recording. This is one breathtaking singer, approximating the status of divinity on "FOCUS". For those lucky enough to understand the Portuguese lyrics, what a blessing; you may as well have discovered a new planet, a new world, particularly with regards to "Renascer" and "Voo". The inclusion of songs in English and Italian is a bonus.Dulce is so much more than a singer on this disc - she is life itself, in all its magical strains, in all its tortuous twists. Listen to "No Ano Que Vem" and you'll know what I'm talking about. No wonder that the album has done so brilliantly in Portugal and is now infiltrating countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy and Japan. Focus is a universal event, a celebration of that exquisite beauty which for so many of us remains a mere longing. Along Dulce's short career, this is the moment we've all waited for - now the world needs to discover it also. When I first heard this masterpiece, I felt that I was transcending, re-emerging, beginning to live all over again. Inevitably, Ennio Morricone must be mentioned - a great genius! The passion of his compositions remains unequalled - "A Rose Among Thorns" is testimony to the brilliance of both composer and singer. Through Dulce's miraculous imterpretation, Ennio Morricone's music must perforce become the new standard. I have been listening to the album for three days... and I feel like buying it again! Bravo, to two magical human beings perfectly poised on the wings of a wonder!

Too much talent!.......2004-02-29

This is an impressive album where Dulce Pontes turned cinematic themes from the Morricone repertoire into songs in English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and she is breathtaking in most of them. Dulce Pontes embellishes Morricone's compositions with an epic grandeur that few other singers could have achieved. Her voice is very potent and playful, subtle when necessary, blends gracefully with the music, and succeeds in recreating the absurdity, the nuances, and the overwhelming beauty of Morricone's eccentric musical temperament. My favorite songs are those in English, particularly "Your Love" (with music from Once Upon a Time in the West). Dulce's elegant venture into a Brazilian arrangement makes "Nosso Mar" another favorite of mine. Her best achievement, however, is probably "No Ano Que Vem", a song inspired by Jerusalem and set to the strangely upbeat music from the film Maddalena. Focus is a superb accomplishment in Dulce's career. In the end, one could not possibly deny her the classical stature of Ennio Morricone.

Beautiful.......2004-01-21

I listened this album over and over. I really loved all the songs, one of my favorites is "Cinema Paradiso", is absolutly beautiful. The voice of Dulce Pontes I think is one of the bigest voices. I really enjoyed this album, i hope you will enjoy this like me.

Average customer rating: Desperate Not a worship cd...a worship experience. AWSOME!!! Incredible Worship

Desperate Among Thorns Manufacturer: Here to Him Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Draw Near ASIN: B00005ABMX Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

1. No Rock
2. Lay It Down
3. Jesus Christ
4. Wind of God
5. Take My Hand
6. Jealous God
7. Desperate
8. Breth of Life
9. Come Holly Spirit
10. Forever

Customer Reviews:

Desperate.......2001-12-10

They are already one of America's most widely touring praise & worship bands, Among Thorns evoke the driving-riff sounds of heartland rock. Their sophmore set is packed with engaging originals, from the heavy-hammered "Jesus Christ" to the infectious bounce of "Take My Hand", from the emotional worship ballad "Come Holy Spirit" to the orchestral epic "Forever". This seed is certain to be fruitful.

Not a worship cd...a worship experience........2001-09-27

I have always loved the songs that "Among Thorns" does ("Embrace This Place" remains one of my favorite songs of intimacy out there). This cd follows up what they did in their first one, and makes it one better. The last 4 songs on the cd flow together one from another to make your own personal worship service everytime you listen to it. The only thing I dislike about the cd is the mix on the song "Desperate"...the bass is kicked up too high and the vocals are too low, so the only way to really understand what's being said is to turn the bass all the way off on your cd player and go from there. Otherwise, the cd has some great songs. If you are a fan of Creed or Vertical Horizon's sound, then you'll like what you hear on this cd. Another great one, guys!

AWSOME!!!.......2001-06-10

These guys know how to praise The Lord. This CD is better than the first. They just keep getting better and better. They are great in concert and are so down to earth. Good guys that love working for The Lord. Can't wait to see the next one!! A must have CD.

Incredible Worship.......2001-05-30

These guys are absolutely the best at leading people into worship, and this cd backs that up. Their lyrics are a simple and straightforward expression of the gospel and their relationship with Christ. I highly reccommend this cd!

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