Saga [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
2002 reissue of the Canadian progressive rock act's 1978 album includes a bonus 'Saga Screensaver', plus unseen photos, liner notes, original artwork & updated booklet. Steamhammer.

Saga,Saga,Steamhammer Us [Spv],Album Rock,Hard Rock,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Saga [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: A Long Time Ago... Spectacular! Star Wars Tunes My son loves it Star Wars Saga

Music from the Star Wars Saga John Williams Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Ultimate Visual Guide to Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B0002OOUTG Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Main Theme
2. The Asteroid Field
3. Princess Leia
4. The Imperial March
5. Yoda's Theme
6. Forest Battle
7. Han Solo And The Princess
8. The Flag Parade
9. Anakin's Theme
10. The Adventures Of Jar Jar
11. Duel Of The Fates
12. Across The Stars
13. The Throne Room - Finale

Customer Reviews:

A Long Time Ago..........2007-01-12

I bought this CD to play at work for background music and it's great for that. The only thing missing is the usually obligatory 20th Century Fox theme before the main Star Wars theme. Other than that, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus do a very fine job with Maestro Williams' music, indeed.

Spectacular!.......2007-01-12

I thought this cd was excellent! I bought it as a gift for my brother, who is a huge Star Wars fan, and he loved it. The music reminds me of the best parts of the movies. I think anyone who is a fan should get a copy.

Star Wars Tunes.......2007-01-09

My kids love the Star Wars movies so I bought this hoping we would have something new to listen to in the car. They love it and I love listening to something different. John Williams is genius.

My son loves it.......2005-09-11

My six-year old has become a huge fan of Star Wars and enjoys listening to this disc. It has the best tracks of each episode.

Star Wars Saga.......2005-07-20

Wonderful music. Best from all the movies. How can you go wrong?

Average customer rating: Liv Kristine Rising Great Album Unique The new world they found they called Vinland... Absolutely Stunning!

Vinland Saga Leaves' Eyes Manufacturer: Napalm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lovelorn Mother Earth Elegy Legend Land The Silent Force ASIN: B0009IFEN6 Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. Vinland Saga
2. Farewell Proud Men
3. Elegy
4. Solemn Sea
5. Leaves Eyes
6. The Thorn
7. Misseri (Turn Green Meadows Into Grey)
8. Amhr(Song Of The Winds)
9. New Found Land
10. Mourning Tree
11. Twilight Sun
12. Ankomst

Album Description

Led by ex-Theatre of Tragedy front-woman Liv Kristine, Leaves' Eyes return with their second and hotly anticipated album, Vinland Saga. Lush and layered, melodious and mesmerizing, yet with the added muscle of metal, Liv and company show the likes of Evanescence and Lacuna Coil how female-fronted hard rock/metal should be done. A classic's been born, with tons of crossover potential.

Customer Reviews:

Liv Kristine Rising.......2007-05-04

Let me start by saying that I am stingy with my 5 star ratings. Liv Kristine and her husband Alexander Krull have put together a very good concept album. This release is noticably better in every respect than Lovelorn. Liv's voice sounds fuller and richer than on any of her earlier ventures. The music is well executed and integrated with the lyrics, as well as softer and more atmospheric than one would expect from Atrocity. The music isn't as complex as Within Temptation or Nightwish, but there is nothing here that will have you skipping tracks. Liv is one of the BEST female vocalists out there today and this is her best work, so far.

Great Album.......2007-04-10

Great album. My wife and I enjoy melodic/symphonic metal but she sometimes gets tired of Nightwish and Within Temptation. ( not that I am complaining. I love them both) Leaves Eyes is slightly mellower on the vocals with an occasional growl that really fits. (on the songs they do it on, I think its 3 of the songs) I know some people will say her voice is not powerful enough but it is her style and we really enjoy it. Only complaint is the album really flies by when you listen to it. We wish it was longer!!!

Unique.......2007-02-03

This album is unique, because it's a concept album about Norwegian history. The music is also more classical and relaxing than other gothic metal albums. People who enjoy listening to beautiful singing will like Liv Kristine's voice. The only thing I don't like about this album is their last song is completely in German. Of course, Germans will understand it, but other people won't and will not know the ending of the album. It's okay to have a song written in a different language, but it should be placed in the middle so listeners will still know the beginning and ending. Otherwise, the album is great and is recommended to people who like gothic metal or folk metal. People who are fans of classcial music will also enjoy this album.

The new world they found they called Vinland..........2006-11-27

it finally arrived! vinland saga by leaves eyes, which i ordered many months ago but owing to the fact that the first shipment was (most probably) lost in post, the guys at amazon reshipped the order so even though it took a while, i finally received the item ordered. great service & thanks guys...

i didn't know what to expect from "leaves eyes" to be honest. but i have heard so many good things about this group (including the involvement of liv kristine, formerly of theatre of tragedy) that i took a chance and ordered this CD hoping that all the buzz & hype surrounding this group would be true.

i was not disappointed...


vinland saga is simply superb. i admit the first time i listened to this album i was thinking i've made a huge mistake by purchasing it. the songs didn't appear to be memorable and many of the tracks, in fact the entire album revolves around the viking voyages to the new world, (which is a pretty remote an incident as you can get from our modern day perspective) so you will begin to have your doubts at first but by the 4th or 5th listen you will change your mind & begin to understand & appreciate the songs for their beauty & for the various meanings they convey.

vinland saga brilliantly brings to life the bravery, hardships, struggles & the loneliness of those adventurers. from the first track "vinland saga" to the last track "ankomst" , every song on this album tells a story. you are basically transported back in time to a world of viking warriors, sailors & their loved ones. liv kristine as always gives a superb vocal performance. in fact i personally believe her vocals here are much better than in her theatre of tragedy offerings. the guys give a solid performance with the customary death growls (limited to tracks "solemn sea", "the thorn" & "new found land" though) being provided by alexander krull, liv's husband & producer of this album.

there are a few things about vinland saga which i didn't like though. first, too many of the songs have sudden/abrupt endings. also audio quality wise, there is something amiss. bass seem to be nearly non existent at times & the drums, while also present, seem to be toned down far too much for my liking. having said that, overall, this is a superb album for your record collection. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

(this CD also contains as enhanced elements, the music video of "elegy", an interview with liv kristine & a small clip showing the making of this album.)

Absolutely Stunning!.......2006-10-11

This is a wonderful album. The title track is a great intro to the rest of this epically stunning album. Liv Kristine has one of the most beautiful voices in metal music. It's serene, melodic, and flows with the music perfectly. It's as good as Tarja Turunen (formerly of Nightwish), and that's a hell of a compliment! While Tarja's voice is powerful, somewhat opera-like (less so on later albums), and beautiful in its own right, Liv's voice is almost angelic-like. Be forewarned, however, that there are some backup growls to accompany Liv's singing, but it's seldom, and it really only adds to the power of the songs (although they would be no less w/out them). This is good viking music. The band gels so well (that could be b/c Liv is married to someone in a metal band called Atrocity). "Farewell Proud Men" and "Solemn Sea" are probably the heaviest songs on the album, "Elegy" is soaringly beautiful with a catchy guitar solo, and the rest of the album is mostly more subdued but every song is essential to uniting this album into the masterpiece that it is. For strict serenity and beauty and none of the metal, check out "Amhran (Song Of The Winds)", which is mostly comprised of the angelic vocals with some nice strings, with the occasional cymbal and bass drum to keep the viking theme and sound alive. The addition of strings to a few of the songs as well as a number of wind instruments help give the album that wonderful atmospheric/new age/serene touch. Other highlights are "New Found Land" and "Mourning Tree". If you're into Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Midnattsol, or Evanescence ( I suppose; I don't listen to them, so I can't be sure), or even Delerium, check this out. Regardless of sex, or age, or your taste in music, everyone should at least appreciate this album (or respect it), if not grow to love it. This is in the top 5 of the most beatiful albums I own (and I have about 400 albums, ranging from rock to metal, but mostly all rock and metal). This music moves you, and takes you to another place where your mind is set free. It's eclectic, uplifting, and wonderful.
P.S. Good music to play Warcraft by!

Average customer rating: Sings to my DNA Pretty Good For the Nordic Soul, an echo across time... Medieval Latin? Music A great tool for learning as well as the musical enjoyment

Edda - An Icelandic Saga - Myths From Medieval Iceland / Sequentia Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rheingold Curse: A Germanic Saga of Greed and Revenge from the Medieval Icelandic Edda Aquitania Lost Songs of a Rhineland Harper [Hybrid SACD] Nordisk Sang Nordic Roots: Northside Sampler ASIN: B00000IFOM Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Leikr elds ok isa (The Song Of Fire And Ice)
2. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Veit ek at ek hekk (Odinn's Rune-verses)
3. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Hliods bid ek allar (The Prophecy Of The Seeress)
4. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Vreidr var pa Ving-Porr (The Tale Of Prymr)
5. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Nu erum komnar (The Song Of The Mill)
6. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Baldrs minni (In Memory Of Baldr)
7. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Senn voru aesir allir a pingi (Baldr's Dreams)
8. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Pat man hon folkvig (The Prophecy Of The Seeress)
9. Myths From Medieval Iceland: Ragnarok (The End Of The Gods)
10. Myths From Medieval Iceland: A fellr austan um eitrdala (The Prophecy Of The Seeress)

Amazon.com

Sequentia here performs a miracle of musical restoration, bringing to vibrant life medieval Icelandic texts about gods and heroes inhabiting a mythic past. Drawing on oral traditions and informed scholarly speculations about long-dead performing styles, they have come up with a hypnotic disc that startles with its power and beauties. The songs and recitations are interwoven with captivating fiddle tunes, and the singers wrench surprising emotions from the old texts. The late Barbara Thornton shines in her solos and duets, and Benjamin Bagby's mesmerizing chanting, recitation, and singing brings us as close as we're likely to get to sitting at the feet of the bards of old. An extraordinary disc that shouldn't be missed. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Sings to my DNA.......2007-02-17

While it's not unusual for me to have several different recordings of the same work by different performers, this is the only case in which I have two identical CDs, one for home and one for the car. I have to assume my Scots-Irish ancestry has some Nordic blood, as this music affects me powerfully. I haven't even read the program notes, so it can't be that the text's mesmerizing. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if mead is your drink, it's perfect.

Pretty Good.......2007-02-01

There are some really awesome moments on this disc. All of the Voluspa segments, especially the final one describing Ragnarok, and The Song of the Mill are very well done. The stark atmosphere serves to not only enhance the singing portion, but really draw you into the song. The booklet that comes with the CD is essential, with beautiful translations of the poems that put Caroline Larrington's Poetic Edda to shame.

But there are also a lot of weak moments. I can't say that there is anything interesting in the instrumentals, which are fortunately few and far between. The Tale of Thrym is ok the first time through, but loses it's appeal very quickly. Odin's Rune Verses lack emotion compared to the rest of the pieces.

I also found the Italian Opera style singing a bit imposing. The rolling of the r's is sometime distracting, and I wondered the first time I heard it if that's what the language really sounds like. Of course, this is my first exposure to Icelandic, so I really couldn't tell you if its right or wrong, but the male singers do it much more than the females. Perhaps it just comes from their background as opera singers.

Overall, this is a good thing to have if you're at all interested in Norse/Icelandic/Viking mythology. If you're not, I think you can skip it.

For the Nordic Soul, an echo across time..........2006-10-23

I thought nothing like this existed, yet here it is! The Sequentia group sings ancient Nordic mythological poems, in very much the manner of ancient Skalds. The skald was a bard, or troubadour, of ancient Scandinavia. In the Sagas, many of the greatest skalds came from Iceland, a land colonized by Norwegians unwilling to live under the dictatorship of King Harald Harfa-gri (Harald Fairhair). The songs on this album are recited in Icelandic, a language that has changed only slightly from the Old Norse spoken by their ancestors. The style of performance is a specualtion, to a certain degree, but very much like that of most traditional Nordic folk music, traditions that have been passed on for centuries.

Medieval Latin? Music.......2006-10-14

For some reason, it doesn't sound quite nordic to me. Did they really roll their 'R's in the Old Norse, or is Sequentia putting a Latin spin on it? It sounds like Italian opera accompanied by medieval Icelandic instruments.

A great tool for learning as well as the musical enjoyment.......2006-07-11

I am impressed by, actually, the insert book! It has 47 thin pages of history, lyrics, and translation.

I bought this CD because the only foreign language I really retain is from foreign music. The lyrics are decently clear for learning. I didn't expect the insert book to have Icelandic lyrics, but it has that and a translation. There is a summary on each of the poems also.

The music is a bit simple, but the real art is in the song. The singing could even go without instrumentation. The album is 76:52 minutes long.

Average customer rating: Not what you might think '80's music sounded like! THIS is the correct version! Great Music, But The Running Order Should Have Been Left Alone What Europe Knew.... My Favorite

Worlds Apart Saga Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heads or Tales Silent Knight Saga Images at Twilight In Transit ASIN: B00006RYCE Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. On The Loose
2. Times Up
3. Wind Him Up
4. Amnesia
5. Framed
6. The Interview
7. No Regrets (Chapter 5)
8. Conversations
9. No Stranger (Chapter 8)
10. Wind Him Up (Video Track) (Bonus)

Album Description

Saga's breakthrough album in North America from 1981 produced by Rupert Hine. Featuring Jim Gilmour on keyboards. Remastered 2003 version includes the video bonus track 'Wind Him Up'. Steamhammer.

Customer Reviews:

Not what you might think '80's music sounded like!.......2007-07-18

'80's music, which I hate, generally sounds weird and very dated, and is somewhat a genre unto itself. This one's different - genre-defying, mainstream as hell, and if you didn't know what it was, very hard to date. Somewhere between Rock and Top 40, its closest cousin is INXS.

If you've heard "On the Loose" on the radio and liked it, this album doesn't disappoint. In fact, there are better tracks, and only a couple tolerable lemons. Extremely competent in every regard, one of the few original albums remaining in my collection.

THIS is the correct version!.......2006-02-27

[...] This newly remastered version preserves the ORIGINAL 1981 song order (as well as the original cover art). I remember when this album was released in the U.S. in 1982. The American record company screwed it up big time by putting the stupid "lady's face" cover on it and changing the position of "Times Up". I was SO happy when I found out that the new CD was going to be released the right way, NOT like the crappy '82 U.S. version! Hooray for Saga and hooray for this GENUINE, CORRECT version of Worlds Apart!!!

Great Music, But The Running Order Should Have Been Left Alone.......2006-02-13

The remastered version of WORLDS APART, Saga's debut album, is great, but people who say that it improves on the original should be seen and not heard. That's because the running order has been tampered with- "Time's Up" being placed BEFORE "Wind Him Up", "Amnesia", and "Framed"- thus diluting the storyline and making it harder to understand the original album's cautionary message that led to me hanging up pictures of alluring actresses as a deterrent to self-indulgent behavior. On the original, "Time's Up" was the fifth song, which was a more effective placement as far as telling the story the album was trying to relate, whereas here, it's the second song, which is a much less effective position as far as the flow of the storyline is concerned. Steamhammer has done their usual sterling job of remastering the music, but, unfortunately, they toyed with the running order, which should have been left alone. The version whose cautionary message helped me look good enough to get flirted with at the mall last year was the original 1981 Epic release, which is still available, not this bastardized version. That situation proves the old saying is true that if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

What Europe Knew...........2005-03-22

Few casual fans of Saga knew that they were actually a Canadian based band. While this keyboard dominated high-energy rock outfit played to thousands at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, they were more of an afterthought in North America. "Worlds Apart" was the peak of the bands popularity in the United States, with "On The Loose" reaching the top 40 and gaining regular rotation on MTV. The followup single "Wind Him Up", did not fare as well, although classic rockers in Canada such as CHEZ 106 (Ottawa) and CHOM 97.7 (Montreal) still occasionally play it.
The band sound is heavily dominated by syntheziers, as lead singer Michael Sadler, Jim Gilmour, and bassist Jim Crichton all take turns on the keyboards. Very gifted musically, the bands signature sound is the guitar-keyboard synchopated solos. Always on the cutting edge of technology, the recording was done in digital format, and features a heavy dose of PPGs and Moogs. "Worlds Apart" is no doubt their finest hour, and is perhaps their only substantial mark on North American audiences.

My Favorite.......2003-07-21

Bought Worlds Apart initially in the cassette format. I wore the darn thing out I played it so much. So in the mid to late eighies when I got my first cd player Worlds Apart was one of the first three cds I bought. It to this day is my favorite musical recording by any artist.

Purchased the remaster version a couple months back and the sound quality is superb.

You probably remember On The Loose and Wind Him Up if you are reading this review. And if you have not yet bought this cd SHAME ON YOU.

If you don't own any other Saga recordings this is the one to get you started. It was there fourth release, and they are still doing it to this day. Lost track of how many cds they actually have.

My favorite tracks are about all of them. No weak ones. But I would say after On The Loose and Wind Him Up I probably like Amnesia best. It was the third single off the LP. If you haven't seen the video you must get Saga's dvd. All videos are included (minus Only Time Will Tell of Wildest Dreams) and that will definitely give you a great overview of all of Saga's music.

But while we are on this cd, go out and get it. Also included on the remastered cd is the video for Wind Him Up - a very nice bonus. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Its okay outstanding! Aaron Copland: the Norman Rockwell of film scoring Great recording of definitive American film music Leonard Slatkin conducts Copland

Copland: Music for Films Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music St. Louis Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Copland: Our Town; The Red Pony Suite; El Salón México; Danzón Cubano; Three Latin American Sketches Copland: Symphony No. 3; Quiet City Copland: The Music of America Ultimate Copland Album The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948 ASIN: B000003FHI Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. The Red Pony: Morning On The Ranch
2. The Red Pony: The Gift
3. The Red Pony: Dream March
4. The Red Pony: Circus Music
5. The Red Pony: Walk To The Bunkhouse
6. The Red Pony: Grandfather's Story
7. The Red Pony: Happy Ending
8. Our Town
9. The Heiress Suite
10. Music For Movies: New England Countryside
11. Music For Movies: Barley Wagons
12. Music For Movies: Sunday Traffic
13. Music For Movies: Grovers Corner
14. Music For Movies: Threshing Machines
15. Prairie Journal (Music For Radio)

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a great series of recordings. Leonard Slatkin has generally chosen the right balance of music for the composers used in the series (with terrific cover art from Thomas Hart Benton). This disc is devoted to Copland's film music. The treat here is a version of The Heiress Suite reconstructed by Arnold Freed. Copland's talent for writing for films rested in his ability to identify and maintain themes, at the same time not slacking on the transitional details. This belongs in any Copland collection. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Its okay.......2007-05-13

I was disappointed and don't listen to it much. I like certain songs, but not the rest.

outstanding!.......2006-01-21

one of slatkins best recordings.with copland hes on, the sound on this cd is ok,not as good as his telarc recordings witch i think are his better recordings but this one is one of them to.

Aaron Copland: the Norman Rockwell of film scoring.......2004-06-14

When I purchased this collection I was already very familiar with Mr. Copland's more popular fanfaric motifs. I was astounded at how much I enjoyed the wonderful division of both sweeping dramatic themes and friendly, home-grown melodies. His film scores for the 1939 'Of Mice and Men' and the 1940 'Our Town' are a testament to classic films set in simpler times. The 'Red Pony' tracks for which the compilation is named are a magical digression from the listener's pre-conceived notions of Copland western fare. When one expects "Rodeo" (arguably one of Copland's most famous themes) one instead receives a gentler and sometimes powerfully moving score. The crowning jewel of this collection, however; is the beautiful suite from his Academy Award winning score for William Wyler's 1949 film of 'The Heiress.' When listening to this magnificent piece of musical history I am reminded how so many great scores are unavailable to listeners of today, and only through recreation and re-recordings can we re-capture those glimpses of film score artistry. I can only hope that many lost or hard to find works continue to be found or recorded so that film score and music lovers in general can continue to discover and rediscover the joy and beauty of our masters in film composing.

Great recording of definitive American film music.......2004-04-08

In a way, filmgoers have been listening to Copland's film scores nearly every time they go to the cinema, since film composers have been shamelessly ripping off Copland for the last half-century or so. When you listen to the "Our Town" suite, do you get the nagging feeling that you have heard this music somewhere before? No doubt you have, in dozens of derivitave film scores from the 1980's and 1990's, sometimes (shamelessly) right down to the exact chord progressions.

How nice it is then to be able to go back to the source, and have rendered in so superb a fashion as it is by Slatkin & the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Slatkin, as usual, upholds his reputation as one of the leading interpreters of American music.

This CD contains the premier recording of "The Heiress Suite," which is a delight to listen to, and of course the fairly well-known "Red Pony" music. Is their a more quintessential piece of "Western" music than the "Walk to the Bunkhouse?" How does a jewish boy from Brooklyn nail it on the head so perfectly, anyway?

Other selections include "Music for Movies," a collection of bits & pieces from an assortment of Copland-scored movies that Copland arranged in 1943, and "Music for Radio," an earlier composition that isn't really "movie music," but fits well with the rest of the compositions on this CD.

Instead of wasting your time on movie soundtracks that are nothing more than just derivitave hack jobs, listen to music by a composer who had truly mastered his craft.

Leonard Slatkin conducts Copland.......2000-11-14

This album is worth it just to get the world premiere recording of "The Heiress Suite" reconstructed by Arnold Freed. Also of note are Walk to the Bunkhouse from "The Red Pony" and New England Countryside. Leonard Slatkin conducts these pieces with great emotional feel that states that this is the same America that Copland wanted to us to embrace.

Average customer rating: Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 Jean Sibelius: Symphonies No. 4-7, Tapiola etc. Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection) Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 ASIN: B000AQACWU Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. En Saga Op.9
2. The Swan Of Tuonela
3. I: Intermezo
4. II: Ballade
5. III: Alla Marcia
6. Finlandia Op.26
7. Valse Triste Op.44
8. Tapiola Op.112

Customer Reviews:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?.......2005-12-14

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

It may well be.

This particular CD combines Karajan's 1976 analog recordings of four Sibelius tone poems with his 1981 digital recordings of Valse Triste and the Op 11 Karelia Suite. The analog material - Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela, En Saga and Tapiola - have always been demonstration-quality recordings. This particular CD marks the SEVENTH time I've purchased these recordings: first in their initial USA Angel LP & cassette issues, then as a British LP import, next as a German LP import, again in their initial EMI Studio CD release, once more in their second EMI CD release, and now in their almost-always-better-sounding Great Recordings of the Century series (there are exceptions to that particular rule, BTW).

Why all the copies? Simple: I was constantly seeking out a version that did full justice to the sound that one could tell was inscribed on the original tapes, and I think that finally, finally EMI have got it just about right.

First off, these recordings are very lifelike. They very much represent the Berlin Phil under Karajan that I heard in live performances at Carnegie Hall. And - except for a few intonation problems here and there that were previously buried in various degrees of sonic mush - the execution of the BPO is near immaculate (no clams in the brass!), matching American orchestras in their typical note-perfect playing.

The recorded ambience is also very easy on the ear, but - and this is a big but - the listening perspective on these recordings has now been shifted forward from second row orchestra to the conductor's podium. What I mean by that is that there is much more clarity and transparency in the orchestra than I recall from previous issues (it also helps if you listen to the CD at a slightly boosted volume level). It's a bit like the difference one gets when auditioning a recording on headphones rather than through speakers (in fact, I could swear that I can now hear Karajan - or someone - humming at certain points or urging on the orchestra).

There has also been a re-sequencing of the tracks themselves. Previous issues all opened with Karajan's massive version of Finlandia - an opening track that was sure to grab a listener by the gonads and pull him into the recording. This time around the CD opens with En Saga with Finlandia buried down the track listing. If you've never heard this disc and want to hear what it's all about, you'll play Finlandia first, trust me!

On the subject of this recording of Finlandia, it surely gains from Karajan opting for doubled winds who maintain their sound and texture over the massive strings and brass (augmented by VERY present timpani). Here, Karajan and the BPO launch what has to have set the all-time record for gravitas in Finlandia openings. This is slow, ballsy and brilliant. I can think of no greater compliment to give both Karajan and his orchestra than to say that they here play Finlandia as if it were the most important piece of music ever composed by anyone, ever.

The same "greatest piece ever" philosophy also inhabits the other works on this CD. The Swan, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful, no more so than in the huge string phrases that take over before the English horn's final, plaintive utterances. This is music making on such a high level that one might miss it for the emotional involvement of all concerned. You may find yourself - as did I - immediately replaying this track just to convince yourself that it really was that good.

Likewise, Karajan's 1981 Valse triste surpasses his previous efforts (not to mention those of most others). This is a slow but enervated version of a piece that I just never tire of hearing. However, I will say that the digital sound is slightly less fulsome than that captured on the analog tracks. The Karelia Suite is also of digital origin and reflects the same caveat, though this is picking nits - the recordings are all fabulous.

The real revelation on the disc is Tapiola. Karajan recorded it a few times, and I find this one to be his best if not THE best recording of the piece ever made. If you want to know what the term "heavy classic" means, seek no further. It was once opined that Sibelius' fame could have rested on Tapiola alone, and it may well be that Tapiola recordings may come down to this one and this one alone. It is just that impressive as a recording and as an interpretation.

Seventeen years after his death, it's becoming quite clear to me that Karajan went through something of a golden age in the 1970s. His recordings from that period - particularly his EMI recordings - showcase an orchestra and conductor at the absolute summit of their powers, fully in tune with each other and the music at hand. These Sibelius recordings rank with the very best from that period and are well deserving of the Great Recordings of the Century moniker.

I'd urge you to purchase this disc before EMI consigns this issue to deletion status.

It simply doesn't get any better.

Average customer rating: Must buy Simply great Sibelius Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis

Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc. Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vaughan Williams: The Nine Symphonies Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc. Ludwig van Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies - Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony Orchestra Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies; Overtures; Concertos Brahms: Complete Piano Music ASIN: B00011KOF4 Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Average customer rating: A step forward and a step back HEADS or TALES...original Rupert Hine production was INCREDIBLE...but..... Saga Goes Pop (80's Style!) Good album Saga in top form

Heads or Tales Saga Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Worlds Apart Silent Knight Images at Twilight Behaviour Saga ASIN: B00006GOEM Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. Teh Flyer
2. Catwalk
3. Teh Sound Of Strangers
4. The Writing
5. Intermission
6. Social Orphan
7. The Vendetta (Still Helpless)
8. Scratching The Surface
9. Pitchman
10. Catwalk (Extended Version)

Album Description

Originally released in 1983, Head Or Tales saw the group take a slightly heavier path with 'The Flyer', but stayed true to their sophisticated roots with 'Catwalk' and 'Scratching The Surface'. This remastered Reissue includes the bonus track 'Catwalk' (extended play) along with a new booklet that contains unseen photos & liner notes. SPV. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A step forward and a step back.......2007-07-24

It's quite hard to look at Heads or Tales as either an improvement or a step backwards over its predecessor, Worlds Apart. While being musically more daring, by evidence of even more elaborate and intricate dual guitar - keyboard attacks, I always had the feeling that the songwriting had suffered a bit. 'Catwalk', 'Sound of Strangers' sounded like rather unfinished songs. It's unfortunate that the songwriting didn't live up to the crowning achievement of its predecessor.

I must acknowledge, however, that Heads or Tales' crisp & raw sounding mix, coupled with very unusual digital-analog combination of sounds for its era (owed to Gilmour's PPG Wave synthesizer) did the album good for not having sounded like anything that was on the early 80s musical scene.

HEADS or TALES...original Rupert Hine production was INCREDIBLE...but............2006-09-26

Heads or Tails was a production masterpiece. Rupert Hined drenched the album with his precise, elegant, rock/pop edge (as he did for the Fixx, Cafe Jacque, and himself, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner among others). However, this remastered version is thin....the fullness of the original mix has been completely lost....I'm very sad...I loaned my original to a fellow music lover, who, conveniently never returned it...so, I purchased this remastered version recently. I'm thrilled to have the CD, but, very disappointed in the remastered version...I will have to go and find the original version now. Doh.

Saga Goes Pop (80's Style!).......2004-10-30

I've loved this album ever since it came out in the early 80's. I prefer prog-rock that has a stong pop edge to it (like Yes with Trevor Rabin - 90125, Big Generator; Styx - Cornerstone, Paradise Theater; and Kansas - Audio-Visions, Vinyl Confessions) etc...

I think "Worlds Apart" is by far Saga's greatest accomplishment because it perfectly melded their earlier progressive rock sound with very accessible pop melodies, lyrics and arrangements. I think it's sort of a shame that they didn't continue in that vane for at least one more album, however...

"Heads Or Tales" marked a new beginning in the Saga saga (sorry), and since I love that era in music, I relished their new sound on this album. The keyboards are more dominant (and dated) yet the guitars are still quirky and rock hard enough to call it progressive.

Standout tracks according to me: The Flyer, Cat Walk, Intermission, and The Pitchman, however, I really like them all (with the exception of Scratching The Surface - too wimpy - this song is a good example of the overuse of 80's-sounding keyboards)

Good album.......2004-08-07

Heads or Tales is Saga's fifth studio album. It was released in 1983. Along with the original nine songs, this 2003 remastered edition includes a bonus track, "Catwalk (Extended Version)." Altogether, I find the album's songwriting to be solid, the musicianship to be skilled, and the sound quality to be satisfying. The material is in a stately pop rock musical direction. I like Michael Sadler's smooth, industrious singing. My favorite compositions are "Catwalk" and "Intermission." The sophisticated-sounding "Catwalk" sports cool guitar work, while "Intermission" displays ambient, relaxing keyboard playing. The CD booklet includes the song lyrics and several color photos. The album cover artwork is creative. The CD is almost 48 minutes. Heads or Tales is a worthy album from Saga.

Saga in top form.......2004-06-27

This is one of the best from this time period. The band is in top form all the way through the disc. Other 80's bands couldn't even come close to this level of prog-rock. This remastered edition comes with complete lyrics, photos and an extended version of 'Catwalk' which is 7.44 in length. I did find a mistake however: Social Orphan/Tracks 6 is listed as being 5.28 in length, when it is only 3.25. Sound quality is very close to the original domestic version. A metallic-sound best describes it, electronic drums(perhaps a bit too much)I was hoping for a little warmth added to the remastering i.e.: some bass added around 35hz would have been perfect. This disc has a very hot high-end, which you may or may not like. Still a very good disc from the Saga canon. 10 Tracks/48.00.

Average customer rating: Bought it for two songs The best you can find

The Very Best of Saga Saga Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heads or Tales A Portrait of Aldo Nova Trust Silent Knight Worlds Apart ASIN: B00004T2OY Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

1. Wind Him Up
2. (You Were) Never Alone
3. Wildest Dreams
4. Humble Stance
5. You and the Night
6. Flyer
7. Security of Illusion
8. Only Time Will Tell
9. How Long
10. Why Not
11. Starting All Over
12. What Do I Know?
13. Say Goodbye to Hollywood
14. Help Me Out
15. On the Loose

Customer Reviews:

Bought it for two songs.......2007-03-20

Saga... One of the unsung REAL one-hit-wonder-flock-of-seagulls-wannabees-bands of the 80's. I had SO forgotten all the other underground stuff from the band, but I really did only buy the album for two songs: Wind Him Up, and On the Loose. Neither disappointed, especially since I hadn't heard anything but crappy MP3's since the early days of Napster. I really missed all of the other stuff too, I just didn't remember, until I heard them all again!

I simply can't find anything wrong with the album... The recording quality certainly reflects the technology of the day, but the track selections are really some of the best stuff the band ever did. I can say that I do, indeed recommend it.

The best you can find.......2007-01-27

"The Very Best Of Saga" is most likely the best Saga compilation you will find. All of the U.S. hits are here, although I wish they would've included the album track "Amnesia".

Average customer rating: Amazing artist

Vinland Saga (Ltd. Ed.) Leaves' Eyes Manufacturer: Napalm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Legend Land Lovelorn Elegy Into Your Light Heart of Everything ASIN: B0009IFELS Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

1. Vinland Saga
2. Farewell Proud Men
3. Elegy
4. Solemn Sea
5. Leaves' Eyes
6. The Thorn
7. Misseri (Turn Green Meadows Into Grey)
8. Amhrán (Song of the Winds)
9. New Found Land
10. Mourning Tree
11. Twilight Sun
12. Ankomst
13. Heal (bonus)
14. For Amelie (bonus new version)
15. Elegy (videoclip)
16. Liv Video Interview
17. Making of Vinland Saga video

Album Description

World history set to music, seasoned with legends, love and passion... No less can be said about the second Leaves' Eyes album Vinland Saga. Vocalist Liv Kristine and Co. embark on a mystic journey of Leif Erikson's legendary voyage to Greenland in 1000 A.D, depicted by Leaves' Eyes through atmospheric Metal, Rock, and sensual ballads. Nature, romance, love, and lyrical poetry presented by one of the most beautiful voices on the European rock scene.

This special limited edition digipack includes two bonus tracks, video clip, interview and `making of' segment.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing artist.......2005-06-23

I encountered Vineland Saga quite by chance and was amazed at their ability to mix Liv Kristine Espenæs amazing vocal talent with a totally unheard of brand of gothic rock. I absolutly adored this CD and I think that to anyone who has appreciation for melodic rock or a beautiful singing voice to amazing rock music would adore this CD too. The CD seems to tell a story (although lyrics are hard to come by online) and that just adds an extra element of interest to it.

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