The Boy And The Tree

From URB Magazine
Susumu Yokota makes unremarkable house but his ambient albums easily sit alongside classic works from Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. The Boy and the Tree is of the latter category, following in the footsteps of Sakura and Grinning Cat. It’s another curiously organic soundtrack to Yokota’s seemingly idyllic life, music he refers to as his "dream story," inspired by travels in the Japanese mountains and to the remote, rainy island of Yakushima.

New sounds emerge from The Boy and the Tree like moss-draped branches through the mist. Guitars create ripples of melody in otherwise still waters. Drums soon follow, pittering down like raindrops while faraway weird and wonderful Middle Eastern instruments pulsate over cryptic chanting. Yokota says the album reflects the atmosphere of these sanctuaries, also citing the anime Princess Mononoke as highly influential. It’s an apt comparison: Both are stories of terrestrial realms made mythical through the lucid vision of their creators.

Daniel Chamberlin

The Boy And The Tree,Susumu Yokota,Leaf,Club/Dance,Dance Music,House,Pop,Rock/Pop,Techno

Average customer rating: Pretty Good Wasnt expecting much but got a whole lot more **ckn awsome! A Civil Attempt At Making It Big I am very surprised

From Under the Cork Tree Fall Out Boy Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Move Along Infinity on High Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge American Idiot How To Save A Life ASIN: B000929AU0 Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued
2. Of All The Gin Joints In All The World
3. Dance, Dance
4. Sugar, We're Goin Down
5. Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner
6. I've Got A Dark Alley And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)
7. 7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen)
8. Sophmore Slump Or Comeback Of The Year
9. Champagne For My Real Friends, Real Pain For My Sham Friends
10. I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me
11. A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
12. Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part To Save The Scene And Stop Going To Shows)
13. XO

Amazon.com

The cleverness of Fall Out Boy's lyrical content is immediately evident by looking at the song titles on their sophomore disc, From Under the Cork Tree. "A Little Less 'Sixteen Candles,' a Little More 'Touch Me,'" "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me" and "Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" are but a small taste of the group's acerbic attitude. After FOB's indie debut hit the underground charts, the group's sudden indie-style success made for a fast growth spurt. Their appeal is obvious, from frontman Patrick Stump's Killer-esque pipes (especially evidenced in the disc-closing "XO") to their very melodic teen-angst anthems. While much of the disc operates at usual punk-pop speed, the highlight comes from a slower, emotion-laden cut called "I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth." This song of living in the public while working through private pain is a beautiful, multilayered number that stays with you long after the album is over. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good.......2007-07-25

FOB doin' their thang. They're pretty good. My favorites are my favorites mostly because the songs have a break in them that have a very nice beat in them. The lyrics are a bit out there but that's okay. Most people say their songs sound like any other band but not to me. AT least not ALL the songs. The voice is easy to pick out (He sings the chorus to Cupid's Cokehold and Clothes Off!). It's an okay cd overall

Wasnt expecting much but got a whole lot more.......2007-07-05

Got to say was not expecting much, I liked a few of the tracks off this album but when I bought it I was expecting the usual 'emo' moan moan, I hate life, my girlfriend left me rubbish but this was a whole lot more than that.

Good, well put together music with decent lyrics to match. A good sound production to back up produced a pretty powerful album this realy does represent a good progression for Fall Out Boy and got to say, not much of a fan of so called 'indie' bands who never seem to be off MTV but if they keep producing stuff of this quality I cant realy complain.

Well worth buying.

**ckn awsome!.......2007-05-19

can you get much better? maybe U2, but not many others can compete with FOB. thou i'm more partial to thnks fr the mmrs the song on this album are awsome as well. i really like sugar we're going down, and champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends. they are awsome and really catchy. if you don't like FOB go die!

A Civil Attempt At Making It Big.......2007-04-22

Fall Out Boy consists of the members Joe Trohan, Patrick Stump, and Pete Wentz. Their album 'From Under The Cork Tree' was released in 2005.

1. Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued - 8/10 - A very nice start to the album. The song puts you in a good mood and makes you want to hear more.

2. Of All The Gin Joints In All The World - 7/10 - There was nothing really horrible about this song except it just seemed like an extension to the first track. There's nothing memorable about it.

3. Dance, Dance - 10/10 - The album really takes off from this point. Dance, Dance is a vibrant, colorful song that will get you up and moving.

4. Sugar, We're Going Down - 10/10 - By far, the best track on the album. This is the song that you'll be humming or singing without realizing it.

5. Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner - 9/10 - Another catchy song that will have you dancing.

6. I've Got A Dark Alley And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song) - 8/10 - This song does have a slight taste of summer, but it definitely is not your summer anthem. Some of the parts were a little bland and repetitive, but for the most part it was a pretty song.

7. 7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen) - 7/10 - I find this song a little boring. There's nothing that special or unique about it except for a small break in the middle of the song.

8. Sophomore Slump Or Comeback Of The Year - 7/10 - Another not so memorable song. The beginning starts off great but it slowly goes downhill after that.

9. Champagne For My Real Friends, Real Pain For My Sham Friends - 9/10 - There's some irresistable chords in this song that will finally bring out more of the fun in the album.

10. I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me - 6/10 - The title is creative, but nothing else is. Everything about this song makes it long and almost painful to listen to. My least favorite song on the album.

11. A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me" - 7/10 - Nothing too great about this track either. It sounds like most of the previous songs that were forgettable.

12. Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying - 7/10 - The only really great part of this song is the end when all the music is taken away, and there is speaking. It shows what the whole song was about and makes its point nicely.

13. XO - 8/10 - The song starts off not so great, but it ends nicely. All in all, it's a pretty good closing to the album.

The album cover contains lyrics to all of the songs, pictures of the band members, and of course, the credits.

I would recommend listening to the clips of the songs that Amazon provides so you can get a real feel for them.

I am very surprised.......2007-04-05

I must to confess at the very beginning I guessed I had made a bad acquisition because I bought it, cause a couple of songs.
In less than an hour I changed my mind. GUAU!! I guess says everything.
Now I can not stop to play this CD.

Sugar... (for me, one of the best songs)
Sophomore Slump...
I Slept with Someone...
Get Busy Living...

Each of these deserve stop for a while and repeat again and again

Average customer rating: Fall out boy Pleasantly Surprised Go out and get FUCT Relation to other comments Another band that sounds the same as all the others (sucks)

From Under the Cork Tree [Limited "Black Clouds and Underdogs" Edition] Fall Out Boy Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fall Out Boy's Evening Out with Your Girl Infinity on High - Deluxe Limited Edition Infinity on High Move Along The Black Parade ASIN: B000EJ9VA2 Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

1. Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get ...
2. Of All the Gin Joints in All the World
3. Dance, Dance
4. Sugar, We're Goin Down
5. Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
6. I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut ...
7. 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)
8. Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year
9. Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends
10. I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid ...
11. Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
12. Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene ...)
13. Xo
14. Snitches and Talkers Get Stitches and Walkers
15. Music or the Misery
16. My Heart Is the Worst Kind of Weapon [Demo Version]
17. Sugar, We're Goin Down [Patrick Stump Remix]
18. Dance, Dance [Lindbergh Palace Remix]

Amazon.com

The cleverness of Fall Out Boy's lyrical content is immediately evident by looking at the song titles on their sophomore disc, From Under the Cork Tree. "A Little Less 'Sixteen Candles,' a Little More 'Touch Me,'" "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me" and "Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" are but a small taste of the group's acerbic attitude. After FOB's indie debut hit the underground charts, the group's sudden indie-style success made for a fast growth spurt. Their appeal is obvious, from frontman Patrick Stump's Killer-esque pipes (especially evidenced in the disc-closing "XO") to their very melodic teen-angst anthems. While much of the disc operates at usual punk-pop speed, the highlight comes from a slower, emotion-laden cut called "I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth." This song of living in the public while working through private pain is a beautiful, multilayered number that stays with you long after the album is over. --Denise Sheppard

From Under the Cork Tree: Limited Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour Edition recaps all 13 songs from the original album plus five additional tracks, starting with three B-sides, "Snitches and Talkers Gets Stitches and Walkers," "The Music or the Misery," and "My Heart Is the Worst Kind of Weapon." There are also two exclusive remixes, "Sugar, We're Goin' Down (Patrick Stump Remix)" and "Dance, Dance (Lindbergh Palace Remix)."

Customer Reviews:

Fall out boy.......2006-10-26

I was skeptical about buying after hearing "Sugar, We're Going Down" but after hearing "A Little Less Sixteen Candles" I knew I'd like it. It's a very witty cd full different types of songs. Definately not one of those cds where all the songs sound the same. It's one of the few cds I can put in and listen to for long drives and never want to change.

A definate must have.

Pleasantly Surprised.......2006-08-16

As someone who is more into R and B and Latin, when my friend bought me this CD i thought it was a joke. I already knew the first single and loved it, but this was overboard. Well I was mistaken-- this CD, it's titles and it's music, is the best CD I've heard in a LONG TIME...

Go out and get FUCT.......2006-08-13

(From Under the Cork Tree) get it? ignore everyone who complains about fall out boy being a punk posuer. fall out boy isnt punk and isnt trying to be. If you dont like snitches and talkers get stitches and walkers (and come on, think about the title for a minuite and then realize how funny it is....) you need to re-listen to the song. It's a good, darker version of fall out boy. realize that pete wentz used to be a hardcore raver with blonde dreadlocks, and used to be in a hardcore metal band called 'Arma Angelus' look it up in itunes and you'll realize why pete does the screaming. Also, can i point out that The Sex Pistols were the orignal people to 'sell out'? They were basically created to be walking adverstisments for a store called 'SEX' They were a legend but were never the 'true punks' they WERE BILLBOARDS. it pisses me off when people compare other bands to the sex pistols like that. The sex pistols were sell-outs from the begining. i think they made quite a bit of money to support their drug habits too.

the point is, BUY THE CD. Snitches and talkers is more rock/hardcore The music or the misery surprised me by being very pop, My heart is the worst weapon is slower but unlike the version on my heart is the b-side to my tongue, has drums bass etc. The sugar remix sound like windchimes, and the Dance Dance remix is very techno and makes me want to do the robot. :-)

Desi -14-

Relation to other comments.......2006-07-31

A few points about the bad reviews sitting in here...

Master Shake shurrup you should be slapped about the room!!!

Mathew Braxmeier --- Generic Emo??? I bet you have never listened to Emo in your life man... Clueless Whiner!!! And as for a title lenght... What would you preffer? Something short n catchy for you like 'Wannabe' By the Spicegirls??? Did you buy the album or just search for sum bands you probably knew you wouldnt like so that u could moan about em???

And as for Jane Doe --- HHHMMMM there is the 'old favourite' Nirvana... WOW that would be amazing for sumbody to not like Nirvana thesedays... Granted they did write a few good songs... Heck even spawned Foo Fighters after the death but jesus samuel christ!!! Ive yet to meet sumbody thats not in love with them...

And before you sit there and say... Aw i bet he hasnt heard anything other than smells like teen spirit and come as you are... Wrong! I have every album... I just choose not to listen to them to fall under the typical Category of Anotherone who goes with the crowd...

As for Black Flag, Sex Pistols and The misfits... Wow a little bit of taste from someone who has yet to have a little bit of variation in her taste!!! Move with the times Jane... All great bands in their time just as Fall Out is a brilliant band of this time!!!

Every song just as catchy as the next with this album... Yet to hear how they can sound the same as AFI, Greenday or Panic!

Anyone who wants to whine send them my way... Im sure Jane will i noticed the only 2 reviews were complete and utter moans...

Buy this album... It is sheer genius!!!

At the same time check out these bands guys...

- Hoobastank (New album out)
- Jimmy Eat World
- Stiff Little Fingers (Amazing Punk band from late 70's still going at the moment and touring soon)
- Flogging Molly (Irish Punk)
- Three Days Grace
- American Hi-Fi (New Album)
- Yellowcard (Amazin Band)
- Papa Roach (Still Going Strong)
- Panic! At The Disco
- 3 Doors Down

Another band that sounds the same as all the others (sucks).......2006-07-24

well the band sounds like a yellow card,simple plan,panic at the disco,all american rejects etc. ALL of the bands have the same sound and music that a person from 10-17 would buy. And you proboly saw the video before hearing the song on the radio. If your older 18 and up. you need to get in to some GOOD music. Try the ramones, the offspring, sex pistols or even green day.

Average customer rating: Only half the songs of the original set!! Its all Christmas A Good Basic Collection cd reviews Poor Quality

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories Ultimate Christmas A Christmas Festival Now That's What I Call Christmas! Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection ASIN: B00005NOZH Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
3. Jingle Bells - Ella Fitzgerald
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Andy Williams
5. Carol Of The Bells/Deck The Halls - The Robert Shaw Chorale
6. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte
7. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
8. My Favorite Things - Eddie Fisher
9. Joy To The World - Julie Andrews
10. Here We Come A-Caroling - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
11. March Of The Toys - The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
12. O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

1. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
2. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
3. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker
4. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
6. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley
7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
8. Sleigh Ride - Johnny Mathis
9. Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
10. Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis
11. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
12. Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

Although I love the CDs, I was disappointed that there were only about half of the songs I thought there would be. I bought the original double cassette set back in the early 90's and when I found the CDs with the same name and cover, I thought I was getting the same thing only on CD. But the Cassettes had twice as many songs, including Let it Snow,Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas,The First Noel, Jingle Bells by Jim Reeves, The Christmas song by the Carpenters and so many others!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

It reminded me of Christmas as a child. I played this all throughout the holidays.

A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music. As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.

My only complaints are that there are only 24 songs on two disks and one or two of them are not ones that I would have picked (not my style).

Overall, it's a good set that I would recommend to anyone who wants to start a collection.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.

Average customer rating: First Christmas Album I bought for myself wonderful Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO! Wonderful and funny compilation A historical meeting...

The Three Tenors Christmas Pavarotti , Domingo , and Carreras Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Three Tenors Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994 O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca) #1 Christmas Album ASIN: B00004YB9Y Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

1. Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
2. Adeste Fideles
3. Ave Maria, Dolce Maria
4. Wiegenlied
5. Oh Tannenbaum
6. Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
7. Amazing Grace
8. White Christmas
9. Dormi O Bambino
10. Silent Night
11. Pregarla (El Can de L'Anima a La Verge)
12. Susani
13. Happy Christmas/War is Over
14. Wiegenlied
15. Carol of the Drum (The Little Drummer Boy)
16. La Virgen Lava Paqales
17. I'll Be Home for Christmas
18. Sleigh Ride
19. Winter Wonderland
20. Un Nuevo Siglo
21. Feliz Navidad

Amazon.com

Resplendent in voice and manner, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti deliver 21 songs of traditional sacred music and secular numbers in a remarkable 1999 live recording from the opulent Viennese concert hall (Konzerthaus), with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and a renowned choir. The Three Tenors are practically as famous as the faces of Mount Rushmore and inspire perhaps even more awe and adulation around the world than the four presidents. The performances--whether alone, in tandem, or simply as the threesome that has made them collectively famous--are generally impeccable for their passion, nuance, and sheer tour de force vocal artistry. Reaching often into the classical realm for such works as the traditional German carol "Susani," Strauss's and Brahms's "Wiegenlied," plus traditional Polish and Spanish pieces, the trio also visits Pavarotti's "Ave Maria, dolce Maria" (cowritten with Vittoriano Benvenuti), and "Un nuevo siglo," written by Domingo's son. Only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas/War Is Over" doesn't quite work in this grand setting. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself.......2007-01-16

Album is great. For any other holiday music, just listen to your local radio station that plays it during December.

wonderful.......2007-01-15

they are wonderful singers a delight to the ears and doing Christmas music made Christ mas even better

Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!.......2005-08-23

First, let me state I don't listen to opera singers that much; thus, don't expect a hypercritical review here. (Really, is there ANY field of music that has more hypercritics than opera?) I got this CD simply because Columbia House had it on sale for $2.99, and I wanted some new Christmas CDs.

I found the CD delightful beyond words. It has some beautiful versions of well-known Christmas songs, as well as songs I've never heard before. "Carol of the Drum" and "War Is Over" are my two favorites, with "Sleigh Ride" a close third.

Sure, there is some tripping over of words by these three great opera stars...but that makes it even more enhancing in my opinion. Pavarotti was particularly amusing when he was singing: "And all our friends are calling 'HOO-HOO'!" (Watch the DVD for Carreras' reaction to that one!) And let's not forget Pavarotti singing: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can PLAY on me."

The children's chorus is great, the Vienna Symphony is great...and, once again, buy or rent the DVD so you can get the full affect of this astounding Christmas concert...the music, the lights, the colors, and the marvelous Steven Mercurio conducting it all.

Wonderful and funny compilation.......2005-03-09

The Three Tenors are, of course, wonderful to listen to. This is also a funny CD. When they sing the more modern songs (Happy Christmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, for example) they have trouble keeping up with the pace of the song. They almost sound like they're tripping over the syllables, because as opera singers they are more accustomed to long, drawn out vowels, not fast ones. This doesn't hurt the song at all, it makes it more interesting to listen to. It's a great CD. I would recommend this as an addition to any collection of Christmas music.

A historical meeting..........2004-11-28

Although several labels already had Christmas albums of the three tenors in their catalogue, the three maestros never actually trioed on these releases. When Plácido Domingo and the "Christmas in Vienna" team started preparing the eighth concert in the series (six predecessors were captured by Sony, and one, titled "Celebration of Christmas" issued by Erato-Warner), they made a monumental decision: Re-uniting three of the greatest voices of the current music business.
For one and a half hour, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti performed the greatest Christmas songs and carols from around the world. Nearly 65 minutes of this monumental concert are captured on this disk. The opening version of "O Holy Night" (aka "Cantique De Noel", "Minuit, Chrétien") by Domingo and Pavarotti would be reason enough to get this one. But wait, there is far more on the way, than selections from the classical genre. The real enjoyment starts, when the three tenors do one of the most romantic arrangements of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" ever heard and fade from a rousing "La Virgen Lava Pa`nales" into one of the finest treatments of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ever heard. Also of great interest is the trio arrangement of "Let It Snow!", which is included on some of the import versions and on the DVD.
If you are a hopeless completist like me, you may be asking, what happened to the 25 minutes cut from the CD release. Well, first let me say, that none of the currently available releases has the order of the songs as they were performed in the concert. Although this is a live recording, handclaps and other characteristics of a live recording are hardly audible on the CD version. Two tracks, "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow", which had clearly audible handclaps at the beginning and at the end of the performance (and therefore couldn't be faded out) can be found on the mentioned import disk and on the DVD's PCM soundtrack. "Children of Christmas" (a Plácido Domingo Jr. composition originally introduced in "Christmas In Vienna IV" by Plácido Domingo and Michael Bolton) and "Ay" Para Navidad" can be found exclusively on the DVD. Currently unavailable on any official release is the "Overture" (which can be found on the DVD, but abridged with sound effects). So here's the actual running order: "Overture", 20, 2, 1, 11, 3, 4, "Children of Christmas", 16, 17, 6, 15, 8, "Let it snow", 5, "Ay! Para Navidad", 9, 19, 14, 18, 12, 13, "Jingle Bells", 7, 21, 10;
If you still doubt about the quality of this performance, let me say one for sure: As other volumes in the series will slowly disappear (as some of them have already in the US), this one is a matter of decades and when you buy this one, you will have joyful Christmas hours for many, many Christmases to come.

Average customer rating: My Favourite Christmas CD! Galway Christmas Quality, Choral, Christmas Gorgeous!

Christmas Carol Manufacturer: RCA 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 Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Galway, James | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | 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 Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rutter, John | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Galway, James | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: James Galway - Dances for Flute James Galway - Greatest Hits James Galway ~ Meditations The Very Best of James Galway James Galway & The Chieftains in Ireland ASIN: B000003FAC Release Date: 1992-10-16

Tracks:

1. Silent Night
2. Shephard's Pipe Carol
3. Air from Suite #3 in D
4. Fantasia on 'I Saw Three Ships'
5. Greensleeves
6. Zither Carol
7. The Holy Boy
8. Patapan
9. Past Three O'clock
10. Sinfonia from the Christmas Oratorio
11. Ave Maria
12. Chorale from the Christmas Oratorio
13. I Wonder as I Wander
14. Sheep May Safely Graze
15. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
16. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

My Favourite Christmas CD!.......2006-11-21

This is a great collection of Christmas songs. Although you might not be familiar with several of them, once you hear them you will love them. A perfect recording to play while decorating, or just enjoying the Christmas Tree! Wonderful!

Galway Christmas.......2004-04-14

If you could own one & only one Christmas CD,this would be it!Classic music taking you back to childhood memories.No modern re-worked garbage that keeps coming out these days.Wow,I am really starting to sound old! :)

Quality, Choral, Christmas.......2001-12-08

You don't need to be a flute-lover to enjoy this disc. This is a wonderful compilation of traditional Christmas pieces. Galway plays a few solos, accompanies a few choral pieces, and the choir sings a few pieces on their own as well. Inobtrusive as background music, but still beautiful under scrutiny, this is hands-down my favorite Christmas CD.

Gorgeous!.......1999-11-25

I enjoy the combination of flute and choir, and this collection is extraordinary. Galway's sound is superb and the arrangements well done. There was a good blend of classic Christmas music, and classical favorites. I recommend it to my flute students highly.

Average customer rating: excellent entertainment The Christmas I Love A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun Wonderful; marvellous ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

The Christmas I Love Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Tuscany At The Movies The Homecoming The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart Romantic Moments ASIN: B0000041OB Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

1. O Daughter Of Zion
2. White Christmas
3. Sleigh Ride
4. From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
5. Ave Maria
6. Transeamus
7. Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
8. Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
9. Jingle Bells
10. Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
11. Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
12. Christmas Rose
13. The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
14. O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
15. Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
16. Dearest Believe Me
17. Come Little Children
18. The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
19. The Holy City
20. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.

Average customer rating: Nanna /Christmas A Christmas Trip Around The World A truly international album from a classy singer

Christmas Album Nana Mouskouri Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ramirez, Ariel | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: At Her Very Best Christmas with Nana Mouskouri Ode To Joy Only Love: The Best of Nana Falling in Love Again: Great Songs from the Movies ASIN: B00004Z4YF Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

1. Deck The Hall (With Boughs Of Holly)
2. Kalin Imeran
3. Minuit Chretien
4. Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
5. Sanctus
6. O Come All Ye Faithful
7. Petit Garcon
8. Ich Steh' An Deiner Krippe Hier
9. Ave Maria (Schubert)
10. Mille Cherubini In Coro
11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
12. O Du Frohliche
13. White Christmas
14. Panis Angelicus
15. Berceuse
16. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
17. Guten Abend Gut Nacht
18. L'enfant Au Tambour
19. O Freudenreicher Tag
20. All Through The Night
21. Ave Maria (Gounod)
22. O Tannenbaum
23. Lullaby
24. Kyrie

Album Description

2000 holiday album from the best selling female artist of all time worldwide. 24 Christmas classics. Mercury. 2000.

Customer Reviews:

Nanna /Christmas.......2007-01-10

I have always enjoyed the voice of Nanna Mouskouri for many years. She has a voice of a nightingale. This cd is full of beautiful international Christmas music. If you enjoy music in multi languages then you totally agree with my rating of this cd...

A Christmas Trip Around The World.......2004-12-01

When it comes to singing in many languages, Nana Mouskouri is among the best. This album covers beautiful carols in French, English, Greek, German, Italian, and Latin. Her clear voice and perfect diction give a wonderful glimpse into the traditional Christmas songs of many lands. I especially enjoyed hearing "Kalin Iméran" - it's not easy to find Greek carols and this one is excellent.

A truly international album from a classy singer.......2003-11-16

Nana is a huge star in mainland Europe with a string of hit singles in several countries. She only had one big hit in Britain but her albums have always enjoyed healthy UK sales. I don't know the extent of her following in America but this Christmas album was finally given an American release in 2003 to coincide with a tour. Nana sings in several different languages and you can hear some of them on this collection, including English, French, German and Greek.

The only songs here that Nana sings in English are Deck the halls, O come all ye faithful, Hark the herald angels sing, White Christmas, God rest ye merry gentlemen, All through the night and Lullaby.

Five songs are taken from an album of German Christmas songs, including Stille nacht heilage nacht (Silent night), and O tannenbaum (O Christmas tree).

Nana sings Minuet Chretien (O holy night) and L'enfant au tambour (Little drummer boy) both in French. Ave Maria is here as well but I haven't worked out in which language. I recognize some other songs here from the tune, but there are plenty of high quality songs that I don't recognize at all (or only recognize from other foreign language recordings).

I have the French edition of this album, which has the title Les plus beaux Noels du monde, but the track listing and front cover artwork is the same as the American edition.

Frankly, it doesn't matter what language Nana sings in - if you enjoy any of her music, you'll love this album.

Average customer rating: Incredible Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!

Sing, Choirs of Angels! Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas It's Christmas Love Is Spoken Here America's Choir ASIN: B0002ABTGC Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. I Saw Three Ships
2. Away in a Manger
3. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
4. Still, Still, Still
5. Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
6. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
7. O, Green and Shimmering Tree, Good Day!
8. What Sweeter Music
9. Angels' Carol
10. Fum, Fum, Fum!
11. Candlelight Carol
12. Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
13. Silent Night
14. Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-09-22

I have about 40 Christmas CDs, and this one is in my top 2 or 3 favorites. The orchestra compliments the choir so beautifully and the offerings here are varied and interesting. 5 stars!

Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!.......2004-09-20

This brand-new recording of Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir is marvellous. Recorded on their own "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, this is the choir's first recording of seasonal music, and it surpasses any previous holiday release that the choir has made.

Using the music of both John Rutter and the arrangements of Mack Wilberg, "Sing Choirs of Angels" enjoys a wonderful flow from track to track: from the propulsive "Fum, Fum, Fum" to the sublimely meditative "What Sweeter Music"; from the majestic "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" to a brand new music and lyric setting of the gentle "Still, Still, Still" there is something here for everyone. Listening to this recording brings a warm holiday spirit into my heart and home.

Recorded in the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and using the versatile Orchestra at Temple Square, the choir and orchestra sound luminous and warm; these new recordings truly are miles above anything the Choir has done before - the polish and feeling that they bring to these new recordings are stunning.

The booklet that accompanies the CD is beautiful as well, with full color photographs of traditional Christmas symbols, full lyrics, track by track commentary, and a glossary of what each Christmas symbol means. This is a quality gift to give to friends and neighbors to help usher in the Christmas season. Unreservedly recommended.

Average customer rating: The Christmas Album: Vienna Boy Choir THE BEST VIENNA BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!

The Christmas Album: Vienna Boys Choir Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Boys Choir | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas With the Vienna Boys Choir The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir (Box Set) Christmas with the Vienna Boys Choir Little Drummer Boy: Christmas Favorites by the World Renowed Vienna Boys's Choir Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir ASIN: B0000VJFPU Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

1. Sleigh Ride / Troika
2. Mary's Boy Child
3. Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)
6. Jingle Bells
7. Jingle Bell Rock
8. Ukraine Bell Carol
9. Wexford Carol
10. Suo-Gan
11. O Holy Night
12. White Christmas
13. Winter Wonderland
14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
15. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
16. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
17. Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth
18. Wonderful Christmas Time
19. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
20. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
21. Coventry Carol
22. Away In A Manger / Stille Nacht

Customer Reviews:

The Christmas Album: Vienna Boy Choir.......2007-01-10

When in Vienna we attending a Boy Choir concert.

Gave an album to each set of grandchildren. They loved it.

Harold KLlbertanz

THE BEST VIENNA BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!.......2005-06-01

This wonderful collection of Christmas music is especially good! Many pieces are very well known standards, and have been rewritten in ways that keep the music fresh, interesting and new! Every holiday season (and even throughout the year) this CD is played by our family quite a bit! [I may be a little biased, since my 12 year old son from Cincinnati, OH is one of the boys singing in most of the songs!] It is awesome!!

Average customer rating: Celtic Meets Classical Excellent Celtic Cd Just lovely! Amazing The best harpestry CD!

Celtic Harpestry: A Contemporary Celtic Collection Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Harpestry: A Contemporary Collection Faces Of The Harp: Celtic & Contemporary The Celtic Harp: A Tribute to Edward Bunting with the Belfast Harp Orchestra The Mystic Harp The Water Is Wide ASIN: B00000DLV8 Release Date: 1998-11-03

Tracks:

1. Bright New Morning - Belfast Harp Orchestra
2. The Humours Of Ballyloughlin - Maire Ni Chathasaigh
3. The Golden String Hornpipe - Rudiger Oppermann
4. A Walk On Belfast - Belfast Harp Orchestra
5. Star Of The County Down - Deborah Henson-Conant
6. The Old Woman's Dance - Sileas
7. My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From Titanic) - Belfast Harp Orchestra
8. The Chestnut Tree Medley - Maire Ni Chathasaigh
9. The Butterfly - Rudiger Oppermann
10. Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy) - Deborah Henson-Conant
11. Seallaibh Curaidh Eoghain - Sileas
12. Breton Medley - Cheryl Ann Fulton
13. Brian Boru's Set - Belfast Harp Orchestra
14. Robert Jordan - Maire Ni Chathasaigh
15. The Minstrel Boy - Deborah Henson-Conant
16. May Song - Rudiger Oppermann
17. Earth, Water, Wind And Fire - Belfast Harp Orchestra

Amazon.com

The pristine tones and lilting melodies of the Celtic harp are immediately inviting. Celtic Harpestry, a companion to a PBS performance special, explores a sound both traditional and modern in a tasteful and evocative collection. This isn't a purist's album--half of the harpists aren't even from the Celtic isles, and among the album's old Irish chestnuts is "My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic. The otherwise-joyful Belfast Harp Orchestra tromp through the James Horner tune, almost pulling some subtlety out of its overwrought themes. Turlough O'Carolan, the blind patron saint of the Celtic harp, might wish he were deaf as well, if he could hear it. But the bard would be thrilled to hear the 12-piece BHO playing the traditional "Brian Boru's Set" or one of founder Janet Harbison's zephyrlike originals. Her "Earth, Water, Wind and Fire" elicits shifting textures and colors that belie their traditional roots. The song also exemplifies the ethereal side of the Celtic harp explored on Celtic Harpestry with artists like Rüdiger Oppermann. Playing a wire-strung harp accompanied by bass and keyboards, the German harpist soars through crystalline melodies whether he's playing traditional tunes or originals. The most traditional sound actually comes from the American players. Cheryl Ann Fulton gives a straight-up rendition of "Breton Medley," and jazz harpist Deborah Henson-Conant is refreshingly restrained, faithfully rendering "Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy)" and "The Minstrel Boy." Although Celtic Harpestry focuses on slow airs, there are robust performances here, including those by Máire Ni Chathasaigh's group and the harp and vocal duo of Sileas. Outside of the Titanic love theme, Celtic Harpestry is an elegantly wrought collection. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Celtic Meets Classical.......2007-07-12

Hard rock it ain't. Celtic Harpestry: A Contemporary Celtic Collection may cite "contemporary" in its title, but the style is classic. Rich harmonies and intricate musical textures rise to a crescendo in "Earth, Water, Wind And Fire," the final cut, performed by the Belfast Harp Orchestra.

This collection overlaps several genres. Celtic, classical and New Age meet in what may be the instrument most associated with classical melodies.

If you are a fan of Rap or Hip Hop, keep looking. If you want a hoedown, this is not going to be your cuppa joe. But if you are looking for something elegant - background music for a business or important meeting, for example - this is a wonderful, understated choice.

Excellent Celtic Cd.......2006-12-30

A sibling to "Harpestry," this is a wonderful cd. I am a harper and head up a Celtic Harp Choir at my church (I'm a fulltime church music director), and I have used this cd as a model for my musicians. It's very pleasant to listen to, and you definitely get a good feel for the Celtic style. I highly recommend this!

Just lovely!.......2003-05-25

This uplifting compilation CD from Imaginary Road Records, actually the soundtrack to the public television special "Celtic Harpestry at Lismore Castle, Ireland", is simply beautiful. Especially wonderful are the five numbers by the Belfast Harp Orchestra, an ensemble of 12 harpists who demonstrate remarkable intonation and stunning coordination as they play together on instruments that are difficult enough just to play alone. What a great concept, and what great musicianship! Also featured are individual performers such as Maire Ni Chathasaigh on Irish harp, Rudiger Oppermann on wire-strung harp, Cheryl Ann Fulton on a contemporary lever harp, the harp and song duo Sileas, and Deborah Henson-Conant on a "Camac `Baby Blue' Celtic electroharp". Other instruments, including Uilleann pipes and whistle, violin, viola and concertina, occasionally join in, but the focus is on the harp itself. In all its many forms and combinations, the harpestry on this recording remains soothingly delicate in timbre while at the same time scintillating in technique--in short, a pure delight. If you enjoy "Celtic Harpesty", you're sure to like it's companion release, "Harpestry: A Contemporary Collection", featuring more of a worldwide assortment of harpers. Another great harp compilation CD is "Faces of the Harp" from Narada.

Amazing.......2001-08-30

I always had a desire to learn to play the Celtic harp...and the PBS special and especially this CD made that desire boil over. Don't buy another harp CD before you've listened to this one!
No matter how many times I have listened to this recording, I ALWAYS break into a smile when the Belfast Harp Orchestra begins to play. Nothing prepares you for that 12-harp sound!
Order this CD with overnight shipping!!!

The best harpestry CD!.......2001-07-23

One day in a music shop, my hand knocked three CDs off of a rack. The first CD, though the case was cracked, caught my eye. I bought it five minutes later. In this sweetly harmonized collection, nearly all the songs are wonderful. I would have bought the CD for only My Heart Will Go On-the song is a skillful take of the Titanic (movie) theme, and it seems almost to have a voice of its own. This is a must-have for any harp music lover!

Album Review:

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2. The Message at the Depth [Enhanced]
3. The Stars Are Real
4. Tre
5. Trust It [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Tunnel Trance Force, Vol. 32 [Import]
7. Unkle Sounds Wwiii [Import]
8. Verliebt [Import]
9. What a Feeling [CD-single] [Import]
10. World Power [Extra tracks]

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Stradella : Motets / Piau, Lesne, Il Seminario musicale

The Best of the Jordanaires

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Reencontro: Serie Elenco [Import]

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