Monologue

Product Description
Monologue is the hot new album from Cor Fijneman and is the result of over ten years of hard work. While Cor Fijneman’s DJ career started at the same club that Tiësto started, at Spock in Breda, The Netherlands, he has grown as a producer and developed from co-producer of tracks like ‘Theme From Norefjell’ and ‘Sparkles’ (both with Tiësto) to producer of tracks like ‘Mohave’ as Threesome with Dawnseekers, ‘No More Tears’ as Allure and his own tracks ‘Venus’ and ‘Exhibition’ & ‘Healing’ both of which are featured on Monologue, though in new 2005 remixes.

2002 saw the release of Cor’s mix compilation Outstanding and at the end of 2004, Black Hole Recordings decided to give him his own label of the same name for his own more experimental and harder tracks. This resulted in the release of major hits like Silence The Sneak’s ‘Hot Wired’, the Miller & Fijneman tune ‘San Andreas’ and recently ‘Electric’ by the Spanish producer DJ Ray.

Cor Fijneman’s powerful sound and style has reached all over the world and he has played for crowds in Holland, Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Colombia, Greece, Brasil, Hong Kong, Eastern Europe, United Kingdom, United States and Scandinavia from clubs to parades to festivals, imprinting Cor in clubbers minds as one of the new breed of leading global trance DJ’s.

The album ‘Monologue’ will also include an exclusive bonus mix CD featuring tracks of Cor Fijneman’s own label Outstanding.

Monologue,DJ Cor Fijneman,Black Hole,Dance Music,Netherlands,Pop,Progressive Trance,Techno,Trance

Average customer rating: Best recommendation in recent memory! Awesome! fantastic album I like it Sondre Lerche in concert

Two Way Monologue Sondre Lerche Manufacturer: Astralwerks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Faces Down Duper Sessions Phantom Punch Don't Be Shallow Riot on an Empty Street ASIN: B0001DMUBS Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. Love You
2. Track You Down
3. On The Tower
4. Two Way Monologue
5. Days That Are Over
6. Wet Ground
7. Counter Spark
8. It's Over
9. Stupid Memory
10. It's Too Late
11. It's Our Job
12. Maybe You're Gone

Album Description

The follow up to the critically-acclaimed 'Faces Down', Sondre Lerche's second album is a tour-de-force of soaring pop melodies and rich technicolor arrangements. The 21-year old Bergen, Norway native recalls artists like Jeff Buckley, Elvis Costello, Beck, Brian Wilson, Rufus Wainwright, Burt Bacharach and Cole Porter. From the fragile acoustics of `It's Too Late' to the symphonic variations of the title track, from the no depression lilt of `Stupid Memory' to the uplifting pop of `On The Tower', this is an album of breath-taking diversity and imagination.

Customer Reviews:

Best recommendation in recent memory!.......2006-04-14

My genius sister turned me on to this genius of sound and I can't stop listening. I feel like dancing through the entire disc. Pure enjoyment on every track. Especially love "On the Tower", "Days that Are Over", "Counter Spark", "It's Too Late", "Stupid Memory" and the beautiful "Maybe Your Gone."

Awesome!.......2006-03-05

Sondre Lerche's "Two Way Monologue" is a CD that is definitely worth a listen. It has everything I look for in a CD-- it's both calm and fast-paced, the lyrics and vocals are lovely, and the guy is one of the most adorable things I've laid eyes on lately. Give this a listen!

fantastic album.......2005-12-10

I happened upon Sondre Lerche via a friend. She recommended it to me knowing my taste in music. The lyrics are soulful and well thought out. He's wonderfully mellow in his songs yet evokes real emotion from the listener. It's a fantastic album.

I like it.......2005-09-28

I listen to a lot of music and I like this CD. I don't like most CD's I listen to. It's not amazing, but track two was one of those songs that I liked in the first few seconds (which is rare). It's worth buying.

Sondre Lerche in concert.......2005-04-13

I saw Sondre in concert last year, because my friend said he was excellent to see LIVE.
His performance blows the CD away, so if you like the CD you will LOVE him in concert! This man's talent is truely amazing!

www.sondrelerche.com

Average customer rating: Magic of love Filled with musical gems TOO LONG !!!!!!!!!!! GERSHWIN'S TALENT Ga Ga for Gershwin

An American in Paris (1951 Film Soundtrack) George Gershwin , Gene Kelly , and Oscar Levant Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Singin' in the Rain (1952 Film Soundtrack) (Deluxe Edition) Singin' in the Rain (1952 Film Soundtrack) Gene Kelly At Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 'S Wonderful - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology Easter Parade: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack M-G-M's Brigadoon: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1954 Film) ASIN: B0000033JE Release Date: 1996-07-16

Tracks:

1. Main Title (An American In Paris/'S Wonderful/I Got Rhythm) - MGM Studio Orchestra
2. Paris Narration/Left Bank (Themes From An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
3. Nice Work If You Can Get It (Outtake) - Georges Guetary
4. Embraceable You - MGM Studio Orchestra
5. By Strauss - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary, Mac MacLain, Grace Stark, Pete Roberts
6. Street Exhibit - MGM Studio Orchestra
7. I Got Rhythm - Gene Kelly, MGM Children's Chorus
8. But Not For Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
9. Medley: Do, Do, Do/Bidiin' My Time/I've Got A Crush On You/Love Is Here To Stay - MGM Orchestra
10. Someone To Watch Over Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
11. Medley: My Cousin In Milwaukee/A Foggy Day/The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues/But Not For Me (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
12. Tra-La-La - Gene Kelly, Oscar Levant
13. I'm No Enemy (Love Is Here To Stay) (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
14. Love Is Here To Stay - Gene Kelly
15. Medley: What Time Is It?/Love Is Here To Stay (Reprise) - MGM Studio Orchestra, Gene Kelly
16. (I'll Build A) Stairway To Paradise - Georges Guetary
17. I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
18. Love Walked In (Outtake) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
19. Medley: We Would Get Married (Love Walked In) (Outtake)/I Don't Think I'll Fall In Love Today... - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra
20. Concerto In F (3rd Movement) - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Painting Montage (Tra-La-La/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
2. Kiss Me (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
3. 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary
4. Lise, I Love You ('S Wonderful/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
5. Strike Up The Band (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
6. Liza (Complete Version) - Oscar Levant
7. Medley: Oh, Lady Be Good/'S Wonderful - MGM Studio Orchestra
8. Medley: That Certain Feeling/Clap Yo' Hands - MGM Studio Orchestra
9. I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
10. I Got Rhythm (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
11. Tra-La-La (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
12. But Not For Me - Georges Guetary
13. Utrillo Did It (Love Is Here To Stay/An American In Paris/Nice Work If You Can Get It) - MGM Studio Orchestra
14. An American In Paris Ballet (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
15. Finale (An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
16. Painting Montage (An American In Paris) (Deleted Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
17. Main Title: An American In Paris (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
18. Adam Cook Monologue (How Long Has This Been Going On?) (Extended Version) - Oscar Levant
19. Nice Work If You Can Get It (Partial As Used In Film) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
20. Third Prelude (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
21. My Cousin In Milwaukee (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
22. A Foggy Day (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
23. The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
24. But Not For Me - Oscar Levant
25. Bidin' My Time (Outtake) - Oscar Levant, Saul Chaplin
26. 'S Wonderful (Reprise) (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
27. Finale (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a considerably expanded version of the soundtrack album to Vincente Minnelli's Oscar-winning film. With two discs and 100 minutes of music (much of which is presented for the first time), these original session masters are highlighted by the MGM Studio Orchestra, Oscar Levant, Benny Carter, and Gene Kelly, all of whom perform such memorable Gershwin tunes as "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Love Is Here to Stay," and "S'Wonderful." Just about all of the material has a monotonously mono sound, but Levant's version of "Concerto in F" is included here for the first time in true stereo. Along with several Levant improvisational piano solos based on Gershwin's music, there are also some outtakes as well as extensive production and historical notes. --Joseph Lanza

Customer Reviews:

Magic of love.......2007-03-10

Nothing but Gene and George: the hard work and the happiness in music, conducting by the magician Vince.
Noone is better, noone could do better.
American masterpiece with european feelings.

Filled with musical gems.......2004-02-17

This comprehensive edition is a must have for fans of the movie and of the Gershwins. The outtakes, contrary to the first review above, are excellent. Gene Kelly offers a wonderful vocal of "I've Got a Crush on You" and his short riff on "'S Wonderful" is almost like an acoustic version, much different than the over-the-top duet in the movie. And the Oscar Levant piano pieces are as close to George sitting down at the keys as we're going to get.

TOO LONG !!!!!!!!!!!.......2002-06-17

I would not suggest buying this version of this sondtrack!!! The underscores and the extra tracks that are not featured in the film are not neccesary. Rhino records puts the extras out to jack up the price of the CD (making one LP into 2 CDs).
I would buy the ORIGINAL CAST SOUNDTRACK released by MGM records. You will enjoy this version ever so much more without all the extras!!!

GERSHWIN'S TALENT.......2001-08-12

Many agree that the talented George Gershwin is a fabulous pianist, and alongside Ira, he helped to create some of the most beloved music ever. After viewing the movie that was filled with song and dance, I was pleased to discover that the soundtrack was readily available. The plot of An American in Paris mainly focuses on the lives of three friends and their dreams in addition to the romance that they encounter in the most popular European city. Gene Kelley is a struggling artist who soon falls in love, and the many songs in this cd express his emotions. Who wouldn't want to dance to Gershwin's spectacular tunes such as "Embraceable You?" These original songs included in this two cd set are well worth the price. Furthermore, "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" is a true favorite with unique lyrics. Don't miss out on this must have cd collection.

Ga Ga for Gershwin.......2000-12-13

Nearly every popular Gershwin tune is represented here, either as an instrumental, a vocal, or a production number. I am not a big fan of the film, but the soundtrack is fabulous. There are some stereo tracks here, too. Yet another triumph in the Turner/Rhino soundtrack collection of MGM films.As a sidenote I would like to thank Rhino for their extremely co-operative staff. When I bought this CD I opened up the very extensive booklet and was disappointed to find that due to an error on the assembly line I had received an insert that had some pages repeated and others deleted. I contacted Rhino and they sent me a new booklet which arrived within a week! That's what I call excellent customer service. The really neat thing is the fact that I have both booklets. The flubbed copy is sort of a collector's item to me.

Average customer rating: An uplifting experience One of the best, and latest, of the Robeson recordings... Paul Robeson Live New version available in UK Question

Paul Robeson Live at Carnegie Hall Manufacturer: Vanguard Records 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 Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | 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 Robeson, Paul | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ballad for Americans Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital Ol' Man River: His 25 Greatest Spirituals Paul Robeson - Here I Stand ASIN: B000000EFU Release Date: 1990-05-24

Tracks:

1. Every Time I Feel The Spirit
2. Balm in Gilead
3. Volga Boat Song
4. Monologue From 'Othello'
5. O Thou Silent Night
6. Chinese Children's Song
7. My Curly Headed Baby
8. Old Man River
9. Going Home
10. Monologue From 'Boris Godunov'
11. The Orphan
12. Christ Lag In Todesbanden
13. Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel
14. Lullaby
15. O No John
16. Joe HIll
17. Jacob's Ladder
18. Chassidic Chant
19. Freedom
20. O Grieve You Now My Mother
21. This Is The Hammer
22. All Men Are Brothers

Customer Reviews:

An uplifting experience.......2006-12-05

If one takes into account the time at which this recording was made, and the surrounding events affecting his life, one can truly appreciate the significance of this album. Experiencing oppression not only from the U.S. but later the Canadian government to travel abroad, Robeson was impeded, but not prevented from singing in the name of peace, human rights, and the rights of the common worker. Victory was at hand when on May, 9 1958, the date of this recording, Paul Robeson announced that his passport battle had been won. This is the recording of a triumphant gentleman, a loving, ecstatic audience, and very importantly, a talented and very attuned pianist (Alan Booth). With this in mind one can more greatly appreciate how special this concert was. The magic of this recording trancends Robeson's impeccable singing. It is the concert as a whole that makes it so spectacular. Listen to 'Joe Hill', think of Robeson's battle, and hear why it is so powerful. Or listen to 'O No John', Alan Booth pounding the keys on the last notes, and the audience's response. Every person in Carnegie Hall was riveted. Well worth the price, and an uplifting experience.

One of the best, and latest, of the Robeson recordings..........2006-10-17

This concert came along in 1958, when Paul's passport was restored and he was allowed to travel and make a living again, after several years of being on the Communist blacklist. His joy at performing once more for his traditional audience comes through in every track. That same year, he did a concert at his brother's church in Harlem, and when Columbia Records issued that one, it had another winner. Not long after those shows, Paul went overseas for five years, suffering a health crisis that brought him back to America in 1963, broken down and unable to perform consistently. He spent his last decade or so of life on the sidelines, living quietly with his sister in Philadelphia. This concert, then, along with the one at Mother Zion Church, is one of the final triumphs of one of the most interesting American lives. We know now that Paul's stubborn support of the Soviet Union in the Stalin era was a tragic flaw in his character, but he had magnificent gifts of voice and of acting presence, and had he come to the attention of audiences in 1957 instead of 1927, he would likely have earned millions as a singer and actor, and his political and social radical activism would have been a much smaller impediment to his career. If you already own some Robeson recordings, add this one because it represents him at the beginning of what was then "old age." If you own none, this concluding album is actually a fine starting point, because his earlier work suffers a bit from the primitive recording technology of the '30's and '40's.

Paul Robeson Live.......2006-07-11

Of course his baritone is fabulous. His rendition of Joe Hill is unforgettable - this was a song he sang for the builders' labourers on the site of the Sydney Opera House in around 1969 -also Old Man River, which he made his own. He should have sung this in the film of the musical Showboat but he was passed over for an inferior voice by the producers because he was a member of the Communist Party. A pity. He also sings some gospel on this CD, I'm not mad about religious songs but if you like them then you'll love this.

New version available in UK.......2006-02-18

This version is now redundant as Vanguard has released a version in 2005 with the original album cover for the first time and with new sleeve notes. The sound is also better. I purchased it from amazon.co.uk.

Question.......2005-09-29

I would like to buy Paul Robeson CD with "Old Man River" and "Kevin Barry (Irish)"

Average customer rating: A Wonderful Voice From The Past Chaliapin - Prima Voce

Prima Voce: Chaliapin Manufacturer: Nimbus Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ibert, Jacques | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | 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 Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Chaliapin, Feodor | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Feodor Chaliapin Sings Russian Music, Vol. 2 Chaliapin: A Vocal Portrait The Very Best of Boris Christoff Cesare Siepi: Classic Recitals - Operatic Arias for Bass Galli-Curci: Prima Voce ASIN: B0000037JO Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

1. Boris Godounov, Pimens Narration
2. The Demon, Do Not Weep, Child
3. Mashenka
4. Sapphische Ode
5. The Song Of The Flea
6. Oh, Could I In Song Tell My Sorrow
7. Boris Godounov, Varlaams Song
8. Don Carlos, Dormiro Sol
9. Sadko, The Varangians Merchant's Song
10. The Son Of The Volga Boatman
11. Prince Igor, Galitzky's Song
12. Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
13. Faust, Vous Qui Faites L' endormie
14. Don Giovanni, Madamina
15. A Life For The Tsar, Susanin' s Recitative & Aria
16. La Boheme, Vecchia Zimarra
17. Pilgrim's Song
18. Mefistofele, Ave Signor
19. Mefistofele, Son Spirito Che Nega
20. Don Quichotte, Death Scene

Tracks:

1. Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
2. Boris Godounov, Clock Scene
3. Boris Godounov, Farewell Prayer And Death
4. In Questa Tomba Oscura
5. Prince Igor, Khan Kontchak' s Aria
6. Folk Song, Down The Petersky
7. Aleko, Aleko's Cavatina
8. Faust, Un, Rat...Le Reau D'or
9. Nochen' ka
10. Rusalka, The Miller' s Aria
11. Persian Love Song
12. Russlan And Ludmilla, Farlaf's Rondo
13. Elegie
14. Twofold Litany
15. Chanson De La Mort De Don Quichotte
16. The Song Of The Flea

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Voice From The Past.......2006-07-27

This two-disc set gives a good overview of the great Russian Bass singer. It has a total of 36 selections, and covers the years 1911 to 1936.

With a voice of tremendous range and power, Chaliapin could also sing softly and with feeling. A very flexible instrument that comes through the old recording technology of the 78 record era. A good example of the pure physical gifts of his voice is 'Farlaf's Rondo' by Glinka. A 'patter' song, with words and syllables sung rapidly and seemingly without taking a breath. As if the performance wasn't difficult enough, Chaliapin speeds up the tempo at the ending of the rondo! It shows the breath control he had, and while the singer seems to be none of the worst for wear, I was left breathless just listening!

Two selections, Boris' Monologue from 'Boris Godounov' and 'Song of The Flea', by Mussorgsky, are represented by two different performances. This gives a good idea of the breadth of Chaliapin's art, as each performance of the same work is full of nuance and artistry. It is hard for me to pick which performance I like best. As with any great artist, each time a work is performed it is not just a repitition, but a unique recreation.

The transfers naturally have much surface noise, as all are from the 78 rpm record era. I have most of these recordings on transfers to LP's and the noise is much more apparant than on the CD transfers. With older recordings such as these, any transfers and 'cleaning up' of the sound can only go so far. If too much of the noise from the originals is 'cleaned up', the recording can lose presence. Whomever engineered the transfers to CD has hit a happy middle ground. The background noise is still there, but not so annoying as on LP, while the sound of the actual music and Chaliapin's voice seems much more alive.

What I have read about Chaliapin says that he was not only a great singer, but a great actor also. The two do not always go together, for a great voice in opera can make up for a lack of acting ability. To have both talents rolled into one is rare. Contemporary accounts of Chaliapin's operatic performances comment as much on his acting as his singing. There arevideos of his film performance in Ibert's Don Quichotte, which I want to see when I have the chance.

If you're passion is the human voice, you must hear Chaliapin. It is not possible to say he or anyone else was the best. But these recordings show he was a consummate artist, and are well worth exploring.

Recommended.

Chaliapin - Prima Voce.......2006-03-18

The recordings are old but the only way one can hear a legend!

The selections are excellent and the quality is as one would expect from this vintage recording.

I enjoy going back to hear these voices and this is the only way to understand the history

Average customer rating: One of the biggest voices of the past 50 years The Biggest Tenor Voice of the 20th century

Mario del Monaco: Historical Recordings 1950 - 60 Manufacturer: Gala ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mario del Monaco: Opera Arias Beniamino Gigli: Historical Recordings 1927 - 1951 The Very Best of Franco Corelli The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli Grandi Voci: Mario del Monaco ASIN: B000001XLU Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. 'I pagliacci': Prologo
2. 'I pagliacci': Vesti la giubba
3. 'I pagliacci': No, pagliaccio non son!
4. 'Il trovarore': Di quella pira
5. 'Il trovarore': Mal reggendo
6. 'Il trovarore': Ah, si ben mio
7. 'Macbeth': Ah, la peterna mano
8. 'Otello': Esultate
9. 'Otello': Niun mi tema
10. 'Otello': Morte di Otello
11. 'Madama Butterfly': Addio fiorito asil
12. 'Tosca': Recondita armonia
13. 'Tosca': E lucevan le stelle
14. 'Il tabarro': Hai ben raggione
15. 'Il tabarro': Folle di gelosia
16. 'Andrea Chenier': Un di all'azzuro spazio
17. 'Andrea Chenier': Si fui soldato
18. 'Andrea Chenier': Come un bel di maggio
19. 'Les troyens': Aria di Enea
20. 'Il Barbiere Di Siviglia': Largo al factotum
21. 'Die Walkure': Monologue of Siegmund

Customer Reviews:

One of the biggest voices of the past 50 years.......2007-02-19

Mario del Monaco was not the most elegant tenor; he was not a great actor. But, man, did he have a big voice! He had one of the most powerful tenor voices of the past 50 years. We're talking Richard Tucker and Franco Corelli power here (and maybe even more at that).

Some examples. He sings "Largo al factotum" from Rossini's "Il Barbiere de Siviglia." He takes it at a fast pace. This work is normally sung by a baritone, but del Monaco makes it his own anyhow. He has fun with this aria and it shows.

For tenors, "Di quella pira" is a show off aria (from Verdi's "Il Trovatore"). The high C here is a splendid place to demonstrate one's voice. Del Monaco has the big voice for this; the high notes ring out. On the other hand, with the "shake" in this work, he is pretty rough and inelegant. But elegance was not del Monaco's forte; power was. His voice on the final notes sails above the orchestra and chorus.

Verdi's "Tosca" has two showstoppers for tenors: "E lucevan le stella" and "Recondita armonia." His version of the former is powerfully sung. Again, not elegant, no great characterization--but powerfully sung. A stentorian voice deployed to good effect. His singing of the words "la vita" catches one's attention. As for the latter, more of the same. If elegance you want, do not attend to Mario del Monaco. If you are intrigued with power, then he is someone you might wish to listen to.

"Vesti la giubba" was one of Caruso's most famous pieces. This aria, from Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci," is one of the most well known works in the repertoire. Again, del Monaco's version is not graceful. His laughter works nicely; his voice is almost too much for this aria. Nonetheless, again, for those interested in the work of del Monaco, this is interesting to listen to.

All in all, a nice introduction to the work of Mario del Monaco. Personally, I find his power wondrous to listen to; on the other hand, I wish that there were a bit more elegance and subtlety. But the power of his voice is a natural wonder!

The Biggest Tenor Voice of the 20th century.......2005-08-01

Most music scholars and opera cognescentes credit the Italian from Florence Mario Del Monaco to have been blessed with the most powerful and biggest tenor voice in the 20th century. I wouldn't know about in all history, but for all I know, he could have indeed have the biggest tenor voice in history, since in the old days of opera -Baroque Era to the 19th century, purely lyric tenors with only some weight and power- like Caruso, were in vogue. When Monaco came along, he changed the course of tenor performances. He was singing in electrifying performances during the 50's- his career spanned the same time of Maria Callas' legendary performances. He even worked with Callas and Tebaldi in such operas as Norma and Andrea Chenier. Mario Del Monaco's most famous role was Verdi's Otello, still considered the greatest interpretation by any tenor of that role. This album finds him at his peak and he sings aria after aria in powerful, masculine, dynamic and beautiful voice, exemplifying the best way to sing in the Italian manner. Find out for yourself and put on this recording while listening to other tenors singing the same arias at the same time. I have tried it. Monaco's voice is far bigger and meatier than such celebrated tenors as Giuseppe Di Stefano, Franco Corelli, Jon Vickers, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavoratti. Vickers had a big voice as well but even his voice is thinner next to the hefty voice of Del Monaco. Not only that but Del Monaco was the first real "star" tenor at a time when soprano divas were always the stars. He immersed himself in the roles he sang and brought to life for post-World War II audiences.

This well-documented album showcases Mario's versatility in various Italian operas. The only non-Italian aria here is the last one, Siegfried's Aria and Monologue from Wagner's Die Walkure. But mostly, he sang in Italian as only singers from Germany itself sung in the operas of Strauss and Wagner. Americans or Italian singers sticked to the much beloved Italian repertoire. Monaco shows off his muscular vocal chords in the classic tenor signature aria - Vesti La Giubba from I Pagliacci, made famous by Enrico Caruso. In this aria, Pagliacci, just learning that his lady love Nedda has been unfaithful, is naturally crushed but has to perform that night and adopts a "show must go on" attitude. "Laugh, clown, laugh" is his motto in that aria. Monaco makes that aria more intense than any other tenor that followed him. His Manrico is the perfect vehicle for his heroic bravado technique and his Di Quella Pira is hands down the finest interpretation. Included here are arias from Otello, including the passionate "Esultate!" which soars above a powerful orchestra. Also here are stirring arias from Andrea Chenier and even a delightful rendition of "Largo Al Factotum" from the comic Rossini masterpiece The Barber of Seville. Surprisingly, Monaco does not seem perfect for such a role, since it seems to be vocally beneath him. Del Monaco was too serious and heroic sounding that such comic roles as a barber appeared like an odd stray from the norm. But it also proves his versatility I guess. For me, Mario Del Monaco was at his best in such roles as Manrico from Trovatore, Radames from Aida, Cavaradossi from Tosca (included here) Don Jose in Carmen, which he sung opposite Regina Resnik, Calaf in Turandot and Siegfried as well as Otello. Get this album and hear for yourself the voice that dazzled audiences and the man who is still beloved and talked about by opera lovers to this day.

Average customer rating: At its best as pure singing, but a little short emotionally A concerto for voice. Bravo! Prime Berlioz from two most gifted advocates A Berlioz singer to treasure The greatest "Nuits d'Ete" on record!

Susan Graham ~ Berlioz - Les nuits d'été Hector Berlioz , John Nelson , Susan Graham , and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn) Susan Graham - Mozart & Gluck Arias ~ Il tenero momento Artist Portrait: Susan Graham Poèmes de l'Amour Susan Graham at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B0000029U0 Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

1. Les nuits d', Op. 7: I. villanelle
2. Les nuits d', Op. 7: II. le spectre de la rose
3. Les nuits d', Op. 7: III. sur les lagunes: lamento
4. Les nuits d', Op. 7: IV. Absence
5. Les nuits d', Op. 7: V. au cimeti re : clair de lune
6. Les nuits d', Op. 7: VI. l'ile inconnue
7. La Damnation De Faust, Op. 24: (d'amour l'ardente flamme) (Romance)
8. Benvenuto Cellini: (mais qu'ai-je donc?) (Air)
9. Les Troyens: (Ah ! Ah ! je vais mourir) (Monologue)
10. Les Troyens: (adieu, fiere cite) (Air)
11. Brice et Bdict: (dieu! que viens-je d'entendre?) (Air)

Amazon.com

On casual listen, Graham can seem like yet another pretty voice. And it is extremely pretty. But there's an intelligence and learnedness that can only make her more interesting as time goes on. As is, her performances are slightly undercooked, though there are some moments during Les Nuits d'été as passionate and committed as one could want. The arias added to fill out the disc aren't heard in optimal performances, but show what riches lie in Berlioz's neglected operatic output, namely Ascanio's lighthearted aria from Benvenuto Cellini and the long soliloquy from Beatrice and Benedict. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

At its best as pure singing, but a little short emotionally.......2007-02-15

Generally I take David Hurwitz to be more a comedian than a critic, but he's on to something about mezzo Susan Graham's interpretations being "undercooked," if by that he means emotionally cool. Her Nuits d'Ete is impeccably sung--one can hardly imagine anyone else who possesses such perfect vocal technique in this music--but I wasn't very moved. Perhaps it's John Nelson's bland conducting, but the two of them move gracefully over the surface without penetrating into Berlioz's deeper feelings. The lesser-known inner songs, which are consistently melancholy, come off best; Graham really seems to give us the poetry with a full heart. If anyone strongly disagrees, I am happy to concede how wonderful Graham is, but I've always been touched by these songs as sung by de los Angeles, Janet Baker, Leontyne Price, and ohters. Not here. No matter how well you control your tone and phrasing, Berlioz needs passionate outbursts and real spontaneity. (For what it's worth, I had the same impression recently hearing Graham sing the cycle with Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Sym., where she displayed, if anything, greater control and beauty of voice than even on this CD.)

At just over 60 min., this isn't the most generous recital, but the fillers are very well done. Nelson remains careful and bland, which doesn't help, D'amour l'ardente flamme needs more poignancy from all concerned, but Graham has lots of stage experience with Beatrice and Benedict, so that aria comes off well. It's not reasonable to say that anything here doesn't, but when Dido sings her death aria, I don't hear any dramatic stretch--Graham is applying the same middle-of-the-road pathos that gets applied almost everywhere else.

A concerto for voice. Bravo!.......2006-05-16

Berlioz' 'Les Nuit's D'ete' and other pieces for the soprano voice, performed by Susan Graham, is one of my favorite CD's of female operatic / chamber song pieces, even though Ms. Graham is not as familiar to me as Renee Fleming or Anne Sophie von Otter.

Ms. Graham's collaboration with John Nelson directing the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House on the six songs based on poems by Theophile Gautier seem almost to be a concerto for soprano and orchestra, so well does Ms. Graham's voice fit into the orchesteral accompanyment.

The four pieces rounding out the 61 minutes on the disk are arias from four of Berlioz' operas, which seamlessly blend in with the title sextet of songs.

My French is weak, so there is little of the actual lyrics I understand without the translation, but you don't really need it to appreciate the musical talent on display here.

While I have not heard many other versions of this Berlioz song cycle, Graham's rendition is certainly the best in my experience.

Very enjoyable.

Prime Berlioz from two most gifted advocates.......2005-07-09

Berlioz' song-cycle Les nuits d'ete has been deservedly fortunate in its representation on CD. With recordings by Crespin, Veronique Gens, Susan Graham, and Anne Sophie von Otter all top-flight musically and well-recorded, choice will be a matter of personal taste. I find Graham and Gens jostling most gracefully for my own affections. I have seen a criticism of Graham's disc to the effect that the voice tends to blanket the orchestra and obscure detail. I disagree. The balance is convincing and the sonics exceptional in their revelation of Berlioz' intoxicating orchestration. Moreover, in John Nelson Graham has, in my estimation, a successor to Monteux and Munch as monarch among Berlioz conductors. (Nelson's recording of Benvenuto Cellini, for instance, represents a huge advance over the pioneering Philips version.) Graham amazes not only with the beauty of her sound but with her uncanny empathy with the French esthetic, a rarity among American singers. I'm sorry but it's true; hard trying just won't do it. The disc includes arias from Berlioz' Faust, Cellini, Beatrice, and Troyens, all splendid. Particularly moving is Didon's farewell to Carthage from Les Troyens ("Adieu, fiere cite"); sampling that should let you know if this disc is for you. Since the Gens disc is completed by yet other Berlioz, three songs plus La mort de Cleopatre, you have a ready excuse for duplicating Les nuits, if your shelves can stand it.

-Frank W. Barham

A Berlioz singer to treasure.......2003-10-12

I have taken a long time to get round to obtaining this recording. I noticed the other day that Graham is listed to sing her first Didon in the next couple of years. Not her first staged Berlioz, but probably the biggest single challenge for a soloist in this particular repertoire. It was for the opera arias, rather than the songs, that I wished to have this record.

But the song cycle is truly a knockout. These songs have long been a favourite, and just about every singer I can think of has had a go at them. Recent stand-out performances include Cecilia Bartoli, Ann Murray and, on record, Veronique Gens. The beauty of Berlioz is that the range and orchestration he uses, as well as the sheer potential for interpreting the lines, allows many different kinds of singer to tackle his work. Graham has perhaps the ideal Berlioz voice these days - a soprano-ish mezzo, with dark, brooding tone that can bloom into bright, sunny lines without strain. She is a really intelligent, thinking singer who uses words to colour the sound. Her partnership here with John Nelson is highly fruitful, and makes for a modern classic (to puit on the shelf with Norman, Gorr and Crespin, naturally).

No disappointments in the opera numbers either. Anyone who has heard her work in operetta (some lovely records out just recently, in fact) will recognise the sexy, teasing quality she brings to Benedict and to the Cellini number. Back on the tragic side of the coin, her Marguerite is suitably overwrought and the sense of regret she brings to the number is palpable. Dido is the pick of the bunch - rightly - and the combination of robust, furious tone and serene rememberance of her "nuit d'ivresse" is heart-stopping.

So - time to record Les Troyens with Graham, I believe. Not very sure who else would feature on this "Fantasy Recording" - answers on a postcard, please!

The greatest "Nuits d'Ete" on record!.......2002-09-01

I have been listening to Berlioz' song cycle for nearly thirty years, and have heard most of the famous recordings: Teyte, Danco, de los Angeles, Steber, Janet Baker, Jessye Norman et al. Formerly, it was only Baker who penetrated the poetry of the lyrics...the "old" French style was to simply sing in a straightforward manner with no particular inflection, a style that Teyte and Danco worked to perfection. But the advent of such "chanson" singers as Gerard Souzay, Regine Crespin and Gabriel Bacquier changed all that, their approach was more specifically poetic. That is the approach that Graham uses here, and I find that it works beautifully.

Only in "Villannelle" does one hear the simple, straightforward style of Teyte or Danco. Almost immediately, in "Le Spectre de la Rose," one is hit with the meaning and feeling of Gautier's poetry...and one is literally swept away in the passionate performance of Graham and her conductor, John Nelson. I agree with the reviewer who said that the orchestra is somewhat recessed in sound, but Nelson brings out so many felicitous details that it inevitably doesn't matter....and, unlike Baker, Graham is a mezzo-soprano who can sing "Nuits d'Ete" in the original key, adding a soprano luster and sweep to her performances....and the opera arias are equally well sung. Highly recommended!!

Average customer rating: Excellent collection of enjoyable rarities

Berlioz - La Révolution Grecque (Grandes Oeuvres Chorales) Michel Plasson , Laurent Naouri , Rolando Villazon , and Nicolas Rivenq Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Berlioz: Benvenuto Cellini Berlioz: Huit Scènes de Faust Opera Recital [Includes Bonus DVD] Verdi - Don Carlo / Villazon, Roocroft, Urmana, Croft, Lloyd, Ryhanen, Giuseppini, Chailly, Amsterdam Opera Russian Album ASIN: B00008ODZY Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

1. Sara, Belle D'indolence
2. Meditation Religieuse: Ce Monde Entier N'est Qu'une Ombre Fugitive
3. La Mort D'Ophelie
4. Marche Funebre Pour La Derniere Scene d'Hamlet
5. Formez Vos Rangs, Entrez En Danse!
6. Dieu Tout-Puissant, Dieu De L'aurore
7. Veni Creator Spiritus
8. Tantum Ergo Sacramentum
9. Recit & Air: Leve-toi, Fils De Sparte!
10. Choeur: Mais La Voix Du Dieu Des Armees
11. Priere: Astre Terrible Et Saint, Guide Les Pas Du Brave!
12. Final: Des Sommets De L'Olympe

Tracks:

1. Des Espagnols M'ont Pris Sur Leur Navire
2. Introduction
3. Recit & Air: Pretresses De Bacchus... O Seul Bien Qui Me Reste!
4. Recit: Quels Cris Affreux Se Font Entendre?
5. Bacchanale: O Dieu Puissant, Fils De Latone... O Bacchus Evoe!
6. Tableau Musical
7. N'oublions Pas Ces Champs, Dont La Poussiere
8. Amis, La Coupe Ecume
9. C'est Le Grand Jour, Le Jour De Fete
10. Dieu Tout-Puissant, Dieu De L'Aurore
11. Bien Que Le Ciel Parfois Se Couvre D'un Nuage

Customer Reviews:

Excellent collection of enjoyable rarities.......2005-08-13

Before I get verbose here I'll start with this: the superb performance of the cantata "The Greek Revolution" in this set alone is worth the price of the entire set. This is very early Berlioz but it contains some astonishing things, including a big ending "The Summit of Olympus"--a classic snowballing "call-to-arms" that would make anyone want to go out and battle the Turk--that consistently avoids the trite and obvious and contains ideas about generating excitement a modern rut-ridden choral composer like Philip Glass should pay close attention to. Fornet's recording of this on Denon is also nice and brings out the detail better, and is very powerful, but ultimately isn't as viscerally rousing. Savvy conductors know that even youthful Berlioz contains great stuff.

Anyway:

It's a bit sad that Berlioz is known to many listeners only through a handful of works like the Symphonie Fantastique (his most famous, yet an early work), maybe the Requiem and Harold in Italy, and a few other items (the short list seems to vary from person to person but it's always short). Sad, because unlike some other composers who are one or two trick ponys, Berlioz was a continuously strong and imaginative composer, in fact he was a great composer, up there with the best of them, who let loose with a long string of masterpieces that still need attention--like his opera Benvenuto Cellini and twenty other things. The man, even when trying to write boring music, was incapable of writing boring music. Then there's his incredible writing: his autobiography, his criticisms, his satires. He's not only one of my very favorite composers but one of my very favorite writers too. There's no other composer I can say that about.

So what's up with him, and why should you pay attention to this pricey collection of unknowns? Jacques Barzun, another favorite writer and an authority on Berlioz, thinks the Frenchman was so advanced in his ideas that he's been thoroughly misunderstood and grotesquely underappreciated up until fairly recently. Even Donald Francis Tovey, an insightful musical commentator (and another favorite writer--his books are highly recommended) of over 100 years ago talks of Berlioz as if, at times, he didn't known exactly what he was doing. There's an awful comment by him about how Berlioz allegedly knew how to start and end a piece but got a bit lost in between. How untrue. Barzun, on the other hand, mentions an incident where some critic complains about a series of wrong (meaning incompetently judged and not conforming to theory of that time) chords used in Harold in Italy and the response by a sharp conductor was "So tell me then why they sound so right?" (Someone later did a proper modern analysis and found the chord use was subtle and brilliant) Barzun's point, in a wonderful essay "Berlioz after a Hundred Years" (In "Critical Questions")is that we have yet to totally figure out why so much of his music sounds right. I'd also add that we are only just maybe starting to learn how to make it sound right. Berlioz was smart, possibly smarter than any of us and it's taking us 200 years to catch up with him.

[My guess at one explanation of his greatness was his total mastery of the very poetic French language and his ability to translate that into a sort of music. His melodies often sound like someone speaking. Elliot Carter is another great composer who is intensely literate and a fine writer... and a great composer perhaps for similar reasons.]

I'll go even further, after 30 years of listening to his music I'm convinced he stands at the top platform with the handful of all-time great composers. Berlioz transformed Western art music--single-handedly--into a supple, breathing, colorful, and living thing, and in a way that few composers have managed since. Moving from the Masters (Bach through Beethoven) to Berlioz is like moving from great oil painting to motion pictures in Technicolor and that's about the best way I can describe the phenomenon (Barzun notes his unique multidimensionality). Listen to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and then listen to Benvenuto Cellini. The music, over 150 years old and only about 50 years older than Mozart's sounds totally modern, and often modern like a modern that hasn't even happened yet. Listen to Schumann's "Faust" (and I dearly love Schumann) and listen to Berlioz's and be shocked. The Schumann version sounds like flat soda in comparison. The only other composer I've encountered whose music has this same visceral "aliveness" (at times) is Shostakovich. Oddly, Berlioz can make even the mighty Strauss sound wooden and fussy (some would say Germanic).

The argument then is one shouldn't avoid anything by Berlioz and one should shop around to find recordings by conductors who understand his music (Gad! Solti doing Faust is stunning)and orchestras who can handle the twists, turns and other race car demands of the scores. This collection of choral works, many rare, many early (keeping in mind the ever-popular Fantastique is early too), is excellent with the only drawback being that a few, lovely as they are, don't showcase his best compositional assets. He was, regardless, a striking choral composer as Colin Davis noted during the recording sesssions for "Cellini." Personally, I never cared much for choral music or even opera until I forced myself to listen to the non-orchestral Berlioz. Well, at least I like HIS stuff in these genres! Everything about this disc is first-rate: performances, conducting (Plasson is an excellent Berlioz conductor) and sound. The only complaint is the cover art is awful. It looks like someone at EMI wanted to save a few bucks so they hired a vaguely talented teenage niece or something to handle it.

Finally, unlike most collections of rarities and odds and ends by composers--even the best of them--this is a set of discs I drag out, play, and enjoy regularly.

Average customer rating: "Simply a Stunner" Good choice for opera lovers.

Simply the Best Night at the Opera Giacomo Puccini , Jacques Offenbach , Gaetano Donizetti , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , George Frideric Handel , Igor Stravinsky , Jules Massenet , Antonin Dvorak , Camille Saint-Saëns , Benjamin Britten , Claudio Monteverdi , Giuseppe Verdi , Hector Berlioz , Charles Gounod , Henry Purcell , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Richard Wagner , English Chamber Orchestra , Munich Bavarian State Orchestra , Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra , Lyon National Opera Orchestra & Chorus , Prague Symphony Orchestra , Orchestre National de France , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , and Halle Orchestra Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | 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 Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The #1 Opera Album The Most Famous Opera Duets A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet) The Best of Italian Opera Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... ASIN: B00000J9HR Release Date: 1999-07-06

Tracks:

1. Turnadot: Nessun Dorma
2. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
3. Les Conte d'Hoffmann: Messiers, Silence!
4. L'Elisir diAmore: Una fortiva lagrima
5. Carmen: Je Dis que rien ne m'epouvant
6. Les pecheurs de perles: Au fond du temple saint
7. L'Inganno felice: Al piu dolce
8. Cosi fan tutte: Soave sia il vento
9. Xerxes: Ombra mai fu
10. The Rake's Progress: Quietly, night
11. L'Italiana: Gia d'insolito ardore nel petto
12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Les oiseaux dans la charmille
13. Werther: Pourquoi me revieller
14. Rusalka: Song To The Moon

Tracks:

1. La Boheme: O soave faciulla
2. Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix
3. La nozze di Figaro: Voi, che sapete che cosa e amor
4. Billy Budd: Look! ... Through The Port Come The Moonshine Astray!
5. L'Incoronazione di Poppea: Lameto di Ottavia: 'Diprezzata Regina'
6. Rigoletto: Gaultier Malde ... caro nome
7. Manon Lescant: Donna on vidi mia
8. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedreno
9. La Damnation de Faust: D'amour l'ardente flamme
10. Faust: Vous qui faites l'endormie
11. Dido's Lament: Thy Hand, Belinda - When I Am Laid In Earth
12. Yolanta: Scene & Monologue By Ibn Hakia
13. Carmen: Votre toast, je peaux le rendre
14. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
15. Tannhauser: Wie Todesahnung Damn'rung deckt die Lande ...

Customer Reviews:

"Simply a Stunner".......2006-07-21

Ideal for an opera lover, or for anyone who loves gorgeous singing. I am an opera nut and was introduced to this one by accident; "Au gond du temple saint" from Pearl Fishers (selection #6, disc one) was playing on the stereo in the Metropolitan Opera giftshop when I walked in at intermission one night. I thought it was so stunning I bought my first copy of the CD then and there; and have bought 2 other "back-up copies" since then, as well as having it on my iPod.

Good choice for opera lovers........2001-08-16

If you are in search of a cd containing various popular pieces from the greatest operas in the world, then search no more. This cd contains classic operatic pieces, sung by some of the most talented tenors and sopranos out there, including Placido Domingo. Madame Butterfly's Un Bel Di and Turandot's Nessun Dorma are, without a doubt, two of the most emotional and dramatic songs ever composed. Fortunately, this inexpensive two cd set includes those songs and many more. This cd is a delight to own, whether or not you've ever attended an opera.

Average customer rating:

Chaliapin Edition, Vol. 2 1908-1911 Manufacturer: Arbiter ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chaliapin, Feodor | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Edition 4 1913-1921 The Chaliapin Edition, Vol. 5: 1921-1923, American & British Recordings The Chaliapin Edition, Vol. 1, 1902 - 1908 The Chaliapin Edition, Vol. 3: 1911-14, La Scala Recordings ASIN: B00005A0M7 Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

1. Luchinushka; In the meadows
2. Luchinushka; In the meadows
3. Serov: Malevolent Power: Eremka's Song
4. Folk Songs
5. Folk Songs
6. Folk Songs
7. Verstovskiy: aria from ASKOLD'S GRAVE
8. Gounod: FAUST: Two scenes, with Michailova
9. Gounod: FAUST: Two scenes, with Michailova
10. Eh, Vanka
11. Verdi: DON CARLOS: Dormiro sol
12. Sokolov: The tempest rages in the fields
13. Mussorgsky: BORIS GODUNOV: Pimen's aria
14. Folk Songs
15. Folk Songs
16. Folk Songs
17. Folk Songs
18. Mussorgsky: BORIS GODUNOV: Varlaam's song
19. They don't let Masha
20. Mussorgsky: BORIS GODONUV: Farewell, Death

Average customer rating: Excellent compilation, a little cool Generally very good

Music for Viola and Orchestra, Vol.1 Manufacturer: Arte Nova Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hummel | Hummel, Johann Nepomuk | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schnittke | Schnittke, Alfred | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Viola Concertos York Bowen: Viola Concerto; Cecil Forsyth: Viola Concerto ASIN: B000005IAB Release Date: 1998-01-01

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Viola And String Orchestra In G Major: Largo
2. Concerto For Viola And String Orchestra In G Major: Allegro
3. Concerto For Viola And String Orchestra In G Major: Andante
4. Concerto For Viola And String Orchestra In G Major: Presto
5. Fantasy In G Minor: Andante Grave - Andantino Con Moto - Allegro Non Troppo
6. Trauermusik (Music Of Mourning): Ruhig bewegt (Poco mosso) - Lebhaft (Vivo) - Choral 'Var Dienen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit' - Sehr Landsam (Largo)
7. Yizkor (In Memoriam)
8. Monolog For Viola And Strings: Largo - Moderato

Customer Reviews:

Excellent compilation, a little cool.......2001-12-16

The Telemann is nicely done, although I wish the accompaniment (conducted by Klein) had something more special to add. Ditto for the Hindemith Trauermusik; I also didn't find the performance of that piece to put forth the incredible emotion in that it has. The other pieces are worth a listen.

Moog does a fine job, with a big tone. But I'm not falling out of my chair, either.

The recording is also fine.

Recommended for the repertoire with good performances.

Generally very good.......2000-06-27

As a student violist I interested in an actual recording of the Telemann Viola concerto that nearly every violist plays at one point or another. When I looked at the price I figured I couldn't go wrong no matter what else was on the CD. What I ended up with was a generally very good collection of Solo music for the Viola. Most of the music emphasises tone rather than vituosity but all in all the tracks are all very good. The Telemann is a playful Baroque piece and easy listnening where sone of the later tracks bring out twentieth century dissonce. Some parts admittedly take strong ears yetin general the CD is very well done ( I wish I could get the same tone out of my instrument) and if you play Viola or just like string orchestra, for the price, you can't go wrong.

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