Esperanza [CD-single] [Import]

Product Description
Spanish prodution duo Chris & Penn are well-known within the world of deep house. Title track backed by mixes by Dj Spen & Gary Hudge, Faze Action, Dr. Kucho, Dub Valentino, Dj Spen Beatz and Faze Action. Defected. 2005.

Esperanza,Chus & Penn,Defected,5"CD Singles,Dance

Average customer rating: it doesnt get much better than this! There is "Esperanza" for music after all A Must! totally addictive Report from the city

Proxima Estación: Esperanza Manu Chao Manufacturer: EMI Latin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Rock en Español | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Clandestino Radio Bemba Sound System The Best of Mano Negra Casa Babylon Puta's Fever ASIN: B00005BF9Z Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Merry Blues
2. Bixo
3. El Dorado 1997
4. Promiscuity
5. La Primavera
6. Me Gustas Tu
7. Denia
8. Mi Vida
9. Trapped By Love
10. Le Rendez Vous
11. Mr Bobby
12. Papito
13. La Chinita
14. La Marea
15. Homens
16. La Vacaloca
17. Infinita Tristeza

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The debut from Manu Chao, the former leader of French world-punks Lo Mano Negra, leaned heavily on Latin America for its inspiration, but this time around he's obviously been spending time--at least in his head--in the Caribbean. Reggae rhythms abound, and the opener "Merry Blues" features some wonderfully wonky Jamaican-style brass, while "Promiscuity" takes its cue from Trinidadian calypso. Of course, this being Chao, there are plenty of playful touches--from ringing cell phones to speeded-up vocals--and inevitably there are the Latin influences throughout to remind you of what remains close to his heart ("La Primavera" in particular is a standout). But there's also some recycling from the last album, with two pieces sharing the "King of Bongo" melody, including "Mr. Bobby," his tribute to Bob Marley, and that's a little worrying. Is Manu Chao running out of inspiration? Certainly this doesn't have the freshness of Clandestino, however enjoyable it may be. If anything, it seems more of a holding action rather than a giant step forward. But sometimes that's necessary to be able to look to the future. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

it doesnt get much better than this!.......2007-06-28

these guys are going to save the world. education my friend, is the only way

There is "Esperanza" for music after all .......2007-02-15

I'll admit: I'm biased against current rock music, as much of it is generic waste. But Manu Chao is an outstanding original. The elusive Mr. Chao, former Manu Negra frontman, is a brashly inventive wellspring of talent, churning out quirky, catchy, funky tunes that embody seemingly every musical style in existence. I love the Zen zaniness exhibited on some songs ("Me Gustas Tu"), and the luxurious beauty of others ("Denia"). The musician's eclectic soul must be owed to his roots: he hails from southern France, but lives as a nomad of sorts in Latin America. Chao sings mainly in Spanish, but he displays an impressive multi-lingualism, crooning in his native French, as well as in English, Portuguese and even Arabic. Indeed, on some songs Chao mixes French and Spanish with such facility that it's easy to forget that they aren't the same language. Manu Chao embodies a true world music ethos, with a bohemian twist.

A Must!.......2007-02-05

My favorite album of all time from the most important artist of our time. Manu Chao's contributions can be likened to greats like Woodie Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Bob Marley with a global perspective. This intoxicating collection provokes and delights providing the first great folk anthem of the century. If you don't know this artist, get to know him

totally addictive.......2006-08-18

i loved clandestino but this one has got me totally addicted. i've hardly listened to anything else lately. i just can't seem to take it out of my car's cd player. he sings in something like seven different languages. there's styles and joy all over the place. this is the record the whole world would make if it could only make one record.

Report from the city.......2006-01-24

This record got very popular in Los Angeles around 2002-2003 among a very scruffy and tasty set. We aren't really that clueless (though this reviewer certainly is compared to the other reviewers here). I hear this record and Clandestina all over the city now, played from sound boards between sets, and in all the best places for young people who are fixing up the world for my old age.

Average customer rating:

Junjo Esperanza Spalding Manufacturer: Ayva Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Melao Paz Sound Grammar The Carnegie Hall Concert Nino Josele ASIN: B000F0H4R2 Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

1. Peacocks
2. Loro
3. Humpty Dumpty
4. Mompouana
5. Perazu
6. Junjo
7. Cantora de Yala
8. Two Bad
9. Perazela

Amazon.com

Junjo boasts an unusual format: A young American woman playing bass and singing wordless vocals with the accompaniment of a Cuban pianist and drummer. But 22-year-old Esperanza Spalding, an Oregon native who teaches at Boston's Berklee College of Music, is so confident in her multiple roles (she also produced the album, released on a Spanish label) and the music goes down so easily, all awareness of her band's makeup quickly fades. With their lighter-than-air quality, the tunes sometimes recall early Return to Forever (an association underlined by the inclusion of a Chick Corea composition) and her playing boasts the warm, richly amplified quality favored by many young bassists. But with pianist Aruan Ortiz stretching and shaping the melodies, Junjo is winningly personal. In addition to several originals by Spalding, alone or in collaboration with Ortiz or her drummer, Francisco Mela, it includes a smart and playful reworking of Jimmy Rowles' classic, "The Peacocks." --Lloyd Sachs

Average customer rating:

Coloreando La Esperanza Liuba Maria Hevia Manufacturer: Unicornio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Iluminame ASIN: B000GB7592 Release Date: 2006-06-19

Tracks:

1. Coloreando La Esperanza
2. Hoy Te Invito A Mi Ninez
3. Tonada Para Amanecer
4. En El Surco De La Ternura
5. Tornada Borracha
6. Tu Amor Es El Canto Mio
7. Tonadas Para El Camino
8. Para Salvar Un Beso
9. Un Son Para La Manana
10. El Sitio De Los Angeles
11. Si Me Falta Tu Sonrisa
12. De Monte Y Ciudad
13. Esta Travesia (Bonus Track)
14. La Guayabita Madura (Bonus Track)

Average customer rating: Misleading CD Stark and smoky The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco

Art of Flamenco Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Flamenco | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Flamenco | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Flamenco Masters of Flamenco Guitar Flamenco on Fire Flamenco Direct Legends of Gypsy Flamenco ASIN: B000001V3V Release Date: 1993-11-30

Tracks:

1. Seguriya
2. Saeta
3. Variacones Por Tango
4. Zambra
5. Petenera Para Guitarra
6. Granada
7. Tanguillo Rumbeno
8. Cante Minero
9. Fandanguillo
10. Sevillanas
11. Noche Granadina
12. Bulerias De La Samaritana
13. Fandangos
14. Torremolinos
15. Zapateado De Las Campanas
16. Los Ojos Mios
17. Levante
18. Danza Egipcia
19. Temas De Iiuelna

Customer Reviews:

Misleading CD.......2005-01-15

Only the first half of this CD is Carlos Montoya on guitar, the other half is Mario Escudero on Guitar (which is why tracks 10-19 sound so much better!)... I'm glad I realized this early on, because enjoying the 2nd half of the CD was giving Montoya too much credit, he's not that good. Only 3 stars because the first half is a 1 and the second half a 5.

Stark and smoky.......2001-08-20

If you like your flamenco in a smoky bar late at night, then this is great. The first half is just solo Carlos Montoya -- complete with buzzing strings, etc. The second half is more varied with some singing and castenets. This is first-layer flamenco - no producer polish added. Not a lot of information about the players or music itself is included.

The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco.......2000-08-06

Carlos Montoya brushes his heart along the strands of his instrument in this 19 track CD. I've listened to it for years and would gladly plunk down another fifteen clams for a new one if I ever lost it. His rifts through Variacones Por Tango set one's heart thumping, and his soulful pining in Cante Minero is enough to woo any corazon (heart). Noche Granadina and Zapateado De Las Campanas tell the true talent of this master as he unleashes his mastery and lets rhythym run wild. If you want pure Flamenco guitar, The Art Of Flamenco is it.

The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco.......2000-08-06

Carlos Montoya brushes his heart along the strands of his instrument in this 19 track CD. I've listened to it for years and would gladly plunk down another fifteen clams for a new one if I ever lost it. His rifts through Variacones Por Tango set one's heart thumping, and his soulful pining in Cante Minero is enough to woo any corazon (heart). Noche Granadina and Zapateado De Las Campanas tell the true talent of this master as he unleashes his mastery and lets rhythym run wild. If you want pure Flamenco guitar, The Art Of Flamenco is it.

Average customer rating: Very good nuevo flamenco CD You will not be disappointed Great Introduction to Flamenco Music Wonderful compilation! Outstanding Compilation

Tabu: Mondo Flamenco Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sevilla Salsa Flamenca Fantasia Esperanza Cafe Ole ASIN: B00005AKIC Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. Scorpion - Young & Rollins
2. Switchback - Jesse Cook
3. Los Borrachos - La Esperanza
4. Mediterranean Eyes - Pavlo
5. Magos - Serge Lopez
6. Don' Quixote - Luis Villegas
7. She Is Beautiful - Nadro John
8. Dangerous Rumba - Chuscales
9. Sortilegio - Jose Luis Encinas
10. Tapas - Tierra Negra
11. Mundi - Tomatito
12. Games Of Love - Oscar Lopez
13. Seven Veils - Willie & Lobo
14. Fiesta - Ramon Bermudez

Customer Reviews:

Very good nuevo flamenco CD.......2004-10-09

This is a great intro CD to anyone not familiar with the genre... You should safely assume that if you like the music on this CD you will definitely like the individual CDs by any of the artists on it.. "Scorpion" and "Don Quixote" are great, lively tracks you will love listening to with the sunroof open on a sunny day...

You will not be disappointed.......2004-03-13

This is a good primer for someone who wants a nice place to start their collection; or if they want one c.d. to have for a sample of that genre. There are world elements in some of the tracks that keep it interesting. "Mediterranean Eyes" has almost a Greek feel to it and has a very sexy beat and sensuous orchestration. (My wife really likes that one!) The whole c.d. is great and it's a nice one to put on for cocktails before a dinner party with friends. Enjoy!

Great Introduction to Flamenco Music.......2001-11-22

I was in San Diego earlier this year when I bought this CD. This was the beginning of my flamenco music fever. The music is wonderful! The fact that it has various artists, gives you an idea of which artists you want to explore next. At the moment, high on my list, is Jesse Cook.

Wonderful compilation!.......2001-10-09

I had originally purchased this CD for a friend in Brazil who is a trained flamenco guitarist (studied under A. Segovia in Spain). I loved it so much that my friend had to wait for a second copy! I put it on everytime I'm feeling inspired while cooking. The lead track "Scorpions" is among the best. Would highly recommend it.

Outstanding Compilation.......2001-04-21

This is one of the more tasteful and elegant compilations of "new flamenco" music I have heard. It begins on a powerful note with a tour de force performance of "Scorpion" by Young & Rollins, the highlight track of the album, continues with fiery compositions by flamenco legends Tomatito and Chuscales, and features notable music from some staples of the new flamenco genre such as Willie & Lobo, Oscar Lopez and Jesse Cook. All of the performances feature sophisticated guitar artistry that should please aficionados of the instrument, while the abundance of captivating melodies and rhythms should seduce any music lover.

Average customer rating: Another great album from Young & Rollins! Lovely, lively & lyrical!

Esperanza Young & Rollins Manufacturer: Bolero Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sevilla Mosaic Salsa Flamenca Spanish Kiss Cafe Ole ASIN: B0007OY4G0 Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

1. Firedancer
2. Spanish Nights
3. Twanee
4. Esperanza
5. Sandstorm
6. Ritual
7. Play On
8. Nowhere To Be Found
9. Mirage
10. Cottonwood Canyon
11. Esperanza (Reprise)

Product Description

1. Firedancer (4:16)
2. Spanish Nights (4:55)
3. Twanee (2:31)
4. Esperanza (3:47)
5. Sandstorm (4:28)
6. Ritual (3:53)
7. Play On (3:48)
8. Nowhere To Be Found (3:33)
9. Mirage (5:59)
10. Cottonwood Canyon (4:42)
11. Esperanza (Reprise) (1:07)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Another great album from Young & Rollins!.......2005-04-11

Young & Rollins are back with another stunning collection of original music. This is to me their best album so far. The music is so alive with energy and the melodies are among the group's most distinctive of their career. The album starts out with an upbeat salsa, "Firedancer", that features a scorching guitar solo and a get-up-and-dance melody. The next tune, "Spanish Nights", has probably my favorite mid-tempo, seductive melody on the album. Compositionally, "Spanish Nights" showcases what Young & Rollins do so well. Next, "Twanee" introduces a vocal element that meshes well with the mostly instrumental album. Another great guitar solo on "Twanee!" The title track, "Esperanza", is another showcase for the duo's ability to write gorgeous melodies and meld in tasteful, virtuoso guitar work. One of their best tunes! "Sandstorm" is an up-tempo, flamenco-inflected tour de force with some surprising twists and turns. "Ritual" is a true musical journey with some tasty bass work and guitar solos, as well as a haunting melody. This is Young & Rollins at their most soulful and sophisticated. "Play On" is the kind of upbeat, feel-good tune that Young & Rollins is known for, still with some surprising jazz inflections and masterful improvisations combined with the relentlessly catchy melody. "Nowhere to be Found" is a beautiful ballad that combines one of the most memorable melodies I have come across with a complex chord progression that takes the compositional skills of Young & Rollins to the next level. Next up is the roller coaster ride of a tune called "Mirage", that features some over-the-top guitar soloing, an infectious rumba vocal section, a salsa breakdown, and percussion solos. "Mirage" really is a showpiece for the band's overall virtuosity. Finally, the album closes with the mystical "Cottonwood Canyon" and a solo guitar "Reprise" of the melody from the track "Esperanza". The solo guitar really brings the listener back down to Earth and let's us hear the fundamental ingredient for all the musical magic contained in the album, which is the masterful guitar work of Young & Rollins.

Lovely, lively & lyrical!.......2005-03-15

Full disclosure: I am a friend of the band. But I genuinely believe Y&R is a super-talented group at the top of their genre. The guitar parts from these two very different artists are incredibly well-integrated and run the gamut from thrilling to sweet, complemented by extremely competent percussion, bass and vocals. Some have criticized the group because the music is not authentic flamenco or salsa; they need to lighten up. I've seen Paco de Lucia in concert and studied flamenco dance, and it certainly hasn't stopped me from enjoying the music of Y&R, both live (where they really shine) and on CD. I think it's terrific that they draw on the flamenco tradition for inspiration while creating music that is their own. So, whether you're an "aficionado" or just a fan of the noauveau flamenco style, I think there's something here for you.

Average customer rating: A FORTY YEAR LOVE AFFAIR

Una voce poco fa: A Portrait of Teresa Berganza Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cherubini, Luigi | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( 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 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berganza, Teresa | ( B ) | 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 Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cherubini, Luigi | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gluck, Christoph W. | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Scarlatti, Alessandro | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Brava Berganza! A Birthday Tribute Teresa Berganza The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Azulão Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan ASIN: B0001M09OO Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

1. Una Voce Poco Fa
2. Non So Piu
3. Voi Che Sapete
4. Temerari!...Some Scoglio
5. Ch'io Mi Scordi Di Te?...Non Temer, Amato Bene
6. Che Faro Senza Euridice?
7. Che Puro Ciel!
8. Divinites Du Styx
9. Medea! O Medea!...Solo Un Pianto
10. Mi Lusinga Il Dolce Affetto
11. Verdi Prati, Selve Amene
12. Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - The Ambrosian Singers
13. Pres Des Remparts De Seville - Placido Domingo
14. Cruda Sorte! Amor Tiranno!
15. Nacqui All'affanno...Non Piu Mesta

Tracks:

1. Ahi! Che Forse Ai Miei Di
2. Intorno All'idol Mio
3. Confusa, Smarrita
4. Qual Mia Colpa, O Sventura...Se Delitto E Adoravi
5. Chi Vuol Innamorarsi
6. La Rosaura (Un Cor Da Voi Ferito)
7. Elitropio D'amor
8. Como Quieres Que Adivine
9. Mananita De San Juan
10. Cuatro Canciones Vascas
11. Saeta En Forma De Salve A La Virgen De La Esperanza
12. El Tra-La-La Y El Punteado
13. El Majo Timido
14. La Maja Dolorosa
15. Farruca
16. El Pano Moruno
17. Seguidilla Murciana
18. Asturiana
19. Jota
20. Nana
21. Cancion
22. Polo
23. Sagrario's Romanza
24. Margarita's Romanza
25. Txalopin Txalo
26. Nere Maitea
27. Atea Tan Tan
28. Tun, Kurrun, Kuntun
29. Arranoak Bartuetan
30. Ainoarra Nimino
31. Anderegeya
32. Amak Ezkondu

Customer Reviews:

A FORTY YEAR LOVE AFFAIR.......2004-09-02

The lack of a fifth star reflects the shortcomings of Decca, not of the artist.

DISCLAIMER: What you are about to read are the judgments of a man not completely rational about the subject at hand.

Teresa Berganza has the most gorgeous female voice I've ever laid ears on. There, I've said it! Biased? Proudly. Smitten? To my core. From the moment I heard her in recital forty years ago, until this very day, I have been completely enamored of this gracious and sensitive artist. I own, I think, every note she has ever recorded. I have seen her in recital or on the opera stage several times, and I have never heard a vulgar sound emerge from her throat. The sheer depth and harmonic richness of her mezzo simply shower warmth and luxury on the listener.

She is also arguably the most versatile singer of the last generation. Most people think of her as just a Mozart and Rossini specialist, and indeed she is. But her repertoire ranges from Cesti to Stravinsky, from Fernando Sor to Mussorgsky to Villa Lobos. She has also been a devoted advocate for the music of her native Spain, along with Latin and South American music. At a Carnegie Hall recital the program included Faure, Schubert, Mozart, Wolf, de Falla, Rodrigo, Garcia Lorca, and Toldra, with encores of Gimenez, Rossini, and Schumann. Phew! One might think it impossible to hold together such a varied program, but Berganza did it seamlessly.

Now to the appointed task. This Decca compilation is a mostly fair cross section of her core work. I could gripe about the inclusion of material that is available on multiple other CDs, or prattle on about this omission or that, but considering how generously this package is filled out, I'd be arguing for an extra disc or two.

The Rossini on the disc doesn't require much comment. A true mezzo with voluptuous tone, a completely secure and supple fioratura, and the temperament to make the character come alive... what else could one possibly want? It's hard to imagine a Naqui all'affanno... Non piu mesta sung with more bravura brilliance. Much the same thing could be said of the Mozart. Finding something to criticize would require a truly picayune personality. The 1963 Mozart LP on London put Berganza firmly on the international map. The reviews were extravagant with praise, and the selections here are some of the finest, although the inclusion of Come scoglio shows the least flattering side of her vocal talents - the tessitura lies just a bit too high for her compass. The nearly complete CD version of the LP is available on Decca's "The Singers" series, where you can sample her Dorabella and Sextus.

Disc 1 is rounded out with selections from Handel, Gluck, Bizet, and Neris's second act recitative and aria from Medea. To enter a note of criticism, I find the Gluck rather straight-jacketed; she certainly doesn't have the cutting edge or the horsepower to make Divinites du Styx very convincing. The Orfeo tracks suffer some of the same deficits, although, because the voice is not overtaxed, she is able to maintain equilibrium of tone, but in the end they come up flat sounding. These problems are more than made up for by her Ruggiero from Handel's Alcina and Neris's heart-rending aria, where her strengths are fully evident. The chestnuts from Carmen give a taste of what is certainly one of the most unusually conceived assumptions of this often hackneyed role. This is no tramp cigarette girl, but a fully realized independent woman, whose goals will not be thwarted by mere convention - and Berganza has the vocal and dramatic resources to back it all up. The recording is still in the DGG catalog - snap it up.

If the contents of disc 2 seem a bit scattered, that would be because they are a bit scattered. This is where Decca should have made more coherent choices. The most grievous example: Arambarri's Ochos canciones vascas comes form a 1967 Zacosa LP. The fact that the flip side of that record, Gombau's Siete claves de Aragon, is omitted borders on the incomprehensible. Both of these song cycles are piquant, wonderfully conducted by Gombau himself, and show Berganza's interpretative range in singing Spanish music, plus they are perfect companion pieces. As fine as they are, we did not need the umpteenth incarnation of her collaborations with her then husband, pianist and composer Felix Lavilla.

These discs are billed as having four "First international releases" on CD (whatever that means). But de Falla's Siete canciones populares espanolas has appeared on at least two discs that I know of. Possibly it was never released in the Philippines. The Arambarri and the two zarzuela songs are the other "firsts." Speaking of zarzuela... for anyone unfamiliar with this delightful and important genre, you are in for a treat. It is often referred to as Spanish operetta, but that fails to hit the mark. These are musical slices of working class Madrid streetlife, with a unique combination of the rough and the refined, all shot through with a verve that is utterly Spanish. Once bitten by this bug, you will find it difficult to not learn more. The excerpts presented here give only a tiny peek into the enormous amount of this music Berganza sang. From the mid 50's through the early 70's she committed thirty-some (!) of these roles to tape. Many of them are available on CD in Spain (the transfers, however, are among the worst I've ever heard). For present purposes, I would have included one of the rhythmically passionate or playful songs, instead of picking two rather melancholic romanzas. If one wants a better survey of her contribution to zarzuela, they can seek out the two still available discs on Ensayo, with Asensio and the English Chamber Orchestra. With such rivals as Caballe, de los Angeles, and Bayo, it is a tribute to Berganza's commitment to the form that these recordings are the best ever.

The remainder of the recording presents some truly wonderful songs. Among my favorites are all of the Scarlatti. Because she is so acutely aware of the value of rhythmic flexibility and pacing, she is able to reveal all the subtlety in the work of this baroque genius. The Guridi tracks show her skill in mating the music with the words, with perfect dynamics and some tricky intervals that are flawlessly negotiated. It's a shame there wasn't room for the whole song cycle of this unfairly neglected composer. Manual de Falla's Siete canciones don't reach the same rare heights of, say, Granados' La maja dolorosa, but Berganza makes it seem so. The Seguidilla and Jota are particularly sprightly and fetching. Finally, the Farruca of Turina combines her ability to effortlessly spin out a high lying line, then switch into the song's rapid passage work without any trace of the shifting of the gears..

As for the recording quality, the various tracks pretty much reflect the recording technology of their time. The only exception to a range of pretty good to excellent is the Arambarri. The recording is shrill and thin, with some badly clipped peaks. What a pity; the LP is well recorded, and I know a good transfer is possible, because I've done my own with an outdated computer and $69 worth of software. Sometimes I wonder whether anyone actually listens to what the final product sounds like. As with most every twofer, no texts and translations are included.

The subtitle of this release is A portrait of Teresa Berganza, and it does a decent job of living up to its billing, but it's only one portrait of an incredibly versatile artist, whose spell I've been under for my entire adult life. If this has all ended up sounding more like a paean to Berganza than a record review, I plead guilty.

Average customer rating:

Sinfonia Flamenca Manufacturer: Chant Du Monde Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000EAVAF0 Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

1. Chisera
2. Django
3. Hierbecita
4. La Isla De Leon
5. Crayisa
6. Erachi
7. Soniquetazo
8. Quejio
9. Punto Cubano
10. Chisera

Average customer rating: Good CD, though I didn't like it as much as the first Superb, energetic -- really gets me going La Esperanza Rocks Funky Flamenco Amazing, Enchanting, Delightful

Esperanza II La Esperanza Manufacturer: Higher Octave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: La Esperanza Spanish Kiss Cafe Ole Sol Luna Tierra Esperanza ASIN: B00005M0EG Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

1. La Sombra
2. Mi Tierra
3. Esta Noche
4. Rio
5. Brande Nicole
6. Azul Tropical
7. Marina
8. Mysterioso
9. Recuerdos
10. Foreign Affair
11. Goodnight

Amazon.com

The freshest take on flamenco since the millennium flipped over comes from a Spanish rocker who candidly admits he has no formal background in the gypsy-guitar genre. Session and soundtrack work have served Carlos Villalobos beautifully, however, lending him an ear for cinematic textures plus the versatility to bring them to life. Distinguishing Esperanza II from the gaggle of ambient flamenco excursions out there is a fine-honed acoustic-guitar approach combined with an aggressive edge to the playing and assertive rhythmic textures. Urban dance beats and multicultural digital samples lend the dreamy compositions a contemporary club slant without stepping on the toes of their traditional flavor. "Mysterioso" kicks off with hip-hop percussion, leans into an electric guitar and bass riff, then sails smoothly into understated Middle Eastern textures. "Foreign Affair" slips a shimmering vibraphone into a bustling guitar theme backed by hurried backing beats suggesting a tasty clash between modern tensions and centuries-old musical styles. None of the excursions would work this well if Villalobos weren't such a nimble player, not only on guitar and keyboards but also using the full recording studio as his instrument. --Bob Tarte

Customer Reviews:

Good CD, though I didn't like it as much as the first.......2007-01-03

Other reviews are correct in that this album has a different sound. Some may like it better than Esperanza I, but I do not. I suppose it comes down to personal taste & style, as I think in terms of musical quality, both are very good.

Superb, energetic -- really gets me going.......2002-04-23

The music is very melodic and intense in places. At work I'll have my headphones on and I can't not "move" to it. It sounds like a flamenco, gypsy, new age fusion. It really brings me up, much like some of Marc Antoine's faster numbers do. Has some really great, solid rhythm underneath, with complex guitar pieces on top, some mideast influences (Esta Noche). Rio is a favorite of mine.

La Esperanza Rocks.......2002-02-24

Carlos Villalobosis a true master when it comes to blending traditional influences with modern beats. His guitar performance is solid and the melodies enchanting. I hope this will not be the last Esperanza record.

Funky Flamenco.......2002-02-23

This music strikes the balance I like between catchy drum-machine rhythms and good, solid, driving melodic hooks. Not too light and "pop" sounding, but not dull. Most songs are basically jazzed up flamenco, and some have what strikes me as a middle-eastern flavor. I can't fully compare it to the first album by this artist because I've not heard the whole of the first, but based on the snips available for listening here at Amazon, I'd say this album is a bit faster and funkier than the last. If you like this stuff, check out Jesse Cook.

Amazing, Enchanting, Delightful.......2002-01-14

I have owned Esperanza II since November 2001, and have seldom played anything else since. I listen to it in the car on the way to work, then bring it into work with me to pick myself up during drag time. I'm still not tired of listening to it. Esperanza II was a big hit as Christmas gifts. I've received nothing but rave reviews from everyone.
There's something for everyone here, no matter whether you're dancing, smooching, or just relaxing...this is the perfect complement to nearly anything you're doing.
Obviously...two great big thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Hommage à Teresa Berganza (Box Set) Manufacturer: Claves ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | 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 Berganza, Teresa | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000056F6X Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

1. La Maja Dolorosa I
2. La Maja Dolorosa II
3. La Maja Dolorosa III
4. El Majo Timido
5. El Majo Discreto
6. El Tra La La Y El Punteado
7. Dedicatoria
8. Nunca Olvida
9. Cantares
10. Los Dos Miedos
11. Las Locas Por Amor
12. Saeta. Dios Te Salve, Macarena
13. El Fantasma
14. Farruca
15. Alla Arriba, En Aquella Montana
16. Sereno
17. Llamale Con El Panuelo
18. No Quiero Tus Avellanas
19. Como Quieres Que Adivine
20. Mananita De San Juan
21. La Zagala Alegre
22. Madre, Unos Ojuelos Vi
23. Mananita De San Juan
24. Nadie Puede Ser Dichoso
25. Cantarcillo
26. Despues Que Te Conoci

Tracks:

1. 1a Parte
2. 2a Parte
3. El Pano Moruno
4. Seguidilla Murciana
5. Asturiana
6. Jota
7. Nana
8. Cancion
9. Polo

Tracks:

1. Viola Quebrada
2. Adeus Ema
3. Cancao Do Poeta Do Seculo XVIII
4. Samba Classico
5. Desejo
6. Xango
7. O'Kinimba
8. Capim Di Pranta
9. Nigue-Nigue-Ninhas
10. Sao Joao-Da-Ra-Rao
11. Engenho Novo
12. A Casinha Pequenina
13. Milonga De Dos Hermanos
14. Hermano
15. Mi Vina De Chapanay
16. La Rosa Y El Sauce
17. Pampamapa
18. Se Equivoco La Paloma
19. Abismo De Sed
20. Bonita Rama De Sauce
21. El Sampedrino

Album Review:

1. Euphoria: Tidy Euphoria
2. Euphoria, Vol. 3 [Import]
3. Evolver [Import]
4. F.A.C.T. Australia II: A Global Tour [Import]
5. Gotan Project DJ Set [Import] [Limited Edition]
6. Handwriting [Import]
7. Horse & Goat [CD-single]
8. Horse Rotorvator [Import]
9. I Love Techno Pop [Import]
10. In 12's We Trust

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Drums, Bass & Double Cream [Import]

Johann Nepomuk Hummel: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Mahler: Symphony No.1 "Titan" Piano Solo Transcription, transcribed by Okashiro based on 4 hands version by Bruno Walter

Music: Cocido: Organic People Gathering [Import]

Jaws of Life [Import]

Lifestyles of the Broke and Obscure

Higher Hope [Live]

Kill All Hippies [CD-single] [EP] [Import]

Joseito Fernandez y Su Guantanamera [Import]

Haydn:The Paris Symphonies, Nos. 82 - 87

Le Jazz De A A Z [Import]

Les Animals [Import]

In a World of Their Own [Box set] [Import]

The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern

Afro-Cuban Fiesta