Obsession [CD-single] [Import]

Product Description
Frankie J Made his Mark with a Four Year Stint with the Multi Platinum Mexican American Group, Kumba Kings. Two Years after his Solo Debut and Fresh off his Hit Collaboration with Rapper Baby Bash ("Suga Suga"), Frankie J Builds on that Momentum with the Release of "The One", his Second Solo Album. The First Single, "Obsession (No Es Amor)" features Baby Bash.

Obsession,Frankie J (Ft Baby Bash),Sony/Columbia,5"CD Singles,Dance

Average customer rating: Amazing! Must have! My New Obsession... Absolute Love. Love this CD! Wow!!!!

This Is Where You Belong The Summer Obsession Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Step Outside Yourself Brace Yourself Don't You Fake It Albatross When Your Heart Stops Beating ASIN: B000H1RFJ6 Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. 8 AM
2. Disappear
3. Never Coming Back
4. Death Said
5. Melt Sugar
6. Burning Bridges
7. Bored
8. Do You Remember
9. Over My Head
10. Down For Whatever
11. I Miss You
12. Where You Belong

Customer Reviews:

Amazing! Must have!.......2006-09-15

These guys are a GREAT new band with some awesome talent packed behind them. With this CD they have the same good demo songs, and the awesome new ones mixed perfectly! I love the flow of the album and I find myself constantly dancing around to this whenever I have it on. Even if it's at 8 in the morning. =)

My New Obsession..........2006-09-14

..is The Summer Obsession!

I've been waiting the longest time for their debut cd "This Is Where You Belong" to come out,and it was well worth it!!The song "Melt the Sugar" was-and still is-a favorite of mine.

Good job,boys.The wait was well worth it!

Absolute Love........2006-09-13

I listened to one song and absolutly fell in love with The Summer Obsession. So I HAD to have their cd. It's the kind of band that if you need a "pick-me-up". Just listen to one of their songs and it sets you in a good mood. And just to let you know it's not one of those cds where you hear one song love it and end up disliking the rest of the cd. You will love the whole cd, every song is different. They have amazing talents in what they do.

Love this CD!.......2006-09-13

I must have listened to this CD, "This is where you belong" - a hundred times since I bought it. Everytime I listen I find something new that I like about it. It is not everyday that you buy a CD that you love every song...and that every song sounds different from the others. These guys write and produce great music! You got to go out and buy it!!!!!!

Wow!!!!.......2006-09-13

The album is of course amazing, but for those of you who don't know. The album is absolutely amazing. Get it for your children, or for yourself. My mom loves it, so you may too. lol. The debut single Do You Remember can relate to many teens, and help them out. And its inspired by real people. My favorite song is Do You Remember. Its the first song I skip my cd to, and listen to with the top down. All the songs are amaazing. Can't have just one(favorite)!

Average customer rating: UFO Obsession The Final Masterpiece classic rock at its finest THEY JUST KEEP COMING AGAIN! Schenker's last studio album w/UFO for 15 years!!

Obsession UFO Manufacturer: Caroline ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lights Out Force It Phenomenon No Heavy Petting Strangers in the Night ASIN: B00002599V Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Only You Can Rock Me
2. Pack It Up (And Go)
3. Arbory Hill
4. Ain't No Baby
5. Lookin' Out For No 1
6. Hot 'N' Ready
7. Cherry
8. You Don't Fool Me
9. Lookin' Out For No. 1 (Reprise)
10. One More For The Rodeo
11. Born To Lose

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of the British metal group's 1978 album for Chrysalis. Features the original cover art & all 11 of the cuts that first appeared on it. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

UFO Obsession.......2007-03-08

Quite possibly the best of ALL time ... of any rock recording. I have most of their albums and still over the years I would break them out and listen to them (timeless). It only takes listening to it a few times, and your hooked. In my opinion, the three best in order are: Obsession, Lights Out, and Phenomenon ... the other are still good (some great) but they (UFO) would never top these three.

The Final Masterpiece.......2007-02-14

In terms of studio output this album signified the end of the "classic line up" to the dismay of myself and many young rock fans back in the late seventies. But what a masterpiece they recorded to bow out with! The general consensus amongst reviewers seem to agree that these heights were not reached again until this line up reformed for "Walk on Water". The guitar work really soars especially on "Ain't No Baby" and "Lookin' Out for No. 1" without being over indulgent. "Hot 'n' Ready" really rocks and "Cherry" is yet another showpiece for Moggy's lyrics and vocals. Although not one of my personal favourites "Only You Can Rock Me" finally gave UFO credible chart success and a commercial rock anthem to rival "Doctor Doctor". All round fabulous must have UFO album.

classic rock at its finest.......2006-11-07

UFO at the top of their game. I have recently been listening to my collection of UFO classics. The entire collection is excellent,however, I feel this and "lights Out" are the most consistent. Every song is notable. If you like powerful, catchy, hard driving rock with the perfect mix of melody and power, then this CD is for you. This CD rewards multiple listens. Indeed, I appreciate it more now than I did twenty-eight years ago, when I first purchased it and the sound of this remastered version is a vast improvement over the earlier CD reissue.

THEY JUST KEEP COMING AGAIN!.......2006-03-16

I feel like saluting when Schenker rips his guitar on "Only You Can Rock Me" how majestic! The entire album is clear and crisp! By the time they laid this album down they were studio savvy and very polished. Obsession was over-looked on most of their live stuff but maybe that was for a reason. A hidden masterpiece to be found by the lucky few. Unlike most of today's music, the songs on this album never get old. Original and dynamic are only a couple ways to describe UFOs music. Obsession is a classic and a must-have in any respectible collection. I can assure you that when I'm old and grey I will still be losing myself in the fantastic music of UFO! ONLY YOU CAN ROCK ME!

Schenker's last studio album w/UFO for 15 years!!.......2005-12-23

This album rocks! Plain & Simple.

This was the studio album that UFO toured to make the live "Strangers In The Night" double album the following year.

A good place to start for Michael Schenker era UFO.

I still don't know why more of this album was not included in the live "Strangers In The Night" (although they did include Cherry and Hot & Ready in the reissue).

Average customer rating: Better than most Wonderful Music

More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe Ludwig van Beethoven , Eugene-Auguste Ysaye , Johann Sebastian Bach , Jean Sibelius , Sergey Prokofiev , Jules Massenet , Anonymous , Fryderyk Chopin , Giacomo Puccini , Robert Schumann , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Kazuo Yamada , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Carl Maria von Weber , Enrique Granados , Gustav Holst , and Various Artists Manufacturer: Denon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music 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 All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( 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 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( 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 Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II Most Relaxing Classical Piano Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe ASIN: B0000AINLR Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

1. RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto #2, Adagio
2. VERDI Preludio
3. PAGANINI "Introduzione e tema con variazioni"
4. BRAHMS Sonata for two pianos, Andante
5. MOZART Adagio in E Major
6. BEETHOVEN "Pathetique" Sonata, Adagio
7. YSAYE Sonate #2, "Malinconia"
8. BACH Prelude #22, Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I
9. VERDI "Quando le sere al placido" (When the Evening Becomes Peaceful)
10. BACH Orchestral Suite #2
11. SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela
12. PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet
13. MASSENET Meditation from "Tha
14. RACHMANINOFF Prelude

Tracks:

1. TRADITIONAL Catalonian Folk Song
2. CHOPIN Piano Concerto #1, Larghetto
3. PUCCINI "Crisantemi" (Chrysanthemums)
4. SCHUMANN "Traumerei" (Dreaming)
5. TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake (excerpt)
6. K. YAMADA ''Chugoku-Chiho No Komoriuta" Lullaby
7. DEBUSSY "En Bateau" (By Boat)
8. BEETHOVEN Symphony #6 "Pastoral", Andante
9. MENDELSSOHN Songs Without Words
10. WEBER Introduction, theme and variations
11. GRANADOS "Goyescas" (Sketches on the works of Goya)
12. TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne in F
13. HOLST The Planets, "Neptune"

Customer Reviews:

Better than most.......2007-02-08

This is a good mixture of elevator music, and some soft relaxing melodies.

Wonderful Music.......2007-01-18

Wonderful music for your listening pleasure. Very relaxing and soothing. Nothing beats classical music.

Average customer rating: Amazingly beautiful Passionate and Hauntingly Beautiful Love it Very Energetic!! A letdown

Obsession: New Flamenco Romance Various Artists Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music Flamenco | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gypsy Soul: New Flamenco Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series) Gypsy Fire Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar Guitar Greats 2: Best of New Flamenco ASIN: B00000I7JF Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Cancion Triste - Jesse Cook
2. Loving You - Oscar Lopez
3. Suenos De Una Guitarra - Chuscales
4. Night In The South (Noche En El Sur) - Jose Luis Encinas
5. In The Hands Of Love - Ottmar Liebert
6. Cathedral Bells (Homenaje A Ruby) - Ruben Romero
7. Space Flamenco - Energipsy
8. Abundance - Govi
9. Carino - Chris Spheeris
10. Ritmos Flamenco - Armik
11. Tigris Palace - NovaMenco
12. Pozo Del Deseo - Songhai

Amazon.com

Obsession features some of the finest flamenco-style pickers, including the enormously popular New Age artist Ottmar Liebert. While Liebert's nuevo flamenco has been called the equivalent of flamenco-lite by critics and the genre's purists, in his drum- and keyboard-supplemented rounded chord progressions there is an easy, accessible charm that appeals to a more mainstream audience. Cast alongside the work of the fiery Jesse Cook, the old-world beauty of Oscar Lopez, and others, Liebert and company offer up a recording of sensual and emotive grace, to be enjoyed as accompaniment to a romantic interlude, a reflective solo bath soak, or as inspiration while stirring paella. The standout is Obsession's opening number, Cook's "Cancion Triste," which sets the scene with its textured, sweeping cinematic beauty and splendidly woebegone cello line. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Amazingly beautiful.......2005-10-25

This CD is one of the most relaxing and amazingly beautiful albums I have heard in a long time. Perfect for a romantic night at home or a relaxing massage at a spa.

Passionate and Hauntingly Beautiful.......2005-06-23

I have to recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates beautiful music that soothes the soul and ignites the heart. This CD takes you to another world. It is also perfect for setting the mood. Play it while soaking in the bath with wine and candles. Or just play it while lying in bed at night, relaxing. The haunting tones and passion that goes into the different tracks demonstrates the dedication of the artists featured. Each artist is true to the genre yet with a heat and style all their own. I recommend most on the CD #4 and #10. Makes you want to put on your best dress, and dance a passionate tango with a loved one (or by yourself!) I didn't know what to expect when I purchased it, thinking no one can top the Gipsy Kings. But I was pleasantly surprised and entranced by the music I heard flowing out of my radio. Everyone I have played it for wanted a copy or tried to steal it! It's worth the money, and the artists on the disk are phenomenal guitarists. If you have never listened to New Flamenco before, this is a great introduction. Each song is long enough, but still leaves you wanting more. I now am looking to buy the individual CD's from each artist, especially Jose Luis and Jesse Cook.

Love it.......2005-02-08

I bought this cd upon recommendation by the cd shopowner and have never regret it. Whilst most of the tracks are right on to it but i'm a bit disappointed with cook. However, it is worth buying.

Very Energetic!!.......2004-02-21

I purchased this CD at the recommendation of a friend...I have to admit I have nothing else like it, but I like to find something new and different. This is fun, and great music to cook dinner and entertain friends. It is spicy...energetic, yet has a hint of romance. Very enjoyable...it was worth the money and I know we shall listen to it often in the future.

A letdown.......2001-12-11

This collection features some well known names but the music is not up to par.The Cook,Armik,Govi and Lopez contributions are all mediocre at best, and Energipsy is just plain awful.There are two songs that redeem the album somewhat."Night in the south" by Jose Luis Encinas is very melancholy and brooding,and "Pozo Del Deseo" from Songhai 2 is a wonderful piece, so gorgeous and somber with the help of the angelic children's chorus and violin.Again Narada has put out another subpar collection.The label desperately needs some new people to come in and make better decisions in regards to compiling collections such as these.

Average customer rating: A Slight Innacuracy Excelente Hard to Find Orchestral Instrumentals, Vol. 2 Not totally an instrumental Another Collection You Wonr Find Anywhere else

Hard to Find Orchestral Instrumentals II Manufacturer: Eric Collection ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hard to Find Pop Instrumentals II All-Time Great Instrumental Hits, Vol. 1 All-Time Great Instrumental Hits, Vol. 2 25 Rockin' Instrumentals Rock Instrumental Classics, Vol. 3: The Seventies ASIN: B00008L3O0 Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. Gonna Fly Now (Theme From 'Rocky') - Bill Conti
2. Theme From 'Ben Casey' - Valjean
3. Theme From 'The Apartment' - Ferrante & Teicher
4. The Long Ships (Part 1) - Charles Albertine (mono)
5. The Day The Rains Came - Raymond Lefevre (mono)
6. Beautiful Obsession - Sir Chauncey
7. Theme From 'The Sundowners'- Felix Slatkin
8. Chariot (I Will Follow Him) - Franck Pourcel
9. That's The Way With Love - Peter Soffici (mono)
10. Theme From 'The Dark At The Top Of The Stairs' - Percy Faith
11. Theme From 'A Man And A Woman' (from The Soundtrack) - Francis Lai
12. Route 66 Theme - Nelson Riddle
13. Moonglow & Theme From 'Picnic' - George Cates (mono)
14. Swinging Sweethearts - Ron Goodwin (mono)
15. Ringo's Theme (This Boy) - George Martin
16. Song For Anna (Chanson D'Anna) - (Herb) Ohta-San
17. Nadia's Theme (The Young & The Restless) - Barry Devorzon & Perry Botkinc Jr.
18. Danny Boy - Sil Austin
19. Trumpeter's Prayer - Tutti Camarata
20. One Moment In Time - Vienna Symphonic Orchestra (VSOP)

Album Description

A spectacular follow-up to Volume One in this instrumental series featuring 15 songs that have never been on a U.S. CD before. But this set isn't just for collectors, but also for listeners. All recordings have been digitally mastered from the original master tapes & are in True Stereo wherever possible. Includes a full 8-page booklet with detailed liner notes on each song.

Customer Reviews:

A Slight Innacuracy.......2007-06-13

The version of "Nadia's Theme" (Theme from The Young and the Restless) isn't actually the one you're expecting. I believe it's actually the original arrangement made for "Bless the Beasts and the Children". So what later became the Young and the Restless theme (the one that was a hit) still remains unreleased on CD.

Hopefully, we can see that version on a future release. Maybe they could get "Little Ballerina Blue" on one while they're at it.

Still, some great stuff here.

Excelente .......2007-03-22

El tema de nadia es una de las canciones mas excelentes de la historia de la musica

Hard to Find Orchestral Instrumentals, Vol. 2.......2006-03-22

The purchase went as we had hoped. The delievry was as promised, and the quality of the product equal too, or above our expectations.

Not totally an instrumental.......2006-03-10

I was excited to find this album. I bought it but was horrified to find a loud vocal on the first track. The rest of the music is all instrumental but this one track simply JARS you when it plays. Very disappointing!

Another Collection You Wonr Find Anywhere else.......2003-05-06

Well, ERIC records has done it again.

Continuing their unique practice of giving us both well known hits and impossible to find rarities, Eric presents Volume 2 of "Hard to Find Orchestral Instrumentals". This one is, in my opinion, even better than the first.

First off, the sound quality of this disk is ASTOUNDING. ERIC has gotten the various reissue departments to provide them with absolute first generation mono and stereo masters and this CD proves it. The aural quality is breathtaking. The fact that Orchestral music is so beautifully suited for true stereo playback is exhibited here, as a whopping 15 of the 20 tracks are True Stereo and sound magnificent.

There are, of course, the big soundtrack hits here, like 'The Day The Rains Came" "Rocky", "Ben Casey", "Theme from The Apartment", and " Nadias Theme". All top 30 and well remembered. However, for this 43 year old fan, it was the some of the lessor known tracks, in particulatr the 1963 Colpix low level charter "Theme From The Long Ships" that really makes this collection the gem that it is. Outstanding tracks include "Theme From The Sundowners" , "The Dark At The Top of The Stairs" and "I Will Follow Him" , all tracks that will suddenly sound familiar again after first listen.

Therein lies the BEST part of this collection. When you put this on your player, you will be treated to a nostalgic feast,
a time when the magic of Orchestral music still ruled the charts, and existed in all our homes. And you'll certainly remember most of these once you hear them, which is the fun part!!

There arent enough great things I can say about this collection AND its sister CD "Hard To Find pop Instrumentals- Part 2" I personally liked this volume better, but if you dont have either yet, give yourself a musical treat, and some REAL listening enjoyment and pick these up...

Its listening the way it used to be.

MA....

Average customer rating: "Salon" (not "Saloon") Ragtime Bolcom - Piano Rags Comprehensive collection of modern Americana Still Raggin'

Bolcom - Piano Rags Manufacturer: Albany Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Complete Rags for Piano: Piano Solo William Bolcom: Music for Two Pianos World's Greatest Piano Rags Works by Bolcom and Wolpe: Twelve New Etudes/Battle Piece William Bolcom - Songs of Innocence and of Experience (William Blake) / Slatkin, University of Michigan School of Music ASIN: B00000IMH2 Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

1. Eubie's Lucky Day (Rag Obsession)
2. Three Ghost Rags: Graceful Ghost Rag
3. Three Ghost Rags: The Poltergeist (Rag Fantasy)
4. Three Ghost Rags: Dream Shadows
5. Raggin' Rudi
6. The Gardenia (Slow Drag)
7. Tabby Cat Walk (Slow Two-step)
8. California Porcupine Rag
9. Rag-Tango
10. Last Rag

Tracks:

1. Knight Hubert
2. Three Classic Rags - Glad Rag
3. - Eiptaph for Louis Chauvin (Slow Rag)
4. - Incineratorag
5. Seabiscuits (from three popular rags)
6. Fields of Flowers
7. The Garden of Eden - Old Adam (Two Step)
8. - The Eternal Feminine (Slow Drag)
9. - The Serpent's Kiss (Rag Fantasy)
10. - Through Eden's Gate (Cakewalk)
11. Lost Lady Rag
12. Epithalamium

Customer Reviews:

"Salon" (not "Saloon") Ragtime.......2007-06-06

It's a matter of taste whether one likes ragtime in its "saloon" or "salon" form. Personally I prefer the former, because ragtime was originally performed in saloons and brothels in two of the main centers of early 20th Century popular music -- New Orleans and Sedalia, Missouri. In other words, it was popular entertainment for a popular audience. Admittedly, Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb (among others) had higher aspirations --- nevertheless, the music's main appeal was the sheer, high-energy "charge" of the music. That's what I find largely missing in more classically-oriented pianists like John Murphy, who, like Joshua Rifkin and John Arpin before him, seem intent on turning the music into something appropriate for a staid Carnegie Hall audience. Not that there aren't fine rags here that occasionally capture the flavor of raw Bohemianism --- pieces like "Eubie's Lucky Day," "Raggin' Rudi," "California Porcupine Rag," and "The Serpent's Kiss" all have their moments. But even on these, the dead weight of Murphy's genteel hand takes a lot of the "dance" out of the music. The concert-hall "echo" effect contributes even more to the annoyingly sanitized quality. Paradoxically, from my point of view, the best piece on the entire set is the slow drag called "The Eternal Feminine," since it's a deliberately laid-back composition to begin with, much like the famous "Heliotrope Bouquet" of Louis Chauvin. For those, however, who want Rags to Really Dance To, I'd recommend Richard Zimmerman's Complete Joplin Rags, some of "Perfessor" Bill Edwards's solo ragtime discs, or, best of all, almost any of the piano rag discs performed by Scott Kirby or David Thomas Roberts. Best single "saloon" disc ever? Track down Roberts's compilation of "The Collected Brun Campbell." Now THERE'S real ragtime!!!"

Bolcom - Piano Rags.......2005-09-02

Better to buy the sheet music to go along with this to realize how complicated these are to play. Murphy has that special 'bent' to play the details - there are no shortcuts in this set..

Comprehensive collection of modern Americana.......2001-10-13

William Bolcom is undoubtedly one of America's most important living composers and musicians. Without sacrificing one iota of his stylistic integrity or musical personality, he has done much to bridge the gap between so-called serious music and the popular idioms that most people think of when the phrase "American music" is uttered: ragtime, jazz and music-hall styles. His albums of popular music from the turn of the 20th century with his wife, mezzo-soprano Joan Morris, remain classics of their kind.

John Murphy, who plays all of Bolcom's piano rags on this collection, is a personal friend of the composer and presumably has his seal of approval. It's good to have all of this enjoyable music in one place; still, I can't muster as much enthusiasm for this album as I would like. Murphy's technique, though serviceable, seems taxed by the more demanding moments in these frequently virtuosic pieces, and the resulting lack of rhythmic precision, in particular, frequently robs the music of its full effect. He also applies the pedal more liberally than I personally like. Nevertheless, the chances of anyone else recording all of Bolcom's 29 rags (including seven unpublished pieces) in the near future is remote, so this is an album fans of this composer ought to have.

Still Raggin'.......2000-04-13

Despite the origins of ragtime being a century ago, ragtime still thrives today. It is considered a legitimate classical music form. It is even more delightful to have contemporary rags get published and performed - especially when the performance captures the nuance of the composer's intentions. William Bolcom's finely crafted rags come to life under pianist John Murphy's hands. From the delicate, thoughtful Ghost Rags to the slammin' variations in the Garden of Eden, Bolcom combines the energy of turn-of-the-century ragtime with refined classical sensibility. This CD set should be a part of any and every ragtime anthology - from casual listeners to classroom teachers.

Average customer rating: Uplifting Traditional Enigma sound re-visited Excellent CD with an "Enigma" feel

Secret of Seduction Enigmatic Obsession Manufacturer: Eq Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Le Spa Sonique Amadas Estrellas The Nine Worlds Tempting the Muse Breathe ASIN: B000E5KTSY Release Date: 2006-02-06

Tracks:

1. Opening My Eyes
2. In the Recent Past
3. Delta of the Red Driver
4. Northern Horizon
5. 5th Column
6. Silent Heroes
7. Reachers of Civilization
8. Punta del Este
9. Farewell to the Moon
10. Slowly Walking In
11. Polar Lights
12. Closing My Eyes
13. Lifesign [*]

Album Description

Enigmatic Obsession is Jens Gad, who is one-half of the legendary Enigma (Michael Cretu being the other, more recognizable member of the band), the biggest selling Gregorian Chants/Electronic dance artist ever. This is his album showcasing 13 tracks of quality ambient, chill out and mystic music. This pressing includes a bonus track 'Lifesign' (featuring Fabrizio Levita) and comes packaged in a digipak. Features 'Opening My Eyes', 'Silent Heroes', 'In The Recent Past' and many others. EQ. 2006.

Album Details

The Samples and Soundscapes Harken Back to Enigma's Old Albums but with a Modern Feel.

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting.......2007-07-21

This CD is one of the best of my many recent purchases from Amazon. It embodies a fascinating paradox by being both relaxing and energizing at the same time. The music is on at home, in my car and at work and gives me such a pleasure! The music is mystical, sensual, electronic, pop, jazz in a bewildering combination, better than anything I have listened to before. As I am a fan of Enigma, Achillea, Blue Stone, Paul Schwartz etc these are not small words. Before writing this review, I was trying to find more about Enigmatic Obsession, but could not find any. I sincerely hope that this group will find sufficient commercial success (but not too much as it would otherwise run the risk of becoming bland), such that follow-ups will emerge as pearls on a string. I strongly recommend this CD

Traditional Enigma sound re-visited.......2006-11-02

Opening My Eyes...

Fading in to the excitement of the forthcoming session by Jens Gad....Violin-like intro with deep layers, radio talks are welcoming us again...Luisa Fernandez is opening the album with Spanish whispers, just like a typical Enigma album intro...Mysterious, swirling, seducing....Words into....

In The Recent Past

...the amazing sound effects travelling from left to right channels in my speakers...Setting a stunning athmosphere for the killer track of the album...Here we go deep into the sound of Jens once again....This is officially my Sadeness part 2. Gregorian chants, incredibly well produced beats with organ sound of Sadeness mixes...Low key shakukachi flutes blending with Sadeness Reprise-like piano solo...All combined with magic...Luisa Fernandez continues whisperings throughout the song...You really need to listen to this track as loud as you listen to Sadeness! While gently fading out we are introduced...

The Delta of The Red River

..with yet another bells from E1 era..Flutes, breathing voices, a deep bass line...And SANDRA! Yes, you hear a short breath sample and the main beat kicks in...Totally mind blowing, totally in harmony with Er-Hu violins..Male talks in the background.Invention of this beat is well worth to credit in the music scene..This is something really new, not a repeat from the past actually..Bass line requires real good speakers to enjoy the wave in your interior organs...Flutes are blending into the...

Nothern Horizon

...hypnotizing washing-machine-like effect...Yes, there's no better way to describe the sound effect..Then the Exactly the same hi-hats from Sadeness fades in -slowly-, the beat is more like Mea culpa...This is a very catchy song for all E1 Fans....Then we hear a voice, it is not a Er-Hu violin but a voice, this is Helene (from Achillea) Suddenly I get the same feeling all over again - remember the substitution of flutes and the vocoder voice on Push The Limits, this is not the same but, Jen's plan fits well to this- you are confused with the similarity of Helene's voice with the violin...Do human voice resemble the nature or the instruments are actually us?? Xylophones are blended with a true jazzy base...Perfect fit for elite clubs/bars playing lounge music.A proof of amazing production...

The 5th Column

...An experimental track, supposedly produced for Enigma - Voyageur..Piano with electronic transitions...E1 materials can be heard again...You are into this feeling ''Hey, this is so familiar, but from where?'' This is the professional touches of Jens...He uses some old elements in a total new way...Very Successful..Bass Layers into...

Silent Heroes

...Choirs and Smell of Desire Part 2 begins...This time blending some elements from ''The Roundabout'' too.. And finally we hear
the typical Jens guitar solo....Another favourite track from the album..Relaxing yet powerful, familiar yet new...
It is clear that, this is an unreleased Enigma track from The Screen Behind The Mirror album...

Reachers of Civilization

...Classic violins...Yes this is what he really wanted to bring into the Enigma project...This track was added later to the context of the album..A Collaboration with the German producer Torsten Stenzel. This is not into the Enigma sound but interestingly very close to chill out tunes of ATB. Quite Electronic, still very calming....

Punta Del Este

...This is translated as ''End of The East'' supposedly produced for the album Voyageur...A more powerful version of ''The Piano'' This could easily be released as a future Enigma track....Electronic Piano notes are vividly lifting the song up..Not forgetting the trademark of Jens' guitars..

Farewell to the Moon

...Another Torsten Stenzel collaboration...This track is actually better than the other..Again reminiscent of ATB sound.Female vocal samples are looping from beginning to end...Also giving hints to my favorite forthcoming track on the album..I noticed these while writing this review.In the end, this is an average mid-track as the other...

Slowly Walking In

Okay Enigmatics...This is the track of the album...Massive beats blended with guitar solo..Oriental drums looping and distorted
human sounds....Breathing voices from left to right, right to left...Luisa whisperings and the slowed down Sadeness hi-hats, better than most Enigma songs...Better than anything on Enigma Voyageur...When I had the opportunity to listen to the complete album, that was the track I got obsessed to...This is truly an addiction to the wonderful music of Jens Gad.(I hope Cretu doesn't regret including this song on Enigma albums, because I really do feel that for him)...

Polar Lights

...Have you ever wondered what happened to our submarine on the album The Screen Behind The Mirror? This track is your answer.
Water droplets on L/R channels...Ticking clock and the underwater feel...This is Traces Part2. Our submarine goes deeper and deeper and meets dolphins underwater...And besides there's a hidden treasure near the ancient wreck...Pressure is increasing and can be felt with every sense...Dolhpins keep talking to us, probably leading us to the treasure?...

...Closing My Eyes

...and we are back to the beginning or is this just the end? Spanish intro is repeated again with a vanishing pattern,We are disappering here...

Extra Track listed as ''Life Sign'' :

It is obviously the same track as ''The Delta of The Red River'' with English vocals...This is probably the single version of the original track, appealing to the charts system or say
commercial music society..

Conclusion : This album is way better than Enigma Voyageur, even better than Le Roi Est Mort Vive Le Roi, in some aspects...Very close to the pure sound of Enigma Mcmxc a.D and The Cross of Changes...If you are still looking for a part 2 for Mcmxc a.D or The Cross... Go buy your copy now. You will not regret...

Excellent CD with an "Enigma" feel.......2006-04-12

Enigmatic Obsession aka Jens Gad has created this new and very beautiful album. Borrowing heavily from the same types of sounds and melodies that made Enigma a genre all its own Gad has created what probably could have been the latest edition to Enigma. Perfect for lounge settings, relaxing at home or even for a romantic evening Secrets of Seduction will please those looking for something similar to Enigma but with a twist. I gave it 4 stars because though its a remarkable album it does have a few tracks that aren't on the same level of quality as the rest of the album. I still say that Michael Cretu (creator of Enigma) and Jens Gad (co producer of Enigma and aka Achillea and Enigmatic Obsession) should produce the music for a Cirque Du Soleil show.

Average customer rating: Ear- and Nerve-Grating transcends the years Vengerov's butching of ysaye a happy medium.. A triumphant release in every way

Vengerov Plays Bach, Shchedrin, Ysaye Eugene Ysaye , and Maxim Vengerov Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole; Saint-Saens: Violin Concerto; Ravel: Tzigane; Maxim Vengerov Vengerov Vengerov and Virtuosi Maxim Vengerov - The Road I Travel Brahms: Violin Concerto; Sonata No. 3 ASIN: B00006H1EI Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

1. I. Obsession: Prelude (Poco Vivace - Meno Mosso - Tempo Vivo)
2. II. Mainconia: Poco Lento
3. III. Danse Des Ombres: Sarabande (Lento, Pizzicato) - Var.1 (Dolce E Semplice) - Var.2 Musette - Var.3 Minore - Var.4 (Tranquillo) - Var.5 (Semplice Non Piu Vivo) - Var.6 (Forte) - Sarabande (Lento, Arco)
4. IV. Les Furies: Allegro Furioso
5. Ballade: Lento Molto Sostenuto (In Modo Di Recitativo) - Molto Moderato Quasi Lento - Allegro In Tempo Giusto E Con Bravura - Tempo Piu Vivo E Ben Marcato
6. I. Allemanda: Lento Maestoso
7. II. Sarabande: Quasi Lento
8. III. Finale: Presto Ma Non Troppo
9. Allegro Giusto Non Troppo Vivo - Allegretto Poco Scherzando (Habanera) - Tempo I
10. Echo Sonata, Op.69
11. Preludio - Fuga - Recitativo
12. Balalaika, Op.100 (To Maxim Vengerov)

Amazon.com

Eugene Ysae's six unaccompanied violin sonatas, composed when his own playing days were over and dedicated to colleagues he admired, occupy a special niche in the repertoire. Though inspired by Bach's sonatas and partitas and peppered with quotes from them, they are unequalled for sheer virtuosity and romantic sensuousness; only a great violinist intimately familiar with the resources of his instrument could have written them. On this disc, Maxim Vengerov plays Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 6, along with a transcription by Bruce Fox-Lefriche of Bach's famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor for organ, which he claims was originally conceived for violin. He also performs Shchedrin's "Echo" Sonata, op. 69. Written in 1984 in a mixture of styles from conventional to abrasively dissonant, it outdoes Ysae's in hair-raising pyrotechnics and also honors Bach by quoting from his works. Vengerov's playing is spectacular and makes this disc a must for violin aficionados.

One of the sensational prodigies who emerged from Siberia, Vengerov is young enough to revel in his own virtuosity with relish and abandon. His technical command is unlimited, and he seems incapable of producing a bad sound, except for a strange habit of tearing off last notes with a crescendo and accent like a bad tenor. Tossing off the acrobatics--scales and runs in thirds, fingered octaves and tenths at top speed, leaps and jumps, bravura bowings, chords, pizzicato, ponticello--with effortless ease and infectious enjoyment, he captures the styles of Ysae's dedicatees and gives the pieces shape, character, and expression. For the Bach, he uses a baroque bow and a violin tuned a half-tone down, playing with little or no vibrato but in basically the same intense style. His encore, a pizzicato piece called "Balalaika," written for him by Shchedrin, was recorded live complete with applause and laughter. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Ear- and Nerve-Grating.......2007-05-29

Vengerov's technical proficiency in these extremely challenging pieces is beyond question. What are lacking in his performances are beauty of tone, euphony, and logical flow. In fast passages such as the last movement of Sonata no. 3, Vengerov's approach seems to be flashiness and velocity above substance. At times, as at the beginning of Sonata 6, he produces a tone that is downright ugly and harsh. The tendency, mentioned in the critical review above, to crescendo steeply to a sforzando on long notes is pervasive and irritating. Another serious downside of this recording is that it is not a complete set of the Ysaye sonatas - it is missing the first and fifth.

The performance of the Bach Toccata and Fugue transcription is an interesting case in itself. Vengerov here uses a baroque bow - in itself a commendable action, one that few "mainstream" violinists would do. The problem is that no one appears to have taught Vengerov how to use it; his bowstrokes are little different from the heavy manner of a modern bow. Although he uses a lower pitch, he makes no attempt at meantone intonation. And other aspects of the performance - such as his manner of spreading chords - show no knowledge of baroque style. What was the point of this semi-authentic experiment?

This is the only recording I have heard thus far of Ysaye's sonatas. It left me very unsatisfied, to the degree that I do not feel that I really know the works. Although the Ysaye sonatas are virtuoso pieces, they are also serious compositions informed by Bach, which puts them on a higher level than whiz-bang encore pieces by Paganini or Sarasate. As far as I can see, all Vengerov's version has going for it is technical wizardry - and that can be got with a number of other violinists with the added ingredient of musicality.

transcends the years.......2004-07-18

Vengerov knocks it out of the park. The Ysaye is stunning, especially 2 and 3. The most interesting feature is the tonality and feelings of the pieces, which are markedly similar, across composers. The Ysaye, Shchedrin, and Bach all capture a more ancient and common tonality and feel, and have an almost primitive and rustic feel. A must.

Vengerov's butching of ysaye.......2004-05-26

Vengerov has some interesting thoughts on music, i must say, but when he picks up the violin, he goes overboard. Just listen to the intro of Obsession. its sloppy, uneven, and just horendous...the rest of the pieces aren't much different. PLEASE do yourself a favor and save 7 dollars and gain infinite musical joy by getting Ilya Kaler's Ysaye sonatas...

a happy medium.........2002-11-29

You get the feeling Vengerov doesn't play the Ysaye, he channels it! This is stupefying music making, and the Ysaye Sonatas especially, hardly known, are musically brilliant pieces. Even apart from the Fox-Lefriche transcription, Bach is all over this disc. The secret metaphysic of Bach appears like a fragrance in whatever Vengerov plays; a violinist's musical construct must be endowed with Bach's rhythmic consciousness or it won't endure, and Vengerov loves the Master almost more in Ysaye than in Bach! A rich Bachian rhythmic core in this Russian master's violin playing is the beauty of this recording. It's curiously an effect even more accessible in his live performances, the physical dimensions of his playing are perfectly aligned, &all you get is freedom and joy in the music he makes. Reminiscent of Oistrakh in that way. This is one of Vengerov's best recordings musically, and the sonics are play-it-AGAIN captivating. Get it to hear the Ysaye sonatas, but the rest of the program also rewards. The Shchedrin sonata is shocking and pure, and Vengerov extracts all the juice, delivering a major performance of it. I agree it's interesting how much the live encore doesnt jar or intrude, it's a heady reminder of the art of the stage, and leaves a musical imprint too. While he's got a strapping pop star kind of personal charm, Vengerov is a musician of tremendous intellect and heart, distilling sheer music and refining an extraordinary art, qualities rampant hereabout.. check it for yourself.

A triumphant release in every way.......2002-11-06

Inspired by Bach's sonatas and partitas for solo violin, Eugene Ysaye wrote his six sonatas for solo violin in 1924. Not only are these pieces brilliantly constructed and hugely effective for the instrument (Ysaye was, after all, one of the great violinists of his age), they do indeed develop out of Bach's magnum opus, only that in writing his own set Ysaye has pushed the technical limits of the instrument to previously undreamt-of heights. Besides, they are also obviously products of a more romantic age, as there is often an air of improvisation and romantic passion in the writing.

Four of these sonatas, Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 6, are included in this new EMI recording. They are originally dedicated by the composer to such eminent violinists as Jacques Thibaud, Georges Enesco, Fritz Kreisler and Manuel Quiroga respectively. Here these technically spectacular and spiritually imposing masterpieces have found a magnificent modern advocate in Maxim Vengerov, whose playing, though perhaps different in style to those luminous dedicatees of these works, is technically immaculate and shiningly stylish. The ranges of dynamics and tone colour that the young Russian violinist commands are nothing short of staggering, and when these are put to the service of an intellectually probing, individualistic and yet spontaneous mind, we are hearing something that is really quite exceptional. There is also a sort of intensity and ardour in the performances that is literally breath-taking. More or less the same can be said for the performance of the Sonata in A minor, which actually is a transcription (by Bruce Fox-Lefriche) of the famous D minor Toccata and Fugue for organ, on which some scholars have expressed doubted as to whether the piece indeed came from the hands of JS Bach. Some are of the view that the piece actually began its life as a sonata in A minor for solo violin and Vengerov here plays this re-construction with panache, expression as well as a keen sense of proportion, even though I personally prefer him doing the piece on a modern violin rather than the (stylistically more accurate) baroque instrument that he employs specifically for this track.

Two works by the contemporary Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin are included here. The more substantial one is the Echo Sonata, which Shchedrin wrote in 1985 as a commemorative showpiece for Bach's tercentenary. It is a fiendishly difficult but mostly reflective modern piece with some eerie-sounding soft passages and quotes from Bach's solo pieces. The 15 minute work is not easy to bring off at all, but it is here effortlessly conquered through Vengerov's sovereign bowing and awesome musicianship. The violinist not only negotiates each and every technical hurdle with consummate ease, he also tosses off the notes with great elan and conviction and invests the contrasting sections with much light and shade, which renders the piece even more interesting than it may seem on paper. The recording ends (very appropriately) with the only "live" recording included in this release, a performance of Shchedrin's Balalaika taped from a recital at London's Barbican Hall in 2000. Vengerov delivers this pizzicato piece, dedicated to him by the composer, with aplomb and a disarming sense of humour, which draws much laughter from the audience as well as thunderous applause at the end. In fact, such applause is not out of place at all even in the context of the entire album, for it is difficult to resist from voicing one's strong approval after hearing 66 minutes of such scintillating and supremely musical performances on the solo violin.

These treasurable performances are further enhanced by a good recording quality ¡V Vengerov's violin tone sounds fuller and more beautiful than ever. A triumphant release in every way.

Average customer rating: Halloween Violin Puzzling choices, and not all that devilish Watch Out Where You Play This CD ... the best music ever recorded! Pretty good

Devil's Dance Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tartini | Tartini, Giuseppe | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Shaham, Gil | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Instrument of the Devil Violin Romances Tartini: The Devil's Sonata / Andrew Manze Wieniawski: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Sibelius/Tchaikovsky: Violinkonzerte ASIN: B00004XRY7 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. The Witches Of Eastwick: Devil's Dance
2. Young Frankenstein: A Transylvanian Lullaby
3. Puck
4. Danse Macabre
5. Caprice Fantastique
6. Walpurgisnacht
7. Hexenlied
8. La Ronde Des Lutins
9. Graceful Ghost
10. Concert Fantasy On Gounod's Faust
11. Caprice No. 13
12. Sonata In G Minor 'Devil's Trill'
13. Solo Sonata No. 2: Obsession

Amazon.com

Though it's haunted by goblins, ghosts, and monsters, it is hard to find anything very satanic in much of this music, except its fiendishly difficult pyrotechnics. Its sole purpose is to display Gil Shaham's devilishly dazzling virtuosity, glorious tone, elegance, humor, and bewitching charm. The only substantial piece is Tartini's "Devil's Trill Sonata," in Kreisler's edition complete with his long, diabolically strenuous cadenza; Shaham plays it very beautifully, with genuine, moving expressiveness. Elsewhere, his tongue is never far from his cheek, whether he is tossing off Bazzini's "Rondo de Lutins" perfectly at top speed, or having fun with the fireworks of Korngold's "Caprice fantastique," Sarasate's "Faust Fantasie," Grieg's "Puck" arranged by Joseph Achron, Paganini's Caprice No. 13, with a piano part by Robert Schumann, and Saint-Saëns' "Dance macabre," in which the pianist doubles for a whole orchestra. There are also transcriptions of passionately romantic pieces by Brahms and Mendelssohn, and excursions into different styles: William Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost" rag; "Transylvanian Lullaby" from John Morris's soundtrack for "Young Frankenstein" transcribed by Shaham's pianist, Jonathan Feldman; and the title piece, "Devil's Dance" arranged by John Williams from his soundtrack for "The Witches of Eastwick." You can safely invite this devil of a violinist into your home--he is excellent company. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Halloween Violin.......2005-10-17

While not always frightening as much as classical music with a Halloween theme, this is a fine recording to play at parties if the guests fancy this kind of music. The title refers to the Devil's Dance, for violin & piano from the film Witches of Eastwick, a work composed by John Williams. It is followed by A Transylvanian Rhapsody from the comic film Young Frankeinstein. The most famous piece of all "Danse Macabre" was Saint Saens' ghoulish work that nearly caused his mother a heart attack at the premire. Using stage effects like smoke and mist, Saint Saens had dancing skeletons waltzing on stage. The Devil Trill Sonata by Tartini has a frightening story behind it. It was rumored that the composer dreamt that the Devil gave him the score to this violin piece. It is played at an impossible speed and is one of the most difficult violin pieces ever composed. Only few violinists take on this piece. The music on this album is however not as scary as some other classical Halloween CD's out there but violin afficionados will be quite delighted.

Puzzling choices, and not all that devilish.......2004-10-21

I'll say right off that Shaham's technique is top-notch, which is what one expects from such an album. And this is fine playing, with the violin and piano generally blending well.

But while this was clearly intended to be a "concept album," the artists/producers made several puzzling (and frustrating) choices that left me wondering just what the concept was supposed to be. The music is "devilishly difficult" at some times (the Tartini, for example), "creepy and eerie" at others (the "Danse macabre", others). However, several of the pieces are neither dazzingly difficult nor all that creepy - the Brahms and the Mendelssohn, for example, fail both definitions and, frankly, just don't seem to fit on this album. And then, there's the Paganini B-flat caprice - a solo violin piece transcribed for violin and piano, weakening the focus on violin virtuosity - while the Ysaye is left as a solo piece . . . well, a **piece** of a piece - we're given only a part of one movement of a four-movement work that is both very difficult AND built around that ultimate "creepy" theme, the "Dies Irae." Why only part of a single movement?

The net effect of all this is an album that doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. It's almost as if someone committed to an album concept without making sure there was enough material to fill the album. Further quibbles: the violin is placed somewhat too far back, for my taste; on a virtuoso album, I want to be "up close" to catch all the nuances of the performance. And the balance between violin and piano is less than ideal at times, at least to my ear.

As I said, the playing is fine; it's the concept execution that falls short of "as advertised."

Watch Out Where You Play This CD.......2002-05-17

As everyone says this is an extremely enjoyable disc. While it played fine in my ordinary CD player, the one in my computer couldn't handle it. Not only wouldn't it play, but it crashed the whole machine. Real deviltry at work!

... the best music ever recorded!.......2002-05-07

Sometimes I forget to breathe-this CD is so mind-blowing! This is the type of CD that you can't help but wave your hands around pretending to conduct the song!........ Ok.... Deep breathes.......o-o...I have to calm down! Now this CD features not just the best musicians but the best composers. They are John Williams (simply the best), Camille Saint-Saens (who composed one of the most famous "spooky" songs: Danse macabre!) ,and John Morris, you know.... Composed the music for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, the funniest movie EVER! And guess what the theme song is on the CD!.. The charming yet spooky.........'Young Frankenstein': A Transylvania Lullaby. Hexenlied, one of my favorites, is by MR. Felix Mendelssohn (no he's not Felix the cat!)..........So...many....good.....songs....so.....Little--t-t-time. OK. It's time to wrap things up.....BUY THIS CD, YOU WON'T REGRET IT! :)

Pretty good.......2002-01-23

This CD has pretty interesting selection. My only qualm about it is sometimes it seems that the piano is competing for volume with the soloist, especially in Dans Macabre. This rendition is definitely not my favourite version. But some other gems make up for this, like Devils Dance, and La Ronde des Lutins. Devils dance is really well arranged and performed, and thats my favourite track on this album.

Average customer rating: A Great Introduction to Opera Excellent Potpourri

Opera Obsession! - Opera d'Oro's Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Opera D'oro ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | 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 Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | 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 General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Opera Obsession Act II Opera Obsession! Act III The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera The Most Famous Opera Duets ASIN: B000062Y9J Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

1. Aida: Celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
2. The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Alfredo Kraus
3. La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Renata Tebaldi
4. Manon: Io Son Sol... Ah Dispar, Vision! - Luciano Pavarotti
5. La Fille Du Regiment: Il Faut Partir - Fernando Corena
6. La Traviata: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici - Jose Carreras
7. Maria Stuarda: Oh Nube! Che Lieve - Montserrat Caballe
8. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Franco Corelli
9. Don Giovanni: Dalla Sua Pace... - Alfredo Kraus
10. Mefistofele: Die Campi, Dai Prati - Carlo Bergonzi
11. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Franco Corelli
12. Arabella: Und Du Wurst Mein... - Montserrat Caballe
13. Tannhauser: Dich Teure Halle - Gundula Janowitz
14. La Damnation De Faust: Merci, Doux Crepuscule! - Nicolai Gedda
15. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
16. Otello: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Jon Vickers
17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giuseppe Di Stefano
18. Rigoletto: E Il Sol Dell'anima - Maria Callas
19. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio... - Luciano Pavarotti

Customer Reviews:

A Great Introduction to Opera.......2004-11-28

This CD serves as a great beginner's guide to opera. there is plenty to choose from on this CD. Placido Domingo starts off the CD with his trademark "Celeste Aida." Next, Alfredo Kraus and Giuseppe Taddei sing "Au fond du temple saint," in Italian instead of French. Renata Tebaldi follows in "Ebben? ne andro lontana." You can't have a opera CD without Luciano Pavarotti, and you get him in "Io son sol...Ah dispar, vision!" from Manon. A great trio from La fille du regiment, "Il faut partir" follows, starring Beverly Sills, Fernando Corena, and Grayson Hirst. Jose Carreras and Renata Scotto follow in the Brindisi from La Traviata. Montserrat Caballe graces the #7 spot in "Oh nube! che lieve" from Maria Stuarda. Franco Corelli is excellent is "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. Alfredo Kraus returns again in "Dalla sua pace" from Don Giovanni. This is one of my favorite arias on the CD. Carlo Bergonzi follows in "Die campi, dai prati" from Mefistofele. Franco Corelli follows in the role he was made for: Manrico's "Di quella pira" from Il Trovatore. Montserrat Caballe and Siegmund Nimsgern sing in one of the only German arias on the CD: "Und du wurst mein..." from Arabella. Gundula Janowitz sings in "Dich teure Halle," the other German aria on this CD. I can't believe Nicolai Gedda isn't on this CD more than once. He sings "Merci, doux crepuscule" from La damnation de Faust. Mirella Freni comes next in "Si. Mi chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme. My favorite tenor, Giuseppe di Stefano comes in the next two clips: "E lucevan la stelle" from Tosca, and, with Maria Callas, "E il sol dell'anima" from Rigoletto. How can this great recording end? With Pavarotti in "Tu che a Dio" from Lucia di Lammermoor of course.

Excellent Potpourri.......2004-09-12

Do not be misled by the incredibly low price on this album; the recording quality is quite good. I would have liked more information in the liner notes (especially the year of the performance), but that is a minor quibble when compared to hearing some of the best opera stars of the last century for less than a matinee movie ticket.

So, indulge and enjoy!

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