Silence 1

1. Omid/Hope

2. Garden of Dreams

3. Santur

4. Trip

Tracks:

First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Galliard
Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
Instrumental Music: Comagain
Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

Lute Music: Preludium
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Can She Excuse
Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: A Dream
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
Lute Music: Coranto
Lute Music: Resolution
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: Loth To Depart
Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
Lute Music: Pavan
Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Aloe
Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
Lute Music: What If A Day
Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
Lute Music: [Jig]
Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
Lute Music: La mia Barbara
Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: Solus cum sola
Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
Lute Music: A Coy Toy
Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
Lute Music: [Almain]
Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
Consort Music: Almain a 2
Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
Consort Music: Pavan a 4
A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

The greatest songs ever?.......2007-07-26

I heard 'clear or cloudy', from this recording, on the radio recently and had to purchase it. It is strange but it is the sort of song that makes life prior to listening to it different from life after. I find it sad that so many people haven't heard it. There are also many other wonderful works in this collection. Given you get twelve well recorded CDs with top quality performances, this has to be one of the bargains of the age.

Please buy it.

A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Tracks:

Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
Beau Soir
Mandoline
Apparition
Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
Nocturne
Nachtgebet
Selige Nacht
Pierrot Dandy
Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
Son, Op. 38 No. 5
Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Tracks:

Son in g, Op.19: Lento - Allegro Moderato
Son in g, Op.19: Allegro Scherzando
Son in g, Op.19: Andate
Son in g, Op.19: Allegro Mosso
Romance in F, Op.4, No.3 Lento
Lied (Romance) in f: Andantino
Melodie in D: Moderato
Prld in F, Op.2, No.1: Comodo
Vocalise in e, Op.34, No.14: Lentamente - Molto Cantabile
Danse Orientale in A, Op.2, No.2: Andante Cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Music to Close Your Eyes to, Dream, and Float Away.......2005-12-04

This beautifully performed CD is filled with Rachmaninov's hauntingly beautiful melodies, including one of the most famous in the classical repertoire, "Vocalise," peformed with warmth and sensitivity by two highly talented musicians.

The CD is so reasonably priced that it would be worthwhile to purchase it even if the only selection on it were the 34 minute "Sonata in G minor," one of the most beautiful sonatas ever composed for cello and piano, with its enrapturing Andante third section. I geatly enjoyed every selection on this CD, especially the final selection, Danse Orientale, composed in 1892, when Rachmaninov was only 19 years old. This last selection has a timeless quality and an ethereal hypnotic beauty and intensity that I found very moving.

In addition to the outstanding music on this CD, the insert has two different essays that are both well-written and informative, one in English and a second essay in French, with the second essay providing background information about the musical influences and historical circumstances behind the compositions that is not in the English essay. There is also biographical information on both of these highly talented musicians.

Breathtaking; quintessentially Russian and romantic.......2004-06-26

Russian composers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have always been some of my favorites. Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev all wrote music with a similar sort of fiery, overwhelming, and tragic passion. These pieces for cello and piano are quintessential works of this genre; the cello is an instrument particularly suited to this type of music. The musicians, Janet Guggenheim and Michael Grebanier, use near-perfect technical ability to supplement sensitive interpretations of the pieces. I highly recommend the G minor sonata.

Brilliant.......2003-04-23

The CD is priceless, considering its wonderfully low price. The sonata alone is worth buying the disc for, though the other pieces are also first-rate.

This is a good CD.......2000-02-29

I liked this recording. The sound is clear and brilliant. The interpreters are ok, and ¿what can I say about the music? It's Rachmaninov! The sonata is full of passion and the price makes this CD a real to consider!

Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy

Average customer rating:

Classic Art Songs Sung with Brilliance and Artistry
Pretty, but not memorable
Returning to the Recital Hall: A Soiree
Pretty sound spoiled by a bad vocal habit
Excellent!

Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000002B6P
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

Vasnier Songbook: I. Pantomime
Vasnier Songbook: II. Calmes dans le demi-jour (En sourdine)
Vasnier Songbook: III. Mandoline
Vasnier Songbook: IV. Clair de lune
Vasnier Songbook: Fantoches
Vasnier Songbook: VI. Coquetterie posthume
Vasnier Songbook: VII. Romance - Silence ineffable
Vasnier Songbook: VIII. Musique
Vasnier Songbook: X. Paysage sentimental
Vasnier Songbook: X. Romance - Voici que le printemps
Vasnier Songbook: XI. La Romance d'Ariel
Vasnier Songbook: XII. Regret
Forgotten Melodies: I. C'est l'extase langoureuse
Forgotten Melodies: II. Il pleure dans mon coeur
Forgotten Melodies: III. L'ombre des arbres
Forgotten Melodies: IV. Chevaux de bois
Forgotten Melodies: V. Green (Aquarelle)
Forgotten Melodies: VI. Spleen (Aquarelle)
Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: I. Le Balcon
Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: II. Harmonie du soir
Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: III. Le Jet d'eau
Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: IV. Recueillement
Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: V. La Mort des amants

Customer Reviews:

Classic Art Songs Sung with Brilliance and Artistry.......2006-11-10

Dawn Upshaw possesses a voice with beautiful bell canto tonal quality and uses the glissando technique, only when effective, rendering this collection of uncommon art songs superbly sung. The entire album is a joy to listen to...

Pretty, but not memorable.......2006-04-29

'Forgotton Songs, Dawn Upshaw sings Debussy' with James Levine at the piano is, to my layman's ear, very pretty to listen to, but not a whole lot to get excited about. If you are especially fond of Upshaw, you must have this recording. If you are especially fond of Debussy, other vocalists may have just a little more to offer. Everything about this recording is 'nice', just not a whole lot to get excited about.

Returning to the Recital Hall: A Soiree.......2005-04-09

Dawn Upshaw is one of the most intelligent and creative and adventuresome singers on the concert stage today. Just reviewing the list of her recordings available and it is obvious that she has paid attention to both contemporary and established composers in a way that is truly refreshing.

Here the program is devoted to the works of Claude Debussy, a composer for whom Upshaw has a particular penchant. Her voice is crystal clear, perfectly focused and yet not afraid to animate when the lyrics demand. She covers three cycles here: 'Ariettes oubliees' (for this listener the most successful on the album), 'Racueil Vasnier', and 'Cinq Poemes de Charles Baudelaire' (contrast these with the recently released Susan Graham version and see what interpretation is all about!).

The collaboration between Upshaw and James Levine is sensitive (if not always the pianism of others..). But the entire recital is uplifting and satisfying for the variation in the songs, recorded sound, the generosity of the disc, and most of all for the musical intelligence in which these songs are performed! Grady Harp, April 05

Pretty sound spoiled by a bad vocal habit.......2004-05-07

Every voice teacher I have ever had, and I have had many, were unanimous in their advice that sliding into notes is something that must be done with great moderation. Dawn Upshaw does it all the time and to the ears of a trained singer it becomes extremely annoying extremely quickly. Constant sliding into notes is less objectionable if one actually reaches the right pitch in the process. Miss Upshaw frequently does NOT, resulting in numerous instances where she is simply not in tune at all on some notes. Her sliding also creates constant dissonances with the piano which are entirely undebussyesque. If it were Webern or Berg she were singing she might get away with it. Here she does not. NOT RECOMMENDED.

P.S. Since writing this review (quite some time ago), I was fortunate to hear a recording of Ms. Upshaw in a production at the Metropolitan Opera where she didn't do any of her annoying sliding at all - not once - (probably because it was music from a much earlier time) The difference was astounding. It was a glorious performance. It was hard to believe it was the same person. This, more than ever, confirms my opinion that she ruined this recording with a bad singing habit.

Excellent!.......2003-11-26

This recording of Debussy's Melodies are really excellent. Dawn Upshaw's voice is exactly right for this kind of music - light, charming, and lyrical, with real sensitivity to the text. The Ariettes Oubliees are the best I've heard, with the exception of Frederica von Stade. In addition, her interpretation of Mandoline from the Vasnier Songbook is perfect - the tempo, piano, voice, and interpretation are exactly right. My only criticism is that the diction, while perfectly clear, has an "American" accent that is sometimes distracting.

Average customer rating:

Ms. Battle does it again
A charming, lightweight song recital
Kathleen Battle Takes On Carnegie Hall
I'd give this CD 20 stars if I could! Sheer perfection!
Lovely

Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kathleen Battle in Concert
The Best of Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
So Many Stars

ASIN: B000001GG5
Release Date: 1992-08-11

Tracks:

Serse: Frondi tenere - Ombra mai fu
Giulio Cesare In Egitto: E pur cosi - Piangero la sorte mia
Als Luise die Briefe ihres ungetreuen Liebhabers verbrannte
Ridente la calma
S'il est un charmant gazon
Comment, disaient-ils
Enfant, si j'etais roi
Oh! Quand je dors
Amor
An die Nacht
Vocalise
Zdes' Choroso
V molcan'i noci tajnoj
Ne poj, krasavica
Porgy And Bess: Summertime
Good News
Louise: Depuis le jour
Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr marquis
Over My Head I Hear Music
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Customer Reviews:

Ms. Battle does it again.......2006-03-29

Ms. Battle covers musical styles from baroque all the way to spirituals on this CD, and excels at each song she sings. My personal fav's are "Frondi tenere...ombra mai fu" "Mein herr marquis" "Vocalise" "Swing Low" "Piangero la sorte mia". One impression I get when I hear this CD, is that Ms. Battle had fun with each one of these songs. She sounds like she is enjoying singing them and is totally relaxed with full confidence in her voice. So many singers you hear sound tense, but not here. It's hard to explain really, but generally, when a singer is struggling and fighting to sustain a good sound or sing artistically, you can sense it. This CD is would make a wonderful sampler for someone new to Ms. Battle's voice. It is a shame, though, that she is such a "diva". Nevertheless, this is a delightful recording and I would strongly recommend it.

A charming, lightweight song recital.......2005-09-18

This recital is a pale shadow of the great one Battle gave with Levine from Salzburg, so I wasn't satisfied with one track after another of pretty, charming singing without deep musicality or committment. battle is capable of much beter. Her fans will be pleased, and that's about all.

Kathleen Battle Takes On Carnegie Hall.......2005-04-04

Every big artist wants to perform at Carnegie Hall, its' a sign of a true career. For Kathleen Battle, this must have been quite a night. This album captures that great night, solely built around her, in which she sang aria after aria in a spectacular showcase. Handel was a specialty of hers, and the lyric texture and coloratura heights are nearly dizzying. She makes it all seem so effortless. Furthermore, Miss Battle was a magnificent French singer- most coloratura sopranos excell in the French repertoire- as Beverly Sills did and as did Madie Mesple. However, Battle always makes me feel mixed emotions. One the one hand, she does have a classic, lyric-coloratura voice that nearly became extinct after the reign of Beverly Sills and even earlier with the likes of Lily Pons and Amellita-Galli-Curci. Battle has a bright, golden voice, capable of sweetness and refinement without hysterical declamation or any unpleasant sounds. It's such a shame she did not behave proffessionally. The stories were true. She behaved like a diva holding a whip! She was ungrateful and selfish and couldn't work well with her colleagues and co-artists. She was always late to rehearsals, left early, refused to socialize or ride in the same car with her other artists and went far beyond perfectionism- she behaved like she was the greatest thing since sliced bread. But for all these shortcomings, we love her voice. Her fans, and yes she has fans, continue to buy her albums even though she has long disappeared from the world of opera that once tolerated her but said enough is enough........

I'd give this CD 20 stars if I could! Sheer perfection!.......2003-12-07

God made the nightingale, and somewhere down the line, he touched a little girl named Kathleen Battle with what he originally gave to that bird from the beginning of creation. I cannot, for the life of me, believe that a voice could be so beautiful. I hear it, I marvel, but sometimes the sheer incredible beauty of this woman's vocal artistry is mind altering and surreal. Even the nightingale must suffer a moment of jealousy when a Kathy Battle tune is played!(This is bordering on blasphemous I know, and I beg forgiveness!) But Kathy Battle is simply amazing! This CD captures her at her best.
I'm not an opera buff by any means, but I love the human voice and great singing. There is not a bad song in the bunch. Like one reviewer, I too, am not a big fan of the spirituals segment, but I have a higher tolerance for it than she..I can still enjoy them for what they're worth.

Just BUY this CD...buy more than one if you can. One for home and one for your car. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

P.S. Can someone tell me if this Carnegie Hall recital was also filmed and where I can get a copy of it? I cannot find many filmed recitals of Kathleen Battle anywhere. There used to be many at the Metropolitan Library in NYC, but all they seem to have now are her appearances in operas. I remember seeing a Met recital of her in a red gown on the cover of the vhs box, but they must have retired it. Any Kathy Battle fans out there who can help me get a video collection going, I would be most appreciated! (ryanmarcus1@juno.com)

Lovely.......2003-07-22

Kathleen has a beautiful voice, and it's wonderful to have a CD that includes both traditional opera pieces as well as fun gospel songs. I recommend this!

Average customer rating:

How can you call these "Hymns"
wonderful collection of magnificent music
Flawed but enjoyable
Hymns through the Centuries
A must own for classic church music lovers

Hymns Through the Centuries
J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection
Hymns Through the Centuries 2
Abide With Me
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00003XB8M
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

When In Our Music God Is Glorified
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
All Glory, Laud And Honor
Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Come, Risen Lord
Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
Eternal Father, Strong To Save
Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
Nearer, My God, To Thee
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
In Christ There Is No East Or West
Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
The Church's One Foundation
God Of Our Fathers
Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
Peal Bells

Customer Reviews:

How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05

Not to harp on anyone here, but it's obvious that none of you grew up in a church or environment that had a good choir. I know, a Hymn is a genre of music, but a recording of a hymn isn't one if it doesn't contain HARMONY. If they're a "choir," then why don't the tenors sing a different note than the sopranos, altos, and basses? The organist is quite good, I'll admit, but you're wasting your time if you're looking for a good recording of these beautiful songs that were COMPOSED with harmony, not unison. If they want to sing in unison like this, they need to be stripped of their "choir" status and simply be called a "group."

wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18

Most everything on this CD is very well done. The recording environment might have been less than perfect, but that shouldn't dimish one's enjoyment very much. Most of the arrangements are very traditional, with the notable exception of Amazing Grace, which though it isn't terrible, it isn't very good either. Some songs had verses removed, which is understandable, though it was poorly done in Eternal Father, Strong to Save -- they did verse 1 ("Eternal Father"), then they skipped(!!!) verse 2 ("O Christ, the Lord") and went on to the final verses ("Holy Spirit" and "O Trinity") -- which is skipping Someone important! However, outside of that, it was excellent.

If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.

Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15

The huge size and reverberating acoustics of Washington National Cathedral make it difficult to hear any kind of live choral performance clearly, even if you're sitting in the front rows in the nave. The Cathedral Choral Society is handicapped by having to record in this acoustically mushy space, and it shows in this CD, often creating an uneven balance between the organ and the chorus as noted by other reviewers. The repertoire is well-chosen, but the quality of the arrangements is uneven. Too often, the chorus seems to be singing in unison right out of the Hymnal, like any parish church choir at an ordinary Sunday service. Certain pieces do suggest the heights which the Society is capable of attaining. But the group never achieves the splendor that the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys displays every Sunday morning. Just when the Society seems to be getting there, the conductor pulls them back. And the shrill folk arrangement of "Amazing Grace" will have you covering your ears as the sopranos shriek clumsily, confusing volume with fervor.

Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18

This is not a review. I just have a question. Does "Hymns through the Centuries" contain the hymn "It is Well with my Soul?" Thanks.

A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16

I purchased this CD just based on the titles and am very glad I did. There are only two downsides to the album. First is the fact that there isn't a companion CD with 26 more hymns! Second is picky, but I do agree with another rater that the organ could have been a little louder related to the singing. Hope you enjoy listening!

Average customer rating:

This is the very best

Very Best of
Jussi Bjorling
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias
The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
Jussi Björling Rediscovered
Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B000083GOH
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Questa O Quella - Jussi Bjorling
La Donna E Mobile - Jussi Bjorling
Ah Si, Ben Mio - Jussi Bjorling
Di Quella Pira - Jussi Bjorling
Di Tu Se Fedele - Jussi Bjorling
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida - Jussi Bjorling
Ingemisco - Orchestra
Cujus Animam - Orchestra
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Royal Orchestra
Cielo E Mar - Orchestra
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Jussi Bjorling
Amor Ti Vieta - Orchestra
E La Solita Storia - Nils Grevillius
Donna Non Vidi Mai - Royal Orchestra
Che Gelida Manina - Jussi Bjorling
In Un Coupe?...O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Robert Merrill
Recondita Armonia - Jussi Bjorling
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Nils Grevillius
Nessun Dorma - Orchestra
Mamma! Quel Vino E Generoso - Nils Grevillius
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba - Jussi Bjorling
No. Pagliaccio Non Son - Robert Shaw Chorale

Tracks:

Mi Batte Il Cor...O Paradiso - Orchestra
Salut! Demeure Chaste Et Pure - Orchestra
Ange Adorable - Nils Grevillius
Ah! Leve - Toi, Soleil - Royal Orchestra
Intant Charmant...En Ferment Les Yeux - Orchestra
Je Suis Seul!...Ah, Fuyez, Douce Image - Royal Orchestra
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee - Orchestra
Je Crois Entrende Encore - Royal Orchestra
Adelaide - Harry Ebert
Morgan! - Harry Ebert
Cacilie - Harry Ebert
In The Silence Of Night - Nils Grevillius
Lilacs - Nils Grevillius
Ideale - Orchestra
'O Sole Mio - Orchestra
Mattinata - Orchestra
Becuase - Royal Orchestra
Only A Rose - Orchestra
For You Alone - Orchestra
Uti En Skog Pa Berget Ida (Au Mont Ida Trois Deesses) - Orchestra
Nu Ar Jag Pank Och Fagelfri ( Ich Hab Kein Geld) - Orchestra
Julsand (O Helga Natt) - Royal Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

This is the very best.......2007-01-25

Unless, you are as crazy as I am about Bjorling and willing to buy everything available anyway, this is the collection to purchase.

It includes the best of all the other compilations. The sound is very clean: much better than some of the records that I have with the same material.

The French stuff is wonderful -- especially Le Reve. There is something so melancholic about his voice. He doesn't need to act or add anything phony. As soon as he opens his mouth, you know this story is not going to end well.

The collection covers more than 20 years. It's amazing that the voice changed so little. His voice lost none of it beauty or power over the years.

Best Beethoven Adeliade ever. What a pity he never recorded any Schubert song cycles.

My God, this collection even includes Adam's Julsang -- which as far as I know existed only in a Swedish RCA 33 rpm. You will never think of "Oh, Holy Night" the same way again.

If you have not listened to Bjorling before, you will never think of some other famous tenors the same way either.

And a bargain. Two disks for $17? Start here.

Average customer rating:

Exquisite tenor singing and songs of incredible beauty

Sergej Larin - Rachmaninov Songs
Sergey Rachmaninov , Sergej Larin , Eleonora Bekova , Ben Connellan , Dave Partridge , Jonathan Rose , and Oleg Michegev
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

In The Silence Of The Secret Night
How Pained I Am
Sing Not, O Lovely One
Arion
How Peaceful
Do Not Believe Me, Friend
Let Us Leave, My Sweet
Spring Torrents
A Dream
All Was Taken From Me
Daisies
I Am Again Alone!
Night Is Sorrowful
O, No, I Beg You, Do Not Leave!
Small Island
I Am Not A Prophet
Yesterday We Met
They Replied
Liliacs
I Was With her
Christ Is Risen!
It Cannot Be!
At My Window
What Happiness
At Night In My Garden
Fragment From A. Musset
All Passes

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite tenor singing and songs of incredible beauty.......2001-10-02

My acquaintance with Sergei Larin was made through his performances of Verdi, Puccini and verismo works. And I have always been impressed by his beauty of tone and phrasing. It was a nicest surprise to discover that he could offer performances of such level of artistry in the chamber repertoire. This disc alone raised my admiration of Larin, one of the best tenors on operatic stages these days.
First of all, these songs require broader performance most of the time. They are passionate quasi-operatic works with a most evocative and sometimes melancholic atmosphere. Larin pours his heart and soul in these pieces. His tone is honeyed throughout, powerful when it opens up, but he also produce the most extatic soft tones when required. The wide palette of tone colouring is quite helpful to differentiate each song from the others and his care with the text is so amazing that, even if you don't know the text or are not Russian-speaking (as I am not), you won't really miss it, so powerful is Larin's ability to create the right mood. If you have any doubt, you should try "In the Silence of the Secret Night" - a most delightful song.
Last but not least, Eleonora Bekova is the amazing pianist who not only shines in the sometimes virtuosistic piano playing preditably required by Rachmaninov, but also responds sensitively to Larin's singing throughout. A nice example of interplay between admirable musicians.

Average customer rating:

Two greats: both have seen better days
Two masters of music
Ten Stars!!!
Together is exactly right
Great for casual listening

Together
George Frideric Handel , Jacques Offenbach , Jules Massenet , Imre (Emmerich) Kalman , Fritz Kreisler , Sergey Rachmaninov , Manuel Ponce , Francesco Paolo Tosti , Irish Traditional , Enrico Toselli , Sigmund Romberg , Benjamin Godard , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Richard Strauss , Jonathan Tunick , Itzhak Perlman , Placido Domingo , and The New York Studio Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Por Amor
De Mi Alma Latina, Vol. 2
Romantic Moments
Music of Sigmund Romberg
Gitano

ASIN: B000002RS9
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Serenata
Estrellita
Elegie
Weisst Du Es Noch?
The Old Refrain
When Night Desends, Op.4, No.3
Barcarolle
Ideale
Danny Boy
Ombra Mai Fu
Serenade
Berceuse
None But The Lonely Heart, Op.6 No.6
Morgen, Op.27, No.4
Oh, Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair

Customer Reviews:

Two greats: both have seen better days.......2007-04-16

Putting two great musicians of the stature of Domingo and Perlman together must have sounded like a fine idea-- no doubt joining these musical giants should produce musical fireworks. Unfortunately the final product offered on this disc is rather drab. The recording lacks focus and is generally musically hollow.

No doubt both Domingo and Perlman offer the listener flashes of how great they both are, but neither is interested in exploring the subtle nuances of each musical selection. Pieces such as Massenet's "Elegie," Manuel Ponce's "Estrellita," and Tosti's "Ideale" are beautifully lilting pieces, which are not (except for moments in the Massenet) served well by the rather over-stated performances of both men. Pieces such as Romberg's "Serenade" from The Student Prince and Kalman's "Weist du es noch?" fare better, as they fit Domingo's operatic temperament and Perlman's virtuoso sensibilities. But even these seem to be mere show pieces devoid of depth. I found the tenor-violin rendition of the Barcarolle from Les contes d'Hoffman unpleasant, and Danny Boy equally so.

The over-miking of both performers does not help matters much, and in Domingo's case only served to amplify some strained moments in his top range.

The disc as a concept is also rather problematic. A recital album of any sort should have some sort of shape and texture-- this recording does not offer a readily decipherable one, save for a vague chronological relationship among the pieces (except for a Handel aria!), and the variety offered. As far as variety is concerned, the track listing "kindly" offers the listener explicit references to the many languages Domingo sings on the disc (6-- Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, and Italian).

No doubt fans of both gentlemen will want to have the disc, but both have seen much better days. Still, it is true that a mediocre performance by two giants reveals certain hidden treasures that listeners looking to buy this disc will be able to horde.

(This recording, in my opinion, hovers between two and three stars, but I give it the benefit of the doubt and round up)

Two masters of music.......2003-01-28

Wow! What can I say? It is so obvious who rules the stage when it comes to violin virtuosos. Itzhak Perlman takes my breath away every time I hear his bow touch a violin and to be playing with one of the world's best vocalists alone shows some accomplishment. Of course... it goes without saying that Domingo is probably THE BEST tenor of this lifetime. My personal favorite on this CD is the "Offenbach". I've heard this piece sung and played by many artists, but none of them come close to this recording and it truly touches your heart and soul. This CD has definitely become a favorite of mine and I cannot seem to put it back in its CD case! This album is definitely worth getting for one's self and I would even say it is also a very nice gift idea, that even non-classic listeners would appreciate.

Ten Stars!!!.......1999-07-27

BothItzhak Perlman and Placido Domingo are two of the most sophisticated and gifted musicians that ever graced our sad world with their presence. For whatever they do we should be eternally grateful. Both artists often ventured in the world of popular music, which goes to show just how diverse and open-minded they are. Every time they had something new to say as to the music, and attracted new legions of fans. Perlman's excursions into jazz and Domingo's explorations of modern Latin music are widely known and appreciated and loved by many. Here they combine their extraordinary forces to bring to us a relatively "conservative" repertoire, yet they do with such skill and class, the familiar selections sound fresh and enchanting. Don't underestimate the level of difficulty, though. Notice the two Rachmaninov songs, arranged splendidly for tenor and violin. (Btw, the song "O Cease thy singing, maiden fair" is usually performed by bass (baritone) and piano.) They include a Richard Strauss lieder "Morgen", a feat, not even attempted by other Italian opera-trained tenors, a nice surprise that attests to Placido Domingo's infinite talents. Massenet's "Elegie" is full of passion and melancholy, and Kalman's "Kome, Zigane" sparkles with gypsy rhythm and intensity. Among the other gems are Handel's "Ombra mai fu" and Tosselli's "Serenade" on which Placido and Itzhak display their flawless virtuosity and sincere love for the music. This is the most wonderful and unusual album, a true revelation. Thank you, Placido and Itzhak, the world is a better place thanks to you.

Together is exactly right.......1999-07-18

Together is the most stirring, evocative album anyone could ever wish to hear. Itzhak Perlman's renditons of Estrellita, Danny Boy, actually each of the selections draws the listener along the strings of his bow and sends them soaring. Placido's voice blends magically with the notes of the violin in such a way that you realise both 'instruments' are being played by a master musician.

Great for casual listening.......1999-06-01

This disc is great for casual listening. The pieces featured are light and easy on the ears. Domingo and Perlman combined beautifully in these well-arranged pieces. Sound quality is also good. However, this is not a disc for serious listeners or collectors.

Krzysztof Penderecki - St Luke Passion, Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima, Polimorphy, String Quartet No. 1, Psalms of David, Dimensions of Time and Silence

Average customer rating:

Chuck Norris once tried to listen to this album while alone in the dark at 11:30 PM. He FAILED.
Get This While You Can

Krzysztof Penderecki - St Luke Passion, Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima, Polimorphy, String Quartet No. 1, Psalms of David, Dimensions of Time and Silence

Manufacturer: Polskie Nagrania - Muza
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Penderecki: Polish Requiem (Polskie Requiem), Dies Irae
Penderecki: Anaklasis; Threnody; etc.
Penderecki: Sacred Choral Works
Penderecki: Orchestral Works, Vol. 02
Penderecki: Orchestral Works, Vol. 01

ASIN: B0000SVZWY
Release Date: 1989-01-01

Tracks:

Passio et mors domini nostri Jesu Christi "St Luke Passion" (Parts 1-18)

Tracks:

Passio et mors domini nostri Jesu Christi "St Luke Passion" (Parts 19-24),
Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima
Polimorphy
String Quartet No. 1
Psalms of David
Dimensions of Time and Silence

Album Description

Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima (Tren ofiarom Hiroszimy in Polish) is a musical composition for 52 string instruments, composed in 1959 by Krzysztof Penderecki (b. 1933), which took third prize at the Grzegorz Fitelberg Composers' Competition in Katowice in 1960. The piece swiftly aroused tremendous interest around the world and made its young composer famous.
The piece--originally called 8'37" (at times also 8'26")--applies the sonoristic technique and rigors of specific counterpoint to an ensemble of strings treated unconventionally in terms of tone production. "While reading the score," Tadeusz Zielinski wrote in 1961, "one may admire Penderecki's inventiveness and coloristic ingeniousness. Yet one cannot rightly evaluate the Threnody until it has been listened to, for only then does one face the amazing fact: all these effects have turned out to serve as a pretext to conceive a profound and dramatic work of art!" Indeed, the piece tends to leave an impression both solemn and catastrophic, earning its classification as a threnody. On October 12, 1964, Penderecki wrote, "Let the Threnody express my firm belief that the sacrifice of Hiroshima will never be forgotten and lost."
The piece's unorthodox, largely symbol-based score directs the musicians to play at various vague points in their range or to concentrate on certain textural effects. Penderecki sought to heighten the effects of traditional chromaticism by using "hypertonality"--composing in quarter tones--to make dissonance more prominent than it would be in traditional tonality. Another unusual aspect of Threnody is Penderecki's expressive use of total serialism. The piece creates an "invisible canon," an overall musical texture that is more important than the individual notes, making it a leading example of sound mass composition. As a whole, Threnody constitutes one of the most extensive elaborations on the tone cluster.

Customer Reviews:

Chuck Norris once tried to listen to this album while alone in the dark at 11:30 PM. He FAILED........2006-07-18

These are some of the best performances of Penderecki's music I know of. You really get a sense of how shocking this music was (and at times, still is) when it first came out (particulary the "crowd" scenes involving the chorus in the "St. Luke Passion" and the high string parts in the "Threnody"). Granted, the sound quality is not the best, but the quality of the performances make up for it. These recordings were made around the time this music was still relatively new (or, as in the case of the St. Luke Passion, when the sheet music was still hot off of the presses), and you can tell. The radical spirit of the music shines through (This WAS the 60's, after all). Be warned: This is not Mozart. It is not "classics for comfort". This is brutal, aggressive stuff. It abandons melody and harmony for a kind of "sound field" approach, not unlike the "monolith" music from "2001: A Space Odyssey". It is an acquired taste. However, those of you who are willing to take the plunge and go in with open minds and ears will be richly rewarded.

Get This While You Can.......2006-06-20

No collection of 20th century classical music is complete without this recording. The sound quality is acceptable considering these are original recordings. This is dark, intense stuff. Mel Gibson ain't got nothin' on this.

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