Why not?

A. Kaplan, December 20, 2001
"I enjoyed your music very much. It was put together with obvious care and passion."

Product Description
Melinda Gamble debuted her first CD, "Why not?," Saturday, December 29, 2001, at the Hard Rock Café in Philadelphia. One hundred and fifty of the artist's friends, family, and business associates joined the celebration. The project was completed just in time for her 40th Birthday on December 31. That was the goal four years ago when Gamble started the project. It was her greatest remaining dream. The ten track CD features all original music. Gamble wrote the lyrics for all ten songs. Bill Jolly, the three-time Emmy winner and very well known Philadelphia talent, wrote the music and arrangements for the songs. The groove is quite eclectic, ranging from electronica to ballad, but features a smooth, funky feel coined "polite funk."

Why not?

Why not?,Melinda Gamble

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Average customer rating:

Why Not Today Eric Dodge Manufacturer: Racing Snail Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Since I Let You Go Body Clutter: Love Your Body, Love Yourself Practically Perfect in Every Way Saving Dinner Basics: How to Cook Even If You Don't Know How Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? The FlyLady's Simple FLYing Lessons Will Show You How to Get Your Home and Your Life in Order--and It All Starts with Shining Your Sink! ASIN: B000S6BMXU Release Date: 2007-08-01

Tracks:

1. You Won'y Be Lonely Long (Eric Dodge)
2. Why Not Today (Eric Dodge)
3. It's A Good Thing (Eric Dodge)
4. Life Is For The Living (Eric Dodge)
5. Everybody Wants To Be Loved (Eric Dodge)
6. The Last Real Cowboy (Eric Dodge)
7. What Turns You On ( Eric Dodge)
8. What Some People Throw Away (Eric Dodge)
9. It All Comes Back To Me (Eric Dodge)
10. Too Much To Believe (Eric Dodge)
11. It's A Womans World (Eric Dodge)
12. I Pledge (Eric Dodge)

Product Description

This is the second international Nashville released CD by Eric Dodge. It has "Why Not Today" I Pledge and many other well know songs by this artist.

Average customer rating: not funny An Amazing Find Urinetown the Musical Not for Everyone "DON'T BE THE BUNNY!"

Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast) John Cullum , Mark Hollmann , Danny Marcus , and Hunter Foster Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Urinetown: The Musical Urinetown: Vocal Selections The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast) The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00005LZR8 Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Too Much Exposition
3. Urinetown
4. It's A Privilege To Pee
5. Mr. Cladwell
6. Cop Song
7. Follow Your Heart
8. Look At The Sky
9. Don't Be The Bunny
10. Act One Finale
11. What Is Urinetown?
12. Snuff That Girl
13. Run, Freedom, Run!
14. Why Did I Listen To That Man?
15. Tell Her I Love Her
16. We're Not Sorry
17. We're Not Sorry (reprise)
18. I See A River

Amazon.com

"How about a bad title?" wonders Spencer Kayden's Little Sally in "Too Much Exposition." "That could kill a show pretty good." It's a tribute to the skill deployed by the Urinetown creative team (Mark Hollman, music and lyrics; Greg Kotis, book and lyrics) that its title doesn't kill the show. Set in a near-future in which water depletion has led to a ban on private toilets, this may be the only musical in history in which one of the leads makes a fortune on pee. But the show (which originated Off-Broadway before graduating to the big league) limits its subversive intent to subject matter and is refreshingly classic in approach and structure--think Weill-meets-Lewis Carroll. Backed by a small ensemble, the cast (with John Cullum in a turn nothing short of brilliant as the evil urinal magnate) has a field day with Kotis and Hollman's frequently hilarious score. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

not funny.......2007-07-25

I'd heard such rave reviews about this musical, but kept passing on chances to see it. I was turned off by the title -- and this is strange for me, a person not afraid of scatological humor. But maybe I knew something I could not say.

The funniest thing about the musical, I am now convinced, is the premise. Urinetown is a place where you have to pay to pee. A conglomerate has taken over all toilet facilities, and if you don't pay, you don't pee -- unless you go into the bushes, and risk getting arrested.

But it's just not funny. It's supposed to be a satire, but it just doesn't work. Why? I don't know. But I listened to many songs on the CD, and none of them had that true spark that makes you want to laugh. The opening number is "Too Much Exposition" making fun of musicals that open by explaining too much with words instead of action. And perhaps this song is in there to deflect criticism for the main reason this musical doesn't work -- it's too busy explaining, instead of getting on with the business of being funny.

My humor tastes: I watch the Daily Show, Colbert Report, South Park, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook (so-so), Frasier reruns. Never watched Friends, or Everybody Loves Raymond, or Family Guy, but did watch Seinfeld (although it's not funny to me anymore). The two most recent things I saw that made me laugh out loud were 1) Larry Wilmore doing his n*gg*r skit on Daily Show and 2)an early Chappelle episode where Sesame Street characters talk about drug use

An Amazing Find.......2007-04-03

I just recently discovered this gem of a musical. It's a stand out show with a unique touch. If heard a few outside musicals (The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch...) but this one stands out from them. The music is amazing, the lyrics are creative, and the humor is ripe.

With a chamber music-esque overture, the tone is set. 'Too Much Exposition' is a great introduction to Urinetown (the musical). Officer Lockstock addresses the audience about what they should expect from the show. Little Sally wants to let the audience in on the water shortage but Lockstock stops her. ("You're too young to understand it now, but nothing can kill a show like too much exposition." "How 'bout bad subject matter? Or a bad title, even? That could kill a show pretty good.")

I've read what others have written: you don't get the whole humor of the show unless you've seen it. I haven't seen it, but this recording is enough to get me see it. (That is, if a production nearby, even a high school production, is put on.)

The songs that I find myself listening to over and over are:

Too Much Exposition (not really a song, but still...)
Urinetown
It's A Privilage to Pee
Mr. Cladwell (a wonderfully sweet villain song)
Cop Song (a wonderfully fun villain song)
Follow Your Heart
Don't Be the Bunny
Act 1 Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Run, Freedome, Run!
Why Did I Listen to That Man?
We're Not Sorry (a great 20's sound, reminds me of 'Chicago')
I See A River (I really love this song... the feeling gotten across, before Lockstock comes out to comment, is 'Oh, everything is going to be okay', but Lockstock informs us that all is NOT well)

With a cry of "Hail Mathus!" the show ends. I just have to listen again, after making a trip to the bathroom.

Urinetown the Musical.......2007-03-10

This CD has all the songs from the show. The show is great and this rendition is about the best.

Not for Everyone.......2006-12-28

This musical is a great piece for the 21st century no doubt, that being said it takes some getting used to. The musical cannot be taken at face value, there are lots of things happening under the surface and it takes some bites at things musical theater doesn't usually take, like itself. On the surface it is strange, and not really something people would listen to over and over. However, once you figure it out, it's fun to listen to it again to find all the things that are really going on. It is very funny, and says some good things about the current state of the world. For musical theater fans this is questionable, if you just like the toe-tapping happy go lucky feel, this isn't it. But if you like the social commentary that goes along with that toe tapping, this is a must. NOT FOR FIRST TIME BROADWAY LISTNERS. Favorite Song: "Look at the Sky"

"DON'T BE THE BUNNY!".......2006-12-04

My son, a high school senior, told me his first show of this year's theatrical season was going to be "Urinetown". My response was something like ... No, really, what shows are you doing this year? Then he brought home a recording of it, and I was hooked right away by the lyrics. Over the years my son has been involved in many performances, but he and the rest of the cast had a real blast preparing for, and performing, this show! He wanted Lockstock, but was cast as Cladwell ... Owned it ... Loved it!
I am no Broadway expert by any stretch of the definition, but this show is wonderfully entertaining! You will see (and hear) snippets from other shows, you will pick up on some of even the more subtle stabs at musicals as a whole, you will groan, you will laugh and you will enjoy ... But only if you try not to take it too seriously.
Get past the title (in this case I certainly think it did not "...kill a show pretty good"), relax, and be entertained. And for goodness sake, if you have a chance to see it performed live, do so! A musical that pokes fun at itself? Yes, a refreshing departure from the norm, and worth the price of admission.

Average customer rating: Well worth the price Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection... Where's the chicks?!?! Not quite the ultimate.... Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Brannigan, Owen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Topsy-Turvy The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan ASIN: B000007OU0 Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
2. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
3. H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
4. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
5. H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
6. H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
7. H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
8. H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
9. H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
10. The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
11. The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
12. The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
13. The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
14. The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
15. Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
16. The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
17. The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
18. The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
19. The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
20. The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
21. The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
22. The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
23. The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
24. The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
25. The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
26. The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
27. The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
28. The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
29. The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Average customer rating: Very pleased Sumptuous and mellow One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dowland, John | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals The King"s Singers: English Renaissance Olde English Madrigals & Folk Songs at Ely Cathedral Madrigal History Tour Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers ASIN: B000002RPZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
2. English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
3. English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
4. English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
5. English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
6. English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
7. English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
8. English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
9. English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
10. English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
11. English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
12. English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
13. English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
14. English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
15. English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
16. English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
17. English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
18. English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
19. English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
20. English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
21. English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
22. English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
23. English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
24. English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
25. English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
26. English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
27. English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
28. English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
29. English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
30. English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
31. English Madrigals: Were I A King
32. English Madrigals: Come Again
33. English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
34. English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
35. English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Average customer rating: The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan Pure delight Delicious G&S samplings abound here. Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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: The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures ASIN: B000003D1Y Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. A Wandering Minstrel I
2. Behold The Lord High Executioner!
3. Three Little Maids From School Are We
4. Braid The Raven Hair
5. The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
6. On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
7. For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
8. We Sail The Ocean Blue
9. I'm Called Little Buttercup
10. My Gallant Crew
11. When I Was A Lad
12. Things Are Seldom What They Seem
13. Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
14. Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
15. Poor Wand'ring One
16. How Beautifully Blue The Sky
17. I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
18. When The Foeman Bares His Steel
19. Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
20. With Cat-Like Tread
21. Is Life A Boon?
22. I Have A Song To Sing, O!
23. Were I Thy Bride
24. Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
25. When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
26. When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
27. A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
28. Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating: One of My All-Time Favorites. Best of Judds Love the Album Love the Judds The classic breakthrough album

Why Not Me The Judds Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rockin' with the Rhythm Heartland River of Time Wynonna & Naomi Love Can Build a Bridge ASIN: B00008K4ZL Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

1. Why Not Me
2. Mr. Pain
3. Drops Of Water
4. Sleeping Heart
5. My Baby's Gone
6. Bye Bye Baby Blues
7. A Girls Night Out
8. Love Is Alive
9. Endless Sleep
10. Mama He's Crazy

Customer Reviews:

One of My All-Time Favorites........2007-06-08

This was one of my favorite albums as a kid. My mom used to listen to it all the time. I just love the beautiful harmonies between Naomi and Wynnona. It doesn't have their big hit "Grandpa" but does include other big hits of theirs such as "Mama He's Crazy". Honestly, though, every song on this album is worth listening to. It's such a high quality album with good songs, good instrumentation (in a simple, traditional style), and above all, excellent voices. Definitely a classic.

Best of Judds.......2007-05-31

Every cut on this CD is good. How often is only one song really good? Not this CD. Every song is worth listening to and enjoying.

Love the Album.......2007-01-04

Thanks to Amazon I have found a very favorable album to listen to and enjoy.

Donald Woodson

Love the Judds.......2006-03-10

I was very satisfied with the purchase I made from Amazon. I had received my cd and it was bad would not play so I e mailed and told them about it and another was sent out right away. and I returned the bad one. So the service was excellent. I enjoyed all the songs on this CD. Thanks

The classic breakthrough album.......2005-08-31

Wynonna (daughter) and Naomi (mother) began their career with a six-track mini-album but this full-length follow-up (including one of the six earlier tracks, Mama he's crazy) was the one that gave them their breakthrough. It features four major country hits - Mama he's crazy, Why not me, Love is alive and Girls night out - together with six other excellent songs including a couple of covers - Endless sleep, My baby's gone - of songs from the fifties.

When I first bought this on vinyl, I played it a lot. Although the style is simple with few instruments, it was (and still remains) fresh and exciting, unmistakeable for anybody else's music. I later realized that one of the features that set this album apart was the prominent use of a dobro - an instrument that traditional country and bluegrass fans are reasonably familiar with, but which is not used as often as it might be. Of course, the excellent mother-and-daughter harmonies and the high quality songs also help to make this album a classic. Apart from a dobro, the only instruments used are buss, drums, piano, steel, harmonica and guitars.

With this album, the Judds became major country music stars. Subsequent albums were also of a high quality, but this remains my favorite original Judds album.

Average customer rating: I love this! a wish come true Memories Return Prince Charming and Cinderella EXHILARATING! ENERGETIC! ENCHANTING!

The Slipper and the Rose (1976 Film Soundtrack) Richard M. Sherman , Robert B. Sherman , and Richard Chamberlain Manufacturer: Image Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Slipper and the Rose Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954 Film Soundtrack) Happiest Millionaire Tom Sawyer (1973 Movie Soundtrack) Cinderella (1965 Television Cast) ASIN: B00005OC9K Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

1. Overture - The Orchestra
2. Why Can't I Be Two People? - Richard Chamberlain
3. What Has Love Got to Do With Getting Married? - Edith Evans, Michael Hordern
4. Once I Was Loved - Gemma Craven
5. What a Comforting Thing to Know - Richard Chamberlain
6. Protocoligorically Correct - Michael Hordern, Kenneth More
7. Bride Finding Ball - Richard Chamberlain
8. Suddenly It Happens - Gemma Craven, Annette Crosbie
9. Waltz Theme - The Orchestra
10. Secret Kingdom - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
11. He Danced With Me/She Danced With Me - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
12. Position and Positioning - Christopher Gable
13. Tell Him Anything (But Not That I Love Him) - Gemma Craven
14. I Can't Forget the Melody - Gemma Craven
15. Secret Kingdom (Reprise) - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven

Amazon.com

If one needed an object lesson in the fickle nature of Hollywood and its precipitously shifting tastes, one could do worse than to examine the career of the songwriting brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. After inventing veritable swaths of Disney's musical theme park, TV, and film legacies in the '50s and '60s (including Zorro, The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book), the brothers found their talents largely underemployed in TV and film efforts after the death of Walt Disney. It isn't to say that their talents were in the least diminished, as this soundtrack to the 1976 U.K.-produced live-action adaptation of Cinderella ably attests. Fans of the Shermans' Disney canon should find this soundtrack restoration a welcome addition to their collections. The Shermans' music is a familiar, effervescent delight, even as it tackles the full emotional spectrum of romantic and familial entanglements, from Prince Edward's existential ponderings in "Why Can't I Be Two People?" through the king's Gilbert & Sullivan-esque take on royal bureaucracy in "Protocologically Correct" to the romantic pinings of "Secret Kingdom" and "He Danced with Me." The Slipper and the Rose is a musical cult favorite, and for good reason. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I love this!.......2007-01-14

I love this soundtrack! If you are a fan of the movie, you will really enjoy this. There is only one disappointing thing about this soundtrack.

While all of the songs with words are there, most of the background music is missing. There is the overture and the waltz theme, but no other background music. I was particularly disappointed in the absence of the music from the wedding.

Despite this, I am very glad I have purchased this CD and high recommend it.

a wish come true.......2006-11-04

I'm so happy this soundtrack is no longer out of print. The movie is one of my favorite musicals and all the music from the movie is wonderful!

Memories Return.......2006-06-24

This has to be one of my favorite musicals. And that's saying something. I remember watching the movie with my mom when I was little. When I purchased and played the cd, that all came back. Mom and I busted out singing, "Protocoligorically correct", practically cracking up through half of it; and enjoying the romantic theme "He/she danced w/me"!
The sound recording was well pitched, loud enough to hear, and there wasn't anything fuzzy. This I was very grateful for. I look forward to one day playing it for my daughter so she'll enjoy it to.

Prince Charming and Cinderella.......2005-09-11

I know the beautiful movie and I wished to have the soundtrack. Now I bought it and I am happy. It is a great CD, the actors give the best and the music is very romantic. I recommend the CD.

EXHILARATING! ENERGETIC! ENCHANTING!.......2004-07-11

THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE is a most EXHILARATING CD, with crisp, catchy, tunes that cause one's heart to be made cheerful! "Why Can't I Be Two People", "Protocologorically Correct", and "Position and Positioning", are songs that I have found marvelously ENERGIZING! I work in a stressful medical environment, and on a dreary day, I slipped this CD into the office CD player, to discover an amazingly, invigorating phenomenon. The stressed out office staff began whistling and humming the tunes....a few even danced down the halls of our clinic, which can be a bit disconcerting when you have specimens in both hands. As the employees got happier, attitudes and energy levels soared! It was exciting to watch the merriment as staff sang and danced along to "Suddenly It Happens", and "What A Comforting Thing To Know". The love songs sung by Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven, "Secret Kingdom", "He/She Danced With Me", and "I Can't Forget The Melody", are hauntingly romantic songs, guaranteed to ENCHANT even the hardest heart. This is one of my favorite CD's of all time. The Sherman Brothers outdid themselves; creating a masterpiece that EXHILARATES, ENERGIZES, ENCHANTS.......and occasionally, on a dreary, stressful day, causes the heavy hearts of listeners, to be transformed and ultimately to transcend.

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00062FLI8 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating:

Why The Hell Not...The Songs Of Kinky Friedman Various Artists Manufacturer: Sustain Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Country Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Last Of The Jewish Cowboys: The Best Of Kinky Friedman They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore Modern Times The Christmas Pig: A Fable Snake Farm ASIN: B000HKDENS Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Get Your Biscuits In The Oven - performed by Kevin Fowler
2. Sold American - performed by Lyle Lovett
3. Wild Man From Borneo - performed by Charlie Robison
4. Rapid City, South Dakota - performed by Dwight Yoakam
5. The Gospel According To John - performed by Jason Boland & The Stragglers
6. They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore - performed by Todd Snider
7. Lady Yesterday - performed by Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis
8. Ride'em Jewboy - performed by Willie Nelson
9. Homo Erectus - Asleep At The Wheel & Reckless Kelly

Amazon.com

No entertainer has gotten more mileage out of recycling material than Kinky Friedman. Since his musical career peaked in the 1970s, the self-proclaimed Kinkster has transferred lines from his songs--and one-liners from his performances--into a series of mystery novels, magazine columns, and, most recently, an independent campaign to become governor of Texas. This revival of Kinky's material takes its title from one of Friedman's campaign slogans (another is "How hard could it be?") and four of its ten cuts from Pearls in the Snow, Friedman's previously released, self-commissioned tribute album. While that earlier release focused on Friedman's non-satirical material--with Lyle Lovett wringing every once of pathos from "Sold American" and Willie Nelson bringing a tender touch to "Ride 'Em Jewboy"--this album highlights some of Friedman's more outrageous material. A hard-driving "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore," a song designed to offend just about everyone, finds Todd Snider updating the lyrics as if Friedman's election were already a done deal. The raucous "Home Erectus" teams Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson with upstarts Reckless Kelly, while "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven (And Your Buns in the Bed)," Friedman's satirical slam of women's lib, gets a hard-twanging, honky-tonk treatment from Kevin Fowler. Whether Friedman is employing his notoriety as an entertainer to enhance his political prospects or using the campaign to raise his popular profile, it's all performance art. --Don McLeese

Average customer rating: Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty So Fashionable, and So Disappointing A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal Wait! Before you buy... La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener

Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock George Frideric Handel , Arleen Auger , Anne Sofie von Otter , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert & Choir , Michael Chance , Howard Crook , and John Tomlinson Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner Belcea Quartet ~ Debussy · Dutilleux · Ravel Beethoven: Symphony No 9 /ORR * Gardiner Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" in B minor Op. 74 ASIN: B0000057DB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part One - 1. Sinfony (Grave - Allegro moderato)
2. Messiah: Part One - 2. Accompagnato : Comfort Ye My People
3. Messiah: Part One - 3. Air : Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
4. Messiah: Part One - 4. Chorus : And The Glory Of The Lord Shall Be Revealed
5. Messiah: Part One - 5. Accompagnato : Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts
6. Messiah: Part One - 6. Air : But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
7. Messiah: Part One - 7. Chorus : And He Shall Purify
8. Messiah: Part One - 8. Recitative : Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
9. Messiah: Part One - 9. Air and Chorus : O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
10. Messiah: Part One - 10. Accompagnato : For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover
11. Messiah: Part One - 11. Air : The People That Walked In Darkness
12. Messiah: Part One - 12. Chorus : For Unto Us A Child Is Born
13. Messiah: Part One - 13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: Part One - 14. Recitative: There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - Accompagnato: And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - 15. Recitative: And The Angel Said Unto Them - 16. Accompagnato: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel
15. Messiah: Part One - 17. Chorus : Glory To God In The Highest
16. Messiah: Part One - 18. Air : Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
17. Messiah: Part One - 19. Recitative : Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
18. Messiah: Part One - 20. Air : He Shall Feed His Flock
19. Messiah: Part One - 21. Chorus : His Yoke Is Easy, His Burthen Is Light
20. Messiah: Part Two - 22. Chorus : Behold The Lamb Of God
21. Messiah: Part Two - Air : 23. He Was Despised

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part Two - 24. Chorus : Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
2. Messiah: Part Two - 25. Chorus : And With His Stripes We Are Healed
3. Messiah: Part Two - 26. Chorus : All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
4. Messiah: Part Two - 27. Accompagnato : All They That See Him
5. Messiah: Part Two - 28. Chorus : He Trusted In God
6. Messiah: Part Two - 29. Accompagnato : Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
7. Messiah: Part Two - 30. Arioso : Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow
8. Messiah: Part Two - 31. Accompagnato : He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land
9. Messiah: Part Two - 32. Air : But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul
10. Messiah: Part Two - 33. Chorus : Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
11. Messiah: Part Two - 34. Recitative : Unto Which Of The Angels
12. Messiah: Part Two - 35. Chorus : Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him
13. Messiah: Part Two - 36. Air : Thou Art Gone Up On High
14. Messiah: Part Two - 37. Chorus : The Lord Gave The Word
15. Messiah: Part Two - 38. Air : How Beautiful Are The Feet
16. Messiah: Part Two - 39. Chorus : Their Sound Is Gone Out
17. Messiah: Part Two - 40. Air : Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage
18. Messiah: Part Two - 41. Chorus : Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder
19. Messiah: Part Two - 42. Recitative : He That Dwelleth In Heaven
20. Messiah: Part Two - 43. Air : Thou Shalt Break Them
21. Messiah: Part Two - 44. Chorus : Hallelujah
22. Messiah: Part Three - 45. Air : I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
23. Messiah: Part Three - 46. Chorus : Since By Man Came Death
24. Messiah: Part Three - 47. Recitative : Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
25. Messiah: Part Three - 48. Air : The Trumpet Shall Sound
26. Messiah: Part Three - 49. Recitative : Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
27. Messiah: Part Three - 50. Duet : O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
28. Messiah: Part Three - 51. Chorus : But Thanks Be To God
29. Messiah: Part Three - 52. Air : If God Be For Us
30. Messiah: Part Three - 53. Chorus : Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain --- Amen

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a terrific performance of Messiah. Not only are the soloists all superb, but Trevor Pinnock completely contradicts the image of many period instrument performances as small-scale, scrappy affairs. Indeed, he invests the choruses with as much genuine Handelian pomp as Beecham at his most extravagant. The trumpets really blaze, and the timpani thunder, and everyone simply has a great time. A joyous performance, just right for the holiday season. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Trevor Pinnock meets with mixed success in this account of the Messiah with the English Concert & Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, and John Tomlinson, recorded and released in 1988. Its strengths are the strengths of the early-music movement in general. The size and distribution of the instrumental and vocal forces are optimal, which means that textures are clear and balances apt. Rhythms are nicely pointed, though often, in Pinnock's case, not quite well enough sprung. Tempos are well chosen; for example, "All we like sheep"--which turns out to be one of the set's best numbers--is a real bourré, and Pinnock animates it in just the right way. But the performance often seems workmanlike and unemotional, weighed down in too many instances by the humdrum work of the chorus. The alto section in particular, which is half male and half female, sings timidly and is constantly swallowing its entrances. Bass soloist John Tomlinson is a further drag on the effort. He has the right idea--that there's an Italian opera hiding behind all this biblical imagery--but his cottony sound is out of place, a misguided attempt to mimic Nicolai Ghiaurov. His usable range is less than a tenth (he croaks the low G's and F-sharps), and his diction is horrible. "Thus spake the Lord" is strangled, and when, in "The trumpet shall sound" Tomlinson gets to the words "we shall be changed," one can't help wishing that he had been changed too, right before the sessions started. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty.......2007-06-13

Handel's Messiah is my favorite piece of classical music. Of the two versions that I had I only have left this one, and it is not the best (the other had been a cheap recording whose author's name I forgot too). This version seems to lack a little enthusiasm from the voices; too melancholic. Anyway, this is the first review of any music that I write, and probably will be the last too, so I just want to leave my impression of how I feel when I hear these solemn and heavenly sounds. One feels so raised to the heavenlies... I can almost sense the presence of the Lord Almighty up yonder among the clouds, and me being carried in solemnity to meet Him. Far away are the buzzing sounds of earthly chores. The air is fresh and clean as we are raised above the valleys, and we come to meet God's elected amid the singing, stronger and stronger. Jubilant, bathed in the glorious rays of the Savior's Light, we come together and sing: Glory to God, glory to God, praise and glory for He is coming...

So Fashionable, and So Disappointing.......2007-02-01

This would be a great 21st Century Reader's Digest version of Messiah, if such a thing existed any more. Handel did as much as he could, but really, the performers still have to do something besides posture, which, by the way, seems to me to characterize many performances these days. Fashionable, but musically deficient.

Specifically: John Tomlinson sings like he thinks he IS God, instead of singing about Him. Heavy, cumbersome, and overblown. May I add boorish?

Arleen Auger has a very sweet voice. And??

Despite the program notes insisting that certain segments of this Messiah are given to "the contralto", Anne Sofie von Otter is NOT a contralto. Not even close.

The male alto can barely sustain a legato line - why he insists upon throwing in those complicated, badly-performed embellishments I can't figure. Well, I can, but I'd really rather not say.

Wake up, choristers!! It's 'For Unto Us A Child Is Born," not "Oy, I have to go to the grocery store today."

Boy do I regret having spent almost $40 on this one. Thank goodness I have the Colin Davis to console me.

A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal.......2006-12-17

This 1988 recording sits between the euqally English, euqally period-ifnluenced Hogwood and Garidner. Of the three, Hogwood sounds more 'authentic' because it uses boys in the chorus and singers schooled period practice. By comparison, Pinnock's soprano, Arleen Auger, and mozeeo, Von Otter, are essentially modern singers--gorgeous ones, of course, Gardiner is far more anemic in his conducting and uses a scrwny-sounding orchestra, so if that's more authentic, so be it. Of the three, Pinnock gives us more traditional music values in his emotional expression and instrumental timbres.

The competiiton is mushc stiffer now than in 1988, but Pinnock's reading has survived the test of time. He is not a genuinely inspired conductor--sadly, Messiah has become a cottage industry that excludes most big-name talents--but neither are Gardiner and Hogwood. (For sheer musicality, I tend to put my money on Andrew Parrott, Robert King, Marc Minkowski, Niklaus Harnoncourt, and Rene Jacobs.) But he's certainly good eough. The reason I haven't given five stars is that the male soloists aren't first-rate, and in particular the Wotan voice of John Tomlinson sounds cavernous in the bass arias. Add to that Pinnock's tendency toward tepidness, and what you end up with is a very good but not great performance.

Wait! Before you buy..........2006-05-28

... This Messiah has recently been re-released at a much cheaper price. Go back and look for the DG "The Originals" release, which is being sold new for under $12.

La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener.......2004-12-29

Soy uno de los mas fanaticos seguidores de Handel y de su obra El Mesias... He escuchado muchas versiones de esta genial e impresionante obra del maestro Handel y, sencillamente no me queda mas que recomendar esta interpretacion, bajo la batuta del maestro Trevor Pinnock. Se nota la exigencia con que esta version se interpreto, dentro el contexto del arte barroco y la magnificencia de la pronunciacion del ingles de la epoca. La orquesta se luce impresionantemente desde la obertura... y le da a cada movimiento, toda aquella fuerza y a la vez delicadeza requerida en el sentimiento que aplica en cada uno de los textos biblicos escogidos por el guionista Jennens. El Coro del English Concert es arrebatador y demuestra maestria en la interpretacion de cada una de las arias que le corresponde. La soprano Arleen Auger, la puedo definir como un angel cantando y resulta ser una caricia a los oidos, a la vez que es capaz de arrancarle a uno las lagrimas por lo excelso de su magia interpretativa. El tenor Crook, aunque no es un tenor con tesitura para canto barroco, es realmente habil y agil al momento de interpretar los melismas caracteristicos de este brillante periodo musical. El contratenor Michael Chance, es fenomenal y quiera Dios que yo tenga el honor de conocer a este genio del canto: "But who may abide..." interpretado por Chance en esta version, es como para caer en extasis. La contralto Anne Sophie von Otter..., tiene una voz oscura y redondeada..., tambien resulta una caricia a los oidos y su "If God be for us..." es desbordante, capaz tambien de hacerle a uno derramar lagrimas por su belleza interpretativa. El bajo Tomlinson..., es barbaro!!! (Soy bajo-baritono en el Coro de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica...) A pesar de su voz tan oscura, es tremendamente agil cuando le toca cantar los melismas y es genial al alcanzar la tonalidad brillante en las partes de notas altas y agudas...; por ejemplo: "The people that walked in darkness..." y "Why do the nations..." Tengo seis años de experiencia, interpretando musica coral y tengo que decir que espere esos seis años, desde 1999, para felizmente cantar esta obra "El Mesias". Ha sido fantastico finalmente lograr este objetivo..., la espera valio la pena y debo admitir que mi inspiracion ha sido sin duda alguna, la version que puede usted encontrar en este disco compacto. Doy gracias a todos los que intervinieron en esta grabacion (al maestro Trevor Pinnock, al English Concert and Choir y a los solistas ya mencionados), en nombre mio y en nombre del maestro Handel.

Christian Music:

1. Worship The King
2. 38 Brit Awards 2002 Hits [Import]
3. All Rise
4. America United
5. An Audience of One
6. At The Foot Of The Cross Volumes 1 and 2 - Songs To Inspire Worship
7. Autumn Leaves
8. Bert Williams 1915-1921
9. Between the Days [Import]
10. Between Us

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Late Night Chill [Box set] [Import]

Schubert: Classics of a Lifetime

Praetorius: In Dulci Jubilo; Meine Seele erhebt den Herren

Music CD: Tejano All Stars [Original recording remastered]

Suor Omicidi/Lo Strangolatore Di Vienna/Lady Frankenstein [Soundtrack]

Shadowman [Import]

Steve Miller - Greatest Hits [Polygram International] [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Sound of Water

Sabbath Hela Veckan

Shomeir Yisrael

Precious Moment [Import]

Oro Y Platino

Rapmasters: From Tha Priority Vaults, Vol. 5 [Clean]

Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks

Passion Spirit