Good Time Christmas

Good Time Christmas

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Contemporary Jazz trio, repertoire ranging from Jazz standards, Latin, smooth Jazz to acid/alternative Jazz.

Product Description
Jazz and pop contemporary arrangements of traditional Christmas songs.

Good Time Christmas,BSK Jazz Trio,The Orchard,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Pop,Xmas Vocal


Magical Musicals / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Not impressed
  • Inexorable wonder!
Magical Musicals / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Ragtime at the Magical Kingdoms
  2. The Magical Music of Disney

ASIN: B00001QGKF
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

  1. Hercules: Introduction
  2. Hercules: The Gospel Truth
  3. Hercules: One Last Hope
  4. Hercules: I Won't Say
  5. Hercules: Zero To Hero
  6. Hercules: A Star Is Born
  7. Hercules: Go The Distance
  8. Aladdin And the King Of Thieves: Party In Agrabah
  9. Pocahontas: Just Around The River Bend
  10. The Return Of Jafar: You're Only Second Rate
  11. The Return Of Jafar: Forget About Love
  12. The Return Of Jafar: I'm Looking Out For Me
  13. The Return Of Jafar: Nothing In The World
  14. Toy Story: You've Got A Friend In Me
  15. 101 Dalmations: Cruella De Vil
  16. Pocahontas: Colors Of The Wind
  17. Oliver And Company: Once Upon A Time In New York City
  18. Oliver And Company: Why Should I Worry?
  19. The Nightmare Before Christmas: What's This?
  20. James And The Giant Peach: Good News
  21. Mulan: Orchestral Suite
  22. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: The Bells Of Notre Dame
  23. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Someday
  24. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: God Help The Outcasts
  25. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Topsy Turvy
  26. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Court Of Miracles
  27. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: A Guy Like You
  28. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Heaven's Light

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Not impressed.......2003-11-25

I was not terribly impressed with this CD. Fortunately, I decided to get it from the library to see if it was good before deciding whether or not to buy it.

Although the orchestration of the songs is well done, most of them simply were not meant to be performed by a chorus; and they sound terrible in that form. If you want some of the songs on this CD, I suggest you look at one of Disney's compilation CDs in the Classic Disney Vol. 1-5 series or the actual soundtracks of the movies.

5 out of 5 stars Inexorable wonder!.......2001-06-23

Where to start?! Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra have had a track record for recording some of the most stupendous movie music ever. Magical Musicals is just another example of how audaciously bold, yet beautiful Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops have taken the original scores, molded them into the same pieces, yet at the same time, creating life of their own in each and every note. If you are looking for ANY soundtrack containing Disney music, this should be the first CD you listen to. There are others out there, and yes, they may sound beautiful and enchanting, but you won't find such a unique and compelling score anywhere else other than this CD. Check it out!!
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I waited for this for five years
  • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
  • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
  • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
  • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
  2. Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
  3. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
  4. Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
  5. Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

  1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
  3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
  4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
  5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
  6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
  7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
  8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
  9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
  11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
  12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
  13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
  14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
  15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
  16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
  17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
  18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
  19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

  1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
  2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
  3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
  4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
  5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
  6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
  7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
  8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
  9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
  10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
  11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
  13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
  14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
  15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
  17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
  18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
  19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

  1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
  2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
  3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
  4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
  5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
  6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
  7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
  8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
  11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
  12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
  13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
  14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
  15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
  16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
  18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
  19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
  20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

  1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
  2. Memory - Betty Buckley
  3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
  4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
  5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
  7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
  8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
  9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
  10. With One Look - Petula Clark
  11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
  12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
  13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
  14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
  15. No Matter What - Boyzone
  16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
  17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
  18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

  1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
  2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
  3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
  4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
  5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
  6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
  7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
  8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
  9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
  10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
  11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
  12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
  13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
  14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
  16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
  17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
  18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
  20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
  21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
  22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

4 out of 5 stars ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

5 out of 5 stars SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

4 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005

    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
    2. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition)

    ASIN: B000B8I93Q
    Release Date: 2005-10-18

    Tracks:

    1. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
    2. Summertime
    3. I Could Write a Book
    4. It Never Entered My Mind
    5. I Can Cook Too
    6. Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
    7. If I Loved You
    8. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
    9. Thou Swell
    10. I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
    11. There's No Business Like Show Business
    12. South American Way

    Tracks:

    1. Shall We Dance
    2. Ohio
    3. Luck Be a Lady
    4. Mack the Knife
    5. There's a Small Hotel
    6. Once in Love with Amy
    7. Yodel Blues
    8. Lazy Afternoon
    9. There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
    10. You're Just in Love
    11. Now Is the Time

    Tracks:

    1. Impossible Dream
    2. Love Makes the World Go 'Round
    3. Try to Remember
    4. Put on a Happy Face
    5. I Say Hello
    6. Happiness
    7. She Loves Me
    8. What Kind of Fool Am I?
    9. Shy
    10. Consider Yourself
    11. Poor Little Person

    Tracks:

    1. Magic to Do
    2. They're Playing My Song
    3. I Don't Know How to Love Him
    4. I Won't Send Roses
    5. Good Morning Starshine
    6. Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
    7. Hard Candy Christmas
    8. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
    9. Won't You Charleston with Me?
    10. Applause

    Tracks:

    1. Phantom of the Opera
    2. Memory
    3. On My Own
    4. Muddy Water
    5. How Could I Ever Know
    6. American Dream
    7. I Know Him So Well
    8. Dr. Jazz
    9. Me and My Girl
    10. Suddenly Seymour

    Tracks:

    1. Mamma Mia!
    2. Popular
    3. Seasons of Love
    4. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
    5. Whatever Lola Wants
    6. Crazy
    7. How Deep Is Your Love
    8. Stars
    9. People Like Us
    10. I Go to Rio
    Marilyn Horne: The Men in My Life
    Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    • for GOOD reason! (I couldn't give it 0 stars and have page post)
    Marilyn Horne: The Men in My Life

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. An American Songbook [Australia]
    2. No One Is Alone
    3. Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta
    4. Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
    5. The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

    ASIN: B000003FQ0
    Release Date: 1994-08-16

    Tracks:

    1. Swingin' On A Star
    2. The Man I Love
    3. You're Just In Love
    4. Blah, Blah, Blah/Just In Time
    5. Small World
    6. Long Before I Knew You
    7. Friendship
    8. All The Things You Are
    9. In The Still Of The Night
    10. Some Enchanted Evening
    11. I Get Embarrassed
    12. All Through The Night
    13. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered
    14. All I Ask Of You
    15. The Little Things You Do Together
    16. Love Walked In/Our Love Is Here To Stay
    17. Somewhere

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars for GOOD reason! (I couldn't give it 0 stars and have page post).......2007-07-17

    Short and Sweet!

    In case you're wondering why this is only going for $2. for new copies from secondary dealers, is because it wasn't worth the $16.00 it originally was priced at! What a SHOCK when I got this home from the store and put it in my machine!

    I gave it away in a grab bag at work!

    All I can say is: "Miss Horne, I am so sorry that you allowed this to be released...it's worse than the stuff that Callas/Di Stefano did at the end."
    Handel: Messiah
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Finally a Messiah with fervor!
    • Great recording!
    • Good and Bad
    • This is a great recording!
    Handel: Messiah

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    1. Christmas at Trinity

    ASIN: B00002R16A
    Release Date: 1999-11-30

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: No. 1 Overture
    2. Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
    3. Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
    4. Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
    5. Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
    6. Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
    7. Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
    8. Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
    9. Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
    10. Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
    11. Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
    12. Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
    13. Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
    14. Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
    15. Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
    16. Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
    17. Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
    18. Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
    19. Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
    20. Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
    21. Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
    22. Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
    23. Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
    24. Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
    25. Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
    26. Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
    2. Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
    3. Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
    4. Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
    5. Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
    6. Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
    7. Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
    8. Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
    9. Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
    10. Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
    11. Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
    12. Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
    13. Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
    14. Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
    15. Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
    16. Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
    17. Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
    18. Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
    19. Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
    20. Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
    21. Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
    22. Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
    23. Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
    24. Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
    25. Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
    26. Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
    27. Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
    28. Messiah: Amen

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

    I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

    5 out of 5 stars Great recording!.......2003-09-22

    There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

    2 out of 5 stars Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

    I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

    4 out of 5 stars This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

    I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

    Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

    As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.
    Songs of Otto Luening
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • american art song
    • american art song
    • american song
    Songs of Otto Luening

    Manufacturer: Composers Recordings
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00004RDZL
    Release Date: 2000-04-25

    Tracks:

    1. Songs Of Otto Luening: She Walks In Beauty
    2. Songs Of Otto Luening: A Farm Picture
    3. Songs Of Otto Luening: The Little Vagabond
    4. Songs Of Otto Luening: Young Love
    5. Songs Of Otto Luening: Wake The Serpent Not
    6. Songs Of Otto Luening: Requiescat
    7. Songs Of Otto Luening: Venilia
    8. Songs Of Otto Luening: Locations And Times
    9. Songs Of Otto Luening: Noon Silence
    10. Songs Of Otto Luening: Visor'd
    11. Songs Of Otto Luening: Infant Joy
    12. Songs Of Otto Luening: Good-Night
    13. Songs Of Otto Luening: I Faint, I Perish
    14. Songs Of Otto Luening: Transience
    15. Songs Of Otto Luening: At Christmas Time
    16. Songs Of Otto Luening: In Weihnachtszeiten
    17. Ach! wer bringt dies schonen Tage
    18. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: Our Share Of Night To Bear
    19. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: 'Hope' Is The Thing With Feathers
    20. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking
    21. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: Experiment To Me
    22. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: I Felt A Cleaving In My Mind
    23. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: Soul, Wilt Thou Toss Again?
    24. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: When I Hoped I Feared
    25. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: Love's Secret
    26. Songs Of Emily Dickinson: The Harp The Monarch Minstrel Swept
    27. Joyce Cycle (Text From James Joyce's 'Chamber Music'): Strings In The Earth And Air
    28. Joye Cycle (Text From James Joyce's 'Chamber Music'): When The Shy Star Goes Forth In Heaven
    29. Joyce Cycle (Text From James Joyce's 'Chamber Music'): My Love Is In A Light Attire
    30. Joyce Cycle (Text From James Joyce's 'Chamber Music'): Sleep Now

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars american art song.......2000-12-30

    This recording is an accesible, refreshingly lyrical collection of 20th century American songs written by Otto Luening. Luening set the poetry of Oscar Wilde, Emily Dickinson, and James Joyce and others in a beautifully vivid and straightforward style. The literature itself is rich and enduring, and Luenning's style is sensitively efficient and illustrative. Ms. Bettina brings a wonderfully clear and graceful musicality in her offering of these works. Mr. Goldsworthy brings a masterful sensitivity to the accompaniment.

    5 out of 5 stars american art song.......2000-12-30

    This recording is an accesible, refreshingly lyrical collection of 20th century American songs written by Otto Luenning. Luenning set the poetry of Oscar Wilde, Emily Dickinson, and James Joyce and others in a beautifully vivid and straightforward style. The literature itself is rich and enduring, and Luenning's style is sensitively efficient and illustrative. Ms. Bettina brings a wonderfully clear and graceful musicality in her offering of these works. Mr. Goldsworthy brings a masterful sensitivity to the accompaniment.

    5 out of 5 stars american song.......2000-12-30

    This is a very lyrical, refreshingly accessible collection of 20th century American songs by Otto Luenning. The literature by Emily Dickinson, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce ( to name only a few), that Luenning chose to set is rich and wonderful in itself. Luenning has provided each with direct, clear and sensitive composition. Ms. Bettina gives a graceful rendering of these songs and shows artistry in each piece. Mr. Goldsworthy is first rate pianist who displays great sensitivity and clarity.
    Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Breathtakingly beautiful!
    • Pretty good, though maybe not 'ultimate'
    • Not ultimate, but truly classical
    Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time

    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Holiday MusicHoliday Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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    ASIN: B00006L3OY
    Release Date: 2002-10-01

    Tracks:

    1. I Wonder As I Wander - Emily Van Evera
    2. Villancico De Navidad - John Williams
    3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    4. Children's Prayer From Hansel And Gretel - Bernstein
    5. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming - Andre Previn
    6. The Coventry Carol - Eileen Farrell
    7. Good People All, This Christmastide - Andrew Parrott
    8. Watts's Cradle Hymn - Martin Neary
    9. Pastoral Ad Libitum - Largo From Concerto Grosso In G Minor Op.6 No.8 'Christmas Concerto' - Richard Kapp
    10. O Tannenbaum - Rita Ford Music Boxes
    11. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Eileen Farrell
    12. Largo From Concerto In F Minor For Violin And Orchestra, Op.8 'L'Inverno' (Winter From The Four Seasons) - Zukerman, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
    13. Ave Maria - Ayako Shinozaki
    14. Pie Jesu From Requiem, Op.48 - Andrew Davis
    15. Ich Steh' An Deiner Krippen Hier (I Stand Here By Thy Crib) (Choral) From Christmas Oratorio, BWV248 - Helmuth Rilling
    16. Lullay My Liking - Gregg Smith
    17. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves) - London Symphony Orchestra
    18. O Come, O Come, Emanuel - Philadelphia Orchestra
    19. Silent Night - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    20. Wiegenlied 'Guten Abend, Gut Nacht' Op.49, No.4 - Helmut Deutsch

    Tracks:

    1. Hallelujah Chorus From Messiah, HWV - Philadelphia Orchestra
    2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Philadelphia Orchestra
    3. Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) - Wiener Symphoniker
    4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Philadelphia Orchestra
    5. Carol Of The Drum (Little Drummer Boy) - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    6. Deus IN Adjutorium From Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin - Canadian Brass
    7. Laudemus Te From Gloria In D Major, RV 589 - La Grande Ecurie Et La Chambre Du Roy
    8. German Dance, K. 605, No.3 'The Sleigh Ride' - Bernstein
    9. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly - The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
    10. Hark! The HErald Angels Sing - Andrew Parrott
    11. Gesu Bambino - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    12. O Come, All Ye Faithful - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    13. The First Noel - Philadelphia Orchestra
    14. Ding Dong! Merrily Oh High - Anthony Newman
    15. March From The Nutcracker Ballet, Op.71 (Act I) - Philadelphia Orchestra
    16. I. Allegro (Exsultate) From Exsultate, Jubilate, K.165 - Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra
    17. Canzon Septimi Toni No.2 - Philadelphia And Cleveland Brass Ensembles
    18. Die Menge Der Engel (The Hosts Of Angels) From Historia Der Geburt Jesu Christi/History Of The Birth Of Jesus Christ, SWV435, 435A - Barockorchester Stuttgart
    19. Joy To The World - The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
    20. Once, In Royal David's City - The Chestnut Brass Company
    21. O Sanctissima (O Du Frohliche) - Philadelphia Orchestra
    22. Angels We Have Heard On High - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
    23. Magnificat From Magnificat In D Major, BWV243 - Helmuth Rilling

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly beautiful!.......2007-01-15

    Over and over we played "Die Menge der Engel" - - it is stunningly beautiful! The loftiness of the voices, wonderful.

    We loved the boys/children's choruses on many of the other pieces on the album. Duets by Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavorati - - magnifico!

    It is a pleasant compilation of traditional favorites and awesome classical pieces that are worth listening to again and again.

    4 out of 5 stars Pretty good, though maybe not 'ultimate'.......2004-10-08

    If you love Christmas as much as I do, you will probably enjoy this album. It features plenty of standard favorites - especially sung by the MoTab, who seem to be a holiday staple. I probably wouldn't pay $17.95 just to hear songs like 'The Little Drummer Boy' of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas.'

    What makes this compillation interesting is the liberal sprinkling of less traditional - or, anyway, less well-known - classical pieces. Vivaldi's 'Gloria', Corelli's 'Christmas Concerto', and the opera 'Hansel and Gretel' all make an appearance. The standout, in my mind, is the ethereally beautiful 'Watt's Cradle Hymn,' which I have never seen or heard anywhere else - that one song alone makes this album worth a listen.

    3 out of 5 stars Not ultimate, but truly classical.......2003-11-19

    Good mix of the expected ("Silent Night", "O Come All Ye Faithful", etc) and the unexpected (the Vivaldi Gloria, Gabrieli, Schutz). Kudos to the Sony team for uniform clarity & quality of sound, despite source material from 1959 through 1998. Word to the wise: the performance of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" credited to Marilyn Horne is actually by Eileen Farrell from her excellent "Carols for Christmas Eve" release. No disrespect to Ms Horne, who is well represented by two performances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. If you're truly a classical music fan but don't mind a traditional carol or two, this is an excellent buy.
    Elmer Iseler Singers: Spirituals
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Elmer Iseler Singers: Spirituals
      William Levi Dawson , Thomas Kerr , Robert Missen , Lydia Adams , and Nelson Lohnes
      Manufacturer: Marquis Music
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
      ASIN: B000003WGP
      Release Date: 1993-09-18

      Tracks:

      1. Ain' A that Good News
      2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
      3. Ol' Time Religion
      4. Mary Had A Baby
      5. Git On Board
      6. Do Down Moses
      7. Listen To De Lambs
      8. Ain't Got Time To Die
      9. Go Tell It On The Mountain
      10. Deep River
      11. Poor Man Lazrus
      12. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
      13. Same Train
      14. Lit'le David
      15. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
      16. Let Me Fly
      Holiday Pops
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Holiday Pops
      • Best for Christmas Cheer !!
      • Can listen all year
      • A Must For Boston Pops Lovers
      • Thank you, Keith Lockhart
      Holiday Pops

      Manufacturer: RCA
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
      Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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      Similar Items:
      1. Sleigh Ride
      2. A Christmas Festival
      3. Christmas with the Pops
      4. Christmas at the Pops (RCA Greatest Hits)
      5. The Celtic Album

      ASIN: B000007QGW
      Release Date: 1998-09-29

      Tracks:

      1. Gloria
      2. Christmas Waltzes
      3. Carol Of The Bells
      4. Fantasia On Christmas Carols!
      5. Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day
      6. Shepherd's Chorus (From L'Enfance Du Christ)
      7. Farandole (From L'Arlesienne)
      8. Christmas Time Is Here (From A Charlie Brown Christmas)
      9. Good Swing Wenceslas
      10. Mary's Little Boy Child
      11. Sleigh Ride
      12. Frosty All The Way!
      13. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas (From Home Alone 2)

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Holiday Pops.......2007-01-21

      I ordered this CD because I had received one for the music library at the public radio station where I was music director before my retirement. I loved hearing it every Christmas when I programmed music from it to air on my station, so I decided to get one for my own library at home when I no longer had access to the CD at work. I love it! And amazon.com processed my order quickly. Thanks!

      ~Mary Lee Warner

      5 out of 5 stars Best for Christmas Cheer !!.......2007-01-12

      This is one of the cleanest orchestral recordings of the 90s and shows the Boston Pops to great advantage. The production values are amazingly good to my ears, as is the wonderful interpretation of Maestro Lockhart. Amazon should list his name (not Mark Oswald's) to increase sales. This one will put you in the spirit of the holidays, for certain!

      John Whitney, Music Director, Southern Tier Symphony

      5 out of 5 stars Can listen all year.......2004-10-20

      This is a great cd and Farandole has been a favorite of our son for over a year (he's 2 1/2). I highly recommend it!

      5 out of 5 stars A Must For Boston Pops Lovers.......2003-12-04

      Poor Keith Lockhart did not have the easiest time when he first came to Boston. He made a few major mistakes. First, he shortened the 1812 Overture at the July 4th Concert at the Esplanade, which may have been a decision of the television stations carrying the broadcast, but it, went over with a thud. His first few Christmas concerts were not critically acclaimed, though crowds still attended. By the time his album HOLIDAY POPS was released, things got a bit better for poor Keith, and now he is as much of a Boston institution as anyone.

      The collections greatest strength is the lush sound of the orchestra and Lockhart's excellent handling of the ensemble. No matter what he selected as music for this album, it probably would have worked rather well. The track has a "Gloria" that was commissioned by the Boston Symphony. There are also familiar arrangements in the style associated with the Boston Pops of Christmas waltzes, a track called "Frosty All the Way," "Good Swing Wenceslas," and perhaps the best track on the disc "Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day." The chorus adds to numbers such as "The shepherd's Chorus," "Sleigh Ride," and John William's "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas" from HOME ALONE 2.

      Lockhart's style differs greatly from the legendary Arthur Fiedler and his successor John Williams, but for those who love the Boston Pops, especially at Christmastime, will not have a complete collection without this disc.

      5 out of 5 stars Thank you, Keith Lockhart.......2001-12-05

      In an age of Christmas artists like Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Who came up with these names anyway?), it's a blessing that we still have artists who have become as timeless as the Christmas music that they play. For many years, the Boston Pops Orchestra has had an annual tradition of performing Holiday Pops concerts in December, with the audiences enjoying champagne and refreshments on the floor. And Keith Lockhart has certainly done an excellent job of carrying on the tradition long maintained by Arthur Fiedler and John Williams.

      This CD is an excellent compilation of the Boston Pops at its finest. From the opening "Gloria" to "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas," each selection has its own unique touch applied to it. My favorites are "Gloria," "Christmas Waltzes," "Carol of the Bells," "The Shepherds' Chorus," "Christmas Time Is Here," and the swinging compilation "Frosty All The Way!"

      He also presents a different version of the tune "Sleigh Ride," long a Pops Holiday staple, but I still think it sounds better without the lyrics. Fortunately, I have other recordings by Fiedler and Williams of this work. But other than this, it's a great CD overall. Thank you, Keith Lockhart, for keeping the tradition of great holiday music going. Your orchestra certainly has the timelessness that Mannheim Steamroller will never have.
      Collection: Say It With Music (Dlx)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Collection: Say It With Music (Dlx)
        Andr Kostelanetz
        Manufacturer: Collectables
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
        Easy ListeningEasy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B00007L8X4
        Release Date: 2003-02-18

        Tracks:

        1. Say It With Music Remember Blue Skies
        2. Top Hat White Tie And Tails How Deep Is The Ocean (How High
        3. This Is The Army Oh How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning Soft
        4. Whatll I Do Always The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers
        5. The Piccolino Cheek To Cheek
        6. White Christmas
        7. The Girl That I Marry Say It Isnt So Mandy
        8. Give Me Your Tired Your Poor God Bless America
        9. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Yesterdays
        10. Ive Told Every Little Star The Song Is You
        11. The Night Was Made For Love She Didnt Say Yes All The Things
        12. Look For The Silver Lining They Didnt Believe Me Long Ago (A
        13. I Dream Too Much The Jockey On The Carrousel
        14. Why Was I Born The Way You Look Tonight Who
        15. Make Believe Bill
        16. Why Do I Love You You Are Love Ol Man River
        17. Fascinatin Rhythm
        18. Mine
        19. The Man I Love
        20. Embraceable You Soon
        21. I Got Rhythm
        22. Bess Oh Wheres My Bess
        23. S Wonderful
        24. Maybe
        25. Someone To Watch Over Me Oh Lady Be Good
        26. Embraceable You
        27. Strike Up The Band
        28. Begin The Beguine
        29. All Through The Night
        30. I Concentrate On You
        31. I Love You
        32. Night And Day
        33. In The Still Of The Night
        34. Ive Got You Under My Skin
        35. Blow Gabriel Blow
        36. Just One Of Those Things (Bonus Track)
        37. Hallelujah Time On My Hands
        38. Tea For Two
        39. Carioca
        40. Without A Song
        41. More Than You Know
        42. Orchids In The Moonlight
        43. Sometimes Im Happy I Know That You Know
        44. Through The Years Drums In My Heart
        45. Malaguena
        46. La Cumparsita
        47. Mexicana Medley
        48. Yours (Quiereme Mucho)
        49. Siboney
        50. Caminito
        51. Adios
        52. No Taboleiro De Bahiana
        53. The Moon Of Manakoora
        54. Lotus Land
        55. Kashmiri Song
        56. Jamaican Rhumba
        57. Flamingo
        58. Poinciana (Song Of The Tree)
        59. Andalucia
        60. Sweet Leilani (Bonus Track)
        61. Frenesi (Cancion Tropical) (Bonus Track)
        62. Show Boat
        63. South Pacific
        64. Slaughter On Tenth Avenue
        65. An American In Paris
        66. Porgy And Bess

        Album Description

        The multi-faceted Andre Kostelanetz left his mark on the music world as an acclaimed conductor/arranger/accompanist. His most notable contribution is the creation of the Easy Listening genre, done by bridging the gap between Classical and Pop music. Highlights on this 6 CD box set include Irving Berlin's 'Cheek To Cheek', George Gershwin's 'The Man I Love' and Jerome Kern's 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'. Includes 3 bonus tracks 'Just One Of Those Things' (Cole Porter), 'Sweet Leilani' (from Waikiki Wedding) & 'Frenesi' (Cancion Tropical). Standard jewel cases housed in a deluxe wooden box w/hinged lid (approx. 6 x 5''). Collectables. 2003.

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        1. Head To Toe, Safe To Go
        2. Hope~N~Light
        3. I Got No Place To Be
        4. I'm No Fool
        5. In the Zone [Enhanced]
        6. Interview Sessions
        7. Jane (Enhanced E.P.)
        8. KidPop! Koo Koo!
        9. Kiss
        10. Lifeboat Into Mighty

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