A Blow for Me & A Toot for You

Product Description
1977 debut album from Fred Wesley & the Horny Horns, a group that boasted Wesley on trombone, Maceo Parker on tenor & alto sax, & Rick Gardner & Richard 'Kush' Griffeth on trumpet. George Clinton & Bootsy Collins did a lot of the writing, & not surprisingly, much of this CD is pure P-Funk. The album gets off to a gritty start with a remake of Parliament's 'Up for the Down Stroke' & the Parliament influence is equally strong on 'Between Two Sheets'. 1995. Aim Records.

A Blow for Me & A Toot for You,Fred Wesley & Horny Horns,Maceo Parker,Sequel Records,Pop,R&B,Soul/R & B

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Average customer rating: Very Enjoyable for all music fans Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music...

The Classical Album 2005 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Number One Classical Album 2006 Time to Say Goodbye Voice of Romance Vittorio The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000A8AXWW Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans.......2006-03-02

This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).

If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.

I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.

Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.

Ciao,
Neil

Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music..........2005-11-08

First, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert in classical music, but have grown to appreciate it immensely in the past year. I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most beautiful compilation of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's simple irresistible. There are few words to describe how emotional it is to hear Pavarotti sing "II Canto", or Placido Domingo belt out "Questa o quella". You just get numb with joy!! I have NO idea what they are saying but a translation not necessary. The entire collection (TWo jammed-packed CDs) is phenomenal (excluding the selections from "Bond" which I found to be particularly annoying and not at all "classical" in the true sense of the word). There is something here for everyone, regardless of your personal musical tastes or tolerances.

A guaranteed hit -- Don't miss this one.

CD One

Andrea Bocelli "En Aranjuez con tu amor"
Bryn Terfel - "Granada"
Bond - "Viva" ( not my favorite, sounds almost disco-ish)
Hayley Westenra - "Pokarekare Ana"
Luciano Pavarotti - "Una Mattina"
Katherine jenkins - "Time To Say Goodbye" (a heart stopper - so beautiful!)
Duel - "Canon" (lovely!)
Janine Jansen - "Allegro from 'Spring'"
Andreas Scholl - "Ombra mai fu"
Nigel Kennedy - "The Unknown Soldier"
Kiri Te Kanawa - "Nuns' Chorus"
Nelson Freire - "Chopin Etude No. 1 op. 25
Julian Lloyd Webber - "Flight of the Bumble-bee"
James Horner - "For the Love of a Princess
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now We Are Free"
Renee Fleming - "Mesicku na nebi hlubokem"
Russell Watson - "Amore e Musica"

CD TWO

Luciano Pavarotti - "II Canto" (I MUST see him sing this in person!!)
Placido Domingo - "Questa o quello" (I never tire of hearing this)
Andrea Bocelli & Bryn Terfel - "the Pearl Fisher's Duet"
Jose Carreras - "Funiculi, funicula
Dominc Miller & Kaori Muraji - "Fragile"
Tavener - "Song for Athene"
Josep Calleja - "La donna e mobile"
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - "Gymopedie No. 1"
Juan Diego Florez - "Una furtiva lagrima"
Kathleen Ferrier - "Blow the Wind Southerly"
Angela Gheorghiu - "Ave Maria"
Janine Jansen - "Schindler's List Main Theme"
Bond - "explosive"
Secret Garden - "You Raise Me Up"
Hayley Westenra - "Never Say Goodbye"
The Three Tenors - "Nessun Dorma"

Enjoy!

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

Average customer rating: One of the best CD's out there! a voice teacher and early music fan Prelewd to Postlewd Sounds like they're singing Christmas carols A sly and rollicksome good time!

The Art of the Bawdy Song Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande D'Urfey, Thomas | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Mad Buckgoat - Ancient Music of Ireland Watkins Ale: Music of the English Renaissance La Rocque 'n' Roll - Popular Music of Renaissance France / The Baltimore Consort Penny Merriments: Street Songs of 17th Century England On the Banks of Helicon: Early Music of Scotland ASIN: B000001Q93 Release Date: 1993-02-11

Tracks:

1. Aniseed Robin
2. Cuckolds All A-Row
3. I Gave Her Cakes And I Gave Her Ale
4. Taking His Beer With Old Anacharsis
5. Fye, Nay, Prithee John
6. Cold And Raw
7. The Miller's Daughter
8. Will Said To His Mammy
9. The Old Fumbler
10. Walking In a Meadowe Greene
11. Celia Learning On The Spinnet
12. Tom the Taylor
13. My Lady's Coachman John
14. The Irish Jig Or The Night Ramble
15. Come Sirrah Jacke Hoe
16. Dainty Fine Aniseed Water
17. Most Men Do Love the Spanish Wine
18. Argreers
19. Gathering Peascods
20. My Lady And Her Maid
21. As Roger Last Night To Jenny Lay Close
22. Pox On You
23. Ladie Lie Near Me
24. 'Tis Women Makes Us Love
25. Sir Walter Enjoying His Damsel
26. My Thing Is My Own
27. Here Dwells a Pretty Maid
28. My Man John Had a Thing That Was Long
29. When First Amyntas Sued For a Kiss
30. More Palatino
31. Poor Owen
32. Where They Drank Their Wine
33. Come, Come, Let Us Drink

Customer Reviews:

One of the best CD's out there!.......2007-05-10

All ages and musical backgrounds love this CD. The Baltimore Consort are amazing. One really feels one is in a smoky pub in the 14oo's getting plastered with England's best musicians! Don't miss "Pox on You;" my kids absolutely howl with glee at the "bass fartophone." I haven't heard laughter like that come out of my little boy since he was a toddler. "Sweet Sir Walter" features one of the guys singing in a falsetto that sweeps lustily down into a Tim Curry-esque (think Dr. Frank-n-furter)gutteral guffaw of delight. So outrageously fun one forgets one is listening to Renaissance madrigals.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-03-25

These bawdy catches and ballads take us on a journey to the taverns and other social gathering places of the the real 'Merry Old England'. Some of us may be mildly shocked by the directness and earthiness of the text, but everyday life in the 17th century was much more 'down-to'earth- and forward. These texts-some blatant and other euphemistic-fully explore the spectrum of humor from the sly smirk to the back-slapping guffaw.
The singing of both ballads and catches belongs to a long and venerable tradition in England. The natural habitat of the of the catch was the tavern, while the ballad was known in a wider variety of social settings as well as the stage. By the end of the 17th century, ballads were collected by connoisseurs of popular culture and published in anthologies. The main source for this recording, 'The Catch Club, or 'Merry Companions', was printed in 1762.
A quote from the catch-philosopher (of 'Come, come let us drink') is offered by the Baltimore Consort: "...wine and good cheer will in spite of our fear inspire our hearts with mirth..the time we live, to wine let us give, since we all must turn to earth...."
This is an excellent collection of songs; quite interesting and varied. The instruments are played skillfully, and the voices, for the most part, are good quality. However, as with all 'folk-like' songs, the diction is not always clear, and that is very true of several of these on this disc. The female voices were more difficult to comprehend much of the time. The text is printed out, so ultimately familiararity will make them easier to understand. I do like the disc, and think that it needed to be done.As to a previous criticism concerning the fact that it wasn't 'true' barroom singing. Of course, it's not!!!If it were, you would not understand any of it!!!!!Enough said.

Prelewd to Postlewd.......2005-09-28

The Baltimore Consort, an ensemble of six players, was founded in 1980 with the purpose of performing 'broken consort' pieces of Elizabethan origin. 'Broken' here refers to the instrumentation - treble viol/violin, flue/recorder, lute, cittern, bandore and bass viol. Their repertoire expanded beyond these beginnings to include broader British fare, as well as French and Italian music of the time. This is a happy expansion, as it made this disc of older, bawdy (for its time) music possible.

The Baltimore Consort play with life and vigour, with a good deal of improvisational flair, not being bound to texts and going through the production of notes as if mechanically. This is true to the spirit and nature of the early music, in which performers often had to 'play by ear', neither being able to read music nor having printed music even if they could. This is particularly true of the songs on this disc, where many are derivative of anonymous jokes and stories, and much of the music is likewise folk-tune and anonymously composed.

Some of the songs can be rather shocking. As Mary Anne Ballard writes in the accompanying notes, 'We must remember that in the days before indoor plumbing and pooper-scooper laws, everyday life was of an earthier flavour than it is today.... The men of the singing clubs and the ladies of stage poked fun at themselves and their companions with wit, pleasantry and contrivance.'

The names of many of the composers of these pieces have been lost to history, particularly the more folk-song oriented ones. However, some well-known composers are represented among the pieces here - Purcell, D'Urfey, Aldridge, and others.

The regular players include Mary Anne Ballard (viols), Mark Cudek (cittern, guitar, recorder and bass viol), Custer LaRue (vocalist/soprano), Larry Lipkis (recorder, viols), Ronn McFarlane (lute), Chris Norman (flutes), Webb Wiggins (tambourine and 'virginals'). Some artists are known from other Dorian productions, such as Ronn McFarlane on the lute in the collection 'Greensleeves'.

Added to the regular consort players are the Merry Companions, including Peter Becker (baritone), Alexander Blachly (baritone), Paul Shipper (bass, belch-canto), and James Weaver (baritone).

One more addition includes a guest artist, Lorenzo Labbrobacio, playing of all things, the 'fartophone', a rather mysterious instrument indeed. Labbrobacio defies identification on the internet other than references to this disc, and so the mystery deepens.

This is music that is interesting, truly fun to listen to, entertaining and has a quality about it that makes it a joy both in musical and humourous tones.

Sounds like they're singing Christmas carols.......2004-11-09

This recording is professionally produced - perhaps too much so. I've been in a few taverns and heard my share of bawdy songs. I am used to hearing them sung with gusto, with a wink and a naughty smile, to the raucous and enthusiastic appreciation of the audience. The songs on this CD are performed entirely straight. The results are technically competent but fail utterly in conveying the spirit and fun that make this genre worth listening to.

A sly and rollicksome good time!.......2002-11-29

On this recording, the Baltimore Consort and the Merry Companions are full of fun, both blatant and tongue-in-cheek. Soprano Custer La Rue and the instrumentalists of the Consort are joined by a quartet of classical male singers (Peter Becker, Alexander Blachly, Paul Shipper and James Weaver) with quite a theatrical sense of humor. The two groups take turns presenting ribald tavern songs of merry old England, interspersed by light, catchy instrumentals listed in the credits as the "Prelewd", the "Interlewd" and a "Fresh Ayre". Drinking, sex and other bodily functions are both celebrated and ridiculed in songs that are cleverly worded and enthusiastically sung, and in at least one case, accompanied by a mysterious instrument (reminiscent of P.D.Q. Bach) called a "fartophone". Especially amusing are the "catches" or rounds, and the new meanings that result from the staggering of words when several different verses are all sung together. It sounds silly, and is silly, but that's the point of it all--celebrating the "earthier flavor" of life 17th and 18th century England. My copy came with a parental advisory sticker stuck fast to the case, but my mother didn't seem overly concerned, and in fact enjoyed it too when I played it for her! For more fun Renaissance vocals, both salacious and serious, try "All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals" by the King's Singers, and "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain, Germany" by the King's Singers and the Consort of Musicke.

Average customer rating: Fine reissue of a classic set

Purcell: Theatre Music Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hogwood, Christopher | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Cantatas for Solo Countertenor Purcell: The Fairy Queen Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll Monteverdi - Madrigali guerrieri ed amorosi / Concerto Köln, Jacobs Lawes: The Consort Setts for 5 & 7 viols and organ ASIN: B0001Y4JHA Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Fine reissue of a classic set.......2006-05-24

Think about the stupidest, most formulaic Hollywood movies you can think of: cheesy action pictures, fluffy, unfunny comedies, big but stiff epics. Now imagine that one of the greatest living composers was working in Hollywood, turning out astonishing, hauntingly beautiful and stirring musical scores for these throwaway movies. That's what you get with this set: music Henry Purcell composed for some two dozen often utterly forgettable plays (trust me--I've read a number of them!) Occasionally, when he teams up with a playwright worthy of his stature, such as John Dryden, Aphra Behn, or William Congreve, the results are even better, but for the most part you can enjoy the music here without knowing anything about the original plays.

This set originally appeared as separate LPs in the 70s and 80s, and has been long out of print. That's a pity, since Purcell spent a good deal of his short professional life in the theatre, either writing the incidental music contained on these CDs, or the music for his larger works, the semi-operas (King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, and the like). Almost all of these works are enjoyable gems; certainly, they represent a pinnacle of English 17th century music. Purcell had a genius for spinning musical gold out of the most leaden lyrics (check out his Odes and Welcome Songs on Hyperion if you don't believe me), and he does the same with the song texts in these plays.

Hogwood and the AAM offer clean, listenable performances, and the sound on these old analog discs has been cleaned up and brightened--although they were pretty good, even in the late 70s. As with most Hogwood, emotional extremes are kept to a minimum, so the "otherworldly" nature of late 17th century music, so often emphasised in more recent Baroque performances, doesn't come across here. It would be interesting to see what a group like The King's Consort would do with this music, but this set fills the major gap in the Purcell canon quite nicely.

My only beef with the reissue, as with many reissues, is that the liner notes are rather thin for a 6-cd set--the lyrics to the songs, for example, are especially missed. Still, it's a worthwhile set, and a must for fans of Purcell, English Baroque music, or anyone who just wants to experience a taste of the last days of the Restoration stage.

Average customer rating:

What is Life? Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music ASIN: B0001Z2RKA Release Date: 2004-06-29

Average customer rating: A smooth voice in a smooth repertoire. Delightful collection of songs performed by great artist

Cesare Siepi Sings Cole Porter and Italian Songs Manufacturer: Myto Records Italy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cesare Siepi: Classic Recitals - Operatic Arias for Bass ASIN: B000009ONP Release Date: 2000-09-09

Tracks:

1. Night And Day
2. So In Love
3. I've Got You Under My Skin
4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
5. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
6. Wunderbar
7. Begin The Beguine
8. Easy To Love
9. I Get A Kick Out Of You
10. I Love You
11. In The Still Of The Night
12. Blow, Gabriel, Blow
13. Malia
14. Occhi Di Fata
15. Non T'amo Piu
16. Serenata
17. Mia Sposa Sra La Mia Bandiera
18. E Canta Il Grillo
19. Visione Veneziana
20. L'Ultima Canzone

Customer Reviews:

A smooth voice in a smooth repertoire........2004-04-04

Cesare Siepi's bass voice is greatly underrepresented in the CD catalogue. This album lets us know what an artist he was. His interpretations are always just right, and never over the top. Only an occasional accent slips in. His English diction should be a model for all singers. I lost no more than 5% of the words. The wonderful way he caresses his way into "Night and Day" or sails through "Begin the Beguine" are wonderful examples of his artistry. Siepi includes the often omitted verses to each song, and that is a plus.

The sound quality is more than acceptable. It isn't digital, but here the fidelity comes from the artistry and not the sound itself. In fact the sound quality is a lot better than the 1955 recording date might indicate. I was not bothered in the least ... in fact I was pleasantly surprised.

There are unfortunately lots of typos in the notes that should have been corrected. Myto should review such things before putting them out on the market.

Siepi's way with the Italian songs is equally enjoyable. How nice to have someone sing them instead of bawling them to the rafters. This is a winner album, and it would be 5 stars if the sound were a little more modern.

Delightful collection of songs performed by great artist.......1999-05-24

Despite the inferior sound quality of this CD, it is pleasing to have this unusual collection available. Cesare Siepi is a great artist, with the best English diction of any classical Italian singer within memory. Although I remember him best as the most dashing and truly seductive Don Giovanni at the Met, he is equally convincing with a popular song. A rare achievement! Siepi, I love you as much today as I did when I was an infatuated teenager.

Average customer rating: The BEST Gershwin/Porter album Glowing Coles of Porter...

Fennell Conducts Porter & Gershwin Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hi-Fi A La Espanola/Popovers Liszt: Piano Concertos Mercury Living Presence - You Are There - The True Story of a Legendary Label British and American Band Classics Byron Janis: Prokofiev; Rachmaninov...(Recorded By Mercury On Location In Moscow) ASIN: B0000057LZ Release Date: 1993-02-16

Tracks:

1. Blow, Gabriel, Blow
2. So In Love
3. It's All Right With Me
4. Ridin' High
5. In the Still of the Night
6. Begin the Beguine
7. Night and Day
8. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
9. Anything Goes
10. I've Got You Under My Skin
11. It's De-lovely
12. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
13. I Got Rhythm
14. Love Is Sweeping The Country
15. Love Walked In
16. 'S Wonderful
17. Bidin' My Time
18. Oh, Lady, Be Good
19. Fascinating Rhythm
20. Liza
21. Embraceable You
22. The Man I Love
23. Someone To Watch Over Me
24. But Not For Me

Customer Reviews:

The BEST Gershwin/Porter album.......2004-02-11

Perhaps I'm romanticizing, but this was THE cd I listened to in high school. The arrangements are absolutely captivating; building new material over the original themes while referencing them so purely. I couldn't imagine a better use of your money than purchasing this album, it will bring you years of joy!

Glowing Coles of Porter..........2004-01-15

I can only comment on the Porter half of this recording, as I own it on original vinyl. It's a mono copy, but you wouldn't know it. As usual, excellent engineering from Mercury, who set standards in the early 60's that still count (IMHO) as best practice.

Frederick Fennell is right at home in the warmth of these beautifully wrought Ray Wright orchestrations. As he should be; Wright's day job was orchestrating for Radio City Music Hall. The sound is lush, the dynamics amazing, the performance spot on. It gets four stars only because I can't justify five, not having heard the Gershwin half.

I suppose that if you can't find a nice copy to play on a good turntable with a warm amplifier, then this CD would do - but then, you miss the excitement of hearing sound you've been taught can only come from a CD, magically floating straight up from ancient vinyl.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan Joy and sadness perfectly combined Good music, okay performances

Music For Queen Mary-A Celebration Of The Life And Death Of Queen Mary Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Coronation of King George II / The King's Consort · Robert King Glorious Sound of Brass ASIN: B000002AP6 Release Date: 1995-04-04

Tracks:

1. Anthem: I Was Glad
2. Anthem: Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem
3. Whilst He Abroad Does Like The Sun
4. The Sullen Years Are Past
5. Stript Of Their Green Our Groves Appear
6. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Symphony
7. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now Does The Glorious Day Appear
8. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Not Any One Such Joy Could Bring
9. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Tenor Solo: This Does Our Fertile Island With Glory Crown
10. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now Does The Glorious Day Appear
11. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Bass Solo: It Was A Work Of Full As Great A Weight
12. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Countertenor Solo: By Beauteous Softness Mixt With Majesty
13. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Her Hero, To Whose Conduct And Whose Arms
14. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Our Dear Religion
15. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Tenor Solo: No More Shall We The Great Eliza Boast
16. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Symphony
17. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now With One United Voice
18. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: O Dive Custos - Elegy On The Death Of Queen Mary
19. ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Incassum, Lesbia - The Queen's Epicedium
20. The Queen's Farewell. March
21. The Queen's Farewell. March
22. March
23. THE BURIAL SERVICE: I Am The Resurrection (Morley)
24. THE BURIAL SERVICE: Thou Knowest, Lord (Purcell)
25. THE BURIAL SERVICE: Canzona (Purcell)
26. THE BURIAL SERVICE: I Heard A Voice (Morley)

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-27

Purcell compositions for Queen Mary span the whole of her brief reign. He provided music for her coronation, on April 11,1689; for the formal celebraton of her birthday on April 30 each year; and for her funeral, on March 5, 1695. At the coronation of William and Mary his 'I was glad' was one of 9 anthems performed during this ceremony. Purcell, in his position as Abbey Organist had tailored the music with precision. The opening passage is in stately block chords-straightforward for the choir to co-ordinate while proceeding along the nave, and arriving in their places just in time to watch the conductor for the closing bars. Later in the service the 2nd anthem by Purcell was sung:"Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem",
The centerpiece of this disc is the Ode for Queen Mary's birthday"Now does the glorious day appear" and glorious it is!!! It is divided into 14 sections; some solos, some duets and some choruses. It was easily the finest royal ode he had as yet composed, and also the most richly scored; laid out for five part strings, the violas being divided. Thanks to this exotic scoring, the ode abounds in moments of gorgeous opulence. For Mary's funeral services (she died at the age of 33) Purcell composed 3 pieces all included in this disc and all memorable.
The performers include Westminster Abbey Choir; the New London Consort; soloists: sopranos Emma Kirkby and Evelyn Tubb-countertenor Michael Chance-tenor Ian Bostridge-basses Stephen Richardson and Simon Birchall. All of this under the direction of Martin Neary.
The notable distinction of this recording is as follows and I quote from the accompanying jacket:"Complete music for Queen Mary's funeral, newly assembled and edited, and performed in Westminster Abbey by the Abbey Choir for the first time since 1695". The recording is beautifully adorned inside and out, and the sticker on the outside proclaims that it is music featured in the Westminster Abbey Funeral service fo Diana, Princess of Wales.

Joy and sadness perfectly combined.......2000-02-19

This CD is subtitled "A Celebration of the Life and Death of Queen Mary" and it thus divides into two sections. To begin with, we hear a number of works written for the Queen during her life, among which are short songs by John Blow (including "The sullen years are past" which has never been recorded before) and a massive setting of one of many odes for the royal birthday celebrations by Henry Purcell - "Now does the glorious day appear," which is a sweeping and powerful work with a variety of ground bass arias, duets, recitatives, choruses and orchestral symphonies - all making for a fine and rewarding listening experience.

In the second section, the focus moves onto music written during the mourning period after Queen Mary's death. Purcell continues to prove himself the greatest composer of the time, in his semi-sacred songs (in Latin) mourning her death, and in the music he wrote for her funeral. This section is indeed a highlight of the disc as it attempts, in a very scholarly way, to recreate the funeral in the Abbey as it might have sounded in 1695, with the Funeral Sentences by Thomas Morley interspersed with Purcell's own material and a number of Farewell Marches for trumpets and drums only.

The members of the Abbey Choir under Martin Neary do an admirable job of stepping into the shoes of their forebears under Purcell; accompanied by the period instrument-equipped New London Consort, the sound is truly magnificent. In addition, a number of prestigious soloists appear, including Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge (undoubtedly key performers for capturing the purity and delicacy of this music), Michael Chance (who seems a little under-utilised), Stephen Richardson (a rich and profound bass voice if ever I heard one) along with members of the Abbey Choir itself. Of special note- one does not often find a choral CD on which all three senior musical officials at the cathedral (Organist, Assistant Organist and Organ Scholar) are heard playing, but this is one such recording: Martin Baker and Stephen Le Prevost fill in organ continuo parts in various places, as does Dr Neary himself (who also plays the harpsichord for most of the solo pieces).

Arc of Light have done it again- a recording of extreme loveliness, going right down to the packaging which features some beautiful artistry (in fact, the main cover photograph is given an explanation in the booklet notes owing to the special way in which it was produced). A true gem in all respects.

Good music, okay performances.......1999-03-26

This disc presents a somewhat eclectic collection of music devoted to Queen Mary (mostly by Purcell, but by some other contemporaries as well). Despite the common theme I couldn't get rid of the feeling that the pieces didn't "click." Neither did the soloists sound at ease. Michael Chance, perhaps, deserves the most praise. But alas, some of the pieces that he normally sings (e.g. Incassum Lesbia) were given to sopranos, who couldn't do them nearly as much justice. The voice of one of the sopranos kept cracking up (don't know which one: the past-her-prime Emma Kirkby or whoever-she-is Evelyn Tubb). Ian Bostridge is undeniably a great performer, mainly known for his brilliant lieder interpretations. I don't want to say that baroque is not his cup of tea because he is vocally well suited to this repertory. Yet I didn't think he was as great in Purcell as many of his countrymen, such as John Mark Ainsley, Charles Daniels or Mark Padmore (to the extent one recording is enough of a basis to judge, which perhaps it is not). I don't want to be unfair, but I've heard Purcell performed better. This is not a bad recording, just not the best.

Average customer rating: Thumbs up for King's Consort!!

The Coronation of King George II / The King's Consort · Robert King George Frideric Handel , Henry Purcell , and Thomas Tallis, Orlando Gibbons John Blow Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | 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 General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music For Queen Mary-A Celebration Of The Life And Death Of Queen Mary Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury ASIN: B00005QIT8 Release Date: 2001-11-13

Amazon.com

George II's coronation, which is depicted on this Hyperion two-CD set, took place in 1727 amid chaotic circumstances, and it's hard to know how much of the surviving documentation indicates what actually happened as against what was meant to happen. So Robert King's musical recreation of the event is inevitably a mixture of scholarship and speculation, throwing in items from past coronation ceremonies (like Purcell's I was glad) on challengeable evidence. But never mind. If you take this exercise in broad terms--and you should--it's brilliantly effective, with clear, sharp-edged performances of the four coronation anthems (including Zadok the Priest) that Handel definitely did write for the event. Along with that is what would in 1727 have been old music by Tallis, Gibbons, and Blow, plus spatial sound effects of grand processions, fanfares, shouts of acclamation, and the bells of London, all recorded in rural locations west of Swindon, because the real thing is drowned out these days by 21st-century traffic noise. One reservation: it's all a touch staid with overly stately tempi and less atmosphere than it could happily sustain. You just don't believe it's happening in Westminster Abbey (nor is it: most of the material was recorded in a Lutyens church in Hampstead Garden Suburb, north London). Also, over two CDs, the endless trumpet fanfares get a little wearing. But that's probably authentic. And since the second CD comes free, there's nothing to complain about. --Michael White

Customer Reviews:

Thumbs up for King's Consort!!.......2002-03-01

Well, this is just fascinating! Absolutely fascinating! (Sorry for repeating myself, it's a point that I just cannot seem to stress enough!! lol)

Of course, I'm a little biased too, towards the content of this compilation (being a monarchist), yet the musical and historical value of such a recording cannot be effectively conveyed in words. I will admit that I am only vaguely familiar with the sound of the king's consort choir and orchestra, but as they say, first impressions last, and this was a great first impression.

I am usually quite partial to the recordings of the King's college choir, but the King's consort choir has certainly proved an unbelieveable equality to me, with little of the usual vibrato in the high soprano lines, that tend to get on my nerves.

Of particular interest, are the coronation anthems, that Handel actually composed for the purpose of this very coronation. They are all wonderfully portrayed in all their splendour and grandeur, and yes, with a blaze of Handelian glory. They are all enjoyable to listen to, with the typical lyricism and melodious writings of Handels pen.

More unfamiliar, are anthems composed for earlier coronations and incorporated into the service for King George II. This is a great insight to the earlier styles of the renaissance anthem writing. At times they do seem to anticipate choral masterpieces of a later 'baroque' generation.

I must urge all to try this recording, and experience the pomp and ceremony of the crowning of the British Monarch.

Average customer rating:

Moussorgski: Chansons Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Leiferkus, Sergei | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00009963E Release Date: 2003-05-27

Tracks:

1. Songs & Dances Of Death (Pesni Y Plyaski Smerti; 4)
2. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7)
3. Penny-Paradise (Rayok)
4. Forgotten (Zab)
5. The Seminarist
6. Darling Savishna (Svetik Savishna)
7. A Society Tale: The Goat (Svetskaya Skazochka: Kozyol)
8. Mephistopheles' Song Of The Flea
9. Where Art Thou, Little Star? (Gde T Zvezdochka?)
10. Happy Hour: Capriccio (Vesoyl Chas, I & Ii)
11. The Leaves Were Sadly Rustling (List'ya Shumeli Uno)
12. I Have Many Palaces And Gardens (Mnogo Yest' U Menya Teremov U Sadov)
13. Prayer (Molitva)
14. Tell Me Why, O Maiden (Otchego, Skazhi)
15. What Are Words Of Love To You? (Chto Vam Slova Lyubvi?)
16. The Wild Winds Blow (Duyut Vetr
17. We Parted Coldly, But If I Could Meet Thee Again (No Yesli BS Toboyu Ya Vstret
18. Dear One, Why Are Thine Eyes Sometimes So Cold? (Malyutka)
19. The Harper's Song (Pesn' Startsa)
20. King Saul (King Saul)
21. Night (Noch')
22. Kalistratushka
23. The Outcast (Otverzhennaya)
24. Sleep, Sleep Peasant Son (Spi, Uspi Krest' Yanskiy S)
25. Song Of The Balearic Islander
26. Sunless (Bez Solntsa; 6)

Album Details

Artist & Repertoires Series.

Average customer rating: Opera in English 4 1/2Stars...exciting voice and singing

Barry Banks Sings Bel Canto Arias Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gitano ASIN: B0002AAPB2 Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. 'In Dreams Of Endless Pleasure'
2. 'Through Her Soul In Endless Grieving'
3. 'May Destiny Befriend You'
4. 'The Blow At Last Has Fallen'
5. 'Could I Ever Believe'/'Her Joy Is My Joy'
6. 'Here I Stand'/'Since It Is Not By Merit'
7. 'Poor Lost Ernesto'/'I Shall Go, No More Returning'
8. 'Only One Teardrop'
9. 'Palace Of Horrors!'/'Ah, How Can I Hide The Flames'
10. 'Darling! Darling, Let Me Embrace You!'
11. 'I Lost The Will To Action'
12. 'Suzel, Good Morning!'
13. 'The Night Is Calm'

Customer Reviews:

Opera in English.......2007-03-19

Barry Banks is certainly a contender for one of the best tenors around. THis is a great example of coloratura and legato line which is very well executed in a rather booming tenor voice. I just saw Mr. Banks in "The Elixer of Love" and he was stupendous. This is a large tenor voce in the theatre which alas is difficult to capture in a studio recording...you have to take my word. THe translations are often odd as they generally are, but this recording is certainly worth having. (although I prefer in the original language)

4 1/2Stars...exciting voice and singing.......2004-12-02

Mr. Banks has a "heroic lyric tenor" if there is such a category. His fast vibrato and power lend the voice excitement and attention getting presence. I was intrigued by him in his stunning appearance in the Rimsky-Korsakov "Le'Coq d'Or" DVD (a not-to-be-missed experience)-- he was a stand-out there there and I went looking for other things by him. This CD is treasurable in many ways. The repertoire is interesting and the duets add flavor to the whole. The only small complaint I have is that perhaps Mr. Banks lacks just the last bit of emotional connection in his singing. You won't go wrong getting this excellent CD.

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