Person to Person [Live]

1. Short Stomp

2. Harlem Nocturne

3. Let the Good Times Roll

4. Young Boy Blues

5. Person to Person

6. Little Mama

7. Under the Boardwalk

8. Spanish Harlem

9. Stand by Me

10. Hallelujah, I Love Her So

11. There'll Be Some Changes Made

Person to Person,Ben E. King,Halfnote Records,Brill Building Pop,Jazz Music,Oldies,Pop,Pop-Soul,R&B,Soul

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Average customer rating: Peter and the Wolf Howls!!!! Great telling of a classic story as a classical music introduction Excellent for kids and adults Dont have this CD but have the vinyl My son's discovery of classical music

David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children Peter And The Wolf Children's Favorites ASIN: B000003F6R Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

1. Peter And The Wolf: Introduction
2. Peter And The Wolf: The Story Begins
3. Peter And The Wolf: The Bird
4. Peter And The Wolf: The Duck, Dialogue With The Bird, Attack Of The Cat
5. Peter And The Wolf: Grandfather
6. Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf
7. Peter And The Wolf: The Duck Is Caught
8. Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf Stalks The Bird And The Cat
9. Peter And The Wolf: Peter Prepares To Catch The Wolf
10. Peter And The Wolf: The Bird Diverts The Wolf
11. Peter And The Wolf: Peter Catches The Wolf
12. Peter And The Wolf: The Hunters Arrive
13. Peter And The Wolf: The Procession To the Zoo
14. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
15. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Woodwinds
16. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Brass
17. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Strings
18. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Percussion
19. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
20. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation I: Flute, Piccolo (Presto)
21. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation II: Oboes (Lento)
22. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation III: Clarinets (Moderato)
23. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IV: Bassoons (Allegro alla marcia)
24. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation V: Violins (Brilliante alla pollaca)
25. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VI: Violas (Meno mosso)
26. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VII: Cellos
27. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VIII: Double basses (Cominciando lento, ma poco accel.)
28. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IX: Harp (Maestoso)
29. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation X: French Horns (L' istesso tempo)
30. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XI: Trumpets (Vivace)
31. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XII: Trombones & Tuba (Allegro pomposo)
32. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XIII: Percussion (Moderato)
33. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Fugue: Full Orchestra
34. The Nutcracker Suite: Overture
35. The Nutcracker Suite: March
36. The Nutcracker Suite: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
37. The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
38. The Nutcracker Suite: Arabian Dance
39. The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
40. The Nutcracker Suite: Dance Of The Mirlitons
41. The Nutcracker Suite: Waltz Of The Flowers

Customer Reviews:

Peter and the Wolf Howls!!!!.......2007-07-28

My boys, 4.5 and 2, absolutely loved and were captivated by this rendition of the Peter and the Wolf. The 2 year simply enjoyed the music, but my 4.5 year old was very excited to know that a French Horn was the wolf and according to him, "how the wolf eats the duck". When certain instruments played, he learned that certain characters in the story were going to be involved. Highly recommend it and its a great way to spend time with your kids, listening to classical music and picking out the different instruments.
Husband of Natalie, ADS, Studio City, CA

Great telling of a classic story as a classical music introduction.......2007-01-04

I remember being introduced to the idea of classical music telling a story with Peter and the Wolf many, many years ago. As each character in the story appears, its theme (and the instrument playing it) is introduced. Then the story takes over and builds to its climax and resolution with just the right amount of fright and humor for 2-4 year-olds.

Peter is clearly presented as a child who is disobedient and mildly punished for it, but then he is also brave and resourceful in fixing the situation he has caused. Finally is also merciful to the wolf (although he does put the wolf in a zoo, if that really bothers you). So the story has some subtle hints at morality without it being too oppressive.

In this CD version, the narration is clear and the pacing seems very adequate for even 2 year-old's attention. They often ask to hear it again, and they love the picture book I bought to go with it - see another review. They know all the instruments names, and can identify the characters just from hearing the music.

Excellent for kids and adults.......2006-11-04

A very good version of the original. Bowie's voice is just right and the orchestra is right on. Excellent to demonstrate to kids the different instruments in a orchestra and a good story as well. I listened to it when I was young and also now when I am old. It still is great to listen to the music and the story telling.

Dont have this CD but have the vinyl.......2004-05-26

I admit I do not have this CD, but I do have the vinyl version of this album. It contains just the first two pieces, Peter and Britten's Young Person's Guide... It was released by Columnbia on green translucent vinyl! Combine that with the Red Label that Columbia used and it is quite the colorful Album... I remember that I bought the album for the Britten, big Britten fan here, and partially the novelty of Bowie narrating Peter. The Britten is great, and Peter is very good with the beauty of the Philly strings, which has always been Philly's strong point. If I were looking to replace my vinyl copy, which I am not, I would not hesitate to get this disk.

My son's discovery of classical music.......2003-05-17

My son's growing obsession with this story has truly sprouted since the purchase of this album.
Oddly enough, I never really knew this story or I don't remember it from my childhood, but once my dear sweet boy discovered it's haunting and charging sound, it's become a staple in my vehicle.

A perfect way to introduce classical music to any child -- tell them a story and have all the parts of the story be different instruments from an orchestra. Beautiful, just beautiful..

Average customer rating: Brings back old memories Could be better Surprised at how wonderful this is -- a huge hit! Leonard Bernstein and Peter and the Wolf Peter and the Wolf, Prokovief read by L. Bernstein

Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Children's Favorites Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children Classics for Kids World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English! ASIN: B0000027CN Release Date: 1991-05-03

Tracks:

1. Peter and the Wolf
2. The Carnival Of The Animals: I - Introduction And Royal March Of The Lion
3. The Carnival Of The Animals: II - Hens And Cocks
4. The Carnival Of The Animals: III - Mules
5. The Carnival Of The Animals: IV - Tortoises
6. The Carnival Of The Animals: V - The Elephant
7. The Carnival Of The Animals: VI - Kangaroos
8. The Carnival Of The Animals: VII - Aquarium
9. The Carnival Of The Animals: VIII - Personages With Long Ears
10. The Carnival Of The Animals: IX - The Cuckoo In The Woods
11. The Carnival Of The Animals: X - Aviary
12. The Carnival Of The Animals: XI - Pianists
13. The Carnival Of The Animals: XII - Fossils
14. The Carnival Of The Animals: XIII - The Swan
15. The Carnival Of The Animals: XIV - Finale
16. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Allegro maestoso e largamente (Full Orchestra)
17. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme B (Woodwinds)
18. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme C (Brass)
19. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme D (Strings)
20. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme E (Percussion)
21. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme F (Full Orchestra)
22. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation A (Piccolo & Flutes)
23. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation B: Lento (Oboes)
24. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation C: Moderato (Clarinets)
25. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation D: Allegro alla marcia (Bassoons)
26. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation E: Brillante - alla polacca (Violins)
27. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation F: Meno mosso (Violas)
28. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation G (Cellos)
29. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation H: Communinciando lento ma poco a poco accel. al Allegro (Double basses)
30. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation I: Maestoso (Harp)
31. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation J: L'istesso tempo (French Horns)
32. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation K: Vivace (Trumpets)
33. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation L: Allegro pomposo (Trombones & Tuba)
34. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation M: Moderato (Percussion)
35. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Fugue: Allegro molto (Full Orchestra)

Customer Reviews:

Brings back old memories.......2007-05-13

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!! I remember listening to Peter and the Wolf as a child and loving it. Now that I have three kids of my own, I thought this would be a great purchase. My 5, 3, and 1 year olds love it. Plus if you are a parent who wants your kids to appreciate music, Peter and the Wolf (Leonard Bernstein's narration is the best), The Carnival Of The Animals, and the introduction to the orchestra will give them a goods start. For $6.97 you cannot beat the price, and it would be an affordable and memorable gift to give friends as they begin to raise their own little ones.

Could be better.......2007-03-29

I am a little dissappointed with Bernstein's narration of Peter and the Wolf. I prefer the Disney rendition with Sterling Holloway. Bernstein didn't seem to put much drama into it, he sounded distracted and it just plain fell flat. The music was fine, and he did much better with The Carnival of Animals.

Surprised at how wonderful this is -- a huge hit!.......2007-03-18

I bought this for "music appreciation" education for my 6 yr. old. I thought it would be challenging to get him, as well as my 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 yr. olds, to let me play it in the car. I also thought it would bore and/or irritate my husband -- so I was nervous a bit. Well, I was completely wrong. We all "love" it.

It is high quality and pleasant to the ears. We play it whenever we are in the car. The narratives in "Peter and the Wolf" and "Carnival of the Animals" are very engaging and hold their attention. At home, my 6 yr. old sits at the dinner table and recites the entire narrative (along with the appropriate tune representing the characters) of Peter and the Wolf -- complete with Bernstein's accent! Great memory/recitation exercise and he does it voluntarily. My two year old asks for it EVERY TIME we're in the car and many times my 1 1/2 yr. old is fussy until we turn it on, then she's as content as can be.

All the kids have picked out characters to "be" in Peter and the Wolf and have assigned them to Mom and Dad. It's a lot of fun. My 2 yr. old always calls out when the cat comes along, "That's me!!" and my 1 1/2 yr. old always says, "Correct!" just before Bernstein does. The littlest to the oldest listen intently and engage with the narrator.

The last piece is my personal favorite, as it introduces each instrument in the orchestra and how it all fits together, and the music is beautiful (the kids like the music too, but prefer "Peter..."). My 6 yr. old has learned a lot from the last piece without realizing it; when I explain instruments of music we hear elsewhere, he calmly informs me, "I know that, Mom."

This fascination with the CD has lasted a long time; we did not just start listening to it last week. I think that reflects on how enjoyable it is for the whole family. My husband has told me repeatedly how glad he is we bought this. It is also a good buy here on Amazon -- I paid several dollars more for it.

Leonard Bernstein and Peter and the Wolf.......2006-11-10

I listened to this recording as a child and now will pass it on to my child!

Peter and the Wolf, Prokovief read by L. Bernstein.......2006-02-25

Great! my granddaughter (age 3) loves it. She listens to it several times aday! We have drawn the characters on a card for her to follow the story. I will keep the Saint Saens (Carnival of the Animals) for later.

Average customer rating: This is the one you're looking for! a beautiful recording The most imaginary performance of Peter and Wolf Peter & The Wolf - and David Bowie, too!

Peter and the Wolf / Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra / Carnival of the Animals Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Peter And The Wolf Classics for Kids Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Peter and the Wolf Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children ASIN: B000003FPB Release Date: 1994-05-10

Tracks:

1. Peter And The Wolf: Introduction
2. Peter And The Wolf: The Story Begins
3. Peter And The Wolf: The Bird
4. Peter And The Wolf: The Duck, Dialogue with the bird, Attack of the Cat
5. Peter And The Wolf: Grandfather
6. Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf
7. Peter And The Wolf: The Duck Is Caught
8. Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf Stalks The Bird And The Cat
9. Peter And The Wolf: Peter Prepares To Catch The Wolf
10. Peter And The Wolf: The Bird Diverts The Wolf
11. Peter And The Wolf: Peter Catches The Wolf
12. Peter And The Wolf: The Hunters Arrive
13. Peter And The Wolf: The Procession To The Zoo
14. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
15. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Woodwinds
16. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Brass
17. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Strings
18. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Percussion
19. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
20. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation I: Flute, Piccolo (Presto)
21. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation II: Oboes (Lento)
22. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variations III: Clarinets (Moderato)
23. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IV: Bassoons (Allegro alla marcia)
24. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variations V: Violins (Brillante alla pollaca)
25. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variations VI: Violas (Meno mosso)
26. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VII: Cellos
27. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VIII: Doublebasses (Comminicando lento, ma pocco accel.)
28. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IX: Harp (maestoso)
29. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation X: French Horns (Il stesso tempo)
30. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XI: Trumpets (Vivace)
31. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XII: Trombones & Tuba (Allegro pomposo)
32. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XIII: Percussion (Moderato)
33. Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Fugue: Full Orchestra (Allegro molto)
34. Carnival Of The Animals: Introduction
35. Carnival Of The Animals: Royal March Of The Lion
36. Carnival Of The Animals: Hens And Cocks
37. Carnival Of The Animals: Wild Horses
38. Carnival Of The Animals: Tortoise
39. Carnival Of The Animals: The Elephant
40. Carnival Of The Animals: Kangaroos
41. Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
42. Carnival Of The Animals: Personages With Long Ears
43. Carnival Of The Animals: The Cuckoo In The Depth Of The Forest
44. Carnival Of The Animals: Aviary
45. Carnival Of The Animals: Pianists
46. Carnival Of The Animals: Fossils
47. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
48. Carnival Of The Animals: Finale

Customer Reviews:

This is the one you're looking for!.......2003-08-14

We took our children to the Santa Cruz Symphony's production of Peter and the Wolf. Since the concert, they have been very interested in this classical music collection and listen to it regularly. We purchased this CD and the book "Peter and The Wolf" by Vagin Vladimir (fabulous illustrations). Together, they're a charming gift that any child will love and it could very well be their introduction to classical music for a lifetime.

a beautiful recording.......2002-06-11

David Bowie's voice is wonderful in this beautiful recording of Peter and the Wolf. the orchestra is rich and full and alive.

The most imaginary performance of Peter and Wolf.......2001-08-14

The version of Eugene Ormandy conducting The Philadelphia Orchestra has most youthful and imaginary reading of Peter and Wolf. The color and the flare of the story is vividly drawn out. The orchestral sound are warm, delight and dynamic. Thanks RCA for reserving this musical artistry and rematster it.

Peter & The Wolf - and David Bowie, too!.......2000-01-27

This CD is one of my family's favorites. From the soothing voice of David Bowie (yes, THAT David Bowie!) unfolds the delightful story of Peter and his menagerie of animal friends and foes. The orchestration is simply beautiful, the reading expressive and vibrant, and the story a classic. I would highly recommend this CD - as it also includes two other pieces that will delight music lovers of all ages.

Average customer rating: Orchestra Guide Music Good Music But Poor Story Telling! Great CD -- Take if from a music teacher! A Parent My favorite "Young Person's Guide"

Children's Classics - Prokofiev: Peter & The Wolf/ Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals/ Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze Panorama: George Gershwin Classical Music 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Classical Music ASIN: B0000062CZ Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

1. Peter and the Wolf, Op.67 - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil
2. Carnival of the Animals: Introduction and Royal March of the Lion - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
3. Carnival of the Animals: Hens and Cocks - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
4. Carnival of the Animals: Wild Asses - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
5. Carnival of the Animals: Tortoises - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
6. Carnival of the Animals: The Elephant - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
7. Carnival of the Animals: Kangaroos - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
8. Carnival of the Animals: Aquarium - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal/David Hopper
9. Carnival of the Animals: Personages with Long Ears - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
10. Carnival of the Animals: The Cuckoo in the Heart of the Woods - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal/Paul Green
11. Carnival of the Animals: Aviary - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal/Paula Robison
12. Carnival of the Animals: Paianists - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
13. Carnival of the Animals: Fossils - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal/Paul Green/Tony Cirone
14. Carnival of the Animals: The Swan - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal/Gary Karr
15. Carnival of the Animals: Final - Leonard Bernstein/New York Phil/Ruth&Naomi Segal
16. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme A. Allegro maestoso e largamente (Full Orch
17. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme B. (Woodwinds)
18. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme C. (Brass)
19. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme D. (Strings)
20. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme E. (Percussion)
21. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Theme F. (Full Orch)
22. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation A. (Piccolo&Flutes)
23. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation B. Lento (Oboes)
24. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation C. Moderato (Clarinets)
25. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation D. Allegro alla marcia (Bassoons)
26. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation E. Brillante - alla polacca (Violins)
27. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation F. Meno mosso (Violas)
28. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation G. (Cellos)
29. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation H. Comminciando lento ma poco a poco...
30. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation I. Maestoso (Harp)
31. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation J. L'istesso tempo (French Horns)
32. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation K. Vivace (Trumpets)
33. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation L. Allegro pomposo (Trombones&Tuba)
34. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Variation M. Moderato (Percussion)
35. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op.34: Fugue. Allegro molto (Full Orch)

Amazon.com

As one would expect from the man who made Young People's Concerts famous, Leonard Bernstein's vintage 1960 treatment of this classic kids' piece is magically engaging. Lenny narrates it himself, and draws a radiant performance from the Philharmonic. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Orchestra Guide Music.......2006-11-04

Classical children's introduciton to orchestral music; this version is well-performed, and eminently suitable for portable CD players.

Good Music But Poor Story Telling!.......2005-08-09

Bernstein is usually good at communicating the essence of classical Music.Listen to his exposition of Beethoven's 3rd Symphony in the sony classical Release-"How A Great Symphony was Written".Here however he seems to be totally confused whether he is the conductor or Story Teller and struggles to make a Start!He starts tentatively with a Quiz!
For a superb story telling and terrific performance I strongly recommend Lorin Maazel with the French National Orchestra,A DG release(MUSIKFEST LABEL).The narration by Alec Clunes is absolutely delightful.Thank you very much Mr Alec Clunes!The voice modulation and characterisation is spontaneous and infectitious!Lorin maazel does a neat job with Britten's "Young Person's Guide to The Orchestra".Highly recommended for repeated Listening.

Great CD -- Take if from a music teacher!.......2004-02-11

I am an elementary music teacher, and I use all three of these works in my classroom. "Peter and the Wolf" is a great introduction to classical music for my kindergarten and first grade, and Britten's "Young Persons Guide" is a great way to introduce the instruments of the orchestra. "Carnival of the Animals" is a hit with all of my students.

I have individual recordings of each of these works at school, but I still prefer to bring in my Bernstein CD from home. There is something truly excellent about the Bernstein narration; his calm manner reminds me of another of my heroes, Fred Rogers.

I especially enjoy that Bernstein chose to include young people (ages 13 to 23) in "Carnival of the Animals." The kids are really excited to hear someone close to their age.

Maybe Bernstein isn't new or flashy, but he is a welcome break from the copious flash in my students' lives.

A Parent.......2001-08-21

It's a five star in my 4 year-old's eyes. She absolutely loves Peter and the Wolf. The best CD I've bought her yet.
Update: Now over a year later, my daughter still loves this CD. She has me play it for her EVERY DAY when I take her home from kindergarten. We've sampled other versions, but we both think that Bernstein's version is the BEST. In spite of the other reviewer's opinion, we believe he did a masterful job "telling" the story rather that sounding like he's reading it. The instrumental performance is superior and never loses her interest. Some of the other versions sound like they were recorded in a tin can. This one is superb.
She likes the Carnival of the Animals (esp. the LION), but she prefers Peter and the Wolf.

I've gotten more than my money's worth out of this one. I heartedly recommend it to any parent!!

My favorite "Young Person's Guide".......2001-04-19

While it's true that Bernstein's narration is sometimes awkward, I find even the awkwardness appealing - it's like listening to your childless uncle who doesn't know how to talk to kids. "Peter and the Wolf" brings back childhood memories of acting out the piece with my cousins; the wolf's theme still sounds pleasantly scarey to me. But over the years my favorite piece on this album has become "A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," which is narrated not by Bernstein but by a young boy. His clear, simple speaking style is perfect, and nicely paced. By the way, this CD is essentially the same as "Bernstein's Favorites - Children's Classics." The cover art is less cutesy, and the music has been digitally remastered - but on my modest CD player the difference isn't noticeable.

Average customer rating: Beautiful and Inspirational what is that creaking sound? The floor? Relaxing at Home This is really Charlap's album Trust Charlap to pick a winner

You Taught My Heart to Sing Houston Person , and Bill Charlap Manufacturer: Highnote ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nocturnes & Serenades Live at the Village Vanguard American Songbook Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola Bill Charlap Plays George Gershwin ASIN: B000GEU6O0 Release Date: 2006-08-01

Tracks:

1. You Taught My Heart To Sing
2. Namely You
3. Where Are You
4. Sweet Lorraine
5. If I Ruled The World
6. S'Wonderful
7. Where Is The Love
8. I Was Telling Her About You
9. Don't Forget The Blues
10. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone

Amazon.com

A veteran tenor saxophonist whose reputation has never caught up to his exceptional talents, Houston Person rises to undeniable heights on this duo collaboration with Bill Charlap, a pianist whose reputation as an interpreter of the Great American Songbook has taken off through a series of topnotch albums but whose acute skills as an accompanist may be underapprecated. Even taking into account the familiarity they have attained through various encounters in New York, the chemistry Person and Charlap demonstrate here is pretty stunning. Person's classic deep tenor finds elegance and strength in a selection of songs that spans standards (Gershwin's "S'Wonderful"), Broadway (Leslie Bricusse's "If I Ruled the World"), pop ("Where is the Love," a hit for Donnie Hathaway) and jazz (McCoy Tyner's melodious title cut). And Charlap, making acute and witty digressions even as he smartly shadows the saxophonist, adds depth to the songs. An album in the same class as Stan Getz's series of duets with Kenny Barron, which is saying a lot. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Inspirational.......2007-05-12

When the world lost the truly Great tenormen i.e., Lester Young, Chu Berry, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster many players and listeners were highly dismayed. It wasn't until a few years ago that I had the good fortune of discovering Houston Person that I could truly rejoice. Many people have oogled with augh over Coltrane and a mirade of others but none had the soul or love of the truly Great Ones I so much missed. There are many 'technicians' who can blow anything but few who can emit feeling and love. Houston Person is one who can and ranks high upon my list of those now gone and has done much to restore the tenderness and passions of the past for me. His work with Bill Charlap is not only beautiful but inspirational as well. For me this recording is the absolute finest example of love and tenderness I have experienced in many years of listening and playing. Not only the lead song You Taught My Heart To Sing, but Namely You, Where Are You and Sweet Lorraine all are further examples of what can happen when you get two perceptive and capable musicians together -- what a complimentary pair these two really are! They have brought a world that seems dreary and short on beauty a whole recorded session of sheer beauty and enjoyment that all seems well as the music plays on. You not only hear the results of two men who are really in tune with themselves and each other but their work unites you with the best there is within you and the world. This recording is, for me, priceless and would be the "ONE" most favored to take with me to that desert island -- provided there was the capability of somehow reproducing it there. All would be well with me and life in general. The manner in which these two great musicians listen and support one another is indeed remarkable and most enjoyable. I have purchased at least three or four copies of this disc and shared them with others. This one is a real treasure for those who enjoy music from the heart.

what is that creaking sound? The floor?.......2007-02-28

Whatever its merits, this recording, "engineered, mixed, and mastered" by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder, includes a bizarre level of ambient studio sounds that DO DETRACT from the music - such as a floor creaking, or someone moving around or I can't tell what. There is very little precedent for this kind of nonsense in a professional studio recording. Maybe they accidentally released a soundcheck instead of the master. Maybe it's a cutting edge 'warts and all' approach from a recording engineer with 50 years of work under his belt. Maybe nobody else heard these weird sounds except me.

Relaxing at Home .......2007-02-18

This is a nice soothing CD to help one relax after a day of work.

Many jazz recordings are dedicated to exploring new sounds. This one is much more traditional jazz, dedicated to preserving the legacy of jazz instead of creating new jazz alternatives. It is well recorded, and one can visualize being in a club listening to a jazz duo.

In my Opinion: Where is Love, I was Telling Her About You, are the highlights of the recording.

This is really Charlap's album.......2007-02-02

I have a few other things by Houston Person, who usually has a sound that reminds me of Gene Ammons - a big, bassy tenor sax sound. He is completely different here - breathy, a higher timbre, softer. He plays beautifully. However, this album is really all about Bill Charlap.

First of all, his piano is recorded beautifully. Second, he PLAYS beautifully. At first, I thought I detected some of Bill Evans in his sound, but then almost everyone has some of Evans. No, Charlap has his own sound and style. He plays more in the upper range of the instrument than Evans, a more open style of harmony.

The very first number, "You Taught My Heart To Sing" almost leaves you breathless. The playing is gorgeous. It has everything that it needs and nothing that it doesn't, to paraphrase a commercial.

Clearly, Charlap is a man to be listened to, and I for one will certainly be looking to purchase more of his recordings. For my money, he may be one of the two or three best of the current crop of jazz pianists.

Trust Charlap to pick a winner.......2007-01-09

Bill Charlap's collaborations with tenor sax players are some of the best examples of the continuing heritage of straight-ahead jazz. He has recorded with Scott Hamilton and Frank Wess with great success. And now he has given us a great session with traditionalist Houston Person. Newcomers to the world of jazz should listen to this release to learn why older fans flock to Charlap's performances and to experience the sounds that made jazz America's pop music 50 years ago.

Average customer rating: Great for kids Young Person's Guide without the talk Britten conducts Britten By definition...definitive Wonderful recording

Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op34; Simple Symphony Op4 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals Instruments of the Orchestra Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Petrouchka/ Le Sacre du Printemps Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain ASIN: B0000041S6 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra, Op.34
2. Simple Symphony, Op.4: I. Boisterous Bourree - Allegro ritmico
3. Simple Symphony, Op.4: II. Playful Pizzicato - Presto Possibile pozzicato sempre
4. Simple Symphony, Op.4: III. Sentimental Saraband - Poco lento e pesante
5. Simple Symphony, Op.4: IV. Frolicsome Finale - Prestissimo con fuoco
6. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Introduction And Theme
7. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Adagio
8. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: March
9. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Romance
10. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Aria Italiana
11. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Bourree Classique
12. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Wiener Walzer
13. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Moto Perpetuo
14. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Funeral March
15. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Chant
16. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op.10: Fugue And Finale

Amazon.com essential recording

In this century, few composers have been as well-equipped to perform their own works as Benjamin Britten. An accomplished pianist and conductor, he was used to working in front of the microphone and was able to record most of his own works, some more than once. Despite the continuing popularity of these scores with other conductors, the composer's own versions have held up very well. Britten's account of the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, recorded in 1963 with the London Symphony, shows a masterly touch. Many of the subtler details of the writing emerge in this performance, which, for all the felicities of expression and nuance it achieves, moves along rather smartly. It's a spirited treatment, quite modern-sounding in places, with the LSO clearly having great fun. The recording, made in Kingsway Hall, is very bright and exhibits a touch of brittleness at the high end. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids.......2007-05-13

I love this symphony. Our 3-year-old daughter also loves the "Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures" game based on this, at [...]
We do "local game" and "practice round," which gets you right into the game. They've done a fantastic job with it--kids from three (with a lot of help) to probably much older can enjoy learning more about the different instruments in a fun way. Some of the games are like simple video games, but a lot of them teach about tone, how the instruments work, and what they sound like. Thanks so much to them for putting such a great resource on the web!

Young Person's Guide without the talk.......2007-03-22

Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra can be performed with or without narration. I prefer without since the music speaks for itself so eloquently. The theme is by Henry Purcell and it is gorgeous. After each section plays the theme for a few seconds, variations begin with the woodwinds, strings, brass and finally percussion. The work ends with a fugue and final proclamation of the glorius theme. It is a thrilling work that all ages can enjoy. The rest of the music is also wonderful and the composer directed performances are superior in every way. Although the sound is from the analog era, it is just perfect. Amazon says the CD is essential. I totally agree.

Britten conducts Britten.......2006-05-19

British composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was a master composer AND a master conductor. Not only did he make numerous recordings conducting his own compositions, he also conducted very competent performances of other composers, including J.S. Bach and Robert Schumann. He was an exclusive London/Decca artist throughout his life and the recordings in this compilation were originally released on LPs on that label. They have now been superbly remastered for really high fidelity sound on compact disc.

The CD features a wonderful color photograph of Britten on the cover. He was a musician's musician, who challenged both singers and instrumentalists to strive harder. In an interview, Britten admitted that his music was often difficult to perform correctly. That became apparent when this writer had the opportunity to sing some of Britten's choral music, including "Ceremony of Carols," "Rejoice in the Lamb," and "War Requiem." His choral music IS singable, despite the great challenges, and not as "impossible" to sing as portions of Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis," which I have also sung.

The 1963 recording of "A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" is a benchmark performance by the fabulous London Symphony Orchestra, truly one of the greatest of all orchestras. The individual performers, as well as the sections, all get a chance to "shine" as Britten uses a theme by Henry Purcell (1659-1695) to present a series of variations highlighting all of the sections and some of the individual instruments in the orchestra. Some recordings included narration; this performance simply presents the music in topnotch performances with great virtuosity throughout. The sound is exceptionally clear, too, making it possible to thoroughly enjoy this inspiring performance.

The compilation also includes Britten's delightful "Simple Symphony," one of his earliest and most popular works. Using the excellent string section of the English Chamber Orchestra, Britten was able to give a performance that again can set the standards for all future performances of this charming, sometimes very moving, music. The second movement is noted for its pizzicato playing; this extremely delicate and intricate music is performed with great precision by the British musicians. The third movement is, by far, the longest and most intense part of the symphony; Britten took a rather simple but profound melody and built upon it, until it reached an almost agonizing intensity.

There are also outstanding moments throughout Britten's "Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge." Again using a theme and variations approach, Britten's recording with the English Chamber Orchestra not only showcases the outstanding performers but shows his incredible variety as he utilized numerous musical forms. Some of this music is enchanting and delightful. There are also sections which are very dramatic and even agonizing in their intensity. Frank Bridge, who died in 1941, was Britten's teacher and mentor; remarkably, the student has eclipsed the teacher in fame and popularity, but there's no question the student remained deeply devoted to his teacher, even after Bridge was no longer living.

For those unfamiliar with Britten's music, this compilation is a very good introduction to the wonderfully tonal but imagination music he produced during his all-too-short life. One should also listen to a recording of the four orchestral interludes from the opera "Peter Grimes," and then go on to listening to the complete opera (perhaps the greatest opera every written in English), followed by "War Requiem" and some of the other choral music he composed.

By definition...definitive.......2003-12-07

Unlike most listeners, I bought this for the 'Frank Bridge' work; I originally had it on LP, from over 20 years ago. The variations are, I think, one of the masterpieces of 20th century music. It was his first commission to receive widesprad attention and for good reason: his mastery of string instrumentation and sonics is truly astonishing. It is a piece I constantly return to.

The 'Young Person's Guide' is totally satisfying as well. Britten's interpretation is much more 'baroque' than the full orchestral sound we are used to; but it is much more convincing, particarly as the theme is by Purcell. And the 'Simple Symphony' is as charming as others have noted. All are recorded with excellent sound.

Britten as interpreted by Britten has to be considered definitive!

Wonderful recording.......2001-06-10

This is the absolute best recording of Simple Symphony I can find. Var. on Frank Bridge is nice and Young Person's Guide is also excellent.

Average customer rating: Uneven but Still and All Great Dear, Dear... Herman's best! Thank you Amazon reviewers MY SECOND ALEXANDER H COHEN PRODUCTION

Dear World (1969 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mack & Mabel (1974 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Anyone Can Whistle (1964 Original Broadway Cast) On The Twentieth Century (1978 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B0000027WN Release Date: 1992-05-19

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. The Spring Of Next Year
3. Each Tomorrow Morning
4. I Don't Want to Know
5. I Never Said I Love You
6. Garbage
7. Dear World
8. Ballet
9. Kiss Her Now
10. The Tea Party
11. And I Was Beutiful
12. Each Tommorow Morning (Reprise)
13. One person
14. Finale

Customer Reviews:

Uneven but Still and All Great.......2007-07-04

I like Mame and Hello Dolly some, but frankly they always annoyed me by straining too much for lively and enthusiastic. This one is much more in keeping with my taste. It is mostly a gentler and more subdued show, with a lot of very good music. The title song and One Person are too much in Herman's rousing and stirring mode, and very much out of place with the rest of the score. That rest of the score is a wow, though.

The sardonic opening Spring of Next Year has a gorgeous melody but the lyrics are a sly parody and indictment of the big business ethic, a very French attitude. The contrast between melody and lyrics is exquisite. The Tea Party builds and builds until it ends in a hilarious babble of triple counterpoint harmony. The ballads Kiss Her Now, I've Never Said I Love You, and I Was Beautiful are gorgeous and express genuine emotion. Each Tomorrow Morning finds Herman in a gentler inspirational mode that works much better in this context than the two more standard Herman blasts. Even the song called Garbage is anything but. The performances are uniformly superb.

By the accounts I've read, Dear World flopped because an oversized production warred with the basically intimate nature of the show. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of seeing a rare staging by a regional theter in Washington. It was a deliberately small production and to paraphrase the show, it was beautiful. In any case, of all Herman's scores, I think I like this one best, though Mack and Mabel is close. And Milk and Honey and La Cage have a lot to recommend them as well. Buy this one - you won't regret it.

Dear, Dear..........2007-06-21

There is much that is lovely, even gorgeous, in Herman's score, but for every "I Don't Want to Know" or "I've Never Said I Love You" or even "Garbage" (a deliciously garish tango), there's a "One Person" or the title number that sound like they belong in another show (probably Hello Dolly or Mame).

As the liner notes to the CD and others here have said, Dear World was an uneasy amalgam of a gentle fantasy requiring a light touch and a raucous Broadway "big lady" show. I'd say 80% of the score works: in addition to the above-mentioned songs, there's the soaring opening "The Spring of Next Year", Lansbury's dramatic "Kiss Her Now", her blithe "And I Was Beautiful" and the gorgeous cacophony of "The Tea Party."

Interestingly, if you get the perusal score for the show, there's a new song (a solo for Countess Aurelia) entitled "At the Bottom of the Glass" which sounds more in keeping with the tone than "Each Tomorrow Morning."

However, all quibbles aside, Dear World does bear repeated listening. For those who think Herman is merely frivolous anonymous showtunes, this show disputes that.

Herman's best!.......2006-09-20

I don't typically belong to the Jerry Herman fan base, but this score of his is awesome. I am familiar with Hello, Dolly, Mame, Mack And Mabel and La Cage Aux Folles, but this is the only Herman score I find enjoyable throughout. Having the glorious Angela Lansbury singing the bittersweet songs is also wonderful. As this show is one of the celebrated, legendary flops of Broadway history, I assume the book of the show has to take the blame. The score is first rate. Take this from a dedicated Sondheimite;)

Thank you Amazon reviewers.......2006-07-25

I bought this because of the positive user reviews and couldn't be more thankful that I did. I'm not an expert on the musical form so I can't really speak to the strengths and weaknesses of the book nor the coherence of musical styles of the songs, but I can say with conviction that Angela Lansbury is unbelievably good on this recording. It's difficult for me to convey just how good she is, but I urge anyone whose curiosity is peaked by these reviews to break down and buy the CD. Lansbury's performance alone is worth the price of admission. Her voice is warm, comic, heartbreaking and uplifting. Just beautiful.

MY SECOND ALEXANDER H COHEN PRODUCTION.......2006-06-15

This still is my favorite play, i was young but i do remember how delightfully charming and funny this tale was. The scenic design still lingers, but this score will forever be etched in my mind. Dear World, And I was Beautiful, Kiss Her Now, Each Tomorrow Morning to name just a few classics by Jerry Herman a pro and way ahead of the time...when theatre was still theatre.

Average customer rating: Must have this CD in your collection HOUSTON PLAYS WITH SOUL The Best

To Etta With Love Houston Person Manufacturer: Highnote ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: My Romance In a Sentimental Mood Soft Lights You Taught My Heart to Sing Blue Velvet ASIN: B0002T2Q56 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. It's Magic
2. Love Walked In
3. Don't Misunderstand
4. I Should Care
5. Don't Go To Strangers
6. For All We Know
7. Since I Fell For You
8. Ain't Misbehavin'
9. What A Wonderful World
10. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You

Customer Reviews:

Must have this CD in your collection.......2006-03-12

Having known Etta Jones and after hearing the CD I could see and hear her singing these songs..

HOUSTON PLAYS WITH SOUL.......2005-05-07

HOUSTON PLAYS TO EVERYONE..PEOPLE FROM ALL GENERATIONS ..ANYONE WHO WANTS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH A TUNE ...THATS HOUSTON

The Best.......2004-12-29

I heard Tower Records playing this in their jazz section a few months back and had to have it myself. I'm ashamed to admit I'd never heard of Houston Person before that day, but now I'll never forget him. I'm a big fan of ballad masters like Coleman Hawkins AND Ben Webster and I'd definitely add Houston Person to that list. This album is a masterpiece from start to finish. Not a disappointing groove on the whole album. Smooth and mellow from start to finish, just like a fine red wine - awesome!

Average customer rating: perfect selection for commencement/ graduation Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices **An Exquisite Album** Samples Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | 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 Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | 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Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Thunderous Classics Thunder & Lightning 25 Thunderous Classics Time Life Presents: Classical Thunder Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B00004SUVI Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Requiem: Dies Irae
2. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
3. The Planets: Mars
4. The Ride Of The Valkyries
5. Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
6. Fanfare For The Common Man
7. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
8. Aida: Grand March
9. Summer - Four Seasons: Presto
10. Te Deum: Prelude
11. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra
12. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
13. Symphony No. 5: First Movement
14. Spartacus: Adagio
15. Sabre Dance
16. Symphony No. 40: First Movement
17. Zadok The Priest
18. Turandot: Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

1. Also Sprach Zarathoustra
2. Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
3. Requiem: Dies Irae
4. 1812 Overture
5. Piano Concerto
6. Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
7. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
8. The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
9. Flight Of The Bumble Bee
10. Symphonie Fantastique: March To The Scaffold
11. Carmen: Overture
12. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
13. Jerusalem
14. The Planets: Jupiter
15. Symphony No 9, 'Ode To Joy'
16. Swan Lake: Scene
17. Enigma Variations: Nimrod
18. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
19. Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
20. Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

These CDs has a good transfer from the analogue tapes; there is no hiss or fuzziness. The packaging hearkens back to 2001: A Space Odyssey, with the black monolith. And appropriately, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" is the opening track on Disk 2.

Average customer rating: Great CD Simply the Best Inconsistent, but mostly excellent "Celebration" is not strong enough a word A maginificent evening, a magnificent album

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast) Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast) Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast) Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall / Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Glenn Close Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B000003FDW Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
2. Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
3. Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
4. Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
5. Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
6. Being Alive--Patti LuPone
7. Good Thing Going--The Tonics
8. Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
9. Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
10. Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
11. Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
12. Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
2. Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
3. Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
4. Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
5. The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
6. Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
7. I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
8. With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
9. Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
10. Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
11. Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
12. Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
13. Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-08-06

This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

Simply the Best.......2005-06-29

First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.

In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.

In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.

If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.

Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21

I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.

"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30

This review is by Crosley.

I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.

There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.

I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.

A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16

There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.

This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.

My favorite song is, without a doubt, Dorothy Louden and her wonderful medley of "Losing My Mind" into "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" followed very closely by the recently departed Madeline Kahn singing "Getting Married Today."

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6. Soul Smooching: 36 Late Night Classics [Import]
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