Merlin [Explicit Lyrics]

1. Uk's Finest

2. You Blow My Mind

3. I Will Never Leave You

4. Ain't No Friend

5. Approach

6. Feel the Fury

7. Back to the Roots and Culture

8. Midnight Lady

9. Your Love

10. Never Let You Go

11. Weekend Girl

12. I Will Never Leave You [Instrumental]

13. Think About It

14. Power

Tracks:

Reiki- The Light Touch

Customer Reviews:

very relaxing.......2007-06-20

I love this cd. It is very relaxing. I was listening to it while I was surfing the internet and several times I fell asleep and didn't even know it. Some how I would wake up and try to stay awake but, everytime within seconds I was fast asleep again. I am a very high strung person and this is the only cd that I have actually found that puts me to sleep.

relaxing.......2007-06-14

This CD is wonderfully relaxing with out breaks.

Sweet, sublime and supremely relaxing.......2006-10-01

The music of Merlin's Magic (aka Andreas Mock) is a shimmering, cryptic blend of acoustic instruments and electronica. The undercurrents are electronic--drones, atmospheres, and delicately synthesized tones that tinkle and resonate with spacey, New Age magic. But the addition of acoustic instruments - flutes, strings, gongs, bowls, even saxophone - gives these compositions a warm, approachable, down-to-earth quality - the perfect combination. What is most striking about this music is how interesting it is to listen to--always growing and changing, allowing new motifs and new instrumental voices to fade in and out, blending one into the other above a stable, unified ground. Some New Age music transports its listeners merely by boring them into somnolence; Merlin's Magic is transporting for a far better reason--the constant evolution of the music encourages you to let your imagination wander, visualizing transformations in your own body and soul (which is of course the key to getting such changes to actually occur!). Very effective, and perfect for Reiki, massage and other gentle healing modalities. Merlin's Magic has a number of other releases in a similar vein, including "Chakra Meditation Music." Other albums I have always found good for Reiki and other alternative healing modalities are Kim Robertson's "Angels in Disguise" and "Gratitude" (the latter is with Virginia Kron on cello), and anything by Dean Evenson or Hilary Stagg.

reiki: the light touch.......2006-08-22

touch has never been lighter with this music. i'm using it for my massages and everybody including me love the flowing melody.

Reiki the Light Touch -- Merlin's Magic.......2005-09-29

Wonderfully soothing and relaxing. Merlin's magic is a great name in the Reiki Music Market. Thanks for another great CD.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
An embarrassment
An interesting approach to the Christian faith...
Albert Batarse
You've got to listen in surround...

Mass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bernstein: Symphony No. 3 ("Kaddish"); Chichester Psalms
Leonard Bernstein Mass at the Vatican City
Peter Pan (2005 Studio Cast) - Leonard Bernstein
Bernstein Century - Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" & Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety"
Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free

ASIN: B0000029XM
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

Mass: I. Devotions Before Mass; 1. Antiphon: Kyrie eleison
Mass: I. Devotions Before Mass; 2. Hymn And Psalm: 'A Simple Song'
Mass: I. Devotions Before Mass; Responsory: Alleluia
Mass: II. First Introit (Rondo); 1. Prefatory Prayers
Mass: II. First Introit (Rondo); 2. Thrice-Triple Canon: Dominus vobiscum
Mass: III. Second Introit: 1. In nomine Patris
Mass: III. Second Introit; 2. Prayer for the Congregation (Chorale: 'Almighty Father')
Mass: III. Second Introit; 3. Epiphany
Mass: IV. Confession; 1. Confiteor
Mass: IV. Confession; 2. Trope: 'I Don't Know'
Mass: IV. Confession; 3. Trope: 'Easy'
Mass: V. Meditation No. 1; Orchestra Alone
Mass: VI. Gloria; 1. Gloria Tibi
Mass: VI. Gloria; 2. Gloria in excelsis
Mass: VI. Gloria; 3. Trope; 'Half Of The People
Mass: VI. Gloria; 4. Trope: 'Thank You'
Mass: VII. Meditation No. 2; Orchestra Alone
Mass: VIII. Epistle; 'The Word Of The Lord'
Mass: IX. Gospel-Sermon; 'God Said'

Tracks:

Mass: X. Credo: 1. Credo in unum Deum
Mass: X. Credo: 2. Trope: 'Non Credo'
Mass: X. Credo: 3. Trope: 'Hurry'
Mass: X. Credo: 4. Trope: 'World Without End'
Mass: X. Credo: 5. Trope: 'I Believe In God'
Mass: XI. Meditation No. 3: (De profundis, part 1)
Mass: XII. Offertory: (De profundis, part 2)
Mass: XIII. The Lord's Prayer: 1. 'Our Father...'
Mass: XIII. The Lord's Prayer: 2. Trope: 'I Go On'
Mass: XIV. Sanctus: 'Hol y! Holy! Holy!...'
Mass: XV. Agnus Dei: 'Agnus Dei...'
Mass: XVI. Fraction: 'Things Get Broken'
Mass: XVII. Pax: Communion: 'Secret Songs

Amazon.com

While critics at the 1971 premiere found the work derivative and even tasteless, audiences loved this ardent, resourceful, somewhat brazen, ultimately moving Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers. Leonard Bernstein's affinity for his public and for the age in which he lived enabled him to successfully outfit his Mass with a stylish mix of contemporary and ancient modes--rock, jazz, electronic music, Gregorian chant--and place it in a context somewhere between Broadway and opera. Though it lacks the visual component of a live performance, the work holds up well on this Bernstein-led recording, the only complete version on disc. From the popular "Simple Song" to the Stravinskian rhythmic devices and abundant, memorable melodies, the vital creative force of Bernstein is never absent. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-05-24

An excellent cd sung in english with a libretto to guide you. This two cd set is very much worth owning and is conducted by the composer. It is not like the usual mass in that it employs two orchestras, singers, dancers and two choruses.

An embarrassment.......2007-05-17

This is one of the biggest embarrassments of Bernstein's career. In the late 60s/early 70s, everyone was trying to make Catholicism "hip and cool and relevant" in an attempt to appeal to the youth culture of that time. That's why we have time pieces like Jesus Christ Superstar and songs like "Put Your Hand in the Hand" -- a song which would fit nicely here, by the way, so you get the picture. The fact that Bernstein is Jewish, and therefore non-Catholic, didn't seem to deter or bother anyone involved in this ridiculous project. With its dippy-hippy lyrics ("God said it's good to be poor") and mindnumbingly dumb "theological" reflections ("I believe in one God, but I believe in three" huh?) this "mass" is hopelessly dated. This, after all, is a theater piece, not a liturgical mass in the great tradition of Catholic composers such as Beethoven Bruckner and Mozart. As it tries so hard to fit into the youth culture of the early 70's, it ultimately rests there and never transcends into anything musically interesting, spiritually uplifiting, or spiritually challenging. Strong point: "A Simple Song" which is, a simples song from the Psalms sung by Alan Titus without -- mercifully -- any cynical interpolations. Otherwise, file this with the Godspell movie soundtrack.

An interesting approach to the Christian faith..........2007-04-28

Even though I always considered L. Bernstien to be my favorite conductor, it took me a long time to like his "Mass". I would listen to it every year or two and gradually it grew on me. Though Bernstien's music is unmistakable, he draws on Mahler, Stravinsky, Ives, Copland and Gershwin. This piece reveals musical genius and also presents an interesting approach to the Christian faith.

P.S. Bernstien also wrote a symphony called "Kaddish" which is based on Jewish prayers. Like Gustav Mahler, Bernstien must have been quite a seeker and we are to benefit from his variety of religious experiences.

Albert Batarse.......2005-07-22

A Bernstein classic. You feel like singing it
over and over and never get tired of it.
An excellent musical way to communicate with God.

You've got to listen in surround..........2005-04-01

If you have have a home theater system with very good speakers, listen to this CD in surround. Leonard Bernstein conceived the music in quad, using the space intelligently, and it still holds up.

Hats off to original recording engineer Don Puluse (quad was bleeding edge back then) and to CD remixing engineer John McClure.

Average customer rating:

Awesome relaxing CD
Excellent music for Reiki Practice
Very boring
Head and shoulders above the rest
Relaxing & Mello, Great for Massage, Meditation, Reiki

The Heart of Reiki
Merlin's Magic
Manufacturer: Inner World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Reiki: The Light Touch
Healing Harmony: Best of Merlin's Magic
Reiki: Hands of Light
Love & Light
Chakra Meditation Music

ASIN: B000003JUC
Release Date: 2000-06-24

Tracks:

The Heart Of Reiki

Customer Reviews:

Awesome relaxing CD.......2007-07-24

I absolutely love this CD. I purchased two- one for myself and one for my mom. We both listen to it to fall asleep at night. I also recommended it to my massage therapist who practices reiki. She now uses it at her sessions. She teaches yoga and pilates at a local health club and says she plays it in the background sometimes to relax. Works wonders for stressed out commuters!

Excellent music for Reiki Practice.......2007-06-27

CD no. 2 of the Merlin's Magic Reiki collection
Excellent, calming music for the Reiki practioner. Patient's love it!

Very boring.......2006-11-13

I am a Reiki master practitioner and have my own business and am always looking for complementary music for my sessions. This CD may be relaxing but it is not uplifting or "energy-friendly". To me, it seemed as if the producers of the CD didn't put any effort into creating it, and just wanted to get it into the energy market.

Head and shoulders above the rest.......2006-02-26

You'd be surprised (then again maybe not) how many CDs I have just taking up shelf space trying to find another ambient piece on a par with this one. I'm a Qigong/meditation teacher and find that the proper music can often help students relax when all the instruction in the world just isn't getting through. Relaxing and going with the flow is essential to just about any body/mind practice, and 'The Heart of Reiki' accomplishes that with ease. It's engaging without being obtrusive, and interesting enough to be listened to again and again without being tiresome (a very admirable quality when I've used it in classes every week for a couple of years now). I've tried them all and the only other one that even comes close is Arian Lydon's 'The Open Harp'. You know it's good when students still want to order a copy of their own after hearing it a dozen times. This is a great CD for T'ai Chi, Yoga, Qigong, Reiki, massage, meditation, or just to hang out with. It's one of my all time favorites. It just never gets old.

Relaxing & Mello, Great for Massage, Meditation, Reiki.......2005-11-28

As a massage therapist this is one of my overall favorites and one that my clients just love. I would rate this in my top 5 of all my massage / relaxation music. My clients --even the very stressed-out ones -- are able to relax to this CD. I can still enjoy it as I listen to it everyday and not get tired of it. It takes my clients (and me) into a deeply relaxed state. The continous repetition of the simple theme and harmonies contribute to gentle and progressive slowing down of the body and mind into a meditative state. The music is slow, calm, flowing and melodic, and yet still has enough structure to keep the mind dreamily engaged while moving into progressive relaxation, without being boring. I highly recommend this for massage, Reiki, any type of bodywork for relaxation, yoga, meditation - but don't listen to it while driving!

Average customer rating:

Healing Harmany: Best of Merlin's Magic
Fine, but for Angel of Love
A variety of sounds
Exelent
my favorite relaxation CD

Healing Harmony: Best of Merlin's Magic
Merlin's Magic
Manufacturer: Inner World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Reiki: The Light Touch
Love & Light
The Heart of Reiki
Chakra Meditation Music
Reiki

ASIN: B000009PUJ
Release Date: 2000-06-24

Tracks:

Chant Of Eternity
Light Touch
The Heart Of Reiki
Angel Of Love
Celestial Harmony
Healing Hands
Fire And Light
Well Balanced
Temple Of Rejuvenation

Customer Reviews:

Healing Harmany: Best of Merlin's Magic.......2007-03-09

I have 3 of the Merlin's Magic CDs and they are all wonderful. It's among the most relaxing music I own!

Fine, but for Angel of Love.......2006-03-20

Very relaxing, soothing. Angel of Love starts out nice and peacful, then all of a sudden piercing saxaphone or trumpet sounds. Really breaks up the relaxation.

A variety of sounds.......2003-02-03

Some times you want to melt away in a soft, long melody.-- but there are times when you want to relax but have a bit more upbeat music. this is the right album for that. Each selection is a bit different -- Angel of Love has a almost celtic flair; Celestial one sounds like an angel singing occasionally; chant of eternity is like simple flute sound. It's clear and well done.

Exelent.......2000-06-03

This CD is one of the best CDs I have heard. I got it for my birthday, and since it has helped me relax during hard times. It is a wonderful CD.

my favorite relaxation CD.......1999-07-07

Going through a particularly anxious period, I began looking for relaxation CD's. Of the dozen or so I own, this one is my and several of my friends' favorite.

Average customer rating:

Truely Magic
Distinctive New Age explorations for massage, meditation or healing
Wonderful Healing Music

Chakra Meditation Music
Merlin's Magic
Manufacturer: Inner World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Reiki: The Light Touch
Love & Light
Healing Harmony: Best of Merlin's Magic
The Heart of Reiki
Reiki

ASIN: B00005B5DF
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

Introduction
Root Chakra
Sacral Chakra
Solar Plexus Chakra
Heart Chakra
Throat Chakra
Brow Or Third Eye Chakra
Crown Chakra
Sounds Into Silence

Customer Reviews:

Truely Magic.......2007-07-26

This album is, by far, one of the best all-time meditative, healing and transcendant works of music ever produced. Particularily, it has connected me with the Sacred Energy of Mount Shasta many times during my meditations. Whether there is any direct corilation to that specific mountain or any other Sacred landscapes I would definitely be interested in knowing. Wherever this masterpiece puts you though, it is truely vibrationally elevating, inner vision enhancing and ascension-promoting. God Bless this production.

Distinctive New Age explorations for massage, meditation or healing.......2006-10-01

Gentle, magical, emotionally cathartic compositions for synthesizer and acoustic instruments, with a track dedicated to each of the seven chakras, and framed by an opening and closing selection to round out the album. There's a sense of mystical majesty to the music of Merlin's Magic, created by crystalline, spacey tones and drones that seem to transcend time. There's also a watery feel to these songs, whether in the flowing, shimmering soundscapes in the background or the light, plunking tones in the foreground that sound like falling drops of water. The result is superbly relaxing, yet still intriguing to listen to. New elements and a variety of featured acoustic instruments are always weaving in and out of this soulful, lushly layered music, like fish among the water plants. The result is an album that is both soothing and transporting, but never mindlessly repetitive--i.e. good meditation music for musicians. Curiously, the primary musician behind Merlin's Magic, keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Andreas Mock, seems to be pictured but is never actually mentioned in the liner notes. He deserves credit for his inspired work! Compare this CD with some other, very different recordings focusing on individual chakras: the beautiful, quietly spacey "Spectrum Suite" by Steven Halpern, the symphonic "A Rainbow Path" by flutist Kay Gardner, and the guttural, percussive "Chanting the Chakras" by drummer Layne Redmond. For more magical, relaxing New Age music for meditation and healing, try also "Trilogy" or "Down to the Moon" by Andreas Vollenweider and anything by Singh Kaur.

Wonderful Healing Music.......2005-07-30

I had surgery and I had to stay in the hospital for a few days. I used this CD several times with Reiki and when the doctor came to take the staples out he commented on how the wound looked like the surgery had taken place two weeks earlier !
The music was relaxing and very healing ! I must have played this CD over 25 times in 2 days and I never tired of its beautiful sounds ! The Heart and Crown chakra are the most gentle and loving . A must for all!!

Average customer rating:

Reiki --Merlin's Magic
Soothing, melodic background music
Reiki ....More Beautiful Music
Wonderful
Good for Reiki and relaxation

Reiki
Merlin's Magic
Manufacturer: Inner World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Reiki: The Light Touch
The Heart of Reiki
Healing Harmony: Best of Merlin's Magic
Chakra Meditation Music
Love & Light

ASIN: B000003JTY
Release Date: 1995-10-31

Tracks:

Reiki

Customer Reviews:

Reiki --Merlin's Magic.......2005-09-29

I have found that I can rely on anything made by Merlin's Magic to be a wonderful addition to my Reiki Music collection! Soothing and relaxing, I love this CD.

Soothing, melodic background music.......2003-04-12

This Merlin's Magic album is a solid piece of music to use as a background score for healing work or meditation. It has some nice melodies and instrumentation, and the only reason I don't like this as much as Merlin's Magic's other Reiki CDs is that the music contains some fairly dull lulls in some spots, whereas the subsequent Reiki albums from this artist are more consistent in setting the mood and maintaining soothing melodies.

Reiki ....More Beautiful Music.......2003-01-12

Turn this on and float into a world of relaxation! Such beautiful music for meditation, stress reduction, or massage. I highly recommend it! Relax and Enjoy!

Wonderful.......2002-06-12

Beautiful and relaxing. My Reiki students love it and I have also played it while teaching a crystal class. You are aware of it, yet it is not instrusive music. Also great for meditation.

Good for Reiki and relaxation.......2002-02-05

An excellent CD for reiki sessions or just relax. I also use this music for meditation. A good work of art, really.

Albéniz - Merlin / Álvarez, Domingo, Henschel, Martínez, Eusebio, Orquest Sinfónia de Madrid

Average customer rating:

beware a foreign libretto!
High Fantasy And Drama: Gorgeous Singing
Fabulous music, if a slightly flawed work
Interesting Work
Albeniz's Merlin

Albéniz - Merlin / Álvarez, Domingo, Henschel, Martínez, Eusebio, Orquest Sinfónia de Madrid
Isaac Albeniz , José De Eusebio , Carlos Alvarez , Plácido Domingo , Jane Henschel , Ana María Martínez , Carlos Chausson , Christopher Matman , Felipe Bou , and Orquest Sinfónia de Madrid
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Albeníz: Pepita Jiménez
Bretón - La Dolores / Domingo · Matos · Lanza · Beltrán · Ros Marbá
Gounod: Sapho
Jesús Guridi: El Caserío (The Homestead)
Moniuszko: The Haunted Manor

ASIN: B00004W180
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Merlin: Prelude
Merlin: Veni, Redemptor gentium (Monks)
Merlin: Hail, Mystic Morn (Merlin)
Merlin: Merlin, Master! (Nivian, Merlin)
Merlin: Interlude
Merlin: Egressus ejus a Patre (Monks)
Merlin: My Lords And Gentlemen At Arms! (Merlin)
Merlin: We Have Heard A Rumour'd Word (Men)
Merlin: Long I Prayed (Archbishop Of Canterbury)
Merlin: We Have Heard A Rumour'd Word (Men)
Merlin: Lo! 'Excalibur' Inlaid (Archbishop Of Canterbury)
Merlin: Who The Sceptre Hopes To Sway (Crowd)
Merlin: Fools And Simple Priest (Morgan, Crowd)
Merlin: Gawain, My Son! (King Lot, Gawain, Crowd)
Merlin: Now Shall I Lightly Take It (Mordred, Morgan, Crowd)
Merlin: None Is Here Whose Hand Alone Destin'd Is (Archbishop, Crowd)
Merlin: Pray, Sir Pellinore, Take Guard! (Merlin)
Merlin: Gentle Knights, The Lists Await Ye! (Crowd)
Merlin: Interlude
Merlin: Why Loiter On The Jouney (Kay, Arthur, Sir Pellinore, Sir Ector)
Merlin: O Fate Uncouth! (Arthur)
Merlin: Aequalis Aeterno Patri (Monks, All)
Merlin: By The Gospels We Swear (Sir Ector, Sir Pellinore, Merlin, King Lot, Crowd)
Merlin: Fools! By Merlin Mastered! (Morgan, Crowd, Monks, Arthur, Gawain, Kay, Merlin, Archbishop, Sir Ector, King Lot)
Merlin: Wounded With Ravage (Arthur, Merlin)
Merlin: Interlude
Merlin: God Love King Arthur And Save The State! (Nobles, Knights, Etc., Arthur)
Merlin: Lead Them Hither, To Learn Their Fate (Merlin, Arthur, Morgan)
Merlin: Death To The Sorceress! (Nobles, Knights, Etc., Gawain, Sir Pellinore)
Merlin: Peace, Peace (Arthur)
Merlin: This I Vow For Jesu's Sake! (Gawain, Arthur, Nobles, Knights, Etc.)
Merlin: Bastard And Lowly Born Boy! (Mordred, Morgan)
Merlin: Hear Me O Lady, And Save! (Nivian, Morgan)

Tracks:

Merlin: Hark, Hark! Did He Call? (Nivian, Morgan)
Merlin: Hark! He's Calling! (Nivian, Morgan)
Merlin: Prelude
Merlin: In Maytime, Merry Maytime (Choir)
Merlin: In Maytime, In Maytime... Oh! Not With Summer Madness (Arthur)
Merlin: I Would My Love Or Learning Your Love, My Liege, Might Let! (Merlin, Arthur)
Merlin: Herein To Serve Him Duly Were But A Foolish Thing (Merlin)
Merlin: Interlude
Merlin: Hither, Ye Covetous Elves! (Nivian)
Merlin: Tric A Ta Trac (Gnomes)
Merlin: Ah! (Maidens, Gnomes)
Merlin: When Flow'rets Of The Marigold And Daisy (Maidens)
Merlin: Herodias' Daughter Dancing (Merlin, Nivian)
Merlin: See! It Becomes In Your Hand Nothing (Merlin)
Merlin: Sun-Hearted Child Of The East
Merlin: First I Must Pillage The Hive (Merlin)
Merlin: Borne On The Wings Of The Summering Swallow! (Nivian)
Merlin: Free, Free, Free! (Nivian)
Merlin: Sucklings And Babes Are Chosen (Morgan)

Amazon.com

It sounds like an opera plot in itself: Albéniz, acknowledged master of the piano, keen to prove himself on the operatic stage, collaborating with Francis Burdett Money Coutts (founder of the bank) on an Arthurian trilogy. Only Merlin has ever been performed, and has waited more than a century to be heard as the composer intended. Worth the wait? Yes, insofar as this is a serious treatment of an age-old legend. The music, written by a composer who has absorbed the "leitmotiv" technique of Wagner thoroughly but never slavishly, filters Gregorian chant tellingly into the musical material, and gives the characters an emotional depth that not even Coutts's ham-fisted libretto can deny. It helps to have Plácido Domingo in commanding voice as Arthur, Jane Henschel insinuating as Morgan le Fay, and Carlos Alvarez as Merlin, whose unwary use of his own power initiates a fateful chain of consequences. José Eusebio's labor of love in realizing the work for performance is evident in his authoritative conducting, while a spacious recording presents the music in the best light. A missing masterpiece? Not quite, but try the Prelude to Act 3 [CD2, track 3] and see if you're not hooked. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

beware a foreign libretto!.......2006-08-31

I'm assuming that Albeniz didn't understand a word of this English libretto. It ranks as just about the worst I've ever encountered. One unintentionally hilarious line has the soprano ask of Merlin "I pray, grant me to hold your rod..." meaning his magic wand (of course). I was really disappointed that the octet of countertenor gnomes is so short (no pun intended. They also sound just like the chorus of fairies (ditto-females) that sing in response to them. Too bad. The orchestral music is beautiful, and the performances quite good, but what a waste. There's just no drama here.

High Fantasy And Drama: Gorgeous Singing.......2005-11-12

Isaac Albeniz is better known for his Spanish piano/orchestral music but this, his only opera, attests to his brilliance as an operatic conductor. Merlin is, of course, about the Arthurian legend, as sung by tenor Placido Domingo as King Arthu, bass baritone Carlos Alvarez as the eponymous magician and dramatic mezzo soprano Jane Henschel as Morgana Le Fay. Much has already been said about the virtuosity of Spanish conductor Eusebio and his Madrid orchestral forces. They truly deliver a powerful performance full of adventuresome, thrilling drama, like an operatic version of Lord of the Rings! There is a recent performance captured on DVD of this same revised version of Merlin. This recording is in a league of its own as an opera that is rare, valuable and supremely dramatic. This is perhaps the only rare opera that should be staged. If the proper singers are cast, it can be a powerhouse of an opera. This particular opera benefits from its mostly Spanish cast- Placido Domingo, Carlos Alvarez, Anna Maria Martinez and the conductor and the orchestra. The singular American singer in the cast is Jane Henschel. Since Spanish talents are interpreting an opera created by a Spanish composer - Isaac Albeniz- the magic in the music is even stronger. While there are only a few moments of Spanish/Moorish melody that Albeniz was known for (such as moments in the Preludes, orchestal interludes when singers are not talking and the dance sequences) there is also the Wagnerian technique of motifs and themes associated with ideas and characters. Doubtless, Albeniz was influenced by Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung, with its network of motifs that come and go and interact in the music. Sudden fortissimi, dissonance and hair-raising climaxes abound in the music. I cannot praise this recording enough and it's highly recommended. Placido Domingo is just great as the majestic King Arthur, his voice suitably dramatic but noble and beautiful to hear, Carlos Alvarez is a mystical, expressive Merlin, his voice is powerful and God-like, like a kind of Wagnerian Sarastro or Wotan himself in the Ring. Henschel is a fine mezzo who sings with bite and beauty but indeed it would have been wise to cast the retired Grace Bumbry for this 90's recording. Bumbry would have made the role of Morgana both sexy and dangerous. I would also consider Elena Obrasztsova, Shirley Verrett (if she, too, were pulled out of retirement) Dolora Zajick, Debora Voight or the recently accomplished mezzo-soprano/soprano Violetta Urmana. Morgana is a devilishly attractive role and would make any mezzo well-known in the opera world if she sings the role right. Anna Maria Martinez, another Spanish peer, sings beautifully and lyrically, with dulcet femininity as Queen Geneviere. Her voice blends well with Domingo's and they have worked together numerous times. Enough said. This is a great recording of a fantasy opera.

Fabulous music, if a slightly flawed work.......2004-06-23

I won't waste the reader's time with a long review, I'll only say that this is stunning music accompanying pretty lame poetry, but it tells a good story when all is said and done. I don't find the work difficult at all, and compare it to the likes of Massenet and other Wagner admirers who also found much to enjoy in Grand Opera, Paris style.
As far as the performance, it is top notch, with folks like Placido Domingo singing their guts out so everyone wins. The orchestra likewise sounds like they are having a great time, because this music is, well, serious in the manner of a great Star Trek episode: Campy and satisfying both because and in spite of the camp, with lots of costumes and big gestures.
This is a great recording when you're wore out on Wagner, not in the mood to auditorily work hard enough for Italian or French, and yet not feeling folksy enough for Vaughan Williams.

Interesting Work.......2001-09-06

Ok, the libretto is poor (taking far too many liberties on the legend it is based on though that is by no means the only reason) and yes the Spanish cast does roll a few too many R's when singing in English (which is the original language it was written in); but with that said, I found it quite enjoyable. The choruses are stirring, the music is exciting and the orchestrations are quite engaging. While those with Verdian and Puccini preferences will find this work frustrating, if you enjoy the likes of Richard Straus, Bartok, Mahler and Wagner (which heavily influenced this work) you will be pleasantly suprised.

While this is the only version available, the all around quality of the recording is very good.

Albeniz's Merlin.......2001-03-01

Where has this been hiding for so long? This opera deserves to be placed up alongside the so called greats. The lyricism of the Spanish Zarzuela has often been dismissed by opera snobs as somewhat inferior to the Italian and Italianates, but how wrong can people get, and this is further proof of the quality, breadth and depth of Spanish opera, one that oozes artistry and care, love and passion, reserve and subtleness, intelligence and brilliance.

For me this work (opera in three acts) not only confirms Albeniz as a major operatic composer but places him amongst the greats.

Carlos Alvarez, Placido Domingo, Jane Henschel and Ana Maria Martinez do the honors together with the National Choir of Spain and the Choir of the Community of Madrid Alfonso X "El Sabio".

So "be wise", if you really like opera you will love this.

This work is indeed "a vast and noble achievement".

regards,

Tracks:

Suite Del Recuerdo: Evocacion
Suite Del Recuerdo: Zamba
Suite Del Recuerdo: Chacarera
Suite Del Recuerdo: Carnavalito - Evocacion - Joropo
Cinco Preludios: #2 Preludio Triston
Cinco Preludios: #3 Tristango En Vos
Cinco Preludios: #5 Candombe En Mi
Preludio Y Danza: Preludio
Preludio Y Danza: Danza
Variations On A Moldavian Harp
Vals Op8, #3
Julia Florida: Barcarola
Vals Op8 #4
Choro
Danza Brasileira
Danza In E Minor
Misionera

Amazon.com

Here is a guitar disc that brings special delight. The soloist is Jason Vieaux, winner of the 1992 Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, the youngest musician in GFA history to take home the top prize (he was 19 when he did it). He is a brilliant musician, and his mastery is evident on every track of this debut disc. Audiophiles are encouraged to check this recording out as well. The instrument is magnificently present, and the dynamic and tonal gradations Vieaux achieves are registered with breathtaking immediacy; his percussive knocks to the body of the instrument have a particularly startling impact. Every nuance is captured, without undue prominence being given to artifacts like string noise. Vieaux's phenomenal talent and musicality are now a matter of record, and if this CD is any gauge we can expect him to be writing some exciting new pages in the history of the guitar. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Perfect.......2006-12-20

Before I bought my own copy, my guitar teacher lent me his copy of this CD, it immediately became my favorite guitar recording. Vieaux's playing is technically brilliant and expressive. And I really enjoyed the selection of music on this CD. I would have to say this CD has had the largest influence on me as a musician than any other CD I have ever listened to since my first Jimi Hendrix CD (which was 16 years ago). I have at this point learned about 9 of the pieces featured on this CD, and there are still a few more I want to learn. The Variations on a Moldavian Hora is the single most impressive piece on the entire CD, and ironically it is the one piece I cannot locate the sheet music for! Other then the Moldavian Hora, the entire selection of guitar pieces are from South American composers. If you enjoy this CD, also check out Ricardo Cobo's Naxos recording "Latin American Guitar Music", which has pieces of music in similiar styles, and by some of the same composers, played with just as much skill. Come to think of it, buy all the Naxos guitar recordings! They are all great, and I plan to own them all!

A sure thing.......2006-09-17

This is, by far, my favorite "new" performer of classical guitar. On this CD, his technique is without flaw. His tone production will bring tears to your eyes. Th eproduction of the CD itself is tremendous. Buy it!

Los Argentinos y la Guitarra.......2005-10-17

Es sorprendente ver como las culturas atravez de los tiempos han acoplado la guitarra a sus diversos estilos y formas musicales, pero pocos lo han hecho tan nostalgicamente bonito
como los Argentinos. Lo que han logrado ha sido un estilo unico,
y tan de ellos como las pampas y los gauchos. Merlin, Morel y Pujol han logrado lo que pocos han hecho en la guitarra clasica, un estilo limpio, puro y nostalgico, pero es una nostalgia que no aburre, una nostalgia que inspira a recordar
verdaderamente creo que en las obras de esta grabaccion
los Argentinos han hecho la guitarra suya. En lo que
se refiere a la obra de Agustin Barrios, "El gran Paraguayo"
tiene un estilo unico, Barrios en su musica explora varios
estilos, en diferentes formas...En general, una magistral
grabaccion de obras Latinoamericanas para la guitarra.
Jason Vieaux hace un formidable trabajo, creo que este
sera unos de los grandes guitarristas del siglo XXI.

Great Guitarist.......2004-12-17

I bought this cd because it was cheap and had a few Morel pieces I was working on at the time. I had no idea who Jason Vieaux was, but I do now. The Merlin Suite is absolutely brilliant. His playing is flawless and inspiring. Great recording quality too. I look forward to hearing more from this young talent.

An Amazing Recording.....but listen to his new releases, too.......2003-11-14

Jason Vieaux, as several other reviewers of this disc have observed, is at the forefront of the next generation of classical guitarists. His musicality is never compromised by a lack of technique (since he seems not to lack anything in technique). The program performed here is very exciting, and shows Vieaux at an extremely high level, especially for someone who at the time was about 20 years old!!! While I implore everyone to acquire this recording, I also have followed Vieaux's career and seen him grow into a far more mature and accomplished player than the one heard in this recording. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend everyone to buy his recordings for the Azica label of the Ponce Guitar Sonatas and "Sevilla - the Music of Isaac Albeniz". If you were impressed with this recording, buy these two and you will experience one of the most musical performances by any classical musician on any instrument!

Average customer rating:

A disappointment
A Truly Heavenly CD!

Angel Helpers
Merlin's Magic
Manufacturer: Inner World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Love & Light
Healing Harmony: Best of Merlin's Magic
The Heart of Reiki
Chakra Meditation Music
Reiki: The Light Touch

ASIN: B000003JUA
Release Date: 1996-05-07

Tracks:

Heavenly Spheres
Michael, The Cosmic Shield
Jophiel, The Creative Power of Heaven
Zadkiel, The Heavenly Power of Prayer
Chamuel, The Power of Worship
Gabriel, The Power of the Resurrection
Raphael, The Immense Power of Healing
Uriel, The Immense Power of Peace
Benediction

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment.......2005-09-07

I loved the earlier CD, Reiki, The Light Touch, so I was looking forward to this.

I was disappointed to find out that 3 of the 9 cuts were basically worse arrangements of melodies from that earleir CD, with more melody snippets embedded in other cuts.

I also found the sitar and vocals to be overused and not that peaceful.

I cannot recommend this CD. if you have Reiki, The Light Touch, it's redundant. If not, you should get that CD instead of this one.

A Truly Heavenly CD!.......2000-03-22

I love all of the Merlin's Magic CD's and this is one of the best. The music is as beautiful and soothing as you would expect, though slightly different with the addition of the wonderful angelic voices on some of the tracks. I use this often during Reiki sessions, and it really contributes to the relaxing and peaceful mood that I try to set. Clients love it!

Average customer rating:

Songs and Dances from the New Village

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000MM1F1Y
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

José Manuel Lezcano: Sonatina tropical: En clave de són: Moderato
Lezcano: Sonatina tropical: Canción de Madruga: Lento; Allegretto; Lento
Lezcano: Sonatina tropical: Samba - Finale: Vivace
Atanas Ourkouzounov: Sonatine: Hommage à Theodisii Spassov: Mouvement bulgare
Ourkouzounov: Sonatine: Hommage à Theodisii Spassov: Comme un Chant
Ourkouzounov: Sonatine: Hommage à Theodisii Spassov: Rondo serbe
George Mavroedes: To John
Dusan Bogdanovic: Songs and Dances from the New Village: Shepherd's Song: Adagio, rubato
Bogdanovic: Songs and Dances from the New Village: Lesnoto according to Johann: Moderato, ben marcato
Bogdanovic: Songs and Dances from the New Village: Gankino Oro: Allegro ritmico
Bogdanovic: Songs and Dances from the New Village: Prophet's Song: Lento misterioso
Bogdanovic: Songs and Dances from the New Village: Milcho's Boogie: Allegro giocoso
Robert Beaser: Mountain Songs: Barbara Allen: Plainsong
Beaser: Mountain Songs: The House Carpenter
Beaser: Mountain Songs: Hush You Bye: Camminando
Ravi Shankar: L'aube enchantée (sur le Raga "Todi")
José Luis Merlin: Al Cristo de la Quebrada: Zamba del regreso

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