Cut to the Heart

Cut to the Heart

Track Listings

1. Say Yeah
2. Educate Your Face
3. World of Love
4. Boom
5. Silent Cry
6. Our Future
7. Smoked to Death
8. Money Can't Buy
9. Forever Friends
10. Dream Big

Editorial Reviews

Vindicatory. Youngstown, OH
Dr. Rap's tunes make your toes tap and your heart beat.

Product Description
AV Records is Dr. Kojoglanian's (AKA Dr. Rap's) company. It is run by a Cardiologist who invests his life in building character, inspiring integrity and instilling purpose in the lives of our youth. the lyrics are proeducational, with an antiviolence and antidrug message...extreme opposite to what maistream rap represents.

Cut to the Heart

Cut to the Heart,Dr. Rap
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00062FLI8
    Release Date: 2004-11-30
    Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert,  Pinnock
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty
    • So Fashionable, and So Disappointing
    • A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal
    • Wait! Before you buy...
    • La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener
    Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock
    George Frideric Handel , Arleen Auger , Anne Sofie von Otter , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert & Choir , Michael Chance , Howard Crook , and John Tomlinson
    Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
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    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
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    ASIN: B0000057DB
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Amazon.com essential recording

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

    Amazon.com

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

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty.......2007-06-13

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

    2 out of 5 stars So Fashionable, and So Disappointing.......2007-02-01

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

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

    Arleen Auger has a very sweet voice. And??

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

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

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

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

    4 out of 5 stars A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal.......2006-12-17



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

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

    5 out of 5 stars Wait! Before you buy..........2006-05-28

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

    5 out of 5 stars La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener.......2004-12-29

    Soy uno de los mas fanaticos seguidores de Handel y de su obra El Mesias... He escuchado muchas versiones de esta genial e impresionante obra del maestro Handel y, sencillamente no me queda mas que recomendar esta interpretacion, bajo la batuta del maestro Trevor Pinnock. Se nota la exigencia con que esta version se interpreto, dentro el contexto del arte barroco y la magnificencia de la pronunciacion del ingles de la epoca. La orquesta se luce impresionantemente desde la obertura... y le da a cada movimiento, toda aquella fuerza y a la vez delicadeza requerida en el sentimiento que aplica en cada uno de los textos biblicos escogidos por el guionista Jennens. El Coro del English Concert es arrebatador y demuestra maestria en la interpretacion de cada una de las arias que le corresponde. La soprano Arleen Auger, la puedo definir como un angel cantando y resulta ser una caricia a los oidos, a la vez que es capaz de arrancarle a uno las lagrimas por lo excelso de su magia interpretativa. El tenor Crook, aunque no es un tenor con tesitura para canto barroco, es realmente habil y agil al momento de interpretar los melismas caracteristicos de este brillante periodo musical. El contratenor Michael Chance, es fenomenal y quiera Dios que yo tenga el honor de conocer a este genio del canto: "But who may abide..." interpretado por Chance en esta version, es como para caer en extasis. La contralto Anne Sophie von Otter..., tiene una voz oscura y redondeada..., tambien resulta una caricia a los oidos y su "If God be for us..." es desbordante, capaz tambien de hacerle a uno derramar lagrimas por su belleza interpretativa. El bajo Tomlinson..., es barbaro!!! (Soy bajo-baritono en el Coro de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica...) A pesar de su voz tan oscura, es tremendamente agil cuando le toca cantar los melismas y es genial al alcanzar la tonalidad brillante en las partes de notas altas y agudas...; por ejemplo: "The people that walked in darkness..." y "Why do the nations..." Tengo seis años de experiencia, interpretando musica coral y tengo que decir que espere esos seis años, desde 1999, para felizmente cantar esta obra "El Mesias". Ha sido fantastico finalmente lograr este objetivo..., la espera valio la pena y debo admitir que mi inspiracion ha sido sin duda alguna, la version que puede usted encontrar en este disco compacto. Doy gracias a todos los que intervinieron en esta grabacion (al maestro Trevor Pinnock, al English Concert and Choir y a los solistas ya mencionados), en nombre mio y en nombre del maestro Handel.
    The Songs That Got Away
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):
    • The songs that didn't get away
    • Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts
    • Good, for Sarah Brightman
    • Pleasant, but not up to standard
    The Songs That Got Away

    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Dive
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    5. Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2

    ASIN: B000005S0R
    Release Date: 1999-11-16

    Tracks:

    1. Meadowlark
    2. I Am Going To Like It Here
    3. I Remember
    4. Mr. Monotony
    5. Dreamers
    6. Silent Heart
    7. Lud's Wedding
    8. Three-Cornered Tune
    9. If I Ever Fall In Love Again - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman
    10. What Makes Me Love Him?
    11. Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
    12. Away From You
    13. If Love Were All
    14. Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman

    Amazon.com

    For those Sarah Brightman fans who didn't spring for The Songs That Got Away when it was a pricey import, this domestic release will be a must-buy. Originally recorded in 1989 shortly after she achieved international fame in The Phantom of the Opera, the album spotlights obscure American and British musical theater songs that either were removed from shows or were "lost" when the shows themselves slipped out of the repertoire. (Of course, some of the songs aren't nearly as obscure as they were in 1989--the opening track, Stephen Schwartz's soaring "Meadowlark," has since been claimed by Liz Callaway, Patti LuPone, and Betty Buckley, while Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember"--well suited to Brightman's glasslike tones--is now recognized as one of his most gorgeous and haunting compositions.) Brightman performs well on this diverse collection of entertaining and often lovely songs, including an early draft of Frank Loesser's "Fugue for Tinhorns," here sung as a triple-tracked, lilting waltz, and the Puccini aria "Chi il bel sogno di doretta," which foreshadows her later, more ambitious crossover projects. There's also a tune from Jeeves by then-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber, who produced this album not long before he and Brightman divorced in 1990. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):.......2007-02-24

    This is an interesting and surprising production that showcases the vocal prowess of Sara Brightman. It is not however, representative of the new and highly overproduced vocal productions that constitute her newer recordings. Although this production really allows the listener to hear a very melodic and unencumbered vocal performance, as it is pleasing in it's simplicity, yet meant for the more discriminating listener. Fans of Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Weber, and Richard Rodgers will feel right at home here. For those seeking another major sonic production as in Eden, La Luna, Dive, or The Harem Tour this is not it! My criticism is not of her vocal prowess or production values but the apparently endless array of previously released material offered as a new and different recording. But I suppose that this is rather due to the greedy objectives of of A&M Records just trying to go to the bank, often and laden heavy with dollars. Nothing that any label wouldn't try to do. My advice with Sara Brightman is "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) check the disc carefully for redundancy of tracks within her discography. If you're a fan of this genre of music, you will probably respond quite well to this recording.

    5 out of 5 stars The songs that didn't get away.......2004-02-12

    This is one of my favorite albums by Sarah. She surprised me with her ability to go from light opera to jazz. Here we don't find the over-produced albums such as Harem, just a superbly trained voice. No little girl breathy tunes here, just solid performances. This is the Sarah Brightman that I like to remember and enjoy. If you see this album and you're a Sarah Brightman fan, pick it up and treasure it. I'd like to see her do more of thisgenre, where she showcases her voice. Who ever thinks that Sarah has a small voice will be convinced otherwise by this album.

    4 out of 5 stars Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts.......2003-12-11

    Before experimental albums like Dive and Fly, as well as the ones where her classically-trained voice enchanted millions, Sarah Brightman did a collection of musical and theatrical songs originally released in 1989, but reissued when she made it big with Time To Say Goodbye. Her vocal style leans towards the theatrical Broadway side, but more mellowed. But on songs like the strings-laden mid-tempo "Meadowlark" from Stephen Schwartz's The Baker's Wife, the way she would later do splendidly interpret Lloyd Webber's songs is in the making. Here are other highlights, including those that were reissued on Sarah's Encore album (2002).

    Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" is a sad ballad told from the POV of a window mannequin remembering the sights it has experienced throughout the seasons, but the memories are now hazy and at the end, it sings, "At times I think/I would gladly die/for a day of sky."

    Some songs like "Lud's Wedding" from Bernstein's failed bicentennial musical, only seem to work due to Sarah's voice. Ditto for the simple "Three-Cornered Tune." Consisting of three verses, each repeated twice. However, Irving Berlin's "Mr. Monotony", a tune understandably cut from Easter Parade, is not a particularly inspiring song.

    Marvin Hamlisch's "Dreamers" is one of my favourites here, as I have affinity to it, and I'm sure Sarah is one at heart as well. "Only dreamers have wings with which to fly far away", as in their own fantasies, but unfortunately, "sometimes dreamers are forced to leave their dreams far away", i.e. the harshness of reality. However, it paints them in a positive light and states that everyone needs to have some sort of dream "to take time to find treasures and mountains we can climb."

    "Silent Heart" really showcases Sarah's voices, on how some things the heart is best left silent, as in things that really thrill it. "If I Ever Fall In Love Again" is taken from The Crooked Mile and is a nice love song Sarah really wraps herself in.

    "Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta" from Puccini's La Rondine is a great showcase of the operatic voice that would come into full bloom on Time To Say Goodbye. This song would be reissued on Encore.

    "Away From You" by Richard Rodgers, and taken from a musical biog of Henry VIII (!!!). "The clocks are frozen and time's a traveler who's lost his way" is one of the sentiments Sarah conveys effectively. Also reissued on Encore.

    "If love were all, I should be lonely" sings Sarah from Noel Coward's Bittersweet, "If Love Were All" was the one song that stood out for me when I first heard this CD. The ability of a talent to amuse is seen as a solid standing for mental security. A definite standout here.

    From Lloyd Webber's Jeeves, the lush strings of "Half A Moment" features the vocal stylings familiar enough to those who have Sarah's Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. It focuses on how important the capture of a moment to bright up a future rainy day is. Also reissued on Encore.

    Initially, I dismissed this as the songs that should've stayed away. Although they lack the magical punch of Time To Say Goodbye or La Luna, it's still a worthwhile collection, because Sarah's clear birdlike theatrical/musicals voice makes it all worthwhile.

    2 out of 5 stars Good, for Sarah Brightman.......2003-08-25

    Some people just love Sarah's voice, but I don't see what's so special about it. She sings in two sorts of ways, the first one is lovely, simple, forgetable, and the other sounds like Stitch with a high voice. This CD does her justice, though. A lot of the tunes are catchy and nice (how she sings them could be better) but the one I really like is "Three cornered tune." Now that's a good song! She does not have a particularly bad voice, but nothing interesting - that's for sure. And when she tries to act in her music she sounds even worse! But that's alright. After all, everyone has a different style. A highlight of this CD includes "Mr. Monotony," which, unfortunatly, did not come with lyrics in the CD case. Too bad, because its a great song. At the end of this record, though, she writes about these songs and - wow! It is amazing how many shows that song was taken out of! At one point it said it had Judy Garland singing it, and when I try to imagine her doing it I know that must have been awesome. I really want to hear Judy Garland singing this song sometime. Maybe I'll find it here on Amazon... But anyway, back to Sarah Brightman. The only other thing I can think of to say at the moment is that from what I've heard of her records, this is as good as it gets. And also, the track titled "Dreamers" is nice. I like the tune and she doesn't sing it too bad, either. It would be a good song to be played at a graduation. Only after a while the sound of it gets a little creepy and annoying. And its sticky, too. "Silent heart" is a classic, though she shouldn't sing it twice. For you see, she sings it, and then you think, "Ah, that's a sweet song. Wonderful words, soft tune," and the music gets at a great stoping point and then comes back for an encore (as one of Sarah's other records is titled). And then we have to listen to it all over again - and its not as good the second time. So overall is it good? Yes, it is. Though perhaps not good enough.

    3 out of 5 stars Pleasant, but not up to standard.......2003-06-22

    I love Sarah Brightman's singing and her musical style as presented on Eden and La Luna. This CD is completely different in style from those two. I find it enjoyable, but it is not my favorite. Her singing is nothing special on this CD, it doesn't display her vocal range or talent in the way that her other CDs do, especially her CD "Surrender", her vocals are absolutely stunning on that CD.
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • I waited for this for five years
    • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
    • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
    • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
    • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
    2. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
    3. Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
    4. Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
    5. Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast)

    ASIN: B00005R5UJ
    Release Date: 2001-11-20

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Album Description

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

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

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

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

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

    Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
    The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
    My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
    A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
    Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Beecham's noisy Messiah
    • The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!
    • Comfort Ye!
    • Familiarity hasn't bred much affection
    • Thanks to Jon!
    Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham
    George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi
    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis
    2. Handel: Messiah
    3. Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx
    4. Samson
    5. Messiah (Complete)

    ASIN: B000003FB8
    Release Date: 1992-07-14

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
    2. Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    3. Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    4. Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
    5. Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    6. Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    7. Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
    8. Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
    9. Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
    10. Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    11. Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    12. Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
    13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
    14. Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    15. Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    16. Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    17. Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
    18. Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    19. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
    20. Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
    21. Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
    2. Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
    3. Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
    4. Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
    5. Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
    6. Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    7. Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
    8. Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    9. Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    10. Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    11. Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    12. Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
    13. Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    14. Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
    15. Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    16. Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
    17. Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    18. Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    19. Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
    20. Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
    21. Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
    22. Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    23. Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    24. Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
    2. Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
    3. Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
    4. Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
    5. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
    6. Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
    7. Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
    8. Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

    Amazon.com essential recording

    Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

    Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

    This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

    There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

    While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

    My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

    5 out of 5 stars The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

    We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

    Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

    The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

    For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

    5 out of 5 stars Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

    If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

    3 out of 5 stars Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

    I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

    In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

    3 out of 5 stars Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

    This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
    I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"




    Handel - Messiah / McNair · von Otter · Chance · Hadley · Lloyd · Marriner
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • a voice teacher and early music fan
    • I really love this recording
    • Some very good parts
    • Great mezzo and trumpet
    • And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever, Amen.
    Handel - Messiah / McNair · von Otter · Chance · Hadley · Lloyd · Marriner
    George Frideric Handel , Neville Marriner , Anne Sofie von Otter , Michael Chance , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , Sylvia McNair , Jerry Hadley , and Robert Lloyd
    Manufacturer: Philips
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields
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    ASIN: B00000414Y
    Release Date: 1992-11-17

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Part I: Symphony
    2. Messiah: Part I - No. 1 Accompagnato: Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye, My People
    3. Messiah: Part I - No. 2: Air Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
    4. Messiah: Part I - No. 3 Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord
    5. Messiah: Part I - No. 4 Accompagnato: Thus Saith The Lord
    6. Messiah: Part I - No. 5 Air: But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
    7. Messiah: Part I - No. 6 Chorus: And He Shall Purify The Sons Of Levi
    8. Messiah: Part I - No. 7 Recitative: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
    9. Messiah: Part I - Nos. 8-9 Air And Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
    10. Messiah: Part I - No. 10 Accompagnato: For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover The Earth
    11. Messiah: Part I - No. 11 Air: The People That Walked In Darkness
    12. Messiah: Part I No. 12 Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born
    13. Messiah: Part I No. 13 Pifa: Pastoral Symphony
    14. Messiah: Part I No. 14 Recitative: There Were Shepherds - And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - And The Angel Said Unto Them - And Suddenly There Was
    15. Messiah: Part I No. 15 Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest
    16. Messiah: Part I No. 16 Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
    17. Messiah: Part I No. 17a Recitative:Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
    18. Messiah: Part I No. 18a Duet: He Shall Feed His Flock
    19. Messiah: Part I No. 19 Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy
    20. Messiah: Part II No. 20 Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God
    21. Messiah: Part II No. 21 Air: He Was Despised
    22. Messiah: Part II No. 22 Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
    23. Messiah: Part II No. 23 Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed
    24. Messiah: Part II No. 24 Chorus: All We Like Sheep

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Part II No. 25 Accompagnato: All They That See Him
    2. Messiah: Part II No. 26 Chorus: He Trusted In God
    3. Messiah: Part II No. 27 Accompagnato: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
    4. Messiah: Part II No. 28 Arioso: Behold, And See
    5. Messiah: Part II No. 29 Accompagnato: He Was Cut Off
    6. Messiah: Part II No. 30 Aria: But Thou Didst Not Leave
    7. Messiah: Part II No. 31 Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads
    8. Messiah: Part II No. 32 Recitative: Unto Which Of The Angels
    9. Messiah: Part II No. 33 Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God
    10. Messiah: Part II No. 34a Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High
    11. Messiah: Part II No. 35 Chorus The Lord Gave The Word
    12. Messiah: Part II No. 36 Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet
    13. Messiah: Part II No. 37a Arioso: Their Sound Is Gone Out
    14. Messiah: Part II No. 38 Air: Why Do The Nations
    15. Messiah: Part II No. 39 Chorus: Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder Let us break their bonds asunder
    16. Messiah: Part II No. 40 Recitative: He That Dwelleth In Heaven
    17. Messiah: Part II No. 41 Air: Thou Shalt Break Them
    18. Messiah: Part II No. 42 Chorus: Hallelujah
    19. Messiah: Part III No. 43 Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
    20. Messiah: Part III No. 44 Chorus: Since By Man Came Death
    21. Messiah: Part III No. Accompagnato: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
    22. Messiah: Part III No. 46 Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound
    23. Messiah: Part III No. 47 Recitative: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
    24. Messiah: Part III No. 48 Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
    25. Messiah: Part III No. 49 Chorus: But Thanks Be To God
    26. Messiah: Part III No. 50 Air: If God Be For Us
    27. Messiah: Part III No. 51 Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - Blessing And Honour
    28. Messiah: Part III: Amen

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-10-21

    The "Messiah" was composed by Handel at his London home in the late summer of 1741..Charles Jennens described his libretto for the 'Messiah' as a "Scripture Collection", because it consists of a cleverly-arranged selection of biblical texts. Musically speaking, the recitatives and arias are definately in a style derived from opera, supplemented by choruses of the type Handel has developed in his English odes and oratorios-the presentation of the story was unconventional. The work is divided into three acts or parts, but the narrative is largely confined to Part Two: Part One is mainly concerned with prophecy and its fullfilment and Part Three with commentary on the importance of the previous story. This recording of the famous 1992 performance at Dublin took place at the Point Theatre on the 250th anniversary of the work's premeire which took place in Dublin on April 13th 1742. It is an outstanding performance, especially chorally and instrumentally. The soloists: Sylvia McNair(soprano)-Anne Sofie von Otter(mezzo)-Michael Chance (alto) were superb!!! Personally I was not pleased by Jerry Hadley's interpretation of Handel; I have a recording of him singing show tunes, and I think he does that best! Robert Lloyd's (bass) diction was most peculiar and annoyed me. However, the last 2 comments may not be universally accepted. All in all, it's one of the best 'Messiahs' I have heard, and is actually my favorite of many that I own.

    5 out of 5 stars I really love this recording.......2005-03-26

    While I haven't sampled that many different recordings of the Messiah, I really like this version. I sometimes find myself singing it, and this is the version I hear. One thing I don't like about it is that it is a 2-disc set, but the Messiah has three parts. Part II is divided -- the first half on disc 1 and the second part on disc 2. It would be nice if the parts weren't divided in the middle.

    3 out of 5 stars Some very good parts.......2002-12-14

    This is my fifth Messiah disk and I had hoped my last. Von Otter is a real draw and she is truly great. Marriner's pacing is still good. But many aspects of this CD pull it down. I have a theory that the tenor (Jerry Hadley) was mad at Marriner and sang technically perfect with zero emotion. I don't how he was allowed to get away with this. I also did not like the baritone. While I think varying the size of the chorus in this piece has merit, this choir is generally on the small side and does not have the punch when needed. Messiah choirs carry a two edged burden, either the choir is large and it gets muddy in the delicate sections or it is small and can't punch the big sections. This disk errs on the small side. The recording quality is very good, something that dodges many Messiahs. The violins are too close to the soloist microphone (or poorly mixed) and come in much too loud. So whenever there is an sprite from the violins it jumps out at you and drowns the soloists.

    The best Messiah for me is still Marriner's 1976 disk, much better overall rendition.

    4 out of 5 stars Great mezzo and trumpet.......2002-05-17

    This is one of the better Messiahs, although not quite up to Westenberg's level.

    Its world-beater aspects include mezzo Anne-Sophie von Otter, whose "He was despised" is well north of magnificent: Warmly mournful in the slow sections, snarling and spitting in the center section.

    Trumpeter Mark Bennett does by far the best trumpeting on any of my 30 complete Messiahs. "Glory to God" and "Hallelujah" are as good as it gets -- no, better than any other recording gets.

    Countertenor Michael Chance is quite good in "If God be for us" -- I say that as someone who doesn't like countertenors.

    Some of the other choruses are also well done. But tenor Jerry Hadley seems to have thought he had more lucrative things to do with his time than to think about Messiah.

    5 out of 5 stars And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever, Amen........2002-01-01

    This recording ranks itself on the top of the greatest recordings of Handel's Messiah. Being a live recording, it surpasses every other studio recordings of this piece in terms of interpretation and drama. The soloists are superb, the chorus are crisp and vital, and the ensemble plays with great virtuoso. My special remark goes to Miss McNair, I simply cannot grow tired of her! Her lyrical voice is simply destined for this work, especially in aria no 16 `Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion' - rejoice indeed! It is to Marriner we should all be grateful for producing this remarkable recording in the first place. Known mainly for his stupendous recordings of Mozart, it is not surprising that he's able to interpret in a true Handelian way. It's a pity that he seldom records works by Handel - I don't know if he performs them unrecorded.
    There are actually two versions of this live performance, the one here and the other is available on LaserDisc. I believe that they were recorded on two different performance time, for on some arias the soloists have different style in singing the cadenza. Whichever you prefer, this is a recording you must simply own - even when your music library boasts a dozen or so of Handel's Messiah!!
    Handel's Messiah
    Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
    • Old Fashioned Sincerity
    • One of the worst recordings ever made
    • Pete's Dad
    Handel's Messiah

    Manufacturer: Golden Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00013ND8M
    Release Date: 2004-02-10

    Tracks:

    1. Overture
    2. Comfort Ye My People
    3. Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
    4. And the Glory of the Lord
    5. Thus Saith the Lord of Hosts
    6. But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
    7. And He Shall Purify the Sons of Levi
    8. Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive
    9. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion
    10. For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth
    11. People That Walked in Darkness
    12. For Unto Us a Child Is Born
    13. Pastorale Symphony
    14. There Were Shepherds Abiding in the Field
    15. Glory to God in the Highest
    16. Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion
    17. Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Open'd
    18. He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd
    19. His Yoke Is Easy, His Burden Is Light
    20. Behold the Lamb of God

    Tracks:

    1. He Was Despised and Rejected of Men
    2. Surely, He Hath Borne Our Griefs
    3. And With His Stripes We Are Healed
    4. All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
    5. All They That See Him, Laugh Him to Scorn
    6. He Trusted in God That He Would Deliver Him
    7. Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
    8. Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow
    9. He Was Cut Off Out of the Land of the Living
    10. But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell
    11. Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
    12. How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them
    13. Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage
    14. Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder
    15. He That Dwelleth in Heaven
    16. Thou Shalt Break Them With a Rod of Iron
    17. Hallelujah - London Philharmonic Chorus
    18. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
    19. Since by Man Came Death - For as in Adam, Even So in Christ
    20. Behold, I Tell You a Mystery
    21. Trumpet Shall Sound
    22. Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain
    23. Amen

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Old Fashioned Sincerity.......2006-12-30

    This is not the best recording of Messiah but it is by no means a disaster. Susskind was an able conductor with a valid view of this great piece. The recording from the 1950s is more than adequate (there is some roughness in the treble but it is full and clear - though some edits are very obvious indeed). The orchestra is excellent and the choir sing well. The soloists - all of them - are superb, among the very best in any version of Messiah! Susskind's tempos are slow by modern standards but there is good rhythmical bounce and a genuine sense of the greatness of the piece. If you can adjust to the broad tempos and the big scale conception then you will discover important aspects of this masterpiece in this performance - and the set costs next to nothing!

    1 out of 5 stars One of the worst recordings ever made.......2006-05-10

    This is only my second one star review. And I am rather generous with stars. But this recording is just horrible, especially considering that all of the participants are legendary musicians. First of all, this is extremely old fashioned Handel. The textures are way too heavy for music of the baroque. But worst of all, the performance just sits there like mud on your tires that won't come off. Yes, the price is very low, but whatever you do, do not buy this recording.

    2 out of 5 stars Pete's Dad.......2005-12-11

    I have had a CD of the London Philharmonic version of the Messiah conducted by Fredrick Jackson for several years and enjoyed listening to it. However, the quality of the recording leaves something to be desired.
    Lost in Boston III
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Another fine addition to the series
    Lost in Boston III
    Various Artists - Soundtracks , Cy Coleman , Stephen Flaherty , Frank Loesser , Ralph Martin Hugh / Blane , Richard Rodgers , Harvey Schmidt , Stephen Sondheim , Charles Strouse , Jule Styne , Meredith Willson , Tom Fay , Dan Shaheen , Debbie Gravitte , Dennis Kelley , Gannon McHale , Guy Haines , Harry Groener , Jason Graae , Lindsay Ridgeway , Liz Callaway , Liz Larsen , Lynne Wintersteller , Lynnette Perry , Malcolm Gets , Michele Pawk , Patricia Ben Peterson , Paul Blankenship , Rebecca Luker , Rod Raines , Sal Viviano , Sarah Chapman , Tammy Minoff , Tim Ewing , Walter Willison , and Steve Orich
    Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    1990s1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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    1. Lost in Boston
    2. Lost in Boston II Unsung Musicals
    3. Lost in Boston, Vol. 4
    4. Unsung Musicals II (Studio Cast)
    5. Unsung Musicals (Studio Cast)

    ASIN: B0000014VK
    Release Date: 1995-04-25

    Tracks:

    1. Gypsy: Mama's Talkin' Soft - Lindsay Ridgeway/Sarah Chapman
    2. Guys & Dolls: Travelin' Light - Malcolm Gets
    3. Meet Me In St. Louis: A Bell Will Ring - Patricia Ben Peterson
    4. Seesaw: Big Fat Heart - Debbie Shapiro Gravitte
    5. Sweet Charity: Pink Taffeta Sample Size 10 - Lynne Wintersteller
    6. The Music Man: You Don't Have To Kiss Me Goodnight - Lynnette Perry/Sal Viviano
    7. 110 In The Shade: Inside My Head - Ton Raines
    8. She Loves Me: Tell Me I Look Nice - Rebecca Luker
    9. Where's Charley?: The Bee - Guy Haines
    10. Bye, Bye, Birdie: Older And WIser - Michelle Pawk/Tammy Minoff
    11. Flower Drum Song: My Best Love - Dennis Kelley
    12. Where's Charley?: Your Own College Band - Walter Willison/Paul Blankenship/Tim Ewing/Gannon McHale/Dan Shaheen
    13. Merrily We Roll Along: Honey - Liz Callaway/Jason Graae
    14. Oklahoma!: When I Go Out Walkin' With My Baby - Liz Larsen/Harry Groener
    15. Once On This Island: When Daniel Marries - La Chanze
    16. Seesaw: Pick Up The Pieces - Michelle Nicastro

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Another fine addition to the series.......2001-02-13

    After a bit of a slip with the second, this series was back on track with this third CD of songs cut from well-known musicals. As I mentioned in a previous review, just about any successful musical has had songs cut from it, not always because the song wasn't good, but because it no longer fit the show as updated, or a character or scene was cut (the booklet explains why each song was removed from its show). Once again, the songs are all good and the performances are wonderful. My favorites are "Mama's Talking Soft" (cut from Gypsy), "Big Fat Heart" (Seesaw), "Your Own College Band" (Where's Charley?), "When I Go Out Walkin' with my Baby" (Oklahoma!), and "Pick Up the Pieces" (also Seesaw). Bruce Kimmel was smart in using show singers instead of pop singers. I recommend the entire series. This CD features some fine songs that deserve renewed appreciation.
    Handel: Messiah
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Finally a Messiah with fervor!
    • Great recording!
    • Good and Bad
    • This is a great recording!
    Handel: Messiah

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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    1. Christmas at Trinity

    ASIN: B00002R16A
    Release Date: 1999-11-30

    Tracks:

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

    Tracks:

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

    Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Manufacturer: Sassy Sounds
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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    ASIN: B000086G1C
    Release Date: 2002-12-01

    Tracks:

    1. All the Pretty Horses
    2. Little Blue
    3. Mozaique
    4. Alef Bais
    5. Nina's Peace
    6. Luna Llena
    7. A La Nana y La Buba
    8. Arrorro
    9. Magical Fish
    10. Brahms Lullaby

    Album Description

    "Music that ca