Life or Death

1. Life or Death (intro)

2. Man of God

3. I'm God

4. Should I Go On (feat. Non Chalant)

5. Nice Guys

6. No Blood Thicka

7. Turn Your Love Around

8. Battle In The Basement (freestyle)

9. 30 Seconds

10. WAR (interlude)

11. No Weapon (feat. Ann Nesby)

12. WAR

13. Tribulation

14. Listen To Dis

15. Calvary

16. Last Call

17. Death Row

18. Happy (bonus track)

Life or Death,King Cyz,Junkyard Distribution (www.jydist.com),Pop,R&B/Soul,Rap & Hip-Hop

Average customer rating: Best Cd I Have Ever Purchased!!!! If you not from here, you cant review this album The Roots "gangsta" rap is a waste LIFE OR DEATH

Life or Death C-Murder Manufacturer: Priority Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Southern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Charge It 2 da Game Trapped in Crime There's One in Every Family Am I My Brother's Keeper Ghetto Fabulous ASIN: B0000064PW Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. A 2nd Chance
3. Akickdoe!
4. Costantly 'N Danger
5. Don't Play No Games
6. Show Me Luv
7. Picture Me
8. On The Run
9. Get N Paid
10. Only The Strong Survive
11. The Truest Sh...
12. Making Moves
13. Feel My Pain
14. Soldiers
15. Cluckers
16. Life Or Death
17. Where I'm From
18. G's & Macks
19. Commercial
20. Riders
21. Watch Yo Enemies
22. Duck & Run
23. Ghetto Ties
24. Survival Of The Fittest
25. Dreams
26. Outro

Customer Reviews:

Best Cd I Have Ever Purchased!!!!.......2007-06-23

This is my favorite cd of all time, I don't skip one track on the entire cd and it's timeless, I could listen to this album right now matter of fact I just might!!!!

If you not from here, you cant review this album.......2007-05-15

If you not from the south then you don't know the impact this album had on rap itself. When P started opening doors for us to get any credit this was the album that said the south had more than west coast clones and booty shaking music. Before this album you had the Biggies, the Tupacs, and all that but you didnt have too many people HONESTLY living day to day that life and rapping about it. They might have experienced it but no one was rapping live and direct from the lions den like Master P and all of the No Limit Soldiers.

The Roots.......2006-11-17

This is the start of what is to become a wonderful artist. Picture me is one of the truest songs about livin in the ghetto. If you ain't got the boys behind you, you's a dead mother !@#$%^.

"gangsta" rap is a waste.......2006-10-06

ive heard 13 year old white kids that rhyme circles around this dude. all he has going for him is that he's "hard" which doesnt mean anything if youre an MC. even if he didn't shoot that 16-year-old he was probly glad he got arrested for it so that he could put "gangsta" samples on his record

doesnt anyone have anything to say any more besides how many people theyve shot and drugs theyve sold??? i thought that was what was holding the ghetto back in te first place, why brag about it. people need a reality check

LIFE OR DEATH.......2006-09-29

cmurder lives a hard life, watch im bout it, then you will no were he comin from, him and his brothers hold down the rap game reppin big bad TRU click

Average customer rating: Outstanding performances Reviving a Lost Love Not for beginners... One of the very best of all EMI sets! The 2nd coming for all Straussians! terrible, awful, hideous, lousy

Strauss: Orchestral Works Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead ASIN: B000026D4K Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: I: Allegro
2. Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: II: Andante
3. Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: III: Allegro
4. Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: I: Allegro
5. Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: II: Andante con moto
6. Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: III: Rondo (Allegro molto)
7. Oboe Concerto In D Major: I: Allegro moderato
8. Oboe Concerto In D Major: II: Andante
9. Oboe Concerto In D Major: III: Vivace
10. Duett-Concertino: I; Allegro moderato
11. Duett-Concertino: II: Andante
12. Duett-Concertino: III: Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)

Tracks:

1. Burleske
2. Parergon zur Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 73
3. Panathenaenzug, Op. 74

Tracks:

1. Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28
2. Don Juan, Op. 20
3. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero
4. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Adversaries
5. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Wife
6. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Certainty Of Victory
7. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Battlefield
8. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: War Fanfares
9. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Work Of Peace
10. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Withdrawl From The World
11. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Renunciation

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: I: Allegro
2. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: II: Lento
3. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: III: Rondo
4. Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Bewegt - Thema I - Thema II - Thema III
5. Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Scherzo (Munter)
6. Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Wiegenlied - Massig langsam
7. Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Adagio - (Langsam)
8. Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Finale (Sehr lebhaft)

Tracks:

1. Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
2. Tod und Verklarung, Op. 24
3. Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59

Tracks:

1. Salome, Op. 54: Dance Of The Seven Veils
2. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Overture
3. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Jourdain - Minuet
4. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: The Fencing Master
5. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Entrance and Dance of the Tailors
6. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Minuet of Lully
7. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Courante
8. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Entry Of Cleonte
9. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Intermezzo (Prelude To Act 2)
10. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: The Dinner
11. Schlagobers, Op. 70: Waltz
12. Josephslegende, Op. 63: Symphonic Fragment

Tracks:

1. Metamorphosen: Study For 23 Solo Strings
2. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Night
3. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Sunrise
4. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: The Ascent
5. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Entering The Forest
6. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Strolling By The Stream
7. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: By The Waterfall
8. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Apparition
9. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: In Flowery Meadows
10. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: In A Mountain Pasture
11. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Lost In The Thickets And Undergrowth
12. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: On The Glacier
13. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Dangerous Moments
14. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: On The Summit
15. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Vision
16. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Mists Rise Up
17. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: The Sun Grows Dark
18. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Elegy
19. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Quiet Before The Storm
20. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: A Thunderstorm - Descent
21. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Sunset
22. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Conclusion
23. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Night

Tracks:

1. Aus Italien, Op.16: I: Andante
2. Aus Italien, Op.16: II: Allegro molto con brio
3. Aus Italien, Op.16: III: Andantino
4. Aus Italien, Op.16: IV: Finale (Allegro molto)
5. Macbeth, Op. 23: Symphonic Poem

Tracks:

1. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Introduktion (Massiges Zeitmass)
2. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Massig (Don Quixote)
3. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Maggiore (Sancho Panza)
4. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation I: The adventure with the windmills
5. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation II: The battle with the sheep
6. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation III: Discourse between knight and squire
7. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation IV: The adventure with the pilgrims
8. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation V: The knight's vigil
9. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VI: The meeting with Dulcinea
10. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VII: The ride through the air
11. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VIII: The voyage in the enchanted boat
12. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation IX: The combat with the two magicians
13. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation X: The defeat of Don Quixote
14. Don Quixote, Op. 35: Finale (Sehr ruhig)
15. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: I: Entree and stately round
16. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: II: Courante
17. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: III: Carillon
18. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: IV: Sarabande
19. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: V: Gavotte
20. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VI: Tourbillon - Wirbeltanz
21. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VIII: Allemande
22. Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VIII: March

Amazon.com essential recording

When it comes to the music of Richard Strauss, none of the world's great orchestras has a more distinguished tradition than the Staatskapelle Dresden. As pit orchestra of the Dresden Court Opera, the Staatskapelle was involved in the premieres, between 1901 and 1911, of Feuersnot, Salome, Elektra, and Der Rosenkavalier; later, with Karl Böhm conducting, its players participated in the premiere of Daphne. Most of Strauss's major tone poems have been in the Dresden orchestra's concert repertory since completion.

Back in the 1970s, EMI was able to capitalize on this association when it reunited the Staatskapelle with Rudolf Kempe--a native of Dresden, one of the master conductors of the 20th century, and an absolutely authoritative Straussian--for an integral recording of Strauss's orchestral works and concertos. The cycle was warmly received when it was originally released on LP, and it has become one of the treasures of the CD catalog since EMI reissued it whole, in three volumes, in 1992. With this latest repackaging, the whole impressive enterprise becomes available in one box.

Across the board, Kempe and the Dresdeners give magnificent readings of the music. Their Zarathustra is imposing and grand; their Heldenleben suitably heroic and quite smashingly played; their Till Eulenspiegel and Don Juan delightfully brisk, characterful, and exultant (the latter is dispatched in a blazing 16:06, and receives as ardent and exhilarating a reading as you are ever likely to encounter on disc). One of the finest of all the offerings is the account of Eine Alpensinfonie, a Kempe favorite and still a sonic knockout after nearly three decades.

The less familiar orchestral works are here, as well, including the early tone poems Aus Italien and Macbeth and the admittedly rather frothy ballet scores Josephslegende and Schlagobers. Of special value are the accounts of all Strauss's concerted works, from the early Violin Concerto (played by Ulf Hoelscher) and Burleske for piano and orchestra (with Malcolm Frager as soloist), through Don Quixote (featuring Paul Tortelier in magisterial form) and the two horn concertos, to the Oboe Concerto of 1946 and the final Duett-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon.

It's hard to imagine any label tackling such a project in today's bottom-line environment, or coming up with such definitive readings from today's performers. All the more reason to celebrate the appearance of this compendium. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding performances.......2007-05-13

Rudolf Kempe's interpretations of Richard Strauss orchestral works (almost complete - one miss the orchestral songs) have been classic recordings since they first appeared on record in the early seventies (1970-75).

Especially fine are his interpretations of the core works, e.g., the symphonic poems Also sprach Zarathustra, Ein Heldenleben, Eine Alpensinfonie, Tod und Verklärung, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel, Don Quixote. All these are given first rate interpretations.

Furthermore, you get outstanding interpretations of Strauss' two horn concertos as well, with Peter Damm's superb horn playing, and an outstanding performance of Metamorphosen.

There is simply no rival to this collection of "core works of Richard Strauss".

In addition, this box collects also Strauss less interesting orchestral works - see Amazon's listing above. These minor works receive fine interpretations and performances too, but the main attraction is of course the core works above.

Sound quality is very fine - just excellent analogue stereo - and the orchestra, Staatskapelle Dresden, was one of the top orchestras in the world when these sessions were put on record.

Warmly recommended!

Reviving a Lost Love.......2006-08-07

The highest praise for any conductor must be that he rekindles enthusiasm and love for music that had been recently abandoned. In his autobiography, the conductor Felix Weingartner confesses that he had grown out of touch with Strauss' music; until hearing this set, I had felt the same, with only a few exceptions. But Rudolf Kempe and his really great Staatskapelle Dresden have won me back to Richard's orchestral music. So far, I have only heard part of the set: Zarathustra, Heldenleben, Till, Tod und Verklaerung, Der Buerger als Edelmann, Don Juan, Burleske, and Sinfonia Domestica, but my appetite is whet for more. Because of the refined, subtle, and yet intense conducting of Kempe, what used to strike me as cheap and taudry now strikes me as profound and moving. And the sheer musical skill of Strauss in thematic invention and counterpoint never ceases to amaze. Kempe was truly, in my not so humble opinion, the greatest conductor of the German classics following Furtwaengler; Karajan was empty and shallow by comparison. Kempe brings to this music the same passion and dignity that he brought to Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Schumann, and other of "his" composers. To make just one comparison, Reiner's Zarathustra, once hallowed by me as by most listeners, now sounds like overripe, rotting fruit as compared to the passionate yet thoughtful quality that Kempe brings to it. The Staatskapelle Dresden, by the way, sounds like the greatest orchestra in the world, only matched by the Berlin Philharmonic under Kempe or Furtwaengler, an orchestra that produces incidentally beautiful sounds but whose main goal is the projection and characterization of the music. No virtuosity for its own sake, just musicianship, musicianship, and more musicianship. EMI's sound is the very epitome of how to record an orchestra: Impactful, yet smooth and detailed, with natural perspectives and no spotlighting. This set belongs in every music lover's library.

Not for beginners..........2006-07-16

Most boxed sets have their ups and downs because no conductor is equally sympathetic to all of a composer's works. Kempe is no exception to this rule.

The masterpieces, Zarathustra, Heldenleben, and Quixote, are superb here. Kempe clarifies Strauss' complex textures in a way that other conductors like Karajan don't. Most of the time, I prefer to hear these works Karajan's way, but it's nice to hear what Kempe does with them, too. No one does Sinfonia Domestica the way Kempe does it...with such gentleness and humor. I listened to Reiner's recording for years, but I put it up for sale on amazon after I heard the Kempe. With all four of these large tone poems, Kempe and Karajan are all I really need.

The Don Juan is just about the best I've ever heard. It is so vital and exciting! Better than Karajan or any other I know. It is hard to imagine that Macbeth will ever be done better than this either. Macbeth is one of the reasons I own this set, but it's hardly one of Strauss' masterpieces. Speaking of non-masterpieces, I also treasure Kempe's recordings of Strauss' strange works for piano and orchestra. The Burleske has more poetry but less excitement than the classic Byron Janis/Reiner recording.

Kempe's recordings of the Horn Concertos are truly awful. Listen to the weak, watery tones of the first-chair horn player stepping into the solo spotlight. One listen to the mono recordings of Dennis Brain conducted by Sawallisch shows what is missing: bold, ringing tone and lots of excitement. If I only knew Kempe's recordings, I wouldn't even care about these pieces.

The bad news continues with the Oboe Concerto (weak oboist) and the charming Duet Concertino (weak bassoon).

Kempe misses the raucous fun that charges the best recordings of Till Eulenspiegel. This is a limp dishrag of a performance (until the last few minutes). At the very start of the performance, you will hear a familiar sound -- our weak horn player from the concertos playing a solo -- and you will long to stop the CD and reach for a different recording.

Metamorphosen is one of my favorite pieces by Strauss. Kempe, as is his wont, tries mightily to clarify Strauss' dense counterpoint here, and I appreciate the effort. I hear things here that I miss in other recordings. But this reading does not move me the way others have. Ormandy, to name just one. Death and Transfiguration is another one that Ormandy did better. Kempe is too fast at times! Really fast!

My greatest disappointment with this set is a recording that has been acclaimed by many as one of the greatest Strauss recordings ever made...Kempe's take on Eine Alpensinfonie. I have lived for many years with the Karajan recording, and I must say that Kempe misses many of the moments that I have come to treasure in Karajan's version. One example would be those 20 horns playing! Karajan makes this absolutely thrilling, which I'm sure is what Strauss intended. With Kempe, this telling touch by Strauss passes by unremarkably. The slow, quiet passage at the summit lacks magic. The apotheosis at the top of the mountain is certainly thrilling in Kempe's hands, but he misses too much on the way up. By the way, his cowbells sound almost comically bad. He certainly does bring out the beauty of the closing sections of the work, though.

If you are really serious about getting to know Strauss' music, this is a necessary purchase for the rarities that will probably never be done better like the Violin Concerto and the pieces I've already mentioned. If you just want Strauss' most famous works, this is a waste of your money (no matter how cheap it is!)because there's a lot of stuff here that either isn't very good or that you probably won't want to listen to that often. You would be better off buying Karajan's recordings (the 1970s recordings, not the remakes from the 80s) of the big three tone poems and then filling in the smaller ones as your interests dictate. Casual listeners will never need to hear pieces like Macbeth or the piano works that make this set so vital to Strauss-aholics like me!

One of the very best of all EMI sets! The 2nd coming for all Straussians!.......2006-02-10

The great Strauss tone poems soar to the highest level imaginable! With Kempe's genius, the lesser works become great! Kempe resists all temptation to be banal or bombastic. He directs the Staatskappele Dresden with a silken, burnished tone yet with restraint that has a radiant glow that never sacrifices the inherent capacity of the music to thrill, deeply move, or elevate to another plain. Each work played is in itself the guide: conductor and orchestra let the works deliver their own brilliance. The Don Juan and Dead and Transfiguration are soul piercing, along with Ein Heldenleben, and....... The Staatskapelle Dresden has always been an inspired ensemble and in Kempe's hands they are simply put, magnificent, delivering one thrilling performance after another. Like Wagner and Faith, you get Strauss or you don't. If you do get it, this set is beyond self recommendation; Buy this set before it disappears from the shelves. Classical Cd shelves these days have hidden boomerangs. One minute here, next minute.....boing going gone)...! The concert hall may never hear greater performances of Strauss' orchestral works as we hear on these nine disks. The sound is nothing short of a rich, full timber as Kempe leads then with inspired and interpretive genius . This all may sound over the edge but I don't think so and I don't think you will be disappointed. Strauss has been served in splendor by the Dresden musicians under Kempe's baton. [Although in an aside I must say that Raphael Fruhbeck de Burgos and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra's performance this past summer of Don Juan and the Rosenkavalier suite were superb.] Then I think of the BSO with Levine...., their Strauss should be something else. Bravo and kudos to all for bringing us this gift. Booklet is very well done with one exception. There is not a word in the booklet about Rudolf Kempe and/or the orchestra itself. 10 stars anyway!!

terrible, awful, hideous, lousy.......2005-04-22

The problem with the "classics" is that too many hacks have hacked them to pieces. My opinion of these recordings, for whatever it is worth, is that they simply do not do justice to Strauss's magnificent music.

There is a reason they are a "bargain". I would avoid this set.
Sometimes a boxed set is a good deal, but this one is not. I find the entire set unspeakably dull and literally unlistenable.

In any event, this is merely my opinion. The majority of the other reviewers think its terrific.

Average customer rating: Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected! beautiful Excellent! It will bring about many gentle nights Visualizing Beauty

Come, Gentle Night: Music of Shakespeare's World Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ensemble Galilei | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: From The Isles To The Courts Shakespeare Songs Music In The Great Hall: Instrumental Music From The Ancient Celtic Lands The Renaissance Album (Windham Hill) Songs and Dances from Shakespeare ASIN: B0000478S3 Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

1. Mister Issac's Maggot, Chestnut (Dove's Vagary)
2. Woodycock
3. Death's Second Self
4. Jack's Health, Vale Of Years, Jack's Health Reel
5. Come, Gentile Night
6. Departe, Departe, The Cobbler's Hornpipe, Third Act Tune
7. But Let Them Go, Ladies, Sight No More
8. In A Garden So Green, Childgrove
9. Fire, Burn, and Cauldron Bubble
10. The Asp
11. Rumble Thy Bellyful
12. Pastime With Good Company, O Lusty May
13. Irish Lament
14. Joy To THe Person Of My Love
15. The Winter's Tale Set: Love's Winter Light, Apples In Winter, Drive The Cold Winter Away, Jenny Pluck Pears
16. Lilli Burleo
17. The Scottich Play Set: Life Is But A Walking Shadow, Mill, Mill O', Pawky Adam Glen
18. Heart's Ease, Now That The Spring, Gathering Peascods
19. No Longer Mourn For Me

Customer Reviews:

Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected!.......2002-11-29

With their soulful playing and artful, sometimes even ephemeral arrangements, the six women of Ensemble Galilei convey a rare depth of emotion. In the insert notes, gamba player Carolyn Ann Surrick describes their creative process: "[In making this recording, we engaged in]...a kind of work that is so focused and intense that years can go by in one afternoon... Extraordinary music-making requires trust... [We] live for the times when the only thing that exists right then is the music--when the instruments are speaking as if we don't exist, and they are having their own conversation." Thank you, Ensemble Galilei, for allowing the rest of us the privilege of coming along for the ride! It's simply delectable. This chamber ensemble, featuring fiddle, harp, gamba, oboe, pipes and percussion, can also be heard on their other Telarc release, "From the Isles to the Courts", and "The Mystic and the Muse: Celebrating 600 Years of Women in Music", on the Dorian label.

beautiful.......2001-01-22

Sheer beauty, as a lover of English music I found this to be one of the most beautiful of all Shakespearean albums. Such harmony, such subtlety, one wishes that the gentle night will never stop.

Excellent!.......2001-01-04

Ensemble Galilei provide some excellent arrangements of English renaissance compositions. I believe that John Playford (English Dancing Master) fans will be particularly satisfied with the renditions presented here. It is very unfortunate that E.G. did not provide more arrangements from such early music sources. Some of E.G.'s own compositions seem very weak and not in the renaissance spirit of the rest of the CD. Nonetheless, this CD is highly recommmended.

It will bring about many gentle nights.......2000-11-22

I found this album to be solid. Very sweet, but not afraid to use percussion which makes it livelier and more fun. I adore the quiet, peacefulness of the music and the flawless execution of these renaissance songs.

Visualizing Beauty.......2000-08-20

I recently had the good fortune to direct a performance of King Lear--the ENTIRE five acts, in a community theatre, non-profit setting. I used twenty-four fully committed non-actors, who for the love of the ideas, participated in this performance. The first and main challenge that I faced was, how do I go "behind" the words, and invoke the right emotions, etc., to give these actors the range and tools needed for an effective, powerful performance? Critical to this performance was the beauty and brilliance of this recording, which I used throughout the various scenes of the play. This helped the performers tremendously, creating the different tapestries in the mind of the Bard. In short, this work is real genius, that I was so happy that I stumbled across. I am now putting in our performance programs, along with our most heart-felt thanks to E.G., the name of the recording and I have copies from Telarc to sell at each performance!

Average customer rating: A Wonderful Voice From The Past Chaliapin - Prima Voce

Prima Voce: Chaliapin Manufacturer: Nimbus Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ibert, Jacques | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chaliapin, Feodor | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Feodor Chaliapin Sings Russian Music, Vol. 2 Chaliapin: A Vocal Portrait The Very Best of Boris Christoff Ponselle Prima Voce Cesare Siepi: Classic Recitals - Operatic Arias for Bass ASIN: B0000037JO Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

1. Boris Godounov, Pimens Narration
2. The Demon, Do Not Weep, Child
3. Mashenka
4. Sapphische Ode
5. The Song Of The Flea
6. Oh, Could I In Song Tell My Sorrow
7. Boris Godounov, Varlaams Song
8. Don Carlos, Dormiro Sol
9. Sadko, The Varangians Merchant's Song
10. The Son Of The Volga Boatman
11. Prince Igor, Galitzky's Song
12. Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
13. Faust, Vous Qui Faites L' endormie
14. Don Giovanni, Madamina
15. A Life For The Tsar, Susanin' s Recitative & Aria
16. La Boheme, Vecchia Zimarra
17. Pilgrim's Song
18. Mefistofele, Ave Signor
19. Mefistofele, Son Spirito Che Nega
20. Don Quichotte, Death Scene

Tracks:

1. Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
2. Boris Godounov, Clock Scene
3. Boris Godounov, Farewell Prayer And Death
4. In Questa Tomba Oscura
5. Prince Igor, Khan Kontchak' s Aria
6. Folk Song, Down The Petersky
7. Aleko, Aleko's Cavatina
8. Faust, Un, Rat...Le Reau D'or
9. Nochen' ka
10. Rusalka, The Miller' s Aria
11. Persian Love Song
12. Russlan And Ludmilla, Farlaf's Rondo
13. Elegie
14. Twofold Litany
15. Chanson De La Mort De Don Quichotte
16. The Song Of The Flea

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Voice From The Past.......2006-07-27

This two-disc set gives a good overview of the great Russian Bass singer. It has a total of 36 selections, and covers the years 1911 to 1936.

With a voice of tremendous range and power, Chaliapin could also sing softly and with feeling. A very flexible instrument that comes through the old recording technology of the 78 record era. A good example of the pure physical gifts of his voice is 'Farlaf's Rondo' by Glinka. A 'patter' song, with words and syllables sung rapidly and seemingly without taking a breath. As if the performance wasn't difficult enough, Chaliapin speeds up the tempo at the ending of the rondo! It shows the breath control he had, and while the singer seems to be none of the worst for wear, I was left breathless just listening!

Two selections, Boris' Monologue from 'Boris Godounov' and 'Song of The Flea', by Mussorgsky, are represented by two different performances. This gives a good idea of the breadth of Chaliapin's art, as each performance of the same work is full of nuance and artistry. It is hard for me to pick which performance I like best. As with any great artist, each time a work is performed it is not just a repitition, but a unique recreation.

The transfers naturally have much surface noise, as all are from the 78 rpm record era. I have most of these recordings on transfers to LP's and the noise is much more apparant than on the CD transfers. With older recordings such as these, any transfers and 'cleaning up' of the sound can only go so far. If too much of the noise from the originals is 'cleaned up', the recording can lose presence. Whomever engineered the transfers to CD has hit a happy middle ground. The background noise is still there, but not so annoying as on LP, while the sound of the actual music and Chaliapin's voice seems much more alive.

What I have read about Chaliapin says that he was not only a great singer, but a great actor also. The two do not always go together, for a great voice in opera can make up for a lack of acting ability. To have both talents rolled into one is rare. Contemporary accounts of Chaliapin's operatic performances comment as much on his acting as his singing. There arevideos of his film performance in Ibert's Don Quichotte, which I want to see when I have the chance.

If you're passion is the human voice, you must hear Chaliapin. It is not possible to say he or anyone else was the best. But these recordings show he was a consummate artist, and are well worth exploring.

Recommended.

Chaliapin - Prima Voce.......2006-03-18

The recordings are old but the only way one can hear a legend!

The selections are excellent and the quality is as one would expect from this vintage recording.

I enjoy going back to hear these voices and this is the only way to understand the history

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

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: THE SORT OF MUSIC THAT BOSTRIDGE'S VOICE WAS MADE FOR Artistry beyond measure Perfectly Enjoyable Do Not Be Deceived By His Look Of Innocence One of the best English-Song CD's available

Ian Bostridge - The English Songbook Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Delius, Frederick | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Finzi, Gerald | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Grainger | Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Bostridge, Ian | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ian Bostridge - Songs of Faure, Debussy & Poulenc Ian Bostridge - Schubert Lieder, Volume II Ian Bostridge - J.S. Bach: Cantatas & Arias / Biondi, Europa Galante Perspectives Ian Bostridge - Liederkreis Op. 24, Dichterliebe Op. 48 & 7 Lieder ASIN: B00002CF0T Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

1. La Belle Bame sans Merci
2. Sleep
3. I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing
4. The Cloths of Heaven
5. To Gratiana Dancing and Singing
6. To Lucasta, On Going To The Wars
7. Twilight Fancies
8. Orpheus With His Lute
9. Jillian of Berry
10. Cradle Song
11. The Dance Continued
12. Linden Lea
13. Silent Noon
14. My Love's An Arbutus
15. The Death of Queen Jane
16. No Longer Mourn For Me
17. Since We Loved
18. The Sally Gardens
19. Rest, Sweet Nymphs
20. Come Away, Death
21. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal
22. Bold William Taylor
23. Brigg Fair
24. The Little Turtle Dove

Customer Reviews:

THE SORT OF MUSIC THAT BOSTRIDGE'S VOICE WAS MADE FOR.......2002-10-09

Ian Bostridge has one of the most beautiful voices on record, and he has consistently shown courage and wisdom in selecting material that will extend and develop his gifts. Not all of this material has been a perfect match for his young and soaring tenor voice, notably some of Schubert's more dramatic "lieder". In contrast, nothing could be more perfectly suited to his voice than this generous and beautiful collection of traditional English poetic settings by Britten, Finzi, Grainger, Warlock and others.

Bostridge brings more than just a beautiful tone and a subtle musical phrasing to these songs. The challenge any intepreter of English songs has to face is that, in contrast with the pure syllables of most continental languages, the complex vowels of "Southern British English" are formidably difficult to render attractively in song. It's not just a question of singing them prettily. Think how accurately the pronunciation of a word like "house" or "bath" can betray someone's geographical and social background; our vowels are a caste-mark as well as a means of communication. But somehow Bostridge himself, in his fruitful partnership with Julius Drake, manages to transcend our socio-linguistic divisions and deliver these songs in a way that places no barrier between the listener and the music.

The material is wonderful in its own right - a collection of lilting pastoral airs and occasional boisterous ditties. They are at one and the same time ancient and modern, embracing at once the mutual cross-fertilisation between classical and "pop" sensibilities that has always underpinned the best of English music. Even the most trivial of these songs (e.g. "Jillian of Berry") are memorable, and some of them (notably Sir Charles Stanford's chilling musical setting of the Keats' poem, "La Belle Dame Sans Merci") would not have been beneath Schubert himself.

It has been fashionable over the generations to belittle British classic music. "The land without song" England was dubbed, as the sleeve notes poignantly remind us. This CD is a healthy reminder that the global success of English popular music in the latter four decades of the 20th century did not appear out of nowhere; it was built on a solid foundation of past accomplishment that it was for too long fashionable to dismiss. Highly recommended.

Artistry beyond measure.......2002-09-20

This disk is a wonderful treasure. "To Gratiana Dancing and Singing" is an exquisite song that you should not go another day without hearing. I am speaking literally.

Mr. Bostridge's interpretation of Browne's song is amazingly compelling. His ability to express goes beyond that of most other singers - even some great ones. He notes the problems in singing in English (the "extra" vowels, the English vs. German approach to word painting, etc.) and I have to say he triumphs on this disk.

As he also notes, this is NOT a recording of a recital program nor are the songs "English" in nationality - the songs are just set to texts in the English language. I had not heard of some of these composers, but I am enthusiastic in saying that every song on this disk has something very nice to recommend it - at least at the voice and hands of Ian Bostridge and Julian Drake.

I must say a few words about Mr. Drake's playing. Overall he is simply incredible. He has a beauty of tone and a singing style that is not in anyway mere accompaniment. It really isn't even a partnership. It is a unity of artistry that creates this single entity, a song. There aren't many that can pull this off and Mr. Drake should be treasured for this ability. Just amazing artistry.

Please get every disk that Mr. Bostridge and Mr. Drake have done together. You will thank me for recommending this if you didn't know this already. Feel free to email me with your thoughts on this disk or any comments you have about Bostridge and Drake.

Perfectly Enjoyable.......2002-02-09

I already liked Ian Bostridge, but I thought "English songs" would be rather light and without substance. But I have fallen in love with this CD and never tire of it! I was already an admirer of Vaughan Williams, Britten, Finzi, Warlock and Delius, and I'm glad for this introduction to other composers as well. Also, much beautiful poetry is chosen, from Shakespeare, Yeats, Rossetti, Keats, and others, and each is treated with careful consideration by the composer, *partnering* music with poetry rather than simply enhancing or overshadowing the lyric. Bostridge seems to have the perfect voice for this music, light and charming when appropriate, heart-breaking at other times, always an engaging storyteller. He obviously understands intimately each word and note that he sings. The listener can hear his facial expressions and body language! The English Songbook is a beautiful collection of excellent craftsmanship, and one of the best CDs I have.

Do Not Be Deceived By His Look Of Innocence.......2001-10-14

Just look at Ian on the cover photo of this CD. He's sitting there looking coy, playing with his finger, hair a little mussed, with a very cute boyish smile, as if to say, "I didn't do anything wrong mommy, honest." Well he has done it this time.

This CD was my first exposure to Ian Bostridge. I bought it because I was very surprised to know that one of my favorite poems, the Cloths of Heaven by Yeats, was set to music. I spent 17 bucks for one song, and ended up cashing in on 23 others.

To Gratiana Dancing and Singing quickly became a favorite, as did Bold William Taylor. This last one was my first realization of Ian's gift of storytelling. Somehow he is able to make his voice sound like a woman, namely Sally Gray, and the narrator, and the macho Captain, all in the same song. The multiple personalities come out to play similarly in The Death of Queen Jane. I am lulled into quiet reflection and relaxation when Ian sings the Cradle Song.

Check out his CDs of Schubert Lieder, also accompanied by Julius Drake. Ian may be even more at home in German than he is in his native English! Julius is at home with Schubert, especially the water songs, and we are at home listening to this wonderfully weird, warm voice paired with masterful piano playing.

One of the best English-Song CD's available.......2001-09-12

Unlike the reviewer "A music fan from California, USA" I realize that this is not a recital program of music (as even noted in the liner). This is though, an unequaled collection of some of the most beautiful English Songs ever. Ian is on top of his game and J Drake plays, well, I don't have the words. He never fails to impress with his skills. Each key under each finger sings! Back to Ian. As a professional tenor, I am in awe of his voice. It is tender, moving, all the things you want in a good recitalist, and (unlike any of the opera tenors I can think of) it is note perfect. Yes, there are times when his voice seems a little light for the song he may be performing, but it is passionate and caries the pathos of each note/word he sings. BUY THIS CD - you will love it for ever!

Average customer rating: A Spectrum of Romance in American Musical Composition a rare gem of a CD

Sure on This Shining Night: 20th-Century Romantic Songs of America Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beach | Beach, Amy Marcy Cheney | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corigliano | Corigliano, John | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schuman | Schuman, William | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomson | Thomson, Virgil | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland) ASIN: B000002ZYW Release Date: 1997-04-10

Tracks:

1. The Children
2. The Year's At The Spring
3. When Stars Are In The Quiet Skies
4. Orpheus With His Lute
5. Rose Marie
6. Ives
7. Song To The Witch Of The Cloisters
8. Sure On This Shining Night
9. Sigh No More, Ladies
10. Come Away, Death
11. On Hearing 'The Last Rose Of Summer'
12. Echo
13. If I Could Tell You
14. The Collection
15. The Lord's Prayer
16. Nature, The Gentlest Mother
17. The Tiger
18. Never More Will The Wind
19. Little Elegy
20. One Alone
21. Do Not Go, My Love
22. To A Stranger
23. When I Have Sung My Songs
24. These, My Ophelia
25. An Old Song Re-sung
26. Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
27. June Night
28. Triolet

Customer Reviews:

A Spectrum of Romance in American Musical Composition.......2006-01-15

Often American music is thought to be jaunty, combative, or tragic in content, especially when it comes to songs/lieder for the classical repertoire. This engaging CD takes umbrage with that misconception and in presenting some twenty-eight songs by various composers clearly identifies the romantic side of American composers.

Here are songs well known and not so well known by familiar and not so familiar composers, and in the hands of tenor Robert White and pianist Samuel Sanders they all come across as important. Included are rarities by composers such as Amy Beach, Theodor Chanler, Isabelle Firestone, Eric Ewazen, Albert Hay Malotte, Marc Marder, John Musto and Richard Hageman, with popular composers Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg, along with the greats: Ives, Schuman, Hindemith, Barber, Thomson, Korngold, Copland. Rorem, Bolcom, Corigliano, and Griffes. It is a huge spectrum of work and while some are less successful than other, they all are given respectful and loving renditions by White and Sanders. It is great fun to hear Firestone's famous 'If I could tell you' that opened the Voice of Firestone for so many years along side Samuel Barber's gorgeous 'Sure on this shining night' and Aaron Copland's settings of Emily Dickinson's poems.

This a rare treat for connoisseurs of lieder and for lovers of beautiful songs. Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

a rare gem of a CD.......2002-07-08

Sure On This Shining Night is not my usual musical cup of tea...yet, it has become one of my favorite CDs. This collection of American Romantic songs has burrowed its way into my heart.

There is a universality to the longing involved in Romanticism. These songs capture this feeling perfectly. From the first song to the last, these songs do one thing perfectly: evoke an emotional response.

This is due in no short measure to the wonderful performance Robert White gives. Rather than being merely technically accurate, White actually gives each of these songs a life of their own. He achieves this effect by getting inside not only the words, but the feelings involved.

Some of the highlights for me are: the lovely and memorable "Rose Marie," Ewazen's setting of Blake's "The Tiger," a moving version of "The Lord's Prayer" and the haunting "Never More Will the Wind."

Samuel Sanders is a worthy musical companion to White. His playing is reciprocally lovely and introspective. The notes are extensive and informative as well.

Even though it may be an acquired taste in our postmodern age, I give Sure On This Shining Night my full recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Life & Works of Verdi Verdi Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Life and Works of Franz Schubert The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky Brahms: Life & Works The Life and Works of Franz Liszt The Life and Works of Antonín Dvorák, Narration with Musical Excerpts ASIN: B00007FPFM Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

1. Aida: Grand March And Triumphal Chorus / Background, Childhood And Youth
2. La Traviata: Brindisi 'Libiam Ne' Lieti Calici'
3. Early Manhood, Civil Strife And The Start Of A Career
4. Overture To 'Oberto, Conte Di San Bonifacio'
5. Tragedy, Creation, And The Birth Of A True Professional
6. Overture To 'Un Giorno Di Regno'
7. Failure, Despair, And Rescue: The Genesis Of Nabucco
8. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves 'Va, Pensiero, Sull' Ali Dorate'
9. A Sensation Reported And Recalled
10. Overture To 'Nabucco'
11. In The Galleys: Fame, Frustration, And A Major Surprise
12. Macbeth: Chorus Of The Scottish Exiles 'Patria Oppressa!'
13. The Revolution Of Macbeth And A Return To Safer Ground
14. Overture To 'I Masnadieri'
15. Paris And A Love Affair
16. The Revolutions Of 1848
17. Overture To 'La Battaglia Di Legnano'

Tracks:

1. Composition And Censorship: The Strife-Torn Birth Of Rigoletto
2. Rigoletto: 'La Donna E Mobile'
3. Verdi The Unsurpassed Psychologist
4. Rigoletto: 'Bella Figlia Dell' Amore'
5. Strepponi, Busseto, And The Rift With Barezzi
6. Escape: Verdi And Strepponi At Sant' Agata
7. Il Trovatore: Soldiers' Chorus 'Or Co' Dadi, Ma Fra Poco'
8. 'The Bear Of Busseto' Emerges: The Darker Side Of Verdi
9. Il Trovatore: 'Di Tale Amor Che Dirsi'
10. Verdi's 'Divorce' From His Parents; His Mother's Death, And A Theatrical Fiasco
11. La Traviata: 'Dite Alla Giovine'
12. Verdi And Women: Strepponi And The 'Dark Lady'
13. 'La Travailata': Verdi's Trials At The Paris Opera
14. I Vespri Siciliani: 'Quando Al Mio Sen Per Te Parlava'
15. Verdi In Rehearsal - And A Review From Berloiz
16. Overture To 'I Vespri Siciliani'

Tracks:

1. Yet More Trouble With The Censors
2. Un Ballo In Maschera: 'Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti'
3. A Passionate Patriot, A Reluctant Politician
4. A Semi-Official Retirement, Nursed By Disenchantment
5. Verdi Welcomes War
6. He Travels To Paris For Don Carlos
7. Don Carlos: 'Tu Che La Vanita'
8. 'Stupendous Triumph'
9. Verdi Shaken By Deaths Of His Father, Barezzi And Rossini
10. He Meets Manzoni
11. An Unusual Opera
12. La Forza Del Destino: 'Solenne In Quest' Ora'
13. Enter Teresa Stolz, Exit Mariani
14. La Forza Del Destino: 'Pace, Pace'
15. Strepponi Struggles With Jealousy As Verdi Writes Aida
16. Aida: Act III, Nile Scene

Tracks:

1. Verdi Bemoans The Corruption
2. Manzoni's Death Begets A Masterpiece
3. Requiem: 'Rex Tremendae'
4. The Return To Shakespeare
5. Otello: 'Canzone Del Salce - Ave Maria'
6. Verdi The Wagner Of Italy
7. Otello: 'Desdemona Rea, Si, Per Ciel'
8. A Shakespearian Swansong
9. Falstaff: Finale 'Ogni Sorta Di Gente; Facciamo Il Parentado'
10. Old Age And Death Of Strepponi
11. Verdi The Widower
12. Stolz And The Aged Verdi; A Visit From Toscanini
13. Te Deum
14. The Old Man Dies And The World Pays Homage
15. Requeim, Part VII: Dies Irae; Requiem Aeternam; Libera Me

Average customer rating: Well done and interesting Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music

Life & Works of Bach Bach , Siepmann , and Shrapnel Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven Life & Works The Life and Works of Frédéric Chopin The Life and Works of Joseph Haydn The Life and Works of Franz Schubert ASIN: B0000666A8 Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

1. Family Background And Early Years
2. Music: Capriccio On The Departure Of His Beloved Brother
3. Bach And The Organ
4. Music Toccata And Fugue In D Minow, BWV 565
5. Bach In Trouble
6. Music: Trio Sonata In E Flat, BWV 525
7. Bach The Husband And Father
8. Music: Vivaldi/Bach: Concerto In A Minor For Four Harpsichords
9. Bach The Younger Composer
10. Music: Prelude And Fugue In A Minor, BWV 543
11. Bach In Weimar (And In Jail)
12. Music: Prelude In E Flat Minor (The Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1)
13. Bach Leaves Weimar
14. Music: Violin Concerto In E Major (Finale)

Tracks:

1. Bach At Cothen
2. Music: Concerto For Two Violins (Largo Ma Non Tanto)
3. Bach And The Brandenburgs
4. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D (First Movement)
5. From Grief To Joy Through Faith
6. Music: 'Et Resurrexit' (B Minor Mass)
7. New Beginnings: Bach Remarries And His Family Grows
8. Music: Aria In G
9. Goldberg Variations And Anna Magdalena's Notebook
10. Music: Stolzel: Bist Du Bei Mir
11. Domestic Happiness And The Move To Leipzig
12. Music: Magnificat
13. Bach's Duties At Lepzig
14. Music: Cantata No. 80 (Duetto)
15. Bach The Teacher
16. Music: Sinfonia (Three-Part Invention) In E Flat
17. The Great Keyboard Works On Educational Agenda
18. Music: Italien Concerto
19. A Letter To The King
20. Music: Cantata No. 147 (Opening Chorus)

Tracks:

1. Bach Takes Up The Poet's Pen
2. Music: Partita No. 1 In B Flat BWV 825 (Courante)
3. Bach's Frustration At Leipzig
4. Music: Singet Dem Herrn, BWV 225
5. Frustrations Intensify
6. Music: St John Passion (Opening Chorus)
7. Bach's Efforts To Leave Leipzig
8. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (First Movement)
9. The King Of Poland's Jubilee
10. Music: Suite No. 3 In D, BWV 1068
11. The Ernesti Affair
12. Music: Prelude In D Major, BWV 532
13. Adolf Scheibe's Scathing Views On Bach
14. Music: Concerto In C For Three Harpsichords (Finale)

Tracks:

1. Bach And Opera
2. 'Coffee' Cantata (Excerpts)
3. 'Peasant' Cantata (Excerpts)
4. The Twilight Years
5. Music: The Art Of Fugue
6. Bach's Visit To Frederick The Great
7. Music: The Musical Offering
8. Decline And Death
9. Music: Mass In B Minor

Customer Reviews:

Well done and interesting.......2005-02-22

This recording alternates extended selections of Bach's music (complete pieces or movements) with a narrated and sometimes dramatized biography of Bach. The music selections are excellent and the biography itself is well done and interesting. The lengthy accompanying booklet is also very nice.

My only reservation comes from a feeling that the music and the narration are not as well integrated as they could be. The narrator identifies the musical selections and may give a sentence or two of background for the selection but never really discusses it. Instead, the narration is focused almost entirely on the events of Bach's life. I would have preferred more of a "music appreciation" approach that discussed the music, and had trouble getting used to the bifurcated nature of production. The extended free-standing music selections do mean that the four discs are a sort of "best of Bach" anthology and you can re-listen to just the music by skipping every other track.

Naxos also produces a 2-disc set called An Introduction to Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4 & 5 (ASIN: B0000666A9), also by Mr. Seipmann, which closely analyzes the actual music of these two concertos. I found that the two sets are complementary with no overlap, except for part of the booklets, and I would recommend getting both if you have an interest in Bach and are also interested in understanding what to listen for in his music. In addition (or as an alternative), I would also recommend the lectures by Robert Greenberg on "Bach and the High Baroque" produced by the Teaching Company, which are much longer, more detailed, and more focused on the "music appreciation" aspect. They are also much more expensive.

Overall, this item is very worthwhile and a good value, like most of Naxos's products.

Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music.......2002-08-21

Naxos continues to do a wonderful job with its "Life and Works" series. Quite some time ago, we had a Life/Works of Mozart, one of Chopin and then two more, Liszt and Beethoven. he latter are even better packaged than are the earlier sets, with a thick booklet that offers us essays on the historical background, the position of the composer in his time, a look at the major works, a listening plan, recommended readings, personalities, a calendar of the artist's life, a glossary, and a discography. This booklet is worth the price of the set alone.

Now we have two more entries in this amazing series, again written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann: "Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky" (8.558036-39) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 5 min. and "Johann Sebastian Bach" (8.558051-54) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 34 minutes. (Please see my comments for the Tchaikovsky on that webpage.)

In direct contrast to the tortured personality of Tchaikovsky, we have the life-loving J.S. Bach, he who lost his temper only when he ran up against ineptitude. Again, the biographical details are fascinating. But also again, the musical examples are far too few--especially for this prolific composer--and some are simply far too long. We do not really need a complete rendition of the famous "Toccata and Fugue" and certainly not of the "Prelude and Fugue in A minor" to which is devoted a 13 minute track.

Here the voice of Bach is supplied by actor John Shrapnel, with Trevor Nichols, Ruth Sillers and David Timson in supporting roles. So 5 stars for the biography, somewhat less for musical examples.

Average customer rating: "the evidence of a great witness"

Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 5, Famous Song Cycles Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 4 Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 3 (1922-1942) Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Volume 1 Shostakovich: Complete Songs 2 - The Last Years Shostakovich Symphonies and Concertos - An Owner's Manual: Unlocking the Masters Series (Unlocking the Masters) ASIN: B0007IO6DC Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

1. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Lament For A Dead Baby
2. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Caring for Mum and Auntie
3. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Lullaby
4. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Before A Long Separation
5. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Warning
6. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Father Abandoned
7. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Poverty Song
8. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Winter
9. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Good Life
10. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: A Girl's Song
11. From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Happiness
12. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Truth
13. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Morning
14. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Love
15. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Separation
16. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Wrath
17. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Dante
18. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: To The Exiled
19. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Artistry
20. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Night
21. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Death
22. Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Eternity

Customer Reviews:

"the evidence of a great witness".......2007-01-19

These five volumes of Shostakovich's Complete Songs are simply astonishing. If admirers have with good reason found the private voice of the composer in his string quartets, there's another, perhaps more intimate voice to be found in his songs. Let this review stand for the entire collection - each disc yields generous returns. An entirely Russian production recorded in Russia, this is estimable treasure. If you love Shostakovich's music, the breadth of revelation found throughout these discs is overwhelming. Here is Shostakovich the man, genius, survivor, sufferer - but never victim. The works themselves are no less than a kind of eternal definition of art, an all-encompassing humanity borne by one man to our lasting benefit. The singing performances are uniformly excellent, as are the production values on every level, with fine sonics. Among the Russian singers who contribute, soprano Victoria Evtodieva, mezzo Liudmila Shkirtil, and the mighty bass Fyodor Kuznetsov stand out. Most of the songs are set for voice and piano. The cycles and a number of other songs use orchestration of varying details. Pianist Yuri Serov, besides distinguished playing, provides insightful commentary with each disc, ideal remarks full of detail - the title of this review is taken from his notes on 'The Anti-Formalist Raree Show', which he hails as '...a striking document of that bygone era, the evidence of a great witness.' What more fitting could be said of these amazing musical works and their composer? Full translation of every song text is included in each of the discs.

Dance Music:

1. Lime Green
2. Macuscript, Vol. 3 (10 Years of Premium Bossgame) [Explicit Lyrics]
3. Macuscript Vol. 4 [Explicit Lyrics]
4. Make That Change 2001 [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Million Dolla Lick [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Million Dollar Game Plan [Explicit Lyrics]
7. Monster Booty
8. Muzik Ta Ride 2: 2001
9. N Da Game Too Deep [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Now, Vol. 6

Dance Music

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Pleyel and his Contemporaries

Past Time [Import]

Every Part of Me

Radio Autumn Attic

Rare Soul Review [Import]

Mitch Miller and the Gang: 36 Sing-Along Favorites!

Max Reger: Sacred Songs

Music From The Rascal Yard

Live [Live]

Rive Gauche: 1976-1985 [Box set]

One True Passion, Vol. 2 [Import]

Los Esenciales [Import]

Windham Hill Sampler '88

The Complete Norman Granz Master Takes