Ascension

1. Grime and Grit - Pep Love,

2. Living Is Beautiful - Pep Love,

3. Grind - Pep Love,

4. Fight Club - Pep Love,

5. U.S./U.S. Interlude - Pep Love

6. Onus (What You Are) - Pep Love

7. T.A.M.I. - Pep Love

8. My Energy - Pep Love

9. Ascension - Pep Love

10. Act. Phenom - Pep Love

11. New Religion - The Grouch, Pep Love

12. Pacific Heights - Pep Love

13. Karma (The Snake Charmer) - Pep Love,

14. If You Can't Beat 'Em - Casual, Pep Love

15. Different - Pep Love

16. Black People (Melanin Magnetic) - Pep Love

Ascension,Pep Love,Hieroglyphics,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop,Underground Rap,West Coast Rap

Average customer rating: Wow. Love this CD Could it get any better? Moulin rouge tried to fill up the GAP ahahahahaha

Moulin Rouge 2 Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge! (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) Chicago William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music From The Motion Picture, Volume 2 (1996 Version) William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music From The Motion Picture (1996 Version) [Enhanced CD] ASIN: B00005YW4Z Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

1. Your Song
2. Sparkling Diamonds [Original Film Version]
3. One Day I'll Fly Away
4. The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular) [Original Film Version]
5. Come What May [Original Film Version]
6. Like a Virgin [Original Film Version]
7. Meet Me in the Red Room [Original Film Version]
8. Your Song
9. The Show Must Go On [Original Film Version]
10. Ascension/Nature Boy (From the Death and...)
11. Bolero (Closing Credits) [Original Film Version]

Amazon.com

There are but two kinds of people in the world: Those captivated by Baz Luhrmann's heady, postmodernist musical romp Moulin Rouge--and everybody else. Oddly, the film's initial soundtrack release may have been the project's most traditional element, marketing a slate of pop-star contributions that gave listeners a sometimes-skewed perspective on its true musical charms. This follow-up corrects much of that oversight, offering original film versions of "Sparkling Diamonds" (the lavish, Nicole Kidman-performed medley of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "Material Girl"), Jim Broadbent's and Richard Roxburgh's loopy take on "Like a Virgin," as well as the lively Offenbach "Can Can" parody "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)." It also pays homage to the efforts of composer Craig Armstrong, whose quietly compelling underscore often binds the film's other far-flung musical influences together, be they stately orchestral readings of Elton John's "Your Song," a dramatic arrangement for Kidman and Ewan MacGregor's original film duet of "Come What May," or his dark, melodramatic take on Queen's "The Show Must Go On." The first Moulin Rouge soundtrack collection flaunted the film's bold, cross-genre ambitions; this one chronicles its nakedly emotional heart and soul. --Jerry McCulley

Album Details

Volume Two Includes the Memorable Renditions of 'like a Virgin' and 'your Song' and 'the Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular).' It also features a Mix of the Nicole Kidman Song 'one Day I'll Fly Away.'

Customer Reviews:

Wow........2007-01-15

I must say...I was very glad when they released Part Two of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Don't get me wrong...the first part was great and all, but it was nothing spectacular. I was specifically looking for certain songs from the movie, and I was completely disappointed when they were on there. The release of a second soundtrack was, in my opinion, an absolute necessecity.

The highlights of the album are:

-Your Song (Instrumental)
-Sparkling Diamonds (original film version)
-Come What May (original film version)
-The Show Must Go On (original film version)

In my opinion, "The Show Must Go On" is the best song on this album...it was just so perfect for the ending of the movie, and I fell in love with the song. I was so disappointed that it wasn't on the first soundtrack. This song is part of what makes the second soundtrack so amazing...the song is fierce!!

If you love the movie and are a fan of the first soundtrack, then definitely, get this one. Many of the songs are versions taken straight from the movie - I recommend this with 4.5 stars...you will NOT be disappointed!

Love this CD.......2006-07-04

I love everything about this movie. The music is amazing and the instrumental songs on this CD are perfect. The first CD seemed to be more for a bunch of teenyboppers that wanted to hear the worst song on the whole CD (Lady Marmalade). If only they could combine the good songs from the first CD into this one.

I gave this 5 stars even though it's about a 4.5 because they split the soundtrack over two seperate cds.

Could it get any better?.......2006-03-02

So i thought that the first instalment in these soundtracks was great (and it was) but the purchase of this sequel is a must if you want the full effect. With the original film versions of these songs, sung by the stars of the movie, you get the real feel that was the magnifisence of Moulin Rouge! Ewan McGregor is still by far the star, with his talent spilling over the dramatic lovesong 'Come What May' and 'Your Song', but Nicole's brilliant performance as Satine definatly takes front and center in 'One Day I'll Fly Away' and the film version of 'Sparkling Diamonds'...I have noticed that many complain about how the first soundtrack did not include the film version of this song...well you need this CD then...you will not be dissapointed. Other highlights include 'Like a Virgin' which is downright histarical, and the dark cover of 'the show must go on' which highlights the tragidy behind this tightly woven tale. THis is one must have soundtrack for your ever growing collection. A perfect companion to soundtrack number 1!

Moulin rouge tried to fill up the GAP.......2006-02-12

This contains many great tracks missing from the original soundtrack, including Like A Virgin, Spectacular Spectacular and The Show Must Go On. I thought the inclusion of two instrumental versions of Your Song might be a bit redundant, but upon listening to them I really enjoyed them and they are quite different from one another. OK, it's not the best soundtrack that could have been put out. But it's pretty darn close. One thing that many DEDICATED fans of the movie (including myself) said is that the original movie soundtrack lacked the actual original movie score. There are 10+ songs in "Moulin Rouge" and many didn't make the final cut.

Baz did the smart thing, taking the audiences favorite music, a few gems from the first soundtrack such as "Come What May" and "Sparkling Diamonds" as well as a few new songs, like "Like a Virgin", "The Show Must Go On" and "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)" and releasing the Original Film versions, allowing for the amazing vocal performances of the actors, including the fabulous Jim Broadbent, to be shine through. Also, released is background music "Meet Me in the Red Room", played during Christian's arrival in the elephant, marking the only non-actor/orchestral piece within the context of the CD.

One thing that this soundtrack included that I didn't expect was several orchestral pieces that were mostly used as background music throughout the film. "Your Song - Instrumental" (#1) has personally become a favorite and is constantly being repeated in the CD player. Also included is the ending credits music "Bolero" and the final piece ... known as "Ascension/Nature Boy". Also included is a remix of "One Day I'll Fly Away", and like all MR remixes, is a little tough to listen to at first but after repeat listening, it becomes music to your ears.

To all you MR diehards out there: this is a must. Not like I could stop you anyways. To others who haven't been introduced to the spectacular (spectacular) world of Moulin Rouge, this is a great introductory piece, especially side-by-side with the first soundtrack.

ahahahahaha.......2006-02-01

Everything the other customers are saying is true: more music from the film, thankyouverymuch, not irritating pop conceits like the first. However, I would not have reviewed this album unless I found it absolutely necesary to point out that, in the climactic moments of track 5 "Come What May," Ewan MacGregor's voice is for some reason missing and replaced by a bizarre, operatic man's voice. It truly had me crying with laughter the first few times I heard it, and I wanted to share this wondrous discovery with the world.

Average customer rating: Another gem from Schwartz so happy to have found this Massage Music that my clients LOVE Soul Satisfying Powerful interpretations of classics for modern ears.

Aria 3: Metamorphosis Aria , and Paul Schwartz Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon Aria State of Grace II: Turning to Peace State of Grace Earthbound ASIN: B0002PUH7Y Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. OMBRA MAI FU
2. FURIOSO
3. SOGNO
4. METAMORPHOSIS 2: DANAE
5. BALLO
6. INTERLUDE:L'ORCHESTRE ENGLOUTIE
7. AMAMI
8. LASCIA
9. FAREWELL
10. METAMORPHOSIS 3:CYANE
11. ASCENSION
12. METAMORPHOSIS 1: ARACHNE
13. FURIOSO: instrumental mix
14. OMBRA: chilled mix

Amazon.com

Souping up the classics with whatever contemporary music pulse is current at the moment has a long history. Some artists, like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, aspired to classical grandiosity. Others, like Michael Murphy and his discofied "A Fifth of Beethoven," turn classical melodies into pop hooks. Paul Schwartz falls somewhere in the middle with his Aria project, of which this is the third. Electronica grooves and effects angle their way through songs "based" on operatic works by Handel, Verdi, Puccini, and Monteverdi. Schwartz begins with a bar set high by some of these melodies, beautifully sung by soprano Rebecca Luker. Whether singing solo or in multi-tracked choirs, her voice opens heavens' gates, but she has to slog through some pedestrian arrangements to get there. Schwartz understands the difference between an orchestra and a synthesizer and with only a few exceptions--like the cheesy opening to "Ombra Ma Fu"--deploys each in appropriate measures. "Ascension," based on a Monteverdi aria is particularly striking with its underlying electronic ostinatos cycling through the breathtaking refrain. But too often, Schwartz's strings are saccharine and his rhythms clichéd in a music that uses high art only to reach for the facile. Like most classical-pop crossovers, time usually renders a verdict of kitsch in the first degree. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Another gem from Schwartz.......2007-02-21

Much like Aria 1 & 2 this is another gem, presenting a unique interpretation of classic arias. It is an awesome compilation. I look forward to Aria 4 (is there one in the works?)!!

so happy to have found this.......2006-12-31

This CD is one of Paul Schwartz's best; it's definitely the best out of all 3 Arias. I really hopes he continues making State of Grace and Aria CDs because they are amazing.

Massage Music that my clients LOVE.......2006-08-05

I now have all 3 CDs in the "Aria" famiy, and this one, like its predecessors is truely GREAT massage music! My clients love the entire Aria family of CDs. I've been a big fan of Rebecca Luker for quite sometime now and she SHINES like the truely elegant vocal star that she is on this album. A buy that is DEFINATELY well worth it!

Soul Satisfying.......2006-04-29

I love this CD. It's especially wonderful when it's rainy outside and I'm curled up by the fire inside. My son who is 16, blind and autistic loves it and plays it over and over. I think he taps into the immediate relaxation and beautiful blend of classical with technology.

I'm with all the others. Who cares if this somehow "interprets" the classic correctly or not? It is pleasing to the ears and that's all that matters.
Minneapolis, MN

Powerful interpretations of classics for modern ears........2006-03-18

As in Aria 1 and Aria 2, the incredible lyric soprano voice of Rebecca Luker delivers excellent music, song after song. She gives us an interpretation of Handel's Serse; a selection from Puccini's La Rondine; another selection from Verdi's La Traviata; an aria from Handel's Rinaldo; another nice selection from Puccini's Madame Butterfly; and a final selection from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione.

The CD also has 6 instrumental works, arranged by Paul Schwartz. There is a very nice interpretation of Handel's tragic Sarabande, with vocals by the Joyful Company of Singers and words from Psalm 7. This piece reminds me of the tragic majesty of Carmina Burana.

Paul Schwartz consistently delivers powerful reinterpretations of classical music for modern ears.

Average customer rating: Great literature... but thats about it Essential listening. Captivating! Lofty music Slow down Maestro !

Beyond Chant: Mysteries Of The Renaissance Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lassus | Lassus, Orlando di(Lasso) | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sweelinck | Sweelinck, JanPieterszoon | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Voices Of Ascension: From Chant To Renaissance The Greatest Choral Music of Palestrina: Prince of Music Duruflé: Requiem Op.9/Messe Cum Jubilo,Op.11 Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons Mysteries Beyond: Songs and Chants in Praise of Mary ASIN: B0000006ZN Release Date: 1994-05-23

Tracks:

1. Sicut Cervus
2. Ave Maria
3. Justorum Animae
4. Jesu Rex admirabilis
5. Exultate Deo
6. Exultate Justi
7. Jesu,Dulcis Memoria
8. Ave Verum Corpus
9. Psalm 90
10. Psalm 96
11. Hodie Christus Natus Est
12. O Maria Virgo Pia
13. Tu Pauperum Refugium
14. O Sacrum Convivium
15. If Ye Love Me,Keep My Commandments
16. Hosanna To The Son Of David
17. O Quam Gloriosum
18. Selig sind die Toten
19. Heu Nos Miseros
20. Exaltabo Te
21. O Sing Joyfully
22. O Magnum Mysterium
23. Laudate Nomen
24. Cantate Domino

Amazon.com

Go right to the first track and prepare for one of the most masterful and stylish performances of Palestrina that you'll ever hear. It's not flashy music nor is the singing especially virtuosic, but the unified phrasing, ideal balance among sections, and overall ensemble technique is impressive, and Palestrina's little motet simply opens and displays itself like a beautiful flower. The rest of the program, which includes a variety of beautiful flowers from composers such as Josquin, Sweelinck, and Tallis, maintains the same standard. Anyone looking for an introduction to Renaissance sacred choral music will find much here to encourage further exploration--standards like Byrd's "Ave verum corpus" and Victoria's "O magnum mysterium"-- and lesser known tiny masterpieces such as Victoria's "Jesu, dulcis memoria." The Voices of Ascension ranks with the world's finest choirs, and this recording reflects both the highest standard of choral singing and the highest standard of choral composition during the Renaissance. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Great literature... but thats about it.......2007-06-17

This cd was mildly dissapointing, to say the least. The literature is fantastic. Some of the greats are featured on here with some of their best works. No doubt a great taste of the Renaissance, especially for someone new to it. However, I'm sorry to say that the performance is second-rate, at best. Dennis Keene apparently is either unaware, or just simply understudied when it comes to the Renaissance. He shows an incredible lack of messa di voce, which was what drove the counterpoint of the Renaissance. His interpretations rob this music of its deeply personal purpose. I would suggest the Hilliard Ensemble over any ensemble for Renaissance literature, and find it dissapointing that so many people praise such emotionless, understudied Renaissance ensembels such as the Voices of Ascension, the Tallis Scholars, and the Oxford Camerata, just to name a few. Very good literature... But always pick the Hilliard Ensemble or Anthony Rooley's Consort of Musike when you have the option. It seems like Paul Hillier and Anthony Rooley are the only two true Renaissance scholars currently conducting ensembles.

Essential listening........2007-03-05

This was my first CD of Renaissance choral music, as it undoubtably has been for a great many people. It offers the best possible introduction to the genre for 2 main reasons: 1. No other CD of Renaissance choral music contains such a varied cross-section of early to late Renaissance sacred music styles. 2. The performance and recording quality are fabulous.

Keene uses a variety of different voicings and numbers of singers according to the needs of each particular piece, sometimes with only 2 on a part. The ensemble heard on this recording is a select professional core of The Voices Of Ascension, one of the best choral groups in the country. The voices are all very rich and resonant, and the intonation through the entire CD is unquestionably on par with the best in the world. The singing is, for the most part, completelly vibratoless and extremely smooth, which creates a gorgeous purity that allows this music to shine. However, it does become strident at times, which may put off some choral conductors who are strongly against straight-tone singing.

Of particularly high quality and beauty are the Viadana "Exultate Justi", Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus", Tallis' "O Sacrum Convivium", and the Victoria and Sweelinck pieces. Another extraordinary track is Leonardo Leo's "Heu Nos Miseros", a late Baroque piece included because of its influence from earlier styles. It is a 9 part double choir piece full of extravigant dissonances and emotion, performed breathtakingly.

Captivating!.......2006-04-12

I was christened as a choral music fan once, as a college student, I heard the music of the Cambridge Singers. Inundated with classical music for years, how could I never have heard such music?! It was as if my musical senses were born anew: for it was with the same awe as a child encountering the world for the first time, that I discovered this novel and fascinating world of a cappella choral music. There were landmark discoveries along the way: Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge; Concordia Choir; St. Olaf Choir; the Dale Warland Singers; the Kansas City Chorale; Kantorei; the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Singers...and (as you expected!) I must end with the Voices of Ascension. The clarity of their pure voices can only be paralleled by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. Chant haters, do not avoid this CD - you will find no chants here! Chants hold absolutely NO intrigue for me and I cannot endure listening to them for long periods of time. By contrast, this music, aptly named "Beyond Chant," truly does uncover hidden musical treasures of the Renaissance for those who would ordinarily avoid such music. The intricately woven a cappella harmonies are captivating and satisfying. I highly recommend this CD to all choral music fans.

Lofty music.......2005-10-14

Some of the earliest pieces of Christian music are the various kinds of chant. These hearken back to synagogue singing; there were various kinds of chant, including Gregorian, Old Roman, Mozarabic, Cistercian and Anglican chant. These tend toward the monophonic, singing with a single 'tune' or lone. They are generally without regular beats or set meters. However, in the Renaissance, monophonic chant grew into a polyphonic form, and this is one of the most glorious eras of music. (My shelves at home are filled with CDs of this sort.) Composers in this era include many represented on this disc - Palestrina, Desprez, Victoria, Lassus, Byrd, Gibbons and Tallis were some of the leading lights of the time. Lesser known but still glorious include Tye, Viadana, Sweelinck, Hassler, Batten and Schutz.

One of the interesting features of this disc is that it includes three pieces by Sweelinck, two psalm settings and 'Hodie Christus Natus Est'. (Sweelinck is very under-represented in recording and performance today). Some pieces are very well known - Byrd's 'Ave Verum Corpus' is perhaps one of the most familiar pieces from this period, as is Palestrina's 'Exultate Deo'. This is a collection that draws from the breadth of the Western Christian tradition of music from this time, with composers from Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Spain.

The composers here wrote liturgical music for Masses and other worship services, as well as other pieces - motets and other kinds of new music. This disc represents music that is two or three steps removed from plainsong and basic forms of chant - some are quite a bit distant. Viadana's composition for 'Exultate Justi', for example, was actually composed later, and despite being done in a more Renaissance style, shows decided influences of the Baroque (this might also be part of the performance of the Voices of the Ascension that gives this impression).

The Voices of Ascension, under the direction of Dennis Keene, grew out of the choir of the Church of the Ascension in New York City. Many of the singers are active soloists in addition to being part of this group (whose numbers vary, but often around 40). Keene is a conductor, organist and teacher (not an uncommon combination). Trained at Juilliard, he has led the Voices of Ascension through many outstanding recordings and performances.

This is a performance that is definitely uplifting, and a good collection of music in its breadth to introduce the glories of Renaissance polyphony to those who with little exposure to it. The recording quality is very good, and the choir is quite full and well suited for the music. Some have commented upon the tempo, but this was not a concern for me, and did not stand out as unusual or a problem upon listening (indeed, there were a few points at which I might wish for it to be a bit faster, rather than slower).

A collection that soars!

Slow down Maestro !.......2004-01-04

Another reviewer writing about another album by Dennis Keene wrote:

"Yet the performance is not the slowly flowing honey usually served up by, say, the Tallis Scholars (as good as that is). Particularly in the Gloria and Credo of the Mass, Dennis Keene deliberately de-emphasizes the rise and fall of the different voices' lines in favor of a more naturally speech-like declamation of the long Latin texts. This means a surprisingly fast tempo--and some rhythmic spring and syncopation one might not expect in Palestrina. Some (not all) of the motets get a similar treatment: it works well in joyous pieces like the Pentecost motet Dum complerentur, but listeners might miss that melodic rise and fall in some of the slower works. The singers of Voices of Ascension are quite skillful, and the slight edge in their tone helps make the different melodies unusually audible. Very worthwhile, but not your father's Palestrina."

As a matter of fact, I used to like this album quite much although it was certainly not my favorite. That was until I listened to Robert shaw's "O Magnum Mysterium", which is amedley of Renaissance, negro spiritual, Russian and Western contemporary religious music. I was struck by Shaw's profoundly spiritual interpretation of the pieces by Victoria and Tallis that are also recorded on "Beyond Chant".

From then on I could no longer listen to this cd without feeling feeling increasingly dissatisfied. I tried to find a precise reason and not being a music specialist I was quite at a loss until I found the review above. Maybe the quick tempo is the key to my dislike.

I definitely feel that Dennis Keene and his singers do not have the depth of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers although the booklet accompanying the cd claims that the audience was spellbound by their performance, which took place in a cathedral in New York.

You may have a more gratifying experience if you buy a cd by the Tallis Scholars, Robert Shaw ("O Magnum Mysterium"), Pomerium(see their wonderful "Book of Hours") or even by the French countertenors and baritones of the Organum Ensemble ("Missa Pange Lingua").

Average customer rating: Another World Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music A Monument of Early Violin Music An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare

Biber: The Mystery Sonatas Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Biber | Biber, Heinrich Ignaz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Biber: Violin Sonatas Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Biber: Harmonia Artificioso - Ariosa; Tam Aris Quam Aulis Servientes Schmelzer: Unarum Fidium /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen Biber; Muffat: Der Turken Anmarsch /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen ASIN: B00005UNXG Release Date: 2002-12-23

Tracks:

1. Praeludium
2. Aria And Variations
3. Adagio
4. Finale
5. Sonata
6. Presto
7. Allamanda
8. Presto
9. Sonata
10. Courente
11. Double
12. Adagio
13. Ciacona
14. Praeludium
15. Allamanda
16. Guigue
17. Sarabanda
18. Double
19. Lamento
20. Aria
21. Adagio
22. Allamanda
23. Variatio
24. Sarabanda
25. Variatio
26. Sonata
27. Presto
28. Guigue
29. Double I
30. Double II
31. Sonata
32. Courente
33. Doubles I & II
34. Finale
35. Praeludium
36. Aria
37. Variatio 1 - 2
38. Variatio 3 (Adagio)
39. Variatio 4 - 5

Tracks:

1. Sonata
2. Surrexit Christus Hodie
3. Adagio
4. Intrada
5. Aria Tubicinum
6. Allamanda
7. Courente
8. Double
9. Sonata
10. Gavotte
11. Guigue
12. Sarabanda
13. Praeludium
14. Ciacona (Aria)
15. Guigue
16. Sonata
17. Aria
18. Canzona
19. Sarabanda & Double
20. Passagalia

Customer Reviews:

Another World.......2007-03-29

Biber heartily embraced gypsy tavern violin virtuosity long before Dvorak or Brahms. This is magnificent music full of elegant and earthy contrasts. The sonatas that employ unconventional tuning open up new worlds of harmonic splendour, yet the crowning piece, the Passagalia, which does employ conventional tuning but isn't part of the Mystery Sonatas, is thankfully included as the final work of a two disc journey that soars the heights of heaven and plunges the depths of human experience. I have the original release of this music with its sumptuous and informative booklet: booklet or not, these are exceptional performances combined with an exceptional recording.

Yet another forgotten musical genius. Beautiful music.......2007-03-04

Heinrich Ignaz von Biber was a wonderful composer. The so-called "Mystery Sonatas" also known as the "Rosary Sonatas" have an aire of perfection rarely seen in classical baroque music. Biber has been all too conveniently forgotten and I am not sure why. As with Erik Satie (another of my favorite, yet unknown composers) Biber has managed to shrink in to the darkness of history while his legacy of work should be celebrated.
His work is haunting, exhilarating, enriching and somber. His music conveys a sadness and a joy that few musical works are able to convey. Biber's understanding of orchestration, the workings of instruments in compliment of each other, is astonishing to me. He had an ability, a gift, that only God himself could have given him. If you don't believe in God, then just accept that he was a prodigy of the finest degree and his work was sent from a deep place inside that immediately crawls inside of you. I, personally, call it a religious musical experience.
Absolutely stunning music.

A Monument of Early Violin Music.......2006-12-17

This version of Biber's stupendous ROSARY SONATAS (this is the more correct translation of the original German title) is marked first of all by the stunning virtuosity and graceful lyricism of violinist John Holloway. Simply to master the notes of these sonatas is an immense task in itself: playing scordatura is sort of like ventriloquism, since you are miming a certain set of notes while other notes are sounding. To have worked up these difficult pieces into an intensely expressive, dramatic experience, as Holloway has, is breathtaking. Then there is the variety of continuo instruments arrayed for each sonata. In various tracks we hear organ, harp, lute, violone, lirone (a gamba viol sounding to these ears somewhat like a harmonica) and regal (a small, portable organ with a rasping, nasal sound, used to great effect in the "Crowning with Thorns" sonata). Finally, the fact that this recording is priced far lower than any of the other major versions (Goebbel, Manze) makes it doubly attractive. I was disappointed by the scarcity of program notes, understandable given the budget price: we are not informed, for example, of the scordatura tuning of the individual sonatas, and I would have liked a more detailed discussion of the pictorial and symbolic elements used by Biber in the sonatas. However, the notes include a link to Virgin's website promising "a more detailed introduction".

Perhaps it's best not to take in this colossal work all at once. For a sampler, try tracks 14-15 of CD 2 (the "Assumption" sonata) and hear some of the most buoyant, joyous violin playing in existence. You'll be instantly mesmerized.

An Inordinately Beautiful Recording of the Biber Mystery Sonatas.......2006-09-22

Much can be written about the difficulty of this music form the 17th Century by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber - and other reviewers here have given superb descriptions of those complexities - but the end result of works such as this is in the response it produces in the listener.

Biber wrote these Mystery Sonatas to represent the three sets of mysteries from the Bible: the Birth, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Christ. The recording is by Tragicomedia with Davitt Moroney and John Holloway in this impeccably performed recording of impossible music: the music is impossibly difficult to play and impossible not to draw and emotional response from the listener. Some may find this version a bit dry sounding, but for this listener that only enhances the other-worldly sense of the music.

The sixteen sonatas are named as follows: Part I: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, The Finding in the Temple Part II: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging of Jesus, The Crowing of Jesus with Thorns, Jesus carries His Cross, The Crucifixion Part III: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Ghost, The Assumption of our Lady, The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Passacaglia. With the simplest combination of instruments Biber was able to elicit the feelings of each of these mysteries.

For those who love Period Music this recording is a complete success and a treasure to own. For those who have yet to step into this ethereal world, this is a very fine beginning. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06

Hauntingly beautiful Baroque fare.......2004-02-23

I own three versions of Biber's Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas, and a fourth recording (by Manze) of other Biber sonatas along with the famous passacaglia that concludes the set. All of the versions (the other two being by Rheinhard Goebel on Archiv and Suzanne Lautenbacher on VOX) are beautiful, because the music is. Perhaps the passacaglia is the most beautiful 8 to 12 minutes (depending on performer) in the entire musical library. I rate the Holloway version as the best in terms of the passacaglia. The pacing seems perfect (Goebel is fast and almost dancelike, Manze quite slow but with more flare) and is about the same as that of Lautenbacher, the latter being performed on a modern instrument with her usual good taste and limited vibrato. Certainly the Holloway version has the most delicious ending to the passacaglia, when the minor key resolves to a major that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The Goebel and Manze versions both have a decorative flourish on the final note that, while beautiful, detracts in my opinion from the simple beauty of the key resolution. How two reviewers could give this recording only a single star is beyond comprehension! Even if one grants that Moroney is not as "lively" a harpsichordist as the performers on the other versions, my response is, "So what?" Maybe if you're a harspichord fanatic you drop the ranking from five stars to four, but the work is overwhelmingly a violin piece with harpsichord ACCOMPANIMENT. To downgrade the ranking of the entire recording to one star completely ignores the fantastic beauty, technical perfection, and haunting introspection of Holloway's performance on the violin. Besides, it's not as if Moroney actually is "incompetent." The descrition I would use is "tastefully understated, recognizing that this is primarily a violin recording." In contrast to the fun Goebel version and the good but more yeoman (yeoperson?) Lautenbacher version, Mr. Holloway plays with greater sensitivity but still with plenty of guts (not referring to the strings here) when drama or a discordant double-stop are called for. Again, ALL of the versions I've heard are great, and I'm tempted to buy yet another, but I always recommend the Holloway to my friends.

Average customer rating: One of the best, (if not the best,) recordings of a masterpiece. A chance to explore some seriously R-rated music Modern French Music Messiaen's Most Magnificent Work - The Turangalila Symphony Magic carpet ride...

Olivier Messiaen: Turangalîla Symphony; L'ascension Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time Schnittke: Chamber Music Olivier Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus Olivier Messiaen: Éclairs sur l'Au-delà Ondes Martenot ASIN: B00004WJVS Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Turanglila-Symphonie: I. Introduction
2. Turanglila-Symphonie: II. Chant d'amour 1
3. Turanglila-Symphonie: III. Turangalila 1
4. Turanglila-Symphonie: IV Chant d'amour 2
5. Turanglila-Symphonie: V. Joie du sang des etoiles
6. Turanglila-Symphonie: VI. Jardin du sommeil
7. Turanglila-Symphonie: VII. Turangalila 2

Tracks:

1. Turanglila-Symphonie: VIII. Developpement de l'Amour
2. Turanglila-Symphonie: IX. Turangalila 3
3. Turanglila-Symphonie: X. Final
4. L'ascension: I. Majeste du Christ demandant sa gloire a son Pere
5. L'ascension: II. Alleluia sereins d'une ame qui desire le ciel
6. L'ascension: III. Alleluia sur la trompette, Alleluia sur la cymbale
7. L'ascension: IV. Priere du Christ montant vers son Pere

Amazon.com

If you don't already own a copy of Messiaen's epic, weird, and beautiful Turangalîla Symphony, here's your chance. And if you already own a copy, pick up this CD, anyway--you'll love it. Conductor Antoni Wit and the Polish National Radio Symphony deliver an awe-inspiring reading of the complex work, showcasing all the drama, tonal colors, and spiky rhythms the Turangalîla demands. Messiaen's 10-movement work is a grab bag of musical themes from throughout the composer's career; you'll find elements of birdsong, Eastern mysticism, a gorgeous "love theme," and serialism in this epic composition. With this much going on, it's no wonder that few ensembles (however famous) get it right. But Wit and company do get it right, letting the masterpiece's multiple themes (statue, love, flower, chord) all unfold dramatically, with great playing all around. Naxos's sonics are remarkable as well, capturing the magnitude of the 100-piece orchestra and providing a rich balance during the tricky passages for ondes martenot (a sort of glorified theremin). As a bonus on this budget priced, two-CD set, we get L'ascension, an earlier work from Messiaen but one that's just as interesting. Here, intense rhythms are replaced by lush symphonic passages, but the playing is just as splendid. Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

One of the best, (if not the best,) recordings of a masterpiece........2007-07-01

I originally bought this CD to hear the playing of Thomas Bloch on Ondes Martenot, as I'm a big fan of his. Turangalila-Symphonie has been one of my favorite pieces of music ever since I listened to my brother's copy several years ago, and this recording does not disappoint in the least bit. The sound is great, and just like I prefer classical music recordings; you can hear every player, and it sound like you're in the middle of the orchestra, as opposed to being 50 rows away from the stage. The orchestra is in excellent shape, as they always are. I greatly enjoy the Naxos recordings of Antoni Wit and the PNRSO performing modern music, and this is a great addition to that group. While some movements are a little slower than I prefer, the orchestra makes up for it with outstanding clarity. Even newer recordings like the Nagano/Berlin one or the Chailly/Concertgebuw disc lack some in terms of instrumental clarity, and this recording delivers that in every movement of the piece. L'Ascension is also given a top-notch reading. Many groups would be content to treat the piece as an afterthought, compared to the Turangalila, but the group here gives it just as much attention as the first work. All in all, an outstanding recording of the work of a 20th century musical genius. Highly recommended.

A chance to explore some seriously R-rated music.......2006-03-15

There are some great recordings of Messiaen's "Turangalila" and while this isn't the only good one at budget price (Ozawa with the Toronto Symphony is now available as an RCA re-release), it has the added attraction of including "L'Ascension." The latter four-movement suite is perhaps the composer's most accessible orchestral score, also serving as a helpful introduction to his unique Christian music. I particularly like the ever-upward-reaching strings of the slow, serene finale entitled "Christ ascending to His Father." Again addressing the Turangalila, I can smile at the reaction of the young reviewer who spoke of "cat scratches" because at one point, I too found Messiaen's music to be a bit much. Now in my mid-40s, I doubt I'll ever lose my deep affection for it, particularly those ecstatic passages that express erotic delirium -- something a pre-adult listener wouldn't (and shouldn't) understand just yet. Curious listeners should go ahead and make the modest investment that Naxos, to its credit, has again made possible.

Modern French Music.......2006-01-27

Olivier Messiaen, the great French modern composer, is here represented by two of his most famous compositions: the early four meditations on L'Ascension and, a composition written after he was released from a German prison camp, the Turangalila-Symphonie, a work of monumental proportions.

L'Ascension is a 25-minute work also well known as an organ solo. Each of the four meditations has specific scripture attached to it, representing Christ's ascension. The first, written for brass ensemble, is a slow undulating progression of chords, which continually resolve themselves gloriously. The second opens with woodwinds alone, a chanting oboe (heavy on tritones), with added outbursts of nature on flute and clarinet. The huge lush string tremolos which end the piece, makes it truly French sounding. The third meditation is a scherzo with brash trumpets and full orchestra. Swift string glissandi, a heroic horn melody and calls are features of this outgoing section, all of which ends in a blaze of glory. The final meditation is marked "extremely slow and solemn" and is written for string ensemble only. Prayerful in nature, like the first, it is made up of a succession of undulating, and more importantly, rising progressions of chords. It is obvious Messiaen studied with the great Romantic/Impressionist teacher Paul Dukas, because the various orchestrations are quite vivid and colorful, amply depicting the prayers of the ascension. An interesting work from his youth.

The massive 80-minute Turangalila-Symphonie is a ten-movement work which features solo piano and a solo ondes martenos, an electronic contraption that makes an unearthly, ghost kind of sound. The title is from Sanskrit which means many things, including time, joy, love, life, and death. The opening movement introduces two important themes: the gigantic, heavy brass chords (called the statue theme) evoking ancient Mexico; and the delicate "flower theme". Together with a large battery of percussion, the movement is forceful and animated. The second movement has an almost jazzy groove which leads into the sumptuous "love theme" in the strings and ondes martenos. An other-worldly, menacing march with weird string tremolos, ondes martenos glissandos, and col legno strings enter, as well as a rhythmical, almost a Copland-ish dance-like section, gives the movement great variety. The third movement displays four themes alone and then puts them together to form utter chaos; while the fourth movement begins as an industrious scherzo, but gives way to a romantic sweeping melody and an almost jazzy secondary melody which dominates the movement. The middle movement has such a joyful and nearly humorous melody, you can't help but smile. The addition of constant tinkly bells and piano, and the confusion of the middle section, it is all a breathless account. Whereas the fifth movement is a dance of love, the sixth movement is more a love slumber, with lazy harmonic development, pulsating vibraphone, lush strings, and woodwind meanderings, all sounds subside in a peaceful sleep. Movement seven opens with a piano cadenza, and later features percussion alone, and a woodwind ensemble with solo cello. Messiaen takes some great themes from earlier movements and develops them in the eighth movement. There are some very dramatic and satisfying arrivals here; a climactic movement. The penultimate movement is a simple natural crescendo, achieved through adding instruments to increase volume. The glorious final movement has a Copland-like perpetual motion with a syncopated melody that is rather engaging. A short love theme, nearly cinematic, invades, and a huge major chord ends the work. The music has advanced harmonies, but they are all based in the tonal world, and Messiaen uses dissonance freely to accent the innate tonal world he writes in. He is especially gifted at writing great melodies and themes which are inventive and engaging, as well as infusing jazz-like rhythms and perpetual motion into the underlying score.

Do not be afraid of this CD because it is a budget label, it is by and far a first-class recording. This may be the finest recorded version on disk (in my opinion). The playing is cohesive, and the forces are closely miked so all voices speak exceedingly clear. The ondes martenos is heard every time it needs to be; the piano soloist is excellent; and while this is the first time I have heard Antoni Wit and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, their cohesiveness, commitment, and emotional depth are in high gear. Wit's pacing of the work is the stand-out quality, forward movement and prominent textures, melodies, and secondary effects all are heard in a musical manner. The ensemble gives this modern work such emotion and make it fun for the listener; an experience if nothing else. One fair warning, the music of Messiaen is not for everyone; listen to the examples first! Even at budget price, this 2-CD extravaganza outranks many overly-hyped full-price CD's; an enthusiastic recommendation.

Messiaen's Most Magnificent Work - The Turangalila Symphony.......2005-05-27

I first heard the name Olivier Messiaen when I listened to "Illuminations of the Beyond". I burrowed the CD from a local public library. It was a beautiful atmospheric piece. Very modern and complex, yet so innocent and full of mysticism (except for couple tense moments). I really felt as if I was launched from Earth into the Heavens or a strange new extraterrestiral world...

After telling to one of my music friends about this new mysterious composer and his piece, he recommended me to listen to the well-known Turangalila Symphony. As a person who loves contemporary Classical music and has to will to be exposed to many more, I quickly did. I bought this album at a budget price, the first Naxos album I obtained.

The piece turned out to be a work I would embrace forever. Once again I felt as if I was launched into some strange world. This massive 80-minute so-called Symphony (not a "symphony" in traditional means) truly seduced me; its modern sound (including the Ondes Martenot - I first heard that name in the music from movie "The Black Cauldron" by Elmer Bernstein) and exotic features, its mysticism in ideas, and especially its theme on love/erotica inspired from Tristan and Isolde. No other music seemed to describe more than this work of my hunger for both physical and emotional love, not even the more obvious music ranging from Rachmaninoff to modern pop love songs (and some are even lame or just plain "dirty").

My favorite movements includes "Song of Love I", the scherzo-like "Joy in the Blood of the Stars", and the beautiful "Garden of Sleep".

Ever since, Messiaen has become on the composers I embrace. He is one of my favorite 20th century composers because of his distinct, subliminal style. Even atonal features (which I'm not too fond of) seems so beautiful. The Turangalila Symphony is definitely one of my desert island pieces so I can always take myself into a cosmic ride listening to this work. And I wish my future significant other would appreciate the type of love I feel the most through this music.

The album also features "The Ascension". Originally scored for solo organ, separately available elsewhere, this work describes Christ's ascent into the Heavens. The first movement is particularily moving, played by the warm sound of brass, as it seems to rise toward heaven just like Christ the Lord. Great work for a symphonic wind ensemble.

Kudos to Antoni Wit, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (with Francois Weigel on piano and Thomas Bloch on Ondes Martenot) for a marvelous performance. I have heard couple other performances including Chung's, Nagano's and Salonen's, each with relative ups and downs, but overall, this recording is still my favorite.

If you're completely new to Messiaen, the Turangalila Symphony is an excellent start to enter his mysterious world of music. At a budget price, this is a bargain.

Magic carpet ride..........2004-05-03

Having repeatedly listened to this superb Naxos double cd, I have no hesitation in heartilly reccommending it to you.

Other reviewers have praised the orchestra, the soloists and Naxos; I acknowledge them all but would like to add my nine-penneth. This work (Tuangalila) is possibly or even probably, the single most important work of the twentieth century. It is huge, it is a cartoon soundtrack, it is profound and it is mind-blowing. Messiaen alone could have welded such a work from such disparate parts and made them a glorious whole.

To put it simply I like Messiaen, I like Naxos, and this has to be one of their finest disks. I take my hat off to all concerned.

Average customer rating: A fiery album. I don't get it One thing's for sure: this is NOT My Favorite Things Approach this beautiful chaos with the most open mind you can have.... SCREAMING BEAUTY

Ascension John Coltrane Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Meditations Interstellar Space The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions John Coltrane: Crescent Live At The Village Vanguard: The Master Takes ASIN: B00004TA40 Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Ascension-Edition II
2. Ascension-Edition I

Amazon.com

Few works remain genuinely controversial 35 years after their inception, but Ascension can generate as mixed a response today as it did when it was released. In May 1965, Coltrane assembled 10 other musicians for one of his most ambitious recordings, a 40- minute piece that was a landmark in the free-jazz movement and a key moment in Coltrane's sponsorship of the younger members of the New York avant-garde. Along with his regular rhythm section--McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones--the band includes trumpeters Dewey Johnson and Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonists Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders, altoists Marion Brown and John Tchicai, and Art Davis playing bowed bass. The improvised ensembles shout and cry with galvanizing power, their tension testifying to Coltrane's influence and the saxophone's dominance in the style. It's both brilliant and flawed work, however, in ways that go to the heart of Coltrane's musical thought. It's rooted in modal music, with a brief pentatonic figure (a variation on the opening motif of A Love Supreme) as its basis. While it's broken up by the intense ensembles, the string of solos seems too close to a Jazz at the Philharmonic approach to free jazz. The horns stretch toward energy music, while the rhythm section, particularly Tyner, seems rooted in modality. As a result, the soloists often come off the soaring blowouts to find themselves with little more support than a reiterated chord, and they sometimes seem to merely run out of steam. It's still startling music, though, and necessary listening, whether for the sheer power of the ensembles, the sustained creativity of Coltrane and Sanders, the stylistic contrasts in the horn players, or the acerbic understatement of Tchicai, so effective in the midst of the maelstrom. Coltrane couldn't decide on which of the two versions he preferred, and Edition II was covertly substituted for Edition I during the run of the original LP. This CD manages to include both. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

A fiery album........2007-07-26

This album is highly energetic and stupendous in its spontaneity. Full of energy and changing direction, constant movements into unforeseen realms, like the turbulent atmosphere of a newly born solar system. This album is a planet not yet cooled.

I don't get it.......2007-07-23

I patiently listened a few times a few months ago: I didn't get it.
I listened again recently: I still don't get it.
I will listen again and again in the future (But I'm listening, I'm sure, because of Coltrane's name.) I don't think I will get it then, either.
It just doesn't sound like music.

One thing's for sure: this is NOT My Favorite Things.......2007-07-19

After A Love Supreme, Coltrane took his music in a new, controversial direction: the avant-garde. Up until then, he was a widely respected figure in jazz, but Ascension marked the point where he fully moved into free jazz, never looking back, with total disregard to what his fans would think. Ascension is arguably his most challenging work in the avant-garde, if just for the sheer length of the composition: both takes run either close to or over forty minutes. This is not an instant gratification album, as several of Coltrane's earlier albums (Blue Train; Giant Steps; My Favorite Things; A Love Supreme; etc.) had been. It takes a couple of listens to assimilate, I'll grant: the first time I heard it, I liked it, but that liking was more out of respect to the creative, daring nature of the music than actual enjoyment. In plain English, I thought it was just noise. But what noise!
This is one powerful album, that's for sure. The closest thing to a traditional "chorus" is three tenor saxes (including Pharaoh Sanders), two alto saxes and two trumpet players blasting away. And that's about all the traditional structure you'll hear on the song. It's screaming to be mocked, yes, but the level of emotion and intensity put into this piece is very much what makes it work. I'm a big fan of soulful music (and "soul" music, the offshoot of R&B, but that's off-topic), and Coltrane and his group put all his soul into recording this. The original liner notes described it as "strong stuff", and indeed that's accurate. Excellently performed, too: there is not a single wasted note in any of the numerous solos. On the contrary, this is some of the best playing I've ever heard the group do, especially the wonderful piano playing McCoy Tyner (incredibly talented guy!) contributes near the end. And the use of two basses does not muddle the sound, as I have found multiple basslines often do: rather, it adds to the wonderful pseudo-cacophony that is this album. Oh, and the "bass duet" near the end is amazing.
To be honest, I'm not quite sure which take of the two I prefer, but I think the drum solo on the slightly shorter "Edition 1" adds a lot to the music's power. Originally, Coltrane released one take of Ascension (don't know which), then changed his mind and put out the second. Both are essential additions to Coltrane's catalog. Both are found here. Do not make this your first Coltrane purchase, though: Try A Love Supreme, Giant Steps, Blue Trane, Village Vanguard or My Favorite Things first, as they make for a much more user-friendly introduction to the man. But please, give this a chance. You may love it, you may hate it, but it should be listened to just once either way.
For the record, while Ascension on its own is a highly recommended release, if you can find the double-album Major Works of John Coltrane (which contains both takes of Ascension, as well as other key free-jazz items Om, Kulu Se Mama and Selflessness), buy that instead. Not to detract from the music here though, which is excellent.
Those interested in Coltrane's avant-garde period should also try Meditations; Sun Ship, Stellar Regions and the oddly restrained, but still quite avant-garde Expression, an interesting alternate look at the free-jazz genre and Coltrane's last recorded work. All are of a very high quality, very recommendable for those who enjoy the avant-garde sound of later John Coltrane, arguably the best and most controversial musician to ever work in the jazz genre.

Approach this beautiful chaos with the most open mind you can have...........2007-07-17

As many know, John Coltrane really became a practioneer of free jazz in his later years, and this is the greatest example of it. It is not an easy listen even for those who love free jazz, as Coltrane took what Ornette Coleman had laid down and went further with it. This is really intense music, something that any casual listener of jazz should stay away from. There are 11 musicians who play here (3 tenor saxes, 2 altos, 2 trumpets, 2 bassists, one pianist, and one drummer), and while on the surface it sounds like a collosal musical tsunami, it actually is quite moving and spiritual. As much as I like Ornette Coleman, I feel Coltrane really took free jazz further than he did. Coltrane infuses a sense of spirituality in his works that Coleman really only hinted at. The song Ascension (here in the 2 takes that were recorded. Coltrane wanted to record a third one, but the musicians just couldn't do it again) is all things, beautiful, sad, shocking, violent, amazing, frustrating, just about every emotion known to us. All Coltrane fans and jazz afficiandos must listen to this many, many times. I personally loved "edition 1" of Ascension. I felt it was more intense and precise (in its own way).

For the record, it would be cheaper to buy The Major Works of John Coltrane than this. It's only a few dollars more, and it contains both takes of Ascension, in addition to 3 other tracks (Om, Kulu Se Mama, and Selflessness). If you have those 3 tracks (which were released on other albums), then just buy this one. But get one of the CD's. You have to.

SCREAMING BEAUTY.......2007-05-25

I think this is the kind of recording you either love or hate. But one thing is for sure: you're not going to stand indifferent when encountering this record.
I, as you can assume from my rating, love this album. Period.
If you hate this album, you hate it. Period.
But, one thing must be said. This must be taken seriously. Those reviews that state that the musicians sounded as if they didn't know how to play, or that you can put a bunch of kids with instruments in a room playing as loud as they can and they'll sound the same are absolutely ridiculous.
You can enjoy this music or not, but it deserves respect.
Not easy to digest, I think, but beautiful music on the long (and not so long) run.

Average customer rating: Delightful Disney Music Uncle Walt would be quite honored! Fabulous CD sleeping to Disney this is a treasure

Heigh-Ho! Mozart Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach: More Favorite Disney Tunes Beauty and the Beat: Favorite Disney Tunes in Steelband Style Ragtime at the Magical Kingdoms Simply Mad About the Mouse Heigh Ho Banjo Bluegrass Salutes Favorite Disney Songs ASIN: B000000709 Release Date: 1995-06-16

Tracks:

1. Colors of the Wind in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
2. Heigh-Ho! In the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
3. Beauty and the Beast in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
4. Second Star to the Right in the Style Of - Voices of Ascension
5. Under the Sea in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
6. I Wanna Be Like You in the Style Of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
7. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - English Chamber Orchestra
8. With a Smile and a Song in the Style Of - Carol Rosenberger
9. Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? [In the Style Of] [In the Style Of... - English Chamber Orchestra
10. Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
11. Main Street Electrical Parade [in the Style Of Mozart] [In the Style of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
12. Feed the Birds [In the Style Of...] - Shanghai Quartet
13. Little April Shower in the Style Of - Anthony Newman
14. Winnie the Pooh in the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
15. Prince Ali in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
16. When You Wish upon a Star in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Disney Music.......2007-03-28

These Disney tunes done in the style of classic composers are so much fun. Children and adults alike will enjoy these songs over and over.

Uncle Walt would be quite honored!.......2006-12-20

For many a baby boomer, Walt Disney meant animation. But, besides that, music played an important part in the telling of the story. So interested in music was the animator that he fashioned one of his greatest triumphs ("Fantasia") on the works of the great masters.

Well, Donald Frasier and a bevy of musicians have compiled a wonderful collection of interpretations of familiar Disney tunes, many from Walt's time, along with a few latter day compositions.

Every selection is a winner, destined to make the listener reflect and recall the films from which they came. And if one is familiar with composer whose musical style is "copied" here, the album is a treasure.

Fabulous CD.......2006-10-04

Being a classical music connoisseur, I often listen to my local public classical radio station to hear the works of the great composers of old and of today. One day the station played "Colors of the Wind" and announced it was from this CD. I fell in love with it. I am a huge Disney fan who has over 350 Disney songs on my iPod. Pretty much the only music I listen to is either classical or Disney. And having them combined makes this CD euphoria for the ears.

Each song is in the style of a different classical composer, and usually in the style of one of their more specific songs. One with a trained ear will hear chords and melodies in almost perfect similitude of the original.

I can listen to this CD over and over and never get bored. How could you be bored when you're hearing all of your favorite old Disney songs in a new exciting way?

sleeping to Disney.......2006-07-30

I am really pleased that there is a classical music cd that has only Disney classics so that I can play them for my infant daughter while she sleeps. We are big Disney fans and it's fun to play these instead of the regular classical music. They sound just like the original songs. I would have given 5 stars but I wish they would have had all instrumental music, one of the songs has a choir singing, but it still sound good.

this is a treasure.......2003-05-11

Disney music is always uplifting. Classical music is beautiful. Combine the two - and you get THIS! "Colors of the Wind" is glorious, followed by the enchanting title track. "Beauty and the Beast" is true to the romance of the original. "The Second Star to the Right" is magical. Everything is awesome - and flawless. I initially bought this because I love The Main Street Electrical Parade music, and that is definiely a highlight here - but so are ALL the other songs! This is GOOD STUFF! It is so excellent that it can be a very beneficial introduction to classical music - for kids AND adults.

Average customer rating: That That Is Amazing live album and great new tracks You had to be there... Yes - 'Keys To Ascension' (CMC International) Unbelievable!! !!! Amazing !!! !! After 30 years!! !! !

Keys to Ascension Yes Manufacturer: Cmc International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Keys to Ascension, Vol. 2 Keys to Ascension, Vol. 2 The Ladder Magnification Going for the One ASIN: B000001Y9T Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

1. ROUNDABOUT
2. STARSHIP TROOPER
3. BE THE ONE
4. THAT, THAT IS
5. AWAKEN

Tracks:

1. Roundabout
2. Starship Trooper
3. Be The One
4. That, That Is

Customer Reviews:

That That Is.......2007-06-22

A fantastic Cd for a Yes fan. The 5 stars are mainly for That That Is though. I don't get some of the reviews for this song. Classic Yes has always been about long form songs. I played this song for a few musician friends of mine a few years ago and they were plainly blowed away by the Steve Howe extended jam near the end. These guys are in a new Metal band and never really listened to Yes. After I played this for them they wanted to hear some other stuff by Yes so I played Tormato for them. I think I ruined a perfectly good metal band that day? Oh well

Amazing live album and great new tracks.......2007-03-11

I think that both Keys (Vol 1 & 2) have the best live sound that I ever heard. Great classic in Vol. one like "Siberian Kathru", "Revealing science of God", "Awaken", "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper"
Powerful version of "America" with a top performance of Steve Howe on guitar. "Onward" is beautiful and a lot better that the original.
The two new track (thirty minutes of new music) is also very well done.
A jewel in my cd collection.

You had to be there..........2005-04-02

No- I wasn't at the show. But I will NEVER forget the moment I walked into my music store in late 1996 and found this masterpiece. This was, and is- the YES Grand Finale'. The first CD arguably may be the most dynamic CD side of Prog ever on one CD. The versions of the songs are precise, and yet in true YES fashion, they completely roam freely, especially Squire and Wakeman. This improvisation is especially evident on CD Two, when YES roars through Roundabout and then devours "Starship Trooper." The closing solo set between Wakeman and Howe is far and beyond the 1973 Yessongs release as both trade solos and then the band shifts into a higher speed near the end.
Sadly, all good things must end, and in the case of Steve Howe- this, other than his classical work, is the zenith of his career, he has lost his speed, tone and virtuosity.
The two studio tracks were a delight. "Be the One" reminds one of what YES had missed all the years the band wasn't intact. "That, That Is" is SEVERELY underappreciated as a real YES classic, sprawling 19 minutes and with some words of true depth- I consider it a true blue YES concept piece, and would love to include it on a music DVD with all other Yes music of great length. The song is befitting to end the greatest YES album in 19 years. I was so happy with the artwork and sound, it will always be dear to my heart (along with Keys 2) as the Swansong of YES.

Yes - 'Keys To Ascension' (CMC International).......2004-07-17

This beautifully-packaged 2-CD release was recorded live over the course of a three night stand performance in San Luis Obispo,California in March,1996.It boasts of a gem of a line-up of:Anderson,Squire,Howe,Wakeman and White.I wasn't even aware that Howe or Wakeman had anything to do with Yes anymore.Newly recorded tracks include "Onward","Be The One" and the twenty-minute epic "That,That Is".I sort of dug the Paul Simon tune they play,"America".Anderson's vocals certainly give the classic a nice touch.The only two tracks here that I recognized were "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper".'Keys To...' is pretty much aimed toward BIG-time Yes fans.Perhaps a little to artsy-fartsy for some.Great sound mix and production.

Unbelievable!! !!! Amazing !!! !! After 30 years!! !! !.......2004-02-25

King Crimson? - no way! ELP? Where are they? Genesis? They did the world a favor and finally split up! And there some others but YES remains the ultimate band for this type of music! And I can say that after 30 years they actually sound better than they used to! I watched the DVD that goes with this CD and I must say I was amazed at how good they are- in a "live" setting they would always make small errors or missed or goofed notes. Not this time-they are perfect. And unlike most "Classic" rock bands that just slow stuff down and sing in lower keys and generally leave out the hard stuff that made it great in the first place.....................YES does it spot on! Better than ever! This album will make you like them all over again and spend all your money on RHINO reissues. If you get the chance to see them on the 2004 spring tour I recommend it!

Average customer rating: Fine performances of some of the very oldest Western music Strangely compelling

Magister Leoninus: Sacred Music from 12th-Century Paris Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Perotin / The Hilliard Ensemble Machaut: Messe de Notre Dame / The Hilliard Ensemble Polyphonic Aquitaine of th 12th Century Magister Leoninus: Sacred Music from 12th-century Paris, Vol. 2 Le Manuscrit Du Puy - Les Premieres Polyphonies Francaises ASIN: B000002ZZE Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

1. Alleluya. Non vos relinquam orphanos
2. Alleluya. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos
3. Alleluya. Spiritus Sanctus procedens
4. Alleluya. Paraclitus Spiritus Sanctus
5. Priusquam te formarem
6. Alleluya. Inter natos mulierum
7. Viderunt omnes fines terre
8. Alleluya. Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis
9. Alleluya. Pascha nostrum immolatus est

Customer Reviews:

Fine performances of some of the very oldest Western music.......2005-12-08

'Magister Leoninus Sacred Music from 12th Century Paris' by Red Byrd, John Potter, Richard Wistreich and the Capella Amsterdam is some of the very earliest 'old music' I have heard recorded anywhere. From the point of view of a non-musicologist who just happens to like old liturgical music, I recommend this to all people with similar interests.

My only disappointment is that the recording is not that of an entire mass, but of several pieces of masses from the important Christian festival days, most especially Christmas and Easter.

As usual, the Hyperion package and recording quality is first rate. The age, quality of the performance, and quality of the recording alone should make this an important recording for your colleciton.

Strangely compelling.......2001-01-07

The earliest sacred polyphonic music evolved from plainchant, in the hands of composers like Magister Leoninus. His works as recorded on this disc show how that evolution took place: for a setting of a given text, sections of unison plainchant were interspersed with writing for two voices, based largely on the melodic contours of the plainchant - in other words, re-composition took place.

The programme recorded here features some of Magister Leoninus' finest and most significant works, including "Alleluya. Non vos relinquam orphanos," "Alleluya. Pascha nostrum immolatus est" and "Viderunt omnes terre" - music with a key role in the liturgy at major festivals of the church's year. These particular motets could even be considered as the Christmas and Easter carols of their day: listen to them long enough and they will prove just as irresistable as their familiar modern counterparts.

Part of that irresistability is due to the excellent performances on this disc. Red Byrd, consisting here of its founders John Potter and Richard Wistreich, sings the polyphonic music whilst the Cappella Amsterdam provide the plainchant. Their performance methods show clear signs of research; listening to it, I cannot help but imagine that this is what the music really sounded like when it was first performed. The Amsterdam singers give an exemplary demonstration of how plainchant should be sung: flowing from note to note almost like liquid, clearly enunciated, perfectly in tune and making something out of every word and sound (as though meditating on it). And Red Byrd does even better - John Potter is no stranger to this music, having recorded twelfth century material for ECM and Hyperion with the Hilliard Ensemble (his intonation at the very opening "Alleluya" is a spine-tingling and unforgettable sound); Richard Wistreich supports him with a rich baritone voice and demonstrates remarkable breath control in sustaining the underlying chant. Together, their balance is faultless, their embellishments are exquisite, their phrasing and attention to musical detail is scintillating. To cap it all, the recording venue (not revealed on the box but definitely somewhere in Amsterdam) provides some generous acoustics, completing this vivid aural impression of twelfth century polyphony at its simplest and best.

Highly recommended!

Average customer rating: Master Word Wizard, but album slightly lacking in areas one of my favorites Absolutely one of the best MC's not a bad album, but . . . Ascension, Rasing music

Ascension Pep Love Manufacturer: Hieroglyphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 3rd Eye Vision 93 'Til Infinity No Man's Land Deltron 3030 Fear Itself ASIN: B00005MJVT Release Date: 2001-07-24

Tracks:

1. The Grim & Grit
2. Living Is Beautiful
3. The Grind
4. The Fight Club
5. U.S. (U.S. Interlude)
6. The Onus (What You Are)
7. T.A.M.I.
8. My Energy
9. Ascension
10. Act. Phenom
11. A New Religion
12. Pacific Heights
13. Karma (The Snake Charmer)
14. If You Can't Beat 'Em
15. Different
16. Black People (Melanin Magnetic)

Customer Reviews:

Master Word Wizard, but album slightly lacking in areas.......2006-07-25

Pep Love's Ascension is a great CD and displays Pep's lyrical mastery and delivery. He can twist words and deliver lyrics in such a way that is witty and simplistic and yet ingenious. On tracks with fellow members of Heiroglyphics, Pep Love usually only has a few bars to rip on, and this full length album gives all a chance to peep Pep Love to the fullest. Though Pep rips it up, sometimes the beats are a little lackluster(though they are all good, not spectacular), and sometimes Pep falls a little short on delivery. I would still recommend this album to hip hop heads and Heiro fanatics alike. Worth the price, but not a must own. Tracks where Pep throws on the Hardcore front are kind of silly, the song "The Fight Club" feat. Dj Babu on the tables is good, but I think Pep Love delivers better spiritual and medaphorical lyrics. Overall, this is still a great buy.

one of my favorites.......2005-11-13

In one of the reviews someone taled about Acsension Side C. I got my copy through [...] . If your a fan of pep, then pick this up.

Absolutely one of the best MC's.......2005-04-14

Pep Love from the Hieroglyphics is an underrated and superb MC. I've heard great stuff from him on the two Hiero crew albums, but he takes it even further on "Ascensions." The thing is, I think he can do even better on a whole album, and this is one of the best albums I own! I think he can do better because there are a few songs ("Fight Club," "Karma," "If You Can't Beat 'Em") where he's cussing more and trying to act hard that just feel out of place on the album. The rest of the cd he's spitting enlightment, peace, and upliftment with one of the best vocabs in the business. Seriously! Maybe even stronger than Del's...
The album starts out well and "Living Is Beautiful" is just like it sounds and a memorable early moment. He reaches for something different with "Da Grind" but pulls it off in the end. Actually, I like the battle rhymes found in "Fight Club," but it still feels out of place on this cd. From there, tracks 5-12 are impeccable! "U.S." is uplifting and easily a standout, and "The Onus"(w/ Tajai) is a little brazen, but too soulful to be forgotten. I have to mention "T.A.M.I" which has a great message and one of the best beats. "My Energy" has the digital sounds, but I like it, and the title track is a winner. He rocks a party-beat on "Act.Phenom" without watering down the lyrics. "My Religion" with the Grouch(of the Living Legends) is lyrically superior as they compare emceeing to an underground religion and the Grouch spits one of the best verses I've ever heard from him. This track is still memorable despite a boring beat. "Pacific Heights" is a nice ode to Cali and the West Coast.
"The Snake Charmer" is a little bitter, but I like it though mostly because of the beat and how Pep rides it, despite the incomprehensible lyrics added by Major Terror. So that leaves "If You Can't Beat 'Em" as the only one I'm not feeling, but Casual actually comes nice on that one. "Different" is definitely old-school, and decent, but a little more raw than most of the album. He tops it all off with "Black People(Melanin Magnetic)" where he stands up for his race and drops 4 great verses over one of the tightest beats. By the way, I'm feeling most of the beats on "Ascensions." Some may say they're too boring, but I think they definitely fit with Pep's deep and mystical style. I think they're exactly how Pep wants them, invoking thought rather than dancing. There were a couple beats that failed, admittedly.
So this is one of the most essential albums you can have. Pep Love is undeniably one of the best MC's...not just today, but in all of Hiphop. Once he gets a few more albums under his belt, that will probably be unanimous. Some are saying that Pep has done better, and I can see that, but it still don't get much better than this! His flow may be a little stagnant, but Pep is one of the most learned and enlightened MC's with an extensive vocab, and I think in the end people will be praising him over his Hiero mate Del (IMO). He's just that good! In fact I would be calling him the best MC from the West Coast, if it weren't for some dude named Aceyalone. Ever heard him?

not a bad album, but . . ........2004-12-06

DISCLAIMER:
Pep Love is one of my favorite rhymers, period, he's a warrior poet and i have mad respect for him.
i give this album 3 stars because he released something else underground that was 4, maybe even 5 stars.

ascension is not a bad album.
but the best pep love is unfortunately not available in stores.
i got it from the man in person.
ascension, side c.
i'd go directly to hiero in oakland to pick this album up.
made order it from the hiero website?
i don't know.
but that album, unfortunately not reviewable on amazon because according to amazon it doesn't exist, has some of my favorite hiphop cuts period, including the gaspers, warrior poets, and relief. PL explores his inner darkness.
really really brilliant.
if you liked this album, the main ascension, check it out its underground-released b-sides.

oh and if you haven't picked this one up yet
don't get me wrong
ascension itself is a good solid album.
worth getting.


peace
clear

Ascension, Rasing music.......2004-09-25

Pep Loves debut is an amzing album in evryway. Each song is unqiue fresh and totaly tight. pep's Lyrics are off the hook, even mor ethen usual, and are insightful telling complex stories and commenting on the world. the albums starts of strong with "living is beautiful" which is all about valuing life and peps lyrics in this song set the craziness for the whole album. The beats are also very tight, the whole albums has a real power and heart to it , some of the best production can be seen on act. Phenom which has an unbeat et gritty beat that gets you going. This album is one of the greatest of all time in my opinion, amazing. This album just proves the power of hieroglyphics. A must have for hiphop fans, especially those who like amazing lyrics tight beats and unique albums

Dance Music:

1. Back to Da Streets [Explicit Lyrics]
2. Behind Closed Doors: Da Soundtrack [Explicit Lyrics] [Soundtrack]
3. Brace 4 Impak [Explicit Lyrics]
4. Chicano Brown & Proud [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]
5. City Lights, Vol. 1.5 [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Country Grammar [Import]
7. Country & Hardheaded [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Country & Hardheaded [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Da Fat Rat Wit Da Cheeze [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Deep in the Game Affiliatez [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

Ants Marching [EP] [Import]

Classic Gold (Box Set) [Box set]

Glow [Import]

Bass Day '98 CD

So Far Away [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Food for Thought

Goodnight, Angel

Etudes Tableaux

Forro Do Leao [Import]

Graciously

Giants of the Organ in Concert [Live]

G.P. [Import] [Limited Edition]

Cruzando Fronteras [Import]

TV Classics

Spiritual Chants