Mais

Amazon.com
Marisa Monte's sophomore effort proved to be the breakout album for the young MPB (Brazilian popular music) diva. Adventurous and artful, the album took her where few had gone before, thanks to the production work of Arto Lindsay and musical contributions from John Zorn (both stalwarts of the avant-garde New York scene), as well as Japan's Ryuichi Sakamoto and fellow Brazilian Nana Vasconcelos. The result had all the airiness and grace of the best Brazilian music, as on "Beija Eu," but with rock and new jazz overtones shading the music and adding meat to the broth. Going platinum in Monte's native country, Mais made her into a real star. It also helped establish her musical identity as someone redefining Brazilian music in her own way. Mais is a triumph of art and the first really giant step in an illustrious career. --Chris Nickson

Mais,Marisa Monte,Capitol,Afro-Brazilian,Brazil,Brazilian Pop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Latin Continuum,MPB,Pop

---

Average customer rating: Nice music, nice voices

Bizet: Carmen (Highlights) / Solti, Troyanos, Domingo Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Troyanos, Tatiana | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Troyanos, Tatiana | ( T ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Berlin Phil., Karajan [Highlights] Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights) / Sutherland, Pavarotti Verdi: Aida (Highlights) Puccini: Tosca (Highlights) / Freni, Pavarotti Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera); Mirella Freni; Jon Vickers; Grace Bumbry ASIN: B000006P4O Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

1. Carmen: Act I: Prelude
2. Carmen: Act I: Mais nous ne voyons pas la Carmencita! ... - L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)
3. Carmen: Act I: Parle-moi de ma mere
4. Carmen: Act I: Pres des remparts de Seville (Seguidilla)
5. Carmen: Act II: Les tringles des sistres tintaientI
6. Carmen: Act II: Vivat, vivat le torero! ... Votre toast (Toreador song)
7. Carmen: Act II: Nous avons en tete une affaire
8. Carmen: Act II: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower song)
9. Carmen: Act II: Non! tu ne m'aimes pas!
10. Carmen: Act III: Melons! Coupons!
11. Carmen: Act III: Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante
12. Carmen: Act IV: Les voici, les voici
13. Carmen: Act IV: C'est toi! - C'est moi!

Customer Reviews:

Nice music, nice voices.......2000-06-15

This is Georges Bizet! He doesn't need any special advertising!

Average customer rating: This one'll get ya going. TIME TRAVEL Interesting variety A trip through history Overrated

Music Of The Crusades Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Walther v. der Vogelweide | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection Music for a Medieval Banquet Codex Faenza: Instrumental Music of the Early 15th Century Medieval Dance Music Music of the Troubadours ASIN: B0000041XJ Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

1. Music Of The Crusades: La quinte estampie real
2. Music Of The Crusades: Pax in nomine Domini!
3. Music Of The Crusades: Parti de mal - Third Crusade
4. Music Of The Crusades: Chevalier, mult estes guariz - Second Crusade
5. Music Of The Crusades: Chanterai por mon corage - Third Crusade
6. Music Of The Crusades: Danse real
7. Music Of The Crusades: Sede, Syon, in pulvere
8. Music Of The Crusades: Palastinalied - Sixth Crusade
9. Music Of The Crusades: Condicio - O nacio - Mane prima
10. Music Of The Crusades: O tocius Asie - Crusade of 1248
11. Music Of The Crusades: La uitime estampie real
12. Music Of The Crusades: Cum sint difficilia - Crusade of 1248
13. Music Of The Crusades: Li noviaus tens - Le Chatelain de Coucy - Third Crusade
14. Music Of The Crusades: Fortz chausa es (Gaucelm Faidit) - Lament On The Death Of Richard Coeur - de - Lion
15. Music Of The Crusades: Je ne puis - Amors me tienent - Veritatem
16. Music Of The Crusades: Ahi! Amours - Third Crusade
17. Music Of The Crusades: La tierche estampie real
18. Music Of The Crusades: Ja nus hons pris - Song Of Captivity
19. Music Of The Crusades: Au tens plain do felonnie - Crusade fo 1239

Customer Reviews:

This one'll get ya going........2007-05-19

For early music people, this is another great compilation of stuff you just like to put on in the background while doing your daily routine. Good times.

TIME TRAVEL.......2006-08-15

LIKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME. FROM THE FIRST NOTES, I WAS TRANSPORTED.

Interesting variety.......2006-03-28

One of the problems I have with many early music CDs is an emphasis on one place in a time period. This reissue manages to avoid that flaw by including minnesinger, troubador, trouvere, and instrumental pieces, though the liner notes could easily have told us which of the pieces were troubador, and which trouvere, instead of just the tantalizing "two are troubador (written in langue d'oc)" without identifying which.

As a sampler, it is excellent, though the vocal pieces tend to be somewhat slow--not all the lyrics seem consistent with that delivery, so this is probably an artist's choice. It would be interesting to hear the same pieces performed now, 30 years later, with 30 years of new scholarship. Ah well, nothing is perfect!

A trip through history.......2005-09-29

The time of the Crusades spanned several centuries, from the time Pope Urban II called upon Christendom to fight for Jerusalem until the thirteenth century (this does not include the numerous minor, unnumbered crusades, sometimes against other Christians). The Crusades became for many in the Middle Ages a romantic ideal; the appeal for those who would join the Crusades was two-fold, both riches in this world and salvation in the next.

In this collection, the texts of the songs are primarily contemporary with the Crusades, although a few come from later troubadour and folk songs. Some songs here directly relate to the Crusades in content (for example, Pax in nomine Domini!), whereas others are songs contemporary with and popular among the Crusaders, but have no direct relation to the Crusades. 'Ja nus hons pris' is one such song, which has origins attributed to one of the most famous of the Crusaders, Richard the Lionhearted.

One of the problems with music from this time period is that very little written material exists. What music notation there is often is reminiscent of Gregorian chant - there are markers for pitch, but nothing for rhythmic values, melodies, etc. Similarly, the types of instruments are often not listed for particular songs, so it becomes educated guesswork as to the instruments used - lutes, rebec, wind instruments, percussion, etc.

The performances here are wonderful and full. The Early Music Consort of London recorded this first for vinyl in 1970; this CD is a reissue, well engineered. David Munrow was the director as well as performer on recorder, fluet, shawm, crumhorn and bagpipes. Munrow's talents are well suited to this kind of medieval music. Among the other performers are soprano Christina Clarke, counter tenors James Bowman and Charles Brett, tenor Nigel Rogers and baritone Geoffrey Shaw. Musicians include Eleanor Sloan on treble rebec, Oliver Brookes on bass rebec, James Tyler on lute and citole, Gillian Reid on the bells, Christopher Hogwood on harp, organ, nakers and tabor, and James Blades on nakers and tabor.

This recording is superb, a great addition to an early music library, and a joy to have as a CD - I had the vinyl of this, but over time it warped in storage, and I was very sad to have lost such a brilliant collection of music. Here it is again, restored and full of power and life.

Overrated.......2005-03-03

Note that I am a harsh reviewer, especially for music... but there are a lot of problems with this CD and there are better other there.

It is certainly interesting music and it does have historical value, but it is by no means unique.

Here are my criticisms:

1)
All of the 19 tracks are short. They range from 1-4 minutes with an average of around 2 1/2 minutes per track.

2)
This wouldn't be all that bad, except that none of those 19 tracks really stood out. They are all slow-paced and generic with little feeling of variety. Essentially, despite being a fan of the genre, I just couldn't get 'into' any of the music. It was not at all inspiring.

3)
One of my favorite things about medieval/renaissance music is the excellent balance and combination of voice talent and instruments.
This CD did not come through at all in that area, however.
The majority of this CD was the mellow, slow-paced singing that many people associate with the genre.
However, whenever the singers got going, the relatively few instruments all disappeared entirely, leaving you with just the singers (who weren't powerful enough to carry the show alone).


If you are a fan of the genre, then you might want to add this to your collection just because it isn't very expensive.

However, if you are merely interested in trying out the archaic music genre, then I defintely would recommend:
"Sinners & Saints - The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection"
*instead* of this one.
I gave Sinners & Saints a 5/5 - It was the CD that this one should've been.

Average customer rating: Definitive? WELL worth getting. A Great Remastering! Exceptional Pianist/Inspirational Composer

Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith Charles Alkan , and Ronald Smith Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39 Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope Alkan: Symphony for solo piano Alkan: Piano Music, Volume 1: 12 Etudes, Op. 35 Alkan: Sonate de Concert; Grand Duo Concertant; Piano Trio ASIN: B0000CE7FF Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Petit Conte
2. Nocturne No.1, Op.22
3. Gigue, Op.24
4. Marche, Op.37 No.1
5. Le Tambour Bat Aux Champs, Op.50 No.2
6. XXIX: Delire
7. XI: Morituri Te Salutant
8. XX: Le Premier Billet Doux
9. IV: Les Cloches
10. XLI: Les Enharmoniques
11. X: Increpatio
12. XI: Les Soupirs
13. XLVIII: En Songe
14. Toccatina, Op.75
15. IV: Allegro
16. V: Marche Funebre (Andantino)
17. VI: Menuet
18. VII: Finale (Presto)
19. I: Assez Gravement
20. II: Andantino
21. III: Menuet

Tracks:

1. VIII: Allegro Assai
2. IX: Adagio
3. X: Allegretto Alla Barbaresca
4. Maestoso -
5. Allegro
6. XIII: (Cantique Des Cantiques)
7. XV
8. XVI
9. XI
10. XII

Customer Reviews:

Definitive?.......2006-07-17

This version of the underappreciated work of Alkan should, in deference to Marc Andre Hamelin's amazing versions, should probably be the standard by which others are judged... in addition the album includes a great collection in one purchase.

WELL worth getting........2006-05-19

This CD has what is still my favorite interpretation of Alkan's Concerto out of the three I've heard (although regrettably I haven't heard Jack Gibbons' version). Ogdon and Hamelin seem to kind of rush parts in order to impart a greater sense of technical bravura whereas Smith lets the power and majesty of the piece come through.
Also a great recording of the Alkan Symphonie. Hamelin's playing of the piece seems to have gotten all the attention but I find this one just right.
The prior two pieces would be reason enough to get any Alkan CD but this one is also loaded with a number of smaller gems, some of which it's probably going to be, what, twenty years before someone else makes a recording of any of them. The Petit Conte and Nocturne show Alkan's similarities to Chopin. The Toccatina is a delightful little piece with an awesome ending. Five great preludes, eight esquisses, etc. etc. - probably the best Alkan CD out there.

A Great Remastering!.......2005-07-15

I own the original LP recordings of some of these works and the CD version. In a previous review I remarked how the CD sound quality was not the best, but adequate.

This remastering brings back much of the original vitality and great sound quality that was in the LP version but lacking in the CD version. And all at a bargain price too!

All Alkan (and Ronald Smith fans),don't hesitate to get this 2CD set. To have the symphony for piano and concerto in such fine quality sound again is a real treat for the ears.

Most highly recommended!

Exceptional Pianist/Inspirational Composer.......2004-09-03

Ronald Smith died on the 27 May 2004 a week before I was due to hear him perform in concert at the age of 82. Obviously I was incredibly upset by his death and not having ever heard him play - especially ALKAN.

Ronald Smith was the man who re-established Charles-Valentin Alkan as one of the greatest composers of piano music. Busoni claimed "Alkan, alongside Chopin, Liszt, Schumann and Brahms, was one of the five greatest composers for the piano since Beethoven".

Of particular interest here is Ronald Smiths recordings of the Solo Piano Concerto and Symphony for Solo Piano. These are some of the most extraordinary compositions in musical literature.

Ronald Smith's recordings are exceptional and in my mind can only be equalled technically by Marc-André Hamelin performances of Alkan. Yet with this said Ronald Smith was the only virtuoso pianist who truly understood Alkans philosophy of music - hence smith's book on Alkan - The Man The Music.

This album is highly recommended to all music and piano playing enthusiasts.
The music is innovative, passionate; but not sentimental and incredibly interesting in structure, colouring and philosophy.

Average customer rating: The embodiment of FURY Completely over the top! Good alternative. (No title). An incredible recording! Gibbons' Alkan is superb!

Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39 Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope Alkan: Symphony for solo piano Alkan: Piano Music, Volume 1: 12 Etudes, Op. 35 Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith Alkan: Sonate de Concert; Grand Duo Concertant; Piano Trio ASIN: B0000030PK Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

1. Etude No.1: Comme Le Vent
2. Etude No.2: En Rythme Molossique
3. Etude No.3: Scherzo Diabolico
4. Etude No.4: Sym-First Movt: Allegro
5. Etude No.5: Sym-Second Movt: Marche Funebre
6. Etude No.6: Sym-Third Movt: Menuet
7. Etude No.7: Sym-Fourth Movt: Finale
8. Nocturne in B, Op.22
9. Allegro Barbaro: Etudes, Op.35 No.5
10. Assez Vivement: Chants, Op.38 No.1
11. J'etait Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait: Prlds, Op.31 No.13
12. Le Staccatissimo: Esquisses, Op.63 No.2
13. Les Cloches: Esquisses, Op.63 No.4
14. Les Soupirs: Esquisses, Op.63 No.11
15. En Songe: Esquisses, Op.63 No.48
16. Gros Temps: Les Mois, Op.74 1st Ste No.1
17. Barcarolle: Chants, Op.65 No.6
18. La Chanson De La Folle Au Bord De La Mer: Prlds, Op.13 No.8
19. Le Temps Qui N'est Plus: Prlds, Op.31 No.12

Tracks:

1. Etude No.8: Con-First Movt: Allegro Assai
2. Etude No.9: Con-Second Movt: Adagio
3. Etude No.10: Con-Third Movt: Allegretto Alla Barberesca
4. Etude No.11: Ov
5. Etude No.12: Le Festin D'Esope

Amazon.com

Alkan's gargatuan Op. 39 Etudes embody a symphony (Etudes 4-7), a solo concertos (Etudes 8-10), an overture (No. 11), and a riotous set of 25 variations depicting the animals of Aesop's fables (No. 12, La festin d'Esope). The music demands boundless technique and stamina, which Jack Gibbons supplies in spades. He dives headfirst into the treacherous writing, letting the chips fall where they may. One can't really top Marc-Andre Hamelin's unflappable proficiency in the concertos, yet Gibbons rougher, leonine demeanor thrusts Alkan's Dionysiac qualities more to the fore. Bet you can't digest this yummy 12-plus course piano feast all in one sitting! --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The embodiment of FURY.......2004-09-24

Gibbons' occasional technical vulnerabilities give these performances a human edge missing from hamelin's recordings. Alkan's op39 is music the pianist must fight with. Blood and sweat are a must. Its raw fury can be lost when cooly presented (ala Hamelin). The symphony finale oozes raw excitement under Gibbons' hands. Like in a disaster movie, we root for the protagonist and hope he survives through to the end. A most rewarding experience.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Completely over the top!.......2003-08-04

The main differences between this recording and the only other complete recording of the minor key etudes by Ronald Smith are:

1. Superior sound
2. A virtuosity that must be heard to be believed. Gibbons plays fast, Gibbons plays loud, Gibbons plays soft, Gibbons plays all the notes, and all the while Gibbons plays them musically! A truly remarkable performance of some very complex music.

But the recording by Smith has much going for it too. In an ideal world, if you're a fan of Alkan, get both recordings. I've got them both!

Good alternative........2002-11-02

It's a good alternative to Hamelin's recordings. With a really wilder approach!!

(No title)........2000-12-15

Comme Le Vent, Like the wind, is a firey, unrelenting deluge of notes which, if played at Alkan's specified metronome marking, travels at the rate of 160 bars per minute -- 20 densely packed pages in just 4'30," and Gibbons falls unbelievably only 7 seconds short! En Rhythm Molossique and Scherzo Diabolico, both technically wicked compositions, receive commanding and sure-footed performances. The Symphony further demonstates Gibbons proficiency in adherence to tempo and metronome markings inspite of taxing athletic and visceral demands, giving it a great sense of impetus, space, and drive. The Concerto, in his hands, is less classical and crisp than Hamelin's, but more wildly romantic; an extraordinary feat of virtuosity. Le festin d'Esope and Allegro Barbaro in all their fiendish and barbaric virtuosity get very poetic readings, very rare indeed... The more slow pieces all fall within the heartbeat, receiving sensitive, simple, and atmospheric performances... Gibbons is an Alkan interpreter of exceptional authority, and I cannot wait until his next release (of anything). In excellent sound, this very generous two-CD set is a TOP recommendation!

An incredible recording! Gibbons' Alkan is superb!.......1999-09-04

Alkan's Magnum Opus (39) has been seen recorded many times over the past years in part, as well as in whole. Jack Gibbons demonstrates that his interpretation of this monstrously challenging set stands at the very top of the list. Out of the 250+ CDs I own, I would have to say that this is the best. Gibbons' "Comme le Vent" is breathtakingly virtuostic and full of velocity. His "En Rythm Molossique" is a great wall of power and control, his "Scherzo Diabolique", feindish and scary. This recording of the "Symphonie" is fantastic, second only to Lewenthal's. His "Concerto" is very ordered, the finale a dazzling display of pianism (despite the missed note in the final black-key run). The "Ouverture" is the best recorded yet, and shows the true depth of Alkan's creations; I could write a review on just this piece! His "Festin" is a bit slow, but he never overexagerates the tempos. The other pieces added to the first disc ruin one's picture of the all-out-bravura crazed Alkan, replacing it with a sensitive, profound one. This CD is truly incredible. If you have any affection for Art Music whatsoever, this recording is a must have!

Average customer rating: Classic Art Songs Sung with Brilliance and Artistry Pretty, but not memorable Returning to the Recital Hall: A Soiree Pretty sound spoiled by a bad vocal habit Excellent!

Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Debussy, Claude | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Angels Hide Their Faces: Dawn Upshaw Sings Bach and Purcell Voices of Light Knoxville Summer of 1915 I Wish It So Dawn Upshaw Sings Rodgers & Hart ASIN: B000002B6P Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

1. Vasnier Songbook: I. Pantomime
2. Vasnier Songbook: II. Calmes dans le demi-jour (En sourdine)
3. Vasnier Songbook: III. Mandoline
4. Vasnier Songbook: IV. Clair de lune
5. Vasnier Songbook: Fantoches
6. Vasnier Songbook: VI. Coquetterie posthume
7. Vasnier Songbook: VII. Romance - Silence ineffable
8. Vasnier Songbook: VIII. Musique
9. Vasnier Songbook: X. Paysage sentimental
10. Vasnier Songbook: X. Romance - Voici que le printemps
11. Vasnier Songbook: XI. La Romance d'Ariel
12. Vasnier Songbook: XII. Regret
13. Forgotten Melodies: I. C'est l'extase langoureuse
14. Forgotten Melodies: II. Il pleure dans mon coeur
15. Forgotten Melodies: III. L'ombre des arbres
16. Forgotten Melodies: IV. Chevaux de bois
17. Forgotten Melodies: V. Green (Aquarelle)
18. Forgotten Melodies: VI. Spleen (Aquarelle)
19. Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: I. Le Balcon
20. Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: II. Harmonie du soir
21. Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: III. Le Jet d'eau
22. Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: IV. Recueillement
23. Five Poems Of Charles Baudelaire: V. La Mort des amants

Customer Reviews:

Classic Art Songs Sung with Brilliance and Artistry.......2006-11-10

Dawn Upshaw possesses a voice with beautiful bell canto tonal quality and uses the glissando technique, only when effective, rendering this collection of uncommon art songs superbly sung. The entire album is a joy to listen to...

Pretty, but not memorable.......2006-04-29

'Forgotton Songs, Dawn Upshaw sings Debussy' with James Levine at the piano is, to my layman's ear, very pretty to listen to, but not a whole lot to get excited about. If you are especially fond of Upshaw, you must have this recording. If you are especially fond of Debussy, other vocalists may have just a little more to offer. Everything about this recording is 'nice', just not a whole lot to get excited about.

Returning to the Recital Hall: A Soiree.......2005-04-09

Dawn Upshaw is one of the most intelligent and creative and adventuresome singers on the concert stage today. Just reviewing the list of her recordings available and it is obvious that she has paid attention to both contemporary and established composers in a way that is truly refreshing.

Here the program is devoted to the works of Claude Debussy, a composer for whom Upshaw has a particular penchant. Her voice is crystal clear, perfectly focused and yet not afraid to animate when the lyrics demand. She covers three cycles here: 'Ariettes oubliees' (for this listener the most successful on the album), 'Racueil Vasnier', and 'Cinq Poemes de Charles Baudelaire' (contrast these with the recently released Susan Graham version and see what interpretation is all about!).

The collaboration between Upshaw and James Levine is sensitive (if not always the pianism of others..). But the entire recital is uplifting and satisfying for the variation in the songs, recorded sound, the generosity of the disc, and most of all for the musical intelligence in which these songs are performed! Grady Harp, April 05

Pretty sound spoiled by a bad vocal habit.......2004-05-07

Every voice teacher I have ever had, and I have had many, were unanimous in their advice that sliding into notes is something that must be done with great moderation. Dawn Upshaw does it all the time and to the ears of a trained singer it becomes extremely annoying extremely quickly. Constant sliding into notes is less objectionable if one actually reaches the right pitch in the process. Miss Upshaw frequently does NOT, resulting in numerous instances where she is simply not in tune at all on some notes. Her sliding also creates constant dissonances with the piano which are entirely undebussyesque. If it were Webern or Berg she were singing she might get away with it. Here she does not. NOT RECOMMENDED.

P.S. Since writing this review (quite some time ago), I was fortunate to hear a recording of Ms. Upshaw in a production at the Metropolitan Opera where she didn't do any of her annoying sliding at all - not once - (probably because it was music from a much earlier time) The difference was astounding. It was a glorious performance. It was hard to believe it was the same person. This, more than ever, confirms my opinion that she ruined this recording with a bad singing habit.

Excellent!.......2003-11-26

This recording of Debussy's Melodies are really excellent. Dawn Upshaw's voice is exactly right for this kind of music - light, charming, and lyrical, with real sensitivity to the text. The Ariettes Oubliees are the best I've heard, with the exception of Frederica von Stade. In addition, her interpretation of Mandoline from the Vasnier Songbook is perfect - the tempo, piano, voice, and interpretation are exactly right. My only criticism is that the diction, while perfectly clear, has an "American" accent that is sometimes distracting.

Average customer rating: Producers gone wild!!! Still good, but not her best The best album from Marisa Monte Great CD, fabulous singer On her way... Marisa is consistantly otima!

Mais Marisa Monte Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Afro Brazilian | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Memories, Chronicles and Declarations of Love A Great Noise Tribalistas MONTE,MARISA - ROSE & CHARCOAL MM ASIN: B000005HGS Release Date: 1991-06-18

Tracks:

1. Beija Eu
2. Volte Para O Seu Lar
3. Ainda Lembro
4. De Noite Nacama
5. Rosa
6. Borboleta
7. Ensaboa (Lamento Da Lavadeira)
8. Eu Nao Sou Da Sua Rua
9. Diariamente
10. Eu Sei (Na Mira)
11. Tudo Pela Metade
12. Mustapha

Amazon.com

Marisa Monte's sophomore effort proved to be the breakout album for the young MPB (Brazilian popular music) diva. Adventurous and artful, the album took her where few had gone before, thanks to the production work of Arto Lindsay and musical contributions from John Zorn (both stalwarts of the avant-garde New York scene), as well as Japan's Ryuichi Sakamoto and fellow Brazilian Nana Vasconcelos. The result had all the airiness and grace of the best Brazilian music, as on "Beija Eu," but with rock and new jazz overtones shading the music and adding meat to the broth. Going platinum in Monte's native country, Mais made her into a real star. It also helped establish her musical identity as someone redefining Brazilian music in her own way. Mais is a triumph of art and the first really giant step in an illustrious career. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Producers gone wild!!! Still good, but not her best.......2002-05-29

This is one of her older CD's, and even though it is quite a good CD it lacks the charm and distinction Marisa's music obtained in her later CDs. Fortunatley, you can find 3 of the better tracks on this album reworked on Barulho Bom (a Great Noise). Even better, all 3 tracks are done in very different fashions on Barulho Bom, and all 3 are better. For example, "De noite na cama" is almost silly sounding on this CD, while on Barulho Bom it is transformed into a very sexy song. This disc's main problem is the poor production quality (that also plagued much of MPB in the early 90's). The ambient noises on some of the tracks are so distracting and inappropriate to the feel of the music that they ruin several otherwise good tracks. For example, why are little girls (and monkeys?)screaming on "Tudo pela metade"? Seriously, it ruins the song. Who was responsible for this? And Ed Motta "singing" on Ainda Lembro, he sounds like one of Boys II Men gone wrong, trying to improvise and such. It borders on the absurd.The only highlight of this CD not on Barulho Bom is "Diariamente". Although this is a pretty good album on the whole( Marisa is amazing, as always), you would be MUCH better off just buying Barulho Bom. In fact, I HIGHLY recommend Barulho Bom- it is a GREAT CD!!!

The best album from Marisa Monte.......2001-03-29

This is my favorite album from Marisa, and I love all of them. I don't like the fact that the lyrics on the US release are all in English (how are you supposed to sing along with that???) but I do like the fact that all the songs are sung in Portuguese. Usually I find when Marisa crosses the lingual divide, something gets lost in the translation, no pun intended! Actually, "Ensaboa" has some English in it, and is a really cool song, but it's purely accessory for a great Portuguese lyric. Don't get me wrong, though obviously I think Portuguese is a more musical language than English, I enjoy listening to other artists like Elis Regina when they take on my own language. Anyway, pretty much every song on this album is a winner - I can't peg her style down because she does borrow from various genres. Marisa is known as the "new voice of MPB" (Musica Popular Brasileira), and I hear alot of Samba-Cancao in there (lyrical sambas), so I would best sum it up as modern adult Brazilian pop. No, this is not for music teeny-boppers with attention deficits. The songs are intelligent, reflective, ironic at times, but most importantly catchy - which is the only reason to like music in the first place, in my opinion. The first song "Beija Eu" is the best one in my opinion, but the rest of the material is not too far behind in quality. Beyond good material, however, is this woman's vocal ability. Someone summed it up best earlier in the comparison with the "screaming" American "divas." From what I understand, Marisa was trained as an opera singer, and has adapted these talents very well to what has become a very unique style of pop music. Her voice is powerful and clear, yet subtle at the same time. I know that probably sounds idiotic for me to say it, you just have to hear it to know what I mean.

Great CD, fabulous singer.......2000-09-14

Marisa Monte is indeed a rare occurrence in nowadays musical scene for her music doesn't know geographical nor time boundaries. Her music brings the signature Brazilian swing permeated by Jazz influences making it easily enjoyable for a broad audience. Marisa Monte not only promotes contemporary Brazilian songwriters but also nostalgically honors the best of Brazilian popular music tradition. Differently from the so called North American "Divas" that usually scream Marisa's soft but incredibly precise voice makes singing look easy.

On her way..........2000-06-30

This was the CD that, for me, proved that Marisa's direction and style were superior. She moved on from the showtune-yness of her first album, head-first into a blend of Brazilian pop that is heartfelt, melodic and mood-enhancing. This is a must-have CD, and the only reason I give it 4 stars is that it's successor, "Rose & Charcoal", is still to this day her crowning achievement.

Marisa is consistantly otima!.......1999-10-04

Mais is a great album. The only thing I didn't like was just having the english translations of the song lyrics in the booklet. Where's the portuguese? Or is American monolinguism dictating song books too? Excellent disc and a definite must-own for aficionados da Marisa.

Average customer rating: Fantastic! Richard the Lionheart Prison Blues

Richard Coeur de Lion (Richard the Lionheart): Troubadours & Trouvères in the Courts of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart, Marie de Champagne & Geoffroy, Duke of Brittany - Alla Francesca Richard I Coeur-de-lion , Guiot de Dijon , Chastelain de Couci , Conon de Bethune , Gace Brule , Bernart de Ventadorn , Gaucelm Faidit , Emmanuel Bonnardot , Raphael Boulay , Pierre Hamon , and Alla Francesca Manufacturer: Opus 111 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The World of Robin and Marion: Songs and Motets from the Time of Adam de la Halle Music from the Time of the Crusades Polyphonic Aquitaine of th 12th Century Le Manuscrit Du Puy - Les Premieres Polyphonies Francaises Music Of The Crusades ASIN: B000005W54 Release Date: 1997-03-10

Amazon.com

This award-winning disc deserves credit not only for its excellent performances, but also for its success in creating atmosphere. From the disc's first sounds--cittern, flute, and harp--we know we've left the 20th century far behind and we've entered a mysterious and fascinating place. The place is the world of the 12th century, the time of the Crusades and of the exploits of Richard the Lion-Hearted, duke of Aquitaine, and king of England. The songs are about courtly love, longing for lovers left behind, and, in one remarkable song by Richard himself, about the despair and desolation he experienced as a prisoner. There also is a long, impassioned song in which the singer expresses his undying devotion: "Never will my heart leave you as long as I live." Songs are performed by a variety of first-rate singers, and are interspersed with lively instrumental selections. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2006-11-04

Probably the best troubadour/trouvere disc that I've heard. Stirring vocal work and authentic instrumentation invoke the spirit of the 12th & 13th centuries perfectly. Includes a great rendition of King Richard's 'Prison Song', as well as 'Redit etas aurea', a song that I've read the text of before (the lyrics are great-very representative of the 12th century mindset) but never heard performed. I didn't know that any notation of it had survived. Definitely recommended for fans of early music, but so well done that anyone looking for something new and interesting to listen to would probably enjoy it.

Richard the Lionheart Prison Blues.......2005-12-18

Alla Francesca extemely great, lively and emotionally re-creates and performes two songs tied with Richard the Lionheart. First of them by Richard himself, "Ja nuns hons pris" ("No Prisoner Will Ever Speak His Mind Fully..."), written while he was imprisoned in Austria on the way back from Palestine. Really sad and beautiful song. And the second - song by Gauselm Faidit dedicated to the death of Richard. The other songs and instrumentals are also from the time of the Crusades.
The music performed here in more interesting and emotional way than on the famous old disc by David Munrow "Music of the Crusades". According to my experience, this music usually charms and impresses the listeners who never before heard medieval music.

P.S. If the music of the Crusades epoch is interesting for you - there is CD released in Germany - full version (30:48) of famous song by Walther von der Vogelweide "Palastinalied" (Song of Palestine) written in the 1220s and performed by 20 German authetic, folk, prog rock, Gothic and electronic music bands as single concept piece of music (produced by Markus Van Langen). Though it is not authentic record, still it sounds very lively and original and helps to feel the spirit of that epoch. Search the Web for site of label Emmuty Records.

Average customer rating: Essential for the chansom junkie. Buy It. Almost completely wonderful Indisputable Gallic flair Idiomatic, fresh, cleanly recorded the best songs ever ruined by uneven performing

Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin Francis Poulenc , Dalton Baldwin , Elly Ameling , Gérard Souzay , Nicolai Gedda , Michel Sénéchal , and William Parker Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tartini | Tartini, Giuseppe | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin A French Song Companion Véronique Gens - Nuit d'étoiles (Mélodies Française) / Vignoles The Songs of Henri Duparc ASIN: B000002S31 Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

1. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: I - Le Dromadaire
2. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: II - La Chevre Du Tibet
3. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: III - La Sauterelle
4. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: IV - Le Dauphin
5. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: V - L'ecrevisse
6. LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: VI - La Carpe
7. COCARDES: I - Miel De Narbonne
8. COCARDES: II - Bonne D'enfant
9. COCARDES: III - Enfant De Troupe
10. 5 POEMES DE RONSARD: I - Attributs
11. 5 POEMES DE RONSARD: II - Le Tombeau
12. 5 POEMES DE RONSARD: III - Ballet
13. 5 POEMES DE RONSARD: IV - Je N'ai Plus Les Os
14. 5 POEMES DE RONSARD: V - A Son Page
15. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: I - La Maitresse Volage
16. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: II - Chanson A Boire
17. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: III - Madrigal
18. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: IV - Invocation Aux Parques
19. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: V - Couplets Bachiques
20. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VI - L'offrande
21. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VII - La Belle Jeunesse
22. CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VIII - Serenade
23. AIRS CHANTES: I - Air Romantique
24. AIRS CHANTES: II - Air Champetre
25. AIRS CHANTES: III - Air Grave
26. AIRS CHANTES: IV - Air Vif
27. Epitaphe
28. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: I - Le Present
29. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: II - Chanson
30. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: III - Hier
31. 4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - L'anguille
32. 4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Carte Postale
33. 4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: III - Avant Le Cinema
34. 4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: IV - 1904
35. 5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: I - Chanson Bretonne
36. 5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: II - Cimetiere
37. 5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: III - La Petite Servante
38. 5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: IV - Berceuse
39. 5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: V - Souric Et Mouric
40. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: I - La Couronne
41. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: II - Le Depart
42. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: III - Les Gars Polonais
43. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: IV - Le Dernier Mazour
44. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: V - L'adieu
45. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VI - Le Drapeau Blanc
46. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VII - La Vistule
47. 8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VIII - Le Lac

Tracks:

1. 5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: I - Peut - Il Se Reposer?
2. 5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: II - Il La Prend Dans Ses Bras
3. 5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: III - Plume D'eau Claire
4. 5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: IV - Rodeuse Au Front De Verre
5. 5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: V - Amoureuses
6. A Sa Guitare
7. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: I - Bonne Journee
8. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: II - Une Ruine Coquille Vide
9. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: III - Le Front Comme Un Drapeau Perdu
10. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: IV - Une Roulotte Couverte En Tuiles
11. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: V - A Toutes Brides
12. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VI - Une Herbe Pauvre
13. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VII - Je N'ai Envie Que De T'aimer
14. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VIII - Figure De Force Brulante Et Farouche
15. TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: IX - Nous Avons Fait La Nuit
16. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: I - Le Garcon De Liege
17. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: II - Au-Dela
18. 3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: III - Aux Officiers De La Garde Blanche
19. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Dans Le Jardin D'anna
20. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Allons Plus Vite
21. MIROIRS BRULANTS: I - Tu Vois Le Feu Du Soir
22. MIROIRS BRULANTS: II - Je Nommerai Ton Front
23. Le Portrait
24. La Grenouillere
25. Priez Pour Paix
26. Ce Doux Petit Visage
27. Bleuet
28. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: I - La Dame D'andre
29. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: II - Dans L'herbe
30. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: III - Il Vole
31. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: IV - Mon Cadavre Est Doux Comme Un Gant
32. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: V - Violon
33. FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: VI - Fleurs

Tracks:

1. BANALITES: I - Chanson D'orkenise
2. BANALITES: II - Hotel
3. BANALITES: III - Fagnes De Wallonie
4. BANALITES: IV - Voyage A Paris
5. BANALITES: V - Sanglots
6. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: I - Chanson Du Clair Tamis
7. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: II - Les Gars Qui Vont A La Fete
8. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: III - C'est Le Joli Printemps
9. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: IV - Le Mendiant
10. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: V - Chanson De La Fille Frivole
11. CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: VI - Le Retour Du Sergent
12. METAMORPHOSES: I - Reine Des Mouettes
13. METAMORPHOSES: II - C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es
14. METAMORPHOSES: III - Paganini
15. 2 POEMES DE LOUIS ARAGON: I - C
16. 2 POEMES DE LOUIS ARAGON: II - Fetes Galantes
17. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Montparnasse
18. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Hyde Park
19. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Le Pont
20. 2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Un Poeme
21. Paul Et Virginie
22. Mais Mourir
23. Hymne
24. 3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: I - L'enfant Muet
25. 3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: II - Adelina A La Promenade
26. 3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: III - Chanson A L'oranger Sec
27. Le Disparu
28. Main Dominee Par Le Coeur
29. CALLIGRAMMES: I - L'espionne
30. CALLIGRAMMES: II - Mutation
31. CALLIGRAMMES: III - Vers Le Sud
32. CALLIGRAMMES: IV - Il Pleut
33. CALLIGRAMMES: V - La Grace Exilee
34. CALLIGRAMMES: VI - Aussi Bien Que Les Cigales
35. CALLIGRAMMES: VII - Voyage

Tracks:

1. Mazurka
2. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: I - Rayon Des Yeux...
3. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: II - Le Matin Les Branches Attisent...
4. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: III - Tout Disparut...
5. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: IV - Dans Les Tenebres Du Jardin...
6. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: V - Unis La Fraicheur Et Le Feu...
7. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: VI - Homme Au Sourire Tendre...
8. LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: VII - La Grande Riviere Qui VA...
9. PARISIANA: Le Joueur De Bugle
10. PARISIANA: Vous N'ecrivez Plus?
11. Rosemonde
12. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: I - Pablo Picasso
13. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: II - Marc Chagall
14. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: III - Georges Braque
15. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: IV - Juan Gris
16. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: V - Paul Klee
17. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: VI - Joan Miro
18. LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: VII - Jacques Villon
19. La Souris
20. Nuage
21. Dernier Poeme
22. Une Chanson De Porcelaine
23. LA COURTE PAILLE: I - Le Sommeil
24. LA COURTE PAILLE: II - Quelle Aventure!
25. LA COURTE PAILLE: III - La Reine De Coeur
26. LA COURTE PAILLE: IV - Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu
27. LA COURTE PAILLE: V - Les Anges Musiciens
28. LA COURTE PAILLE: VI - Le Carafon
29. LA COURTE PAILLE: VII - Lune D'avril
30. Toreador
31. 4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: I - La Tragique Histoire Du Petit Rene
32. 4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: II - Nous Voulons Une Petite Soeur
33. 4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: III - Le Petit Garcon Trop Bien Portant
34. 4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: IV - Monsieur Sans-Souci
35. Fancy
36. Colloque

Customer Reviews:

Essential for the chansom junkie. Buy It........2006-10-25

'Poulenc Melodies' performed by a really impressive lineup of vocal talent including Elly Ameling and Nicolai Gedda is exactly the kind of recording you need if you are compulsive about having 'complete' collections of things. This shows a range of composition which smaller releases such as single CD 'Voyage a Paris' (Hyperion, with Felicity Lott and Graham Johnson)can give us. For starters, many of these chansom showed a lot more evidence of more modern stylings and a far greater range of interpretation. In fact, I even had to check the lyrics in the included booklet to verify that on some songs, the performers were singing in French. Even though I have a smattering of knowledge of French, I would have sworn that the singers were performing songs in Russian.

I am happy that all four discs run for more than 60 minutes. No cheap short changing here. If you don't want to spring for the large set, the Hyperion release is great, but this is worth every penny.

Almost completely wonderful.......2005-04-29

Its very considerable advantage lies in its completeness. Poulenc was one of the very greatest songwriters of any era. If you have no Poulenc songs in your collection, start here. The recommendation of Kruysen is a fine one, but only after you have heard this as a basis of comparison. Of Ameling, Senechal, Souzay, Gedda, and Parker, the only disappointment is Parker, who - I'll just say it - sings with his usual bleat. Souzay is a shade past it in vocal quality, but he still understands these songs as well as anybody, with great declamation (and that, after all, is what most of French singing is about). The dryness of the voice is nowhere close to disastrous, as it might have been in Italian opera. Indeed, it lends an air of life lived, without excuses. Gedda is okay. The standouts are Souzay, Ameling, and Senechal. Baldwin accompanies superbly.

Indisputable Gallic flair.......2004-06-06

These performances are piquant and stylistically right on target. Even if Souzay is past his best here, he brings a lifetime of experience to bear and the other performers are wonderful. Ignore the curmudgeon who blasted this set. You will enjoy this tremendously if you love Poulenc.

Idiomatic, fresh, cleanly recorded.......2001-05-12

This is a fine set. Dalton Baldwin accompanies each singer with clarity and zest. And who can resist the affectionate singing of the likes of Nicolai Gedda and Elly Ameling? The "melodies" themselves are magnificent--among Poulenc's finest creations. Whether you have other performances of these works or not, I think you'd be pleased with this beautifully recorded set. Certainly the 70's-vintage performances are more individual in profile, more "romantic," if you will, than those conjured by most of the "anonymous" singers of our own age. Recommended with enthusiasm.

the best songs ever ruined by uneven performing.......2001-05-05

This is a warning for all Poulenc fans NOT to take the bargain route and purchase this immense collection -- you might think you're getting a great deal but: the singing and pianism is substandard and doesn't do the music justice (remotely). Songs like Bonne Journe'e or Ho^tel are all but ruined... Here's what to buy: Bernard Kruysen's CD of selected Poulenc masterpieces (favoring the Elouard settings)... nobody will ever come close to Kruysen in interpreting Poulenc. Avoid THIS CD. They still get 2 stars for (1) being encyclical and (2) delivering clear and even sound quality.

Average customer rating: "Some" great cuts Truly a great sampling of new Brazilian music Very Good "Eh" Stinks

Beleza Tropical 2: Novo! Mais! Melhor!, Compiled By David Byrne Various Artists Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Samba | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music Afro Brazilian | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brazil Classics, Vol. 1: Beleza Tropical Red Hot and Latin Redux Brazil Classics, Vol. 2: O Samba Brazil Classics, Vol. 3: Forro, Etc. Tropicália 2 ASIN: B00000DGUT Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

1. Madalena - Gilberto Gil
2. Hoje Eu Quero Sair So - Lenine
3. Nao Me Estrague O Dia - Os Paralamas Do Sucesso
4. Ifa, Um Canto Pra Subir - Margareth Menezes
5. Rios, Pontes & Overdrives - Chico Science & Nacao Zumbi
6. O Estrangeiro - Caetano Velosa
7. Tanacara - Gonzaguinha
8. Curiosidade - Tom Ze
9. Balanca Pema - Marisa Monte
10. Batuque - Daniella Mercury
11. Acho - Carlos Careqa
12. What Is This? - Sergio Mendes
13. Imagem - Arnaldo Antunes
14. Pregoes Do Rio - Moleque De Rua
15. O Seu Olhar - Arnaldo Antunes

Amazon.com

Ten years after Beleza Tropical Volume 1 turned the world on to the popular music of Brazil (MPB), along comes volume 2 to bring us up to date. The first volume did a great job covering the 1960s and '70s; volume 2 does an equally impressive job in focusing on the late '80s and the '90s. The MPB scene is as vibrant as ever. Elder voices of the movement like Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Sergio Mendes have recently put out some of the best work of their careers, and you'll find wonderful examples of that here. The new generation of MPB stars are also amply represented--Marisa Monte, Daniela Mercury, the late Chico Science, Moleque de Rua, Os Paralamas Do Successo, and others all contribute excellent work. The songs incorporate the technological changes of the past decade and meld elements of rock, jazz, funk, reggae, and African music with the rich traditions of Brazil. The result is music that is coherent, edgy, and creatively compelling. This compilation is very well sequenced, so that it doesn't sound like a hodgepodge of styles, but instead flows flawlessly from tune to tune. --Jeff Grubb

Customer Reviews:

"Some" great cuts.......2001-09-09

This is a fair album if we compare it to the first one. David leaves outside many great singers/groups like Daude, Suzano, even the great Ed Motta; and on the other hand, some cuts are not worth listing in a "Beleza" (Beauty)album. Anyhow, Gilberto Gil's cut is excellent among two or three more. I stick with the first one.

Truly a great sampling of new Brazilian music.......2001-08-08

I was first introduced to Brazilian music with Byrne's Brazilian Classics, prefering above the others, the Beleza Tropical #1. After loving that album so much for so long, the first time I heard Beleza Tropical 2 I was disappointed. BUT now I LOVE this CD! I don't know what the others who reviewed this CD are griping about. This is a great CD with a lot of fun tracks and talented artsits. There's a lot of MPB I really don't like but there is not on song on this CD I don't think worthy of a compilation like this. Ever since buying this CD, I haven't gone back to the first one. It was time for me to update my tastes for Brazilian music.

Very Good.......1999-12-24

It's very good to hear new artists like Carlos Careqa, Lenine and Arnaldo Antunes and of course the late Chico Science anthology of Brazilian music. I recommend to look for Carlos Careqa's MUSICA PARA FINAL DE SECULO and OS HOMENS SAO TODOS IGUAIS and CHICO SCIENCE'S AFROCIBERDELIA AND MANGUEBEAT. Congratulations to Luaka Bop.

"Eh".......1999-10-27

The title read Novo! Mais! Melhor! and had David Byrne's name on it. But it was anything but the title. Actually I thought this was downright dull. There are loads of compilations with much more flair-- like Nova Bossa for old, Cuca Nova/Red Hot+ Rio for new renditions. Great artists like Mercury, Monte and Veloso are wasted on this-- they're why the CD has two stars instead of one. The only song I enjoyed was "What is This", but I would suggest buying Sergio Mendes' Brasileiro instead of this one. Disappointing CD.. save your money

Stinks.......1999-10-06

This CD is pants. Unfortunately, the Amazon system doesn't allow you to give less than one star. The cover artwork is shite, there is absolutely nothing new on the record, and it's a total waste of time and money. As a statement about Brazilian music of the 90s, look no further than the fact that one of the tracks was written in the 60s. The title, for those who don't speak Portuguese, means new, more, better. It's old, less, worse. Guess Byrne's love affair with Brazil must have gone off the boil. Try Chico Cesar's CuzCuz Clã instead. Now that really is new, more, better

Average customer rating: Beautifully selected GREAT READING MUSIC A delicious assortment

Piano Adagios Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( 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 Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music D'Indy, Vincent | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( 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 Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | 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 Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Violin Adagios Cello Adagios Guitar Adagios Evening Adagios Movie Adagios ASIN: B000026A7U Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.3: Largo
2. Piano Concerto No.2: Larghetto
3. Piano Concerto No.1 In G Minor: Andante
4. Pinao Concerto in A minor: Intermezzo: Andantino grazioso
5. Piano Concerto No.2 In A: Allegro moderato - Liszt
6. Piano Concerto In A Minor: Adagio
7. Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat: Andante
8. Symphonie sur un chant montagnard: Assez mod, mais sans lenteur
9. Piano Concerto No,1 in B flat minor: Andantino semplice - Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio sostenuto
2. Piano Concerto No. 3: Intermezzo: Adagio
3. Piano Concerto No.1: Andante con espressione
4. Piano concerto No.2 in G minor: Andantino - Allegretto
5. Piano Concerto In F: Adagio - Andante con moto
6. Piano Concerto In G: Allegro assai
7. Piano Concerto: Andante con moto
8. Piano Concerto No.2: Andante

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully selected.......2001-11-18

A most enjoyable selection of many of the most memorable piano concertos. Played well by some well and lesser known artists. Music to set any mood and enhance piano enjoyment. I recommend this for avid pianists, beginners and anyone looking for a great and wide introduction to the great sounds of Piano Concertos.

GREAT READING MUSIC.......2001-09-18

I was in a bookstore awhile ago and came across some great music. These Adagios are great for quiet times. The Violin Adagio, I also recommend for Adagios fans....Trust Me on this. This collection of songs is a must have !!!

TRIPP

A delicious assortment.......2001-03-04

This is a very nice compilation of piano, mostly adagio concerto movements, from a wide range of composers and centuries. I bought it for the Poulenc concerto for two pianos, which is a homage to Mozart and very light and amusing. The surprise treat was the Artur Lemba. Lemba is an Estonian composer (like Arvo Part.) I wasn't familiar with Lemba's music, but I am going to get more familiar. This sample was wonderful!

The rest of the cds are the type you tend to leave in the cd changer to play over and over, especially if you need a relaxed or romantic mood. Some of the music is quite familiar (Chopin) and others are a welcome introduction to lesser-known but estimable works. This CD is a brilliant assembly of slow movement piano works that never fails to please.

Latin Music:

1. Metalworks, Vol. 1
2. Milton's
3. Mo Vida
4. Olfateando el Animal
5. Que Bonito Es el Amor
6. Regresar Al Amor
7. Return of the Inca
8. Rhythm Machine
9. Ritmo en Tres Colores
10. Salsa Con Clase

Latin Music

latin music

Latin Music

Play It Rough V.2 [Import]

19th Clara Haskil Competition 2001

1st Works

Music: Tartini: Violin Concertos Vol. 2 (Op. 2)

10 Things I Hate About You: Music From The Motion Picture [Soundtrack]

1958

20 Years of Hope: Maranatha! Music

1-2-3-4 [Import]

Yonaha Tooru Presents Uchina W [Import]

Von DeUtscher Seele

Xtra Acme USA

You'll Never Beat the Irish

Zero Tolerance [Explicit Lyrics]

The Art of Fugue BWV1080

Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests