Early Music

From the Artist
Spooky Actions is a New York based jazz and new-music ensemble whose diverse recordings include the music of 20th century composer Anton Webern, interpretations of Native American music, and most recently, early music from the 2nd century BC through the 1500’s. Their unique and compelling sound is being met with critical acclaim and widespread interest.

The band was founded in 1997 by John Gunther (sax, clarinet, & flute) and Bruce Arnold (electric processed guitar). The two musicians, both professors at New York University, jammed and felt an immediate musical affinity. When they both started bringing in classical music to improvise over, they were inspired to start making their own transcriptions of early and modern classical music and to create a series of recording projects.

"I’ve often thought of music as a vessel of the human spirit, a message in a bottle that can travel across an ocean of time, and deliver a "note" from Bach, or Charlie Parker." So writes John Gunther in his essay for their latest release "Early Music." "Perhaps embedded in the intervals and sequences of the melody and rhythm are the thoughts and emotions of the composers themselves" he continues. Thus he states the raison d’être for Spooky Actions, and its continued mining of diverse repertoire for examination and re-interpretation.

The name Spooky Actions is derived from a comment by Albert Einstein, in which he noted that certain seemingly unrelated objects could nevertheless exert a powerful influence upon each other. He called these relationships "spooky actions at a distance." Spooky Actions, the band, certainly personifies this concept, showing how vivid and accessible improvisations can be derived from music that is often thought of as "etched in stone."

Product Description
"I’ve often thought of music as a vessel of the human spirit, a message in a bottle that can travel across an ocean of time, and deliver a "note" from Bach, or Charlie Parker." So writes John Gunther in his essay for this latest excursion by Spooky Actions. "Perhaps embedded in the intervals and sequences of the melody and rhythm are the thoughts and emotions of the composers themselves" he continues. Thus he states the raison d’être for Spooky Actions, and its continued mining of diverse repertoire for examination and re-interpretation.

Spooky Actions the band, is John Gunther (winds) and Bruce Arnold (electric processed guitar). The two musicians who both teach at New York University met, jammed and felt an immediate musical affinity. When Gunther started bringing in both early and modern classical music to improvise over, they were inspired to start making their own transcriptions, and to create a series of recording projects.

The group (currently including Kirk Driscoll on drums and percussion, and Mike Richmond on Bass and Cello) now turns its attention to a selection of beautiful Early Music. The repertoire covers a wide swath of time, including as it does the "Skolion of Seikilos," one of the earliest examples of written music, from the 2nd century BC, to the "Canzonet 1,2,& 3" of Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643). Other pieces are "De Virginibus O Nobilissima Viriditas" by Hildegard Von Bingen (1098-1179), "Vergine Bella" by Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474), a Gregorian Chant, "Alleluya (Nativitas) by Perotin (c. 1200) and "Ode from the Kanon for Easter Sunday" a Byzantine Chant from the 8th Century AD.

The result is a CD that can comfort, transport and inspire the listener. And while that is not surprising, since this music was originally designed to do exactly that, what is astonishing is that Spooky Actions has done it again—examined the essence of a piece of music, and made it their own, without removing its heart or intent. As Gunther concludes: "We bring them into the present and frame them with our own life experiences. And so we place the message back in the bottle, and cast it back into the deep."

Early Music

Early Music,Spooky Actions,Muse Eek,The music of Monteverdi, Von Bingen, Dufay and others is given the Spooky treatment. A CD that can comfort, transport and inspire the listener.

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Average customer rating: A great introduction to Mingus

Cornell 1964 Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Charles Mingus in Paris: The Complete America Recordings My Favorite Things: Coltrane at Newport Change Pilgrimage The Trio of Doom Live ASIN: B000R7G77G Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Opening
2. ATFW You
3. Sophisticated Lady
4. Fables Of Faubus
5. Orange Was the Coulour Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk
6. That the 'A' Train

Tracks:

1. Meditations
2. So Long Eric
3. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
4. Jitterbug Waltz

Amazon.com

The band that Charles Mingus, the doyen of jazz's mercurial polymaths, pulled together for his early-1964 European tour was phenomenal—and here they are playing 130 minutes worth of live music no one's ever heard. Pianist Jaki Byard, alto saxophonist/flutist/bass clarinetist Eric Dolphy, tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, trumpeter Johnny Coles, and longtime drummer Dannie Richmond came together for the Mingus tour knowing that Dolphy would be staying in Europe after their gigs—he died tragically just 12 weeks after this gig. And Coles would come perilously close to death himself with a stomach ulcer within a month of the band's Cornell date, forcing him off the tour. So the music here is particularly special and musically resplendent. There is considerable overlap with the The Great Concert of Charles Mingus, but that 2-CD set is sans the ailing Coles, who fattens the sound here: playing beautifully as "Johnny O'Coles" on the unlikely "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." But Eric Dolphy, his every breath is poetry: from his palpitating bass clarinet on the pugnacious "Fables of Faubus" to the tipsy, whirling flute he plays on "Jitterbug Waltz," a tune he loved playing. The sound here is less crisp than The Great Concert, thick in the middle and ill-defined when it comes to Richmond's drums, leaving the group's interplay like an ear-magnet. "Take the 'A' Train" pays soulful, blossoming homage to Billy Strayhorn even as you can hear the band tightening their grip collectively, learning to fly as a unit. Unheard music of this caliber demands a listen, and here the rewards are bountiful. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Mingus.......2007-07-25

Like the 2005 releases Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall and Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945 (Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker), Cornell 1964 is a newly-discovered concert recording. And as with those 2005 releases, the performance just happens to be extraordinary. I'm past the two-dozen mark when it comes to buying Mingus recordings, and I think that Cornell 1964 is the most exciting Mingus music I've heard.

What a concert those lucky students were given:

"ATFW You": Jaki Byard's fleet, witty parade of Art Tatumisms and Fats Wallerisms.

"Sophisticated Lady": for bass. Mingus never stopped paying tribute to Duke Ellington.

"Fables of Faubus": A Weillian send-up of Orval Faubus, segregationist governor of Arkansas. The lyrics here are, alas, inaudible. (A sample: "Two, four, six, eight, they brainwash and teach you hate.") A very lengthy "Fables," dipping into various streams of musical Americana along the way. Here, as elsewhere, Mingus and Richmond are the most inventive bass-and-drums pairing in jazz, changing tempos and textures and thereby pushing soloists to dig deeper: the rhythm section as personal trainer.

"Orange Was the Color Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk": One of Mingus's most beautiful compositions, with overtones of Ellington, "Blues in the Night," and "Body and Soul."

"Take the 'A' Train": I think that it's here that everything rises to a very high level of energy. As Clifford Jordan begins his second chorus, Mingus calls to Johnny Coles and Eric Dolphy: "Join in," and the band takes off. Jordan is the great surprise on this performance and on the rest of the recording, playing with greater intensity and freedom than on the European tour recordings (or at least the ones that I've heard). And Coles, who missed much of the European tour with a stomach ulcer, is brilliant here and elsewhere. I'm only now realizing that he was an influence on Lester Bowie, one of my favorite trumpeters.

"Meditations": like "Orange," a composition in markedly different sections. Particularly powerful solos from Byard and Dolphy (bass clarinet).

"So Long Eric": Twelve-bar blues. Mingus plants the endpin of his bass in the floor, and not for the first time: "Well, we got several holes now." The tempo here is slower than on other recordings of this tune. Mingus calls to Johnny Coles: "Come on, Johnny." He calls to Jaki Byard: "By yourself," and bass and drums drop out. No problem: Byard turns into Art Tatum and Erroll Garner. It's Clifford Jordan's turn to solo: "I know you swing," says Mingus. And before Dannie Richmond's solo: "Go!"

Two encores follow, the first featuring "the only Irishman in the band," "Johnny O'Coles." (Note the concert date.) And finally, a giddy, slightly wobbly "Jitterbug Waltz," the elegant Fats Waller melody that Eric Dolphy loved to play.

For a newcomer to Mingus' music, Cornell 1964 is a perfect start: three major Mingus compositions ("Fables," "Orange," "Meditations"), some blues, some strong evidence of Mingus' reverence for his musical ancestors, and a charming novelty, all played by what many listeners regard as Mingus' greatest band.

Average customer rating: great CD Very disappointing *sigh* Elizabethan Music Vibe shift

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland) Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late An Ancient Muse Wintersong James Taylor at Christmas Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994 ASIN: B000HXDESU Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. Walsingham
2. Can she excuse my wrongs?
3. Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor Â…
4. Flow my tears
5. Have you seen the bright lily grow
6. Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson diedÂ…
7. The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
8. The lowest trees have tops
9. And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letterÂ…
10. Fine knacks for ladies
11. From thenc I went to the Landgrave of HessenÂ…
12. Fantasy
13. Come, heavy sleep
14. Forlorn Hope Fancy
15. And from thence I had great desire to see ItalyÂ…
16. Come again
17. Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
18. After my departure I caled to mynde our conferenceÂ…
19. Weep you no more, sad fountains
20. My Lord WilloughbyÂ’s Welcome Home
21. Clear or cloudy
22. Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparationÂ…
23. In darkness let me dwell

Amazon.com

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

Album Description

StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.

Customer Reviews:

great CD.......2007-07-23

As usual, this is a great STING's cd. Wonderful music and interpretation. Its amazin these songs were written on the 16 century.
I will completely recomend anyone this CD.

Very disappointing.......2007-07-19

As we all know, the music of John Dowland is lovely. When played by Paul Odette or Julian Bream it is exquisite. However, this production is almost depressing. Sting's gravelly voice finally grated on me and I probably won't play this again. The lute performance is mediocre also. The best song is that which they use to promote the album. Pass on this one.

*sigh*.......2007-07-16

I am a lutenist myself, who had experience as both a rock guitarist and a classically trained clarinetist before also picking up the lute. I have a great love for Dowland that comes from years of playing his songs myself as well as hearing great musicians (like Paul O'Dette) play them. And this CD makes me sad.

In a way, it doesn't surprise me that Sting would do this. For years now he's been trying to gain cred in the classical music world (I have a 1988 recording of him doing Stravinsky's A Soldier Tale that delighted me when I was 16 and musically ignorant, but now makes my eyes roll into the back of my head). What upsets me is he had to do something that's initimately important to me as a musician. The is problem is that when it comes this kind of music, as others have said, he IS an amatuer, and all his heavy-handed, juvenile earnesty and clumsy, misplaced intensity just drains out all the joy I would normally experience from these songs. Moreover, he's voice isn't merely "untrained" - it's *shot* from years of strain caused by bad "rock" vocal technique. It's just pitiful to listen to in such an exposed context. If you think this is how these songs ought to be intrepreted, you're sadly mistaken.

There are people who would call Sting a "pop genius, " laud him and hand him all sort of impressive looking awards and honors, but this is the music of a real genius, someone who knew not just how to write lyrics that hit home with his audience, but as how to compose songs with unparallel grace, form and sophistication in an idiosyncratic style that bridged convention and innovation. And Sting simply cannot do Dowland's music justice. He just doesn't have the chops or the insight. It's great he's supposedly "studied" this music and that he wrote lengthy, flowery liner notes, but did he really need to record this CD for any reason that his own self-satisfaction? It's far too obvious he hasn't done the same level of groundwork of countless Early Music musicians who don't do this a hobby or avocation from political causes or high-profile celebrity, but as their sole passion. Why couldn't he simply support those musicians, without trying to grab some spotlight for himself? Having a decent lutenist as a sidekick just isn't enough to pull him up from his amatuerly, self-important bog, either. Frankly, he just doesn't get it, and at this stage, I don't think he will.

Early music lovers don't need someone like Sting to bring this music to us - we've been doing just fine without him because we have so many other, really wonderful musicians around to keep this music alive. Someone else recommended Nigel Rogers and Paul O'Dette, and I would gladly recommend them over this celebrity-fuel nonsense as well. Yes these are both musicians with academic backgrounda, but that doesn't mean they are academic musicians - far from it. They just have to hold down teaching positions and do master classes because they don't have a pop career to play the bills. Musicially and professionally, they're what Early Music musicians ought to be - dedicated, educated, passionate and yet they don't have any need to take themselves this deathly seriously.

Elizabethan Music.......2007-07-12

This is the audio component of an hour long video made by Sting on the work of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. (The video does adds greatly to the value as it places the music against the background and age (16th C) for which it was written.) Sting's voice is light tenor and right for these poems set to music about everlasting human concerns that persist to our day. But you'll not see those wonderful lutes that accompany the words, so complex to play with a beauty of sound not heard today. Between his music Sting gives an excellent spoken commentary to complete an attractive presentation of esoteric classical music with a modern undertone.

Vibe shift.......2007-07-10

Why bother? Still would like to say i love the 'shift' it takes to get into this music and how i (and my home) feel when i've enter this rather rarified realm of listening.

Average customer rating: great Just Textured, Feel-Good Tunes! Best Shins album Great album Indie Rock Right-Side-Up

Oh, Inverted World The Shins Manufacturer: Sub Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Details The Crane Wife Garden State Plans Simple Things ASIN: B00005JSHW Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Caring Is Creepy
2. One By One All Day
3. Weird Divide
4. Know Your Onion!
5. Girl Inform Me
6. New Slang
7. The Celibate Life
8. Girl On The Wing
9. Your Algebra
10. Pressed In A Book
11. The Past And Pending

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Something extraordinary is afoot in Albuquerque. The Shins' first big-time record, Oh, Inverted World, combines mysterious narratives with golden song structures, resulting in lavish and opulent indie pop. Touches of Neutral Milk Hotel's lyrical majesty and the nostalgic swirl of Echo and the Bunnymen abound. But the Shins' music--rich with acoustic guitars, flickering rhythms, and Casio-tone keyboards--is distinct and peculiar. Worry mixes with abstraction throughout, and while James Mercer sings, "You led no celibate life / No skirt while chemicals danced on your head / You stole the keys to this ride / And your fables are falling tonight," you may wonder if he's been routing through your fondest, most troubling memories. This vital album is easily among 2001's most distinguished recordings and one of the best Sub Pop releases to date. --Thom Arno

Album Description

Hailing from Albuquerque, NM, The Shins sprung from the ashes of Flake/Flakemusic in 1997 (though those previous incarnations date back nearly a decade) - same members, different instruments, different approach. Counterpoint guitars have given way to a single guitar pitted against calculated keyboard passages; swarming indie rock machinations led to pop-based melodic endeavors.

Customer Reviews:

great.......2007-06-27

This is a really good cd. I was a bit nervous as I first came across The Shins in the movie Garden State. I loved the two songs that they had on there and was glad to hear they were both on this cd, though I was a bit nervous that the rest of the cd might not have been as good. However, this cd doesn't fail to disappoint. Among these great songs are; Caring is Creepy, Girl Inform Me, Know your Onion!, New Slang, One By One Day by Day, and Pressed In A Book. The others are good too.

Just Textured, Feel-Good Tunes!.......2007-06-08

The Shins "Oh, Inverted World" is a whopping debut of great tunes tinged with a subtle ingredient of the south, particularly in "One By One All Day". "Caring is Creepy", "Know Your Onion", "Girl Inform Me", "New Slang", and "The Past and the Pending" are just the highlights of this rollicking-good album. It is simply produced with catchy tunes that will stay with you for a good time.

Best Shins album.......2007-05-17

This album was one of the better albums I've heard in a long time. I think its listenable from beginning to end, and it probably should be a classic to music lovers for years to come.

-JR

Great album.......2007-03-09

I am always in a mood to listen to the Shins. They have digested and combined all the different genres of contemporary music and the product is larger than its parts. I have all their albums and I don't know which one I like best.

Indie Rock Right-Side-Up.......2007-02-15

Debuting in the summer of 2001, this album propped the bar up higher for craftsmen (and coattail-happy riders) of indie rock everywhere. From their deceptively simple structuralism to their mind-bending, almost mythical lyrics, The Shins gave lovers of the genre everywhere a good reason to let out a sigh of relief.

Like all great artists (The Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Brians Wilson and Eno, to name just a few), there are hints of other influences in this record (in fact, the last two in my parenthetical above are arguably in that list). These influences come in the form of hints and hums, though, and don't overshadow the delicate beauty of the rest of the record. They give it shape and shadow, but the warm, tender heart of the album belongs exclusively to Mr. Mercer, et. al.

Emotional ("Caring is Creepy"), skippingly-playful ("Know Your Onion!"), tender and evocative ("The Past and Pending"), and unabashedly poppy ("Girl Inform Me"), this album spans the spectrum of creativity, and does it with a talent and panache that seems rarer and rarer these days. The Shins mix simple (but gorgeous) chord progressions with airy brass, unobtrusive tambourine and harmonica, and well-blended electronica into something that is almost achingly fun to experience. It would be wrong to say they've turned the world of indie rock upside down, but it's true they've shone light on a new and darker part of it, a part that's worth visiting for a long, long time.

Average customer rating: Excellent for Meditation Relaxing... Great music, great price Definitely Meditative Gregorian Meditation

Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant Chant Chant II ASIN: B000001VIL Release Date: 1994-08-30

Tracks:

1. Introitus: Ecce advenit
2. Graduale: Onmes de Saba
3. Communio: Omnes qui in Christo
4. Halleluja: Dies sanctificatus
5. Ofertorium: Tui sunt caeli
6. Hymnus: Creator alme siderum
7. Introitus: Gaudens gaudebo
8. Halleluja: Leatatus sum
9. Communio: Dicite Pusillanimes
10. Tractus Deus: Deus meus
11. Introitus: Misereris
12. Antiphon: Pueri Hebraeorum
13. Hymnus: Gloria
14. Graduale: Christus factus est
15. Halleluja: Hallelujah
16. Introitus: Resurrexi
17. Sequenz: Victimae paschalis laudes
18. Hymnus: Veni creator

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for Meditation.......2007-08-01

It wonderful to hear the voices and to sit in a quiet room. Thank you.

Relaxing..........2007-07-22

If you like gregorian chants... you will love this cd. Its perfect to just sit on you own... and meditate.

Great music, great price.......2007-05-07

I ordered this cd for a book club I was hosting on the book "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It was perfect "mood" music for the discussion and the price was unbeatable!

Definitely Meditative.......2007-03-09

The gift that these men are able to share is worth listening to. To be quiet in yourself and allow space for this soulful chanting is an experience in itself.

Gregorian Meditation.......2007-01-13

Great CD. My wife and I listen to it almost daily. We even use it for prayer sessions. Also the product was in perfect condition and and was as advertised. We're totaly satified.

Average customer rating: what this set did for me! Good stuff, not the greatest Early Days, Better Days A nice concise jolt of Zeppelin Great for introduction to Zeppelin

Early Days & Latter Days: Vol. 1 & 2 Led Zepplin Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd The Who: The Ultimate Collection Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix The Best Of The Doors O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits ASIN: B0000787GW Release Date: 2002-11-19

Tracks:

1. Good Times, Bad Times
2. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
3. Dazed And Confused
4. Communication Breakdown
5. Whole Lotta Love
6. What Is And What Should Never Be
7. Immigrant Song
8. Since I've Been Loving You
9. Black Dog
10. Rock And Roll
11. The Battle Of Evermore
12. When The Levee Breaks
13. Stairway To Heaven

Tracks:

1. The Song Remains The Same
2. No Quarter
3. Houses Of The Holy
4. Trampled Underfoot
5. Kashmir
6. Ten Years Gone
7. Achillies Last Stand
8. Nobody's Fault But Mine
9. All My Love
10. In The Evening

Album Description

Full Title - Early Days & Latter Days - The best of Volumes One and Two. This special two-disc set captures the legendary power of Led Zeppelin's finest moments in a collection of 23 classic tracks selected by Jimmy Page himself. As if that weren't enough, Early Days Volume one includes a never-before-heard live version of 'Communication Breakdown' recorded circa 1969. Latter Days Volume two is enhanced with never-before-seen performance footage of 'Kashmir' filmed at London's Earl Court back in 1975. 2 standard jewel cases housed in a slipcase. Atlantic. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

what this set did for me!.......2007-07-24

I couldn't argue with those who find fault with this set, as those people make very good points against buying this. However, having bought this set before any of their other CDs (except ZOSO), I can say that this did for me exactly what Jimmy Page knew that it would: It made me want more Zeppelin! I went from these to both Box Sets, and from there to purchasing all the single album CDs.

So, is this set part of a plan to 'trap' people into becoming fanatics? Maybe not, but that's how it worked out for me. I hardly ever pull out these disks now to listen to Zep, but they served their purpose and I'm glad that I bought them! I dare anyone who is new to Zep to buy these and NOT want more of them! Zeppelin is the BEST!!!

Good stuff, not the greatest.......2007-07-11

This is a tough one to review. Zepplin was indisputably a great band, and I'm a fan, so it would seem natural to just give it a 5. But I don't quite feel this collection enough for that. The good songs on this collection are awesome, some of the best rock from the 70s for sure. These guys had great talent and great music and lyrics. However, the collection's not as complete as it could be and some of the chosen songs are lesser-knowns that are kind of long. The songs that are longer kind of slow things down and gets a little tedious at times. The Zepplin fan should get this collection as a way to have a bunch of the really good tunes in one location, that's the chief strength here.

Early Days, Better Days.......2007-07-05

Was impressed with the album. Was missing a few songs that I really wanted, but over all, it was worth my money.

A nice concise jolt of Zeppelin.......2007-03-23

I really wanted to give this 5 stars, but.....I couldn't. Because.....

I have to first agree with the reviewer who commented about Heartbreaker, Livin' Lovin' Maid, and Misty Mountain Hop being excluded from this set. I felt similarly about those songs, as well as Thank You, which, as obscure as it was, I have always counted as one of my favorites.
But, on the other side of the coin, when do we ever find a greatest hits compilation that has each and every song we want? Never.
That said, I went and bought this CD because my young son is very much into drumming and is now becoming familiar with great rock drummers. So I knew he had to get to know Bonzo, and when I saw this in the store I grabbed it up because it had a really good lineup. When we popped it into the dashboard on the way home - wow - we both really enjoyed it, he was air drumming in the back seat like a lunatic and I was just thoroughly enjoying one song after another. If it included the above songs, it would be a true stairway to heaven for me. This set is great, highly recommend it.

Great for introduction to Zeppelin.......2006-08-10

The Early Days, were the introduction to Led Zeppelin for me. The Latter Days came shortly after. The reason I say these two albums are great (especially the first of the two) is how well they introduced someone to the band. The Early Days, when I first got it, I realized every single song on the CD was an absolute masterpiece and within a week, Zeppelin had surpassed GNR on my favourite all-time band. The complete studio albums came soon after.

I understand why an older fan of Led Zeppelin would be disappointed with this; it misses a few major hits such as Ramble On, Heartbreaker, Over the Hills and Far Away, and The Rain Song (these songs could have still fit onto the two albums without passing the 80-minute CD limit). However, I find this almost a good thing, because it led me to not end up disappointed when getting their studio albums, realizing that there were even more masterpieces than just the ones on the greatest hits, for example: the ones listed above, Living Loving Maid, Tangerine, and all the remaining songs on the fourth album.

With such little new music as great as once was, it's becoming more necessary for younger music-listeners such as me, to look into classic rock like Zeppelin. There was no greater way than by getting the Early Days and the Latter Days.

And, how much better to have all the songs in their albums' order on a greatest hits compilation, yet to still have it end on the uncomparible Stairway to Heaven. Great job.

Average customer rating: Classy Indian Chants Authentic Hindu Chants George and Ravi combine worship and melody for a one-of-akind experience uplifting Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar

Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison Ravi Shankar , and George Harrison Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Sounds of India The Essential Ravi Shankar West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection Rise Three Ragas ASIN: B000002SMC Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

1. Vandanaa Trayee
2. Omkaaraaya Namaha
3. Vedic Chanting (One)
4. Asato Maa
5. Sahanaa Vavatu
6. Poornamadah
7. Gaayatri
8. Mahaa Mrityunjaya (Om Triambakam)
9. Veenaa-Murali (Music Interlude)
10. Geetaa (Karmanye Vadhikaraste)
11. Mangalam (Tala Mantra)
12. Hari Om (Music Interlude)
13. Svara Mantra
14. Vedic Chanting (Two)
15. Prabhujee
16. Sarve Shaam

Amazon.com essential recording

Mantram is Ravi Shankar's effort to set Sanskrit chants from ancient Hindu scriptures to music, and the result is a captivating mix of chant and music. Produced by George Harrison, this collection of mantras and prayers from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures powerfully transports the listener to a place of peace where it's possible to be one with the universe. It's as if a heavy, enveloping cloak of serenity falls from the dark, floating sounds of cello opening the CD. Shankar employs flute, tamboura, harp, and other instruments to accent the mighty "Om" thread that weaves itself through the cloth of this album, bringing together deep, ominous voices with delicate, earthly instruments. One looking for extensive Shankar sitar might be disappointed, but the beauty of this artist's creativity and spiritual vision sweeps one away into a larger, more meaningful listening experience. Highly recommended. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Classy Indian Chants.......2007-07-24

This is an excellent reproduction of some of the religious chants in the Indian classical music tradition. The recitation and diction is clear and quite precise. A great introduction to religious chants for a novice taking interest in Indian classical music.

Authentic Hindu Chants.......2007-06-14

This is the perfect CD for the beginner who wants to learn Hindu chanting. The words to each song are included in the jacket. The words are easy to understand for the most part given the complexity of the language. And most importantly, the music is hauntingly beautiful. I knew this was a winner when I saw Harrison as producer.

George and Ravi combine worship and melody for a one-of-akind experience.......2007-05-04

Ravi Shankar and George Harrison are two of this world's greatest composers and musicians, so it makes sense that a unified effort would be incredible. It is, but not just because of these two men... To backtrack a little, my Mom and Dad first bought this CD when I was about five; it had George Harrison's name under the word producer and (I think) they were beginning to be interested in the Hindu faith. In those days, and for many years, I had no idea what the words they were saying meant. I was simply captivated by the repeated, strange phrases and the beautiful music they were set to. The music is still one of my favorite parts of the CD and without it, the CD would barley be half of what it is, but now being much older I have had the opportunity to delve into the booklet inside the CD case. These words, whether traditional or written by Ravi Shankar are a beauty in and of themselves. Each one prays for spiritual enlightenment, better knowledge of a diety or knowledge and wisdom in general. The recurring theme of peace and safty/tranquility among all things is also welcome. An example of this earnest praying is "O,Lord lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from the darkness to the light [from ignorance to knowledge]. Lead me from death to immortality. May there be peace, peace and perfect peace" ( from track 4, Asato Maa.) Also to be carefully headed are those chants which dwell proper human action, such as "You have but the right to perform action; you have no hold on the results thereof. May you not seek the rewards of action and may you never engage in wrong action.[This is not an excuse for inaction!" ( track 9, Geetaa.) There are other varied but always interesting chants here: instructions by a guru or teacher for his students (track 3, Vedic Chanting One), chants praising certain gods, and most fascinating of all, chants wishing for peace and tranquility. These such as Mangalam (track 11) and Sarve Shaam (track 16 and a huge favorite), combined with beautiful instrumental interludes (those who have seen 'Concert for George' may be reminded of Arpan), and the exquisite instrumentation and production by George Harrison (rest in Son of Hari!) come together to make a sublime and deep, enlightening musical experience. This truly a gorgeous album, incredible to listen to (though to get it just for the beatiful instruments, or the name of the producer for that matter, would be to miss the point.) If I tried to list favorites I'd probably end up listing the whole album. Here are a few highlights: Vandanaa Trayee, the opening track and a beautiful combination of introductory music, three sepearte prayers and interludes, tracks 3 and 14, the two vedic chants, Mangalam, a prayor for peace, and the similar Sarve Shaam, Asato Maa, tracks 5, 7, and 8 (7/8 CAN get repetative after a while,12 and 13 ( atmospheric intstrumental trackss), Geetaa, and a Ravi Shankar original Prabhujee. This, track 15 of 16, is a wondefully melodic, well-produced and warming, beautiful prayer for divine enlightenment and is worth a good listen. Track 2 has an interesting concept to it as well. All in all, this album is a wonderful buy for those interested in Hindu chants, beatuiful music or just spritual enlightenment. Well produced, beautiful instruments, deep, depth-filled chants- what more can the open minded listen want!? 5/5. Om shaantih, Shaantih, Shaantih [Amen; May there be peace, peace and perfect peace.]

uplifting.......2007-04-06

Very peaceful and relaxing music. I got it because I am a George Harrison fan and have seen both George and Ravi Shankar in concert. I also wanted to experience more indian religous music.

Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar.......2007-04-01

This is one of my most cherished disks. I find the Sanskrit mantras rendered in Ravi Shankar's compositions, as well as the traditional Vedic chanting heard on this disk, definitive and powerfully moving. Additonally, the modern-style love song to God, "Prabhujee", features beautiful words and melody over George Harrison's acoustic guitar chording, evoking deep feeling, longing for the Divine.

When I bought this disk years ago, it came with a booklet featuring extensive liner notes, including the Sanskrit portions written in the Devanagari script, with transliterations and translations by Panditjee himself. This disk has thereby proven itself a great resource in my studies of Sanskrit, enabling me to read - and therefore properly pronounce - these important verses. I hope this information is still provided in the disk, as a version I bought in India omitted these extensive texts.

Average customer rating: spiritual americana Rich Heritage Superb Can't walk away from it! Mana from Heaven

American Angels Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Anonymous 4 | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gloryland Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4 A Portrait Of Anonymous 4 The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen ASIN: B0001ADB4Q Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

1. Holy Manna
2. Abbeville
3. Wondrous Love
4. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
5. Jewett
6. Dunlap's Creek
7. New Britain
8. The Morning Trumpet
9. Resignation
10. Poland
11. Wayfaring Stranger
12. Sweet By And By
13. Blooming Vale
14. Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
15. Sweet Prospect
16. Shall We Gather At The River
17. Amanda
18. Invitation
19. Parting Hand
20. Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Average customer rating: It's great! Honestly, this CD sucks What an awesome CD!!! rocket ship beach review we all love it

Rocket Ship Beach Dan Zanes + Friends Manufacturer: Festival Five Rec. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: House Party Family Dance Night Time Catch That Train! Dan Zanes & Friends - All Around the Kitchen! Crazy Videos & Concert Songs! ASIN: B000051ZNR Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Polly Wolly Doodle (with Sheryl Crow)
2. King Kong Kitchie (with the Wonderland String Band)
3. Bushel and a Peck (with Donald Saaf and the Rocket Ship Singers)
4. Go Down Emmanuel Road (with the Sandy Girls)
5. Goodbye Old Paint
6. Father Goose (with Rankin' Don and the Rocket Ship
7. Keep on the Sunny Side (with the Wonderland String Band)
8. Erie Canal (with Suzanne Vega)
9. Buckeye Jim
10. Brown Girl in the Ring (with the Wonderland String Band and G.E. Smith)
11. Hello (with Barbara Brousal)
12. All My Friends Live in the Woods (with Simon Kirke)
13. Weather Report (Sophie and Emma)
14. Mole in the Ground
15. On the Sunny Side of the Street (with Rankin' Don and Donald Saaf)
16. Sidewalks of New York (with a cast of thousands)
17. Over the Rainbow (with Donald Saaf)

Amazon.com

Dan Zanes, lead singer of the 1980s roots-rock band the Del Fuegos, didn't need to enlist the high-profile help of pals Sheryl Crow and Suzanne Vega to produce a crowd-pleasing kids' record, but he got it anyway. On Rocket Ship Beach, where traditional tunes such as "Polly Wolly Doodle" (with Crow) and "Erie Canal" (with Vega) mingle in loosey-goosey, just-for-the-fun-of-it fashion with originals such as the plucky "All My Friends Live in the Woods" (written by Bad Company buddy Simon Kirke), Zanes exhibits the same plugged-in exuberance that gave his former band its unpredictable zing. Besides the no-amateurs instrumentation, which includes Zanes on guitar, lap steel, banjo-mandolin, and studiophone, and G.E. Smith on banjo-mandolin and guitar as part of a kickin' string band that performs the classic "King Kong Kitchie," plus a cluster of others, what stands out most about this 17-track funfest is its draw-you-in friendliness. Pitching in with the pros (who also include dancehall rapper Rankin' Don--he delivers the gruff stuff on "Father Goose" and "Sunny Side of the Street") are family friends such as the gang of West Indian babysitters turned vocal group the Sandy Girls, who give it up to impressive, get-you-boogying effect on "Emmanuel Road," and a kindergarten class that contributes, adorably, to "Sidewalks of New York." All told, this is way hipper than most kids' records and it also razzle-dazzles with its packaging--Rocket Ship Beach arrives in a chunky, colorful board-book illustrated with sweet, fantasy-fueled beachside scenes by banjo player and Zanes's brother-in-law, Donald Saaf. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

music is in the air. it's alive and it's here for everyone. if you can play an old song, you can write a new song. make it a family parade, all around the kitchen cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo. or how about a family band? on the front steps, in the back yard, in the park, on the sidewalk, in the basement. if you can brush your teeth, you can play tamborine. if you can tell a joke, you can sing.

festival five records is the sound of a neighborhood band on the front stoop playing tunes after dinner for a family dance. festival five records is the sound of a group of 9 and 10 year olds singing a sixty year old broadway song in the basement of a 150 year old row house. it's the sound of a 40-year-old dad on a blue porch singing a 400 year old story song about a frog that marries a mouse. when you feel that music in the air, try to catch as much as possible.

Customer Reviews:

It's great!.......2007-01-27

I'm a first-time Mom who was looking for a CD both my daughter and I could enjoy. We rec'd this CD at Christmas along with "Buzz Buzz" by Laurie Berkner. This one is my personal favorite. I think I enjoy it as much, if not more than my daughter (who is 1). The songs are addicting and I, like a previous reviewer, find myself singing/humming them even when my daughter is not around. Polly Wolly Doodle and King Kong Kitchie are fabulous! I highly recommend giving this CD a spin. I'm sure my daughter will love it even more when she gets a little older.

Honestly, this CD sucks.......2007-01-18

I was excited to receive this CD because of its great reviews. Once I received it however, I found it barely listenable. My toddler daughter looked and me and said "Off!Off!" and we took it off the CD player after only 10 minutes.

People can make of Raffi all they want, but at least his music is tolerable!

Don't waste your money on this lemon of a CD.

What an awesome CD!!!.......2006-12-20

My 2 year old and 1 year old think this CD ROCKS! My son will point to the CD player and cry and whine until I turn it on. From song one they both wiggle, giggle and dance all over. The songs are very folksy, upbeat, and easy to groove too. Get this CD and watch your kids get jiggy wit' it!

rocket ship beach review.......2006-11-10

Rocket Ship Beach was my introduction to Dan Zanes. I have a new son and I was searching for some music we could both enjoy. I found this and thought I would give it a shot. The cd is wonderful. The music is addicting and I find myself driving down the road singing to myself....without my son in the car! Polly Wolly Doodle, the first track, is one of my favorites (and not because I am a Sheryl Crow fan). Another beautiful song is "Hello". This cd is upbeat, fun and yet different from some more typical childrens music. My son really enjoys the different sounds and rhythms on the cd. The cd has a few little introductions where you can hear children, a phone ringing, ect. This cd is sure to put you in a good mood. I highly recommend it! I am actually waiting for another Dan Zanes cd to arrive I liked it so much.

we all love it.......2006-08-05

The whole family can enjoy this music, unlike many of the other kid's music that is so lame.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Unusual order Getting Lost While Meditating Calming, Centering, a bit repetitive Great Atmospheric Music

Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's Chant Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant Chant II ASIN: B000001VIK Release Date: 1994-08-30

Tracks:

1. Introitus: Nos autem
2. Graduale: Miserere
3. Antiphon: Immutemur
4. Ruf: Ecce lignum
5. Communio: Qui meditabitur
6. Hymnus: Pange lingua
7. Improperia: Popule meus
8. Halleluja: Veni Sancte Spiritus
9. Graduale: Haec dies
10. Offertorium: Terra tremuit
11. Sequenz: Veni Sancte Spiritus
12. Communio: Factus est repente
13. Graduale: Benedicta es tu
14. Halleluja: Tota pulchra es
15. Offertorium: Ave Maria
16. Introitus: Populus Sion
17. Antiphon: O Sapientia
18. Introitus: Lux fulgebit
19. Communio: Viderunt omnes
20. Halleluja: Vidimus stellam
21. Hymnus: Asolis ortus cardine

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-01-19

I really liked the compilation. It relaxes and inspires me. The recording of the vocals and such is very well done. Definitely worth the money.

Unusual order.......2006-06-10

The chanting is excellently done. However, the order is a bit unusual. The chants begin with Lent/Passiontide, then progress into Easter, Advent and Christmas. That's a little odd. If you're using this to focus on the life of Our Blessed Lord (like the 15 mysteries of the Rosary), the order is off kilter. But I guess you could just program your CD player with whatever order you want.
The Latin is pronounced well on this CD. (Sometimes you can get a chant CD on which the chanters have French accents.)
Note to the reviewer who was mad about the word "cult": Forgive the translator who used that word. It sounds like a false cognate error to me. The ones who are hardest for me to forgive are those who discontinued Gregorian chant's primacy of place in the liturgy; the ones I can never understand are those who go to Novus Ordo masses. Lex orandi, lex credendi.

Getting Lost While Meditating.......2006-05-18

I'm not an expert on meditation techniques, but I do know that once while listening to this album I woke up 50 miles from my house with nothing to clothe me but a piece of chiffon, an interesting recipe for perogies tucked under my armpit, and absolutely no recollection of what had taken place. I was lead to believe by this product that being "lost" in meditation would entail no more than some deep thinking, and not many hours of unaccounted for experience and celtic tribal tattoos wrapped around my thighs.

Calming, Centering, a bit repetitive.......2006-02-21

This CD is great for creating a calm, focused environment. It can be used for meditation, relaxation,or as a sleep-aide. I have not stayed awake past the 3rd track when I listen with headphones after laying down to bed. The only complaint may be that all the tracks sound similar to me. The quality of the recording and singing is excellent. If you speak and understand Latin, you should derive even more from listening to this CD.

Great Atmospheric Music.......2005-08-23

I am a fan of many styles of music, but ordering a CD of gregorian chant was a stretch for me. This is my first album of the genre, but I'm certainly not disappointed! Lost In Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants Volume One is everything you'd expect it to be. With gregorian chant music, there never seems to be too much diversity in the songs. This is because you shouldn't buy the music as if it were your favorite band -- it is completely atmospheric music. Whether used for meditation, background music to everyday activities, or a soundtrack to a much needed relaxation session in your solitude, gregorian chant is a peaceful and almost heavenly way to enjoy some time off in another world (often in a world where you can't help but imagine monks shifting through the humble rooms of a monastery). This particular selection of chants is perfect for the genre as far as I'm concerned. It is an all men choir, and the vocals are in perfect harmony. The recording quality is excellent, with just the right amount of reverb to bring the singing to life. For any fan of gregorian chant, or for anyone newly interested in it, this is a great CD to satisfy your chanting needs. And with a price like this for 21 tracks, you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating: Simply awe inspiring and amazing Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed. canticles of Ecstay Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Feather on the Breath of God Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations Luminous Spirit ASIN: B000001TYF Release Date: 1994-12-13

Tracks:

1. O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
2. Nunc aperuit nobis
3. Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
4. Cum processit factura digiti Dei
5. Alma Redemptoris Mater
6. Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
7. Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
8. O ignis spiritus Paracliti
9. Caritas habundat in omnia
10. O virgia mediatrix
11. O virdissima virga, Ave
12. Instrumental
13. O Pastor Animarum
14. O tu suavissima virga
15. O choruscans stellarum
16. O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Meditation Music:

1. Echo Passage
2. Elemental
3. Faith, Hope, Joy
4. Feng Shui: Music for the Harmonious Spirit
5. Glory [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Grace
7. Guided Massage for Everyone
8. Healing Garden [Original recording remastered] [Import]
9. Hypnotic Trancescapes Vol I - Mystical Forest
10. I'm Here To Shine

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Patrick Cowley - Greatest Hits [Import]

Verdi: Music for Oboe & Piano

Universal United House of Prayer

Music: Sometimes Pt. 2 [CD-single]

U. S. Marshals: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Soundtrack]

Tricks of the Trade [Explicit Lyrics]

There & Back [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Trance N Roll [Import]

The Very Best of Franco & Sam Mangwana Vol 1: Oú Est Le Serieux?

Symphony 5 / Flos Campi Suite

Until the Shaking Stops - A Salute to Jawbox

Tutto Domenico, Vol. 1 [Import]

Tommy Boy's Greatest Beats, Vol. 1

Stravinsky, Bartók: Violin Concertos

Balance 005