Light upon Light

1. Spirit Flow

2. Kalimba

3. Flight

4. Majesty

5. Light upon Light

6. Declaration

7. Meditation

8. Celebration for World Peace

Light upon Light,Do'ah,Philo Records,Adult Alternative,Ethnic Fusion,Folk & Traditional,Pop

Average customer rating:

my opinion
Wonderful, but not my first choice
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

my opinion.......2007-08-01

This recording was reccomended somewhere as being even better than the newer version with Bryn Terfel and Renee Fleming - it really is tops, I think. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is as lyrical as ever. And the other soloists are also breathtaking.

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLI8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale

Average customer rating:

Traditional Christmas Music
The quintessential Christmas recording
A Top List Christmas CD
The best
How do you describe perfection?

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Robert Shaw Chorale
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra
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ASIN: B000003EPA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Shepherd's Carol
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
I Wonder As I Wander
We Three Kings
My Dancing Day
Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
Coventry Carol
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Carol Of The Bells
Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

Tracks:

Hercules: Introduction
Hercules: The Gospel Truth
Hercules: One Last Hope
Hercules: I Won't Say
Hercules: Zero To Hero
Hercules: A Star Is Born
Hercules: Go The Distance
Aladdin And the King Of Thieves: Party In Agrabah
Pocahontas: Just Around The River Bend
The Return Of Jafar: You're Only Second Rate
The Return Of Jafar: Forget About Love
The Return Of Jafar: I'm Looking Out For Me
The Return Of Jafar: Nothing In The World
Toy Story: You've Got A Friend In Me
101 Dalmations: Cruella De Vil
Pocahontas: Colors Of The Wind
Oliver And Company: Once Upon A Time In New York City
Oliver And Company: Why Should I Worry?
The Nightmare Before Christmas: What's This?
James And The Giant Peach: Good News
Mulan: Orchestral Suite
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: The Bells Of Notre Dame
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Someday
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: God Help The Outcasts
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Topsy Turvy
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Court Of Miracles
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: A Guy Like You
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Heaven's Light

Customer Reviews:

Not impressed.......2003-11-25

I was not terribly impressed with this CD. Fortunately, I decided to get it from the library to see if it was good before deciding whether or not to buy it.

Although the orchestration of the songs is well done, most of them simply were not meant to be performed by a chorus; and they sound terrible in that form. If you want some of the songs on this CD, I suggest you look at one of Disney's compilation CDs in the Classic Disney Vol. 1-5 series or the actual soundtracks of the movies.

Inexorable wonder!.......2001-06-23

Where to start?! Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra have had a track record for recording some of the most stupendous movie music ever. Magical Musicals is just another example of how audaciously bold, yet beautiful Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops have taken the original scores, molded them into the same pieces, yet at the same time, creating life of their own in each and every note. If you are looking for ANY soundtrack containing Disney music, this should be the first CD you listen to. There are others out there, and yes, they may sound beautiful and enchanting, but you won't find such a unique and compelling score anywhere else other than this CD. Check it out!!

Average customer rating:

Robert King deserves to be famous in America, too
Bargain-priced first-class overview

Essential Handel

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Handel - Concerti Grossi, op. 6 (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11) / AAM · Manze

ASIN: B000A7XJQA
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Robert King deserves to be famous in America, too.......2006-07-23

Robert King and his King's Consort have made dozens of recordings, establishing themselves in London as a pre-eminent Baroque group. They benefit greatly from King's unflagging energy and musical insight. Twenty years ago you couldn't say that the period movement had attracted the best musicians and conductors. That situation has changed radically, and this sampler CD from King's complete recordings exhibits first-class playing throughout. Baroque singing is at a high level, too, but you couldn't say that his singers are of Met or Royal Opera House quality--even so, they are very good.

As an indicator of the strides that period performance has made, this is an eye-opening CD, but it's also engaging for the general listener, like me, who only dips into Handel's many, many operas and oratorios occasionally.

Bargain-priced first-class overview.......2006-05-01

This is a great CD for beginners, but also for those who already have a few Handel CDs. So often samplers have all the favourites which you already have on other CDs. But this set has a few well-known tracks, such as Zadok the Priest, See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes and La Rejouissance from The Fireworks, but mostly wonderful music, superbly played which is not extremely well known.

Highly recommended.

The King's Noyse, dir. David Douglass: Royal Delight: 17th Century Ballads & Dances

Average customer rating:

The King's Noyse, dir. David Douglass: Royal Delight: 17th Century Ballads & Dances

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00099FVD8
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

The King's Delight
All In A Garden Green
Gathering Peascods
Blew-Cap For Me
Fortune My Foe
Browning
Jog On
Courante - Packington's Pound
Daphne
Huntsuppe
The Lovely Northerne Lasse
Tantz
O Nachbar Roland
Dulcina
As Att Noone Dulcina Rested
Grimstock
Robin Is To The Greenwood Gone
Ricercar - Bonny Sweet Robin
A Light Hearts A Jewell
Child Grove
Easter Thursday
The Beggar Boy
Mr. Isacc's Maggot
The Little Barley-Corne

Tracks:

The Happy Meeting
Boatman
Trip And Go
Barbara Allen's Cruelty
Preludium
Browning My Dear
Hollis Berrie
New Castle
Newmarket
Now, O Now, I Need Must Part
Coockow As I Me Walked
Sing Care Away
Souches Marche
Emperor Of The Moon
Tickle My Toe
I Smell A Rat
Wilson's Wilde
Walsingham
Begone, Sweit Night
Strawberries And Cream
The Queen's Delight
Half Hanniken
Nottingham Ale

Average customer rating:

Very Good!

Elgar: Sacred Choral Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Stanford: Anthems and Services
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Vaughan Williams: Mass in G minor; Motets

ASIN: B000260QMY
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

Give Unto The Lord
Ave Verum Corpus
Ave Maria Gratia Plena
Ave Maris Stella
O Hearken Though
Te Deum Laudamus
Benedictus
O Salutaris Hostia
Great IS The Lord
The Spirit Of The Lord Is Apon Me
Go, Song Of Mine
Seek Him That Maketh The Seven Stars
Light Of The World

Customer Reviews:

Very Good!.......2004-11-07

This is an awesome cd of Elgars choral music. I reccomend it along with Howells Requiem under the Naxos label. This is an awesome choir and awesome music!

Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers

Average customer rating:

Divine!
Oh, I love Handel!!
Why aren't these better known?
Excellent - one of the best Handel CD's availible.
Rediscovered, the Chandos anthems deserve your ears!

Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers
George Frideric Handel , Harry Christophers , Lynne Dawson , James Bowman , Ian Partridge , Michael George , Patrizia Kwella , and The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Vivaldi: La Stravaganza
Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury
Handel: The Occasional Oratorio /Gritton * Milne * Bowman * Ainsley * George * The King's Consort * King

ASIN: B000000A5J
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Be Joyful In The Lord - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Be Joyful In The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Serve The Lord With Gladness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Be Ye Sure That The Lord He Is God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Go Your Way Into His Gates
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: For The Lord Is Gracious
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Glory Be To The Father
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: As It Was In The Beginning
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: In The Lord Put I My Trust - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: In The Lord Put I My Trust!
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: God Is A Constant Sure Defense
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Behold! The Wicked Bend Their Bow
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: But God, Who Hears The Suff'ring Pow'r
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Snares, Fire And Brimstone
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: The Righteous Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Then Shall My Song
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Have Mercy Upon Me - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Have Mercy Upon Me, O God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Wash Me Thoroughly From My Wickedness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: For I Acknowledge My Faults
Chandos Anthems: Against Thee Only Have I Sinned
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Thou Shalt Make Me Hear Of Joy And Gladness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Make Me A Clean Heart, O God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Then Shall I Teach Thy Ways Unto The Wicked

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song!
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Declare His Honour Unto The Heathen
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: The Waves Of The Sea Rage Horribly
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: O Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Let The Whole Earth Stand In Awe Of Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Let The Heav'ns Rejoice
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: I Will Magnify Thee, O God My King
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Ev'ry Day Will I Give Thanks Unto Thee
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: One Generation Shall Praise Thy Works Unto Another
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: The Lord Preserveth All Them That Love Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: The Lord Is Righteous In All His Ways
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Happy Are The People That Are In Such A Case
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: My Mouth Shall Speak The Praise Of The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: As Pants The Hart For Cooling Streams
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Tears Are My Daily Food
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Now, When I Think Thereupon, I Pour My Heart By Myself
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: In The Voice Of Praise And Thanksgiving
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Why So Full Of Grief, O My Soul?
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Put Thy Trust In God, For I Will Praise Him

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 1: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 2: My Song Shall Be Alway
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 3: For Who Is He Among The Clouds
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 4: God Is Very Greatly To Be Feared
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 5: The Heav'ns Are Thine
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 6: Righteousness And Equity Are The Habitation
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 7: Blessed Is The People
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 8: Thou Are The Glory
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 1: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 2: O Come, Let Us Sing Unto The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 3: O Come, Let Us Worship
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 4: Glory And Worship Are Before Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 5: Tell It Out Among The Heathen
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 6: O Magnify The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 7: The Lord Preserveth The Souls Of The Saints
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 8: For Look, As High As The Heaven Is
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 9: There Is Sprung Up A Light For The Righteous
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 1: O Praise The Lord With One Consent
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 2: Praise Him, All Ye That In His House
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 3: For This Out Truest Int'rest Is
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 4: That God Is Great We Often Have
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 5: With Cheerful Notes Let All The Earth
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 6: God's Tender Mercy Knows No Bounds
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 7: Ye Boundless Realms Of Joy
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 8: Your Voices Raise

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Sinfonia
Chandos Anthems: The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
Chandos Anthems: Though A Host Of Men Were Laid Against Me
Chandos Anthems: One Thing Have I Desired Of The Lord
Chandos Anthems: I Will Offer In His Dwelling An Oblation
Chandos Anthems: For Who Is God But The Lord?
Chandos Anthems: The Lord Is My Strength And My Shield
Chandos Anthems: It Is The Lord That Ruleth The Sea
Chandos Anthems: Sing Praises Unto The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Let God Arise
Chandos Anthems: Like As The Smoke Vanisheth
Chandos Anthems: Let The Righteous Be Glad
Chandos Anthems: O Sing Unto God
Chandos Anthems: Praised Be The Lord!

Amazon.com

This series of 11 church anthems is a sterling example of doing more with less. Though their format is multiple movements for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, inviting grand treatment, Handel had available only a couple of oboes and a small string band and choir (with no violas or altos for numbers 1 to 6). Yet each one of these anthems is a gem. Handel's music captures well the changing moods of the Psalm texts--from somber penitence to serene bliss to infectious joy to the raging of storms and seas. Though James Bowman's arias lie uncomfortably low for him, he and Michael George do fine work; Lynne Dawson, Patrizia Kwella, and Ian Partridge are delightful. Harry Christophers leads his choir and orchestra in subtly inflected and beautifully paced performances. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Divine!.......2007-06-17

These psalms set to music, for use in church services, are divine! Handel never fails to please and the recording is top notch.
Now that you've heard Handel's versions, be sure to check out what Henry Purcell did a generation earlier with the same material.

Oh, I love Handel!!.......2007-04-18

Why haven't I heard of this music before? I have long loved the Messiah, in fact, I have about 15 different CD versions of it! Now I can listen to Handel all year long, and for me this is all new music! If you love Handel's Messiah, you will love this collection! I just started listening to it on my drive to and from work, and I was transported! I enjoy the solos, the duets, and then the whole ensemble singing gloriously together. I am very happy I purchased the entire set!

Why aren't these better known?.......2006-04-14

It boggles my mind that this seems still to be the only complete set of the Anthems available on CD. The first of the discs came out in 1989 or so and volumes 1 and 2 were among the first CDs I ever bought (late adopter, I admit); I eagerly awaited and bought the others as they came out. Not that there's much to criticize about these performances. Oh, you may not like the tenor's very heavy dependence on mixed voice to hit high notes -- I don't mind it and for all I know it's faithful to the style of Handel's day -- or like the sound of the countertenor soloists or even the particular vocal qualities of one or the other of the sopranos (I find nothing wrong with any of them), but the chorus and instrumentalists sing and play crisply and very well. These Anthems were written to be lively and entertaining as well as full of honest devotion. Handel's grasp of English was still shaky at the time, and the choice of metrical versions of the Psalms for many of the texts is, well, questionable. More that one phrase will raise a smile: "That God is great we often have/ By glad experience found/ And seen how he with wond'rous pow'r/ Above all other gods is crown'd" is a prime example -- but listen to the bass (under-used by Handel in these Anthems, sadly: perhaps he lacked a reliable one at the time) sing Handel's setting, which reminds me of a beautiful, affectionate puppy of a large breed: slightly ridiculous, a bit bumbling, but attractive and strong and lovable. Or the chorus about "snares, fire, and brimstone" pouring in a "dreadful mixture" on the wicked: clearly the choristers are having great fun, just as I would, given the chance to sing this absurd version of the Psalmist's words. Buy this set, get your local choral society to sing one or more of these Anthems (I got to sing #11 once), spread the word.

Excellent - one of the best Handel CD's availible........2001-11-29

This baroque era "Praise Music" is light years beyond the vacuous pablum that passes for praise music in churches today. I have had these four CD's for almost a decade (previous release) and they are still among my favorites. Almost all the songs (all the spoken music that is - a few songs are instrumental preludes) are Bible scripture verses set to music - similar to what Handel did in the Messiah. The musical quality of the CD is excellent. You would never guess that only 16 people are doing the choral parts. If you only have 10 CD sets of traditional Christian music this CD set should be one of them.

Rediscovered, the Chandos anthems deserve your ears!.......1998-10-27

Handel's Chandos anthems are apparently being rediscovered, as the release of several new recordings bears witness. This set is surely the best available, and is certainly the only complete collection. Especially beautiful are the duets ("O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness" and "Wash Me Th'roughly") and the tenor's recitatives. Performance is brisk and tight, though never rushed. Those who favor Simon Preston's even snappier style may prefer his rendition of Anthem 10 (now distributed with his very fine, and affordable, "Israel in Egypt"), but overall no one can be disappointed with this collection of too-rarely heard works.

Average customer rating:

One of the best solo treble recordings
great and soothing

A Quiet Conscience: 17th century Songs

Manufacturer: Guild
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Voluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Consort Songs

ASIN: B000026ASS
Release Date: 1998-12-02

Tracks:

Miserere, My Maker
Author Of Light
Never Weather-Beaten Sail
Fant in D
O Lord, Thy Faithfulness And Praise
If I Could Shut The Gate
Wilt Thou Forgive The Sin Where I Begun?
Alman
Galliard
Upon A Quiet Conscience
A Hymn To God The Father
Blest Be Those Sweet Regions
O God Forever Blest
A Morning Hymn
Voluntary in G
An Evening Hymn
King Of All Joys
A Hymn On Divine Music
An Evening Hymn

Customer Reviews:

One of the best solo treble recordings.......2003-12-19

This CD is a collection of consort songs from olden times, superbly sung by Connor Burrowes. It is the recording I like best of this boy singer, and among all boy singers Connor stands out for the perfection and cleanliness of his singing. It is highly recommended for for the above reasons, and also for being one of the few historically accurate recordings of this kind of music. These songs were mostly "family music", and in a 17th century English family a musical evening would more often than not find the boys singing and the older family members playing the instruments.
When I come across some uninformed person who thinks that boys can't sing with as much maturity and perfection as adult singers, I use this recording to show that they can, and do!

great and soothing.......2002-11-24

This is one of the best examples of boy solo work I have ever heard. (My collection is extensive). This is very different from some of the "Boys Air" work that Connor Burrowes has done in that itt is not over produced and studiolike. This is the real thing. I send the tunes out over the gfarden and watch the leaves fall. This is a must have if you like the purity of this sort of sound.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time
Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels
Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!
Beyond Gimmick

David Daniels - Serenade
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Antonio Caldara , Antonio Cesti , Franz Schubert , Ludwig van Beethoven , Antonio Lotti , Charles Gounod , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Francis Poulenc , Henry Purcell , David Daniels , and Martin Katz
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels
Sento Amor; David Daniels;
A Quiet Thing; David Daniels & Craig Ogden
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été
Handel: Oratorio Arias

ASIN: B00004SRG1
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Adelaide Op.46
Der Tod Und Das Madchen D531
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Nacht Und Traume D827
Adelaide D95
Selve Amiche, Ombrose Piante
O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Intorno All'idol Mio
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella
L'Absent
Ou Voulez-Vous Aller?
Absence
Ser
Orpheus With His Lute
Linden Lea
Hands, Eyes And Heart
C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es FP 121 (Metamorphoses No.2)
Priez Pour Paix FP 95
La Belle Jeunesse FP 42 (Chansons Gaillardes No.7)
Sweeter Than Roses
I'll Sail Upon The Dog Star
Evening Hymn

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

It's a truism by now that countertenors have made a notable comeback in our time, but David Daniels--Amazon.com's Opera & Vocal Artist of 2000--isn't about to rest on his laurels. As if his recent successes weren't enough to set him apart, on this recital album Daniels forays beyond the countertenor's stereotypical domain of the baroque to interpret lieder of Beethoven and Schubert, as well as French mélodies and Vaughan Williams. A stunningly beautiful disc. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-30

The German and French art-song developed in parallel,but although they shared the same creative process based on the two key elements of words and music, they are distinct one from the other in their aim. Beethoven was one of the first to usher in the 'Leid'. Between 1795 and 1796 he drew inspiration from Friedich von Matthisson for his cantata 'Adelaide'. In 1814 Schubert set the same poem for his own 'Adelaide'. More than three-quarters of Schubert's songs are nature pictures as is 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen' on this disc. Other composers included on this recording are:Caldara-Gluck-Cesti-Lotte-Gounod-VaughanWilliams-Poulenc and Purcell.This disc absolutely delighted me. I can think of only one other countertenor who could have "pulled off" the variety of songs Daniels performs on this album. Most of them are quite well-known at least to singers and actually could be considered trite but not the way David Daniels sings them. He is so skillful with strong tone production when needed and always perfect diction. I marvel at the way he can implement the highly dramatic Italian aria and then sing the light "wispy" French songs. My personal favorites are "Adelaide" by Schubert. "Ou voulez-vous aller?" by Gounod and "I'll Sail Upon the DogStar by Purcell. In fact, if you are a Daniel's fan you MUST hear the Dog Star!!!!!

Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time.......2005-06-22

This is a truly unique voice. David Daniels has an opulent timbre which he uses here to achieve sheer excellence. As much as I hate for his career to be upstaged by anything, knowing that he was tutored by Marilyn Horne seems to establish her vocal qualities as a suitable metaphor. It's that rich, opulent tone and secure vibrato that you don't get with some mezzos, let alone countertenors. No thin-ness here; no `hoot' and nothing shrill. He still has control though, and produces clean, even tones where appropriate. Think of the dramatic requirements of `Der Tod und das Madchen' and the celestial purity of `Absence' or `Ser'- he more than merely achieves the standards, he surpassed them and has set his own seal of distinction.

The choice of songs/arias is itself brilliant and Mr. Daniels' technique needs high praise. As a very minor observation, his diction, though good, doesn't come across as completely idiomatic. This is a VERY minor issue though. The pianist, Martin Katz is very responsive to the style of singing. Mr. Daniels' ability to sustain a phrase with grace and beauty is matched by Mr. Katz's sensitive touch and timing.

In parting, I recommend the ethereal experience of `Orpheus with his lute' (my favourite). The words, a Shakespearean sonnet, are of a straightforward beauty and the melody is from another realm but the singing? Mr. Daniels vocal control and phrasing are exquisite and his tone is sublime. Close your eyes and listen to this one quiet evening. "In sweet music is such art, killing care and grief of heart. Fall asleep, or hearing die." A lute and a song- a simple combination; yet profoundly moving beyond the raging elements. Thank you David.

Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels.......2004-08-18

Countertenor David Daniels takes a breather from his beloved Handel arias this time around for a recording of sheer beauty and most often tranquility, all the more surprising given the wide variety of tempos and international breadth of the program spanning five centuries. German leider from Beethoven and Schubert sits alongside Italian baroque songs followed by alternating French and English art songs. The 22 selections, once again reflecting his consummate musical taste, require him to sing in four different languages, and this South Carolina-born and -bred singer handles the daunting task with complete ease.

The result is a seamless recital, and the disc flows like an unfolding dream starting with Beethoven's enchanting "Adelaide". Schubert's "Naucht and Traume" highlights the purity of his tone and is as perfectly performed as any of his most moving opera arias. The Gounod pieces, especially "L'Absent" and the title track, have a sonorous quality that feel very much like lullabies, the sole exception being the lively "Ou voulez-vous aller?". Poulenc's "La belle Jeunesse" continues along this vein, a whirling dervish of a number referred in the accompanying booklet as an "invitation to debauchery". But these tracks are more the exception as Daniels achieves a lovely sense of vocal beatitude throughout.

The standout tracks have to be the three beautiful and somewhat more contemporary-sounding Vaughan Williams songs capped off by "Hands, eyes and heart", short and poignant, it is my favorite moment on this recording. The Renaissance-era Purcell selections provide the appropriate ending though, in particular, "Evening Hymn" sparked by the growing melismas on the hallelujahs. Whether he exhibits an astounding vibrato or the purest of tones, the man knows how to use his incredibly flexible voice and apply it intelligently to each song. Martin Katz accompanies with great precision and completely recognizes the individual style each song requires. It makes for a perfect pairing between singer and piano. This is a recording to treasure.

Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!.......2004-03-23

OK, so it's a bad pun. Shoot me.

But get this wonderful disc! Daniels talent is well-served by this varied program.. he goes beyond Handel to sing Beethoven, Gounoud, Vaughan-Williams.

Don't just buy this for the novelty of countertenor singing: the singing would be 5 star had any mezzo (Bartoli, van Otter) sung with this sensitivity. It's superb in every regard.

Beyond Gimmick.......2002-08-01

At first it seems odd...countertenors are supposed to stay within certain boundaries. We let them have Baroque music, and even Gluck, and of course we let them have 20th century things written specifically for them, especially Britten. But to hear a countertenor singing Schubert, Beethoven or French melodies goes against our expectations. So we think, this must be a gimmick. But then Daniels voice takes over and such questions disappear.

Daniels sings this music as if it was inteneded for the countertenor. His sensitivity to the intimate marriage of text and music is phenomenal and his tone is always light and lyrical. I prefer this to many overblown sopranos that I've heard. Daniels weaves a spell that few singers of any voice type can match.

The Gounod is particularly beautiful. I had not been familiar with Gounod's art song before, and I've been missing something. L'Absent brought tears to my eyes just as the best Melodie of Duparc or Faure. And he sings Schubert as if he was born to it.

If you think you are sick of run of the mill vocal recitals, get this CD. The fresh voice and sheer artistry will astound you!

Meditation Music: