Art of Peace

1. Blue Horizon

2. Oriental Morning

3. Wedding on Mahe

4. Hear the Day Begin

5. Four Winds Blowing

6. With My Eyes

7. Turn of the Tide

8. Children's Avenue

9. Reflections at Sunset

10. Et Pax

Art of Peace,Oxfort & Hochtl,Nightingale Records,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

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Average customer rating: Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !! Sacred and a treasure! Absolutely wonderful More Divine Beauty and Peace! It Doesn't Get any Better!!!

Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia Manufacturer: Hearts of Space ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ancient Echoes Russian Medieval Chant Basso Profondo From Old Russia Russian Divine Liturgy Russian Easter ASIN: B00003XB5E Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

1. Alleluia, Behold The Bridegroom
2. Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy)
3. Lord Have Mercy
4. The Mercy Of Peace (Excerpts)
5. Komm Susser Tod (Bach)
6. Serenade
7. Grant Us This O Lord
8. Our Father
9. Gloria (Excerpt)
10. Peaceful Light (Kiev Chant)
11. Praise The Lord O My Soul (Greek Chant)
12. Blessed Art Thou O Lord (Kiev Chant)
13. Chorale
14. Amen Alleluia

Amazon.com

What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!.......2007-06-28

I'll keep this short: I'm not new to chant or choral music but there are SO MANY options out here that it's hard to know which ones are worth buying. I've got a few titles in my budding collection but I have to say that this particular recording is FANTASTIC. It is at once awe inspiring, meditative, and peaceful. Simply wonderful...

Sacred and a treasure!.......2007-06-11

Wow! This is as good as the first Sacred Treasures if not better. These holy and divine works are truly "the speech of angels".

Absolutely wonderful.......2006-12-28

I've really become taken with Russian choral music as of late. I've tried to get my hands on every recording I can, and amongst them all this is one of the very best. The phrasing, tonality and selection is terrific.

More Divine Beauty and Peace!.......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of the first CD in the Sacred Treasures series called "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks From Russia" as well as of "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the text to a Russian "Cherubic Hymn" prescribes) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these compilations, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES III"...

It Doesn't Get any Better!!!.......2006-10-09

Having collected a decent library of sacred music over the years I can readily attest that this is the best sacred music CD that I own, my second favorite being a requiem chant by the monks of Solesmes. Further, upon listening to this CD everyone I know seems to respond to it with the same enthusiasm. Track 10 is my personal favorite, but there are no weak pieces here. The entire production hangs together well. Can't recommend it enough to novice or seasoned liturgical music listener.

Average customer rating: Great performances Ephemeral with engaging virtuosity

Vision of Peace: The Art of Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison The Sounds of India The Essential Ravi Shankar Rise Sound of the Sitar ASIN: B00005B4MW Release Date: 2005-03-21

Tracks:

1. Padhasapa
2. Kaharwa
3. Improvisation On The Theme Of 'Rokudan'
4. Namah Shivaya
5. Tribute To Nippon
6. Homage To Baba Allauddin (Raga Hemant)

Tracks:

1. Raga Jogeshwari: Alap
2. Raga Jogeshwari: Jor
3. Raga Jogeshwari: Gat I
4. Raga Jogeshwari: Gat II
5. Raga Hameer: Alap/Gat I/Gat II

Customer Reviews:

Great performances.......2004-09-22

Ravi Shankar is a very great musician and his music represent the profound and spiritual tradition of Indian classical music. His experiments are not just limited to Indian music and in this 2-CD collection, you can see the popular and easy-listening tracks in the first CD and a pure classical and elaborate exploration of the meditative raga Jogeshwari in the second CD. The second CD also has a lilting evening melody called Hameer. Highly recommended.

Ephemeral with engaging virtuosity.......2001-08-16

I kept hearing about this guy since I've started trying to keep up with middle eastern and other ethnic music. I was surprised. There didn't seem to be anything trite in any of the songs. The music is both relaxing and engaging.

Average customer rating:

One More Time for Peace Roger Chapman Manufacturer: Mystic UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Chappo - The Loft Tapes, Vol. 1: Manchester University Chappo - The Loft Tapes, Vol. 3: Dingwalls 1996 Shrunken Heads Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968 Into the Afterlife ASIN: B000NOK0OE Release Date: 2007-04-23

Tracks:

1. One More Time For Peace
2. Heading Back To Storyville
3. All Too Soon
4. Oh Brother Take Me
5. Hell Of A Lullaby
6. All Night Paradise
7. Naked Hearts
8. Sweet Bird
9. Devil Got A Son
10. Same Old Loving You
11. Jerusalem

Album Description

2007 studio album from one of the most powerful vocalists in Rock music. Chapman is best-known for his work with Family and the '70s R&B band Streetwalkers. In the pre-Punk era, Roger was an enormous cult figure on the British Rock scene, famed for his spectacular showmanship and soaring vibrato. John Peel, the evergreen Radio 1 DJ, vowed that he'd travel colossal distances to catch a Chapman gig. But in the late '70s/early '80s when '60s musicians were being indiscriminately pensioned off in this country, Roger poured his energies into performing abroad and thus becoming a Rock exile. Through talent and resilience, he rebuilt his career in Germany during the '80s, packing out venues, promoting a spate of successful albums and enjoying a huge European hit with his impassioned rendition of Mike Oldfield's 'Shadow on the Wall'.

Album Details

The ex-Family member's first release since 2001's live album `Rollin' & Tumblin'.

Average customer rating: A good discovery.

One The O'Neill Brothers Manufacturer: O'Neill Brothers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Through the Years Reflections Holiday 3 CD Collection P.S. I Love You Celebrate America ASIN: B00003JAMU Release Date: 1999-08-01

Tracks:

1. One
2. Quaker Hymne
3. On Eagle's Wings
4. Nearer My God to Thee
5. Carpe Unum
6. Journey to Him
7. Old Rugged Cross
8. Dona Nobis Pacem
9. Let there be Peace on Earth
10. Come, Come Ye Saints
11. Hatikva
12. Jesus, Remember Me
13. The Water is Wide
14. How Great Thou Art
15. Were You There
16. One

Album Description

A blend of traditional musical selections from a wide variety of religions on a single album, One features The Old Rugged Cross, On Eagle's Wings and How Great Thou Art.

Customer Reviews:

A good discovery........2000-04-10

Happy to have "met" the O'Neil brothers on Amazon. Have bought all their CDs. Yups, they are good.

Average customer rating: An Awesome Experience Beautiful Voice Heavenly Peace, indeed!

Heavenly Peace Darlene Koldenhoven Manufacturer: Time Art ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Free to Serve Infinite Voice ASIN: B00004SZHT Release Date: 1999-12-16

Tracks:

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
2. Gabriel to Mary, Weaping
3. Joseph's Question
4. The Star to the Stable
5. Angels' Pastorale
6. Angels We Hav Heard on High
7. Balulalow (O My Deir Hert)
8. Silent Night
9. Emmanuel
10. Pie Jesu from Requiem

Album Description

From Grammy winner, Darlene Koldenhoven, this 'anything but traditional' CD "Heavenly Peace" was selected as "Best Holiday CD" by New Age Magazine; "Album of the Month" by The New Times, Seattle; and debuted #2 on the New Age Voice Radio Charts. This glorious collection of original and traditional songs (some non-seasonal) with non-traditional arrangements will evoke that special holiday spirit all year long. As producer of this successful inde release, Darlene chose or composed and arranged most all the songs to tastefully feature her expressively soaring, angelic, five-octave vocal range, with or without lyrics. The lyrics touch upon the spiritual and emotional sides of all the characters involved in the Christmas Story, while the music and production reflect elements of classical, world, jazz, and new age. A serene and joyful celebration with mostly synthesized accompaniment and acoustic soloists on various traditional and world instruments. If you liked her featured solo, "Aria," in "Yanni, Live at the Acropolis" you'll love her vocal and keyboard work here. With plenty of musical interest for attentive listening, this album will also create a soothing background ambience. From comments by radio programmers, to listeners world wide, EVERY track on this album is musically and spiritually satisfying. Heavenly Peace . . . indeed!

Customer Reviews:

An Awesome Experience.......2005-01-08

Although parts of this recording are sung in a vocal range that the Modern Listener isn't comfortable with, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys extreme talent. Listening to this CD is an experience: I was soaring on Pie Jesu. Koldenhaven is the most exciting female singer since discovering Loreena McKennitt.

Beautiful Voice.......2002-11-19

The tonal quality of Darlene's voice is simply superb. Both rich and delicate. I would estimate at least a four octave range of superb, stylish aural splendor. Her talent goes well beyond just being a superb singer. She also arranged many of the "Heavenly Peace" songs, and produced this CD. Do I have a favorite song? Not really, they are all great for listening. But if I have to select a favorite, it would be "Emmanuel" ... a pure, ethereal song of magical beauty. I play this song over and over and over. The CD is my Christmas morning music while opening gifts. Highly recommended.

Heavenly Peace, indeed!.......2000-11-28

A few seconds into my initial listening to its first track, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," I sensed that Heavenly Peace was not going to be a typical Christmas album, and as the rest of the album unfolded, that first impression became ever more deliciously validated. The multi-layered vocals on the song, in their interplay with the violin solo, alert listeners that they are in for some groundbreaking music, period, let alone a singular contribution to the seasonal literature.

As the album continues to cast its spell, one quickly develops an appreciation for all the unique ways that Koldenhoven informs the holiday musical legacy, making new even the most familiar tunes and, simultaneously, the wonder of the Christmas story. Even more remarkable than her crystal-clear five-octave instrument (from below second alto to up, up, and away) is the fact that she manages to exploit its full range without showy, gimmick-laden histrionics.

Several original compositions, including the wordless "Angels' Pastorale," add depth to the listening experience, and the sensitive lyrics (especially on "Joseph's Question") are worthy of the delicate settings that cradle them. Even the best-known tunes are so imaginatively delivered that one may be more tempted to wonder where one has heard the song before than to (attempt to) sing along. "Silent Night," packaged a bit like The Manhattan Transfer's version, comes the closest to sounding like something I can use as a basis of comparison, although if you're a Sarah Brightman fan, this collection will surely appeal to you, as it mines similarly etheric stylistic territory. It even closes with Koldenhoven's heartfelt (and superior) take on one of Brightman's signature tunes, "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem.

Although hers isn't a household name, you may know the artist for her work with Yanni (she sang "Aria" on his Live at the Acropolis video and his In the Mirror CD), 2+2 (a jazz group with whom she earned three Grammy nominations and one award), or Inner Voices. The latter all-female quartet's 1990 Christmas Harmony is one of those very few holiday releases that have made my playlist every year since its release. I know that Heavenly Peace will join that special group of discs next year, and every year from then on.

Average customer rating: Great Stuff A Masterpiece That Defies Genre!! Hard rock prog that should be better known metal church guitar player progs on Metal Church guitarist goes progressive rock

Peace Among the Ruins Presto Ballet Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Milliontown Second Life Syndrome The Art of Navigating by the Stars Paradox Hotel Photoplay ASIN: B0009JE5QW Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. Peace Among The Ruins 5:47
2. The Fringes 7:34
3. Seasons 3:39
4. Find The Time 7:18
5. Speed Of Time 5:50
6. Sunshine 4:51
7. Slave 5:33
8. Bringin It On 6:43

Album Description

Presto Ballet is the new band from Kurdt Vanderhoof, who is well known for his work as a member of the legendary heavy metal band Metal Church. Presto Ballet is dedicated to melodic progressive rock and Peace Among The Ruins is an amazing debut album with sophisticated songwriting and tight production. The talented musicians and their careful choice of instruments, like Mellotron and Hammond Organ, make this album a must for every music lover.

Customer Reviews:

Great Stuff.......2006-04-22

For any progressive rock lover this is a must have. As other's have already said Presto Ballet is a mix of Dreamtheater, Kansas, Styx, Genesis etc. Every song is solid. Hope these guys come around. I'll definatly be there!!

A Masterpiece That Defies Genre!! .......2005-11-27

Let's just put it this way: if you love good music, you have to get this cd!! There is not a weak cut on the entire cd. From the Deep Purple Burn-Era opener "Peace Among The Ruins" through the Zeppelinesque "Find The Time"(sounds eerily like 'No Quarter'), this album is without doubt one of the best releases of 2005! Kurdt Vanderhoof has really outdone himself this time. Here's hoping that this is not just a 'one off' project.

Hard rock prog that should be better known.......2005-09-04

Excellent album. Someone else described it as "Styx meets Deep Purple", with some psychedelia thrown in for good measure. It has powerful guitars, wailing Hammonds, nice artful arrangement touches, great vocals, and a wonderfully big production. I definitely recommend this to anyone who misses the art-acid rock sound of the seventies.

metal church guitar player progs on.......2005-08-22

Ok, really now. If Vanderhoof can put out this high a quality prog album, what can't he do? Acid jazz anyone? This is a great album and the mighty V hits the mark. There is no need to tell you what bands they sound like as the reviewer before me did a fine job with that. It has a classic prog sound and any music wonk gearhead can find something to enjoy.

Metal Church guitarist goes progressive rock.......2005-07-23

Presto Ballet's Peace Among the Ruins strangely reminds me of one of my favourite bands Savatage. The name is similar to their Gutter Ballet album, whilst the title takes me back to Savatage's "Ghost in the Ruins" song on their Streets masterpiece. However, these similarities aside, Presto Ballet is a completely different entity. Put together by Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, this record is his venture into 70's progressive rock with tons of analog keyboards, huge mellotron and Hammond organ sounds, 70's style drumming that focuses more on hands than feet and a great singer that will take you back to the glory days of Deep Purple mixed with Kansas, Yes, and Genesis.

The lineup on the album may not be the most well-known musicians, but they're no newcomers. Vocalist Scott Albright whose voice brings Dennis DeYoung from Styx to mind previously sang on Kurdt Vanderhoof's solo record while drummer Jeff Wade and bassist Brian Lake also have a touring history with Metal Church. On keyboards we have Brian Cokeley formerly of Earth, Quiet Riot and Vanilla Fudge fame. It's Cokeley who makes this disc so amazing actually. His retro sounds produced through his vast use of analog keys surround Vanderhoof's flowing guitar lines effectively providing the backbone of the music to a great extent. Most of the songs start off with slow, analog synths that are developed into energetic hard rock driven music thanks to a great singer and a powerful drum-bass combo. "Find the Time" has an amazing keyboard intro supported by an arpeggiated acoustic guitar melody and is eerily evocative of Yes' Close to the Edge era to these ears. Albright's vocals are at their emotional best as they soar over huge mellotron soundscapes.

Similarly, "Slave" continues to build on atmospheric mellotrons with a great guitar theme from Vanderhoof and possibly the most pounding bass section on the entire album. Brian Lake lays down a very impressive groove to this song. "Speed of Time" and the closing track "Bringin' It On" both have soft acoustic intros with great piano and synth passages again followed by some really heavy bass figures. "Speed of Time" is particularly to my liking as the song reminds me of Kansas in terms of its neat arrangement. Also note the magnificent drum solo that closes the track.

With all that said, the two most interesting cuts are the title song which is easily their most straightforward track - it's got a nice 70's vibe all over it and it's easy to notice that this is the band's nod to their 70's idols. On the other hand, the longest song "The Fringes" is also the most progressive and mindblowing piece on this disc. It's got everything you'd expect from a 70's-inspired prog rock band - analog keys with a very warm tone, super prog odd time signatures, a killer guitar solo from Vanderhoof that duels fiercely with Cokeley's keyboard run, and in closing, a nifty acoustic guitar that is so seamlessly hidden under a huge organ sound. Vanderhoof produced this record on his own and this song is proof that he's done a very good job. He also meant to revisit his past and pay tribute to his musical heroes, which he, without doubt, has achieved. Needless to say, a second Presto Ballet release would be more than welcome in the prog community.

Average customer rating: Best of his acoustic albums retrocedamos 150 años Superb concept well executed More guitar, please Beautifully melodic combo of classical guitar with orchestra

Metamorpheus Steve Hackett Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Seven: A Suite for Orchestra Wild Orchids Live Archive 05 To Watch the Storms Sketches of Satie ASIN: B0007Y09RI Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

1. The Pool Of Memory And The Pool Of Forgetfulness
2. To Earth Like Rain
3. Song To Nature
4. One Real Flower
5. The Dancing Ground
6. That Vast Life
7. Eurydice Taken
8. Charon's Call
9. Cerberus At Peace
10. Under The World - Orpheus Looks Back
11. The Broken Lyre
12. Severance
13. Elegy
14. Return To The Realm Of Eternal Renewal
15. Lyra

Album Description

Ever since his days as the guitarist for Genesis, Steve Hackett has been setting new standards for his instrument. Matchless versatility combined with extraordinary passion has transformed him through time into a musician's musician. In addition to his work in progressive rock, Steve Hackett has also shown remarkable dedication in the pursuit of his classical side. To date he has released 5 acoustic/classical albums, and has appeared as the featured soloist with the London Chamber Orchestra, earning the respect of both rock contemporaries and classical figures alike.

Metamorpheus, the latest project, is the natural successor to 1997's A Midsummer Night's Dream (which spent several weeks in the UK classical charts). It combines nylon strung guitar with orchestra, seamlessly merging small and large musical forces.

Customer Reviews:

Best of his acoustic albums.......2005-08-09

Hackett hops back and forth between the classical music and progressive rock worlds, and has had hit and misses in both. Happily, this is one of his most diverse and atmospheric classical accomplishments. Even fans who prefer his progressive work might find this a satisfying listen, since it occasionally echoes some of his Genesis era pastoral guitar interludes. Even though I greatly enjoyed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" this new CD seems more cohesive and satisfying overall. It's a lovely creation.

retrocedamos 150 años.......2005-05-05

!Que manía la de todos los rockeros que abundan en el mundo clásico!. Es increible que Vaugah Williams, Elgar y demás tardoromaticos ingleses sigan siendo, más de 100 años después, el referente de lo que es la música clásica para todos los rockeros que se meten en camisas de once varas. Paul MacCartney, Tony Banks o, ahora, Steve Hackett encabezan una larga lista de músicos que parecen olvidar que tras aquellos maestros ha existido el siglo XX. Ligeti, Stockhausen, Lutoskawski, Webern o Messiaen parece como si se los hubiera tragado la tierra. No es que me parezcan malas las composiciones de este Metamorpheus, lo que me parece es que influencias más "modernas" no habrían estado de más. Yo no digo que HAckett se ponga a hacer música concreta, pero, vamos, un poquito más de contemporaneidad y algo menos de tardoromanticismo no le vendría mal

Superb concept well executed.......2005-05-03

Dealing with the mythology was always a formidable strongpoint for Steve Hackett. That he is one of the finest nylon string guitar players in the world only enhances the wonder, the lyricism and the sophistication of his tales. He is not a singer by any means, but it's his hands that tell the story. "Blood On The Rooftops" from the Genesis days is just one of the many extraordinary examples of the sophistication he brought to rock, invoking the legend of Passover into the backdrop of American TV violence and the Israeli-Palestinian cross-fire.
On this latest disc, moving away from social commentary, Shakespeare and back into Greek mythology, Hackett along with his cadres have created a classical masterpiece. The integration of the instruments is subtle. The pacing of the tale is dead-on. His fingerpicking and plectrum work set him apart from both classical and rock contemporaries. I can think of only Steve Howe, with whom he shared an entirely unsuccessful collaboration that played to none of their strengths (GTR), and Sharon Isbin, I can think of no other contemporary guitarist with that capacity for storytelling as well as finesse. Hackett must surely channel John Dowland, both thematically and stylistically. It is a chamber work on offer here, more baroque than classical, but it is one of the ways in which ancient myth informs us of the perils of our particular age.
This is a significant addition to the canon of guitar music.

More guitar, please.......2005-04-18

I enjoy most all of Hackett's music, especially his acoustic albums. My only disappointment is that the guitar is not featured even more. No doubt this composition reflects his vision and all, but I was left wanting more of his nylon-string virtuosity. I found his 1997 "Midsummer Night's Dream" a little more satisfying in this regard.

Beautifully melodic combo of classical guitar with orchestra.......2005-04-16

Lush and romantic setting with just the right amount of edge for the story of Orpheus's voyage to the underworld. Upon a few listens I found many of the melodies were very memorable. Nice original music that nods occasionally to Ravel and Morricone yet quite original. The guitar playing is super as are the orchestral players. Very well engineered too. Found this a more balanced effort than Hackett's Midsummer's CD that also featured a guitar and orchestra setting.

Average customer rating:

Russian Voices Manufacturer: Koch Schwann (Germ.) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001SW9 Release Date: 1995-02-28

Tracks:

1. All Our Sacred Hymns
2. When The Israelites Had Passed Through The Water
3. Short Ectene
4. Hail, Virgin Mother Of God
5. Praise Of The Mother Of God
6. Thou Art The Joy OF All Who Are Troubled
7. Glory To God In The Highest
8. Today Is Born Of The Virgin
9. Praise The Lord, O My Soul
10. Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant
11. Praise The Name Of The Lord
12. Lord, Save Thy People
13. First Verses Of The Canon Of St. Andrew Of Crete
14. To Thy Mystic Feast
15. Thou How Art Clothed With Light As With A Garment
16. The Convention Of Angels
17. Your Cross - Your Resurrection

Tracks:

1. Cherubikon
2. Epiclesis - Hymn To The Mother Of God
3. The Lord's Prayer - Elevation
4. Holy God
5. Truly All Is Vanity
6. O Lord Grant Peace
7. O Christ, Let The Soul
8. You Alone
9. Thrice Holy
10. Eternal Remembrance - Blessed
11. Blessed Is The Man
12. Great Doxology
13. Lord, Save Thy People

Average customer rating: Finally a Messiah with fervor! Great recording! Good and Bad This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas at Trinity ASIN: B00002R16A Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 1 Overture
2. Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
3. Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
5. Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
6. Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
7. Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
9. Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
11. Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
12. Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
13. Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
15. Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
16. Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
17. Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
18. Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
19. Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
20. Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
21. Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
22. Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
23. Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
25. Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
2. Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
3. Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
5. Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
6. Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
7. Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
9. Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
11. Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
12. Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
13. Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
14. Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
15. Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
16. Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
17. Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
18. Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
19. Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
20. Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
21. Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
22. Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
23. Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
25. Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
27. Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
28. Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

Average customer rating: A Great British collection If you like Baroque music, buy it; it is excellent

Rule Britannia Manufacturer: Nimbus Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stanley | Stanley, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rule Britannia and Other Music from Last Night of the Proms Royal Salute Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Marches-1/British Regimental Marches of British Army, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00004W3JI Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. The Island Princess: Tpt Aire/Sym Of Flatt Trumpits
2. 'Mr. Handel's Water Piece': Ste in D: I. Ov
3. 'Mr. Handel's Water Piece': Ste in D: II. Gigue (Allegro)
4. 'Mr. Handel's Water Piece': Ste in D: III. Aire (Menuetto)
5. 'Mr. Handel's Water Piece': Ste in D: IV. March I (Bouree) - March II
6. The Choice Of Hercules: I. Ov (Largo-Allegro)
7. The Choice Of Hercules: II. March
8. Europe Revells In Ye Peace: Sym
9. 'Ste De Clairque' (Tpt Voluntary Ste): I. Prld: The Duke Of Gloster's March; Minuet & Sybelle...
10. 'Ste De Clairque' (Tpt Voluntary Ste): II. Ser & Ecossaise
11. 'Ste De Clairque' (Tpt Voluntary Ste): III. Bourre & Hornpipe
12. 'Ste De Clairque' (Tpt Voluntary Ste): IV. Gigue
13. 'Ste De Clairque' (Tpt Voluntary Ste): V. Rondeau: The Prince Of Denmark's March (Tpt Voluntary)
14. The Fairy Queen: Sym To Act IV: I. Intro - Canzona
15. The Fairy Queen: Sym To Act IV: II. Adagio
16. The Fairy Queen: Sym To Act IV: III. Battle (Allegro) - Pastoral - Battle
17. The Indian Queen: Tpt Ov To Act II
18. Son in E, Op.3 No.5: I. Allegro
19. Son in E, Op.3 No.5: II. Largo
20. Son in E, Op.3 No.5: III. Giga: Allegro
21. Atalanta: Ov: I. Adagio - Allegro
22. Atalanta: Ov: II. Andante
23. The Judgment Of Paris: Recitative: Awake, Awake, Thy Spirits Raise; Aire: Hark, Hark, The Glorius...
24. Birthday Song For Queen Mary: Come Ye Sons Of Art (Ov & Chor): I. Sym (Largo - Allegro)
25. Birthday Song For Queen Mary: Come Ye Sons Of Art (Ov & Chor): II. Adagio
26. Birthday Song For Queen Mary: Come Ye Sons Of Art (Ov & Chor): III. Ritornello - Chor
27. Funeral Music For Queen Mary: I. March
28. Funeral Music For Queen Mary: II. Canzona
29. Funeral Music For Queen Mary: III. March (Reprise)
30. Alfred: 'Rule Britannia'

Tracks:

1. Pomp And Circumstance Military: March No.1 in D, Op.39 - English Str Orch/William Boughton
2. Pomp And Circumstance Military: March No.2 in a, Op.39 - English Str Orch/William Boughton
3. Pomp And Circumstance Military: March No.3 in c, Op.39 - English Str Orch/William Boughton
4. Pomp And Circumstance Military: March No.4 in G, Op.39 - English Str Orch/William Boughton
5. Pomp And Circumstance Military: March No.5 in C, Op.39 - English Str Orch/William Boughton
6. The Pirates Of Penzance: Ov - SCO/Alexander Faris
7. HMS Pinafore - Ov - SCO/Alexander Faris
8. Ste: The Planets, Op.32: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity - Philharmonia Orch/William Boughton
9. Te Deum - Christ Church Cathedral Chor, Oxford/Stephen Darlington
10. Vars On An Original Theme, Enigma, Op.36: IX. Nimrod - English SO/William Boughton
11. The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune - Christ Church Cathedral Chor, Oxford/Stephen Darlington

Customer Reviews:

A Great British collection.......2005-10-05

This CD features several particular composers who have written pieces of music that are quintessentially British: Jeremiah Clarke, George Frideric Handel, John Stanley, John Eccles, Henry Purcell, William Corbett, Edward Elgar, Arthur Sullivan, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Thomas Arne. The pieces here are triumphant, celebrating that particular period of Empire when the British ruled vastly such that the sun never set upon it - one of the key elements of such triumphant music-making, particularly for the time, was the use of brass and trumpet. Some of the later composers included here draw on inspirations from these earlier times.

One of the featured performers on this collection is John Wallace, who was principal trumpet of the Philharmonia Orchestra since the 1970s; he founded the brass ensemble, the Wallace Collection, ten years later in 1986. In 2002, he became principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, and the Wallace Collection gave their last performance shortly thereafter. However, the Wallace Collection lives on in performances on CD such as this one, performed with William Boughton and the English String Orchestra. Other tracks are performed by Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Alexander Faris and the English String Orchestra conducted by Stephen Darlington.

Pieces here are very familiar to anyone with an interested in British national composition -- pieces such as the Water Music by Handel are very famous, as are Holst's 'Planets' and Sullivan's (of Gilbert & Sullivan) 'Pinafore'; other pieces, such as Clarke's 'Trumpet Voluntary', are similarly famous even if their composers did not achieve the 'brand recognition' that Handel did. All of the composers here came from the period spanning the late 1600s to the late 1700s, when music was as often written for music halls and public performances as it was for royal events and commissions.

The performances here are uniformly upbeat and well played, with little by way of blemish save the occasional drop and surge in levels (as often becomes the case when recording music with sharp brass elements).

One can envision theatres full of people waving Union Jacks while this plays, and many of the pieces have a quality about them that speaks directly to the time and place of Britain.

If you like Baroque music, buy it; it is excellent.......2005-06-29

If you like Baroque music, buy this 2 CD's BOX SET; it is excellent. Clarke, Handel, Purcell, Corbet and so on are very well played. The orchestration is very good, the quality of recording is excellent. Remember that Baroque music uses mainly a single trumpet, few other brass instruments, some woodwinds and very few drums. It is very easy, elegant and pleasant to listen. When I got married in 2003, I have chosen only Baroque music for the ceremony and the banquet because Baroque music is so lovely, so delicate and so sweet. Even if you have never heard or you think that you have never heard Baroque music, buy this CD; I tell you, you will not regret your choice because it is really an excellent CD. You have my words.

Meditation Music:

1. Autumn in New England
2. Between Two Worlds
3. Chariots of Fire [Soundtrack]
4. Chrysis
5. Creativity: Open the Wellspring
6. Dance of the Unicorn
7. Desert Vision
8. Dream Drift
9. Dream Generator
10. Duck Rock

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Good Ones [Import]

Chopin: Arrangements for String Quartet [Import]

Anthology of Organ

Music: Punny Punny/Class & Credential [CD-single]

Bambuddha Grove: Spirit of Ibiza [Limited Edition] [Import]

Aqua Remix Superbest [Enhanced] [Import]

Afrocanto [Import]

Bass in Da Hood

A Love Supreme

Adventures in Early Music ~ Documented by DHM

Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline

Best of Glykeria [Import]

38th Street [Explicit Lyrics]

Jack of Harps

Premonition