Homeland

1. Homeland Theme

2. Cal's Lament

3. Tumbleweed Waltz

4. Silver Screen Romance

5. Parting

6. From Vienna, With Love

7. Reminiscences

8. Lincoln's Lament

9. Magda's Waltz

10. Elegy

11. Homeland

Homeland,Michael Hoppe,Seventh Wave,Adult Alternative,Celtic Fusion,Contemporary Instrumental,Neo-Classical,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Original Score

Average customer rating:

My daughter loves this CD
You MUST buy this CD.
A "5" for any listener seeking the spiritual...
A Beautiful Offering of Comfort
Homeland, another Bill Douglas "Jewel"

Homeland: A Prayer for Peace
Bill Douglas
Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sky
Land of Forever
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Awake

ASIN: B00006BXFW
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

Shenandoah
Begin Sweet World
In Memoriam (September 11, 2001)
Homeland
Sanctus
Desert Star
Blue Sky, White Rock
Beauty Bright
Entering The Dream
Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair/Wonder As I Wander
Prayer For Peace
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
The Water Is Wide

Product Description

1. Shenandoah (traditional)
2. Begin Sweet World
3. In Memoriam (September 11, 2001)
4. Homeland
5. Sanctus
6. Desert Star
7. Blue Sky, White Rock
8. Beauty Bright
9. Entering The Dream
10. Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair/I Wonder as I Wander (traditional)
11. Prayer for Peace
12. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (traditional)
13. The Water Is Wide (traditional)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Evoking moods that gently flow from reverence to melancholy to serene reflection, composer Bill Douglas once again makes effective use of earthly means to pursue heavenly realizations. On Homeland, his 11th career recording, Douglas (piano, synthesizers, bassoon) blends quiet, contemporary-classical instrumental works with choral selections that again showcase the Ars Nova Singers, an impressive collective whose deeply resonant voices fill the vaulted ceilings of your inner cathedral. The disc's subtle beauty is tinged with sadness, as most pieces (embellished with oboe, flute, clarinet, and cello) reflect the recording's introspective subtitle (A Prayer for Peace). Choral works account for six of Homeland's 13 tracks, and if there's a flaw to be found, it's that Douglas has the singers enunciating too many syllables in his interpretations of American folksongs ("Shenandoah," "The Water Is Wide," etc.) and English verse (Wordsworth, Shelly, Blake). At times, this causes listeners to focus on comprehending hard-to-distinguish words rather than letting themselves be swept away by the sheer radiance of the harmonies. Yet it's a tolerable flaw on a meticulously crafted disc intended to comfort and calm a listener's soul. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

My daughter loves this CD.......2003-12-08

I originally bought this CD for myself and loved the music but one night, when I could not locate my daughter's lullaby CD, I put this one in and it has not left her CD player since. She is two years old and this music is what she listens to at night for her lullabies. She loves it and never lets us forget to turn it on for her.

You MUST buy this CD........2002-09-28

The sweet melancholy of this music put my mind in the soft twilight of a late afternoon. I wish Mr. Doulgas would tell us more about the Ars Nova Singers. Their voices are angelic.

A "5" for any listener seeking the spiritual..........2002-09-23

Every track on this CD is simply gorgeous. After hearing some of Homeland on public radio (Hearts of Space), I knew I wanted to hear it again and again. After discovering the CD was written as a prayer for peace in response to 9/11, I decided when I bought it to make it my 9/11/02 listening experience. Every track evokes feelings of loss but also feelings of future. It permitted the appropriate melacholia such an anniversary demands, and yet, provided hope for every minute of the day. The traditional pieces are as good renditions as I have encountered; the new age compositions seem as they could have been written at any time and fit in any age. I can't quite imagine any listener seeking music that touches the spiritual feeling that Homeland was less than a 5.

A Beautiful Offering of Comfort.......2002-08-19

In the two years since Douglas' last cd, alot has happened in our world. Alot has changed. In his much awaited new release, Bill Douglas offers a musical memoriam of September 11, with the cd as a whole, and specifically with a song entitled "In Memoriam (Sept. 11, 2001). The song is taken from the poetry of Lord Alfred Tennyson and adapted to song by Douglas, in accompaniment with the Ars Nova Singers. It is a gentle offering of peace and comfort.

Douglas begins the cd with a very stirring tradional version of "Shenandoah," remeniscent of bygone Civil War days. Mostly a cappela, with a hint of music. In his typical, yet always soothing and refreshing style, Douglas incorperates instrumentals amongst those vocals, while also alternating the two, i.e. one vocal seperated by two instrumentals, etc. Instrumentals include the cd title, "Homeland." He concludes the disc with a very moving and beautiful vocal/instrumental arrangement of "The Water Is Wide." I took away honesty and comfort as the theme of this cd. Comfort for a Nation, comfort for those who have been directly affected by 9/11, and comfort to apply in each of our own lives and circumstances. Honesty is most evident in a tradional version of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." This is a very healing cd. Tears and goosebumps were companions for me on many songs.

On this album, Douglas uses the poetry of William Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and William Blake, in addition to Lord Tennyson. Douglas plays piano, basson, and sythesizers. He is accompanied by other instruments - clarinet, cello, flute, oboe, tabla and percussion - and as always, in song by the Ars Nova Singers, conducted by Thomas Morgan. Bill Douglas' music is great if you're looking for some music to relax with and most especially if you're in need of something with a peaceful overtone. Great gift for someone who is ill or stressed. For those who have long listened to the music of Bill Douglas, this will offer another work of serenity and sentiment. For those who have yet to discover his work, this will powerfully find it's way into your heart, forever.

And for those who suffered the greatest losses as a result of September 11, 2001, I would imagine this cd would mean the most to you. I hope and pray it could offer you some small portion of comfort. (Which is the sincerest intention of Bill Douglas, I'm certain.) God be with you.

Homeland, another Bill Douglas "Jewel".......2002-08-18

Bill Douglas at his peaceful best. Begin Sweet World is a perfect example. Also, the piece that moved me the most on Homeland is "Homeland" itself. What a gem. Nobody on this earth can combine piano,cello,and bassoon like Bill. Check out the track "Elegy" on his Cantilena CD, it will move you, that's a promise. I may be partial, but that's because I have the honor of being able to play his music. If you want music that enters your soul and moves your emotions, Mr. Bill Douglas is the composer of choice, period.

Tracks:

The End
A Taste of Everest
Single and Loving It
Four Letter Words
Homeland Insecurity
Goodbyes Are Always Coldest In December
Boy Meets World War III
I'm Frozen And You're Dead
Drowning (One Last Breath)
Whine and Dine
Fever White
Zombies Never Think Twice

Customer Reviews:

yes.......2007-04-21

Endwell is an extremely talented group of musicians. Their music is lovely and so are the members. It's a great group of guys who are just doing what they love. And their great at it.

If you like or love hardcore screamo music this is for you.

if not... you should.

because its brilliant.

DOnt hesitate to buy!!!

Solid Start, Yet..........2007-01-05

The whole CD does have a feel of been there done that. Although there is nothing that is just bad about the album I would have liked to see a little more variation in the songs. My main concern is that the lyrics seem too whiny, especially the screaming. Such lines as "My heart is not equipped for this torment" which fill most of the CD sound awkward while be screamed. Most the CD sounds as if it was written after a bitter brake-up and the singer is taking it like 13 year-old (no offense to all the 13 year olds out there). Some variation in topics would help this band out. "Fever White" the most mellow song of the CD with no screaming is probably the song that shows the most potential. While not my favorite track it shows a little maturity in the group.

"Single And loving It" and "Fever White" are the best tracks in my opinion. This CD is worth a listen. The band does have talent, but this probably isn't anything you haven't heard before.

Endwell ~Homeland Insecurity~.......2007-01-04

Homeland Insecurity opens with up-tempo drumming and deep growls that feel like they head absolutely no where. The song is a wash of boredom with almost no diversions from the standard metalcore triplets and palm muted chords underneath and sadly, this album doesn't stray too far form the formula after that.

The clean singing on this album is solid and some of the lead work during the choruses (""A Taste of Everest"") is solid but the band just never does anything new which seems to be a growing trend amongst Victory bands.

If you've heard Still Remains, Silverstein or It Dies Today... you've pretty much heard everything this band has to offer now, sadly.

To be honest, had they stayed mostly in the direction of their single ""Single and Loving It"" the disc would have been much more enjoyable! Otherwise, you can pass on this one!

Blown away.......2006-11-02

This group is well known to me and this CD is by far a very advanced and polished product. They are incredible. Anyone into this type of music will agree that this CD is a "must-have" !!! Check out their live shows. They are the best and they are great guys if you ever get to know them!

Endwell's first major release!- Highly reccomend!.......2006-11-01

My cousin Double Dan Puglisi is the lead guitar player in this awesome addition to the Metalcore, Scremo scene. They are a really tight group of guys who are extremely good at what they do. They are brutaly heavy yet melodic at the same time. Fans of the genre will not be dissapointed and found craving for more. This album rocks, and their live shows are amazing as well.

There is a great video for their first single "Single And Loving It" on Youtube. Go check it out!!!!

Endwell is a talented group of guys that put there heart into there music. Give them a listen and Buy the album!!!

P.S.- Dan if your reading this, congrats!!!

- Josh

Average customer rating:

Jamine Flower
Angelic Choir

Jasmine Flower
Beijing Angelic Choir
Manufacturer: Wind Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

China | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

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Chinese Lullabies
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Greatest Chinese Folk Songs

ASIN: B00006369N
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

Children from the Mountain
The Celebration of the Tribal Harvest Festivals
The Anthem of Parents
Eight Fiery Horses
Snow-White Flower Blossoms
Wedding
Dong-Dong Kui (The Anthem Of Joy)
The Jasmine Flower
My Beautiful Homeland
Lady A-Shi-Ma
The Jubilant Torch Festival Celebration
My Lovely Hometown
A Rainy Day

Amazon.com

To get a sense of just how authentic a listening experience you're in for when spinning Jasmine Flower, flip through the liner notes first. Four pages in you'll find nothing but characters, and the second half is so pocked with bungled possessives and punctuation you wonder whether it was penned by the menu writer at your favorite hole-in-the-wall kung pao place. Sung in dialects from a jigsaw of Chinese regions, Flower dazzles with nectar-sweet harmonies, exotic instrumentation, and a spirit of innocence that transcends cultures and languages. China-specific sounds like the moon guitar and long lute slant the vibe in a spiritual direction, but each sentiment unfolds easily to willing Western ears. "The Anthem of Parents," from the Hunan Province, harnesses a distinct vocal reverie in describing the love that parents feel for their children; the Tibetan "My Beautiful Homeland--Xigaze" speaks, through gentle woodwinds and an exacting, chanted refrain, of a heavenly paradise with fragrant wine and flowers; and the Cantonese "A Rainy Day," drizzled in the sounds of nature and a mood of solemnity, illustrates the universal bummer of being at Mother Nature's mercy. Though the Beijing Angelic is strictly a kids' choir, Jasmine Flower exudes a Zen-style agelessness that anybody who's patted a Buddha's belly will warm to, tranquility-seeking New Age types especially. Educational applications are an option should Asian studies be in bloom at your household, but so is sitting back to simply to listen to the choir's gentle artistry. As the title track suggests, the jasmine's fragrance permeates everywhere, and everybody loves its white, lovely flowers. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Jamine Flower.......2007-01-29

We bought this album for my niece. She is just two and a half but she likes music.
I think her parents are going to teach her to be bilingual in both the Taiwan language and English.
I listened to the album in its entirety and enjoyed all the music. I recommend it for children and adults!

Angelic Choir.......2006-03-22

I actually bought this to use as background tracks for digital show on trip to China. I had a number of Chinese CDs, but this one is really excellent. The variety of moods and the angelic voices are a pleasure to hear. I especially liked the happy "Fiery Horses" song.

Average customer rating:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!)
The Real Deal
Re-living the past

Bartók Album

Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania
Morning Star
Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music
The Best of Marta Sebestyen: Voice of "The English Patient"
Music from Hungary

ASIN: B00000JZ15
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Dunantuli Friss Csardasok
Jocul Barbatesc
Violin Duo No.32, 'Dance Of Maramaros'
Maramaros Dances
On The River Bank
Swineherds' Dance
Dunantuli Ugrosok
Shepherd's Flute Song
Forgacskuit Lads' Dance
My Horse's Shoe
Violin Duo No.28, 'Sorrow'
Bonchida: Slow Lads' Dance
Magyarbecei Oreges Csardasok
Pe Loc
Bota Dance
Torontal Dances
Ardeleana
Vioiln Duo No.44, 'Transylvanian Dance'
Fuzes: Lads' Dance
The Churchyard Gate
Kalotaszeg Dances
I Left My Homeland

Amazon.com

Hungarian composers were among the world's most diligent in using folk resources to inform their classical compositions, and no composer was more involved in his nation's folk music than Bela Bartók. His recording expeditions into the Hungarian countryside in the early years of the 20th century preserved a musical heritage that might have otherwise been lost. While his main interest was finding inspiration for radical new music, his recordings lived on to inspire generations of modern folk revivalists. This album is a tribute to Bartók's work. The songs he recorded are born anew in the strings of Muzsikás and singer Márta Sebestyén. They play and sing these old songs in a traditional style but never fail to stamp a strong personal mark on the material. In addition to Muzsikás's own renditions, the CD includes a few special tracks of the original Bartók recordings that let you hear the old style of playing and singing in the purest form. There are also a few Bartók compositions, performed by Muzsikás fiddler Mihaly Sipos and Romanian classical violinist Alexander Balanescu. The old recordings and the Bartók works add a unique perspective to the folk songs, offering us a timeline from the oldest sources to the most modern interpretations. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!).......2003-04-05

An absolutely stellar recording! It simply doesn't get any better than this in terms of musicianship, vocals, performance quality or ethnomusicological value.

A sort of concept album, Muzsikas and Marta Sebestyen perform some serious musical detective work in The Bartok Album, juxtaposing original phonograph field recordings from a century ago by Bartok himself alongside excerpts from his works which clearly reflect these folkloric influences. Finally, we are treated with Muzsikas' own renditions of these classic folk pieces, executed with the perfect mix of flawless technique and earthy exuberance, not to mention the magnificent haunting vocals of Sebestyen.

Particularly intriguing are the swineherd and shepherd songs, among the most ancient styles in the Carpathian Basin. The long flute on the Shepherd's Flute Song, beautifully played by Zoltan Juhasz, has an ethereal otherworldly quality and contrasts most favourably with the spirited ugros dances that precede it. The carefully chosen clips from Bartok's musical archives clearly show the link between his field recordings and subsequent compositions, such that the listener gets an idea of just how influential folkloric elements were in Bartok's work. Fascinating for anyone with even a casual interest in Bartok, ethnomusicology, or the unique musical styles found in Transdanubia and Transylvania, or just for anyone who needs a frenetic folk-dancing workout.

All in all, an absolutely top-notch album in every sense of the word, and highly recommended to any fan of great music!

The Real Deal.......2002-06-28

One day, in adventurous mood and tired of RAWK, I decided it was time to investigate Gypsy fiddle music and stumbled onto this CD (who says you can't judge a CD by the cover art?). It became my happiest discovery in years. There's nothing hokey about the performance of these re-worked folk tunes; the album is passionate and exhuberant and visceral, and the violin work often soars into the stratosphere.

I've seen other reviewers express disappointment that the ensemble didn't perform/arrange the work in the fashion Bartok himself would have, ie, classical mode, but that would have diluted the whole point: the people who performed the songs for the Bartok's microphone (clips of the original field recordings Bartok made are presented inbetween the modern renditions) didn't make music for upper-crust performance halls and Sony Classical, they played it in the intimacy of their everyday lives and communities. By presenting the songs in this context, the album reminds us of a time and place when popular music had real communal value not measured in units sold.

Re-living the past.......2000-06-20

This newest Muzsikas album includes 4 excelent elements:

- Bela Bartok's genius for documenting folk melodies

- Muzsikas orchestra whish reproduces traditional music with passion

- guest star Marta Sebastian, passionate voice to reveale sadness from Transilvania

- and last but not least - Alexander Balanescu, precious performer and great experimentator.

I was lucky enough to see the concert in Budapest. May 2000, where many songs from "The Bartok Album" were introduced. On the recording it is possible to hear only the echo of the stomping dance that gives the rythm to the music, and you can only imagine antiend and rude instruments that, played together with virtuose violine, compose timeless tunes that Bartok saved from extintion.

Still, the advantage that CD has over the live performance are recordings from the museum archives, valuable historical docuemntation of traditional music from Hungary and Romania, as well as very well equiped booklet with descritions and translations of many songs.

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In E Minor, 'From My Life': Allegro vivo - Appassionato
String Quartet No. 1 In E Minor, 'From My Life': Allegro moderato - A la polka
String Quartet No. 1 In E Minor, 'From My Life': Largo sostenuto
String Quartet No. 1 In E Minor, 'From My Life': Vivace
String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor: Allegro
String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor: Allegro moderato
String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor: Allegro non piu moderato, ma agitato - E con fuoco
String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor: Presto
'From My Homeland': No. 1 In A Major: Moderato
'From My Homeland': No. 2 In G Minor: Andantino

Customer Reviews:

two masterworks in the history of string quartets.......2005-11-18

This two quartets, written by deaf, ill health, but a genius and very romantic-charactered Czech composer, Smetana (1824-1884). These are staples in chamber music repertoire, very often played and recorded. Both has a tragic, lyric, passion mood. And the performances of Moyzes Quartet is really amazing. They has a very good musicquality and played with sensitiveness.

String Quartet No. 1, named "From my life" is an autobiographical work, as you know. The first movement is in a appasionata mood, which tells about the composers' pathetic fate. The second movement is a salon-polka, in a sunny mood, which tells about composers' society life. The third movement is the slow mov. and tells about the composers' first love. The great finale is tells about Smetana's succeful career, as a composer and conducts and plays piano, across the Europe. This very fast music suddenly cut off! And then, there is a dramatic scene, which tells about composers' deafness, and the noise-signal of deafness played by Violin I. And then, there is a nostalgic passage, he remembers his happy moments of past times, there is a "faint ray of hope", but nevertheless, these moments will not come back again...! The resignation to the fate...

The Straing Quartet No. 2 in D minor is another pathetic phenomenon. Written in 1883, a year before the master's painful death in a mental asylum... Actually, doctor of the composer was forbidden to compose any work. But Smetana, work privately. But the developement duraiton was too long. Because, he could not remember that what he was write to score! So, he completed that ca. 18 minute work in 9 months! And, when you listen that work, you can feel that, Smetana is going to crazy, to be mad!

There are very tempestous moments in Quartet No. 2, ad has lyric, passionate moments, too, but finishes very flamboyant, near the border of insane!

There is the preface of composer, for his "From my life":

Concerning the poetic content of this composition, the composer himself in a letter dated April 12, 1878 (this, at a time when he had already lost his hearing) states that he wished in this quartet to depict his life in a muscial form.

"1st movement: The love of art in his youth, the unsatisfied longing for something indefinable, as well as the premonition of impending disaster.

The 2nd movement, "a la Polka", refers to his happy youth, in which Smetana indulged passionately in dancing and composed above all.

3rd movement: "Largo sostenuto". The bliss of his first love-for the girl who later became the master's wife.

4rd movement: The recognition of his national music, his joy at the succes he gained; suddenly the long-held high E, that fateful ringing in the composer's ears before his deafness. A painful recollection of the very baginnings of his career; a faint ray of hope; finally resignation in the face of his ineluctable destiny."

Highly recommended for any music lovers.

POOR OLD BEDRICH!.......2000-07-07

Smetana's last years were certainly not filled with health and happiness. Anything but! Yet, as some sort of perverse mixed blessing, we are left with the legacy of his two quartets, mainstays of 19th century Czech chamber music, while death literally hovered over his shoulder (and obviously helped him write).

By the time he had completed his Quartet No. 1 in Em ("From My Life"), 1876, he was stone deaf for two years; and Quartet No. 2 was, for the most part, completed a year before he died. And, to add insult to injury, his orchestral masterpeice, Ma Vlast, was written, as well, during this timeframe. It does seem hard to believe, but true. So strong is the creative drive, especially in composers of accepted genius, that, well, write they must; write they do.

So, then, did Smetana (1824-1884), and the two quartets he left us are fabulously rewarding works, filled with rich melodies, humbling pathos and simply remarkable insights that move us to laugh and cry. They rank, easily, with the finest Dvorak.

The two pieces for violin and piano are lovely additions--- and offer suitable resolution after such probing, emotional music.

The Moyzes foursome give a sturdy performance, hardly lacking in depth or angst, and marvelously devoid of eccentricity. They never push the music over the edge, as too many groups are apt to do.

The sound, not as rich and full as some other issues from this label, is still completely acceptable.

[Running time: 61:02]

Average customer rating:

A Pity

Homeland
Henry Butler
Manufacturer: Basin Street Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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Blues After Sunset

ASIN: B0001HAIWC
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Jump To The Music
Henry's Boogie
The Way We Loved
Homeland
Hey Little Girl
Casino
Some Iko
The Game Band Strut
I Stand Accused
OS7.0
You Can't Beat My Love
Ode To Fess

Amazon.com

Crescent City keyboard virtuoso Henry Butler has electrified and energized his recent recordings, mixing large portions of funk into the proceedings. The sound is a far cry from the sublime acoustic simplicity of his classic Blues After Sunset, but it has its own attractions, and producer Dave Pirner, a fellow New Orleans resident best known as the frontman for Soul Asylum, exhibits them well. Tunes like the acidic "Casino," a hard-edged, guitar-punctuated protest of the tourist focus that is slowly strangling NOLA's music scene, serves to illustrate Butler's musical abilities outside his signature syncopated piano artistry. Veteran guitarist Vasti Jackson, who has worked with everyone from Z.Z. Hill to C.J. Chenier, provides the perfect foil for Butler's keyboard work while also deftly reinforcing his R&B-flavored vocals on songs like the live-set favorite "I Stand Accused." Butler reverts to his earlier style for several keyboard excursions, such as "Ode to Fess," his tribute to New Orleans piano legend Professor Longhair, and "Henry's Boogie," a sparkling showcase for his percussive piano approach. --Michael Point

Customer Reviews:

A Pity.......2007-05-19

This is not a bad album, it's just a disappointing one. Henry Butler has more talent than 99.999% of the pianists out there, but half of the disc is just pseudo-funk or smooth jazz schlock. I'm still waiting for Henry to release another disc as good as BLUES AFTER SUNSET--there's a five-star disc.

Average customer rating:

Return of the Native
If you like Russian music...
Another real discovery of Borkiewicz' works-effective but..
Nice Symphonies in style of Glazunov and Miaskovsky

Symphonies
Bortkiewicz , Brabbins , and BBC Scottish So
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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York Bowen: Violin Concerto; Piano Concerto
Richard Arnell: Symphony No. 3; The New Age - Overture

ASIN: B00006GO65
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Customer Reviews:

Return of the Native.......2005-04-14

The Ukrainian-Russian composer Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877-1952) was a solid member of the Russian Nationalist School, despite having spent most of his life as an émigré. (Bortkiewicz should not be confused with Bortniansky, an earlier composer of liturgical music.) He has unfortunately not received the recognition he deserves, but there are signs this is changing.
This CD provides a sampling of the composer's finest and most significant works, his two symphonies. These amply demonstrate his considerable compositional skills, as well as his Russian Nationalist tendencies. The symphonies are also a testament to the intense nostalgia and homesickness resulting from his self-imposed exile.
To best understand Bortkiewicz one should look to the Russian Nationalist group. The group was founded by Balakirev, and included Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky. (Mussorgsky and Cui were also members of this group, but wrote little symphonic music.) The ideals of the group were carried forward in the next generation by Lyapunov, Kalinnikov, Rachmaninov and Bortkiewicz. The Finish composer Sibelius also belongs to this group - at least as far as his early compositions, and before he developed his own Finish nationalistic style. A primary objective of this group was to develop a uniquely Russian (or at least non-German) style of symphonic music. The style they developed has the following characteristics: 1) use of folk or folk-like themes; 2) use of longer and more flowing themes than is traditional in symphony (as practiced by the Germans and Austrians); 3) a musical development that depended less on modulation, but employs other devices such as contrast and repetition; 4) the frequent use of "restless background strings" endlessly running up and down the scale; 5) frequent woodwind "snippets" for punctuation; 6) placing the scherzo immediately after the opening movement, and 7) perhaps the most famous characteristic, an extended highly melodic slow movement, often with an "oriental" flavor, sad and suggestive of the vast and lonely steppes of Russia. Within the Russian Nationalist School itself how would one characterize Bortkiewicz?
Although endowed with considerable melodic gift, Bortkiewicz was not the spinner of endless melisma, in the manner of Tchaikovsky, Kalinnikov and Rachmaninov. His symphonies are perhaps closer to Balakirev and Sibelius, with a large infusion of Tchaikovsky. His music is basically conservative; his one concession to "modernism" is a more "Wagnerian" sound than that of most of the Russian Nationalists. Perhaps this was derived from Rachmaninov and Richard Strauss.

These characteristics are amply demonstrated in his Symphony No. 1 in D. It begins with an anguished introduction reminiscent of Sibelius. This agitated and somewhat "busy" tone is continued throughout the main section of the movement - perhaps it reflects the composer's unsettled frame of mind. During this movement there appears a strident march theme reminiscent of one in Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. The second movement is virtually a rewrite of the pizzicato movement of Tchaikovsky's Fourth, but in some ways an improvement - the imitation of balalaika music is much more convincing. The third movement is a plaintive slow movement in the best tradition of the Nationalists; the main theme is worthy of a Puccini heroine. The final movement is vigorous and concludes with a statement of "God Save the Tsar" - familiar to most from the 1812 Overture.
The Second Symphony in E Flat begins with a somber introduction similar in style to Balakirev's First and Tchaikovsky's Sixth. This somber tone is carried throughout the movement. Curiously the first movement concluded with an ethereal passage. The final movement contains a brass fanfare reminiscent of Dvorak's Ninth. Toward the end there is a passage somewhat suggestive of Beethoven's Fifth.
Without a doubt Bortkiewicz's career suffered from his disorganized life, due to his dislocation, and due to WW II. Much of the information concerning the composer's private life was lost in the destruction of WW II. Slowly some of this information is being reconstituted, and his rightful place in the history of music may yet be restored. The Ukraine is enthusiastically embracing its lost son. Those that enjoy his two symphonies will probably also enjoy his Piano Concerto, available on CD.

If you like Russian music..........2004-12-26

The other reviewers here go into great detail about this composer and his music--a tale worth telling. Bortkiewicz was hardly alone as a creative and intelligent man nearly ruined by the horrors of the last century. I don't think even today we have the full measure of the damage that was done to our culture by all that barbarity and violence.

If you're the sort of listener who loves to wallow in Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov (and who doesn't?) then you'll probably enjoy this disc. Bortkiewicz is an unjustifiably obscure composer and his music (on this disc especially) is extremely well-written and engaging with suitable blendings of old style Russian pathos, grandeur, and excitement. At times it may sound like Tchaikovsky but one gets the impression, after a listen or two, that those moments are conscious allusions and not due to lack of originality. There's much to enjoy--the finale of No. 1 is a hoot.

The comment has been made, perhaps too often, that he composed as if forty or so years of music never happened. To be fair, he wasn't really that much of a dinosaur and his music often fits in well with that of other traditionalists of his time like Kurt Atterberg and Randall Thompson. There are even almost jazzy elements here and there. I think we tend to oversimplify the trends of that century; a lot went on simultaneously at varying speeds.

Another real discovery of Borkiewicz' works-effective but.........2002-11-11

Sergey Eduardovich Bortkiewicz (1877-1952) is enjoying something of a discovery (and in a sense a rediscovery) of his music for over several years. The obscurity had much to do with the circumstances he was under, not really on the quality of his music, which is generally highly inventive and with a strong melodic profile & fervor. The two World Wars and the Russian Revolution effectively destroyed his chances of real success as a composer and as a musician. After studying music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory with Karl van Arek then with Lyadov (he also studied law which he later abandoned), he decided to continue his musical studies in Germany, and enrolled at the Leipzig Conservatory under the tutelages of Jadassohn & Reisenauer (of composition and piano respectively). His love for Berlin was never in doubt & lived there happily with his wife. But the German officials looked at him with suspicion for he was "Russian" and consequently placed him and his wife under house arrest before deporting them back to Russia.

But even back home he was treated with disdain in Russia because he was looked upon as a wealthy bourgeois (he came from a wealthy family). And when he returned to his estate in Kharkiv (or Kharkov) in the Ukraine after the First World War, his hopes for a better life vanished: the Soviets destroyed his family estate & the composer and his wife settled in Constantinople (Turkey). But he missed the cultures of Europe & decided to move with his wife to Vienna. After living in Paris for six months, they settled in Berlin for close to five years. The Nazi forces, however, continued to show disdain for anything and anyone Russian & expelled them from Germany. The Bortkiewicz remained in Vienna for the rest of their lives, amidst the incredible hardships during the Second World War. But recognition of his music finally came thereafter and during the celebration of his 75th birthday, concerts were held in his honor. His friends, particularly Hugo van Dalen, a notable Dutch pianist, had a great deal to do with keeping his music, and the essence of the composer, from total oblivion. Some of his works deemed lost are now found, even recently. But the damage was done, and the lesson we shall draw from this is how the weaknesses, the evil, & the ill-fortunes of mankind can damage and ultimately destroy the virtues of creativity & the essences of the blossoming of life itself.

But Bortkiewicz' music did blossom, as with Vainberg's during and after similar circumstances which confronted and affected him. And it's highly rewarding to hear the seriousness, the invention, the profundity of his music particularly during the most harshest of circumstances. And if you're familiar with his piano music especially in the Hyperion CD series (along with his rather flamboyant Piano Concerto), you will derive a good deal of pleasure from the symphonies, which are well constructed & rather melodic. The First, entitled "From my Homeland" of 1934 is rather striking, though, truth to tell, not as strong & idiomatic as the First Symphonies of, say Tchaikovsky, Balakirev, Glazunov, Kalinnikov, Lyatoshynsky, and Shostakovich(or of Bortkiewicz' Lamentation & Consolations for that matter). But the piece stands up quite well, with a Hollywoodish, assertive opening that develops into an atmosphere lyrical and yearning in character underpinned by some dramatic & heroic impulses (in a manner of Chopin more or less). The lyrical passages has warmth and substance even if lacking in depth that makes Rachmaninov's and Myaskovsky's scores masterpieces in their own rights. The scherzo, a bit too much in a manner of Rimsky-Korsakov & Tchaikovsky, is effectively dancelike and to my mind witty (Bortkiewicz' excellent orchestration comes huge especially here). But turn to the slow movement and the profundity is at its upmost-sorrowful and lamenting. And while I was more touched by the slow movement of the Second Symphony, this Adagio is not cheap, nor is the finale, which has sparkle, but also a sweeping melody articulated by the strings at 1'07"-ff that has grace as well as dignity. The opening motif of the first movement returns and rather exhilarating coda has reminiscences of both Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" & his Solemn Overture on the Danish Anthem, but in the composer's own style.

The Second Symphony of 1936/1937 is to me marginally a more substantial composition. The mood throughout is bleak and melancholic, rather sentimental in veins somewhat similar to Tchaikovsky. The passages played by the brass has a funereal quality about it. Even the scherzo is heroic, not as jolly as the scherzo of the First Symphony, but fierced and determined (as if saying I shall continue to move on). But turn to the Andante sostenuto movement and the anguish is even more profound. Listen to the innocent, remotely hopeful melody announce by the clarinet at 2'45" only for the strings to pick up that melody with a greater poignancy of sorrow and lamentation. Rather moving stuff, which compelled me to expect the finale to carry on within that same level. But instead the finale, notwithstanding some of that Tchaikovskian pomposity & poetic moments, comes across as lacking that wroughtfulness that would have enhance the overall appeal of the work.

Nevertheless, Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony come up huge in these surveys, with their approach highly vivid and measured where required. Their sympathetic readings are never in doubt & there's warmth underlying their playing. To no surprise, the Hyperion recording is of its usual warm & atmospheric incandescence and the booklet essay continues to be well within the record company's high standards of presentation (as does the cover painting of Makovsky). Malcolm Henbury-Ballan, the author of the booklet essay states "Here at last, in his homeland, Bortkiewicz has been re-established and honored as a composer of great beauty, passion, and melody. The exile has finally returned home." A rather beautiful sentiment indeed!

Nice Symphonies in style of Glazunov and Miaskovsky.......2002-10-20

Like the composers listed above, Bortkeiwicz was content to write the music he wanted to write. These symphonies were written around 1937, but they sound like they were written many years earlier. Symphony 1 is subtitled "From My Homeland" but could be called "Tribute to Tchaikovsky". The scherzo cribs from the pizzicato section of the Tchaikovsky 4th. He also quotes a Russian melody made famous in another of Tchaikovsky's works in the finale. The slow movement is nice, but not as gorgeous as one reviewer notes it on Hyperion's website. The Second Symphony reminds one of Borodin and Mussorgsky in places, notably the Scherzo. This symphony seems to be more original-there are darker shadows haunting this work and one gets a slightly different experience. Although the key is E-Flat major, there are many references to minor keys in the work. For someone investigating late-romantic 20th century symphonies, this CD came as a pleasant surpise, but the earth hasn't moved for me yet on this one. I have always liked his Piano Concerto No.1, however, the language is about the same. Great orchestration, wonderful notes about the composer's heritage (he suffered much in the hands of the Nazis) and he was still able to write cheery music. Great playing by the BBC Scottish and stylish conducting by Brabbins. For those who like this (and I do, although not as much as some, perhaps) this is well worth the investment.

Average customer rating:

Tex-Mex folk-country from Emmylou sound-alike
Ah, Tish!
A gringo who loves this music
Tish Hinojosa Is The Best Singer You've Never Heard Of!!!

Homeland
Tish Hinojosa
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002GIM
Release Date: 1989-12-07

Tracks:

Joaquin
West Side Of Town
Donde Voy
In The Night
Love Is On Our Side
All My Love
Till You Love Me Again
Voice Of The Big Guitar
Rancherita
Who Showed You The Way To My Heart
Let Me Remember
Amanecer

Customer Reviews:

Tex-Mex folk-country from Emmylou sound-alike.......2005-06-02

Tish sounds a lot like Emmylou but Emmylou has never recorded an album anything like this, so it's not a problem. - on the contrary, it's an asset Tish was born of Mexican parents who separately settled in San Antonio, Texas. In a song here, West side of town, Tish tells of their struggle for a better life north of the Tex-Mex border. It seems that neither parent lived to see Tish succeed with her musical career.

The set opens with a song (Joaquin) about a Mexican who tries to cross the border, but Tish doesn't know if he succeeds. Other songs also reflect life on the border, but there are also love songs here and a couple of cowboy songs (Voice of the Rio Grande, Rancherita) though Rancherita is also a love song. Tish sings mostly in English but some of the songs are in Spanish or include Spanish lines. The booklet contains full lyrics including English translations where applicable. While the overall sound is folk-country, the Latin influences are there too, including Flaco Jiminex on accordion.

If you enjoy quality folk-country music, you will surely love this album. Whether this is the best album by Tish, I do not know. I certainly wish I'd bought more of her music.

Ah, Tish!.......2004-05-11

Recorded 3 years before what may be the best Hinojosa work, "Culture Swing", "Homeland" is a Spanish and English ode to the Tex Mex border and the lives lived there. Tales of immigrants hoping to just break even in their new country, love songs accompanied by the big guitar (there is even a song called, "Voice of the Big Guitar", the one non-Hinojosa tune on the CD). Tish's voice is already strong and yet vulnerable, delicate enough to trill a Spanish ballad; but able to belt out a Wanda Jackson-esque "Till You love Me Again".

This is a great introduction to one of the gems of the Southwest, exhibiting more of her Latina side than future CDs.

A gringo who loves this music.......2000-02-15

I first saw Tish on "Austin City Limits" (a PBS music program.) She had the full hour and sang song after song that she wrote. I absolutely loved her music. She was moving, original, and had a folk art type of style. Best of all, she was not just a gifted writer, but also a talented singer.

I searched for her CD, and finally found it a year later. I have purchased several for my friends and we all enjoy her music.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Tish Hinojosa Is The Best Singer You've Never Heard Of!!!.......1999-03-26

I bought "Homeland" after hearing it on the PA system at Page One in Albuquerque, N.M. Tish Hinojosa immediately became my new favorite singer. Her voice is clean and pure and it's as if the woman has lived part of my life and written songs about it. "Donde Voy" can break your heart; "Till You Love Me Again" and "Who Showed You The Way To My Heart" make me feel young again; "Rancherita" makes you want to dance, and "Amanecer" is pensive and beautiful. I buy Tish's CDs wherever I can find them!! She sings in Spanish and English. Even if you don't understand Spanish, you will love her music!

Average customer rating:

Homeland
One of the best
Scrumptious, Heavenly, Soothing...

Return to Homeland
George Skaroulis
Manufacturer: Evzone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005RDCI
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

The Dance
Athena
Traditions
Homeland
Kalymnos
I Remember
Eleni
Tarpon
Open Arms
Return To Patmos
Rosemary
Evi's Song
Lullaby For Luke
Evangelia
My Dream
Crossroads
Mosaic
Adrift
Is Agios

Customer Reviews:

Homeland.......2007-01-19

I believe I own every CD this composer/musician has produced. I frequently give them as gifts, and "Homeland" is always appreciated. I have it on my computer at my office, and I am asked at least a few times a week what it is - everyone likes it so much. As an aside, I have given "Numinous" to friends who are ill or having surgery, and they all have commented on how the music is relaxing enough to take their minds off pain.

One of the best.......2005-12-01

I aboslutely love this CD. It's up there with Pachabel's Canon for me.

Scrumptious, Heavenly, Soothing..........2002-01-18

This album is so beautiful. George continues to amaze me with his ability to softy caress the piano keys with such a loving touch. I have many instrumental albums that I play to relax and unwind, or to curl up with a favorite book... But George Skakoulis is one of my very favorites. I have given his CDs to many friends as gifts and every single one of them, have thanked me over and over. (One of my all time favorites is his "GENERATIONS" CD.) I often play George's albums on 'repeat' while I am creating in my art studio and I never get tired of listening to his music. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD now.. you will definitely be happy you did! :) Thank you George... You've done it again with "Return to Homeland".

Average customer rating:

IT IS WONDERFUL.

Heavenly Spirituals
George IV Hamilton
Manufacturer: Homeland
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000005DHM
Release Date: 1997-06-04

Tracks:

Acres Of Diamonds
Miss Elise's Place
One Of My Kind
One More Mountain To Climb
A Man Such As I
Singing On The Mountain
Not My Will
Stepping Stones
Shadow Of A Cross
I Look Up

Customer Reviews:

IT IS WONDERFUL........1999-05-12

ACTUALLY IAM A STUDENT, OF VOCAL MUSIC. IAM'CHRISTIAN AND DOING PHD. FROM CHAUDHRY CHARAN SINGH UNIVERSITY, MEERUT, U.P. INDIA. ON CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND NOT FINDING ANY PROPER MATERIAL FOR THE SAME. PLEASE HELP ME OUT. SO THAT IMAY WORK ON THAT FURTHER. MY ADD . : IS 'PRIYA 232 NAGLA BATTU CHRISTIAN COLONY, MEERUT. U.P. INDIA. PHONE NO. 91-121-643118.

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