Songs for a Dreamer

Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser Editor
"Songs For A Dreamer" (Lionel Standish compact disc LSCD 7255) is a jewel of a find-a New Age wonderment assembling relaxing, mesmerizing montages of romance, restfulness and reflection. Performed by guitarist Lee Eisenstein and world-class musicians, "Dreamer" is the kind of album that sweeps the listener into a landscape of dreamlike visions, the kind hospitals ought to use to drift you into and out of surgery. Largely instrumental, the disc showcases artistry with panache:the marriage of instruments known (flutes, synthesizers, pipes, soprano sax) and unusual (ocarina, nose flute) yields enchantment. "Voices In The Wind", the lead track, sets off the journey with a hushed eloquence and precision of style. That nurturing, gentle style permeates much of the intinerary" "Blue Skies" soars like an eagle-up and away- in a flight limited only by your imagination; "Mediterranean Sunset" paints a vivid portrait of amour from abroad; "Marlene's Dream" projects a wondrous nocturnal quality. Eisenstein's guitar posture in classical, but the tone is definitley New Age, with a stunning synergy of emotions and instruments. Though recorded in Hawaii, the disc has strong international appeal. There are elements of Brazilian and Cuban rythms, hints of Hawaiian percussion, and loads of exotic flutes and rhapsodic guitars. Singer Malia Elliot, of Leon and Malia, surfaces on vocals on "Memories Of Spain" and "Morning in Paradise", and other familiar folks also have solos, including Bailey Matsuda on "Mediterranean Sunset" and "Tears of Gold", Susan Gillespie on flute for "Song For A Dreamer". A group from the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Compline Choir performs a Gregorian chant on "Ways of Love." If you're hunting for "mood music", this one is a must.

Product Description
Award winning guitarist/composer Lee Eisenstein and internationally acclaimed friends have crafted an exquisitely beautiful and inspired musical experience. Come fly through blue skies over a morning in paradise to the beauty of a Mediterranean sunet. "Songs For A Dreamer" is truly a magical musical adventure. Featuring classical, 12 string and lazer guitars, exotic flutes, soprano sax, fantastic and surreal "new age" orchestras, Brazillian, Cuban and Hawaiian percussion, Gregorian chant and much more.

Songs for a Dreamer

Songs for a Dreamer,Lee Eisentein,Surfside (Navarre),Hawaii,Hawaiian Music

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Average customer rating: It's Dreamy My Favorite Composer of all time An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!! It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Song of Home Song of America Harvest Home Civil War Classics Stephen Foster Song Book ASIN: B000002SK7 Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

1. Opening Solo Violin
2. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
3. Hard Times Come Again No More
4. The Voice Of Bygone Days
5. Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
6. Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
7. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
8. That's What's The Matter
9. Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
10. Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
11. Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
12. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
13. Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
14. My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
15. Gentle Annie (1856)
16. Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
17. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating: SImply Untrue an extra star for all the guest artists An Homage to a Great Artist superb vocals

The Very Best of Thomas Hampson Marc Barrard , Thomas Hampson , Csaba Airizer , Georges Bizet , Charles Wakefield Cadman , Stephen Foster , Charles Gounod , Edvard Grieg , Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Imre (Emmerich) Kalman , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Franz Lehar , Gustav Mahler , Jules Massenet , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Gioachino Rossini , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johann II Strauss , Ambroise Thomas , Giuseppe Verdi , Richard Wagner , Carl Maria von Weber , Antonio de Almeida , Antonio Pappano , Eugene Kohn , and Fabio Luisi Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Song of America No Tenors Allowed: Famous Duets for Baritone and Bass Arias - Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert Christmas with Thomas Hampson Leading Man ASIN: B0006VYEI2 Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. La Ran La Lera...Largo Al Factotum
2. O Sainte Medaille...Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux
3. Ce Breuvage...Vision Fugitive
4. C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Placido Domingo
5. La Fatigue Alourdit Mes Pas...Comme Une Pale Fleur
6. Ecoute!...Dieu, Tu Semas Dans Nos Ames
7. C'est Mon Jour Supreme
8. Tout Est Desert...Son Regard
9. Ove Son Io?...Vada In Fiamme
10. Perfidi! All'Anglo Contro Me...Pieta, Rispetto Amore
11. Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suol
12. E Sogno? O Realta?
13. Komm!
14. Der Garten Des Herzens
15. Lied Des Venezianischen Gondoliers
16. Le Lazzarone
17. L'Ultimo Ricordo

Tracks:

1. Mein Sehnen, Mein Wahnen
2. Wo Berg' Ich Mich?...So Weih' Ich Mich Den Rachgewalten
3. Wie Todesahnung...O Du Mein Holder Abendstern
4. Gruss Op.48 No.1
5. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
6. Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
7. Die Rose, Die Lilie
8. Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
9. Ich Grolle Nicht
10. Gute Nacht
11. Die Post
12. Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder
13. Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
14. Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
15. Von Der Schonheit
16. O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag
17. Als Flotter Geist
18. Komm, Zigany
19. An Old Song Re-Sung
20. At Dawning (I Love You) Op.29 No.1 - Armen Guzelimian
21. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
22. Beautiful Dreamer

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

SImply Untrue.......2006-08-16

The previous review is simply a gross falsification. I have been an obsessed opera fan for a long time, and Thomas Hampson is a truly special singer. He is not the possesor of the largest or most interesting voice, which he will tell you and indeed says so all the time. His commitment to text, his willingness to search out parts to fit his voice, and his dedication to art song make im invaluable to Americans as a ture Troubador. His light Baritone was ideally suited to Figaro and to Valentin and the art song he loves. He must stretch to sing Verdi, where his voice sounds dry and small but many singers have chanced Verdi at their peril, and his innate ablity to inhabit a song, here evidenced in Di Provenza overcomes fact that it is out of his fach. You misinformed opinion of Hampson is mean and strangly bitter. I love Opera, but I do not love every singer, which doesn't mean I debase their very artistic existance. I have seen Hampson live, and have loved him (in Thias) and somewhat disliked him (in Simon Boccanegra) As for him being pretentious, somwetimes I find him mannered, but always charming. SOmetimes Intellectualism can appear pretentious, but surely you wont hold an opera singer to the charge that he must be unintellectual. what a vitriolic review, please buy this Cd, it merits repeated listening to a true American SINGER,

an extra star for all the guest artists.......2006-05-08

The title of this album is an oxymoron. Or a sick joke. I can't decide. Sure he has made millions by luring the uninitiated listener into his web of deceit and conceit, but don't be fooled any longer. How fortunate Hampson has been to sing for and with great artists to shoulder his heavy load.

An Homage to a Great Artist.......2005-10-30

EMI is wisely creating a series of recordings to gather the moments of artists that showcase the very reasons they become so highly regarded. Usually these collections are produced late in careers or even posthumously, but in the case of THE VERY BEST OF THOMAS HAMPSON the artist is still one of the more active and premiere singers of our day. Yet while he doesn't still perform all of these inclusions, it is wonderful to have excerpts from various successful recordings to remind us of the artistry that Hampson represents.

The two disc set includes arias from operas: Rossini's 'Il barbière di Siviglia', von Weber's 'Euryanthe', Gounod's 'Faust', Massenet's 'Hérodiade', Bizet's 'Les Pêcheurs de perles' (in duet with Placido Domingo), Thomas' 'Hamlet', Verdi's 'Don Carlo', 'Il Travatore', 'Macbeth', 'La Traviata', and 'Falstaff', Korngold's 'Die Tote Stadt', and Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'.

But the rewards of a Hampson recording must include his impeccable career as a lieder stylist and on this recording are excerpts from Schumann's 'Dichterliebe', Schubert's 'Winterreise', Mahler's 'Rückert Lieder' and 'Das Lied von der Erde', as well as songs by Meyerbeer, Rossini, Grieg, Kalman, and Lehar. And very importantly there are examples of American songs that Hampson has always emphasized in his recitals. Works by Stephen Foster, and two extraordinary works with the brilliant accompanist Armen Guzelimian - 'An Old Song Re-sung' by Griffes and 'At Dawning' by Charles Wakefield Cadman - round out this fine survey.

Not usually a collector of such 'recombinations', for this listener this album is so very fine that it deserves the attention of all those who appreciate the artistry of Thomas Hampson - then and now. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

superb vocals.......2005-08-07

Mr.Hampson really gets the chance to showcase his wonderful baritone voice in this "Best of" collection which includes excellent selections from his various other CDs. I like the diversity of the selections featuring operatic arias,works from classical composers, and folk songs. For Thomas hampson fans, as well as fans of the baritone voice, this CD is for them.

Average customer rating: Time Capsule Unexpected An album to treasure A classic recording of American songs The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred

Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2 Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Stephen Foster Song Book Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster DOO-DAH: Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture ASIN: B000005IYE Release Date: 1992-05-28

Tracks:

1. Songs By Stephen Foster: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
2. Songs By Stephen Foster: There's A Good Time Coming
3. Songs By Stephen Foster: Was My Brother In The Battle?
4. Songs By Stephen Foster: Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair
5. Songs By Stephen Foster: If You've Only Got A Moustache
6. Songs By Stephen Foster: Gentle Annie
7. Songs By Stephen Foster: Wilt Thou Be Gone, Love?
8. Songs By Stephen Foster: That's What's The Matter
9. Songs By Stephen Foster: Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway
10. Songs By Stephen Foster: I'm Nothing But A Plain Old Soldier
11. Songs By Stephen Foster: Beautiful Dreamer
12. Songs By Stephen Foster: Mr. & Mrs. Brown
13. Songs By Stephen Foster: Slumber My Darling
14. Songs By Stephen Foster: Some Folks
15. Songs By Stephen Foster: We Are Coming, Father Abraam, 300,000 More
16. Songs By Stephen Foster: Linger In Blissful Repose
17. Songs By Stephen Foster: There Are Plenty Of Fish In The Sea
18. Songs By Stephen Foster: Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
19. Songs By Stephen Foster: The Soiree Polka
20. Songs By Stephen Foster: Better Times Are Coming
21. Songs By Stephen Foster: Katy Bell
22. Songs By Stephen Foster: The Hour For Thee And Me
23. Songs By Stephen Foster: Summer Longings

Customer Reviews:

Time Capsule.......2006-11-30

The voices and instruments, like the songs, are straight from the mid-19th century. If you want to be transported back in time 150 years to a wonderful parlor performance of Foster's songs, this is the album to do it. The voices are marvelous and trained, and one must imagine that the strict phrasing and style are what one would have expected at the time. The cheap upright piano is perfect.

But the one perfect moment for me is the ONLY good extant rendition of "Was My Brother in the Battle?". Accompanied on a harmonium or pump reed organ, if this song doesn't tempt a tear, you simply aren't a romantic.

Very highly recommended.

Unexpected.......2005-11-26

Quality of this recording is fantastic! Performances are superb! However, they don't fit being an example of Foster's music and times. I was expecting banjos and a Mississippi Sound - therfore, very, very disappointed in this CD and consider and a waste of money. Be sure to LISTEN to a few examples to match what you are looking for and what the CD offers. I, unfortunately did not listen before I bought. I rate this low only because my expectations were shattered. This IS a fine CD if opera styles are ok for an example of this southern, 1800's composer's work.

An album to treasure.......2004-09-23

The landmark Library of Congress album, now on enhanced CD. Years
ago, I went on a six-months field assignment to a remote area of
Africa, where I could take only what music I could carry in a vest
pocket. I chose a tape player and two albums: a recital by Perlman
and this album on tape, and was content. If you love American
music, sung poetry, beautiful singing and deeply moving musicality,
this is an album you will treasure for a lifetime.

A classic recording of American songs.......2004-08-22

What can I say that hasn't already been said below? I only wanted to reiterate how wonderful this album is and assure the reader the sound is spectacular on CD. This is a live recording, and intentionally so, as the idea was to create a "parlor" experience as these were parlor songs to be sung by family and friends around the old upright piano. I especially liked the comment about the upright piano which, indeed, does croak and clank throughout the performance adding a note of "authenticity" without becoming obtrusive.

If only Ms. DeGaetani had graced my parlor...

The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred.......2003-11-22

I have never heard such unadulterated extraworldy sound emanate from two human voices and what would otherwise be firewood (the period instruments played by Gilbert Kalish). It stirs profound patriotism and a deep sentimentality for our early days when a civilized people pined to find virtue by examining its own body-- the north and the south, the small town, the simple flag, and the beauty of gentile manly and womanly love expressed through equisite song. There is no other music I would rather hear 'when summoning up the remembrance of things past.' The ghost of the early American parlor will prick your skin through these simple hymns and you may escape for a moment our troubled and busy times.

Average customer rating: Amid fine work, a new star! Stephen Foster Would Be Proud Foster at his simple best Well-rounded and convincing

Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals Manufacturer: Albany Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2 Stephen Foster's America Stephen Foster Song Book Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason ASIN: B0000049NP Release Date: 1995-07-28

Tracks:

1. The Glendy Burke
2. Nelly Was A Lady
3. Melinda May
4. The Soree Polka
5. The Moustache Song
6. O Willie, Is It You, Dear?
7. Mr. & Mrs. Brown
8. Gem From Lucia No.1
9. Wilt Thou Be Gone?
10. The Voices That Are Gone
11. Ole Black Joe
12. Maggie By My Side
13. Camptown Ladies
14. Hard Times
15. Gems From Lucia No.2, No.3
16. The Shanghai Chicken
17. Beautiful Dreamer
18. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Away
19. Nelly Bly
20. I Dream Of Jeannie
21. O Susannah & Some Folks

Customer Reviews:

Amid fine work, a new star!.......2004-09-28

Baird, Russell and Van Buskirk give fine performances in a splendid
program, but tenor Frederick Urrey [his Foster recording debut?] is a sensation! A glorious voice, with a perfect command of style in
operatic, ballad, ensemble and even comic scenes, his Melinda May is breathtaking, his Beautiful Dreamer is the best on records, his
duets charm and his drunken husband is a gas! He has it all!! In my 25 years of total immersion in Foster and his era, I have never
even dreamt of hearing an artist of such stature. Foster was said to have a fine voice and to sing his music better than any other.
I pray we now hear more of SF's songs as he must have sung them!

Stephen Foster Would Be Proud.......2004-02-26

Linda Russell is a remarkable woman. I have every CD she has done and I've never been disappointed in the high quality recordings she releases. I consider her every bit of an historian as the authors of history books.
This collection of Stephen Foster tunes, one of two that Russell has partaken in, is a rousing collection of the musical sounds of the mid-19th century. Soprano Julianne Baird and tenor Frederick Urrey join in with Ms. Russell's alto vocals to make a truly remarkable ensemble (including the musicians playing the mountain dulcimer, fortepiano, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, recorder, and accordion - all on authentic antique instruments). All combined show off the genius that Stephen Foster was - the 19th century's top songwriter who wrote music for ALL time, not just his time.
But if it wasn't for the musical reenactors (on CD at least) of Russell and company many of these long lost gems might have stayed hidden, sadly unheard. Some choral music, a feel of opera, a bit of traditional folk all mixed together to make what I feel is an authentic piece of musical history.
Here's hoping that Linda Russell and friends continue in the making of traditional music - Christmas and popular.
Ms. Russell, do you ever tour? We'd love to see you here in Michigan!

Foster at his simple best.......2002-01-22

What a delicious surprise this little album is, and from the ..... date, it appears to have been around for a few seasons, but is utterly new to me. I am a Julianne Baird fan from the get-go, but was pleasantly taken aback at her appearance on an album of American songs with folk balladeer Linda Russell (who plays dulcimers, mountain fiddles and all manner of country instruments and sings with the earthy texture of Judy Collins). But as usual Baird finds a way to integrate her own exquisite sensibilities and artistry into the assignment and makes a touching case for the simple and heart-rending Foster tunes--this is, after all, "early music" in which she excels--American "Early Music." Tenor Fred Urrey is another find and he likewise blends wonderfully into the surroundings. In fact, the three diverse artists hit their stride in a haunting trio rendition of Old Black Joe. Keyboard and string instruments have a ghostly and authentic ring to them as well. indeed, after the pompous and overblown Foster CDs of better-known opera singers in the bins today, this is so welcome. A treasure!
Get it today.

Well-rounded and convincing.......2000-10-27

This is an excellent rendition of Stephen Foster's songs, capitalizing on the duality inherent in the repertoire: the beautiful parlor ballads and the rowdy folk-inspired tunes. Especially remarkable is the fact that the performers bring to the music the "early music" sensibility (Julianne Baird is renowned as a performer of Elizabethan lutesongs)--this sensibility urges the performers to be as historically accurate as possible, performing on original/reproduction instruments. Also of note is the fact that it is a collaboration between classical and folk musicians: soprano, alto, tenor, fortepiano, fiddle, mountain and hammered dulcimers, harmonica, recorder, and accordian. Linda Russell (alto, mountain dulcimer) is lyrical and moving with her "folkie" voice, perfectly complementing the other "cultivated" voices and grounding them on the occasions they come together in poignant harmony.

I only wish that they had incorporated a 19th c. parlor guitar to round out the ballads. Overall, however, one can well imagine that this is indeed the way the music sounded. As one of America's first "popular song" writers, the present performers succeed in doing him justice by incorporating many styles of 19th c. popular musics, avoiding the anachronistic "bluegrass" sound often used in performances of this repertoire, and never succumbing to waves of overly self-indulgent nostalgia.

Average customer rating: It's lovely - But not newly recorded! Yet another compilation how precious! Disappointing Duplication If you like this sorta thing

Song of America Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Thomas Hampson Christmas with Thomas Hampson Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Leading Man ASIN: B000BGR0TW Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. As Adam Early In The Morning
2. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
3. Shenandoah (Traditional)
4. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
5. Danny Deever
6. Roses Of Picardy
7. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
8. Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
9. Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
10. An Old Song Resung
11. Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
12. The Erie Canal (Traditional)
13. We Two
14. The Nightingale (Traditional)
15. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
16. Luke Havergal
17. To What You Said
18. Look Down Fair Moon
19. Dirge For Two Veterans
20. Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.

Average customer rating: not to great Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$ You get what you pay for. Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ...

100 Favorite Patriotic Songs Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by MacDowell | MacDowell, Edward | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Smith, John Stafford | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: America's Favorite Patriotic Songs United We Stand: Songs for America American Pride: Sixteen Stirring Patriotic Themes America's Bugle Calls Patriotic Country ASIN: B0000A1HT8 Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

1. America the Beautiful
2. All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
3. Ballad of the Green Berets
4. On Top of Old Smokey
5. Coyote Warrior
6. Semper Fidelis
7. Breeze from Alabama
8. Onward Christian Soldiers
9. Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
10. Patriot
11. Sweet Betsy from Pike
12. Marines' Hymn
13. America Is
14. When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
15. Happy the Soldier
16. American Trilogy
17. Home Sweet Home
18. Washington Post March
19. Enraptured I Gaze
20. Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
21. Yellow Rose of Texas
22. Over There
23. Simple Gifts
24. Liberty Bell
25. Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

1. God Bless the USA
2. Yankee Doodle Dandy
3. Katy Cruel
4. I Vow to Thee My Country
5. King Cotton
6. Beautiful Dreamer
7. America
8. American Patrol
9. Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
10. Mohican Dream
11. Red, White and Blue
12. Some Folks
13. Liberty Song
14. Pomp and Circumstance
15. Hail to the Chief
16. Bennington Rifles
17. Peace on the Battlefield
18. I've Been Working on the Railroad
19. Under the Double Eagle
20. Red River Valley
21. My Country 'Tis of Thee
22. Camptown Races
23. Wild Blue Yonder
24. Hands Across the Sea
25. Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

1. Stars and Stripes Forever
2. Living in America
3. Home on the Range
4. Old Colony Times
5. Clementine
6. Invincible Eagle
7. Ring Ring de Banjo
8. Yankee Doodle
9. Largo from "The New World"
10. To a Wild Rose
11. Hail Columbia
12. Alexander's Ragtime Band
13. Gettysburg
14. Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
15. Capitan
16. Prairie Daughter
17. Little Brown Jug
18. Marching Through Georgia
19. Entertainer
20. Steamboat Around the Bend
21. Revolutionary Tea
22. Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
23. Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
24. Amazing Grace
25. Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

1. God Bless America
2. National Emblem
3. Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
4. Anchors Away
5. Oh, Susannah
6. Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
7. Toast
8. Dixie
9. St. Louis Blues
10. Appalachian Spring
11. Bonnie Blue Flag
12. Old Hundreth
13. Swanee River
14. Battle Cry of Freedom
15. U. S Field Artillery
16. Sidewalks of New York
17. Chester
18. Auld Lang Syne
19. Kingdom Come
20. My Old Kentucky Home
21. Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
22. Battle Hymn of the Republic
23. Shenandoah
24. Abraham's Daughter
25. This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Average customer rating: easy listening

The Westminster Choir Sings Familiar American & British Folk Songs Manufacturer: Gothic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers Sea Shanties Songs Of The South/Songs Of The Sea Irish Folk Songs ASIN: B000003J87 Release Date: 1994-07-22

Tracks:

1. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Danny Boy
2. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
3. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Annie Laurie
4. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: O Waly, Waly
5. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Turtle Dove
6. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Alister McAlpine's Lament
7. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Ca' the Yowes
8. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: O Dear! What Can the Matter Be?
9. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Polly Wolly Doodle
10. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Old Folks at Home
11. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Beautiful Dreamer
12. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Comin' Through the Rye
13. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Loch Lomond
14. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Flow Gently, Sweet Afton
15. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Shenandoah
16. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: My Lord, What a Morning
17. 17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Great Day

Customer Reviews:

easy listening.......2001-06-12

a good combination of great songs. The choir's voices are sweet and melancholy. If you enjoy the old folk songs, you'll enjoy this cd.

Average customer rating: Mountain Songs Magic

Mountain Songs: A Cycle of American Folk Music Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Corea, Armando Chick | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by MacDowell | MacDowell, Edward | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schuman | Schuman, William | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000000FN1 Release Date: 1994-12-20

Tracks:

1. Barbara Allen
2. House Carpenter
3. He's Gone Away
4. Hush-You-Bye
5. Cindy
6. The Cuckoo
7. Fair And Tender Ladies
8. Quicksilver
9. Will-O'-The-Wisp
10. To A Wild Rose
11. A Deserted Farm
12. The Smile Of Contentment And Love
13. Jennie's Own Schottische
14. Beautiful Dreamer
15. If You Only Have A Moustache
16. Children's Song No.2
17. Orpheus And His Lute
18. Waltz
19. We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
20. Ll Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant

Amazon.com

Robert Beaser has arranged eight folksongs from the American South for flute and guitar--actually, for the performers who play them on this disc. His treatments vary from simple settings to more complex elaborations, but they are always done with the kind of respect for his material that stamps him as an American Bartók. This is a truly lovely cycle, supplemented on the CD by such congenial material as Stephen Foster songs and MacDowell Woodland Sketches, all arranged by Eliot Fisk. Paula Robison and Fisk are both outstanding virtuosi on their instruments, and they have played together enough so that their teamwork is impeccable. This disc isn't challenging listening but it is very satisfying. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Mountain Songs Magic.......2001-07-30

This is music for my soul. Paula and Eliot could not have changed a note or an inflection. I first heard these songs in the early 90's and have never forgotten. Flute and Guitar and 'American' music are right here. I am so happy to have found it on CD now that I search the net. As a flutist - I recognize technique and heart - and Paula has them. No one should miss this!

Average customer rating: "Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting" A Gem!

Dreamer: A Portrait of Langston Hughes Darryl Taylor , William Warfield , Maria Corley , Erik Santos , and Patricia Terry-Ross Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Still | Still, William Grant | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Voice of Langston Hughes The Negro Speaks of Rivers: Art Songs by African-American Composers You Can Tell the World: Songs by African-American Women Composers ASIN: B00006I9HH Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

1. My People - William Warfield
2. Heart
3. Island
4. The Weary Blues - William Warfield
5. Litany
6. A Black Pierrot
7. March Moon
8. Negro - William Warfield
9. The Negro Speaks Of Rivers
10. My People
11. Song To The Dark Virgin
12. Evil - William Warfield
13. Joy
14. Lonely House
15. Minstrel Man
16. Sunday Morning Prophecy - William Warfield
17. In Time Of Silver Rain
18. Carolina Cabin
19. Madam And The Census Taker - William Warfield
20. Lovely, Dark And Lonely One
21. Sylvester's Dying Bed - William Warfield
22. Sandman/Birth
23. Bound No'th Blues
24. To Artina
25. Down Where I Am
26. The Dream Weaver/Bouquet
27. Still Here - William Warfield

Customer Reviews:

"Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting".......2004-08-18

"Dreamer" is unquestionably the finest recording of original songs by black composers available today. The singing of tenor, Darryl Taylor is superb and demonstrates a vocal beauty, musicianship, and interpretive sensitivy that is rarely equaled. The selection of poems of poet laureate, Langston Hughes is first rate, and even more important, the songs themselves are original, varied and well written. I think every listener will find "Dreamer" an exciting musical experience, and I predict for Darry Taylor a distinguished career as an interpreter of art songs. For the Naxos price, buy two albums and give one to a friend!

A Gem!.......2002-10-17

This collection is a gem! Langston Hughes was a very "musical" poet who was inspired by a variety of forms, from jazz to classical. His poetry in turn inspired a whole generation of composers, thirteen of whom are represented here in fifteen art songs. Additionally, eight Hughes poems are read by William Warfield.

Average customer rating: Not a Lullaby at All! Not for babies, but certainly for singers! Caveat emptor Ultimate Lullaby Album Is there a dispute?

Ultimate Lullaby Album Manufacturer: Decca 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 Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Canteloube, Joseph | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Classical Lullabies Blue Hawaii ASIN: B00000IX7P Release Date: 1999-05-11

Tracks:

1. Cradle Song
2. Summertime (Porgy And Bess)
3. Beautiful Dreamer
4. Pinnochio: When You Wish Upon a Star
5. Greensleeves: What Child Is This
6. I Dream of Jeanie
7. Shenandoah
8. Ave Maria
9. Maria's Lullaby
10. Sleep My Little Prince, Sleep
11. Hansel And Gretel: I Am The Little Sandman
12. Hansel And Gretel: Children's Prayer
13. Ave Maria
14. Lullaby
15. O Danny Boy
16. Madame Butterfly: Humming Chorus
17. Hine E Hine: Maori Lullaby
18. Songs of Auvergne: Brezairola
19. Songs My Mother Taught Me
20. Bist Du Bei Mir (When Thou Art Near)
21. Sea Slumber Song

Product Description

Excellent condiion, no scratches, includes the original CD, case, and paperwork, First Class shipped, ask me for my CD List or more Titles! :D

Customer Reviews:

Not a Lullaby at All!.......2003-09-10

I can't give this CD anything but a 2. It was certainly NOT the Ultimate Lullaby. And although the music is beautiful I would not put my baby to sleep with this. I'm not a fan of opera and perhaps if I listen a bit more that may change. Our daughter listens to music every night. It is so hard to buy music sometimes and I went out on a limb with this one. I really wish it had stated that there were vocals - I much prefer the music without.

Not for babies, but certainly for singers!.......2003-08-08

I bought this cd on a whim, and I got way more than I bargained for! I'm an opera singer and I absolutely love the assortment of gorgeous ballads - lots of classics and old favorites. I agree this might not be the best music to lull and infant to sleep, but it's a great way to build your child's appreciation for operatic vocals. I highly recommend this cd singers - specifically sopranos. It's a diamond in the rough.

Caveat emptor.......2002-10-21

I'm in violent agreement with the other reviewers who remarked that this CD is not for the purpose of lulling baby to sleep, in spite of its misleading title. A1-opera-grade sopranos and mezzos sing most of the selections and their vocal dynamics range from pianissimo to a house-shaking fortissimo. The only track where baby might catch a bit of shut-eye is Puccini's "Humming Chorus" from "Madama Butterfly."

Try "Celtic Lullaby" if you're looking for a truly sleep-inducing CD.

"The Ultimate Lullaby Album" contains a wonderful assortment of Marilyn Horne and Leontyne Price solos, which is all to the good if you're not trying to snooze. My two favorites are the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" sung by Price (I don't think there is a more perfect rendition), and Bach's "Bist Du bei Mir" sung by Horne in her rich, smooth, chocolate-y prime.

Unfortunately another grand voice is not at its prime in "When You Wish upon a Star." I'd guess Dame Joan was near the end of her stellar (sorry) career when she recorded this Disney song. Her vibrato stretches as wide as Dumbo's behind.

Another rather odd selection is the only instrumental arrangement on this CD: "O Danny Boy" as rendered by the English Chamber Orchestra, with a trombone as the lugubrious solo instrument. It's long enough and trite enough to be used as the soundtrack for that tacky sequel to "Gone with the Wind."

"The Ultimate Lullaby Album" is definitely not for baby's room. If you want your kid to grow up listening to "Londonderry Air," get Kiri Te Kawana's version. It'll prickle up the hair on the back of your neck if you can find it. I can't. I wore out my original tape and have fruitlessly searched the Internet for a new copy. If anyone out there in Amazon land has a recording of Dame Kiri singing folksongs of the British Isles, please consider selling it to me.

Ultimate Lullaby Album.......2002-06-01

The music is superb. Although it would not be used to put the baby to sleep, it is a wonderful choice for one-to-one relaxing time with baby.
An excellent addition to the new baby's music collection. I listened to it with my class in school before giving it to my brand new grandson. I now give it as a gift to all newborns.

Is there a dispute?.......2002-01-12

3 music fans gave different ratings. 2 said it's diappointing, the other said they were ridiculous. I bought and listened to this CD. I feel great about my purchase. These are good music, and there should not be a dispute. If one is disappointed because of the opera voice, blame it on Decca's label "Ultimate Lullaby". The music deserves my 5-satr rating.

Meditation Music:

1. SoundScape - South California
2. Space music
3. Spirit Horses (Concerto for Native American Flute and Chamber Orchestra)
4. Sunscapes
5. Swept Away [CD-single]
6. Tear of the Sun
7. The Art of Relaxation [Box set]
8. The Deepening Edge
9. The Juillaguet Collection
10. The Lost World

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Long Time Ago [Import]

O Isis und Osiris: Ensemble 11 Plays Mozart

Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1 - 4 [Import]

Music: Rockin' Banjos of Bluegrass

Reactivate, Vol. 9 [Import]

Simply Good Music, Vol. 1

Pra Voce [Import]

Survival Of The Illest: Live From 125 N.Y.C. [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Streams of Whiskey [Import]

T.B. Sheets

Piano Man

Nova Ordem Musical [Import]

StageCoach Magazine vol.2 [Explicit Lyrics]

Sexy Mix USA, Vol. 1

With Strings/Jump for Joy