A Time to Laugh

(Catholic Faith & Family)
Alexander's parodies of popular secular songs is the funniest release of Catholic music in ages. (Catholic Faith & Family)

Product Description
A Time To Laugh is Nick's first collection of original Catholic parodies. He covers many pop genres from the 60s to the 90s. There's no album out there that deftly mixes orthodox Catholicism with laugh-out-loud humor.

A Time to Laugh

A Time to Laugh,Nick Alexander,Nick Alexander

---

Average customer rating: Patinkin Live Sondheim recital Also a very dissapointed fan Adequate performance; poor entertainment a very disappointed fan

Sings Sondheim Mandy Patinkin Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dress Casual Mandy Patinkin Experiment Oscar & Steve Kidults ASIN: B00006JP2C Release Date: 2002-10-29

Tracks:

1. Opening
2. Lesson #8
3. Another Hundred People
4. When?
5. Someone Is Waiting
6. Johanna
7. Green Finch and Linnet Bird
8. Pretty Women
9. Finishing the Hat
10. If You Can Find Me, I'm Here
11. Live, Laugh, Love
12. Live Alone and Like It
13. Everybody Says Don't
14. Rich and Happy, Part 1
15. Our Time
16. Broadway Baby
17. Rich and Happy, Part 2
18. Uptown, Downtown
19. Liaisons
20. Send in the Clowns
21. Live, Laugh, Love (reprise)
22. You Could Drive a Person Crazy

Tracks:

1. Free
2. Company
3. Waiting For The Girls Upstairs
4. Pleasant Little Kingdom/Too Many Mornings
5. Not While I'm Around
6. All Things Bright and Beautiful
7. It Takes Two
8. In Someone's Eyes
9. Beautiful
10. Losing My Mind
11. Take the Moment
12. Sunday

Amazon.com

Recorded live at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia, this double CD is one heck of an extensive tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Backed only by Paul Ford on piano, Mandy Patinkin gets through nearly three dozen songs penned by the Broadway master. Some are obvious (excerpts from Sunday in the Park with George, in which the singer created the title role), others less so ("If You Can Find Me I'm Here" from Evening Primrose). Patinkin is often mocked for his shivering falsetto, but here, it's actually when his voice explores a lower register that it falters. What's more interesting is when he tackles songs usually sung by women, such as Follies' "Broadway Baby" and Company's "Another Hundred People" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy"--the latter hammed up so much that you can hear the chewing of the scenery. A distinctively mannered interpreter, Patinkin remains an acquired taste, but fans of his will be in heaven with this set. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Patinkin Live.......2007-07-19

I am a huge Mandy Patinkin fan, and this is, without a doubt, one of the best CDs in my collection. The transitions between songs are excellent and seamless, plus the song selection was top-notch.

Sondheim recital.......2007-01-22

Probably the best way to approach these disks is to treat them like a recital in a concert hall. Rather as you would listen to a Schubert or Schumann song cycle. Taken together this way, we come to hear Sondheim as one of our finest composers, serious, comic, manic, depressive, always dead on target no matter what the subject matter. And Patinkin is perfect for these songs; he understands the meaning and value of every note and every word, just as a fine concert singer would do, and he makes his listeners understand, too. One of the most intriguing concept albums in recent memory, and a joy all the way through. Bob Finley, Palm Springs, CA.

Also a very dissapointed fan.......2003-08-22

I too LOVE Mandy and Stephen Sondheim and own just about everything both has ever made! I also have been to 6 of Mandy's live performances. This was truly a big dissapointment to me. Every concert I have seen Mandy in has been filled with emotion and his personality just grabs hold of you for an evening of wonderful escape-ism. This to me was very un-entertaining and I actually became irritated after awhile of listening to it. It seemed to drone on with out the wonderful feelings and emotions and soaring voice that Mandy typically puts into his music. I gave this as a gift too (since my friend and I had missed Mandy at his Sondheim review in DC last year) and felt badly that I had. There are so many other great recordings of Mandy...Kidults, Saturday in the Park with George, The Secret Garden, Mandy sings Rogers & Hammerstien and Sondheim. This one has just sat on my shelf after I played it through twice hoping to warm up to it...while my other recordings are very worn out with years of playing!

Adequate performance; poor entertainment.......2003-05-04

I received this disc the same day a "Philip Quast Live at the Donmar". The Quast disc has its own flaws (and I dont wish to compare the two performers) but it has been strung together in a more thoughtful manner, with witty imagination and using a more dangerous in the choice of songs, which is really where this disc fails. The songs here are generally enjoyable though rather standard, and the lack of cohesion (running the songs together doesnt count) means I just dip into the discs listening to a few favourites, rather than enjoying the whole show.

a very disappointed fan.......2003-02-05

I have every recording Patinkin appears on, even if he's only on one track; I adore his voice, his flair, his emotion, his ability to deliver a song.

But (much of) this recording is disappointing, mainly because Mr. Patinkin's voice in the lower range sounds muddled and forced, as though he's lost ability to control it (however, the more falsetto sounds are as clear and sharp as ever).

And I don't care for the format of this performance. Live recordings should have live audience reactions: one (often unrelated) song after another without applause had me wondering when--if ever--was the audience was going to be allowed to react.

Also, while I've never had the privilege of attending a Patinkin concert, I imagined that--above all-- he would be passionate. Perhaps he was. But what (mostly) comes across on the CD is a somber--almost technical--performance.

I hope he's healthy, that mixed quality of singing on this recording was just a fluke, and that his next CD will be a Five-star as all his previous ones have been

Average customer rating: A Collection of the Original Oz Stage Productions Ain't it a Shame! Why the 1903 "Wizard" was forgotten A long overdue revisit to a classic American musical Long-Forgotten Broadway Hit Gets First Rate Revival

The Wizard of Oz - Vintage Recordings from the 1903 Broadway Musical Manufacturer: Original Cast Record ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection: Land of Oz/The Reluctant Dragon The Wizard of Oz (1988 London Cast) The Wizard Of Oz In Concert: A Benefit Performance For The Children's Defense Fund (1996 Lincoln Center Cast) Shock Treatment (1981) The Wizard Of Oz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - The Deluxe Edition ASIN: B00009MPYQ

Tracks:

1. Wizard of OzSelection (Arthur Pryor's Band)
2. The Bullfrog and the Coon (Ada Jones)
3. Pocahontas (Edward M. Favor)
4. Daisy Donohue (Harry Tally)
5. Down on the Brandywine (Collins & Harlan)
6. Come Take a Skate with Me Sung (Collins & Harlan)
7. I Love You All the Time (Harry Macdonough)
8. The Moon Has His Eyes on You (Ada Jones)
9. When You Love, Love, Love (Thomas E. Whitbred)
10. When We Get Whats a-Comin to Us
11. Mister Dooley Sung (Edward M. Favor)
12. Julie Dooley (J. W. Myers)
13. Meet Me Down at the Corner (Jones & Spencer)
14. Budweisers a Friend of Mine (Billy Murray)
15. Theres a Lot of Things You Never Learn at School (Bob Roberts)
16. Under a Panama (Billy Murray)
17. Good Bye Fedora (Collins & Harlan)
18. Sitting Bull (Collins & Harlan)
19. I Love Only One Girl in this Wide Wide World (Harry Macdonough)
20. Sammy (Harry Macdonough)
21. The Tale of a Stroll (Morgan & Stanley)
22. Cant You See Im Lonely? (Ada Jones)
23. Are You Sincere? (Byron G. Harlan)
24. Hurrah for Baffins Bay (Collins & Harlan)
25. Football (Dan W. Quinn)
26. Id Like to Go Halves in That (Burt Shepard)
27. Rejoice!The Wizard is No Longer King
28. The Traveler and the Pie
29. Must You? (Dan W. Quinn)
30. Thats Where She Sits All Day (Dan W. Quinn)
31. The Sweetest Girl in Dixie (Henry Burr)
32. Scarecrow Laugh (Fred Stone)

Tracks:

1. Sammy Mira (Music Box Disc)
2. Must You? (Mira Music Box Disc)
3. Opening Prayer
4. Phantom Patrol
5. Just a Simple Girl from the Prairie
6. Poppy Song
7. Love is Love
8. When We Get What's A-Comin' to Us
9. The Traveler and the Pie
10. When You Love, Love, Love
11. Rejoice! The Wizard is No Longer King
12. Phantom Patrol (Aeolian Piano Roll)
13. My Little Maid of Oz Aeolian Piano Roll
14. The Tik-Tok Man of OzSelection (Rythmodik Piano Roll)
15. The Tik-Tok Man of OzSelection (Piano Roll)
16. Ask the Flowers to Tell You (Macdonough & Dunlap)
17. My Beautiful Dream Girl (John Barnes Wells)
18. My Pretty Little Piece of Dresden China (Bessie Wynn)
19. Gay Paree (Montgomery & Stone)
20. Travel Travel Little Star (Montgomery & Stone)
21. A Scotch Moriah (Montgomery & Stone)
22. Hurrah for Baffins Bay (Dan W. Quinn)
23. Daisy Donohue (Trombone Solo by Arthur Pryor)
24. Mr. DooleyMedley (Xylophone Solo J. Frank Hopkins)
25. Down on the BrandywineMedley (Edison Military Band)
26. The Bullfrog and the CoonMedley (Six Brown Brothers)
27. Ill Take You Back to Italy (Ada Jones & Billy Murray)
28. Father Goose Songs (Sallie Osbourne)

Album Description

The Wizard of Oz a musical with book and lyrics by L. Frank Baum and music by Paul Tietjens premiered on June 16, 1902, at the Grand Opera House in Chicago. It was an instant hit and made stars of David Montgomery (the Tin Woodman) and Fred Stone (the Scarecrow). On January 21, 1903 the show opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York. It ran for nine months and set out on the road with a second company right on its heels. The show toured, came back to New York, toured, and returned to New York again many times until finally disbanding around 1911. Stock and amateur companies continued to present it into the 1930s when it was overshadowed by the classic MGM film starring Judy Garland.

The show was legendary for its success and its impact on American culture. It was the Cats or Les Mis of the early 1900s--but the show has been swallowed by history. What made audiences of the early 1900s devour the show and return for more again and again? In this unprecedented 2-CD set—featuring over 145 minutes of vintage recordings and 64 pages of lyrics, photos, notes and synopsis—you can discover how The Wizard of Oz entertained the American public for the first two decades of the 20th century. And like the audiences of nearly a hundred years ago, you can hum along to "Budweiser," "Sammy," and "Hurrah for Baffin's Bay"—everyone's favorite songs from The Wizard of Oz! Also included in this comprehensive collection are recordings from later Oz musicals, The Woggle-Bug and The Tik-Tok Man of Oz written by Oz creator L. Frank Baum, as well as vintage non-Oz recordings by original "Wizard of Oz stars" Montgomery & Stone and Bessie Wynn

Customer Reviews:

A Collection of the Original Oz Stage Productions.......2006-12-07

This Double-Disk Collection contains music from the original and varied Oz Stage Productions: "the Wizard of Oz", "the Woggle-Bug" (based on 'Marvelous Land of Oz) and "the Tik-Tok Man of Oz" (based on 'Ozma of Oz'). There are plenty of "Wizard" songs and music, but there isn't a lot of "Woggle-Bug" and/or "Tik-Tok Man".
I often wondered how different the 1st & Original Production of 'Oz Wizard' was different to the book, and thanks to Mark Evan Schwartz's book "Oz: Before the Rainbow" I found out for myself (WORTH A READ!!). Later I got this CD to go along with the book's stage telling (more or less) and I listened in interest to the songs which, I read, were entirely different to the future Musicals of Oz. The songs are good, but not all of them are actually completely restored to perfection, so the singing may/will sound somewhat muffled. Also, due to the time it was made (for some reason), the songs don't actually fit into the story (even the stage's rewritten story) and sound distant/unrelated. But there are songs that sound similar to the original story ("Rejoice! The Wizard is No Longer King"). CD 2's Track 3 has music played during Silent Oz Film "His Majesty, Scarecrow" on the MGM 3-Disk DVD.
The best thing about this CD Collection is the two booklets packaged along with the disks: the first (entitled "The Records") has writing on "What the Wizard Was" with a synopsis of the stage production story and "About the Recordings", a listing of all the songs on CD 1 (which are helpful for "Selection" Tracks not specifically named on the back) and notes on the songs like their origins and background. Booklet 2 (entitled "The Lyrics") has the words to the songs (in case you can't make out the words/want to sing-along). BOTH CDs include b&w photos of the actors, performance (few of which can be seen in "Oz: Before the Rainbow" book) and even reprints of a few illustrations made for the stage. The pictures are the best part of this purchase.
The Entirely Different Songs may not fit with the story, original or rewritten, but there's nothing really wrong with the music when one enjoys to what they're listening to.
I know that there is also another 'Oz on Stage' CD Collection called "Before the Rainbow" . . . hmmm, I wonder if I should get that too?

Ain't it a Shame!.......2006-05-20

I think that this is a wonderful album of HISTORICAL value. Not too many people know this, but "the wizard of oz" was made into a smash hit in 1903, but because all the history was BARELY in obscurity, hungry tiger press wanted to educate the blockheads in the world about this remarkable piece of history. that being said, david maxine collected all of the old material, such as Piano rolls (my especial favorite of all of them is "the poppy song", i LOVE the bass notes: "nnn-ded-deh mmmm-ded-deh"), and music boxes, and cylinders, and records!
however, it is quite a shame that that CRAPPY movie with judy garland pushed this lovely musical into obscurity. i would have liked to see it in my day, but it was already lost in darkness, but thanks to the highly DIGNIFIED people in the world, this cd is available!! BUY IT!!!! I *ORDER* YOU!!! YOU CANNOT BE DIGNIFIED WITHOUT THIS REPLACING YOUR "RAP" GARBAGE WITH THIS JEWEL!!!!

Why the 1903 "Wizard" was forgotten.......2004-03-20

This truly remarkable 2-disc collection of old cylinders, discs, music boxes and piano rolls explains why the 1903 musical version of "The Wizard of Oz" did not survive the early thirties. It wasn't because it was before its time or even of its time, but simply because it was way behind the times. Its producers resisted composer's Paul Tietjens' attempts to write plot-driven numbers. His contribution survives only in the incidental music preserved on piano rolls (and the most interesting element on this collection) linking very disparate and even incongruous vaudeville acts by various authors and performers that graced the stage during the musical's multi-decade run. In other words, Baum was telling a story and the songs were telling another... As fascinating as they are for historical reasons, those numbers are commonplace, mostly uninspired flash-in-the-tin-pan ditties, with timid syncopation and a stong reliance on musical clichés. There is not a single standard among them and not even a decent lyric where "fine" doesn't rhyme with "mine" and "love you" doesn't rhyme with "I do"- or even "I know you know I know you do", as happens more than once. As an assemblage of shtick pieces and ephemeral sentimental or nonsensical ditties, this collection cannot be topped and it represents a monumental effort. Without it and its very generous and informative liner notes, I would not have the same appreciation for the absolute genius of Victor Herbert's operettas ("Babes in Toyland" came out the same year) where the more memorable songs are plot-driven and introduced and linked by the most luscious, inventive and varied incidental music ever heard outside an opera house. This sort of unified concept would culminate in Jerome Kern's "Show Boat" and it remains a truth today that the integration of plot and music - reminiscent of opera - is the true secret of successful and perennial musicals, whatever the current idiom. This collection also makes one appreciate the complete originality of the Hollywood film for actually going back to Baum's books, entrusting the songs, lyrics and music to Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg and Herbert Stothart and scrapping the musical's colourful but checkered history (except for casting ex-vaudevillians as the main characters, of course!). Highly recommended for its nostalgia value, its irreplaceable rarities and a better understanding of the history of American popular music.

A long overdue revisit to a classic American musical.......2003-09-30

Although it was one of the most financially successful stage musicals of the early 1900's, very little information is presently available on the 1903 production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. In what was obviously a labor of love, David Maxine has done much to correct this oversight by releasing a 2-CD set with over 145 minutes worth of extremely rare recordings of music from this and other OZ-themed musicals dating back to before World War I. Recorded materials include vintage acoustical disc and cylinder phonograph records, piano rolls, and music box discs, many of which go back almost a century. In addition, he has included two booklets worth of historical background information on the 1903 WIZARD OF OZ production, its stars, the individual musical numbers, and lyrics for the songs included on the CDs. (Lavishly illustrated with rare old black and white photos and artwork, these booklets, and the information they contain, are themselves worth the price of the set!) Several bonus CD tracks are included that offer rare recordings by Montgomery & Stone (the original Tin Woodsman and Scarecrow) and Bessie Wynn, who was also in the 1903 cast. Not just for dedicated Oz fans, this set is a "must have" for anyone interested in the history of American musical theater and American popular culture of the early 1900's.

Long-Forgotten Broadway Hit Gets First Rate Revival.......2003-09-17

One hundred and three years ago, author L. Frank Baum published the best-selling children's book of the 20th century, THE WIZARD OF OZ. Although the book was adapted several times as plays, silent motion pictures, animated cartoons, and radio shows in the next few decades, it is the 1939 MGM film that most people think of as THE WIZARD OF OZ. The success and popularity of that film completely eclipsed the memories of previous incarnations and even the book itself in popular culture. However, prior to the film's release, there was a successful stage version which premiered on Broadway in 1903 and delighted audiences for many years, making stars of Fred Stone and David Montgomery, the original Scarecrow and Tinman. As with the MGM film, chilren who saw THE WIZARD OF OZ on stage carried fond memories of the production into adulthood. Ray Bolger was so impressed with the Fred Stone's Scarecrow, that he remembered it vividly as an adult and based his own protrayal of the character in the movie on Mr. Stone's stage version.

Unfortunately, time and Judy Garland have pushed the once popular Broadway Smash into history. It has been all but forgotten...until now.

As the show moved from theater to theater and casts changed, so did the songs. Many of these were recorded on the primative equipment of the day: Wax cylinders, 78-RPM records, piano rolls, and music Boxes, and surprisingly many of these still exist. Now, thanks to those hard-working gents at HUNGRY TIGER PRESS, you can own these historic recordings on this awesome 2-CD set. THE WIZARD OF OZ: Vintage Recordings From The 1903 Broadway Musical contains over 145 minutes of terrific early 20th century music. You won't find "Over the Rainbow" or "Ding! Dong! The Witch Is Dead!" here. Instead, this WIZARD OF OZ contains tracks like "Budweiser's a Friend of Mine", "Sammy", "Hurrah for Baffin's Bay", and "Rejoice! The Wizard is No Longer King", each one a portal over the rainbow to the Broadway stage of a century ago.

Obviously the play was quite different in plot from the movie--Dorothy travelled to Oz with her cow Imogene instead of Toto, for starters--, but the songs represent the style of popular music of 100 years ago and are collected here in a beautiful compilation. The set contains two booklets of liner notes which contain credits, lyrics, a written history of the production, and are extensively illustrated with photos and illustrations. Although the sound quality of the source material is not always up to today's standards, the songs are presented in the best versions possible, and the music is highly enjoyable. With 60 tracks and the wealth of information contained here, both written and photographic, this 2-CD set is good value for the money. A must-have for all collectors of WIZARD OF OZ memorabilia, an insightful look at popular music and Broadway history from a century ago, a glimpse into ethnic and racial stereotypes that were accepted at the time, and a curiosity for fans of the 1939 film, this set is big on appeal. Kudos to the Hungry Tiger Press for rescuing this treasure trove of musical history from obscurity!

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

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Another feast for Handelians Excellent music

Handel: Saul John Eliot Gardiner , Ruth Holton , Lynne Dawson , John Mark Ainsley , Donna Brown , Derek Lee Ragin , English Baroque Soloists , Philip Salmon , and Neil Mackie Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000412J Release Date: 1991-09-12

Customer Reviews:

Another feast for Handelians.......2003-12-25

Here's another astonishing piece for all Handelians. Many of Handel's great pieces have sadly been neglected - just like many of Richard Strauss' operas which have only recently received attention from people like Botstein, Korsten and Sinopoli (deceased). Thankfully, Gardiner and his team took the trouble to record this astonishing masterpiece. I simply love this piece - Saul!! The Monteverdi choir is the best in the world - listen to their stunning virtuosity here. Thank you, Gardiner!!

Excellent music.......2003-09-14

Saul is one of those lesser known works by Handel. I certainly prefer Solomon, the Messiah or Israel in Egypt. Nevertheless, there is plenty of glorious music in Saul. The Monteverdi sings with their customary virtuosity. Casting of solo parts is superb. A bit on the pricey side but this is an investment that will yield rich dividends over a long period of time. Instead of listening to the Messiah all the time, or Solomon or Jephtha, why not be more daring and explore this lesser known work by Handel?

Average customer rating:

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song Alan Bates , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and Graham Johnson Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005S85Q Release Date: 2001-12-11

Average customer rating:

Haendel: Saul [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel: Messiah [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B000A169OK Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Symphony: Allegro - Larghetto - Allegro - Andante Larghetto
2. 1. Chorus: How Excellent Thy Name, O Lord
3. 2. Air (Soprano): An Infant Raised By Thy Command - 3. Trio (Alto, Tenore, Basso): Along The Monster Atheist Strode
4. 4. Soprano, Alto, Tenore, Basso: The Youth Inspired By Thee, O Lord - 5. Chorus: How Excellent Thy Name, O Lord
5. 6. Recit & 7. Air (Michal): He Comes, He Comes! - O God-Like Youth! - 8. Recitative (Abner, Saul, David): Behold, O King, The Brave, Victorious Youth
6. 9. Air (David): O King, Your Favours With Delight - 10. Recitative (Jonathan): Oh Early Piety!
7. 11. Air (Merab): What Abject Thoughts A Prince Can Have! - 12. Recitative (Merab): Yet Think, On Whom This Honour You Bestow
8. 13. Air (Jonathan): Birth And Fortune I Despise!
9. 14. Recitative (High Priest): Go On, Illustrious Pair! - 15. Air (High Priest): While Yet Thy Tide Of Bood Runs High
10. 16. Recitative (Saul, Merab): Thou, Merab, First In Birth, Be First In Honour - 17. Air (Merab): My Soul Rejects The Thought With Scorn - 18. Air (Michal): See, With What A Scornful Air - 19. Air (Michal): Ah, Lovely Youth, Wast Thou Designed
11. 20. Symphony: Andante Allegro - 21. Recitative (Michal): Already See The Daughters Of The Land - 22. Chorus: Welcome, Welcome, Mighty King!
12. 23. Accompagnato (Saul): What Do I Hear? - 24. Chorus: David His Ten Thousands Slew - 25. Accompagnato (Saul): To Him Ten Thousands - 26. Air (Saul): With Rage I Shall Start Burst His Praises To Hear
13. 27. Recitative (Jonathan, Michal): Imprudent Women! - 28. Air (Michal): Fell Rage And Black Despair Possessed
14. 29. Recitative (High Priest): This But The Smallest Part Of Harmony - 30. Accompagnato (High Priest): By Thee This Universal Frame
15. 31. Recitative (Abner): Racked With Infernal Pains - 32. Air (David): O Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless
16. 33. Symphony: Largo - 34. Recitative (Jonathan): 'Tis All In Vain, His Fury Still Continues
17. 35. Air (Saul): A Serpent, In My Bosom Warmed - 36. Recitative (Saul): Has He Escaped My Rage?
18. 37. Air (Merab): Capricious Man
19. 38. Accompagnato (Jonathan): O Filial Piety! - 39. Air (Jonathan): No, Cruel Father, No!
20. 40. Air (High Priest): O Lord, Whose Providence - 41. Chorus: Preserve Him For The Glory Of Thy Name
21. 42. Chorus: Envy! Eldest Born Of Hell!
22. 43. Recitative (Jonathan): Ah! Dearest Friend - 44. Air (Jonathan): But Sooner Jordan' Stream, I Swear
23. 45. Recitative (David, Jonathan): Oh Strange Vicissitude! - 46. Air (David): Such Haughty Beauties Rather Move

Tracks:

1. 47. Recitative (Jonathan): My Father Comes - 48. Recitative (Saul, Jonathan): Hast Thou Obeyed My Orders
2. 49. Air (Jonathan): Sin Not, O King, Against The Youth - 50. Air (Saul): As Great Jehovah Lives - 51. Air (Jonathan): From Cities Stormed, And Battles Won
3. 52. Recitative (Jonathan, Saul): Appear, My Friend - 53. Air (David): Your Words, O King, My Loyal Heart - 54. Recitative (Saul): Yes, He Shall Wed My Daughter!
4. 55. Recitative (Michal): A Father's Will Has Authorised My Love - 56. Duet (Michal, David): O Fairest Of Ten Thousand Fair - 57. Chorus: Is There A Man
5. 58. Symphony: Largo - Allegro
6. 59. Recitative (David): Thy Father Is As Cruel - 60. Duet (David, Michal): At Persecution I Can Laugh
7. 61. Recitative (Michal, Doeg): Whom Dost Thou Seek - 62. Air (Michal): No, No Let The Guilty Tremble
8. 63. Recitative (Merab): Mean As He Was, He Is My Brother Now - 64. Air (Merab): Author Of Peace, Who Canst Controul
9. 65. Symphony: Allegro
10. 66. Accompagnato (Saul): The Time At Length Is Come - 67. Recitative (Saul, Jonathan): Where Is The Son Of Jesse?
11. 68. Chorus: Oh Fatal Consequence Of Rage
12. 69. Accompagnato (Saul): Wretch That I Am - 70. Recit - Accompagnato (Saul): 'Tis Said, Here Lives A Woman
13. 71. Recitative (With, Saul): With Me What Would'st Thou - 72. Air (Witch Of Endor): Infernal Spirits
14. 73. Accompagnato (Samuel, Saul): Why Hast Thou Forced Me From The Realms Of Peace
15. 74. Symphony: Allegro
16. 75. Recitative (David, Amalekite): Whence Comest Thou? - 76. Air (David): Impious Wretch, Of Race Accurst!
17. 77. March: Grave
18. 78. Chorus: Mourn, Israel
19. 79. Air (High Priest): Oh Let It Not In Gath Be Heard
20. 80. Air (Merab): From This Unhappy Day
21. 81. Air (David): Brave Jonathan His Bow Never Drew - 82. Chorus: Eagles Were Not So Swift As They
22. 83. Air (Michal): In Sweetest Harmony They Lived! - 84. Solo (David And Chorus): O Fatal Day! - 85. Recitative (Abner): Ye Men Of Judah, Weep No More!
23. 86. Chorus: Gird On Thy Sword, Thou Man Of Might

Average customer rating: All in Good fun (pun intended) Loved it! Clever, funny, and respectful CD Clever, funny, and respectful CD A TIME TO LAUGH by Nick Alexander

A Time to Laugh Nick Alexander Manufacturer: Nick Alexander ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Eternal Life - the Party Album I Wanna Be Debated Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints ASIN: B000056VGO Release Date: 2000-05-15

Tracks:

1. Old Time Gregorian Chant (parody of Old Time Rock 'n Roll by Bob Seger)
2. Repent (parody of Respect by Aretha Franklin)
3. Transubstantiation (parody of Revolution by The Beatles)
4. I Got You Saved (parody of I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher)
5. Tradition (500 Years) (parody of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
6. Should I Stand Or Should I Kneel (parody of Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash)
7. Our Mass (parody of Our House by Madness)
8. Tithe After Tithe (parody of Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper)
9. Confession (parody of Pressure by Billy Joel)
10. R.C.I.A. (parody of Y.M.C.A. by The Village People)
11. Father (serious worship song)

Album Description

A Time To Laugh is Nick's first collection of original Catholic parodies. He covers many pop genres from the 60s to the 90s. There's no album out there that deftly mixes orthodox Catholicism with laugh-out-loud humor.

Customer Reviews:

All in Good fun (pun intended).......2005-07-29

I thought this was a very clever piece of parody that is also inoffensive. I personally enjoyed the R.C.I.A. one the best being myself quite involved as a facilitator in my local parish.

Like most music albums, there will be strong tracks and not so strong ones and this one is no exception. Get it as a good gag to share with your knowing Catholic or even less knowing non-Catholic ones as a conversation piece but this disc will get old quite quickly.

I guess there are only so many times you can hear a joke before it stops being funny which explains why this disc rarely gets airtime on my cd player these days. Don't get me wrong, the songs are witty and good although the sound quality and production could have been better.

Not quite Weird Al Yankovich quality as yet but a good start.

Loved it!.......2001-12-27

What a lot of fun. Have bought several copies for family and friends - even a couple who are priests! They used "Tithe after Tithe" as part of a fundraising campaign. I know an RCIA class which uses both "RCIA" and "Should I Stand or Should I Kneel" as a lighthearted opening for some of their classes.

Those two, plus "Old Time Gregorian Chant" are my favorites!

Clever, funny, and respectful CD.......2001-12-07

First of all you will be glad to know that there is nothing sacriligeous in this cd. First thing I did when I got it was read the lyrics. They are actually even very instructional and informative. I heard some new phrases in the lyrics and looked up what they meant. The singer/composer of this converted to the Catholic church himself, and some of these songs may reflect his journey. Such as RCIA set to the music of "YMCA", haha. Or, "I Got You Saved" which sounds like Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe". It would make a great gift for anyone in RCIA, for a clergy member with a good sense of humor, etc. Actually the singer's own deep faith resonates in the music here. At times I stopped chuckling at its cleverness because it was obvious to me how seriously the singer took the subject matter. But that's just me. Others simply said it was really a funny cd and clever. He took popular tunes and changed the lyrics to reflect aspects of conversion and the Catholic church. The result is really cute. Then he wraps it up with a serious prayerful song called "Father" based upon the Lord's Prayer. A good gift for any Catholic with a good sense of humor !! =)

Clever, funny, and respectful CD.......2001-12-07

First of all you will be glad to know that there is nothing sacriligeous in this cd. First thing I did when I got it was read the lyrics. They are actually even very instructional and informative. I heard some new phrases in the lyrics and looked up what they meant. The singer/composer of this converted to the Catholic church himself, and some of these songs may reflect his journey. Such as RCIA set to the music of "YMCA", haha. Or, "I Got You Saved" which sounds like Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe". It would make a great gift for anyone in RCIA, for a clergy member with a good sense of humor, etc. Actually the singer's own deep faith resonates in the music here. At times I stopped chuckling at its cleverness because it was obvious to me how seriously the singer took the subject matter. But that's just me. Others simply said it was really a funny cd and clever. He took popular tunes and changed the lyrics to reflect aspects of conversion and the Catholic church. The result is really cute. Then he wraps it up with a serious prayerful song called "Father" based upon the Lord's Prayer. A good gift for any Catholic with a good sense of humor !! =)

A TIME TO LAUGH by Nick Alexander.......2001-02-04

People like to say that A TIME TO LAUGH is the funniest Catholic parody album to come along in ages. I would venture to say that this is the ONLY Catholic parody album to EVER come along. Even though I'm sure there will be copycats coming up behind it, it is destined to become THE classic, not only because it is the FIRST of it's kind, but more because it is theologically and doctrinely sound....no easy chore in the oxymoronic business of 'Catholic humor'. RCIA captures the essence of the entire project with it's send up of the catchy and familiar Village People's YMCA. Nick's question of SHOULD I STAND OR SHOULD I KNEEL? pokes easy fun at the dilema faced by a non Catholic attending his first Catholic Liturgy and the confusion of sitting, kneeling or standing and trying to follow the missalette. There really is something for everyone on this CD; even if you're not familiar with some of the tunes, the lyrics are sure to give you a chuckle. A TIME TO LAUGH makes an excellent gift for any occasion, is a perfect giveaway to an RCIA class and is a novel addition to your own CD collection. Add a one to your shopping cart today, with a few extras for friends. You won't be disappointed! :)LG > <>

Average customer rating: One stop on the road to immortality Must Stop Ordering When Drinking - Or Maybe I Got Foxed

Beggar's Opera / Polly Gay , and Austin Manufacturer: Symposium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: John Gay - The Beggar's Opera / Jonathan Miller · John Eliot Gardiner · Roger Daltrey · English Baroque Soloists ASIN: B0000799KV Release Date: 2003-03-25

Customer Reviews:

One stop on the road to immortality.......2006-11-19

This is a more than competent CD transfer of acoustic recordings of Sir Nigel Playfair's legendary 1920s revivals of The Beggar's Opera and its sequel Polly. Quite sufficiemt to show why the Beggar;s Opera production, meant to fill a few weeks' gap at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, ran for three years. And while Gay's sequel was like most sequels, not up to the original, this recording is the only source for the second-best ballad opera.

Must Stop Ordering When Drinking - Or Maybe I Got Foxed.......2006-09-02

Right. Can't remember what state of sobriety I was in when I ordered this cd and I may have missed some key clues about its nature. But I was so excited to find anything claiming to relate to Gay's "Polly" (which otherwise seems to have completely disappeared after it was censored in the 18th century - even internet wise) that I bought this cd. Turns out it is a cd version of some music originally recorded in the early 1920's. It is moderately interesting even for someone who is not primarily interested in antigue recordings (aka "scratchy records") because the style may be closer to that of the original performance. (There is no reason to think that common tastes were better in the 18th century than in 1920.) It is certainly different than contemporaneous performances of BO.

Don't mean to be sexist - which I am - but the duets, choreses and male performances seem to be less antigue than the soprano pieces. The broads are simply squeaky. Something to do with frequency loss in early recordings, I expect. On the other hand, the bass songs are equally abrasive and archaic.

Even the notes about "Polly" in this cd are disappointing. No mention of the history of "Polly", no mention of the source for the music. Try googling for a link for Gay and Polly. If you find one, be sure to post - I would love to know.

Unless you are an academic involved with some of the most obscure corners of the history of recorded music, I would forget this one. Instead, root for someone to find and record Gay's Polly. And buy a more modern interpretation of the Beggar's Opera. I have certainly heard antique recordings restored more vibrantly than this cd - but I would think that depends to a large extent on the quality of what you have to start with.

The only reason I gave it 2 stars (for some reason, Amazon refuses to record my change from 1 to 2 stars; but that is computers for you) instead of 1 was because of I love the melodies of the songs so much. But I will also admit that it is possible that Gay have been lucky that Polly was suppressed - the melodies and lyrics are not nearly as good as BO. On the other hand, this cd is so antique that is an unfair basis for judgment, But what the H!

Average customer rating: Depth of Holy Week Captured a voice teacher and early music fan

A Shropshire Lad Manufacturer: Hyperion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | 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 General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000002ZOZ Release Date: 1995-06-20

Customer Reviews:

Depth of Holy Week Captured.......2007-04-16

I bought this for the voices of Michael Chance and James Bowman, as well as for Robert King. Once again these two famous counter-tenors are teamed up. Both with different voices but the perfect blend. Tracks 3 and 4 are solos, and the rest duets, with the singers complimenting each other magnificently. If you enjoy the mysterious and lengthy sound of sacred music, focusing specifically on the voice, you will love this recording.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2005-12-24

The sacred music of Couperin has an intensity and power rarely found in baroque church music. It was mostly scored for one, two or 3 voices and continuo; this CD is an excellent example of his work. The name "tenebrae" probably refers to the darkness that gradually spread during the service as candles were extinguished one by one until Matins ended in darkness. The first 2 lessons are for solo voice;the third is a duet. The disc begins with a Motet which was written in honor of the marytr St. Bartholomew during which the 2 voices imitate and chase each other in 3rds. The selection "Venite Exultemus Domino" is largely an exultant text with suspensions of great beauty and ending in a surprisingly low tessitura. To my mind the "Magnificat" with its variety of textual moods and rich harmony is the real "showcase" on this recording! And with the 2 great countertenor voices of Chance and Bowman we have the best possible rendition. They are a great team vocally for they blend well and indeed are very similar in their singing style, although I think Chance as the edge in overall performance. A great recording in every way.

Average customer rating:

Trapped In The Machine Rymes With Orange Manufacturer: Citrus Soul/A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000RE0VPI

Product Description

12-track Canadian CD on Citrus Soul, 1994.

Meditation Music:

1. A World of Music
2. ABBA Generation Remix [Enhanced] [Import]
3. All or Nothing [Import]
4. Allure
5. An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris [Live]
6. Anthology: The Denver Nightingale
7. Around the World Pt.2 [CD-single] [Import]
8. Best of Beach Party [Original recording remastered] [Import]
9. Breathe Your Name [CD-single]
10. Breathtaking Blue [Import]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Dave Mason & Cass Elliot

John Donald Robb: Elegy for Our War Dead; Michael Mauldin: Desert Light...

Ginastera: Variaciones Concertantes Op23; Glosses Op48

Music: Technolectro Kings Compilation [Import]

Israelites [Import]

Got to Have Your Love/Bring Your Own Funk [Import]

L'italiano in Blues [Import]

Rap Music rap_music_45

...in the life...

Great Recordings Of The Century - Dinu Lipatti

Genius of Modern Music V.1 [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Latin Music: 100% Plancha

Eladio Jimenez [Import]

She Speaks

Wow Gospel 2006