Behold

Behold

Editorial Reviews

Santa Cruz Metro
"A refreshingly honest message of beauty, light and hope....Here is a voice truly destined for greatness"

Product Description
Behold is an intimate look into the heart and mind of Singer/Songwriter Ariel Thiermann. The songs on this CD are rich and full, yet somehow at the same time strikingly naked, revealing Ariel's clear voice and vivid poetic style. Mixing her influences of pop, jazz, and folk, using guitar and piano as her backbone, Ariel's melodies are catchy and at the same time incredibly authentic. Joined by a stellar line up of Monterey Bay Area Musicians, this self produced CD, is a gem in the unfolding career of this young musician.

Behold

Behold,Ariel Thiermann,Musicollage Records,A young diva at the piano, with nothing to lose.....a soulful collage of midnight melodies, early morning revelations and plenty of sweet, soulful inspiration.


John Rutter Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • John Rutter Collection is glorious!
  • John Rutter Collection
  • Typically gorgeous Rutter
  • Wonderful!
  • To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one.
John Rutter Collection
Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  2. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  3. Be Thou My Vision
  4. Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection
  5. Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter

ASIN: B00006LIEZ
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

  1. For The Beauty Of The Earth
  2. The Lord Is My Shepherd
  3. All Things Bright And Beautiful
  4. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
  5. The Lord Bless You And Keep You
  6. Open Thou Mine Eyes
  7. My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
  8. Esurientes (From Magnificat)
  9. Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
  10. Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
  11. Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
  12. What Sweeter Music
  13. A Choral Fanfare
  14. A Prayer Of St. Patrick
  15. O Be Joyful In The Lord
  16. Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
  17. O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
  18. A Gaelic Blessing
  19. Angel's Carol
  20. Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
  21. Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
  22. Go Forth Into The World In Peace

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter Collection is glorious!.......2007-07-23

This music begins my day in uplifting way. Each day a different piece catches my attention. I am so glad to have it.

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19

This CD is one of several that features Rutter directing his own choir. It has a good cross section of the John Rutter compositions, and is a good starting place for someone who has not heard Rutter's music before. I think you will be "hooked" if you really love choral music.

4 out of 5 stars Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20

I love John Rutter's music. Especially the "For the Beauty of the Earth" that is on this CD. Rutter is not the most inventive or varied composer of modern music, but if you have a taste for traditional choral writing with some angelic children's chorus singing, then you will probably share my enjoyment of Rutter's writing. Unfortunately I cannot give this CD 5 stars when it seems there is a drum set tapping annoyingly away on several of the songs. I do not understand this at all and am bothered by it every time I listen to those songs. It's a shame, because otherwise I love the music, and think it is lushly written, and simply but beautifully performed. I would highly suggest listening to sample track 3 before purchasing -- you can hear what sounds like a ride-cymbal right at the very end of the sample. This sound occurs in several of the songs on this recording.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!.......2005-12-03

I am a huge John Rutter fan. The lilting melodies, the poignant lyrics and the lush orchestrations make his music not only accessable but also uplifting. This compilation, although drawing from many other previous recordings, is a great composite of his wirk. The sound is exquisite. Even if you own other recordings of this music, this is worthwhile.

5 out of 5 stars To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one........2005-06-30

I purchased this CD as an introduction to the music of John Rutter and went on to purchase many more of his compositions. Still, this remains my favorite collection. It is choral music at its absolute finest. Far from "just church music", this CD has songs of faith, a few Christmas carols, a Celtic song for lovers, and even a child's tune or two. While most of the pieces are peaceful, warm, and thought-provoking, a few are up-tempo and lively. In my opinion, it is a perfectly balanced collection in which one song flows beautifully into the next with no sense of a jarring change of pace. If you have any interest in choral music, begin with the best...John Rutter... and this superb arrangement. Highly recommended.
Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum
  • "Ecce" Misses the Mark
  • Music of the Angels
  • Disappointing
  • Not the Beatles!
Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Paul McCartney - The Space Within US
  2. Living in the Material World (CD+DVD)
  3. The U.S. vs. John Lennon
  4. Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition]
  5. Working Classical: Orchestral and Chamber Music by Paul McCartney

ASIN: B000HC2NL0
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Spiritus
  2. Gratia
  3. Interlude (Lament)
  4. Musica
  5. Ecce Cor Meum

Amazon.com

Paul McCartney's new "classical" oratorio is called Ecce Cor Meum, which translates as "Behold My Heart." The idealistic texts, also by McCartney, are meditations on goodness, spirituality, peace, and love, and are well served by the pretty, Romantic melodies; the long choral and orchestral sections flow one into the next. The Interlude (composed after the death of his wife, Linda), with its lovely oboe solo, is simple and moving. The music builds throughout to an emotional climax and the entrance of the organ later in the work--beautifully played and handsomely recorded--is quite remarkable. This is a far more advanced work than 1991's Liverpool Oratorio: better orchestrated, more through-composed. No, it's not the last word in compositional sophistication, but it has many beautiful moments, and McCartney's legions of fans will need to own it. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum.......2007-07-30

A different Paul! We love this music, very classical yet modern. Beautiful singing.

2 out of 5 stars "Ecce" Misses the Mark.......2007-06-12

My old harmony teacher once remarked, "You can't throw away the rules unless you know which rules you're throwing away. Not surprisingliy, this is the case with "Ecce Cor Meum." When tunesmithing, most writing is done intuitively. In other words, the "how" of it comes from exposure to countless examples of popular/rock music. It's done by osmosis and most (but by no means all) pop tunes are tweaked into existence.

In the case of "serious" music, though, it is like any work of art. It is done by understanding the medium and understanding the progress of the art itself.

McCartney's attempt at a serious work falls short in most every respect. It is dull and colorless with occasional tender moments. An extended passage involving the oboe was particularly poignant. Otherwise the repetitiveness of the work makes for rather difficult sustained listening.

In his program notes, the composer seemed to think that lack of formal training in music, even with notation, was an asset rather than a liability. We beg to differ. The understanding of the dynamics of harmony, rhythm and melody in the course of a large work is as important to the composer as color and its use is to a painter.

Having to write 40-45 minutes of orchestral and choral music is a whole lot different than 32 bars of, say, "Michelle" or "Will You Still Love Me When I'm 64?" (Which of course we always will, Paul!)

Even a master composer like George Gershwin was limited, albeit much more successful, in his attempts at larger works. That said, there is hope of McCartney. I'd like to see more from his pen.

5 out of 5 stars Music of the Angels.......2007-02-25

Paul did an excellent job on this beautiful music and I do not say that because I am a fan. I love classical music, I put classical on to calm my nerves or to bring myself closer to the powers that be. This is excellent stuff. I will listen to this CD the rest of my life. I only have about 5 of those lifetime titles, this is one of them.

1 out of 5 stars Disappointing.......2007-02-08

When I was in my teens, I couldn't get enough McCartney. With truly memorable 5-minute songs he was in his element. Having said that, it took a lot of effort to listen to the entire Ecce cor Meum. McCartney does not have the discipline or know-how that it takes to write a larger work. It is fragmented, repetitive, and unremarkable, and he is clearly out of his depth with it. Now that he's been there, done that, it's time to return to the work for which he is justly famous.

4 out of 5 stars Not the Beatles!.......2007-01-16

Classical with a twist. Listen with an open mind and open ears. Interesting...you have to admire the craftsmanship of this piece. Very well done.
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • my opinion
  • Wonderful, but not my first choice
  • THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
  • Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah
Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars my opinion.......2007-08-01

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

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

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

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

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

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

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

4 out of 5 stars Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!
Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The greatest songs ever?
  • A musical treasure-box
  • a beautiful journey into melancholy
Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
John Dowland , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Wilson , The Consort of Musicke , Colin Tilney , Anthony Bailes , Jakob Lindberg , Nigel North , Glenda Simpson , Peter Holman , and John Donne
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5
  2. William Byrd: Consort Songs
  3. Bach: The Landowska Recordings
  4. Britten Conducts Britten
  5. Janácek: Operas

ASIN: B000004CYV
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

  1. First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
  2. First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
  3. First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
  4. First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
  5. First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
  6. First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
  7. First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
  8. First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
  9. First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
  10. First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
  11. First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
  12. First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
  13. First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
  14. First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
  15. First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
  16. First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
  17. First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
  18. First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
  19. First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
  20. First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
  21. First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

  1. Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
  2. Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
  3. Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
  4. Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
  5. Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
  6. Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
  7. Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
  8. Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
  9. Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
  10. Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
  11. Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
  12. Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
  13. Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
  14. Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
  15. Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
  16. Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
  17. Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
  18. Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
  19. Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
  20. Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
  21. Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
  22. Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

  1. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
  2. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
  3. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
  4. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
  5. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
  6. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
  7. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
  8. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
  9. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
  10. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
  11. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
  12. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
  13. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
  14. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
  15. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
  16. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
  17. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
  18. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
  19. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
  20. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
  21. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

  1. A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
  2. A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
  3. A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
  4. A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
  5. A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
  6. A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
  7. A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
  8. A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
  9. A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
  10. A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
  11. A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
  12. A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
  13. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
  14. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
  15. A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
  16. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

  1. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
  2. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
  3. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
  4. A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
  5. A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
  6. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
  7. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
  8. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
  9. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
  10. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
  11. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
  12. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
  13. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
  14. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
  15. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
  16. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
  17. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

  1. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
  2. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
  3. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
  4. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
  5. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
  6. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
  7. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
  8. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
  9. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
  10. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
  11. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
  12. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
  13. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
  14. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
  15. Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
  16. Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
  17. Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
  18. Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
  19. Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
  20. Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
  21. Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
  22. Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
  23. Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
  24. Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
  25. Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
  26. Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
  27. Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
  28. Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

  1. Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
  2. Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
  3. Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
  4. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
  5. Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
  6. Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
  7. Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
  8. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
  9. Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
  10. A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
  11. Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
  12. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
  13. Instrumental Music: Galliard
  14. Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
  15. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
  16. Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
  17. Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
  18. Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
  19. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
  20. Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
  21. Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
  22. Instrumental Music: Comagain
  23. Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
  24. Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Preludium
  2. Lute Music: Lachrimae
  3. Lute Music: Can She Excuse
  4. Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
  5. Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
  6. Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
  7. Lute Music: Fantasia
  8. Lute Music: A Dream
  9. Lute Music: Almain
  10. Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
  11. Lute Music: Coranto
  12. Lute Music: Resolution
  13. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
  14. Lute Music: Almain
  15. Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
  16. Lute Music: Fantasia
  17. Lute Music: Loth To Depart
  18. Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
  19. Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
  20. Lute Music: Pavan
  21. Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
  22. Lute Music: Aloe
  23. Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
  24. Lute Music: What If A Day
  25. Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
  26. Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
  27. Lute Music: Galliard
  28. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
  2. Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
  3. Lute Music: [Jig]
  4. Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
  5. Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
  6. Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
  7. Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
  8. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
  9. Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
  10. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
  11. Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
  12. Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
  13. Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
  14. Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
  15. Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
  16. Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
  17. Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
  18. Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
  19. Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
  20. Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
  21. Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
  22. Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
  23. Lute Music: Galliard
  24. Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
  25. Lute Music: Galliard
  26. Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
  27. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
  2. Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
  3. Lute Music: La mia Barbara
  4. Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
  5. Lute Music: Lachrimae
  6. Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
  7. Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
  8. Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
  9. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
  10. Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
  11. Lute Music: Galliard
  12. Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
  13. Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
  14. Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
  15. Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
  16. Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
  17. Lute Music: Galliard
  18. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
  19. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
  20. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
  21. Lute Music: Solus cum sola
  22. Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
  23. Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
  24. Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
  25. Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
  26. Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
  2. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
  3. Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
  4. Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
  5. Lute Music: A Coy Toy
  6. Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
  7. Lute Music: [Almain]
  8. Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
  9. Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
  10. Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
  11. Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
  12. Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
  13. Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
  14. Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
  15. Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
  16. Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
  17. Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
  18. Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
  19. Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
  20. Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
  21. Consort Music: Almain a 2
  22. Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
  23. Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
  24. Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
  25. Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
  26. Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
  27. Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

  1. Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
  2. Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
  3. Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
  4. Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
  5. Consort Music: Pavan a 4
  6. A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
  7. A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
  8. A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
  9. A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
  10. A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
  11. A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
  12. A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
  13. A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
  14. A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
  15. A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
  16. A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
  17. A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
  18. A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
  19. A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
  20. A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
  21. A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
  22. A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
  23. A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
  24. A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
  25. A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The greatest songs ever?.......2007-07-26

I heard 'clear or cloudy', from this recording, on the radio recently and had to purchase it. It is strange but it is the sort of song that makes life prior to listening to it different from life after. I find it sad that so many people haven't heard it. There are also many other wonderful works in this collection. Given you get twelve well recorded CDs with top quality performances, this has to be one of the bargains of the age.

Please buy it.

5 out of 5 stars A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

5 out of 5 stars a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Dowland, a contemporary of Shakespeare, discovered that meditating on a sad theme is, at the same time, a way of discovering a special beauty that we tend to avoid (maybe because of the "tragic" heritage of the Romantics). So, in the end, meditating on sadness is an uplifting experience! This box set is a journey into melancholy that includes songs, chamber music, pieces for lute, some rare sacred music and -as a highlight- Dowland's beautiful collection of seven pieces for viola which he called "Lachrimae" (Tears).
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan
  • Pure delight
  • Delicious G&S samplings abound here.
  • Fine Intro to G&S
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000003D1Y
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

  1. A Wandering Minstrel I
  2. Behold The Lord High Executioner!
  3. Three Little Maids From School Are We
  4. Braid The Raven Hair
  5. The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
  6. On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
  7. For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
  8. We Sail The Ocean Blue
  9. I'm Called Little Buttercup
  10. My Gallant Crew
  11. When I Was A Lad
  12. Things Are Seldom What They Seem
  13. Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
  14. Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
  15. Poor Wand'ring One
  16. How Beautifully Blue The Sky
  17. I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
  18. When The Foeman Bares His Steel
  19. Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
  20. With Cat-Like Tread
  21. Is Life A Boon?
  22. I Have A Song To Sing, O!
  23. Were I Thy Bride
  24. Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
  25. When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
  26. When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
  27. A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
  28. Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

5 out of 5 stars Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

5 out of 5 stars Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

5 out of 5 stars Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.
All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Very pleased
  • Sumptuous and mellow
  • One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals
  • A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal
  • A wide variety
All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RPZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
  2. English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
  3. English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
  4. English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
  5. English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
  6. English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
  7. English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
  8. English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
  9. English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
  10. English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
  11. English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
  12. English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
  13. English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
  14. English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
  15. English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
  16. English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
  17. English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
  18. English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
  19. English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
  20. English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
  21. English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
  22. English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
  23. English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
  24. English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
  25. English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
  26. English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
  27. English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
  28. English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
  29. English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
  30. English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
  31. English Madrigals: Were I A King
  32. English Madrigals: Come Again
  33. English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
  34. English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
  35. English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

5 out of 5 stars Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

5 out of 5 stars One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

4 out of 5 stars A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

4 out of 5 stars A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.
The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Well worth the price
  • Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
  • Where's the chicks?!?!
  • Not quite the ultimate....
  • Great Music - Questionable Selection
The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Brannigan, OwenBrannigan, Owen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
  2. Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
  3. Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  4. Topsy-Turvy
  5. The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

  1. H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
  2. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
  3. H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
  4. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
  5. H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
  6. H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
  7. H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
  8. H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
  9. H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
  10. The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
  11. The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
  12. The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
  13. The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
  14. The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
  15. Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
  16. The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
  17. The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
  18. The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
  19. The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
  20. The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
  21. The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
  22. The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
  23. The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
  24. The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
  25. The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
  26. The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
  27. The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
  28. The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
  29. The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

3 out of 5 stars Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

2 out of 5 stars Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

4 out of 5 stars Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.
Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!
  • Sacred and a treasure!
  • Absolutely wonderful
  • More Divine Beauty and Peace!
  • It Doesn't Get any Better!!!
Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
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RussiaRussia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChantsChants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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  1. Ancient Echoes
  2. Russian Medieval Chant
  3. Basso Profondo From Old Russia
  4. Russian Divine Liturgy
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ASIN: B00003XB5E
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!.......2007-06-28

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

5 out of 5 stars Sacred and a treasure!.......2007-06-11

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

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful.......2006-12-28

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

5 out of 5 stars More Divine Beauty and Peace!.......2006-12-03

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

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

5 out of 5 stars It Doesn't Get any Better!!!.......2006-10-09

Having collected a decent library of sacred music over the years I can readily attest that this is the best sacred music CD that I own, my second favorite being a requiem chant by the monks of Solesmes. Further, upon listening to this CD everyone I know seems to respond to it with the same enthusiasm. Track 10 is my personal favorite, but there are no weak pieces here. The entire production hangs together well. Can't recommend it enough to novice or seasoned liturgical music listener.
Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Crazy technical progressive grind metal.
  • Avant-Garde Music at it's Best
  • Relentless Intensity
  • What The !!?%$#@^!!?
  • Schizophrenic Jazz Metal of the Not So Distant Future
Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning
Behold... The Arctopus
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  5. Ideas of Reference

ASIN: B000GW8PPY
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

  1. Exospacial Psionic Aura
  2. Estrogen/Pathogen Exchange Program
  3. Sensory Amusia
  4. Alcoholocaust
  5. You Will Be Reincarnated As An Imperial Attack Spaceturtle
  6. Alcoholcaust (LIVE)
  7. You Will Be Reincarnated As An Imperial Attack Spaceturtle (LIVE)
  8. Exospacial Psionic Aura (LIVE)
  9. Sensory Amusia (LIVE)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Crazy technical progressive grind metal........2007-03-11

If Frank Zappa and King Crimson birthed a schizophrenic, demonoid love child it would resemble this band. Its dark and chaotic, but unique and grotesquely beautiful. An oxymoron, yes. Does it describe the music aptly, possibly. This cd is noisy but exact. Its a compilation of their two previous cds, which only consisted of 3 or 4 songs each, plus a live set. Yes they can reproduce these songs live, they are not just studio productions. Quite an accomplishment for the old school power trio. It helps having an astonishing bass player, who technically plays a Warr Guitar. For those that don't know, a Warr giutar is a seven to fifteen stringed guitar/bass like instrument with the range of both a guitar and bass that is usually played by touch or tapping the frettboard using both hands but can be played other traditional ways as well. Thus giving this band a unique sound. The drummer is insane and flows through each tempo change naturally and the guitar player (standard guitar) plays counter-point to the warr guitar franticly, like a Larry Lalonde (Primus) on meth. I can't wait for a full length cd of original material from these guys. Until then buy and enjoy this cd. Keep an open mind. This is hardly for the average music fan.

5 out of 5 stars Avant-Garde Music at it's Best.......2007-03-09

Progressive mind blowing insanity. A must have for fans of Dysrhythmia, Colon Marston never fails to amaze.

5 out of 5 stars Relentless Intensity.......2006-09-29

I haven't been this blown away by a new release in years! Both the chops and compsition on this disc are way over the top. Although they are often described as progressive metal, I agree with reviewers who point out that the don't play any of the "routine" metal stuff you hear on alot of other CDs in this category. The closest musical comparison I can make is with King Crimson. Infact I find there music satisfying in some of the same ways. However, they maintain a level of relentless intensity that I've never heard on a Crimson record. Think what it might sound like If Buckethead recorded an album with The Ruins and you might get the picture!

4 out of 5 stars What The !!?%$#@^!!?.......2006-09-22

(Instrumental Proficiency 6 stars)

Holy.....!? Well, I don't really know how to start this one. This band and album would probably not appeal to about 98% of the music-buying public out there, but it is simply incredible. If the band's name and album title weren't enough to give you the impression that these guys simply aren't interested in commercial success or pop appeal, wait until you get a load of the music. Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about it. Behold the Arctopus play an unbelievably intense brand of experimental/progressive/metal/post-rock/ambient/funk/techno/trance/fusion/whatever that will instantly appeal to any musician by sheer force of it's ballsy, I-can-play-better-than-anyone-youv'e-ever-seen brashness. Insanely convoluted, technical, original, and just plain weird, this album is worth checking out, especially for anyone who likes displays of virtuoso musicianship. Plus, the new Metal Blade reissue version contains live versions as well, proving that they can pull this stuff off live. Progressive jazz-metal on Ritalin. Since these guys are now apparently signed to a relatively big label which releases a lot of super heavy music, it should be interesting to see what they do next. These guys can play.

5 out of 5 stars Schizophrenic Jazz Metal of the Not So Distant Future.......2006-08-24

This is my first experience with the Arctopus, and I'm sure it won't be my last. Behold...THE ARCTOPUS have a great combination of technical metal/jazz metal going on; Sometimes it will rend and flay your head and upper torso into a steaming pile of fleshy tissue, and at others it will sound like very laid back, melodic type of Jazz/Jazz metal. They Kinda remind me of "Cynic", That is If Cynic lost the keyboards and robo voices, and shot themselves up with steroids and Caffine.

This touch guitar stuff is crazy, its got me very interested in finding out more about the instrument, as I have never heard of them before. And another amazing thing about this band is that it is a three piece. I could swear that they have 2 guitarists and a bass going sometimes. The only thing I have against them is that the guitarist is prone to go into wild shred-fests every now and then, which can get on my nerves sometimes.

But everything else about this EP is top-notch stuff. It might not be very long, but when you listen to it, every second feels like three because of the insane complexity of it all. But also not to be overshadowed are the beautiful mellow passages like in Sensory Amusia...Man its so relaxing and peacefull, you could listen to that in a cafe...although 60 seconds down the line you might listen to it at a destruction durby, or at a construction site.

Now, the obvious reason that we are being given a re-issue of This Ep from last year is because Metal Blade (the record company that recently signed the arctopus) wasn't recieving any profit off of any of the arctopus's pre Metalblade releases. But that being said, this is a fair price for an EP reissue, with more material on it then the original, and at a lower price. So If you already own the original you needn't worry about picking this up. But if you haven't got the original then you've got a pretty good deal here.

If you like this EP, keep Your eyes on these guys. I am sure that a full length release by the arctopus is just around the corner.
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00062FLI8
    Release Date: 2004-11-30

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