Summer Songs

Summer Songs

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Another release from the hugely popular German band leader. He tours extensively and will celebrate his 75th Birthday in 2004. 14 tracks including 'Macarena' & 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine'. Eagle Records. 2003.

Summer Songs,James Last,Eagle Records (Red),Big Band,Composer,Conductor,Easy Listening,Easy Pop,Orchestral,Pop,Popular Music


Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Mamma Mia
  • Mamma Mia Musical CD
  • JUST GREAT MUSIC
  • Mamma Mia
  • Not good at all
Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast)
Benny Andersson , Julian Poole , Jenny Galloway , Nicolas Colicos , Paul Clarkson , Bjorn Ulvaeus , Lisa Stokke , Eliza Lumley , Melissa Gibson , Siobhan McCarthy , Louise Plowright , Jenny Galloway , Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Stig Anderson
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. ABBA - Gold: Greatest Hits
  2. Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
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  4. Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
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ASIN: B000031WEN
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

  1. Overture/Prologue
  2. Honey, Honey
  3. Money, Money, Money
  4. Thank You For The Music
  5. Mamma Mia
  6. Chiquitita
  7. Dancing Queen
  8. Lay All Your Love On Me
  9. Super Trouper
  10. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
  11. The Name Of The Game
  12. Voulez-Vous
  13. Entr'acte
  14. Under Attack
  15. One Of Us
  16. S.O.S.
  17. Does Your Mother Know
  18. Knowing Me, Knowing You
  19. Our Last Summer
  20. Slipping Through My Fingers
  21. The Winner Takes It All
  22. Take A Chance On Me
  23. I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
  24. I Have A Dream

Amazon.com

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mamma Mia.......2007-03-22

I have not stopped playing this cd. It is just great! It makes any trip in my car most enjoyable Happy I bought it!

5 out of 5 stars Mamma Mia Musical CD.......2007-03-21

This is a grand list of songs from the original musical when it was first introduced in England. The songs from ABBA are very recognizable even if you haven't seen the show. But, making a trip to NY to see the Broadway production is a plus. ENJOY!

4 out of 5 stars JUST GREAT MUSIC.......2007-03-08

I RECENTLY SAW THE SHOW MAMMA MIA IN LAS VEGAS. ALWAYS LIKES THE MUSIC OF ABBA, AND THOUGH THE PLOT WAS THIN, THE MUSIC WAS WELL PERFORMED. IN THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM, THE ENGLISH ACCENTS WERE A BIT MUCH, BUT THE SONGS WERE GREAT. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, ABBA.

5 out of 5 stars Mamma Mia.......2007-01-29

Every time I hear the music and songs it brings back memories of seeing the Broadway Show

1 out of 5 stars Not good at all.......2007-01-09

This is not what we wanted. The British accents throw it was off. We just saw it in NY and this is not what we were looking for.
Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Renee Fleming sings favorite works
  • The best of the best.
  • Beautiful and creamy voice
  • Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE
  • The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard
Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
Gustave Charpentier , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Antonin Dvorak , Friedrich von Flotow , Giacomo Puccini , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Carl Orff , Richard Strauss , Sergey Rachmaninov , Johann II Strauss , Franz Lehar , Jose Maria Cano , Marie-Joseph Canteloube , Jeffrey Tate , Sir Charles Mackerras , Renée Fleming , English Chamber Orchestra , Osian Ellis , London Voices , and Clive Greensmith
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000042I6
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

  1. Louise (Acte 3): Depuis le jour ou je me suis donnee
  2. Faust (Acte 3 - Air des bijoux): O Dieu! que de bijous!... Ah! Je ris de me voir si belle (Air des bijoux - Jewel Song)
  3. Manon (Acte 3): Je marche sur tous les chemins... Obeissons... Profitons bien de la jeunesse (Gavotte)
  4. Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55 B104 No. 4: Songs My Mother Taught Me
  5. Martha (Act 2 - No. 8 The Last Rose): 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer
  6. La rondine (Act 1): Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
  7. Die tote Stadt (Act 1 - Mariettas Lied): Gluck, das mir verblieb
  8. Carmina Burana (No. 21): In trutina
  9. Vier Lieder, Op. 27 No. 4: Morgen!
  10. Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14: Vocalise
  11. Die Fiedermaus (Act 2 - Csardas): Klange der Heimat (Csardas)
  12. Die lustige Witwe (Act 2 - Vilja-Lied): Es lebt' eine Vilja (Vilja-Lied)
  13. LUNA: Epilogo
  14. Chants d'Auvergne, Series 1: Bailero

Amazon.com essential recording

This vocal recital certainly lives up to its title, perhaps too well. It's a collection of arias and songs Fleming has sung for years that for some may be too much frosting and not enough cake. Surely, her performances are rich with interpretive nuances, wonder-filled portamentos and word colorings that reflect a long history with this repertoire, which ranges from Charpentier's "Depuis le jour" to Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Some may find Fleming a bit much, but agree with her or not, she's far more interesting than singers who keep a safe, discreet distance from the music. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Renee Fleming sings favorite works.......2007-07-30

Renee Fleming has turned out a fine CD of arias with which not everyone is familiar. Outstanding are Depuis le Jour from Charpentier's Louise and Marietta's Lied, Glueck, das mir verblieb, from Korngold's Die Tote Stadt. The latter is one of the most haunting arias ever written. Many of us cannot get it out of our minds. She includes Chi il bel sogno di Doretta from Puccini's La Rondine and does it well. Hers is not really a Puccini voice. Perhaps Richard Strauss and Mozart are her strengths.

5 out of 5 stars The best of the best........2007-04-11

I've given away at least a dozen copies of this CD. I'm running low, so I just refilled the stash. For people who haven't discovered Renee Fleming or who think they don't care for opera, this CD is the best possible way to blow down the walls. If you think there's nothing new to be heard in these old arias, you owe it to yourself to find out how wrong you can be.

4 out of 5 stars Beautiful and creamy voice.......2006-02-28

I like so much Ren?e Fleming and this is special cd !

5 out of 5 stars Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE.......2006-01-30

IT'S A FINE RECORDING THAT OFFERS A VARIETY OF SELECTIONS FROM OPERA, OPERETTAS AND FOLK SONGS, ALL WITH FLEMING AT HER BEST.















5 out of 5 stars The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard.......2006-01-02

I am a 19-year-old voice student at the University of Central Arkansas and I came across Renee by way of a soprano in my voice studio. She said it was her favorite soprano and that I should give her a listen. I was a little hesistant because I'm a baritone and my voice teacher told me that I should listen to men, but I just want to hear it all. So this past summer I first bought Renee's self-titled album with all of the lolipop arias on it and I was just amazed, not just because of how good she is but how easy she is to listen to. I loved her voice immediately. From the the moment the first tone passed through her throat on Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro." So I had to hear more. The Beautiful Voice is even better. It wasn't as easy to listen to at first because some of the songs on this album are not as famous as those on the other one, but these songs are all gems. The Korngold with the pianissimi B flats is my personal favorite. Even my mother who screams at me to turn down that "noise" when I listen to opera cds has grown to be quite fond of Renee Fleming. Sometimes her interpretations can be over the top, but the voice is beyond spectacular. It pours out like melted butter. It's vibrant, rich, expressive, free and always perfectly in tune. There is no hint of strain from any sound emitted from her body. She will undoubtedly be remembered like Callas & Sutherland and all the other great soprano voices before her. Not for the dramatic intensity of Callas or the coloratura & technical ease of Sutherland, but for the sheer unspeakable beauty of her voice. This is a must have for any vocalist seriously dedicated to classical training.
25 All-Time Greatest Summer Songs: The Ultimate Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Hard-to-Find Memories
  • All the songs are the originals. What you see is what you get (wysiwyg).
  • Exceptional Value
  • Pool Party Classic
  • Not the best 'summer' album around, but it's worth buying...
25 All-Time Greatest Summer Songs: The Ultimate Collection
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Biggest Hits of Summer
  2. Summer Songs
  3. Sounds Of Summer - The Very Best Of The Beach Boys
  4. 25 All Time Novelty Hits
  5. Dick Bartley Presents: One Hit Wonders of the '60s, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00004U16P
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Tracks:

  1. Summer In The City - The Lovin' Spoonful
  2. A Summer Song - Chad & Jeremy
  3. Summertime, Summertime - The Jamies
  4. Vacation - Connie Francis
  5. Wipe Out - The Surfaris
  6. Summer Means Fun - Bruce And Terry
  7. Dancing In The Street - Martha And The Vandellas
  8. Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
  9. In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
  10. Happy Summer Days - Ronnie Dove
  11. Sealed With A Kiss - Brian Hyland
  12. The Theme From A Summer Place - Percy Faith And His Orchestra
  13. On The Beach (In The Summertime) - The 5th Dimension
  14. Summer Wine - Nancy Sinatra And Lee Hazlewood
  15. Summer Sand - Dawn
  16. Here Comes The Summer - Jerry Keller
  17. School Is Out - Gary U.S. Bonds
  18. Palisades Park - Freddy Cannon
  19. Lets Go Trippin' - Dick Dale & His Del-Tones
  20. Beach Party - Annette
  21. Lost Summer Love - Shelley Fabares
  22. Gonna Hustle You - Legendary Masked Surfers
  23. Wombling Summer Party - The Wombles
  24. Summer - War
  25. Summertime - Billy Stewart

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Hard-to-Find Memories.......2007-05-12

This was more than I had bargained for- I was after a few of the individual songs, and find that the whole CD is well-worth it. Now I'm searching out others of the same genre. Thumbs-up to the maker(s) of these CD's of sings that are hard to find, but part of one's life!

3 out of 5 stars All the songs are the originals. What you see is what you get (wysiwyg)........2007-04-06

I bought this compilation because of the cute number, Summertime, Summertime. The song closest to this, in the rock'n'roll genre, is Martian Hop. Martian Hop is by the Ran-Dels. Both songs feature a small vocal ensemble that recites a string of nonsense syllables. In Summertime, this is, "Summertime, summertime, sum-, sum-, summertime." In Martian Hop, this is, "Buh-buh me-me-me, buh-buh me-me-me." I also bought this compilation because it contains Sunny Afternoon, a fine offering from the Kinks. A pleasant surprise was Beach Party. Beach Party is sung by Annette Funicello, America's sweetheart in an era before Meg Ryan and Reese Witherspoon.

But there are some noteable omissions. This compilation should have also contained The Zombies' excellent version of Summertime, the Gershwin composition. Also missing is Sly and the Family Stone's, Hot Fun in the Summertime. And a glaring omission is the classic, Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochrane. And then, a very unfortunate oversight is the lack of Robin Ward's anthemic, Wonderful Summer.

5 out of 5 stars Exceptional Value.......2007-02-23

I normally don't rate CDs, but this one is an exceptional value for those who like 50s & 60s pop music. Eight of these are on my permanent list for my MP3 player (approx 200 from this genre) and I have 14 of them rated as 4 or 5 stars on my computer favorites.

5 out of 5 stars Pool Party Classic.......2002-07-12

This CD contains 25 tunes straight from summer. Feel the tingle of the noxema, and bring on the hot days, sunglasses, pool volleyball and sand between your toes. The selections are a little bit uneven, though most of them are obvious classics, a few will grow on you, and there were just a couple that were sorta "huh?" An excellent value just looking for a backyard pool party and a perfect summer day, nearly 70 minutes of pure summer. FAR better than Martha Stewart's summer selection CD, which contains only 14 songs and is a very odd mix. Beware that classics probably translates to "oldies" for the under 40 set (and don't you just hate that part?)

4 out of 5 stars Not the best 'summer' album around, but it's worth buying..........2002-03-24

There's many notable summer *classics* to be found on "25 All-Time Greatest Summer Songs", and a few definitely worth mentioning: "Summer In The City" (Lovin' Spoonful), "Sunny Afternoon" (The Kinks), "In The Summertime" (Mungo Jerry), "Here Comes Summer" (Jerry Keller), "Dancing In The Streets" (Martha & The Vandellas) and not forgetting the beautiful, "Theme From A Summer Place" (Percy Faith & His Orchestra). The rest of the CD, however, is rather forgettable. For this listener there's just too many 'fillers' included that *don't* deserve the 'All Time Greatest Summer Songs" tag. Most are lifted from the vintage rock n' roll period, and whereas I have a vested interest in that particular genre, some tracks haven't stood the test of time well. Some are just downright awful. There's a couple of 'novelty' songs here too that have no right being placed on a track listing with the likes of Percy Faith, The Kinks and Mungo Jerry. "Wombling Summer Party" anyone?

It's worth buying for the better songs I previously mentioned. Still, you'd be better off shopping around because this isn't the best summer CD available.

Jon.
Leontyne Price Sings Barber
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • An American Voice of the Century
  • An Essential Barber Disc
  • Price sings songs and arias written for her!!!
  • Fab voice, OK music
Leontyne Price Sings Barber

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FNF
Release Date: 1994-05-10

Tracks:

  1. Hermit Songs, Op.29: At Saint Patrick's Purgatory
  2. Hermit Songs, Op.29: Church Bell At Night
  3. Hermit Songs, Op.29: Saint Ita's Vision
  4. Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Heavenly Banquet
  5. Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Crucifixion
  6. Hermit Songs, Op.29: Sea-Snatch
  7. Hermit Songs, Op.29: Promiscuity
  8. Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Monk And His Cat
  9. Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Praises Of God
  10. Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Desire For Hermitage
  11. Sleep Now, Op. 10, No. 2
  12. The Daises, Op. 2, No. 1
  13. Nocturne, Op. 13, No. 4
  14. Nuvoletta, Op. 25
  15. Knoxville: Summer Of 1915
  16. Antony And Cleopatra: Give Me Some Music
  17. Antony And Cleopatra: Give Me My Robe

Amazon.com

Early in her career, Leontyne Price formed an artistic liaison with Samuel Barber that resulted in his composing the female lead in Antony and Cleopatra for her. The disastrous premiere of that opera prevented Price from making a complete recording--a tragic loss in my opinion. She did record excerpts, however, and we at least have this disc to document these and the many other Barber works that she performed with incomparable artistry. Opera singing being what it is, Price didn't often have the chance to sing in English, so these performances are not only historically important, they are uniquely communicative as well. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-28

Samuel Barber(1910-1981), an American composer who studied piano, composition and singing at the prestigious Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. His works adhered largely to a lyrical, Romantic style within a loosely Classical framework. He left a rich legacy of more than 100 songs(only 37 published) and 3 operas in addition to many instrumental works...
Only a few of Barber's song texts come from American sources; more often he chose the work of Irish or English writers. He was drawn to 'Knoxville: Summer of 1915', a reflection of the American poet James Agee, because for him it vividly evoked his own childhood. With hints of blues and gently shifting rhythms, "Knoxville" is a mature expression of Barber's artistry as a musical poet and a master of orchestral color.
"The Hermit Songs" were first performed by Leontyne Price, soprano, with the composer at the piano at the Library of Congress, Washington,D.C..pn October 30, 1953. They are a setting of anonymous Irish texts of the eighth to thirteenth centuries written by monks and scholars. They are small poems,thoughts or observations, some very short, and speak in straightforward, droll, and often surprisingly modern terms of the simple life these men led, close to nature, to animals and to God.
I think a brief quote from one of my favorite of these Hermit songs sums up the kind of prose contained in most all of them: from 'The Monk and his Cat' :Pangur, white Pangur, How happy we are Alone together, Scholar and cat. Each has his own work to do daily; for you it is hunting, for me study......'
The music on this disc is well executed, and if you are a Barber advocate, it's a great collection of his song material. I happen to like MOST of his music, but it's for me a 'mood ' thing. He was born very close to where I live, so I guess I feel a kinship of sorts. I do think that he is one of the 'greats' in contemporary music!

5 out of 5 stars An American Voice of the Century.......2005-10-09

While there is no question that Leontyne's opulent voice - here young and lustrous in the "Hermit Songs" recital (1953!) would have been a magnet for any composer, her affinity for Barber is clear, and his for her. The studio recording of the "Hermit Songs" has a better acoustic, but this one is just as thrilling in interpretation, and a bit less studied - and it has the two James Joyce settings, as well.
The "Knoxville" is beautifully judged - soft and swinging to start, then opening up into the drama and poetry of the middle and late sections. The Eleanor Steber original commission will always set the standard, but Price expands it that much farther, with longer phrases, and an ineffable langour that both she and Steber identified as the "Southern" stamp on this music. It's universal, as far as I am concerned, but it exalts and breaks the heart at the same time. Agee and Barber drink from the same fountain here.
I have never heard the entire "Anthony & Cleopatra", again written for Price, so I can't judge the work as a whole, just these two numbers. I have a special affection for the first scene, however - "Give Me Some Music" shows Price, in her absolute vocal prime, complete mistress of color and mood, and the motive, "My man of men" reappears in her final, regal, death scene. When she sings "O happy horse/ who bears the weight of Antony!" - I swear, my hair curls, no matter how many times I hear it.
In short, gotta have it.

5 out of 5 stars An Essential Barber Disc.......2002-03-13

What a fabulous collection of music by Samuel Barber. Leontyne Price is at her absolute best in the songs. The entire Hermit Songs are here with four others. These recordings are of particular interest since Ms. Price performs with Samuel Barber at the piano. It is interesting to compare these recordings to the latter ones sung by Cheyrl Studer with John Browning at the piano for tempo changes.

The recording of Knoxville: Summer of 1915 is arguable the best of those available. Ms. Price sings with great sensitivity and Thomas Schippers and the New Philharmonia provide excellent support. Ms. Price said that Knoxville reminded her of her own childhood, and her commitment to the music comes through. I have the recording of Knoxville sung by Eleanor Steber, who commissioned this work, but I have always regarded the Price recording as the one to have.

The two excerpts from Antony and Cleopatra are of great interest since Ms. Price sang the role of Cleopatra at the premiere in 1966. Her performance here, also conducted by Schippers, is wonderful. The transfer to CD of these recordings is excellent. Perhaps the only down side is that the Hermit Songs were performed before an audience so there is applause between each song. After a while, this becomes monotonous. This disc is a must for anyone interested in Barber's music, and in particular for Knoxville.

5 out of 5 stars Price sings songs and arias written for her!!!.......2001-12-05

This CD on which Leontyne Price memorializes many of the songs and arias composed by Sam Barber with her in mind should be in every collection of those who appreciate Barber's vocal music and the magnificent voice of one of the world's greatest singers of the 20th century. The collaboration of Barber and Price on the "Hermit Songs" and others reveals the composer's affection for the singer and the singer's understanding of the dramatic intent of the word and music. Alone, Price's interpretation of "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" is worth the price of the CD; it is singularly exquisite and cannot be matched! Price brings unmatched beauty, power, and understanding to the arias from "Anthony and Cleopatra" -- an opera composed with her voice in mind. It is indeed sad that Price never recorded "Vanessa," nor the song cycle "Despite and Still," nor the hauntingly beautiful "Sure on this Shining Night." You will not be disappointed if you buy this CD.

3 out of 5 stars Fab voice, OK music.......2001-08-07

What is it that everyone seems to adore about Samuel Barber's music for voice. The man clearly wrote some absolutely divine orchestral pieces, there's no disputing that. But his vocal work seems to be lackluster. Hermit Songs is an example of modern classical music at it's worst. Disjointed, unmelodic, and difficult to follow. Price who's diction is fabulous on the later Knoxville piece is mushy durin the Hermit Songs, her voice is young and fresh, but not particularly glorious. She does deserve praise however for her promotion of American Music

Knoxville 1915 is a much better piece than Hermit songs and has more lyrical moments, but it still sounds so modern. If it has just been an orchestral piece it might've been fabulous but that is unfortunately not the case. It's almost as if Barber wrote a piece for orchestra and wrote a seperate piece for voice and just joined them, whether they made sense together or not. Unlike Hermit Songs, Price's performance more than makes up for the lack of brilliance in the music. Her diction is amazingly clear, even Callas would be jealous and her voice soars, where the music allows her to at least.

The selections from A+C are worty enough, another unreal performance by Price, one wonders if there was a better interpretor of American Music ever, maybe Steber. These works are more traditional sounding and thus go over better, but they seem a bit bland, without Price infusing them with energy this listener would have lost interest
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life: The Songs of Victor Herbert
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Some old favourites, and some unfamiliar, enjoyable voices and songs
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life: The Songs of Victor Herbert

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Music of Sigmund Romberg
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  3. The Desert Song / The New Moon
  4. When I'm Calling You
  5. A Victor Herbert Showcase: The Greatest Hits of the Father of American Popular Song

ASIN: B00004U9MZ
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

  1. Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life! - Richard Crooks
  2. Gypsy Love Song - CHARLES KULLMAN
  3. Romany Life - Jeanette MacDonald
  4. March Of The Toys - Victor Young & His Concert Orchestra
  5. Kiss Me Again - Florence Easton
  6. (The Day Is Done...) Moonbeams - Richard Crooks
  7. Italian Street Song - Florence George/The Max Terr Choristers
  8. I'm Falling In Love With Someone - CHARLES KULLMAN
  9. 'Neath The Southern Moon - Nelson Eddy
  10. Tramp, Tramp, Tramp! - Nelson Eddy
  11. Paul's Address: (My Commander As Envoy Bids Me Come...) No Country Can My Own Outvie - John McCormack
  12. I List The Trill In Golden Throat - Alma Gluck/Charles Schuetz
  13. The Cricket On The Earth - Christie MacDonald/Reginald Werrenrath/Howard Ratty
  14. Sweethearts - Richard Tauber
  15. To Land Of My Own Romance - John McHugh
  16. When You're Away - Richard Tauber
  17. Neapolitan Love Song - Richard Crooks
  18. Ireland, My Sireland (When Shall I Again See Ireland?) - John McCormick/Dominic Melillo
  19. Eileen Alannah Ashthore - John McCormick/Dominic Melillo
  20. Thine Alone - CHARLES KULLMAN
  21. A Kiss In The Dark - Amelita Galli-Curci
  22. Indian Summer - Richard Tauber
  23. Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life! - Jeanette Macdonald/Nelson Eddy

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Some old favourites, and some unfamiliar, enjoyable voices and songs.......2007-03-11

This compilation has the usual songs that immediately bring the name of composer Victor Herbert to mind - Ah, sweet mystery of life, I'm falling in love with someone and Tramp, tramp, tramp - with such well known voices as those of Macdonald, Eddy and the famous tenors, Richard Crooks, Richard Tauber and Charles Kullmann.

Perhaps of greater interest to many listeners will be the relatively seldom heard artists, such as John McHugh, Florence Easton and Florence George. All three have very pleasant voices and aural personalities.

It is a somewhat mixed delight to hear Amelita Galli-Curci, John McCormack, Alma Gluck and Richard Werrenrath in recordings from the acoustic era. My personal favourite from that group is Galli-Cutci's charming version of A kiss in the dark.

Altogether, a well chosen mixture of the familiar and the out of the way, carefully and well re-recorded.
Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Time Capsule
  • Unexpected
  • An album to treasure
  • A classic recording of American songs
  • The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred
Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals
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  3. Stephen Foster Song Book
  4. Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster
  5. DOO-DAH: Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture

ASIN: B000005IYE
Release Date: 1992-05-28

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Time Capsule.......2006-11-30

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

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

Very highly recommended.

3 out of 5 stars Unexpected.......2005-11-26

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

5 out of 5 stars An album to treasure.......2004-09-23

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

5 out of 5 stars A classic recording of American songs.......2004-08-22

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

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

5 out of 5 stars The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred.......2003-11-22

I have never heard such unadulterated extraworldy sound emanate from two human voices and what would otherwise be firewood (the period instruments played by Gilbert Kalish). It stirs profound patriotism and a deep sentimentality for our early days when a civilized people pined to find virtue by examining its own body-- the north and the south, the small town, the simple flag, and the beauty of gentile manly and womanly love expressed through equisite song. There is no other music I would rather hear 'when summoning up the remembrance of things past.' The ghost of the early American parlor will prick your skin through these simple hymns and you may escape for a moment our troubled and busy times.
Bedroom Adagios
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Exceptional Collection
Bedroom Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000BWVBV
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

  1. Concerto For Harpischord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Raymond Leppard
  2. Concerto Grosso In B Minor, Op. 6, No. 12 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
  3. Pavane For A Dead Princess - Steve Erquiaga
  4. Romance For String Orchestra - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
  5. Carnival Of The Animals - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
  6. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 - Alexandre Lagoya
  7. En Bateau - l'ochestre de la suisse romande
  8. Humming Chorus - BBC Concert Orchestra
  9. Sicilienne - Steve Erquaiaga
  10. Italiana - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
  11. Una Furtiva Lagrima - BBC Concert Orchestra
  12. Chanson De Matin, Op. 15, No. 2 - BBC Concert Orchestra
  13. Suite In E Major For Lute, BWV 1006A/1000 - Eduardo Fernandez
  14. Touch Her Soft Lips, And Part - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
  15. Suite for Cello Solo No. 3 In C Major, BWV 1009 - Pepe Romero
  16. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julian Lloyd Webber
  17. Pavane - Nicholas Kraemer
  18. Serenade For Strings In E Major, Op. 22 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields

Tracks:

  1. O Mio Babbino Caro - BBC Concert Orchestra
  2. Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
  3. La Fileuse - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
  4. Flower Duet (Sous Le Dome Epais) - BBC Concert Orchestra
  5. Pied-En-L'Air - Nicholas Kraemer
  6. Arioso - Steve Erquiaga
  7. Two Aquarelles - English Chamber Orchestra
  8. In Paradisum - Stephen Cleobury
  9. After A Dream - Steve Erquiaga
  10. Suite For Cello Solo No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Mischa Maisky
  11. My Bonny Boy - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
  12. Concerto For Guitar In D Major, RV 93 - Eduardo Fernandez
  13. Un Bel Di - BBC Concert Orchestra
  14. Holbert Suite, Op. 40 - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
  15. Concerto For Oboe In D Minor, BWV 1059 - Heinz Holliger
  16. Vissi D'Arte - BBC Concert Orchestra
  17. Sheep May Safely Graze - William Bennett
  18. Fantasia On Greensleeves - William Bennett

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Exceptional Collection.......2003-12-31

I have heard many, many classical "mood" collections, and this is one of the best, with many surprise selections.
It is consistently restful and calming.
I recommend it highly.
Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers
  • Masterful
  • Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!
  • Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet
  • What in the world...????
Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov)
Gabriel Fauré , and Claude Debussy
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Renée Fleming - The Schubert Album
  2. Renée Fleming - I Want Magic! ~ American Opera Arias
  3. Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
  4. Renée Fleming - Visions of Love ~ Mozart Arias / Mackerras
  5. Renée Fleming: Bel Canto

ASIN: B00005AWIA
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

  1. Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
  2. Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
  3. Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
  4. Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
  5. Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
  6. Beau Soir
  7. Mandoline
  8. Apparition
  9. Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
  10. Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
  11. Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
  12. Nocturne
  13. Nachtgebet
  14. Selige Nacht
  15. Pierrot Dandy
  16. Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
  17. Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
  18. Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
  19. Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
  20. Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
  21. Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
  22. V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
  23. Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
  24. Son, Op. 38 No. 5
  25. Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
  26. Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

5 out of 5 stars Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

5 out of 5 stars Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

5 out of 5 stars Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

5 out of 5 stars What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Buy this CD and be amazed.
Knoxville Summer of 1915
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Material for Ms. Upshaw.
  • Keeps Getting Better
  • The Barber alone is worth five stars
  • Buy this disc...twice!
  • Dawn Upshaw, vocal actress extraordinaire
Knoxville Summer of 1915

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Upshaw, DawnUpshaw, Dawn | ( U ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  5. Angels Hide Their Faces: Dawn Upshaw Sings Bach and Purcell

ASIN: B000005IZ3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Knoxville: Summer Of 1915
  2. The Old Maid And the Thief: Act I, Scene 6: What A Curse For A Woman Is A Timid Man
  3. Mirabai Songs: I. It's True, I Went To The Market
  4. Mirabai Songs: II. All I Was Doing Was Breathing
  5. Mirabai Songs: III. Why Mira Can't Go Back To Her Old House
  6. Mirabai Songs: IV. Where Did You Go?
  7. Mirabai Songs: V. The Clouds
  8. Mirabai Songs: VI. Don't Go, Don't Go
  9. The Rake's Progress: Act I, Scene 3: No Word From Tom

Amazon.com essential recording

Barber's Knoxville, Summer of 1915 is a setting of a lovely chunk of prose text by James Agee describing an evening from his childhood. An accomplished singer himself, Barber's vocal writing is expert, and this work must rank as one of the finest examples of the art of word-setting in any language. Barber perfectly captures the conversational quality of the text, while at the same time clothing the words in an atmosphere of gentle nostalgia. It's a masterpiece that Dawn Upshaw sings with keen insight and lovely tone. The remainder of the program is creatively chosen as well, making this one of the finest vocal recitals available by an American singer. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Material for Ms. Upshaw........2006-04-26

'Knoxville: Summer of 1915' is a performance of a selection of operatic pieces by Americans such as Samuel Barber or Europeans transplanted to the United States, such as Igor Stravinsky. Ms. Upshaw shines with material, which is good for her, since she is just slightly out of her league with the material covered by the likes of Renee Flemming on the operatic front and Ute Lemper and Lotte Lenya on the Euro/American popular musical stage.

Like any good sampler, this recording's strongest draw is the fact that it makes one interested in tracking down the complete works by Barber, Menotti, Harbison, and Stravinsky. And, while the package includes all lyrics, everything is in perfectly clear English. A perfect addition to other American classics such as 'Porgy and Bess'.

5 out of 5 stars Keeps Getting Better.......2005-03-02

I have had this disc for years, and I'm more impressed with it as the years roll by. I bought it for Barber's "Knoxville, Summer of 1915" which is a glorious piece of music caught here in a luminous performance. I didn't initially warm up to the Harbison songs, but they have grown on me over the years to the point that I listen to them far more often than the Barber now. I think it just took me a while to absorb Harbison's style and understand how deftly and ingeniously he uses it to take the listener into Mirabai's world. Not to be missed!

5 out of 5 stars The Barber alone is worth five stars.......2004-01-16

People are always saying that they find a particular piece of music is "haunting." For me Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" is such a work. Dawn Upshaw's reading of this great American masterwork is the best I have yet heard. She won her first Grammy Award for this recording - and deservedly so. If you're a fan of either Upshaw or Barber you'll want to add this beautiful CD to your collection.

5 out of 5 stars Buy this disc...twice!.......2002-07-20

Extraordinary!! This has got to be the definitive Knoxville--rich, touching, elegant and as close to perfect as it can probably ever be. Upshaw has the perfect voice for this work, and she gives it all the loving attention that it requires. This is a performance of Knoxville that will make you weak in the knees. For the Knoxville alone, buy this disc....twice! There is, however, just a little bit of downside here. The other works on this disc just aren't very captivating.

5 out of 5 stars Dawn Upshaw, vocal actress extraordinaire.......2002-01-01

This is the CD that made me fall in love with Dawn Upshaw's singing. I had heard her before and admired her work, but this disc made me a real fan. As it's one of her early recordings, her voice is somewhat "fuller" than on later work; she later started moving the voice "forward," simplifying the sound. Either way, her immense talent for communicating the essence of the text is the outstanding aspect of all her work. It's amazing how she can sound angry, desperate, hopeful, melancholic, all while producing a beautiful sound and tackling all the vocal challenges of the music she's singing. She inhabits the characters, the narrators, of each of the pieces on this disc, and makes it more than just a collection of songs or arias.

I want to make special mention of the Harbison _Mirabai Songs_, as it seems to have been maligned somewhat in other reviews here. This was the work that most kept me coming back to this disc when I first bought it. I think it is a masterpiece, and one of Harbison's best and most important works. (Apparently I'm not alone in my admiration of the piece, because I've heard it on a number of live concerts in recent years, so it seems to be having a successful performance life.) Harbison's song cycle is by turns exciting, sensual, driving, longing, beautiful. The orchestration for the small ensemble is masterful (as Harbison's efforts at scoring always are), and Upshaw expresses all of Mirabai's complex emotions enchantingly.

The _Rake's Progress_ aria also deserves individual comment. In this engrossing example of Stravinsky's neoclassical style, Upshaw assumes Anne's air of fierce determination, and brings the disc to an absolutely thrilling climax on a concluding high C.

All of the music on this terrific CD is very accessible, and the performances are stellar. The recorded sound is very clear and immediate, as one would expect from Nonesuch. It's one of my favorite discs in my entire collection, and would probably be so for the Harbison and Stravinsky alone.
György Ligeti Edition 4: Vocal Works (Madrigals, Mysteries, Aventures, Songs) - The King's Singers / Philharmonia Orchestra / Esa-Pekka Salonen
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • An important modern composer for voice.
  • Another Entry into the Ligeti Library
  • Contains some good mature writing with some frankly dull early works
  • where's the dead weight?
  • Excellent in parts, but lumbered with much dead weight
György Ligeti Edition 4: Vocal Works (Madrigals, Mysteries, Aventures, Songs) - The King's Singers / Philharmonia Orchestra / Esa-Pekka Salonen
Gyorgy Ligeti , Esa-Pekka Salonen , Rosemary Hardy , Christiane Oelze , The King's Singers , Philharmonia Orchestra , Philip Lawson , Bruce Russell , Sibylle Ehlert , Phyllis Bryn-Julson , Omar Ebrahim , Irina Kataeva , David Hurley , Pierre-Laurent Aimard , Stephen Connolly , Malena Ernman , Eva Wedin , and Robert Chilcott
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Ligeti, György | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000029P3
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

  1. Nonsense Madrigals: I Two Dreams And Little Bat
  2. Nonsense Madrigals: II Cuckoo In The Pear-Tree
  3. Nonsense Madrigals: III The Alphabet
  4. Nonsense Madrigals: IV Flying Robert
  5. Nonsense Madrigals: V The Lobster Quadrille
  6. Nonsense Madrigals: VI A Long, Sad Tale
  7. Le Grand Macabre: Mysteries Of The Macabre
  8. Aventures
  9. Nouvelles Aventures: Sostenuto
  10. Nouvelles Aventures: Agitato molto
  11. Der Sommer
  12. Harom Weores-dal: I Tancol a Hold feher ingben
  13. Harom Weores-dal: II Gyumolcs-furt
  14. Harom Weores-dal: III Kalmar jott nagy madarakkal
  15. Ot Arany-dal: I Csalfa sugar
  16. Ot Arany-dal: II A legszebb virag
  17. Ot Arany-dal: III A csendes dalokbol
  18. Ot Arany-dal: IV A bujdoso
  19. Ot Arany-dal: V Az ordog elvitte a financot
  20. Negy lakodalmi tanc: I A menyasszony szep virag
  21. Negy lakodalmi tanc: II A kapuban a szeker
  22. Negy lakodalmi tanc: III Hopp ide tisztan
  23. Negy lakodalmi tanc: IV Mikor kedves Laci batyam

Amazon.com

Rejoice! The world-premiere recordings of six Ligeti works are cause for celebration. Three of the pieces are recent (1988-93), and three were written during Ligeti's youth in Hungary. In the liner notes, Ligeti movingly describes the artistic climate under the Communist regime. One of the highlights, the third of six Nonsense Madrigals is a beautiful setting of the English alphabet. The other premieres are Mysteries of the Macabre sung by the brilliant Sibylle Ehlert, and a Hölderlin poem arranged for soprano and piano. The earlier premieres are settings of Hungarian poets, for one or three voices and piano. This is a stunning set, encompassing Ligeti's adventurous, polyphonic side and ample heartfelt poignance as well. --Robert Regile

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An important modern composer for voice........2006-08-26

'Gyorgy Ligeti Edition 4' composed by Gyorgy Ligeti and performed under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen is at least as entertaining as the second title in this series, even if it does not include any of Ligeti's works which were used on the sound track of '2001'. Like his 'a capella' works, this disk shows a great range of styles, going from central European folk dances to some phrases which sound as if they are being done by the Limelighters!. To the voices, the instruments add a lot of pops, whistles, and hoots which are beyond the range of the human voice, but the human and the mechanical sounds meld well to produce a really enjoyable sample of modern music.

5 out of 5 stars Another Entry into the Ligeti Library.......2005-10-22

The solo voice and choral works of György Ligeti are rarely heard, with the exception of performances in some of the better university and college choral programs. This richly entertaining and fascinating recital once again survey's Ligeti's influence on contemporary music by scanning his career from early to current works, this time for the human voice.

The 'Nonsense Madrigals' as performed by the King's Singers are wildly funny and endearing. Here are compositional techniques that reflect the long career in instrumental composition that has influenced them. Esa-Pekka Salonen, long a devotee of Ligeti's music, conducts the Philharmonia when ensemble support is indicated ('Mysteries of the Macabre' excerpts form his opera "Le Grand Macabre" as perfectly intoned by Sibylle Ehlert; the various forms of 'Aventures & Nouvelles aventures' with soloists Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Omar Ebrahim and Rose Taylor). The remainder of the works are for voice and piano and are honored by the performances by the likes of pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Irina Kataeva and vocalists Christiane Oelze, Rosemary Hardy, Malena Ernman and Eva Wedin.

The music recorded here may be new to many but it is fine, accessible Ligeti for the novice and true treats for the followers. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

3 out of 5 stars Contains some good mature writing with some frankly dull early works.......2005-09-30

The fourth volume of Sony's "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition" series of the contemporary Hungarian composer's collected works is dedicated to vocal works, especially those that use instrumentation. Like with all installments in Sony's series, performances are by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Salonen with Aimard and Kataeva on pianos. The vocal performances here are by the King's Singers.

The earliest pieces on the disc were written before Ligeti fled to the West following the Hungarian uprising, and among these the "Harom Weores-dal" (Three Weores songs) were composed while Ligeti was still a student. Sandor Weores was one of the greatest Hungarian poets of the last century, and was especially skilled in writing poems that hid deep philosophical insights behind child-like verse. This makes his poems especially suitable to be set to music (Peter Eotvos has tackled some of his more complex poetry). Ligeti's settings are quite traditional, and for lovers of contemporary repertoire that can even mean dull; Aimard must have been bored by the simple piano writing when he's tackled the composer's later "Etudes". Still, the music does complement the imagery of Weores well. The following two works by "prehistoric Ligeti" were composed as a way out of the straitjacket of socialist realism. The first, "Negy lakodalmi tanc" (Four wedding dances) takes folklore as a refuge, and the second "Ot Arany-dal" (Five Arany songs) sets to music the poems of the pre-revolutionary and accepted poet Jozef Arany. These early works don't hold up well against the rest at all.

After Ligeti came to the West, his music changed greatly. "Aventures" and "Nouvelles Adventures" were composed in the mid-1960s and are very reminiscent of the theatrical project of the music avant-garde of that time. They use a soprano, contralto, and baritone backed by orchestra and articulating nonsense text (notated in the score with the International Phonetic Alphabet) seek to express all emotions without using words. I think the pieces have aged quite well, though I know that others disagree. I don't know if this performance was satisfactory to Ligeti for, although he allowed it to appear on this disc, another performance can be found on volume five of Teldec's "Ligeti Project".

"Mysteries of the Macabre" is a setting for chamber ensemble of the zany solo by the Chief of Secret Police (a coloratura soprano) from the composer's sole opera "The Grand Macabre". Even for those who dislike the opera--and it is a work that leaves no one ambivalent--this is an exciting work, perhaps the high point of the disc. The seven minutes of vocal acrobatics here have been called the most challenging piece ever composed for coloratura soprano, and yet Sibylle Ehlert carries it through gloriously. Note that an alternate setting using trumpet in place of soprano can be found on the first volume of Teldec's "Ligeti Project".

"Nonsense Madrigals" for voices a capella (1988-1993) is the most recent work here, a collection of six English-language pieces based on favourite meaningless writers, such as Lewis Caroll, William Brighty Rands, and Heinrich Hoffmann. The finest of these is surely Ligeti's setting of the English alphabet, a diatonic but non-tonal "labyrinth" of polyrhythms. It combines the best of the micropolyphony sound of his 60s works with his newer interest in non-Western metrics. In the course of putting these together, he also set Hoelderlin's "Der Sommer".

The liner notes are fine, containing remarks on the pieces by Ligeti as well as the sung text and many photos. All in all, this is a three-star installment. If you are interested in the work of Ligeti but haven't gotten anything from "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition" yet, try the third volume (piano works) or the first (string works). Save this one for later.

5 out of 5 stars where's the dead weight?.......2004-12-08

This is an amazing disc, one of the best in Sony's monumental Ligeti Edition series.

On Sony's Ligeti Edition 4, the _Nonsense Madrigals_ were premiered. These six pieces for six voices, composed in the late-80s/early-90s, are some of the composer's finest offerings. Writes Ligeti, "They are virtuosic works in which I have tried to create a non-tonal but diatonic harmony as well as rhythmic labyrinths." The songs set different pieces of strange poetry against each other in tightly meshed counterpoint, with humorous melodic lines and overwhelming musical imagination. Ligeti also colors the arrangement with nonsense phonetic sounds.

_Mysteries of the Macabre_ takes the three arias of the Chief of the Secret Police from Ligeti's wonderful opera (_Le Grand Macabre_) and rearranges them. This has been called the most difficult music ever written from coloratura soprano, but you wouldn't know it listening to Sibylle Ehlert. Amazing!

Contrary to another reviewer, I think the harsher, earlier avant-garde vocal works (_Aventures_ and _Nouvelles Aventures_) have aged very well. They are comprised of meaningless vocal sounds with chamber orchestra accompaniment. Their pure chromaticism was something Ligeti would later abandon, but even with the prevailing seriousness of the Darmstadt school, these pieces are quite witty and amusing and consistent with Ligeti's goal of composing idiomatically for instruments (including voice), given that the music is pretty much atonal.

This disc also features pieces for one or three voices and piano from Ligeti's early Hungarian days. Because of stifling artistic conditions under Communist rule, the pieces are consonant and accessible.

I assure you that there is no other avant-garde vocal music like Ligeti's. Very highly recommended!

3 out of 5 stars Excellent in parts, but lumbered with much dead weight.......2003-11-26

Gyorgy Ligeti has not been greatly known for his music for solo voice--indeed it was not until 2000 that he completed his first mature song cycle--but this disc conveniently collects all his solo vocal music before then along with the Nonsense Madrigals for six voices, the Aventures and Nouvelles Aventures for three voices and some early socialist realism for three voices.

The Nonsense Madrigals are without doubt the highlight of the disc. These wonderfully witty a capella works were written for the performers on the disc, the King's Singers, who reward Ligeti with a wonderful reading of all six songs. Five of the songs are based on nonsense poems, with the remaining item being a setting of the alphabet. These vary wildly in style from the complex counterpoint of the first through the floating Lux Aeterna-like harmonies of the alphabet setting, to the bizarre backbeat in the finale.

Less worthwhile is Mysteries of the Macabre, a medley of the three coloratura arias from Ligeti's opera Le Grand Macabre, with reduced scoring arranged by the opera's first conductor, Elgar Howarth. While these are certainly entertaining, they don't add anything to the opera.

Aventures and Nouvelles Aventures are works from the 1960s, and to be honest it shows. Their verbal shrieks, contortions and phonetic texts--along with the fragmentary accompaniment--are very much of their time. They aren't devoid of musical interest, or humour, but nothing can hide the fact that they, unlike almost all of Ligeti's other avant-garde works, haven't aged well.

Der Sommer is a brief Hoelderlin setting for soprano and piano dating from 1989. Even though this song reuses the lamento motif prominent in the finale of the Horn Trio and the Sixth Etude, the general style and use of minimal material reminds me as much of Ligeti's countryman Gyorgy Kurtag as of Ligeti himself.

The rest of the disc is taken up with songs written from before Ligeti escaped from Hungary. The Three Weores Songs are from 1946 and 1947, during Ligeti's first year at the Budapest Conservatoire, and I'm sure they must have made it very clear that Ligeti was an outstanding student. Couched in a language derived from Bartok and Stravinsky, but going further than either, they have a splendid rustic feel. Sadly, the Stalinist ousting of the short-lived post-war regime made it impossible for Ligeti to continue along this direction and still be performed. Hence the Five Arany songs are pallid in comparison, and even if the last of the folk-song transcriptions that end the disc is infuriatingly catchy, the cycle as a whole is very minor Ligeti.

This disc can be recommended for the Nonsense Madrigals and (to a lesser extent Der Sommer and the Weores Songs). The rest of the music on it is more for completists only, despite the generally fine level of the performances.

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