A Woman's Voice

Amazon.com
The subtitle claims this album is The Definitive Collection of Classic Female Recordings, and while that's hardly born out by the inclusion of ringers Vanessa Williams, Joan Osborne, and Stephanie Mills, A Woman's Voice is a satisfyingly eclectic one-disc survey of pop moments from Billie Holiday forward. Romance naturally emerges as a major theme here, but sometimes with twists as diverse as those of Gladys Knight and the Pips' yearning late-Motown "If I Were Your Woman" and Carly Simon's bitter, still-masterful "You're So Vain." And even Pat Benatar is represented by her most transcendent moment, 1984's ethereal "We Belong." Those seeking historical perspective may prefer Rhino's four-disc box Respect, but given its self-imposed limits, A Woman's Voice is hardly an embarrassment. --Rickey Wright

A Woman's Voice,Various Artists,Polygram Records,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Quiet Storm,Rock,Rock/Pop Collections,Soul,Urban

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

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Best i've heard A revolutionary product

Harmony Singing By Ear Manufacturer: Zanna Discs ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Learn to Sing Pop Harmony Harmony Vocals: The Essential Guide (Private Lessons) Voice Lessons To Go Volume 1: Vocalize and Breath Learn to Sing Bluegrass Harmony, Vol. 1 Voice Lessons To Go Volume 2: Do Re Mi Ear and Pitch Training ASIN: B0009WJ2PS Release Date: 2005-07-01

Tracks:

1. Introduction & Scale Theory
2. Chord Theory
3. Harmonizing Theory & Measuring
4. The Scale Vs. Triad Ditty
5. Harmonzing 'Chapel Of Love'
6. 'Chapel' Refrain
7. Music 2-Part 'Chapel - M On Left, UH On Right
8. Singing A Part An Octave Below
9. Measuring, Finding An Upper-Upper Harmony (UUH)
10. Finding UUH Of 'Chapel'
11. Music: 3-Part 'Chapel' - M & UH On Left, UUH On Right
12. Harmonizing 'Sweet Dreams'
13. Slow 'Sweet Dreams' Verse Two
14. Music: 2-Part 'Sweet Dreams' - M On Left, UH On Right
15. Inversions Theory
16. Harmonizing 'Clearly' Line One
17. Harmonizing 'Clearly' Lines Two Through Four/Call-Response Harmonies
18. Slow Verse Two Of 'Clearly'
19. Music: 2-Part 'Clearly' - M On Left, UH On Right
20. Harmonizing 'Angel' Verse One
21. Harmonizing 'Angel' Chorus
22. Slow 'Angel' Verse Two And Chorus
23. Music: 2-Part 'Angel' - M On Left, UH On Right
24. Harmonizing 'Bring It' Verse One Lines One & Two
25. Harmonizing 'Bring It' Lines Three & Four
26. Slow 'Bring It' Verse Three
27. Music: 2-Part 'Bring It' - M On Left, UH On Right

Tracks:

1. Verse One Line One/Blue Notes
2. Verse One Lines Two Through Four
3. Slow 'Centerpiece' Verse Two
4. Music: 2-Part 'Centerpiece' - M On Left, UH On Right
5. Conclusion To First UH Section
6. Lower Harmonies Introduction
7. Measuring Down
8. Finding The LH On 'Chapel' Refrain
9. Slow Chapel
10. Music: 3-Part 'Chapel' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
11. Verse One 'Sweet Dreams'/3rd To 4th Movement
12. 'Sweet Dreams' Lines Two Through Four
13. Slow Verse Two 'Sweet Dreams'
14. Music: 3-Part 'Sweet Dreams' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
15. 'Clearly' Introduction
16. Harmonzing 'Clearly' Verse One
17. Slow Verse Two Of 'Clearly'
18. Music: 3-Part 'Clearly' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
19. Harmonizing 'Angel' Verse One First Half
20. 'Angel' Verse One Second Half
21. Harmonizing 'Angel' Chorus
22. Slow 'Angel' Verse Two And Chorus
23. Music: 3-Part 'Angel' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
24. Harmonizing 'Bring It' Verse One Lines One & Two
25. 'Bring It' Verse One Lines Three & Four
26. Slow 'Bring It' Verse Three
27. Music: 3-Part 'Bring It' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
28. 'Centerpiece' Verse One Lines One & Two
29. 'Centerpiece' Verse One Lines Three Through Six'
30. Slow 'Centerpiece' Verse Two
31. Music: 3-Part 'Centerpiece' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
32. 'One Of Us' Intro To Block Chord Harmonies
33. 'One Of Us' Verse

Tracks:

1. 'One Of Us' Verse 2nd Half
2. 'One Of Us' Pre-Chorus: Call-Response, 9th Chords
3. 'One Of Us' Chorus: Parallel Harmony
4. Slow 'One Of Us' Pre-Chorus And Chorus Two
5. Music: 2-Part 'One Of Us' - M On Left, UH On Right
6. 'One Of Us' Verse: Block Chord Harmonies
7. 'One Of Us' Pre-Chorus: Call-Response
8. 'One Of Us' Chorus: Parallel Harmony
9. Slow 'One Of Us' Pre-Chorus And Chorus Two
10. Music: 3-Part 'One Of Us' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
11. 'Renee' Verse: Chromatic Harmonies
12. 'Renee' Chorus: Parallel Harmony
13. Slow 'Renee' Verse And Chorus Two
14. Music: 2-Part 'Renee' - M On Left, UH On Right
15. 'Renee' Verse: Block Chord Harmonies Above The M
16. 'Renee' Chorus/Parallel Harmony Below The M
17. Slow 'Renee' Verse And Chorus Two
18. Music: 3-Part 'Renee' - M & UH On Left, LH On Right
19. Polishing Your Harmony Part
20. Measuring Up
21. Measuring Down
22. Measuring Up Part 2
23. Measuring Down Part 2
24. Hearing The 3rd To 4th Adjustment
25. Chapel Of Love/LH=F, M=B Flat, UH=D, UUH=F
26. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)/LH=B, M=D, UH=F Sharp
27. I Can See Clearly Now/LH=G, M=C, UH=E
28. Angel From Montgomery/LH=B, M=D Sharp, UH=F Sharp
29. Bring It On Home To Me/LH=A, M=C Sharp, UH=E
30. Centerpiece/LH=F Sharp, M=B, UH=D
31. One Of Us/LH=G, M=G, UH=E
32. Walk Away Renee/M=C Sharp, LH=E (Above M) UH=A

Album Description

Harmony Singing By Ear: A step by step approach for learning how to sing harmonies above and below a melody. Three CDs totaling three 1/2 hours of instructional narrative, fully produced music tracks and guide vocals. One, two or more singers can learn two and three-part harmony singing. Vocal coach Susan Anders has successfully used these methods for over twenty years with pop, R&B, folk, rock and country singers.

Harmony Singing By Ear uses two complementary methods to teach singers how to harmonize by ear. After reviewing some music theory basics, instructional sections walk you through how to find the upper and lower harmony parts for eight songs. Those same harmonies are sung on fully produced music tracks. On these tracks the vocal parts are panned to different speakers--singers can pan to one speaker and just hear their part, pan to the middle and hear both parts, or pan to the other speaker to practice with one or two other parts. In this way, beginning harmonizers can control how much or how little of the other voices they hear, making it easier to stay on their part. More confident harmonizers can sing without the guide vocals. Singers who simply want to learn and sing the harmony parts can skip the instructional tracks, go right to the music tracks, and pan their speakers to the right to learn the harmony part for each song.

Though much of Harmony Singing By Ear focuses on the how-tos of parallel harmonizing above and below a melody, singers will also learn about call-response, blue note, chromatic and block chord harmonies. Music tracks without vocals are also included so singers can practice their parts "without the training wheels". Plus, there's a supplementary section of exercises to build one's harmonizing skills. The songs range in style from pop to R&B to folk to modern rock to jazz.

Customer Reviews:

Best i've heard.......2007-05-05

I've been singing and teaching harmony for a long time now, and I must say that these CD's are the best i've come across. They are not overloaded with theory and musical jargon, which makes it easy for the non-musicians for follow. Great choice of songs too.

A revolutionary product.......2006-01-10

I was clueless about harmony singing before using these CDs. Now I'm getting it-the lessons are very user-friendly and go at a good pace, and I'm learning things about music and singing that never made sense to me before. Good choice of songs, good method.

Average customer rating: Delightful A Master Class in Singing Bryn is swell, but the bombast is annoying Surprisingly Fine Crossover from Fleming and Terfel BREATHTAKING VOCAL MAGNIFICENCE~BRAVO!!!

Renee and Bryn: Under the Stars John Harold Kander , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Claude-Michel Schoenberg , Richard Rodgers , Gerard Presgurvic , Jason Robert Brown , Meredith Willson , Lucy Simon , Cole Porter , Stephen Flaherty , Ralph Salmins , and David Hartley Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein) Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts Bryn Terfel - If Ever I Would Leave You (Songs from My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Camelot, The Little Prince, Brigadoon) Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine ASIN: B000088E7D Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

1. "Not While I'm Around" (from Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim)
2. "Moonfall" (from The Mystery of Edwin Drood by R. Holmes)
3. "I Don't Remember You The Happy Tim" and "Sometimes a Day Goes By" (from Woman of the Year by Kander & Ebb)
4. "All the Love I Have" (from The Beautiful Game by Ben Elton & Andrew Lloyd Webber)
5. "I Wish I Could Forget You / Loving You" (from Passion by Stephen Sondheim)
6. "Stars" (from Les Misirables by Boublil & Schvnberg)
7. "All I Ask of You" (from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber)
8. "Hello, Young Lovers" (from The King and I by Rodgers & Hammerstein)
9. "Pretty Women" (from Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim)
10. "Aimer" (from Romio et Juliette by Presgurvic)
11. "All the Wasted Time" (from Parade by J. Brown)
12. "Seventy-Six Trombones" (from The Music Man by Willson)
13. "How Could I Ever Know" (from The Secret Garden by Simon and Norman)
14. "So In Love" (from Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter)
15. "Wheels Of a Dream" (from Ragtime by Ahrens & Flaherty)

Amazon.com

In these days of the crossover, it is hardly surprising to find two great opera singers making a foray into numbers from Broadway musicals by such composers as Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. What's remarkable is that they seem completely at home in this music. Both say they grew up listening to it, and indeed they approach these songs with no less care and seriousness than they'd give the most demanding operatic arias, and without a trace of condescension. However, their vocal, expressive, and interpretive styles are very different, both in the solos and the duets. Terfel projects assertive manliness, tender, intimate affection, and rollicking humor without external effects, using only his incomparably sonorous voice and powerful personality. His diction is impeccably clear, and though he has sometimes let his theatrical flair spill over into Schubert songs, he is the soul of simplicity here. This is in stark contrast to Fleming's tendency to exaggerate colors and dynamics and to turn sentiment into sentimentality. Moreover, though she claims a background as a jazz singer, her "crooning" sounds artificial and unnatural. However, her top notes, culminating in a triumphant high C at the end of the final number, ring gloriously. Her voice glows and shimmers with irresistible luster, soaring from seductive whispers to thrilling climaxes. The program features a great variety of love songs, and includes an antiwar protest (from Beautiful Game), a celebration of the American dream (from Ragtime), and a rousing fun piece (from The Music Man). Unfortunately, even the best songs are marred by thoroughly corny arrangements. Listeners will find their own favorites, but the real "stars" on this record are the two singers. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Delightful .......2006-07-24

I truly enjoy Terfel's vocal talent and found it to be well suited for this genre. Fleming's impeccable soprano voice is a bit overpowering for this style of music. (I own this CD)

A Master Class in Singing.......2006-06-20

This CD is a must-have for any person interested in the singing art. Ms. Fleming and Mr. Terfel gives new light to these Musical Theatre classics. Their fine vocalism in the musical theatre genre coupled with the depth of musicality and dramatic phrasing in each of the selections is truly a breath of fresh air. This recording is indeed a Master Class!

Bryn is swell, but the bombast is annoying.......2006-05-03

Love Bryn Terfel, the finest bass-baritone in Opera. Love Renee Fleming's luscious soprano. But the arrangements! Kettle drums and bombast and bang, bang, bang! Once Renee starts swooping, things go downhill, with little redemption.

It starts out beautifully. "Not While I'm Around" has never sounded more intimate to me than Terfel's caressing pianissimo. Fleming's "Moonglow" is stunningly good. Terfel makes a medley out of "I Don't Remember You and Sometimes a Day Goes By" that makes you want to cheer, and Fleming does a lovely Sondheim medley as well. Bryn sings "Stars" and makes me long for him in Les Mis. And then...things tend to go downhill. The bombast takes over and gets to you - it overwhelms two of the biggest voices now recording. Then Fleming begins to swoop and scoop, over-coloring and often coming off as simply self-indulgent, reminding one of a kid who makes a point of putting his face in a camera shot.

I don't mind Bryn as Prof. Harold Hill - I frankly think the Welsh accent is kinda cute - and it doesn't bother me on "Wheels of Dream," either, but Fleming seems to have lost her mind on that great song, and rather than indulging her, it would have simply been better left off the album. Ditto "All that Wasted Time" which is pretty much unlistenable. Ms. Fleming needs to stop thinking she is a jazz singer.

The four stars are because this album does contain some truly GLORIOUS moments, particularly in the duets, and in Terfel's solo's which are warm and memorable. Without him, the kettle drums and Fleming's self-indulgence would have made the whole endeavor unbearable.

Surprisingly Fine Crossover from Fleming and Terfel.......2006-04-18

Bryn Terfel and Renee Fleming are two of the most acclaimed opera singers of our day. But the musical theatre fan who puts on their Broadway CD, RENEE AND BRYN: UNDER THE STARS, expecting to hear a carelessly compiled hodgepodge of songs sung by voices ill-suited to them is in for a big surprise, beginning with the first phrases of the duo's warmly sung "Not While I'm Around" from SWEENEY TODD. True, these singers' beautiful voices have greater power and range than even the best of the Broadway stars', but this is an asset in these songs, most of which are either semi-operatic in nature or call (like THE MUSIC MAN's "Seventy-Six Trombones") for such an outsize personality as Terfel's. Fleming's sensuous and tonally gorgeous rendition of "Moonfall" from THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD can be placed among her very finest recordings, operatic and otherwise. And Terfel is ideally suited to both "Pretty Women" from SWEENEY TODD and "Stars" from LES MISERABLES; few if any Broadway Javerts could match the impact of his "This I swear by the stars!" Kander and Ebb's "I Don't Remember You" and "Sometimes a Day Goes By" make a perfect medley here, as do Sondheim's "I Wish I Could Forget You" and "Loving You" from PASSION. And though I don't care for the Andrew Lloyd Webber selections (ersatz Puccini) or the Jason Robert Brown one (which sounds too much like a pop song), Terfel and Fleming's singing of them is beyond reproach. The program ends with a bang: a rendition of "Wheels of a Dream" worthy to stand beside the now-classic one by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald on the original cast album of RAGTIME. Welshman Terfel's natural accent is noticeable here; but if one imagines him as, say, an Irish immigrant married to an African-American woman (as Fleming here sounds uncannily like McDonald or like Leontyne Price) his accent is appropriate and his voicing of the "bridge" section ("Oh Sarah, it's more than promises/Sarah, it must be true...") especially moving. Fleming's ecstatic final high note makes one want to applaud and cheer, both for the song and for the successful "crossover" effort.

BREATHTAKING VOCAL MAGNIFICENCE~BRAVO!!!.......2004-10-11

So captivating are these incredible singers in the glorious live concert "Under The Stars" creating an unforgettable musical masterpiece of epic proportions that is so moving and great to watch that I ran out and purchased this studio recorded Compact Disc the next day!! The brilliance of the live broadcast carried over into the recording studio capturing Renee and Bryn at the peak of their incredible powers emotionally and vocally making them the most effective crossover artists since the great Barbara Cook who like Miss Cook sing with emotion that is accurate for this type of material which is usually not the case with classical voices. Renee Fleming sings with genuine passion and stirring emotions and her timing is absolutely flawless and this lady has alot of soul and the Torrie Zito arranged "Moonfall" is a stunning masterpiece that clearly illustrates this. A dazzling medley each show both singers in glorious peak form with Bryn splendid in the enchanting "I Don't Remember You/Sometimes A Day Goes By" and Renee spellbinding and haunting in the gorgeous "I Wish I Could Forget You/Loving You" which will make anyone who loves a great voice fall in love with this amazingly gifted singer. "Stars" features a commanding performance from Bryn that raises the roof and this is so refreshing and inspired in these musically tired times!!! This superb showcase is full of wonderfully exciting performances which are capable of making people feel again and this is what is sorely needed in music today and BRAVO to Bryn Terfel and the gorgeous Renee Fleming for achieving this with complete artistic brilliance. Captivating duets fill this wonderous collection and never have classics such as "Not While I'm Around" or "All I Ask Of You" been sung more brilliantly than here. Renee is magical with "Hello, Young Lovers" while Bryn is commanding and winning with "Pretty Women". Renee's stunning "All The Wasted Time" is a vocal and emotional tour-de-force that is like a wild roller-coaster ride that you won't want to end as this is one of the most riveting songs that I have ever heard from a Broadway score and this certainly must be the definitive performance of this great song. This lady can really really sing and this is some deeply serious singing~WOW!!! Gorgeous together again in the beautiful "How Could I Ever Know" which is hair-raising and wonderfully soulful and sophisicated together in Cole Porter's "So In Love". A grand finale by these two awesome vocal wonders lives up to expectations being a complete blowout vocal festival and they definitely do not disappoint here!!! "Wheels Of A Dream" is mesmerizing and soars to magnificent heights with Bryn and Renee in peak form singing to the skies and hitting notes that I swear I have never heard before~BRAVO!!!!!!! You are both magically inspired and simply put as good as it gets!!!! Highly recommended if you love two awesome vocal wonders at their absolute peak in a magnificent beautifully orchestrated setting!!! Thank you Bryn & Renee...

Average customer rating: Atmospheric Music to a Memorable Screenplay Good original score, though better old melodies Nicely done, Thomas, nicely done. Newman is On and Off, as Usual Contains a GREAT song

Scent Of A Woman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Thomas Newman , and Jose Padilla Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Green Mile: Score from the Motion Picture Angels in America The Shawshank Redemption: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Best Tango Album in the World, Ever! The Horse Whisperer: Original Score ASIN: B000002ON6 Release Date: 1993-01-19

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. A Tour Of Pleasures
3. Tract House Ginch
4. 45 In 25
5. Balloons
6. Cigars Part Two
7. Por Una Cabeza
8. Long Gray Line
9. The Oakroom
10. Park Ave.
11. Witnesses
12. Beyond Danger
13. La Violetera
14. Other Plans
15. Assembly
16. Fleurs De Rocaille
17. End Title

Customer Reviews:

Atmospheric Music to a Memorable Screenplay .......2006-03-21

Everything about this excellent score is pure America. The tempo corresponds to the changing moods of the film from the rolling road rhythm to the erotic tango and the college flaky beat during the practical joke which misfires. I am the only member of my family who hasn't visited the USA but I am hoping to one day make the trip and experience the multitude of cultures which inspired Thomas Newman, the composer, to produce such musical imagery in the changing scenes.
Sylvia (UK)

Good original score, though better old melodies.......2002-10-08

As a matter of fact I bought this CD not as much due to Mr. Newman's original scrore, but since I liked very much the treatment of the beatiful Spanish song "La Violetera" in key moments of the film. Mr. Newman's music is very good, but the Spanish and Argentine music he used was much better. The performances of "The Tango Project" are superb. "La Violetera" is probably the nicest Spanish song, talking of a florist; it is widely known in its original version in Spain and Latin America, and moreover, came to international light thanks to Charles Chaplin's "City Lights" where it was the Leitmotif of the blind florist girl (a very adequate use indeed). The tango "Por una Cabeza" is probably the highlight of the score, because it is the piece danced by Al Pacino; unfortunately the other tango "Caminito", played by the orchestra at the restaurant, does not appear here. It is a petty. As a whole, I like the CD very much, especially the two performances of "The Tango Project", but just because they are more touching to my cultural heritage. Nonetheless, I praise both Mr. Newman's personal compositions as well as his perfect use of other's melodies.

Nicely done, Thomas, nicely done........2002-08-15

This cd is worth price of admission for one huge reason, the main theme music. It comes at us twice during our listening journey of Scent Of a Woman. It is likened to a kid finally learning to ride a bike for the first time, flying down his neigborhood road with a look of pride and surprise smudged neatly on his face. It is a delightful melody that will continue to stick in your mind for a long, long while.

Other notable tracks on this score are tracks 45 in 25, Balloons, Beyond Danger, and End Title.

This is a must cd for Newman fans and a very nice addition for any fan of film scores. Enjoy!

Newman is On and Off, as Usual.......2001-10-16

Scent of a Woman is 50% of a truly great film score...and 50% of a truly bad film score. It's obvious to the listener from which category a particular track comes from. Newman either gives the listener a vibrant, exciting, "new age" melody, or something that can only arguably be defined as music.

The fact remains, however, that when this score is on, it is REALLY on. The Main Title is an exciting track and the more emotional themes can really grab you by the heartstrings (though they undoubtedly hearken back to other works by Newman).

All in all though, for anyone familiar with Newman, two other scores better exemplify his talents. If you are looking for the unorthodox, "new age" Newman, go with American Beauty. If it's lush strings and sentiment you're after, go with Meet Joe Black (my personal favorite Newman score to date). Both will leave you with a much better idea of this talented composer.

Contains a GREAT song.......2000-01-19

Por Una Cabeza is a great song. I could listen to it all day. This is the first cd I found with a good version of it.

Average customer rating: Lauren Wood No duds in the bunch She's back, thank god. Lauren Wood Lauren Wood

Lauren Wood Lauren Wood Manufacturer: Bad Art Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Adult Contemporary | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Love, Death and Customer Service Pretty Woman (1990 Film) The Very Best of Nicolette Larson Love Actually Playin' Favorites ASIN: B000005BPL Release Date: 1998-06-23

Tracks:

1. I Will Wait For You (Electric Eyes - Single Version)
2. All I Need
3. Do It Yourself
4. Evidently
5. Soul Searchin'
6. Twisted Reality
7. Still Not Over You
8. But You Are
9. I'm Usually Obsessed
10. Back In Time
11. The Big House
12. 5 Years, 26 Days, and 8 Hours
13. Fallen
14. I Will Wait For You (Electric Eyes - Album Version)

Customer Reviews:

Lauren Wood.......2002-03-08

Bought this CD for a special song and loved hearing all the songs Lauren sings to on this cd. It's great to play during a dinner or when some friends are over.

No duds in the bunch.......2000-05-31

Lauren Wood, best known for her hit "Fallen" has put together an album of a dozen songs that takes this reviewer on a trip back to the Beatles. With at least 4-5 real hits waiting to don the airwaves, there are no duds in the bunch whatsoever. The ballad Back in Time, is so heart wrenching, it almost hurts to listen to the words. The Beatles influence is so strong, it was a little spooky. You can hear McCartney bass lines with that distinct melodic tone as well as Lennon-type vocals and guitar. Her voice is what makes the album complete. At times she's a deep contralto, other times she sings thin wispy BV's that blend with the music perfectly. The levels of musicalnship is very high. When was the last time you heard a cymbal cresando with mallets played this well (in the sure hit "Back in Time")? Look for the hits to be 1)"The Big House" song about subdivisions buring like the Amazon 2)" Back in time" - tear-out-your-heart ballad. 3) "I'm Usually Obsessed" - chicken-picken (dang near Country-Funk) guitar 4) "Twisted Reality" -complete w/ that trademark Hofner Beatle bass. Must listen Bruce

She's back, thank god........2000-04-14

Lauren Wood is one of those rare women, she has both talent and voice, and proves that she can belt with the best. Using reflections of her life, Lauren digs deep into her soul, and comes up with many fabulous tracks. Check out her web site. It's great. Glad to have you back, and hope for many more fantastic CD's from the best singer ever, period!

Lauren Wood.......2000-04-04

If you liked the cool jazzy sound of "Please Don't Go" and "Fallen" from Lauren Wood in the 1980s, you probably won't like the standard rock 'n' roll instrumentals and lyrics of this new album. The bonus track of "Fallen" simply doesn't belong with the twelve new tracks. I'm sad to see such a bendable voice as Wood's get lost in all too familiar rock licks. She can do so much in modulating her voice, that to hear thse songs indicates a loss of direction for her. I hope she'll return to what made her distinctive.

Lauren Wood.......2000-04-04

If you liked the cool jazzy sound of "Please Don't Go" and "Fallen" from Lauren Wood in the 1980s, you probably won't like the standard rock 'n' roll instrumentals and lyrics of this new album. The bonus track of "Fallen" simply doesn't belong with the twelve new tracks. I'm sad to see such a bendable voice as Wood's get lost in all too familiar rock licks. She can do so much in modulating her voice, that to hear thse songs indicates a loss of direction for her. I hope she'll return to what made her distinctive.

Average customer rating: 5 STARS AND THEN SOME !! Pretty Sad, I FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIE ALL OVER AGAIN A Great Julie Andrews CD Climbing Every Mountain with Mary Poppins

Classic Julie Classic Broadway Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Broadway: The Music of Richard Rodgers A Little Bit of Broadway Julie Andrews Selects Her Favorite Disney Songs Greatest Christmas Songs The King and I (1992 Hollywood Studio Cast) ASIN: B00005KBBR Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. On A Clear Day
2. A Cock-Eyed Optimist
3. Hello, Young Lovers
4. Here I'll Stay
5. My Fair Lady Shuffle: Overture/Wouldn't It Be Loverly/Let A Woman/Just You Wait/Poor Professional...
6. Getting To Know You
7. Living In The Shadows
8. Bewitched
9. I Have Dreamed
10. My Funny Valentine
11. Camelot Suite: Camelot/The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood/How To Handle A Woman/If Ever I Would...
12. Crazy World
13. If I Loved You
14. Edelweiss
15. The Sound Of Music

Customer Reviews:

5 STARS AND THEN SOME !!.......2006-02-10

Oh Julie, the songs you sang on this CD are superb. I wish you could still give us that joy. If you can only sing in the low registers, give us jazz!! You can do it I just know you can!!

Pretty Sad, .......2005-10-27

Hollywood veteran Julie Andrews has had a glorious career, but not without its downsides. Her legend is built on "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" and other glorious roles. Her abilities as a singer were never impressive or great, her voice often sounded weak, but she always knew how to sing around her very limited vocal range. On this collection she performs some of the greatest Broadway tunes ever written and even though she does a good job, her voice just doesn't hold up against many of these tunes. Her warmth is felt all over the album, in "Here I'll Stay" she wraps her gentle, but narrow, voice around it and in "My Funny Valentine" she sticks to the lower register of her voice. However, in the re-recording of her classic "Sound of Music" and in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" her voice fails her, it often sounds thin and airy and it's actually quite sad to listen to. When all is said and done Julie Andrews remains a great talent, and most of that talent is largely due to her amazing capability as a performer and her genuine warmth.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIE ALL OVER AGAIN.......2005-06-25

As a young kid growing up in the Philippines I remember my Dad playing his state-of-the-art Aiwa tape recorder back in the 60s and hearing Julie Andrews' voice - truly the voice of an angel! Now, hearing these songs again with adult ears I fell in love with her voice all over again !

A Great Julie Andrews CD.......2002-01-27

If you are a fan of Dame Julie's and musicals, this is the cd for you. It is a compilation of songs from prevously released albums; The King and I, The Music of Richard Rodgers, Here I'll Stay, and Victor/Victoria, Original Broadway Cast Recording.
I found the material to be very well put together giving the listener selections from My Fair Lady, Camelot, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria and others. What more could you want?
As for Ms. Andrews, she is superb. There is simply no one like her. I have heard comments that prior to the infamous throat surgery she was unable to handle the difficult material and hit those high notes. This is just not true. All you have to do is listen to these songs recorded in the early 90's to know that she still had a marvelous voice. Lets hope that one day she will be able to sing and record again. If not, these may be her last recordings so treasure them.

The My Fair Lady suite is wonderful and Ms. Andrews definitely hit the high note at the end of "I Could Have Danced All Night".
Her version of "Edelweiss" and "The Sound of Music" are lovely.
Also worth listening to is "Living in the Shadows" written for the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria so you won't find it on the movie soundtrack. The lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse who also penned "Crazy World", which is another great selection on this cd.

Overall this is a cd worth having in your collection, so buy it today. Otherwise you are missing out.

Climbing Every Mountain with Mary Poppins.......2002-01-22

Julie Andrews and her music have been an inspiration to me
every since I stepped into a theater and watched Mary Poppins
(many years ago). I admire her talent and her voice on this CD. I know it is not as clear a voice as she used to have but I still enjoy listening to her. I listen to this CD when I want a "pick me up" and am proud to have it as part of my collection.

Average customer rating: 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 Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Menotti | Menotti, Gian Carlo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | ( U ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Barber, Samuel | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson Voices of Light Barber: Knoxville Summer of 1915/Dover Beach/Hermit Songs/Adromache's Farewell 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:

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'.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Average customer rating: Wow! Everyone Should Whistle An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master Beautiful, moving concert ... and I love Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001) Manufacturer: Drg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barbara Cook's Broadway! Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests Tribute It's Better with a Band The Champion Season: Live at the Cafe Carlyle ASIN: B000059LFF Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Everybody Says Don't
2. I Wonder What Became of Me?
3. The Eagle and Me
4. I Had Myself a True Love
5. Into the Woods / Giants in the Sky (Malcolm Gets)
6. Another Hundred People / So Many People (Malcolm Gets)
7. Let's Face the Music and Dance / The Song Is You (duet with Malcolm Gets)
8. Happiness
9. Loving You
10. You Could Drive a Person Crazy
11. Not A Day Goes By / Losing My Mind

Tracks:

1. Buds Won't Bud
2. I Got Lost in His Arms
3. West Side Story Segment: Something's Coming / Tonight (Malcolm Gets)
4. Move On (duet with Malcolm Gets)
5. Medley: Hard Hearted Hannah / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee / San Francisco
6. Ice Cream
7. Send in the Clowns
8. The Trolley Song
9. Not While I'm Around (duet with Malcolm Gets)
10. Anyone Can Whistle

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Barbara Cook is one of today's most accomplished song stylists, and if you don't believe us, just listen to this live album. It's a master class in the art of singing. It documents an evening at Carnegie Hall during which Cook proved that she can dissect and extract the substance out of the simplest of lyrics. One of the best surprises is "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" (from Company), which is taken at an amiable trot and allows the singer to display its humor. Cook is not a swinging singer and uptempo is not her pace; give her a ballad, though, and she'll wring the last drop of emotion out of it. Her version of "Losing My Mind" (here paired with "Not a Day Goes By") is simply astonishing. The singer also performs songs that Sondheim has said he wished he had written, an awful lot of them by Harold Arlen. No complaints here. Guest Malcolm Gets solos on a few songs and duets with Cook on others, including "Let's Face the Music and Dance." This is classic material done masterfully by a classic singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2004-02-20

Having read the other reviews there is little more for me to add. I have been a Barbara Cook fan for a longtime and for me, this is one of her best concerts ever. I do, however, prefer the DVD. As with some other reviewers, I do not want to hear Malcolm Gets (as much as I like him) when I want to listen to Barbara. Her flawless interpretation of music is a hard act to follow for any singer! I managed to see this concert 4 times over a year and a half. Each time I saw her the voice was stronger and more assured (I would not have thought that possible). I can't help but think we will have the pleasure of hearing Ms Cook for many years to come. For those people who enjoyed his CD I strongly recommend purchasing the DVD. Barabara's rendition of So Many People is breathtaking (literally, I don't think I breathed once during the entire song). If you ever have opportunity to see her live - go! She has an ability to make you feel as if every song she sings and every word she speaks is directed to you alone. She can take a large venue and make it feel as intimate as your own living room. Having had the pleasure of meeting her I can say she is as youthful and pleasurable in person as she is in her performance.

Everyone Should Whistle.......2003-10-11

After being privileged to attend this concert, I had to own the CD. Once a lyric coloratura and the original Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide, Ms. Cook has become (in her 70s) a true diva, blessed with a velvety, warm sound. Every note has meaning. Her high B-flat on "Ice Cream" is still the envy of any soprano today. Everyone should whistle after hearing the superb performances on this CD. Even better, though, is the experience of having been in the concert hall for the live performance. Brava, Ms. Cook!

An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master.......2003-06-16

When I first bought tickets for the 'Mostly Sondheim' show on tour (in San Francisco) I figured it couldn't be too bad. Besides, I had only been exposed to a few of his songs (Anyone Can Whistle, Losing My Mind...) and had only seen "A Little Night Music". On the way out of the theater I immediately picked up this recording of the program. It is truly amazing. I immediately began listening to it and have barely put it down in the last few months. Furthermore, my Sondheim CD collection increased in size from an unflattering zero to five (and it's still growing)! This is an amazing introduction to the works of Stephen Sondheim, who is now my favorite modern musical composer). Buy this now if you don't already have it!

Beautiful, moving concert.......2003-04-13

This is a wonderful CD set with a great selection of songs. I do want to express a slight reservation, however. Barbara Cook has been one of my favorite singers for a number of years and the way her voice defies time is extraordinary -- for her to be singing with such bright, beautiful tone in her mid-70s with no wobble or beat in the voice is an amazing achievment.

I do have to say that by 2001, when this concert was recorded, Cook seemed to have a lost a little bit of power and intensity in her singing. This is only natural for someone of her age. Her voice is still lovely, but you can sense her keeping it in reserve a bit. She's as expressive as ever, but compare the rendition of "I got lost in his arms" on this album to the one on her previous album recorded in 1999, "The Champion Season", and there's less urgency and vocal depth in her singing here. That said, the high B at the end of "Ice Cream" is sensational.

So, despite that caveat, this is, again, a wonderful album, a must for Cook fans, especially for the gorgeous renditions of songs I'd never thought I'd get to hear her perform: "Not a Day Goes By", "Happiness/Loving You", "San Francisco", etc. Buy it!

... and I love Barbara Cook.......2003-02-11

This recording is a disappointment for me. It is not her best work, and Malcolm Gets is uninspired. My biggest complaint however is the engineering of the recording. Throughout the speaking was to soft, the singing volumes uneven, and the applause deafening. I will be passing this CD on to friends, and will later donate it to my local library.

Average customer rating: Learning About Love While Yearning Great ! Number one she believes the hype Lovely voice, lovely songs

The Broadway Album Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Broadway The Movie Album Barbra Streisand - Greatest Hits Yentl (1983 Film) The Third Album ASIN: B00000264K Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Putting It Together
2. If I Loved You
3. Something's Coming
4. Not While I'm Around
5. Being Alive
6. I Have Dreamed/We Kiss In A Shadow/Something Won..
7. Adelaide's Lament
8. Send In The Clowns
9. Pretty Women/The Ladies Who Lunch
10. Can't Help Lovin' That Man
11. I Loves You Porgy/Porgy, I's Your Woman Now...
12. Somewhere

Amazon.com

As its title indicates, this 1985 recording marked Barbra Streisand's return to her Broadway roots (significantly, she had dropped her pop-period Guilty perm and returned to straight hair). The CD contains a broad selection of show tunes, from Guys and Dolls's "Adelaide's Lament" to Sweeney Todd's "Not While I'm Around." But let's face it: this may also be one of Babs's most dated albums, due to typically '80s synthesizer-heavy arrangements that simply don't work with the material. Company's "Being Alive" is scarred by a preening alto sax, while West Side Story's "Something's Coming" features what sounds suspiciously like syndrums. But--and it's a pretty big "but"--Streisand sounds more buttery than ever ("Send in the Clowns" may be one of her finest '80s moments), so much so that she often manages to overcome the cheesy production. Now that's a singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Learning About Love While Yearning.......2007-06-09

C. Kenneth Burkholder, who via an understanding was at the time of the original release of this was Barbra's prospectve father-in-law and whose death has occurred, said of this "If I Loved You", "That's nice." The tragicomic rendition of part of Adelaide fascinatingly points out some dangers of stripping for pay.
Just past the beginning of creating "What Times Are," a musical by (a) pacifist(s) as well as an adaptation of my play "What Time Is It, Neil Armstrong?," which is a sequel to my novel "How Did That Sun Get Out," I am inspired by the yearning apparent in "The Broadway Album"--a yearning not for perfection but for worthwhile ways for people all over the earth and in space to spend time.

Great !.......2007-02-27

I bought the CD to replace my worn-out cassette tape, and I was pleased to find it has one more track -- Adelaide's Lament -- which I enjoyed. Nice to have another comic song to balance out the love songs. She brings out the beauty of these lovely tunes.

Number one .......2007-02-05

Barbra is the number one female ballad singer of all time. No one has her range of feeling, the sheer lyric power of her voice, her sometimes exaggerated but often poignant power to dramatically express feeling. She can create the chill down the spine with a small trill or with a wild unexpected crescendo. 'Broadway' is her first home, and acting a song as she sings it comes natural to her.
This is one of her finest albums.

she believes the hype.......2006-10-12

This is from the big-shot who thinks she can control a political party and tell fans what to think about issues despite being a high-school dropout. She's a good singer, but not the best. She basically needs to shut the eff up and sing. Hey, those are her words, right?

Lovely voice, lovely songs.......2006-08-02

This album contains the choicest of Broadway hits given an outstanding interpretation by the Streisand. Barbra's flawless voice moves up and down with ease as the melodies unfold. Perfect!

Average customer rating: Profound,Moving, Powerful, Sacred, Celebrate!!!! Faire Celts: A Woman's Voice Not Close to "Celtic Woman" Pleasant Listening A nice mix

Faire Celts: A Woman's Voice Various Artists Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Celtic Woman Heart Of The Celts: Songs Of Love Celtic Voices: Women of Song Celtic Woman The Water Is Wide ASIN: B00004GJXZ Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

1. He Moved Me Through The Fair - Sinead O'Connor
2. The Voice - Eimear Quinn
3. Hebridean Hale-Bopp - Karen Matheson
4. A Woman's Heart - Mary McLaughlin
5. Can You See The Border - Keri Steel/Nina Loretto
6. This Piece Of Earth - Jenny Schaub
7. Molly Nag Cuach Ni Chuilleanain - Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh
8. I Am Going To The West - Connie Dover
9. Erin Gra Mo Chroi - Cathy Jordan
10. Hoireann - Talitha MacKenzie
11. Ferry Me Across The Water - Kim Robertson
12. Dream Lover - Mae McKenna
13. Thoir Dhohm Do Lamb/Ruidhleadh Na Coilich Dhubba - Sandra MacKay

Amazon.com

As with previous titles in the Narada catalog (like Celtic Voices and Celtic Spirit), Faire Celts is a cobbled-together sampler of genre contemporaries. While wide ranging in source, from pop-songstress Sinead O'Connor to Capercaillie's Karen Matheson and Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, these selections hardly veer from dusty little tunes of girlish prettiness. And pretty they are, from the fine fiddle break and drumming of Eimear Quinn's "The Voice" to Mae McKenna's otherworldly vocals on "Dream Lover" to the simple balladry of Mary McLaughlin's "A Woman's Heart." And yet cool tones, squeaky-clean production, and seamless sameness fail to capture the earthy womanly power expected of such a venture. Most adventurous is the shattered jazzy beats of the Sandra McKay/Tannas collaboration, and O'Connor stands shoulders above her sisters in soul. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Profound,Moving, Powerful, Sacred, Celebrate!!!!.......2006-06-15

One of the best CDs I have found for Dance and Listening.Pure,
deep,beautiful voices. The measure for me of the best music
music is whether it sends incredible sensations up my spine...
if I HAVE to dance, if I feel my heart opening,flying. This music does it! Please let me know what other CDs do this to you! This is a CD to Celebrate, Heal,Transcend,Transform, Inspire. Will use it as one of the openers in my DanzarDance Event.

Faire Celts: A Woman's Voice.......2005-09-07

Clear melodic voices for easy listening and relaxing. Wonderful tape !

Not Close to "Celtic Woman".......2005-09-07

I followed the leaders. Saw what other Celtic music fans were buying too & ordered this in conjunction with "Celtic Woman 2". I was fairly disappointed. I think before I go buying more Celtic music I'll try hearing the CDs in person first.

Pleasant Listening.......2005-08-16

If you're looking for a CD with music you can dance to, if you're looking for music you can emulate with your buds on the streetcorner, or if you want a portfoio of songs you can sing along with then pass Faire Celts on by.

If you want a CD that you can play while you're driving, have as background at the office or in a pleasant social setting, then this is the ticket.

Sometimes it's nice just to have pleasan music playing that makes you feel good.

It's also nice to buy a CD knowing that in two weeks it won't be outdated.

A nice mix.......2005-07-15

This is a good way to sample a lot of different artist. Not all of the songs worked for me, but it was a great way to find some new and interesting music.

Meditation Music:

1. Anthology...So Far [Import]
2. Anything Is Possible
3. Bar Stools and Beach Chairs
4. BEATLES 101 [Limited Edition] [Import]
5. Bell [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Bendin' the Blues
7. Billboard Top Hits: 1975
8. Bills Bills Bills [CD-single]
9. Boys [CD-single] [Import]
10. Burt Bacharach [Import]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Feeling the Space

La Scala at the Bolshoi

Invitation To Baroque Music

Music: Nite:Life 08

Greetings from Deepest America

Haddaway - All the Best: Greatest Hits [Import]

Kaapse Legende Leef Voort [Import]

Let It Ride [CD-single] [Import]

In Control [Import]

Gustav Mahler: Symphony #5 [Hybrid SACD] [SACD]

Jazz After Dark [Import]

En Vivo, Vol. 2 [Live]

El Gallo de la Sierra

Derrick Milan's Ministry of Praise

If I Ever Fall in Love